1
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Attanasio S. Autophagy in cancer and protein conformational disorders. FEBS Lett 2025. [PMID: 40342093 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.70061] [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: 01/23/2025] [Revised: 04/09/2025] [Accepted: 04/11/2025] [Indexed: 05/11/2025]
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process by which cells maintain cellular homeostasis through the degradation of dysfunctional cytoplasmic components, such as toxic misfolded proteins and damaged organelles, within the lysosome. It is a multistep process that is tightly regulated by nutrient, energy, and stress-sensing mechanisms. Autophagy plays a pivotal role in various biological processes, including protein and organelle quality control, defense against pathogen infections, cell metabolism, and immune surveillance. As a result, autophagy dysfunction is linked to a variety of pathological conditions. The role of autophagy in cancer is complex and dynamic. Depending on the context, autophagy can have both tumor-suppressive and pro-tumorigenic effects. In contrast, its role is more clearly defined in protein conformational disorders, where autophagy serves as a mechanism to reduce toxic protein aggregation, thereby improving cellular homeostasis. Because autophagy-based therapies hold promising potential for the treatment of cancer and protein conformational disorders, this review will highlight the latest findings and advancements in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Attanasio
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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2
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Luis-Ravelo D, Fumagallo-Reading F, Febles-Casquero A, Lopez-Fernandez J, Marcellino DJ, Gonzalez-Hernandez T. Dopamine Receptor D3 Induces Transient, mTORC1-Dependent Autophagy That Becomes Persistent, AMPK-Mediated, and Neuroprotective in Experimental Models of Huntington's Disease. Cells 2025; 14:652. [PMID: 40358175 PMCID: PMC12071662 DOI: 10.3390/cells14090652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2025] [Revised: 04/21/2025] [Accepted: 04/27/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease's (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine region (PolyQ) within the huntingtin protein (HTT). Mutated huntingtin (mHTT) is cytotoxic, particularly for striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs), whose degeneration is the hallmark of HD. Autophagy inducers currently available promote the clearance of toxic proteins. However, due to their low selectivity and the possibility that prolonged autophagy hampers essential processes in unaffected cells, researchers have questioned their benefits in neurodegenerative diseases. Since MSNs express dopamine receptors D2 (DRD2) and D3 (DRD3) and DRD2/DRD3 agonists may activate autophagy, here, we explored how healthy and mHTT-challenged cells respond to prolonged DRD2/DRD3 agonist treatment. Autophagy activation and its effects on mHTT/polyQ clearance were studied in R6/1 mice (a genetic model of HD), their wild-type littermates, and DRD2- and DRD3-HEK cells expressing a pathogenic (Q74) and a non-pathogenic (Q23) polyQ fragment of mHTT treated with the DRD2/DRD3 agonist pramipexole. Two forms of DRD3-mediated autophagy were found: a transient mTORC1-dependent in WT mice and Q23-DRD3-HEK cells and a persistent AMPK-ULK1-activated in R6/1 mice and Q74-DRD3-HEK cells. This also promoted a robust clearance of soluble mHTT/polyQ and neuroprotection in striatal neurons and DRD3-HEK cells. The findings indicate that DRD3-induced autophagy may be a safe, disease-modifying intervention in HD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Luis-Ravelo
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain; (D.L.-R.); (F.F.-R.)
| | - Felipe Fumagallo-Reading
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain; (D.L.-R.); (F.F.-R.)
| | - Alejandro Febles-Casquero
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jonathan Lopez-Fernandez
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain; (D.L.-R.); (F.F.-R.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Daniel J. Marcellino
- Department of Medical and Translational Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - Tomas Gonzalez-Hernandez
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain; (D.L.-R.); (F.F.-R.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
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3
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Hu N, Chen Z, Zhao X, Peng X, Wu Y, Yang K, Sun T. Endothelial Dysfunction in Huntington's Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:1432. [PMID: 40003898 PMCID: PMC11855594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26041432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2025] [Revised: 02/03/2025] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. While traditionally viewed through the lens of neuronal dysfunction, emerging evidence highlights the critical role of endothelial dysfunction in HD pathogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of endothelial dysfunction in HD, drawing on findings from both animal models and human studies. Key features of endothelial dysfunction in HD include impaired angiogenesis, altered cerebral blood flow, compromised neurovascular coupling and cerebrovascular reactivity, and increased blood-brain barrier permeability. Genetic factors such as the mutant huntingtin protein, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the adenosine A2A receptor (ADORA2A) interact to influence endothelial function in complex ways. Various therapeutic approaches targeting endothelial dysfunction, including antioxidants, nitric oxide enhancers, calcium channel blockers, statins, and metformin, have shown promise in preclinical HD models but face translational challenges, particularly regarding optimal timing of intervention and patient stratification. The implications of these findings suggest that reconceptualizing HD as a neurovascular disorder, rather than purely neuronal, could lead to more effective treatment strategies. Future research priorities should include: (1) developing validated vascular biomarkers for disease progression, (2) advancing neuroimaging techniques to monitor endothelial dysfunction in real-time. These directions will be crucial for bridging the current gap between preclinical promise and clinical success in vascular-targeted HD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Hu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.H.); (X.Z.); (X.P.); (Y.W.)
| | - Zihao Chen
- Institute of WUT-AMU, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Xinyue Zhao
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.H.); (X.Z.); (X.P.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xin Peng
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.H.); (X.Z.); (X.P.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yimeng Wu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.H.); (X.Z.); (X.P.); (Y.W.)
