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Li Y, Wu J. Sex-dependent alterations in extracellular vesicles linking chronic spinal cord injury to brain neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:483-484. [PMID: 38819058 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology & Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Fridman MR, Thompson SG, Tyson A, Barber PA, Davis A, Wu T, Fink J, Heppell D, Punter MNM, Ranta A. Sex differences in stroke reperfusion therapy in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Intern Med J 2024; 54:1010-1016. [PMID: 38327096 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16318] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Stroke is a leading cause of death in Aotearoa (New Zealand), and stroke reperfusion therapy is a key intervention. Sex differences in stroke care have previously been asserted internationally. This study assessed potential differences in stroke reperfusion rates and quality metrics by sex in Aotearoa (New Zealand). METHODS This study used data from three overlapping sources. The National Stroke Reperfusion Register provided 4-year reperfusion data from 2018 to 2021 on all patients treated with reperfusion therapy (intravenous thrombolysis and thrombectomy), including time delays, treatment rates, mortality and complications. Linkage to Ministry of Health administrative and REGIONS Care study data provided an opportunity to control for confounders and explore potential mechanisms. T-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum analyses were used for continuous variables, while the chi-squared test and logistic regression were used for comparing dichotomous variables. RESULTS Fewer women presented with ischaemic stroke (12 186 vs 13 120) and were 4.2 years older than men (median (interquartile range (IQR)) 79 (68-86) vs 73 (63-82) years). Women were overall less likely to receive reperfusion therapy (13.9% (1704) vs 15.8% (2084), P < 0.001) with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.83 (0.77-0.90), P < 0.001. The adjusted odds ratio for thrombolysis was lower for women (0.82 (0.76-0.89), P < 0.001), but lower rates of thrombectomy fell just short of statistical significance ((0.89 (0.79-1.00), P = 0.05). There were no significant differences in complications, delays or documented reasons for non-thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS Women were less likely to receive thrombolysis, even after adjusting for age and stroke severity. We found no definitive explanation for this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal R Fridman
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago-Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie G Thompson
- Older Adults, Rehabilitation and Allied Health Service, Capital, Coast, and Hutt Valley District, Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alicia Tyson
- Department of Neurology, Capital, Coast, and Hutt Valley District, Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - P A Barber
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alan Davis
- Medical and Elder Services, Te Tai Tokerau District, Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, Whangārei, New Zealand
| | - Teddy Wu
- Department of Neurology, Canterbury District, Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - John Fink
- Department of Neurology, Canterbury District, Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Darren Heppell
- Information, Communication, and Technology, Capital, Coast, Hutt Valley District, and Wairarapa Districts, Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Martin N M Punter
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago-Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Neurology, Capital, Coast, and Hutt Valley District, Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Anna Ranta
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago-Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Neurology, Capital, Coast, and Hutt Valley District, Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, Wellington, New Zealand
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3
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Koukalova L, Chmelova M, Amlerova Z, Vargova L. Out of the core: the impact of focal ischemia in regions beyond the penumbra. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1336886. [PMID: 38504666 PMCID: PMC10948541 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1336886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The changes in the necrotic core and the penumbra following induction of focal ischemia have been the focus of attention for some time. However, evidence shows, that ischemic injury is not confined to the primarily affected structures and may influence the remote areas as well. Yet many studies fail to probe into the structures beyond the penumbra, and possibly do not even find any significant results due to their short-term design, as secondary damage occurs later. This slower reaction can be perceived as a therapeutic opportunity, in contrast to the ischemic core defined as irreversibly damaged tissue, where the window for salvation is comparatively short. The pathologies in remote structures occur relatively frequently and are clearly linked to the post-stroke neurological outcome. In order to develop efficient therapies, a deeper understanding of what exactly happens in the exo-focal regions is necessary. The mechanisms of glia contribution to the ischemic damage in core/penumbra are relatively well described and include impaired ion homeostasis, excessive cell swelling, glutamate excitotoxic mechanism, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and phagocytosis or damage propagation via astrocytic syncytia. However, little is known about glia involvement in post-ischemic processes in remote areas. In this literature review, we discuss the definitions of the terms "ischemic core", "penumbra" and "remote areas." Furthermore, we present evidence showing the array of structural and functional changes in the more remote regions from the primary site of focal ischemia, with a special focus on glia and the extracellular matrix. The collected information is compared with the processes commonly occurring in the ischemic core or in the penumbra. Moreover, the possible causes of this phenomenon and the approaches for investigation are described, and finally, we evaluate the efficacy of therapies, which have been studied for their anti-ischemic effect in remote areas in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Koukalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martina Chmelova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Amlerova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lydia Vargova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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4
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Agoston DV. Traumatic Brain Injury in the Long-COVID Era. Neurotrauma Rep 2024; 5:81-94. [PMID: 38463416 PMCID: PMC10923549 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Major determinants of the biological background or reserve, such as age, biological sex, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, etc.), and medications (e.g., anticoagulants), are known to affect outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). With the unparalleled data richness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; ∼375,000 and counting!) as well as the chronic form, long-COVID, also called post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), publications (∼30,000 and counting) covering virtually every aspect of the diseases, pathomechanisms, biomarkers, disease phases, symptomatology, etc., have provided a unique opportunity to better understand and appreciate the holistic nature of diseases, interconnectivity between organ systems, and importance of biological background in modifying disease trajectories and affecting outcomes. Such a holistic approach is badly needed to better understand TBI-induced conditions in their totality. Here, I briefly review what is known about long-COVID/PASC, its underlying-suspected-pathologies, the pathobiological changes induced by TBI, in other words, the TBI endophenotypes, discuss the intersection of long-COVID/PASC and TBI-induced pathobiologies, and how by considering some of the known factors affecting the person's biological background and the inclusion of mechanistic molecular biomarkers can help to improve the clinical management of TBI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denes V. Agoston
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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5
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Mehta SL, Arruri V, Vemuganti R. Role of transcription factors, noncoding RNAs, epitranscriptomics, and epigenetics in post-ischemic neuroinflammation. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38279529 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Post-stroke neuroinflammation is pivotal in brain repair, yet persistent inflammation can aggravate ischemic brain damage and hamper recovery. Following stroke, specific molecules released from brain cells attract and activate central and peripheral immune cells. These immune cells subsequently release diverse inflammatory molecules within the ischemic brain, initiating a sequence of events, including activation of transcription factors in different brain cell types that modulate gene expression and influence outcomes; the interactive action of various noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) to regulate multiple biological processes including inflammation, epitranscriptomic RNA modification that controls RNA processing, stability, and translation; and epigenetic changes including DNA methylation, hydroxymethylation, and histone modifications crucial in managing the genic response to stroke. Interactions among these events further affect post-stroke inflammation and shape the depth of ischemic brain damage and functional outcomes. We highlighted these aspects of neuroinflammation in this review and postulate that deciphering these mechanisms is pivotal for identifying therapeutic targets to alleviate post-stroke dysfunction and enhance recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh L Mehta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Vijay Arruri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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6
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Robba C, Zanier ER, Lopez Soto C, Park S, Sonneville R, Helbolk R, Sarwal A, Newcombe VFJ, van der Jagt M, Gunst J, Gauss T, Figueiredo S, Duranteau J, Skrifvars MB, Iaquaniello C, Muehlschlegel S, Metaxa V, Sandroni C, Citerio G, Meyfroidt G. Mastering the brain in critical conditions: an update. Intensive Care Med Exp 2024; 12:1. [PMID: 38182945 PMCID: PMC10770006 DOI: 10.1186/s40635-023-00587-3] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injury and ischemic and hemorragic stroke, are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. While characterized by clearly distict primary events-vascular damage in strokes and biomechanical damage in traumatic brain injuries-they share common secondary injury mechanisms influencing long-term outcomes. Growing evidence suggests that a more personalized approach to optimize energy substrate delivery to the injured brain and prognosticate towards families could be beneficial. In this context, continuous invasive and/or non-invasive neuromonitoring, together with clinical evaluation and neuroimaging to support strategies that optimize cerebral blood flow and metabolic delivery, as well as approaches to neuroprognostication are gaining interest. Recently, the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine organized a 2-day course focused on a practical case-based clinical approach of acute brain-injured patients in different scenarios and on future perspectives to advance the management of this population. The aim of this manuscript is to update clinicians dealing with acute brain injured patients in the intensive care unit, describing current knowledge and clinical practice based on the insights presented during this course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Robba
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa R Zanier
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Carmen Lopez Soto
- Department of Critical Care, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Soojin Park
- Departments of Neurology and Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Romain Sonneville
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR 1137, IAME, APHP.Nord, Paris, France
| | - Raimund Helbolk
- Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
- Clinical Research Institute Neuroscience, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Aarti Sarwal
- Wake Forest Baptist Health Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Mathieu van der Jagt
- Department of Intensive Care Adults, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre, Room Ne-415, PO BOX 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Gunst
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tobias Gauss
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble, Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- INSERM U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Samy Figueiredo
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Bicêtre Hospital, Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Équipe DYNAMIC, Inserm UMR 999, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jacques Duranteau
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Bicêtre Hospital, Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Équipe DYNAMIC, Inserm UMR 999, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Markus B Skrifvars
- Department of Emergency Care and Services, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Carolina Iaquaniello
- Neuroanesthesia and Intensive Care, Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanne Muehlschlegel
- Division of Neurosciences Critical Care, Departments of Neurology and Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Victoria Metaxa
- Department of Critical Care, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Claudio Sandroni
- Department of Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Anaesthesiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Citerio