| | - Kai Yang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.H.); (X.Z.); (X.P.); (Y.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Taolei Sun
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.H.); (X.Z.); (X.P.); (Y.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
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4
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Szablewski L. Associations Between Diabetes Mellitus and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:542. [PMID: 39859258 PMCID: PMC11765393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26020542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2024] [Revised: 01/03/2025] [Accepted: 01/07/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and neurodegenerative diseases/disturbances are worldwide health problems. The most common chronic conditions diagnosed in persons 60 years and older are type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive impairment. It was found that diabetes mellitus is a major risk for cognitive decline, dementia, Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Different mechanisms of associations between these diseases and diabetes mellitus have been suggested. For example, it is postulated that an impaired intracellular insulin signaling pathway, together with hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, may cause pathological changes, such as dysfunction of the mitochondria, oxidative stress inflammatory responses, etc. The association between diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the mechanisms of these associations, needs further investigation. The aim of this review is to describe the associations between diabetes mellitus, especially type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and selected neurodegenerative diseases, i.e., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Suggested mechanisms of these associations are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Szablewski
- Chair and Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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5
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Zhuang H, Ma X. Advances in Aggrephagy: Mechanisms, Disease Implications, and Therapeutic Strategies. J Cell Physiol 2025; 240:e31512. [PMID: 39749851 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31512] [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: 10/09/2024] [Revised: 11/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
Abstract
The accumulation of misfolded proteins within cells leads to the formation of protein aggregates that disrupt normal cellular functions and contribute to a range of human pathologies, notably neurodegenerative disorders. Consequently, the investigation into the mechanisms of aggregate formation and their subsequent clearance is of considerable importance for the development of therapeutic strategies. The clearance of protein aggregates is predominantly achieved via the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, a process known as aggrephagy. In this pathway, autophagosome biogenesis and lysosomal digestion provide necessary conditions for the clearance of protein aggregates, while autophagy receptors such as P62, NBR1, TAX1BP1, TOLLIP, and CCT2 facilitate the recognition of protein aggregates by the autophagy machinery, playing a pivotal role in their degradation. This review will introduce the mechanisms of aggregate formation, progression, and degradation, with particular emphasis on advances in aggrephagy, providing insights for aggregates-related diseases and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhuang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Xu M, Li T, Liu X, Islam B, Xiang Y, Zou X, Wang J. Mechanism and Clinical Application Prospects of Mitochondrial DNA Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurochem Res 2024; 50:61. [PMID: 39673588 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04311-9] [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: 10/02/2024] [Revised: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 12/03/2024] [Indexed: 12/16/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is well recognized as a critical component of the complicated pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. This review investigates the influence of mitochondrial DNA single nucleotide polymorphisms on mitochondrial function, as well as their role in the onset and progression of these neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, the contemporary approaches to mitochondrial regulation in these disorders are discussed. Our objective is to uncover early diagnostic targets and formulate precision medicine strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, thereby offering new paths for preventing and treating these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Xu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Tianjiao Li
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Binish Islam
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yuyue Xiang
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Xiyan Zou
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Jianwu Wang
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
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7
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Huang C, Zheng X, Yan S, Zhang Z. Advances in Clinical Therapies for Huntington's Disease and the Promise of Multi-Targeted/Functional Drugs Based on Clinicaltrials.gov. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 116:1452-1471. [PMID: 38863261 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a triad of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric problems. Caused by CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT), the disease involves a complex network of pathogenic mechanisms, including synaptic dysfunction, impaired autophagy, neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and extrasynaptic excitotoxicity. Although current therapies targeting the pathogenesis of HD primarily aim to reduce mHTT levels by targeting HTT DNA, RNA, or proteins, these treatments only ameliorate downstream pathogenic effects. While gene therapies, such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs and gene editing, have emerged in the field of HD treatment, their safety and efficacy are still under debate. Therefore, pharmacological therapy remains the most promising breakthrough, especially multi-target/functional drugs, which have diverse pharmacological effects. This review summarizes the latest progress in HD drug development based on clinicaltrials.gov search results (Search strategy: key word "Huntington's disease" in HD clinical investigational drugs registered as of December 31, 2023), and highlights the key role of multi-target/functional drugs in HD treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Huang
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research and Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sen Yan
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research and Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research and Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Shen J, Wang X, Wang M, Zhang H. Potential molecular mechanism of exercise reversing insulin resistance and improving neurodegenerative diseases. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1337442. [PMID: 38818523 PMCID: PMC11137309 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1337442] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are debilitating nervous system disorders attributed to various conditions such as body aging, gene mutations, genetic factors, and immune system disorders. Prominent neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. Insulin resistance refers to the inability of the peripheral and central tissues of the body to respond to insulin and effectively regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance has been observed in various neurodegenerative diseases and has been suggested to induce the occurrence, development, and exacerbation of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, an increasing number of studies have suggested that reversing insulin resistance may be a critical intervention for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Among the numerous measures available to improve insulin sensitivity, exercise is a widely accepted strategy due to its convenience, affordability, and significant impact on increasing insulin sensitivity. This review examines the association between neurodegenerative diseases and insulin resistance and highlights the molecular mechanisms by which exercise can reverse insulin resistance under these conditions. The focus was on regulating insulin resistance through exercise and providing practical ideas and suggestions for future research focused on exercise-induced insulin sensitivity in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Shen
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Xianping Wang
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Minghui Wang
- College of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hu Zhang
- College of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China
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9
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Loan A, Syal C, Lui M, He L, Wang J. Promising use of metformin in treating neurological disorders: biomarker-guided therapies. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1045-1055. [PMID: 37862207 PMCID: PMC10749596 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385286] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders are a diverse group of conditions that affect the nervous system and include neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease), cerebrovascular conditions (stroke), and neurodevelopmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder). Although they affect millions of individuals around the world, only a limited number of effective treatment options are available today. Since most neurological disorders express mitochondria-related metabolic perturbations, metformin, a biguanide type II antidiabetic drug, has attracted a lot of attention to be repurposed to treat neurological disorders by correcting their perturbed energy metabolism. However, controversial research emerges regarding the beneficial/detrimental effects of metformin on these neurological disorders. Given that most neurological disorders have complex etiology in their pathophysiology and are influenced by various risk factors such as aging, lifestyle, genetics, and environment, it is important to identify perturbed molecular functions that can be targeted by metformin in these neurological disorders. These molecules can then be used as biomarkers to stratify subpopulations of patients who show distinct molecular/pathological properties and can respond to metformin treatment, ultimately developing targeted therapy. In this review, we will discuss mitochondria-related metabolic perturbations and impaired molecular pathways in these neurological disorders and how these can be used as biomarkers to guide metformin-responsive treatment for the targeted therapy to treat neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Loan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Charvi Syal
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Margarita Lui
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ling He
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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10
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Knippler CM, Arnst JL, Robinson IE, Matsuk V, Khatib TO, Harvey RD, Shanmugam M, Mouw JK, Fu H, Ganesh T, Marcus AI. Bisbiguanide analogs induce mitochondrial stress to inhibit lung cancer cell invasion. iScience 2024; 27:109591. [PMID: 38632988 PMCID: PMC11022046 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting cancer metabolism to limit cellular energy and metabolite production is an attractive therapeutic approach. Here, we developed analogs of the bisbiguanide, alexidine, to target lung cancer cell metabolism and assess a structure-activity relationship (SAR). The SAR led to the identification of two analogs, AX-4 and AX-7, that limit cell growth via G1/G0 cell-cycle arrest and are tolerated in vivo with favorable pharmacokinetics. Mechanistic evaluation revealed that AX-4 and AX-7 induce potent mitochondrial defects; mitochondrial cristae were deformed and the mitochondrial membrane potential was depolarized. Additionally, cell metabolism was rewired, as indicated by reduced oxygen consumption and mitochondrial ATP production, with an increase in extracellular lactate. Importantly, AX-4 and AX-7 impacted overall cell behavior, as these compounds reduced collective cell invasion. Taken together, our study establishes a class of bisbiguanides as effective mitochondria and cell invasion disrupters, and proposes bisbiguanides as promising approaches to limiting cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Knippler
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jamie L. Arnst
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Isaac E. Robinson
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA
| | - Veronika Matsuk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Tala O. Khatib
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - R. Donald Harvey
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mala Shanmugam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Janna K. Mouw
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Thota Ganesh
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Adam I. Marcus
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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11
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Ng GYQ, Loh ZWL, Fann DY, Mallilankaraman K, Arumugam TV, Hande MP. Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) Kinase Pathways in Metabolic Diseases. Genome Integr 2024; 15:e20230003. [PMID: 38770527 PMCID: PMC11102075 DOI: 10.14293/genint.14.1.004] [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: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Physiological processes that govern the normal functioning of mammalian cells are regulated by a myriad of signalling pathways. Mammalian mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases constitute one of the major signalling arms and have been broadly classified into four groups that include extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and ERK5. Each signalling cascade is governed by a wide array of external and cellular stimuli, which play a critical part in mammalian cells in the regulation of various key responses, such as mitogenic growth, differentiation, stress responses, as well as inflammation. This evolutionarily conserved MAP kinase signalling arm is also important for metabolic maintenance, which is tightly coordinated via complicated mechanisms that include the intricate interaction of scaffold proteins, recognition through cognate motifs, action of phosphatases, distinct subcellular localisation, and even post-translational modifications. Aberration in the signalling pathway itself or their regulation has been implicated in the disruption of metabolic homeostasis, which provides a pathophysiological foundation in the development of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is an umbrella term that usually includes a group of closely associated metabolic diseases such as hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and hypertension. These risk factors exacerbate the development of obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and hepatic diseases, which have accounted for an increase in the worldwide morbidity and mortality rate. This review aims to summarise recent findings that have implicated MAP kinase signalling in the development of metabolic diseases, highlighting the potential therapeutic targets of this pathway to be investigated further for the attenuation of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Yong Quan Ng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zachary Wai-Loon Loh
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Y. Fann
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karthik Mallilankaraman
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thiruma V. Arumugam
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - M. Prakash Hande
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Sritawan N, Sirichoat A, Aranarochana A, Pannangrong W, Wigmore P, Welbat JU. Protective effect of metformin on methotrexate induced reduction of rat hippocampal neural stem cells and neurogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114613. [PMID: 37001179 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is a process in which the adult neural stem cells produce newborn neurons that are implicated in terms of learning and memory. Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic drug, which has a negative effect on memory and hippocampal neurogenesis in animal models. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug with strong antioxidant capacities. We found that metformin ameliorates MTX induced deteriorations of memory and hippocampal neurogenesis in adult rats. In this study, we focus to investigate neural stem cells, biomarkers of apoptosis, and the protein for synaptogenesis, which involves in the transcription factors of the hippocampus in rats that received metformin and MTX. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were composed of control, MTX, metformin, and MTX+metformin groups. MTX (75 mg/kg, i.v.) was given on days 7 and 14, whereas metformin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was given for 14 days. Hippocampal neural stem cells in the subgranular zone (SGZ) were quantified using immunofluorescence staining of Sox2 and nestin. Protein expression including PSD95, Casepase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, CREB, and pCREB were determined using Western blotting. MTX-treated rats displayed decreases in Sox2 and nestin-positive cells in the SGZ. Increases in Caspase-3 and Bax levels and decreases in PSD95, Bcl-2, CREB, and pCREB protein expressions in the hippocampus were also detected. However, these negative impacts of MTX were ameliorated by co-treatment with metformin. These consequences postulate that metformin has a potential to increase neural stem cells, synaptic plasticity, decreased apoptotic activities, and transcription factors, resulting in upregulation of hippocampal neurogenesis in MTX-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataya Sritawan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Apiwat Sirichoat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Anusara Aranarochana
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Wanassanan Pannangrong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Peter Wigmore
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Jariya Umka Welbat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
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13
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Kumar H, Chakrabarti A, Sarma P, Modi M, Banerjee D, Radotra BD, Bhatia A, Medhi B. Novel therapeutic mechanism of action of metformin and its nanoformulation in Alzheimer's disease and role of AKT/ERK/GSK pathway. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 181:106348. [PMID: 36496166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain Insulin-resistance plays a critical role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Current study explored the therapeutic mechanism of metformin (insulin sensitizer) and its solid-lipid nanoformulation (SLN) in rat-model of AD. In our study, SLN was prepared using microemulsion method. AD was induced with ICV-Aβ whereas the control-group (sham) received ICV-NS. Treatment arms included, disease-control (no treatment), Metformin (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg), SLN-metformin 50 mg/kg and memantine 1.8 mg/kg (positive-control). Animals were tested for cognitive performance (EPM, MWM) after 21 days of therapy and sacrificed. Aβ (1-42), hyperphosphorylated tau, pAKTser473, GSK-3β, p-ERK (ELISA), metformin level(HPLC), neuronal injury score(H&E), Bcl2 and Bax(IHC) was evaluated in isolated brain. In our study, metformin-SLN were of spherical shape (size<200 nm) with 94.08% entrapment efficiency. Metformin was detectable in brain. Compared to sham, the disease-control group showed significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) memory impairment(MWM and EPM), hyperphosphorylated tau, Aβ(1-42), neuronal-injury, Bax and lower Bcl-2 expression. Treatment with metformin and nanoformulation significantly reverse these parameters. AKT-ERK-GSK3β-Hyperphosphorylated tau pathway was found to be involved in the protective efficacy of metformin. To conclude, both metformin and its SLN were found to be effective as therapeutic agents in AD which act through the AKT-ERK-GSK3β-Hyperphosphorylated tau pathway. We need population based studies to confirm the same.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - B D Radotra
- Department of Histopathology, PGIMER, Chandigarh
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
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14
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Pérez-Arancibia R, Cisternas-Olmedo M, Sepúlveda D, Troncoso-Escudero P, Vidal RL. Small molecules to perform big roles: The search for Parkinson's and Huntington's disease therapeutics. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1084493. [PMID: 36699535 PMCID: PMC9868863 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1084493] [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: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological motor disorders (NMDs) such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease are characterized by the accumulation and aggregation of misfolded proteins that trigger cell death of specific neuronal populations in the central nervous system. Differential neuronal loss initiates the impaired motor control and cognitive function in the affected patients. Although major advances have been carried out to understand the molecular basis of these diseases, to date there are no treatments that can prevent, cure, or significantly delay the progression of the disease. In this context, strategies such as gene editing, cellular therapy, among others, have gained attention as they effectively reduce the load of toxic protein aggregates in different models of neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, these strategies are expensive and difficult to deliver into the patients' nervous system. Thus, small molecules and natural products that reduce protein aggregation levels are highly sought after. Numerous drug discovery efforts have analyzed large libraries of synthetic compounds for the treatment of different NMDs, with a few candidates reaching clinical trials. Moreover, the recognition of new druggable targets for NMDs has allowed the discovery of new small molecules that have demonstrated their efficacy in pre-clinical studies. It is also important to recognize the contribution of natural products to the discovery of new candidates that can prevent or cure NMDs. Additionally, the repurposing of drugs for the treatment of NMDs has gained huge attention as they have already been through clinical trials confirming their safety in humans, which can accelerate the development of new treatment. In this review, we will focus on the new advances in the discovery of small molecules for the treatment of Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. We will begin by discussing the available pharmacological treatments to modulate the progression of neurodegeneration and to alleviate the motor symptoms in these diseases. Then, we will analyze those small molecules that have reached or are currently under clinical trials, including natural products and repurposed drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Pérez-Arancibia
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marisol Cisternas-Olmedo
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Denisse Sepúlveda
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina Troncoso-Escudero
- Molecular Diagnostic and Biomarkers Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rene L. Vidal
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
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15
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Abstract
Ageing is known to be the primary risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. They are currently incurable and worsen over time, which has broad implications in the context of lifespan and healthspan extension. Adding years to life and even to physical health is suboptimal or even insufficient, if cognitive ageing is not adequately improved. In this review, we will examine how interventions that have the potential to extend lifespan in animals affect the brain, and if they would be able to thwart or delay the development of cognitive dysfunction and/or neurodegeneration. These interventions range from lifestyle (caloric restriction, physical exercise and environmental enrichment) through pharmacological (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursors, resveratrol, rapamycin, metformin, spermidine and senolytics) to epigenetic reprogramming. We argue that while many of these interventions have clear potential to improve cognitive health and resilience, large-scale and long-term randomised controlled trials are needed, along with studies utilising washout periods to determine the effects of supplementation cessation, particularly in aged individuals.