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Geert Meyfroidt
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Kalisvaart ACJ, Abrahart AH, Coney AT, Gu S, Colbourne F. Intracranial Pressure Dysfunction Following Severe Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Middle-Aged Rats. Transl Stroke Res 2023; 14:970-986. [PMID: 36367666 PMCID: PMC10640482 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01102-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Rising intracranial pressure (ICP) aggravates secondary injury and heightens risk of death following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Long-recognized compensatory mechanisms that lower ICP include reduced cerebrospinal fluid and venous blood volumes. Recently, we identified another compensatory mechanism in severe stroke, a decrease in cerebral parenchymal volume via widespread reductions in cell volume and extracellular space (tissue compliance). Here, we examined how age affects tissue compliance and ICP dynamics after severe ICH in rats (collagenase model). A planned comparison to historical young animal data revealed that aged SHAMs (no stroke) had significant cerebral atrophy (9% reduction, p ≤ 0.05), ventricular enlargement (9% increase, p ≤ 0.05), and smaller CA1 neuron volumes (21%, p ≤ 0.05). After ICH in aged animals, contralateral striatal neuron density and CA1 astrocyte density significantly increased (12% for neurons, 7% for astrocytes, p ≤ 0.05 vs. aged SHAMs). Unlike young animals, other regions in aged animals did not display significantly reduced cell soma volume despite a few trends. Nonetheless, overall contralateral hemisphere volume was 10% smaller in aged ICH animals compared to aged SHAMs (p ≤ 0.05). This age-dependent pattern of tissue compliance is not due to absent ICH-associated mass effect (83.2 mm3 avg. bleed volume) as aged ICH animals had significantly elevated mean and peak ICP (p ≤ 0.01), occurrence of ICP spiking events, as well as bilateral evidence of edema (e.g., 3% in injured brain, p ≤ 0.05 vs. aged SHAMs). Therefore, intracranial compliance reserve changes with age; after ICH, these and other age-related changes may cause greater fluctuation from baseline, increasing the chance of adverse outcomes like mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley H Abrahart
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alyvia T Coney
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sherry Gu
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Frederick Colbourne
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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8
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Jeong S, Chokkalla AK, Davis CK, Vemuganti R. Post-stroke depression: epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications and their interplay with gut microbiota. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4044-4055. [PMID: 37188778 PMCID: PMC10646155 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications that regulate physiological processes of an organism at the DNA and RNA levels, respectively, are novel therapeutic candidates for various neurological diseases. Gut microbiota and its metabolites are known to modulate DNA methylation and histone modifications (epigenetics), as well as RNA methylation especially N6-methyladenosine (epitranscriptomics). As gut microbiota as well as these modifications are highly dynamic across the lifespan of an organism, they are implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke and depression. The lack of specific therapeutic interventions for managing post-stroke depression emphasizes the need to identify novel molecular targets. This review highlights the interaction between the gut microbiota and epigenetic/epitranscriptomic pathways and their interplay in modulating candidate genes that are involved in post-stroke depression. This review further focuses on the three candidates, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ten-eleven translocation family proteins, and fat mass and obesity-associated protein based on their prevalence and pathoetiologic role in post-stroke depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soomin Jeong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anil K Chokkalla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Charles K Davis
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
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9
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Li Y, Khan N, Ritzel RM, Lei Z, Allen S, Faden AI, Wu J. Sexually dimorphic extracellular vesicle responses after chronic spinal cord injury are associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the aged brain. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:197. [PMID: 37653491 PMCID: PMC10469550 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02881-z] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical advances have made it increasingly possible for spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors to survive decades after the insult. But how SCI affects aging changes and aging impacts the injury process have received limited attention. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recognized as critical mediators of neuroinflammation after CNS injury, including at a distance from the lesion site. We have previously shown that SCI in young male mice leads to robust changes in plasma EV count and microRNA (miR) content. Here, our goal was to investigate the impact of biological sex and aging on EVs and brain after SCI. METHODS Young adult age-matched male and female C57BL/6 mice were subjected to SCI. At 19 months post-injury, total plasma EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). EVs miR cargo was examined using the Fireplex® assay. The transcriptional changes in the brain were assessed by a NanoString nCounter Neuropathology panel and validated by Western blot (WB) and flow cytometry (FC). A battery of behavioral tests was performed for assessment of neurological function. RESULTS Transcriptomic changes showed a high number of changes between sham and those with SCI. Sex-specific changes were found in transcription networks related to disease association, activated microglia, and vesicle trafficking. FC showed higher microglia and myeloid counts in the injured tissue of SCI/Female compared to their male counterparts, along with higher microglial production of ROS in both injured site and the brain. In the latter, increased levels of TNF and mitochondrial membrane potential were seen in microglia from SCI/Female. WB and NTA revealed that EV markers are elevated in the plasma of SCI/Male. Particle concentration in the cortex increased after injury, with SCI/Female showing higher counts than SCI/Male. EVs cargo analysis revealed changes in miR content related to injury and sex. Behavioral testing confirmed impairment of cognition and depression at chronic time points after SCI in both sexes, without significant differences between males and females. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to show sexually dimorphic changes in brain after very long-term SCI and supports a potential sex-dependent EV-mediated mechanism that contributes to SCI-induced brain changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF, Room 6-034D, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Niaz Khan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF, Room 6-034D, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Rodney M Ritzel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF, Room 6-034D, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Zhuofan Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF, Room 6-034D, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Samantha Allen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF, Room 6-034D, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Alan I Faden
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF, Room 6-034D, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Junfang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, MSTF, Room 6-034D, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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10
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Han W, Pu H, Li S, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Xu M, Chen C, Wu Y, Yang T, Ye Q, Wang H, Stetler RA, Chen J, Shi Y. Targeted ablation of signal transducer and activator of transduction 1 alleviates inflammation by microglia/macrophages and promotes long-term recovery after ischemic stroke. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:178. [PMID: 37516843 PMCID: PMC10385956 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02860-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain microglia and macrophages (Mi/MΦ) can shift to a harmful or advantageous phenotype following an ischemic stroke. Identification of key molecules that regulate the transformation of resting Mi/MΦ could aid in the development of innovative therapies for ischemic stroke. The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transduction 1 (STAT1) has been found to contribute to acute neuronal death (in the first 24 h) following ischemic stroke, but its effects on Mi/MΦ and influence on long-term stroke outcomes have yet to be determined. METHODS We generated mice with tamoxifen-induced, Mi/MΦ-specific knockout (mKO) of STAT1 driven by Cx3cr1CreER. Expression of STAT1 was examined in the brain by flow cytometry and RNA sequencing after ischemic stroke induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The impact of STAT1 mKO on neuronal cell death, Mi/MΦ phenotype, and brain inflammation profiles were examined 3-5 days after MCAO. Neurological deficits and the integrity of gray and white matter were assessed for 5 weeks after MCAO by various neurobehavioral tests and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS STAT1 was activated in Mi/MΦ at the subacute stage (3 days) after MCAO. Selective deletion of STAT1 in Mi/MΦ did not alter neuronal cell death or infarct size at 24 h after MCAO, but attenuated Mi/MΦ release of high mobility group box 1 and increased arginase 1-producing Mi/MΦ 3d after MCAO, suggesting boosted inflammation-resolving responses of Mi/MΦ. As a result, STAT1 mKO mice had mitigated brain inflammation at the subacute stage after MCAO and less white matter injury in the long term. Importantly, STAT1 mKO was sufficient to improve functional recovery for at least 5 weeks after MCAO in both male and female mice. CONCLUSIONS Mi/MΦ-targeted STAT1 KO does not provide immediate neuroprotection but augments inflammation-resolving actions of Mi/MΦ, thereby facilitating long-term functional recovery after stroke. STAT1 is, therefore, a promising therapeutic target to harness beneficial Mi/MΦ responses and improve long-term outcomes after ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Han
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Hongjian Pu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sicheng Li
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yaan Liu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yongfang Zhao
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Mingyue Xu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Caixia Chen
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yun Wu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Tuo Yang
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Qing Ye
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - R Anne Stetler
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Yejie Shi
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Terrace Street, S-510 BST, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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11
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Zhong X, Sun Y, Lu Y, Xu L. Immunomodulatory role of estrogen in ischemic stroke: neuroinflammation and effect of sex. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1164258. [PMID: 37180115 PMCID: PMC10167039 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1164258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although estrogen is predominantly related to the maintenance of reproductive functioning in females, it mediates various physiological effects in nearly all tissues, especially the central nervous system. Clinical trials have revealed that estrogen, especially 17β-estradiol, can attenuate cerebral damage caused by an ischemic stroke. One mechanism underlying this effect of 17β-estradiol is by modulating the responses of immune cells, indicating its utility as a novel therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. The present review summarizes the effect of sex on ischemic stroke progression, the role of estrogen as an immunomodulator in immune reactions, and the potential clinical value of estrogen replacement therapy. The data presented here will help better understand the immunomodulatory function of estrogen and may provide a basis for its novel therapeutic use in ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yulin Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yajun Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sunto Women & Children’s Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
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12
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Chokkalla AK, Jeong S, Mehta SL, Davis CK, Morris-Blanco KC, Bathula S, Qureshi SS, Vemuganti R. Cerebroprotective Role of N6-Methyladenosine Demethylase FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Protein) After Experimental Stroke. Stroke 2023; 54:245-254. [PMID: 36321453 PMCID: PMC10250008 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.122.040401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated protein) demethylates N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which is a critical epitranscriptomic regulator of neuronal function. We previously reported that ischemic stroke induces m6A hypermethylation with a simultaneous decrease in FTO expression in neurons. Currently, we evaluated the functional significance of restoring FTO with an adeno-associated virus 9, and thus reducing m6A methylation in poststroke brain damage. METHODS Adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were injected with FTO adeno-associated virus 9 (intracerebral) at 21 days prior to inducing transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Poststroke brain damage (infarction, atrophy, and white matter integrity) and neurobehavioral deficits (motor function, cognition, depression, and anxiety-like behaviors) were evaluated between days 1 and 28 of reperfusion. RESULTS FTO overexpression significantly decreased the poststroke m6A hypermethylation. More importantly, exogenous FTO substantially decreased poststroke gray and white matter damage and improved motor function recovery, cognition, and depression-like behavior in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that FTO-dependent m6A demethylation minimizes long-term sequelae of stroke independent of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Chokkalla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Soomin Jeong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suresh L Mehta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Charles K Davis