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16
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Pradhan SS, Thota SM, Rajaratnam S, Bhagavatham SKS, Pulukool SK, Rathnakumar S, Phalguna KS, Dandamudi RB, Pargaonkar A, Joseph P, Joshy EV, Sivaramakrishnan V. Integrated multi-omics analysis of Huntington disease identifies pathways that modulate protein aggregation. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049492. [PMID: 36052548 PMCID: PMC10655815 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with polyglutamine expansion in the protein huntingtin (HTT). Although the length of the polyglutamine repeat correlates with age at disease onset and severity, psychological, cognitive and behavioral complications point to the existence of disease modifiers. Mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic deregulation are both associated with the HD but, despite multi-omics characterization of patients and model systems, their mechanisms have remained elusive. Systems analysis of multi-omics data and its validation by using a yeast model could help to elucidate pathways that modulate protein aggregation. Metabolomics analysis of HD patients and of a yeast model of HD was, therefore, carried out. Our analysis showed a considerable overlap of deregulated metabolic pathways. Further, the multi-omics analysis showed deregulated pathways common in human, mice and yeast model systems, and those that are unique to them. The deregulated pathways include metabolic pathways of various amino acids, glutathione metabolism, longevity, autophagy and mitophagy. The addition of certain metabolites as well as gene knockouts targeting the deregulated metabolic and autophagy pathways in the yeast model system showed that these pathways do modulate protein aggregation. Taken together, our results showed that the modulation of deregulated pathways influences protein aggregation in HD, and has implications for progression and prognosis. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai S. Pradhan
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India515134
| | - Sai M. Thota
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India515134
| | - Saiswaroop Rajaratnam
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India515134
| | - Sai K. S. Bhagavatham
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India515134
| | - Sujith K. Pulukool
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India515134
| | - Sriram Rathnakumar
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India515134
| | - Kanikaram S. Phalguna
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India515134
| | - Rajesh B. Dandamudi
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh 515 134, India
| | - Ashish Pargaonkar
- Application Division, Agilent Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru 560048, India
| | - Prasanth Joseph
- Application Division, Agilent Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru 560048, India
| | - E. V. Joshy
- Department of Neurology, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560066, India
| | - Venketesh Sivaramakrishnan
- Disease Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India515134
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17
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Therapeutic Strategies in Huntington’s Disease: From Genetic Defect to Gene Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081895. [PMID: 36009443 PMCID: PMC9405755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the identification of an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 1 as the genetic defect causing Huntington’s disease almost 30 years ago, currently approved therapies provide only limited symptomatic relief and do not influence the age of onset or disease progression rate. Research has identified various intricate pathogenic cascades which lead to neuronal degeneration, but therapies interfering with these mechanisms have been marked by many failures and remain to be validated. Exciting new opportunities are opened by the emerging techniques which target the mutant protein DNA and RNA, allowing for “gene editing”. Although some issues relating to “off-target” effects or immune-mediated side effects need to be solved, these strategies, combined with stem cell therapies and more traditional approaches targeting specific pathogenic cascades, such as excitotoxicity and bioavailability of neurotrophic factors, could lead to significant improvement of the outcomes of treated Huntington’s disease patients.
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18
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Singh A, Agrawal N. Metabolism in Huntington's disease: a major contributor to pathology. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:1757-1771. [PMID: 34704220 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00844-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressively debilitating neurodegenerative disease exhibiting autosomal-dominant inheritance. It is caused by an unstable expansion in the CAG repeat tract of HD gene, which transforms the disease-specific Huntingtin protein (HTT) to a mutant form (mHTT). The profound neuronal death in cortico-striatal circuits led to its identification and characterisation as a neurodegenerative disease. However, equally disturbing are the concomitant whole-body manifestations affecting nearly every organ of the diseased individuals, at varying extents. Altered central and peripheral metabolism of energy, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates encompass the gross pathology of the disease. Intense fluctuation of body weight, glucose homeostasis and organ-specific subcellular abnormalities are being increasingly recognised in HD. Many of these metabolic abnormalities exist years before the neuropathological manifestations such as chorea, cognitive decline and behavioural abnormalities develop, and prove to be reliable predictors of the disease progression. In this review, we provide a consolidated overview of the central and peripheral metabolic abnormalities associated with HD, as evidenced from clinical and experimental studies. Additionally, we have discussed the potential of metabolic biomolecules to translate into efficient biomarkers for the disease onset as well as progression. Finally, we provide a brief outlook on the efficacy of existing therapies targeting metabolic remediation. While it is clear that components of altered metabolic pathways can mark many aspects of the disease, it is only conceivable that combinatorial therapies aiming for neuronal protection in consort with metabolic upliftment will prove to be more efficient than the existing symptomatic treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Namita Agrawal
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India.