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Simran S Qureshi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veteran Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
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13
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Niu P, Li L, Zhang Y, Su Z, Wang B, Liu H, Zhang S, Qiu S, Li Y. Immune regulation based on sex differences in ischemic stroke pathology. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1087815. [PMID: 36793730 PMCID: PMC9923235 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1087815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the world's leading causes of death and disability. It has been established that gender differences in stroke outcomes prevail, and the immune response after stroke is an important factor affecting patient outcomes. However, gender disparities lead to different immune metabolic tendencies closely related to immune regulation after stroke. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the role and mechanism of immune regulation based on sex differences in ischemic stroke pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Niu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Liqin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Yonggang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Zhongzhou Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Binghao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - He Liu
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Shehong Zhang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Sheng Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
| | - Yuntao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China.,Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuro Modulation, Huzhou, China
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14
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Baker JA, Brettin JT, Mulligan MK, Hamre KM. Effects of Genetics and Sex on Acute Gene Expression Changes in the Hippocampus Following Neonatal Ethanol Exposure in BXD Recombinant Inbred Mouse Strains. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1634. [PMID: 36552094 PMCID: PMC9776411 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders. Genetics have been shown to have a role in the severity of alcohol's teratogenic effects on the developing brain. We previously identified recombinant inbred BXD mouse strains that show high (HCD) or low cell death (LCD) in the hippocampus following ethanol exposure. The present study aimed to identify gene networks that influence this susceptibility. On postnatal day 7 (3rd-trimester-equivalent), male and female neonates were treated with ethanol (5.0 g/kg) or saline, and hippocampi were collected 7hrs later. Using the Affymetrix microarray platform, ethanol-induced gene expression changes were identified in all strains with divergent expression sets found between sexes. Genes, such as Bcl2l11, Jun, and Tgfb3, showed significant strain-by-treatment interactions and were involved in many apoptosis pathways. Comparison of HCD versus LCD showed twice as many ethanol-induced genes changes in the HCD. Interestingly, these changes were regulated in the same direction suggesting (1) more perturbed effects in HCD compared to LCD and (2) limited gene expression changes that confer resistance to ethanol-induced cell death in LCD. These results demonstrate that genetic background and sex are important factors that affect differential cell death pathways after alcohol exposure during development that could have long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Baker
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Jacob T. Brettin
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Megan K. Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Kristin M. Hamre
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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15
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Jia C, Lovins C, Malone HM, Keasey MP, Hagg T. Female-specific neuroprotection after ischemic stroke by vitronectin-focal adhesion kinase inhibition. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:1961-1974. [PMID: 35702047 PMCID: PMC9536130 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221107871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We found that blood vitronectin (VTN) leaks into the brain and exacerbates tissue loss after stroke by increasing pro-inflammatory IL-6 expression in female, but not male, mice. VTN signals through integrins and downstream focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Here, a two day systemic treatment with a small molecule FAK inhibitor starting 6 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion reduced ipsilateral brain injury size by ∼40-45% at 7 and 14 d, as well as inflammation and motor dysfunction in wild-type female, but not male, mice. FAK inhibition also reduced IL-6 expression in the injured female striatum at 24 h by 62%. Inducible selective gene deletion of FAK in astrocytes also reduced acute IL-6 expression by 72% only in females, and mitigated infarct size by ∼80% and inflammation at 14 d after stroke. Lastly, VTN-/- females had better outcomes, but FAK inhibitor treatment had no additional protective or anti-inflammatory effects. Altogether, this suggests that VTN is detrimental in females primarily through FAK and that FAK inhibition provides neuroprotection (cerebroprotection) by reducing VTN-induced IL-6 expression in astrocytes. Thus, VTN signaling can be targeted to mitigate harmful inflammation with relevance to treatments for women with ischemic stroke, who often have worse outcomes than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Jia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chiharu Lovins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
| | - Hannah M Malone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
| | - Matthew P Keasey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
| | - Theo Hagg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
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16
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Chio JCT, Punjani N, Hejrati N, Zavvarian MM, Hong J, Fehlings MG. Extracellular Matrix and Oxidative Stress Following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Physiological and Pathophysiological Roles and Opportunities for Therapeutic Intervention. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:184-207. [PMID: 34465134 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes significant disruption to neuronal, glial, vascular, and extracellular elements. The spinal cord extracellular matrix (ECM) comprises structural and communication proteins that are involved in reparative and regenerative processes after SCI. In the healthy spinal cord, the ECM helps maintain spinal cord homeostasis. After SCI, the damaged ECM limits plasticity and contributes to inflammation through the expression of damage-associated molecules such as proteoglycans. Recent Advances: Considerable insights have been gained by characterizing the origins of the gliotic and fibrotic scars, which not only reduce the spread of injury but also limit neuroregeneration. These properties likely limit the success of therapies used to treat patients with SCI. The ECM, which is a major contributor to the scars and normal physiological functions of the spinal cord, represents an exciting therapeutic target to enhance recovery post-SCI. Critical Issue: Various ECM-based preclinical therapies have been developed. These include disrupting scar components, inhibiting activity of ECM metalloproteinases, and maintaining iron homeostasis. Biomaterials have also been explored. However, the majority of these treatments have not experienced successful clinical translation. This could be due to the ECM and scars' polarizing roles. Future Directions: This review surveys the complexity involved in spinal ECM modifications, discusses new ECM-based combinatorial strategies, and explores the biomaterials evaluated in clinical trials, which hope to introduce new treatments that enhance recovery after SCI. These topics will incorporate oxidative species, which are both beneficial and harmful in reparative and regenerative processes after SCI, and not often assessed in pertinent literature. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 184-207.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon Chon Teng Chio
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nayaab Punjani
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nader Hejrati
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mohammad-Masoud Zavvarian
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - James Hong
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Surgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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17
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Keasey MP, Lovins C, Jia C, Hagg T. Liver vitronectin release into the bloodstream increases due to reduced vagal muscarinic signaling after cerebral stroke in female mice. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15301. [PMID: 35531929 PMCID: PMC9082388 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitronectin (VTN) is a glycoprotein enriched in the blood and activates integrin receptors. VTN blood levels increase only in female mice 24 h after an ischemic stroke and exacerbate brain injury through IL-6-driven inflammation, but the VTN induction mechanism is unknown. Here, a 30 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in female mice induced VTN protein in the liver (normally the main source) in concert with plasma VTN. Male mice were excluded as VTN is not induced after stroke. MCAO also increased plasma VTN levels after de novo expression of VTN in the liver of VTN-/- female mice, using a hepatocyte-specific (SERPINA1) promoter. MCAO did not affect SERPINA1 or VTN mRNA in the liver, brain, or several peripheral organs, or platelet VTN, compared to sham mice. Thus, hepatocytes are the source of stroke-induced increases in plasma VTN, which is independent of transcription. The cholinergic innervation by the parasympathetic vagus nerve is a potential source of brain-liver signaling after stroke. Right-sided vagotomy at the cervical level led to increased plasma VTN levels, suggesting that VTN release is inhibited by vagal tone. Co-culture of hepatocytes with cholinergic neurons or treatment with acetylcholine, but not noradrenaline (sympathetic transmitter), suppressed VTN expression. Hepatocytes have muscarinic receptors and the M1/M3 agonist bethanechol decreased VTN mRNA and protein release in vitro via M1 receptors. Finally, systemic bethanechol treatment blocked stroke-induced plasma VTN. Thus, VTN translation and release are inhibited by muscarinic signaling from the vagus nerve and presents a novel target for lessening detrimental VTN expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Keasey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
| | - Chiharu Lovins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
| | - Cuihong Jia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
| | - Theo Hagg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
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18
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Tsai YR, Kim DS, Hsueh SC, Chen KY, Wu JCC, Wang JY, Tsou YS, Hwang I, Kim Y, Gil D, Jo EJ, Han BS, Tweedie D, Lecca D, Scerba MT, Selman WR, Hoffer BJ, Greig NH, Chiang YH. 3,6'- and 1,6'-Dithiopomalidomide Mitigate Ischemic Stroke in Rats and Blunt Inflammation. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:950. [PMID: 35631536 PMCID: PMC9146426 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: An important concomitant of stroke is neuroinflammation. Pomalidomide, a clinically available immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiD) used in cancer therapy, lowers TNF-α generation and thus has potent anti-inflammatory actions. Well-tolerated analogs may provide a stroke treatment and allow evaluation of the role of neuroinflammation in the ischemic brain. (2) Methods: Two novel pomalidomide derivatives, 3,6'-dithiopomalidomide (3,6'-DP) and 1,6'-dithiopomalidomide (1,6'-DP), were evaluated alongside pomalidomide in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) stroke model, and their anti-inflammatory actions were characterized. (3) Results: Post-MCAo administration of all drugs lowered pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL1-β levels, and reduced stroke-induced postural asymmetry and infarct size. Whereas 3,6'- and 1,6'-DP, like pomalidomide, potently bound to cereblon in cellular studies, 3,6'-DP did not lower Ikaros, Aiolos or SALL4 levels-critical intermediates mediating the anticancer/teratogenic actions of pomalidomide and IMiDs. 3,6'-DP and 1,6'-DP lacked activity in mammalian chromosome aberration, AMES and hERG channel assays -critical FDA regulatory tests. Finally, 3,6'- and 1,6'-DP mitigated inflammation across rat primary dopaminergic neuron and microglia mixed cultures challenged with α-synuclein and mouse LPS-challenged RAW 264.7 cells. (4) Conclusion: Neuroinflammation mediated via TNF-α plays a key role in stroke outcome, and 3,6'-DP and 1,6'-DP may prove valuable as stroke therapies and thus warrant further preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Rou Tsai
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-R.T.); (K.-Y.C.); (J.C.-C.W.); (J.-Y.W.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Dong Seok Kim
- Aevisbio Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA;
- Aevis Bio Inc., Daejeon 34141, Korea; (I.H.); (Y.K.); (D.G.); (E.J.J.)
| | - Shih-Chang Hsueh
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (S.-C.H.); (D.T.); (D.L.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Kai-Yun Chen
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-R.T.); (K.-Y.C.); (J.C.-C.W.); (J.-Y.W.)
- The Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - John Chung-Che Wu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-R.T.); (K.-Y.C.); (J.C.-C.W.); (J.-Y.W.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Yi Wang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-R.T.); (K.-Y.C.); (J.C.-C.W.); (J.-Y.W.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Syue Tsou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- The Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Inho Hwang
- Aevis Bio Inc., Daejeon 34141, Korea; (I.H.); (Y.K.); (D.G.); (E.J.J.)
| | - Yukyung Kim
- Aevis Bio Inc., Daejeon 34141, Korea; (I.H.); (Y.K.); (D.G.); (E.J.J.)
| | - Dayeon Gil
- Aevis Bio Inc., Daejeon 34141, Korea; (I.H.); (Y.K.); (D.G.); (E.J.J.)
| | - Eui Jung Jo
- Aevis Bio Inc., Daejeon 34141, Korea; (I.H.); (Y.K.); (D.G.); (E.J.J.)
| | - Baek-Soo Han
- Research Center for Biodefence, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806, Korea;
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (S.-C.H.); (D.T.); (D.L.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Daniela Lecca
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (S.-C.H.); (D.T.); (D.L.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Michael T. Scerba
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (S.-C.H.); (D.T.); (D.L.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Warren R. Selman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (W.R.S.); (B.J.H.)
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Barry J. Hoffer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (W.R.S.); (B.J.H.)
| | - Nigel H. Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (S.-C.H.); (D.T.); (D.L.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Yung-Hsiao Chiang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-R.T.); (K.-Y.C.); (J.C.-C.W.); (J.-Y.W.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- The Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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19
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Zeng YS, Ding Y, Xu HY, Zeng X, Lai BQ, Li G, Ma YH. Electro-acupuncture and its combination with adult stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury treatment: A summary of current laboratory findings and a review of literature. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:635-647. [PMID: 35174644 PMCID: PMC8981476 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence and disability rate of spinal cord injury (SCI) worldwide are high, imposing a heavy burden on patients. Considerable research efforts have been directed toward identifying new strategies to effectively treat SCI. Governor Vessel electro‐acupuncture (GV‐EA), used in traditional Chinese medicine, combines acupuncture with modern electrical stimulation. It has been shown to improve the microenvironment of injured spinal cord (SC) by increasing levels of endogenous neurotrophic factors and reducing inflammation, thereby protecting injured neurons and promoting myelination. In addition, axons extending from transplanted stem cell‐derived neurons can potentially bridge the two severed ends of tissues in a transected SC to rebuild neuronal circuits and restore motor and sensory functions. However, every single treatment approach to severe SCI has proven unsatisfactory. Combining different treatments—for example, electro‐acupuncture (EA) with adult stem cell transplantation—appears to be a more promising strategy. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress over the past two decades by our team especially in the use of GV‐EA for the repair of SCI. By this strategy, we have shown that EA can stimulate the nerve endings of the meningeal branch. This would elicit the dorsal root ganglion neurons to secrete excess amounts of calcitonin gene‐related peptide centrally in the SC. The neuropeptide then activates the local cells to secrete neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3), which mediates the survival and differentiation of donor stem cells overexpressing the NT‐3 receptor, at the injury/graft site of the SC. Increased local production of NT‐3 facilitates reconstruction of host neural tissue such as nerve fiber regeneration and myelination. All this events in sequence would ultimately strengthen the cortical motor‐evoked potentials and restore the motor function of paralyzed limbs. The information presented herein provides a basis for future studies on the clinical application of GV‐EA and adult stem cell transplantation for the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Shan Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hao-Yu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bi-Qin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ge Li
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuan-Huan Ma
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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20
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Rani A, Barter J, Kumar A, Stortz JA, Hollen M, Nacionales D, Moldawer LL, Efron PA, Foster TC. Influence of age and sex on microRNA response and recovery in the hippocampus following sepsis. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:728-746. [PMID: 35094981 PMCID: PMC8833110 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis, defined as a dysregulated host immune response to infection, is a common and dangerous clinical syndrome. The excessive host inflammatory response can induce immediate and persistent cognitive decline, which can be worse in older individuals. Sex-specific differences in the outcome of infectious diseases and sepsis appear to favor females. We employed a murine model to examine the influence of age and sex on the brain's microRNA (miR) response following sepsis. Young and old mice of both sexes underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) with daily restraint stress. Expression of hippocampal miR was examined in age- and sex-matched controls at 1 and 4 days post-CLP. Few miR were modified in a similar manner across age or sex and these few miR were generally associated with neuroprotection against inflammation. Similar to previous work examining transcription, young females exhibited a better recovery of the miR profile from day 1 to day 4, relative to young males and old females. For young males and all female groups, the initial response mainly involved a decrease in miR expression. In contrast, old males exhibited only upregulated miR on day 1 and day 4 and many of the miR upregulated on day 1 and day 4 were linked to neurodegeneration, increased neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment. The results emphasize age and sex differences in epigenetic mechanisms that likely contribute to susceptibility or resilience to cognitive impairment due to sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Rani
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jolie Barter
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Julie A Stortz
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - McKenzie Hollen
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Dina Nacionales
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Lyle L Moldawer
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Philip A Efron
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Thomas C Foster
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.,Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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21
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Agoston DV. COVID-19 and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI); What We Can Learn From the Viral Pandemic to Better Understand the Biology of TBI, Improve Diagnostics and Develop Evidence-Based Treatments. Front Neurol 2021; 12:752937. [PMID: 34987462 PMCID: PMC8720751 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.752937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Denes V. Agoston
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
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22
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Lopez MS, Morris-Blanco KC, Ly N, Maves C, Dempsey RJ, Vemuganti R. MicroRNA miR-21 Decreases Post-stroke Brain Damage in Rodents. Transl Stroke Res 2021; 13:483-493. [PMID: 34796453 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-021-00952-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Due to their role in controlling translation, microRNAs emerged as novel therapeutic targets to modulate post-stroke outcomes. We previously reported that miR-21 is the most abundantly induced microRNA in the brain of rodents subjected to preconditioning-induced cerebral ischemic tolerance. We currently show that intracerebral administration of miR-21 mimic decreased the infarct volume and promoted better motor function recovery in adult male and female C57BL/6 mice subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. The miR-21 mimic treatment is also efficacious in aged mice of both sexes subjected to focal ischemia. Mechanistically, miR-21 mimic treatment decreased the post-ischemic levels of several pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory RNAs, which might be responsible for the observed neuroprotection. We further observed post-ischemic neuroprotection in adult mice administered with miR-21 mimic intravenously. Overall, the results of this study implicate miR-21 as a promising candidate for therapeutic translation after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary S Lopez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.,Cell & Molecular Pathology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | | | - Nancy Ly
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Carly Maves
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA. .,Cell & Molecular Pathology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA. .,William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
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23
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Yuan D, Hu K, Loke CM, Teramoto H, Liu C, Hu B. Interruption of endolysosomal trafficking leads to stroke brain injury. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113827. [PMID: 34363809 PMCID: PMC8429234 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Dysfunction of the endolysosomal system can cause cell death. A key molecule for controlling the endolysosomal trafficking activities is the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) ATPase. This study investigates the cascades of NSF ATPase inactivation events, endolysosomal damage, cathepsin release, and neuronal death after focal brain ischemia. METHODS A total of 62 rats were used in this study. They were subjected to sham surgery or 2 h of focal brain ischemia followed by 1, 4, and 24 h of reperfusion. Confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis were utilized to analyze the levels, redistribution, and co-localization of key proteins of the Golgi apparatus, late endosomes, endolysosomes, and lysosomes. Light and electron microscopy were used to examine the histopathology, protein aggregation, and endolysosomal ultrastructures. RESULTS Two hours of focal brain ischemia in rats led to acute neuronal death at the striatal core in 4 h and a slower type of neuronal death in the neocortical area during 1-24 h reperfusion periods. Confocal microscopy showed that NSF immunoreactivity was irreversibly and selectively depleted from most, if not all, post-ischemic penumbral neurons. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that NSF depletion from brain sections was due to its deposition into dense inactive aggregates that could not be recognized by the NSF antibody. Commitantly, the Golgi apparatus was completely fragmented and cathepsin B (CTSB)-containing endolysosomal structures, as well as p62/SQSTM1- and EEA1-immunopositive structures were massively accumulated in the post-ischemic penumbral neurons. Ultimately, CTSB was released into the cytoplasm and extracellular space, causing stroke brain injury. CONCLUSION Stroke Inactivates NSF, resulting in disruption of the reforming of functional endolysosomal compartments, blockade of the endocytic and autophagic pathways, a large scale of CTSB release into the cytoplasm and extracellular space, and stroke brain injury in the rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Kurt Hu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Medical College of Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Chun Mun Loke
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Center System, United States of America
| | - Hironori Teramoto
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Chunli Liu
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Center System, United States of America
| | - Bingren Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America; Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Center System, United States of America.