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19
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Lawlor M, Zigo M, Kerns K, Cho IK, Easley IV CA, Sutovsky P. Spermatozoan Metabolism as a Non-Traditional Model for the Study of Huntington’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137163. [PMID: 35806166 PMCID: PMC9266437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease manifested through motor dysfunction and cognitive deficits. Decreased fertility is also observed in HD animal models and HD male patients, due to altered spermatogenesis and sperm function, thus resulting in reduced fertilization potential. Although some pharmaceuticals are currently utilized to mitigate HD symptoms, an effective treatment that remedies the pathogenesis of the disease is yet to be approved by the FDA. Identification of genes and relevant diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic target pathways including glycolysis and mitochondrial complex-I-dependent respiration may be advantageous for early diagnosis, management, and treatment of the disease. This review addresses the HD pathway in neuronal and sperm metabolism, including relevant gene and protein expression in both neurons and spermatozoa, indicated in the pathogenesis of HD. Furthermore, zinc-containing and zinc-interacting proteins regulate and/or are regulated by zinc ion homeostasis in both neurons and spermatozoa. Therefore, this review also aims to explore the comparative role of zinc in both neuronal and sperm function. Ongoing studies aim to characterize the products of genes implicated in HD pathogenesis that are expressed in both neurons and spermatozoa to facilitate studies of future treatment avenues in HD and HD-related male infertility. The emerging link between zinc homeostasis and the HD pathway could lead to new treatments and diagnostic methods linking genetic sperm defects with somatic comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Lawlor
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.L.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.L.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.L.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - In Ki Cho
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (I.K.C.); (C.A.E.IV)
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Charles A. Easley IV
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (I.K.C.); (C.A.E.IV)
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.L.); (M.Z.); (K.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(573)-882-3329
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20
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C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Expansion-Related Neuropathology Is Attenuated by Nasal Rifampicin in Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051080. [PMID: 35625816 PMCID: PMC9138602 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-coding GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in C9orf72 gene is a dominant cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This intronic mutation elicits the formation of nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions containing RNA, RNA-binding proteins, and HRE-derived dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), leading to neurodegeneration via the gain-of-toxic function or loss-of-function of relevant proteins. Using C9-500 mice harboring ~500 repeats of the GGGGCC sequence in human C9orf72 gene, we investigated the effects of rifampicin against HRE-related pathological phenotypes. Rifampicin was administered intranasally to 4.5- to 5-month-old mice for 1 month, and their cognitive function and neuropathology were assessed by the Morris water maze test and immunohistochemical staining. Rifampicin treatment reduced the formation of RNA foci and cytoplasmic inclusions containing DPRs or phosphorylated TDP-43, and furthermore, the levels of phosphorylated double-strand RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) that regulates repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation. Synapse loss in the hippocampus and neuronal loss and microglial activation in the prefrontal and motor cortices were also attenuated, and mouse memory was significantly improved. Our findings suggest a therapeutic potential of nasal rifampicin in the prevention of C9orf72-linked neurodegenerative disorders.
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21
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Du MR, Gao QY, Liu CL, Bai LY, Li T, Wei FL. Exploring the Pharmacological Potential of Metformin for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:838173. [PMID: 35557834 PMCID: PMC9087341 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.838173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, one of the first-line of hypoglycemic drugs, has cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, in addition to its proven hypoglycemic effects. Furthermore, the preventive and therapeutic potential of metformin for neurodegenerative diseases has become a topic of concern. Increasing research suggests that metformin can prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, many studies have investigated the neuroprotective effect of metformin in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. It has been revealed that metformin can play a neuroprotective role by regulating energy metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and protein deposition of cells, and avoiding neuronal dysfunction and neuronal death. On the contrary, some have hypothesized that metformin has a two-sided effect which may accelerate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the results of animal experiments and clinical studies are reviewed to discuss the application prospects of metformin in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Rui Du
- Department of Orthopedics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Quan-You Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chen-Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lin-Ya Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fei-Long Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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22
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García-Puga M, Saenz-Antoñanzas A, Matheu A, López de Munain A. Targeting Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 with Metformin. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052901. [PMID: 35270043 PMCID: PMC8910924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder of genetic origin. Progressive muscular weakness, atrophy and myotonia are its most prominent neuromuscular features, while additional clinical manifestations in multiple organs are also common. Overall, DM1 features resemble accelerated aging. There is currently no cure or specific treatment for myotonic dystrophy patients. However, in recent years a great effort has been made to identify potential new therapeutic strategies for DM1 patients. Metformin is a biguanide antidiabetic drug, with potential to delay aging at cellular and organismal levels. In DM1, different studies revealed that metformin rescues multiple phenotypes of the disease. This review provides an overview of recent findings describing metformin as a novel therapy to combat DM1 and their link with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel García-Puga
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain;
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain;
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED-CIBER), Carlos III Institute, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ander Saenz-Antoñanzas
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain;
| | - Ander Matheu
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain;
- Basque Foundation for Science (IKERBASQUE), 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Carlos III Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (A.L.d.M.); Tel.: +34-943-006-073 (A.M.); +34-943-006-294 (A.L.d.M.)
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain;
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED-CIBER), Carlos III Institute, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital, OSAKIDETZA, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (A.L.d.M.); Tel.: +34-943-006-073 (A.M.); +34-943-006-294 (A.L.d.M.)
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23
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Trujillo-Del Río C, Tortajada-Pérez J, Gómez-Escribano AP, Casterá F, Peiró C, Millán JM, Herrero MJ, Vázquez-Manrique RP. Metformin to treat Huntington disease: a pleiotropic drug against a multi-system disorder. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 204:111670. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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24
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Nakashima R, Nohara H, Takahashi N, Nasu A, Hayashi M, Kishimoto T, Kamei S, Fujikawa H, Maruta K, Kawakami T, Eto Y, Ueno-Shuto K, Suico MA, Kai H, Shuto T. Metformin suppresses epithelial sodium channel hyperactivation and its associated phenotypes in a mouse model of obstructive lung diseases. J Pharmacol Sci 2022; 149:37-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Vela M, García-Gimeno MA, Sanchis A, Bono-Yagüe J, Cumella J, Lagartera L, Pérez C, Priego EM, Campos A, Sanz P, Vázquez-Manrique RP, Castro A. Neuroprotective Effect of IND1316, an Indole-Based AMPK Activator, in Animal Models of Huntington Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:275-287. [PMID: 34962383 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of mutant huntingtin, because of an expanded polyglutamine track, underlies the cause of neurodegeneration in Huntington disease (HD). However, it remains unclear how some alterations at the cellular level lead to specific structural changes in HD brains. In this context, the neuroprotective effect of the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) appears to be a determinant factor in several neurodegenerative diseases, including HD. In the present work, we describe a series of indole-derived compounds able to activate AMPK at the cellular level. By using animal models of HD (both worms and mice), we demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of one of these compounds (IND1316), confirming that it can reduce the neuropathological symptoms of this disease. Taken together, in vivo results and in silico studies of druggability, allow us to suggest that IND1316 could be considered as a promising new lead compound for the treatment of HD and other central nervous system diseases in which the activation of AMPK results in neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vela
- Instituto de Química Médica, IQM-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Adelaida García-Gimeno
- Department of Biotechnology, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural (ETSIAMN), Universitat Politécnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Sanchis
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Bono-Yagüe
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Cumella
- Instituto de Química Médica, IQM-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Lagartera
- Instituto de Química Médica, IQM-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción Pérez
- Instituto de Química Médica, IQM-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva-María Priego
- Instituto de Química Médica, IQM-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela Campos
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pascual Sanz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael P. Vázquez-Manrique
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, 46012 Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Castro
- Instituto de Química Médica, IQM-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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Salvati KA, Ritger ML, Davoudian PA, O’Dell F, Wyskiel DR, Souza GMPR, Lu AC, Perez-Reyes E, Drake JC, Yan Z, Beenhakker MP. OUP accepted manuscript. Brain 2022; 145:2332-2346. [PMID: 35134125 PMCID: PMC9337815 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism regulates neuronal activity and modulates the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Here, using two rodent models of absence epilepsy, we show that hypoglycaemia increases the occurrence of spike-wave seizures. We then show that selectively disrupting glycolysis in the thalamus, a structure implicated in absence epilepsy, is sufficient to increase spike-wave seizures. We propose that activation of thalamic AMP-activated protein kinase, a sensor of cellular energetic stress and potentiator of metabotropic GABAB-receptor function, is a significant driver of hypoglycaemia-induced spike-wave seizures. We show that AMP-activated protein kinase augments postsynaptic GABAB-receptor-mediated currents in thalamocortical neurons and strengthens epileptiform network activity evoked in thalamic brain slices. Selective thalamic AMP-activated protein kinase activation also increases spike-wave seizures. Finally, systemic administration of metformin, an AMP-activated protein kinase agonist and common diabetes treatment, profoundly increased spike-wave seizures. These results advance the decades-old observation that glucose metabolism regulates thalamocortical circuit excitability by demonstrating that AMP-activated protein kinase and GABAB-receptor cooperativity is sufficient to provoke spike-wave seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Salvati
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory and Weil Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew L Ritger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Pasha A Davoudian
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- MD-PhD Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Finnegan O’Dell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Daniel R Wyskiel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - George M P R Souza
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Adam C Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Edward Perez-Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Joshua C Drake
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- The Robert M. Berne Center for Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- The Robert M. Berne Center for Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Mark P Beenhakker
- Correspondence to: Mark P. Beenhakker Department of Pharmacology University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA E-mail:
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Sritawan N, Suwannakot K, Naewla S, Chaisawang P, Aranarochana A, Sirichoat A, Pannangrong W, Wigmore P, Welbat JU. Effect of metformin treatment on memory and hippocampal neurogenesis decline correlated with oxidative stress induced by methotrexate in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112280. [PMID: 34628167 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is currently used as a first-line drug to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have demonstrated that metformin has antioxidant properties and reduces neuroinflammation and hippocampal neuronal cell loss, which eventually improves memory. Methotrexate (MTX) is an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent reported to activate cognitive impairment found in many patients. Moreover, MTX negatively affects the spatial working memory, related to neurogenesis reduction in animal models. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of metformin on the reduction of memory and neurogenesis caused by MTX. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, MTX, metformin, and MTX+metformin. MTX (75 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered on days 7 and 14. Rats were administered metformin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days. Memory was determined using novel object location (NOL) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. Furthermore, cell cycle arrest was quantified by p21 immunostaining. Levels of neuronal protein expression, scavenging enzymes activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were investigated. Rats receiving only MTX showed memory impairment. Decreases in scavenging enzyme activity and BDNF, DCX, and Nrf2 protein expressions levels were detected in the MTX-treated rats. In addition, MTX significantly increased p21-positive cell numbers and MDA levels. However, these adverse MTX effects were counteracted by co-administration with metformin. These results demonstrate that metformin can improve memory impairments, increase BDNF, DCX and Nrf2 protein expressions and antioxidant capacities, and decrease MDA levels in MTX-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataya Sritawan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Kornrawee Suwannakot
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Salinee Naewla
- Faculty of Nursing, Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Pornthip Chaisawang
- Faculty of Medical Science, Nakhonratchasima College, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Anusara Aranarochana
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Apiwat Sirichoat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Wanassanan Pannangrong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Peter Wigmore
- Queen's Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, Medical School, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Jariya Umka Welbat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neurogenesis Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
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Emerging roles of dysregulated adenosine homeostasis in brain disorders with a specific focus on neurodegenerative diseases. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:70. [PMID: 34635103 PMCID: PMC8507231 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00766-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern societies, with an increase in the older population, age-related neurodegenerative diseases have progressively become greater socioeconomic burdens. To date, despite the tremendous effort devoted to understanding neurodegenerative diseases in recent decades, treatment to delay disease progression is largely ineffective and is in urgent demand. The development of new strategies targeting these pathological features is a timely topic. It is important to note that most degenerative diseases are associated with the accumulation of specific misfolded proteins, which is facilitated by several common features of neurodegenerative diseases (including poor energy homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction). Adenosine is a purine nucleoside and neuromodulator in the brain. It is also an essential component of energy production pathways, cellular metabolism, and gene regulation in brain cells. The levels of intracellular and extracellular adenosine are thus tightly controlled by a handful of proteins (including adenosine metabolic enzymes and transporters) to maintain proper adenosine homeostasis. Notably, disruption of adenosine homeostasis in the brain under various pathophysiological conditions has been documented. In the past two decades, adenosine receptors (particularly A1 and A2A adenosine receptors) have been actively investigated as important drug targets in major degenerative diseases. Unfortunately, except for an A2A antagonist (istradefylline) administered as an adjuvant treatment with levodopa for Parkinson's disease, no effective drug based on adenosine receptors has been developed for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize the emerging findings on proteins involved in the control of adenosine homeostasis in the brain and discuss the challenges and future prospects for the development of new therapeutic treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and their associated disorders based on the understanding of adenosine homeostasis.
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Camacho-Castillo L, Phillips-Farfán BV, Rosas-Mendoza G, Baires-López A, Toral-Ríos D, Campos-Peña V, Carvajal K. Increased oxidative stress contributes to enhance brain amyloidogenesis and blunts energy metabolism in sucrose-fed rat: effect of AMPK activation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19547. [PMID: 34599229 PMCID: PMC8486781 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98983-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disturbances are linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the cellular mechanisms underlying this connection are unclear. We evaluated the role of oxidative stress (OS), during early metabolic syndrome (MetS), on amyloidogenic processes in a MetS rat model induced by sucrose. MetS caused OS damage as indicated by serum and hypothalamus lipid peroxidation and elevated serum catalase activity. Tissue catalase and superoxide dismutase activity were unchanged by MetS, but gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (NFE2L2), which up-regulates expression of antioxidant enzymes, was higher. Expression of amyloid-β cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) and amyloid precursor protein (APP), key proteins in the amyloidogenesis pathway, were slightly increased by sucrose-intake in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Activation and expression of protein kinase B (PKB) and AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), pivotal proteins in metabolism and energy signaling, were similarly affected in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of MetS rats. Brain creatine kinase activity decreased in brain tissues from rats with MetS, mainly due to irreversible oxidation. Chronic metformin administration partially reversed oxidative damage in sucrose-fed animals, together with increased AMPK activation; probably by modulating BACE-1 and NFE2L2. AMPK activation may be considered as a preventive therapy for early MetS and associated neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Camacho-Castillo
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700 C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Del. Coyoacán, 04530, CD Mexico, Mexico
| | - Bryan V Phillips-Farfán
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700 C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Del. Coyoacán, 04530, CD Mexico, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Rosas-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700 C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Del. Coyoacán, 04530, CD Mexico, Mexico
| | - Aidee Baires-López
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700 C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Del. Coyoacán, 04530, CD Mexico, Mexico
| | - Danira Toral-Ríos
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco", CD México, México
| | - Victoria Campos-Peña
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco", CD México, México
| | - Karla Carvajal
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700 C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco, Del. Coyoacán, 04530, CD Mexico, Mexico.