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24
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Khaksari M, Hajializadeh Z, Mahani SE, Soltani Z, Asadikaram G. Estrogen receptor agonists induce anti‑edema effects by altering α and β estrogen receptor gene expression. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2021; 81:286-294. [PMID: 34672299 DOI: 10.21307/ane-2021-027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine whether the attenuation of estrogen receptor expression is prevented by propyl pyrazole triol (PPT), an agonist for estrogen receptor α (ERα) or and diarypropiolnitrile (DPN), an agonist for estrogen receptor β (ERβ) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The tests performed on ovariectomized female Wistar rats included sham group, vehicle group, and treated groups: PPT, DPN, and PPT+DPN 30 minutes after TBI. Blood‑brain barrier (BBB) disruption and brain water content were estimated. RT‑PCR and\r\nwestern blotting were utilized to evaluate ESR1 and ESR2 gene and protein expression. The data indicated that PPT, DPN, and PPT+DPN attenuated TBI‑induced brain edema. Also, BBB disruption after TBI was prevented in PPT, DPN, and PPT+DPN‑treated TBI animals. Estrogen agonist‑treated animals showed a significant elevation in Esr1 mRNA and protein expression levels in the brain tissue of TBI rats. In addition, the data indicated a significant elevation of Esr2 mRNA and protein expression levels in the brain tissue of estrogen agonist‑treated TBI rats. The data shows that both ESR1 and ESR2 agonists can enhance ER mRNA and protein levels in TBI animals' brain. It appears that this effect contributes to the neuroprotective function of ER agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khaksari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran;
| | - Zahra Hajializadeh
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Esmaeili Mahani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Soltani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Asadikaram
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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25
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Ruiz D, Bhattarai S, Dharap A. Sex-based eRNA expression and function in ischemic stroke. Neurochem Int 2021; 150:105149. [PMID: 34358636 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer-derived RNAs (eRNAs) are a new class of long noncoding RNA that have roles in modulating enhancer-mediated gene transcription, which ultimately influences phenotypic outcomes. We recently published the first study mapping genome-wide eRNA expression in the male mouse cortex during ischemic stroke and identified 77 eRNAs that were significantly altered following a 1 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and 6 h of reperfusion, as compared to sham controls. Knockdown of one such stroke-induced eRNA - eRNA_06347 - resulted in significantly larger infarcts, demonstrating a role for eRNA_06347 in modulating the post-stroke pathophysiology in males. In the current study, we applied quantitative real-time PCR to evaluate whether the 77 eRNAs identified in the male cortex also show altered expression in the post-stroke female cortex. Using age-matched and time-matched female mice, we found that only a subset of the 77 eRNAs were detected in the post-stroke female cortex. Of these, only a small fraction showed similar temporal expression characteristics as males, including eRNA_06347 which was highly induced in both sexes. Knockdown of eRNA_06347 in the female cortex resulted in significantly increased infarct volumes that were closely matched to those in males, indicating that eRNA_06347 modulates the post-stroke pathophysiology similarly in males and females. This suggests a common underlying role for eRNA_06347 in the two sexes. Overall, this is the first study to evaluate eRNA expression and perturbation in the female cortex during stroke, and present a comparative analysis between males and females. Our findings show that eRNAs have sex-dependent and sex-independent expression patterns that may be of significance to the pathophysiological responses to stroke in the two sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diandra Ruiz
- Laboratory for Stroke Research and Noncoding RNA Biology, JFK Neuroscience Institute, HackensackMeridian Health JFK University Medical Center, Edison, NJ, 08820, USA
| | - Sunil Bhattarai
- Laboratory for Stroke Research and Noncoding RNA Biology, JFK Neuroscience Institute, HackensackMeridian Health JFK University Medical Center, Edison, NJ, 08820, USA
| | - Ashutosh Dharap
- Laboratory for Stroke Research and Noncoding RNA Biology, JFK Neuroscience Institute, HackensackMeridian Health JFK University Medical Center, Edison, NJ, 08820, USA; Department of Neurology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA.
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26
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Nalamolu KR, Chelluboina B, Fornal CA, Challa SR, Pinson DM, Wang DZ, Klopfenstein JD, Veeravalli KK. Stem cell treatment improves post stroke neurological outcomes: a comparative study in male and female rats. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2021; 6:519-527. [PMID: 33741744 PMCID: PMC8717804 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2020-000834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The therapeutic potential of different stem cells for ischaemic stroke treatment is intriguing and somewhat controversial. Recent results from our laboratory have demonstrated the potential benefits of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in a rodent stroke model. We hypothesised that MSC treatment would effectively promote the recovery of sensory and motor function in both males and females, despite any apparent sex differences in post stroke brain injury. METHODS Transient focal cerebral ischaemia was induced in adult Sprague-Dawley rats by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Following the procedure, male and female rats of the untreated group were euthanised 1 day after reperfusion and their brains were used to estimate the resulting infarct volume and tissue swelling. Additional groups of stroke-induced male and female rats were treated with MSC or vehicle and were subsequently subjected to a battery of standard neurological/neurobehavioral tests (Modified Neurological Severity Score assessment, adhesive tape removal, beam walk and rotarod). The tests were administered at regular intervals (at days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14) after reperfusion to determine the time course of neurological and functional recovery after stroke. RESULTS The infarct volume and extent of swelling of the ischaemic brain were similar in males and females. Despite similar pathological stroke lesions, the clinical manifestations of stroke were more pronounced in males than females, as indicated by the neurological scores and other tests. MSC treatment significantly improved the recovery of sensory and motor function in both sexes, and it demonstrated efficacy in both moderate stroke (females) and severe stroke (males). CONCLUSIONS Despite sex differences in the severity of post stroke outcomes, MSC treatment promoted the recovery of sensory and motor function in male and female rats, suggesting that it may be a promising treatment for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koteswara Rao Nalamolu
- Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA.,Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, California Health Sciences University, Clovis, California, USA
| | - Bharath Chelluboina
- Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA.,Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Casimir A Fornal
- Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Siva Reddy Challa
- Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - David M Pinson
- Health Sciences Education, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - David Z Wang
- Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA.,Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klopfenstein
- Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA.,Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA.,OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Krishna Kumar Veeravalli
- Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA .,Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA.,Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA.,Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA
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27
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Sultana S, Burkovskiy I, Zhou J, Kelly MM, Lehmann C. Effect of Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Modulation on the Peripheral Immune Response in Central Nervous System Injury-Induced Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2021; 6:327-339. [PMID: 33998888 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Acute central nervous system (CNS) injury, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury can result in dysregulated immune response, and the condition is known as CNS injury-induced immunodeficiency syndrome (CIDS). The endocannabinoid system is an important homeostatic regulator in the CNS and immune system. Activation of cannabinoid 2 receptors (CB2R) on immune cells has been reported to dampen inflammation, suggesting a potential role of CB2R in the peripheral immune response following CNS injury. In this study, we have investigated the effect of CB2R modulation on the peripheral immune response during CIDS. Materials and Methods: Experimental CNS injury was induced in C57BL/6 mice through intracerebral injection of the vasopressor peptide, endothelin-1. A selective CB2R agonist (HU308) was used as an early treatment before the onset of CIDS and AM630, a selective CB2R antagonist, was administered as a later-phase therapy to combat the systemic immunodeficiency following the CNS injury. The peripheral immune response to endotoxin was studied 24 h after the CNS injury using intravital microscopy to examine leukocyte activation within the intestinal microcirculation in mice. Brain infarct size, and plasma levels of cytokines and soluble adhesion molecules were measured as additional parameters for the assessment of treatment outcomes. Results: Our results showed that early CB2R activation with HU308 reduced brain injury size and restored leukocyte response to endotoxin in the peripheral microcirculation. Late CB2R inhibition with AM630 also improved the peripheral leukocyte response to endotoxin and did not exacerbate the extent of brain injury. Discussion: CB2R activation has the potential to mitigate CNS injury as an early treatment by limiting neuroinflammation and preventing the development of CIDS. At the later stage with already-established CIDS, treatment may require dampening CB2R activation to improve the patient's outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Sultana
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Ian Burkovskiy
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Melanie M Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology, and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Christian Lehmann
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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28
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Morris-Blanco KC, Chokkalla AK, Bertogliat MJ, Vemuganti R. TET3 regulates DNA hydroxymethylation of neuroprotective genes following focal ischemia. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:590-603. [PMID: 32380888 PMCID: PMC7922754 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20912965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) epigenetic modification is highly enriched in the CNS and a critical modulator of neuronal function and development. We found that cortical 5hmC was enhanced from 5 min to three days of reperfusion following focal ischemia in adult mice. Blockade of the 5hmC-producing enzyme ten-eleven translocase 3 (TET3) increased edema, infarct volume, and motor function impairments. To determine the mechanism by which TET3 provides ischemic neuroprotection, we assessed the genomic regions where TET3 modulates 5hmC. Genome-wide sequencing analysis of differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) revealed that focal ischemia robustly increased 5hmC at the promoters of thousands of genes in a TET3-dependent manner. TET3 inhibition reduced 5hmC at the promoters of neuroprotective genes involved in cell survival, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, antioxidant defense, DNA repair, and metabolism demonstrating a role for TET3 in endogenous protection against stroke. The mRNA expression of several genes with known involvement in ischemic neuroprotection were also reduced with TET3 knockdown in both male and female mice, establishing a correlation between decreased promoter 5hmC levels and decreased gene expression. Collectively, our results indicate that TET3 globally increases 5hmC at regulatory regions and overwhelmingly modulates 5hmC in several neuroprotective pathways that may improve outcome after ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahlilia C Morris-Blanco
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Research, William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anil K Chokkalla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mario J Bertogliat
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Research, William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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29
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Clinical impact of estradiol/testosterone ratio in patients with acute ischemic stroke. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:91. [PMID: 33632142 PMCID: PMC7908649 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02116-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex hormones may be associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke or stroke-related events. In observational studies, lower testosterone concentrations are associated with infirmity, vascular disease, and adverse cardiovascular risk factors. Currently, female sexual hormones are considered neuroprotective agents. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of sex hormones and the ratio of estradiol/testosterone (E/T) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS Between January 2011 and December 2016, 146 male patients with AIS and 152 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in this study. Sex hormones, including estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, were evaluated in the AIS patient and control groups. We analyzed the clinical and physiological levels of sex hormones and hormone ratios in these patients. RESULTS The E/T ratio was significantly elevated among patients in the stroke group compared to those in the control group (P = 0.001). Categorization of data into tertiles revealed that patients with the highest E/T ratio were more likely to have AIS [odds ratio (OR) 3.084; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.616-5.886; P < 0.001) compared with those in the first tertile. The E/T ratio was also an independent unfavorable outcome predictor with an adjusted OR of 1.167 (95% CI: 1.053-1.294; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS These findings support the hypothesis that increased estradiol and reduced testosterone levels are associated with AIS in men.
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30
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Liu Y, Li S, Wang R, Pu H, Zhao Y, Ye Q, Shi Y. Inhibition of TGFβ-activated kinase 1 promotes inflammation-resolving microglial/macrophage responses and recovery after stroke in ovariectomized female mice. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 151:105257. [PMID: 33434616 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
TGFβ-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a master regulator that drives multiple cell death and proinflammatory signaling pathways, making it a promising therapeutic target to treat ischemic stroke. However, whether targeting TAK1 could improve stroke outcomes has never been tested in female subjects, hindering its potential translation into clinical use. Here we examined the therapeutic effect of 5Z-7-Oxozeaenol (OZ), a selective TAK1 inhibitor, in ovariectomized female mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). OZ significantly reduced neuronal cell death and axonal injury at the acute stage and mitigated neuroinflammation at the subacute stage after MCAO in ovariectomized female mice. Consistent with RNA sequencing analysis that TAK1 activation contributed to microglia/macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses in the post-stroke brain, inhibition of TAK1 with OZ caused phenotypic shift of microglia/macrophages toward an inflammation-resolving state. Furthermore, microglia/macrophage-specific TAK1 knockout (TAK1 mKO) reproduced OZ's effects, causally confirming the role of TAK1 in determining proinflammatory microglial/macrophage responses in post-stroke females. Post-stroke treatment with OZ for 5 days effectively promoted long-term neurological recovery and the integrity of both gray matter and white matter in female mice. Together, the TAK1 inhibitor OZ elicits long-lasting improvement of stroke outcomes in female mice, at least partially through enhancing beneficial microglial/macrophage responses and inflammation resolution. Given its therapeutic efficacy on both male and female rodents, TAK1 inhibitor is worth further investigation as a valid treatment to ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaan Liu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Sicheng Li
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Rongrong Wang
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Hongjian Pu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Yongfang Zhao
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Qing Ye
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Yejie Shi
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
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Chelluboina B, Vemuganti R. Therapeutic potential of nutraceuticals to protect brain after stroke. Neurochem Int 2020; 142:104908. [PMID: 33220386 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stroke leads to significant neuronal death and long-term neurological disability due to synergistic pathogenic mechanisms. Stroke induces a change in eating habits and in many cases, leads to undernutrition that aggravates the post-stroke pathology. Proper nutritional regimen remains a major strategy to control the modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases including stroke. Studies indicate that nutraceuticals (isolated and concentrated form of high-potency natural bioactive substances present in dietary nutritional components) can act as prophylactic as well as adjuvant therapeutic agents to prevent stroke risk, to promote ischemic tolerance and to reduce post-stroke consequences. Nutraceuticals are also thought to regulate blood pressure, delay neurodegeneration and improve overall vascular health. Nutraceuticals potentially mediate these effects by their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review discusses the studies that have highlighted the translational potential of nutraceuticals as stroke therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharath Chelluboina
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
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McCabe JT, Tucker LB. Sex as a Biological Variable in Preclinical Modeling of Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurol 2020; 11:541050. [PMID: 33101170 PMCID: PMC7554632 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.541050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Approaches to furthering our understanding of the bioeffects, behavioral changes, and treatment options following exposure to blast are a worldwide priority. Of particular need is a more concerted effort to employ animal models to determine possible sex differences, which have been reported in the clinical literature. In this review, clinical and preclinical reports concerning blast injury effects are summarized in relation to sex as a biological variable (SABV). The review outlines approaches that explore the pertinent role of sex chromosomes and gonadal steroids for delineating sex as a biological independent variable. Next, underlying biological factors that need exploration for blast effects in light of SABV are outlined, including pituitary, autonomic, vascular, and inflammation factors that all have evidence as having important SABV relevance. A major second consideration for the study of SABV and preclinical blast effects is the notable lack of consistent model design—a wide range of devices have been employed with questionable relevance to real-life scenarios—as well as poor standardization for reporting of blast parameters. Hence, the review also provides current views regarding optimal design of shock tubes for approaching the problem of primary blast effects and sex differences and outlines a plan for the regularization of reporting. Standardization and clear description of blast parameters will provide greater comparability across models, as well as unify consensus for important sex difference bioeffects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T McCabe
- Pre-clinical Studies Core, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Bethesda, IL, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, F.E. Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Laura B Tucker
- Pre-clinical Studies Core, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Bethesda, IL, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, F.E. Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Arundic Acid (ONO-2506) Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Prevents Motor Impairment in Rats with Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 42:739-751. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00964-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Scheld M, Heymann F, Zhao W, Tohidnezhad M, Clarner T, Beyer C, Zendedel A. Modulatory effect of 17β-estradiol on myeloid cell infiltration into the male rat brain after ischemic stroke. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 202:105667. [PMID: 32407868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of human disability and mortality in the world. Neuroinflammation is the main pathological event following ischemia which contributes to secondary brain tissue damage and is driven by infiltration of circulating immune cells such as macrophages. Because of neuroprotective properties against ischemic brain damage, estrogens have the potential to become of therapeutic interest. However, the exact mechanisms of neuroprotection and signaling pathways is not completely understood. In the current study, 12-week-old male Wistar rats underwent an experimental ischemia by occluding the middle cerebral artery transiently (tMCAO) for 1 h. Male rats subjected to tMCAO were randomly assigned to receive 17β-estradiol or vehicle treatment. The animals were sacrificed 72 h post tMCAO, transcardially perfused and the brains were proceeded either for TTC staining and gene analysis or for flow cytometry (CD45, CD11b, CD11c, CD40). We found that 17β-estradiol substitution significantly reduced the cortical infarct which was paralleled by an improved Garcia test scoring. Flow cytometry revealed that CD45+ cells as well as CD45+CD11b+CD11c+ cells were massively increased in tMCAO animals and numbers were nearly restored to sham levels after 17β-estradiol treatment. Gene expression analysis showed a reperfusion time-dependent upregulation of the markers CD45, CD11b and the activation marker CD40. The reduction in gene expression after 72 h of reperfusion and simultaneous 17β-estradiol substitution did not reach statistical significance. These data indicate that 17β-estradiol alleviated the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and selectively suppressed the activation of the neuroinflammatory cascade via reduction of the number of activated microglia or infiltrated monocyte-derived macrophages in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Scheld
- University Clinic, Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - F Heymann
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - W Zhao
- University Clinic, Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - M Tohidnezhad
- University Clinic, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - T Clarner
- University Clinic, Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - C Beyer
- University Clinic, Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - A Zendedel
- University Clinic, Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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Chelluboina B, Kim T, Mehta SL, Kim JY, Bathula S, Vemuganti R. Impact of Age and Sex on α-Syn (α-Synuclein) Knockdown-Mediated Poststroke Recovery. Stroke 2020; 51:3138-3141. [PMID: 32819195 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.028978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Increased expression of α-Syn (α-Synuclein) is known to mediate secondary brain damage after stroke. We presently studied if α-Syn knockdown can protect ischemic brain irrespective of sex and age. METHODS Adult and aged male and female mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. α-Syn small interfering RNA (siRNA) was administered intravenous at 30 minutes or 3 hour reperfusion. Poststroke motor deficits were evaluated between day 1 and 7 and infarct volume was measured at day 7 of reperfusion. RESULTS α-Syn knockdown significantly decreased poststroke brain damage and improved poststroke motor function recovery in adult and aged mice of both sexes. However, the window of therapeutic opportunity for α-Syn siRNA is very limited. CONCLUSIONS α-Syn plays a critical role in ischemic brain damage and preventing α-Syn protein expression early after stroke minimizes poststroke brain damage leading to better functional outcomes irrespective of age and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharath Chelluboina
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin (B.C., T.K., S.L.M., J.-Y.K., S.B., R.V.)