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Kim A, Lalonde K, Truesdell A, Gomes Welter P, Brocardo PS, Rosenstock TR, Gil-Mohapel J. New Avenues for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168363. [PMID: 34445070 PMCID: PMC8394361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the HD gene. The disease is characterized by neurodegeneration, particularly in the striatum and cortex. The first symptoms usually appear in mid-life and include cognitive deficits and motor disturbances that progress over time. Despite being a genetic disorder with a known cause, several mechanisms are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in HD, and numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted and are currently underway to test the efficacy of therapeutic approaches targeting some of these mechanisms with varying degrees of success. Although current clinical trials may lead to the identification or refinement of treatments that are likely to improve the quality of life of those living with HD, major efforts continue to be invested at the pre-clinical level, with numerous studies testing novel approaches that show promise as disease-modifying strategies. This review offers a detailed overview of the currently approved treatment options for HD and the clinical trials for this neurodegenerative disorder that are underway and concludes by discussing potential disease-modifying treatments that have shown promise in pre-clinical studies, including increasing neurotropic support, modulating autophagy, epigenetic and genetic manipulations, and the use of nanocarriers and stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kim
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Kathryn Lalonde
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Aaron Truesdell
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Priscilla Gomes Welter
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Tatiana R. Rosenstock
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-250-472-4597; Fax: +1-250-472-5505
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Rana T, Behl T, Sehgal A, Mehta V, Singh S, Bhatia S, Al-Harrasi A, Bungau S. Exploring the Role of Autophagy Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4886-4905. [PMID: 34212304 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02472-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic pathway by which misfolded proteins or damaged organelles are engulfed by autophagosomes and then transported to lysosomes for degradation. Recently, a great improvement has been done to explain the molecular mechanisms and roles of autophagy in several important cellular metabolic processes. Besides being a vital clearance pathway or a cell survival pathway in response to different stresses, autophagy dysfunction, either upregulated or down-regulated, has been suggested to be linked with numerous neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Impairment at different stages of autophagy results in the formation of large protein aggregates and damaged organelles, which leads to the onset and progression of different neurodegenerative disorders. This article elucidates the recent progress about the role of autophagy in neurodegenerative disorders and explains how autophagy dysfunction is linked with the pathogenesis of such disorders as well as the novel potential autophagy-associated therapies for treating them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarapati Rana
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
- Government Pharmacy College, Seraj, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Vineet Mehta
- Government College of Pharmacy, Rohru, Distt. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Haryana, India
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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Nikbakhtzadeh M, Shaerzadeh F, Ashabi G. Highlighting the protective or degenerative role of AMPK activators in dementia experimental models. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 20:786-801. [PMID: 34042039 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210526160214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine kinase and a driving or deterrent factor in the development of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia. AMPK affects intracellular proteins like the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α (among others) contributes to a wide range of intracellular activities based on its downstream molecules such as energy balancing (ATP synthesis), extracellular inflammation, cell growth, and neuronal cell death (such as apoptosis, necrosis, and necroptosis). Several studies have looked at the dual role of AMPK in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Huntington disease (HD) but the exact effect of this enzyme on dementia, stroke, and motor neuron dysfunction disorders has not been elucidated yet. In this article, we review current research on the effects of AMPK on the brain to give an overview of the relationship. More specifically, we review the neuroprotective or neurodegenerative effects of AMPK or AMPK activators like metformin, resveratrol, and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside on neurological diseases and dementia, which exert through the intracellular molecules involved in neuronal survival or death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Nikbakhtzadeh
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Shaerzadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine and McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, United States
| | - Ghorbangol Ashabi
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Garcia-Gil M, Camici M, Allegrini S, Pesi R, Tozzi MG. Metabolic Aspects of Adenosine Functions in the Brain. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:672182. [PMID: 34054547 PMCID: PMC8160517 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.672182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine, acting both through G-protein coupled adenosine receptors and intracellularly, plays a complex role in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes by modulating neuronal plasticity, astrocytic activity, learning and memory, motor function, feeding, control of sleep and aging. Adenosine is involved in stroke, epilepsy and neurodegenerative pathologies. Extracellular concentration of adenosine in the brain is tightly regulated. Adenosine may be generated intracellularly in the central nervous system from degradation of AMP or from the hydrolysis of S-adenosyl homocysteine, and then exit via bi-directional nucleoside transporters, or extracellularly by the metabolism of released nucleotides. Inactivation of extracellular adenosine occurs by transport into neurons or neighboring cells, followed by either phosphorylation to AMP by adenosine kinase or deamination to inosine by adenosine deaminase. Modulation of the nucleoside transporters or of the enzymatic activities involved in the metabolism of adenosine, by affecting the levels of this nucleoside and the activity of adenosine receptors, could have a role in the onset or the development of central nervous system disorders, and can also be target of drugs for their treatment. In this review, we focus on the contribution of 5'-nucleotidases, adenosine kinase, adenosine deaminase, AMP deaminase, AMP-activated protein kinase and nucleoside transporters in epilepsy, cognition, and neurodegenerative diseases with a particular attention on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease. We include several examples of the involvement of components of the adenosine metabolism in learning and of the possible use of modulators of enzymes involved in adenosine metabolism or nucleoside transporters in the amelioration of cognition deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Garcia-Gil
- Department of Biology, Unit of Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marcella Camici
- Department of Biology, Unit of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Allegrini
- Department of Biology, Unit of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rossana Pesi
- Department of Biology, Unit of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Tozzi
- Department of Biology, Unit of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Obesity and aging: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101268. [PMID: 33556548 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The epidemic of obesity is a major challenge for health policymakers due to its far-reaching effects on population health and potentially overwhelming financial burden on healthcare systems. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing acute and chronic diseases, including hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Interestingly, the metabolic dysregulation associated with obesity is similar to that observed in normal aging, and substantial evidence suggests the potential of obesity to accelerate aging. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of fat tissue dysfunction in obesity could provide insights into the processes that contribute to the metabolic dysfunction associated with the aging process. Here, we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying both obesity and aging, and how obesity and aging can predispose individuals to chronic health complications. The potential of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions to counter obesity and obesity-related pathologies, as well as aging, is also addressed.