| | - Taehee Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin (B.C., T.K., S.L.M., J.-Y.K., S.B., R.V.)
| | - Suresh L Mehta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin (B.C., T.K., S.L.M., J.-Y.K., S.B., R.V.)
| | - Joo-Yong Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin (B.C., T.K., S.L.M., J.-Y.K., S.B., R.V.)
| | - Saivenkateshkomal Bathula
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin (B.C., T.K., S.L.M., J.-Y.K., S.B., R.V.)
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin (B.C., T.K., S.L.M., J.-Y.K., S.B., R.V.).,William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison (R.V.)
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Cordeiro JL, Neves JD, Vizuete AF, Aristimunha D, Pedroso TA, Sanches EF, Gonçalves CA, Netto CA. Arundic Acid (ONO-2506), an Inhibitor of S100B Protein Synthesis, Prevents Neurological Deficits and Brain Tissue Damage Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Male Wistar Rats. Neuroscience 2020; 440:97-112. [PMID: 32474054 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and neurological morbidity. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has the poorest prognosis among all stroke subtypes and no treatment has been effective in improving outcomes. Following ICH, the observed high levels of S100B protein have been associated with worsening of injury and neurological deficits. Arundic acid (AA) exerts neuroprotective effects through inhibition of astrocytic synthesis of S100B in some models of experimental brain injury; however, it has not been studied in ICH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of AA in male Wistar rats submitted to ICH model assessing the following variables: reactive astrogliosis, S100B levels, antioxidant defenses, cell death, lesion extension and neurological function. Firstly, AA was injected at different doses (0.02, 0.2, 2 and 20 μg/μl) in the left lateral ventricle in order to observe which dose would decrease GFAP and S100B striatal levels in non-injured rats. Following determination of the effective dose, ICH damage was induced by IV-S collagenase intrastrial injection and 2 μg/μl AA was injected through ICV route immediately before injury. AA treatment prevented ICH-induced neurological deficits and tissue damage, inhibited excessive astrocytic activation and cellular apoptosis, reduced peripheral and central S100B levels (in striatum, serum and cerebrospinal fluid), improved neuronal survival and enhanced the antioxidant defences after injury. Altogether, these results suggest that S100B is a viable target for treating ICH and highlight AA as an interesting strategy for improving neurological outcome after experimental brain hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Cordeiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil; Post-graduation Program of Neurosciences, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-190, Brazil.
| | - J D Neves
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil
| | - A F Vizuete
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil
| | - D Aristimunha
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil
| | - T A Pedroso
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil
| | - E F Sanches
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil; Post-graduation Program of Phisiology, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-190, Brazil
| | - C A Gonçalves
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil
| | - C A Netto
- Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil
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Jia C, Malone HM, Keasey MP, Lovins C, Elam J, Hagg T. Blood Vitronectin Induces Detrimental Brain Interleukin-6 and Correlates With Outcomes After Stroke Only in Female Mice. Stroke 2020; 51:1587-1595. [PMID: 32312218 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.029036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose- Women have worse stroke outcomes than men, especially after menopause. Few studies have focused on female-specific mechanisms, other than hormones. We investigated the role of the blood protein VTN (vitronectin) after ischemic stroke in mice. Methods- Adult male and female VTN knockout and wild-type littermates and C57BL/6 mice received a middle cerebral artery occlusion and the injured brain tissue analyzed 24 hours to 3 weeks later for cell loss and inflammation, as well as neurological function. Blood VTN levels were measured before and after stroke. Results- Intravenously injected VTN leaked extensively from bloodstream into brain infarct and penumbra by 24 hours after stroke. Strikingly, VTN was detrimental in female, but not male, mice, as shown by reduced brain injury (26.2±2.6% versus 13.4±3.8%; P=0.018; n=6 and 5) and forelimb dysfunction in female VTN knockout mice. Stroke increased plasma VTN 2- to 8-fold at 24 hours in females (36±4 versus 145±24 μg/mL; P<0.0001; n=10 and 7), but not males (62±8 versus 68±6; P>0.99; n=10 and 7), and returned to control levels by 7 days. Individually variable VTN levels at 24 hours correlated with stroke-induced brain injury at 7 days only in females. VTN promoted stroke-induced microglia/macrophage activation and leukocyte infiltration in females. Proinflammatory IL (interleukin)-6 greatly increased in the striatum at 24 hours in wild-type mice but was increased ≈60% less in female (739±159 versus 268±111; P=0.02; n=7 and 6), but not male (889±178 versus 1179±295; P=0.73; n=10 and 11), knockout mice. In individual wild-type females, plasma VTN levels correlated with striatal IL-6 expression at 24 hours. The female-specific effect of VTN-induced IL-6 expression following stroke was not due to gonadal hormones, as shown by ovariectomy and castration. Lastly, intrastriatal injection of IL-6 in female mice immediately before stroke reversed the VTN knockout phenotypes of reduced brain injury and microglia/macrophage activation. Conclusions- VTN plays a novel sexually dimorphic detrimental pathophysiological role in females and might ultimately be a therapeutic target to improve stroke outcomes in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Jia
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Hannah M Malone
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Matthew P Keasey
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Chiharu Lovins
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Jacob Elam
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Theo Hagg
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
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Deems NP, Leuner B. Pregnancy, postpartum and parity: Resilience and vulnerability in brain health and disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100820. [PMID: 31987814 PMCID: PMC7225072 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Risk and resilience in brain health and disease can be influenced by a variety of factors. While there is a growing appreciation to consider sex as one of these factors, far less attention has been paid to sex-specific variables that may differentially impact females such as pregnancy and reproductive history. In this review, we focus on nervous system disorders which show a female bias and for which there is data from basic research and clinical studies pointing to modification in disease risk and progression during pregnancy, postpartum and/or as a result of parity: multiple sclerosis (MS), depression, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In doing so, we join others (Shors, 2016; Galea et al., 2018a) in aiming to illustrate the importance of looking beyond sex in neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Deems
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Benedetta Leuner
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Cell Death Pathways in Ischemic Stroke and Targeted Pharmacotherapy. Transl Stroke Res 2020; 11:1185-1202. [PMID: 32219729 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-020-00806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the significant causes of morbidity and mortality, affecting millions of people across the globe. Cell injury in the infarct region is an inevitable consequence of focal cerebral ischemia. Subsequent reperfusion exacerbates the harmful effect and increases the infarct volume. These cellular injuries follow either a regulated pathway involving tightly structured signaling cascades and molecularly defined effector mechanisms or a non-regulated pathway, also known as accidental cell death, where the process is biologically uncontrolled. Classical cell death pathways are long established and well reported in several articles that majorly define apoptotic cell death. A recent focus on cell death study also considers investigation on non-classical pathways that are tightly regulated, may or may not involve caspases, but non-apoptotic. Pathological cell death is a cardinal feature of different neurodegenerative diseases. Although ischemia cannot be classified as a neurodegenerative disease, it is a cerebrovascular event where the infarct region exhibits aberrant cell death. Over the past few decades, several therapeutic options have been implicated for ischemic stroke. However, their use has been hampered owing to the number of limitations that they possess. Ischemic penumbral neurons undergo apoptosis and become dysfunctional; however, they are salvageable. Thus, understanding the role of different cell death pathways is crucial to aid in the modern treatment of protecting apoptotic neurons.
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40
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Ahmad S, Pandya C, Kindelin A, Bhatia K, Chaudhary R, Dwivedi AK, Eschbacher JM, Liu Q, Waters MF, Hoda MN, Ducruet AF. C3a receptor antagonist therapy is protective with or without thrombolysis in murine thromboembolic stroke. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2466-2477. [PMID: 31975437 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) after stroke enhances C3a generation, which may abrogate the benefits of reperfusion. The C3aR antagonist SB290157 is neuroprotective following transient but not permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). SB290157 remains untested in thromboembolic (TE) models, which better approximate human stroke and also facilitate testing in combination with IVT. We hypothesized SB290157 would confer neuroprotection in TE stroke with and without "late" IVT. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used two different models of TE stroke to examine the efficacy of SB290157 alone and in combination with late IVT. We evaluated the benefit of SB290157 in attenuating post-ischaemic behavioural deficits, infarction, brain oedema and haemorrhage. KEY RESULTS Plasma C3a was elevated 6 hr after TE stroke alongside increased cerebrovascular C3aR expression, which was sustained to 4 weeks. Increased C3aR expression also was visualized in human ischaemic brain. In a photothrombotic (PT) stroke model, which exhibits rapid spontaneous reperfusion, SB290157 given at 1 hr post-PT significantly improved neurofunction and reduced infarction at 48 hr. In an embolic (eMCAo) model, SB290157 administered at 2 hr improved histological and functional outcomes. Conversely, late IVT administered 4.5 hr post-eMCAo was ineffective likely due to increased haemorrhage and brain oedema. However, SB290157 administered prior to late IVT ameliorated haemorrhage and oedema and improved outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that SB290157 is safe and effective with and without late IVT following TE stroke. Therefore, C3a receptor antagonist therapy represents a promising candidate for clinical translation in stroke, particularly as an adjuvant to IVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Ahmad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Chirayu Pandya
- Department of Psychiatry, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Adam Kindelin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Kanchan Bhatia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Rafay Chaudhary
- College of Science and Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Alok Kumar Dwivedi
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, El Paso, Texas
| | - Jennifer M Eschbacher
- Department of Neuropathology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.,Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Michael F Waters
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.,Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Md Nasrul Hoda
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.,Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.,Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Andrew F Ducruet
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
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Altaee R, Gibson CL. Sexual dimorphism following in vitro ischemia in the response to neurosteroids and mechanisms of injury. BMC Neurosci 2020; 21:5. [PMID: 31996121 PMCID: PMC6988201 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-020-0553-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral ischemic stroke is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Sex differences exist following stroke in terms of incidence, symptoms, outcomes and response to some treatments. Importantly, molecular mechanisms of injury, activated following ischemia may differ between the sexes and if so may account, at least in part, for sex differences seen in treatment response. Here we aimed to determine, using single-sex organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, whether the effectiveness of a potential treatment option, i.e. sex steroids, exhibited any sexual dimorphism and whether sex affected the mechanisms of apoptosis activated following ischemia. Results Following exposure to ischemia, male-derived tissue exhibited higher levels of cell death than female-derived tissue. Various sex steroid hormones, i.e. progesterone, allopregnanolone, and estradiol, were protective in terms of reducing the amount of cell death in male- and female-derived tissue whereas medoxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was only protective in female-derived tissue. The protective effect of progesterone was abolished in the presence of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, suggesting it was largely mediated via its conversion to allopregnanolone. To test the hypothesis that sex differences exist in the activation of specific elements of the apoptotic pathway activated following ischemia we administered Q-VD-OPH, a caspase inhibitor, or PJ34, an inhibitor of poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP). Caspase inhibition was only effective, in terms of reducing cell death, in female-derived tissue, whereas PARP inhibition was only protective in male-derived tissue. However, in both sexes, the protective effects of progesterone and estradiol were not observed in the presence of either caspase or PARP inhibition. Conclusions Sex differences exist in both the amount of cell death produced and those elements of the cell death pathway activated following an ischemic insult. There are also some sex differences in the effectiveness of steroid hormones to provide neuroprotection following an ischemic insult—namely MPA was only protective in female-derived tissue. This adds further support to the notion sex is an important factor to consider when investigating future drug targets for CNS disorders, such as ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeed Altaee
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Claire L Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK. .,School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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Shvedova M, Litvak MM, Roberts JD, Fukumura D, Suzuki T, Şencan İ, Li G, Reventun P, Buys ES, Kim HH, Sakadžić S, Ayata C, Huang PL, Feil R, Atochin DN. cGMP-dependent protein kinase I in vascular smooth muscle cells improves ischemic stroke outcome in mice. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2019; 39:2379-2391. [PMID: 31423931 PMCID: PMC6893979 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x19870583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent works highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent pathways in the context of brain ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Although cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) has emerged as a key mediator of the protective effects of nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP, the mechanisms by which cGKI attenuates IRI remain poorly understood. We used a novel, conditional cGKI knockout mouse model to study its role in cerebral IRI. We assessed neurological deficit, infarct volume, and cerebral perfusion in tamoxifen-inducible vascular smooth muscle cell-specific cGKI knockout mice and control animals. Stroke experiments revealed greater cerebral infarct volume in smooth muscle cell specific cGKI knockout mice (males: 96 ± 16 mm3; females: 93 ± 12 mm3, mean±SD) than in all control groups: wild type (males: 66 ± 19; females: 64 ± 14), cGKI control (males: 65 ± 18; females: 62 ± 14), cGKI control with tamoxifen (males: 70 ± 8; females: 68 ± 10). Our results identify, for the first time, a protective role of cGKI in vascular smooth muscle cells during ischemic stroke injury. Moreover, this protective effect of cGKI was found to be independent of gender and was mediated via improved reperfusion. These results suggest that cGKI in vascular smooth muscle cells should be targeted by therapies designed to protect brain tissue against ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Shvedova
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Maxim M Litvak
- Tomsk Polytechnic University, RASA Center, Tomsk, Russian Federation
| | - Jesse D Roberts
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dai Fukumura
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomoaki Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - İkbal Şencan
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Ge Li
- Department of Radiology, Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Paula Reventun
- Department of Biology Systems, School of Medicine, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emmanuel S Buys
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyung-Hwan Kim
- Department of Radiology, Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Sava Sakadžić
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Cenk Ayata
- Department of Radiology, Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Paul L Huang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dmitriy N Atochin
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
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Colpo GD, Venna VR, McCullough LD, Teixeira AL. Systematic Review on the Involvement of the Kynurenine Pathway in Stroke: Pre-clinical and Clinical Evidence. Front Neurol 2019; 10:778. [PMID: 31379727 PMCID: PMC6659442 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death after ischemic heart disease and the third leading cause of disability-adjusted life-years lost worldwide. There is a great need for developing more effective strategies to treat stroke and its resulting impairments. Among several neuroprotective strategies tested so far, the kynurenine pathway (KP) seems to be promising, but the evidence is still sparse. Methods: Here, we performed a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the involvement of KP in stroke. We searched for the keywords: (“kynurenine” or “kynurenic acid” or “quinolinic acid”) AND (“ischemia” or “stroke” or “occlusion) in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. A total of 1,130 papers was initially retrieved. Results: After careful screening, forty-five studies were included in this systematic review, being 39 pre-clinical and six clinical studies. Despite different experimental models of cerebral ischemia, the results are concordant in implicating the KP in the pathophysiology of stroke. Preclinical evidence also suggests that treatment with kynurenine and KMO inhibitors decrease infarct size and improve behavioral and cognitive outcomes. Few studies have investigated the KP in human stroke, and results are consistent with the experimental findings that the KP is activated after stroke. Conclusion: Well-designed preclinical studies addressing the expression of KP enzymes and metabolites in specific cell types and their potential effects at cellular levels alongside more clinical studies are warranted to confirm the translational potential of this pathway as a pharmacological target for stroke and related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela D Colpo
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Venugopal R Venna
- BRAINS Lab, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Louise D McCullough
- BRAINS Lab, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Antonio L Teixeira
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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de Rivero Vaccari JP, Bramlett HM, Perez-Pinzon MA, Raval AP. Estrogen preconditioning: A promising strategy to reduce inflammation in the ischemic brain. CONDITIONING MEDICINE 2019; 2:106-113. [PMID: 32617523 PMCID: PMC7331970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
During the premenopausal phase of a woman's life, estrogen naturally protects against ischemic brain damage and its debilitating consequence of cognitive decline. However, the decline in estrogen at menopause exponentially increases a women's risk for cerebral ischemia and its severity. Supplementation of estrogen during menopause is the most logical solution to abate this increased risk for cerebral ischemia; however, continuous therapy has proven to be contraindicative. Studies from our laboratory over the past decade have shown that a single bolus or long-term periodic 17β-estradiol treatment(s) two days prior to ischemia mimics ischemic preconditioning-conferred protection of the brain in ovariectomized or reproductively senescent female rats. These studies also demonstrated that 17β-estradiol-induced preconditioning (EPC) requires estrogen receptor (ER)-subtype beta (ER-β) activation. ER-β is expressed throughout the brain, including in the hippocampus, which plays a key role in learning and memory. Because periodic activation of ER-β mitigates post-ischemic cognitive decline in ovariectomized female rats, it can be surmised that EPC has the potential to reduce post-ischemic damage and cognitive decline in females. Estrogens are key anti-inflammatory agents; therefore this review discusses the effects of EPC on the inflammasome. Furthermore, as we now clearly know, the brain acts differently in males and females. Indeed, neurodegenerative diseases, including cerebral ischemia, and pharmacological drugs affect males and females in different ways. Thus, inasmuch as the National Institutes of Health and the Stroke Treatment Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) consortium mandate inclusion of female experimental animals, this review also discusses the need to close the gap in our knowledge in future studies of EPC in female animal models of cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen M. Bramlett
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
- Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami
| | - Miguel A. Perez-Pinzon
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratories, Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, U.S.A
| | - Ami P. Raval
- Peritz Scheinberg Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratories, Department of Neurology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, U.S.A
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