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Hu D, Xie F, Xiao Y, Lu C, Zhong J, Huang D, Chen J, Wei J, Jiang Y, Zhong T. Metformin: A Potential Candidate for Targeting Aging Mechanisms. Aging Dis 2021; 12:480-493. [PMID: 33815878 PMCID: PMC7990352 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2020.0702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a universal phenomenon in all biological organisms, defined by the loss of reproductive capacity and a progressive decline in fitness. In humans, aging is further associated with an increased incidence of disease conditions. The current aging population has become a primary public burden of the 21st century. Therefore, to delay the aging process and maintain fitness in the aging population, the discovery of novel anti-aging drugs remains an urgent need. In recent years, metformin, a widely used hypoglycemic drug, has attracted growing attention in the field of anti-aging research. Reportedly, numerous studies have indicated that metformin regulates aging-related pathways, possibly delaying the aging process by modulating these pathways. The elucidation of these anti-aging effects may provide insights into the age-retarding potential of metformin. The present review focuses on the predominant molecular mechanisms associated with aging, as well as the anti-aging effects of metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Die Hu
- 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,2Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Xie
- 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,2Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yongwei Xiao
- 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,2Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Chen Lu
- 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jianing Zhong
- 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,3Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Defa Huang
- 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,4Precision Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,2Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jifu Wei
- 4Precision Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- 5Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Tianyu Zhong
- 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,2Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,4Precision Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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36
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Baban B, Braun M, Khodadadi H, Ward A, Alverson K, Malik A, Nguyen K, Nazarian S, Hess DC, Forseen S, Post AF, Vale FL, Vender JR, Hoda MN, Akbari O, Vaibhav K, Dhandapani KM. AMPK induces regulatory innate lymphoid cells after traumatic brain injury. JCI Insight 2021; 6:126766. [PMID: 33427206 PMCID: PMC7821592 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.126766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The CNS is regarded as an immunoprivileged organ, evading routine immune surveillance; however, the coordinated development of immune responses profoundly influences outcomes after brain injury. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are cytokine-producing cells that are critical for the initiation, modulation, and resolution of inflammation, but the functional relevance and mechanistic regulation of ILCs are unexplored after acute brain injury. We demonstrate increased proliferation of all ILC subtypes within the meninges for up to 1 year after experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI) while ILCs were present within resected dura and elevated within cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of moderate-to-severe TBI patients. In line with energetic derangements after TBI, inhibition of the metabolic regulator, AMPK, increased meningeal ILC expansion, whereas AMPK activation suppressed proinflammatory ILC1/ILC3 and increased the frequency of IL-10-expressing ILC2 after TBI. Moreover, intracisternal administration of IL-33 activated AMPK, expanded ILC2, and suppressed ILC1 and ILC3 within the meninges of WT and Rag1-/- mice, but not Rag1-/- IL2rg-/- mice. Taken together, we identify AMPK as a brake on the expansion of proinflammatory, CNS-resident ILCs after brain injury. These findings establish a mechanistic framework whereby immunometabolic modulation of ILCs may direct the specificity, timing, and magnitude of cerebral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Surgery.,Department of Neurology
| | | | - Hesam Khodadadi
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Neurology
| | | | | | - Aneeq Malik
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Skon Nazarian
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Scott Forseen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | - Md Nasrul Hoda
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Omid Akbari
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, and
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37
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Mitochondria and Neurodegenerative Diseases. SYSTEMS MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801238-3.11474-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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38
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Is metformin a geroprotector? A peek into the current clinical and experimental data. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 191:111350. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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39
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Chen X, Wu W, Gong B, Hou L, Dong X, Xu C, Zhao R, Yu Q, Zhou Z, Huang S, Chen L. Metformin attenuates cadmium-induced neuronal apoptosis in vitro via blocking ROS-dependent PP5/AMPK-JNK signaling pathway. Neuropharmacology 2020; 175:108065. [PMID: 32209321 PMCID: PMC7492486 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), a toxic environment contaminant, induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated neuronal apoptosis and consequential neurodegenerative disorders. Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, has recently received a great attention owing to its protection against neurodegenerative diseases. However, little is known regarding the effect of metformin on Cd-induced neurotoxicity. Here we show that metformin effectively prevented Cd-evoked apoptotic cell death in neuronal cells, by suppressing Cd activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), which was attributed to blocking Cd inactivation of protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Inhibition of JNK with SP600125, knockdown of c-Jun, or overexpression of PP5 potentiated metformin's inhibitory effect on Cd-induced phosphorylation of JNK/c-Jun and apoptosis. Activation of AMPK with AICAR or ectopic expression of constitutively active AMPKα strengthened the inhibitory effects of metformin on Cd-induced phosphorylation of JNK/c-Jun and apoptosis, whereas expression of dominant negative AMPKα weakened these effects of metformin. Metformin repressed Cd-induced ROS, thereby diminishing cell death. N-acetyl-l-cysteine enhanced the inhibitory effects of metformin on Cd-induced ROS and apoptosis. Moreover, using Mito-TEMPO, we further demonstrated that metformin attenuated Cd-induced cell death by suppressing induction of mitochondrial ROS. Taken together, these results indicate that metformin prevents mitochondrial ROS inactivation of PP5 and AMPK, thus attenuating Cd-induced JNK activation and apoptosis in neuronal cells. Our data highlight that metformin may be a promising drug for prevention of Cd-induced oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Wen Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Baoming Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Long Hou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Dong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Chong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Qianyun Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Zhihan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Shile Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71130-3932, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71130-3932, USA.
| | - Long Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
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Soo SK, Rudich PD, Traa A, Harris-Gauthier N, Shields HJ, Van Raamsdonk JM. Compounds that extend longevity are protective in neurodegenerative diseases and provide a novel treatment strategy for these devastating disorders. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 190:111297. [PMID: 32610099 PMCID: PMC7484136 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While aging is the greatest risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative disease, the role of aging in these diseases is poorly understood. In the inherited forms of these diseases, the disease-causing mutation is present from birth but symptoms appear decades later. This indicates that these mutations are well tolerated in younger individuals but not in older adults. Based on this observation, we hypothesized that changes taking place during normal aging make the cells in the brain (and elsewhere) susceptible to the disease-causing mutations. If so, then delaying some of these age-related changes may be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we examine the effects of five compounds that have been shown to extend longevity (metformin, rapamycin, resveratrol, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, curcumin) in four of the most common neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). While not all investigations observe a beneficial effect of these compounds, there are multiple studies that show a protective effect of each of these lifespan-extending compounds in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Combined with genetic studies, this suggests the possibility that targeting the aging process may be an effective strategy to treat neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja K Soo
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Paige D Rudich
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Annika Traa
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Namasthée Harris-Gauthier
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Hazel J Shields
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Sritawan N, Prajit R, Chaisawang P, Sirichoat A, Pannangrong W, Wigmore P, Welbat JU. Metformin alleviates memory and hippocampal neurogenesis decline induced by methotrexate chemotherapy in a rat model. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110651. [PMID: 32841896 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic drug commonly used to treat cancers that has an adverse effect on patients' cognition. Metformin is a primary treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus that can pass through the blood-brain barrier. Metformin has neuroprotective actions, which can improve memory. In the present study, we examined the ability of metformin in MTX chemotherapy-generated cognitive and hippocampal neurogenesis alterations. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into control, MTX, metformin, preventive, and throughout groups. MTX (75 mg/kg/day) was given intravenously on days 7 and 14 of the study. Metformin (200 mg/kg/day) was injected intraperitoneally for 14 days. Some of the MTX-treated rats received co-treatment with metformin once a day for either 14 (preventive) or 28 days (throughout). After treatment, memory ability was evaluated using novel object location and novel object recognition tests. Ki67 (proliferating cells), BrdU (survival cells), and doublecortin (immature neurons, DCX) positive cells in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus were quantified. We found that reductions of cognition, the number of proliferating and survival cells and immature neurons in the SGZ were ameliorated in the co-treatment groups, which suggests that metformin can prevent memory and hippocampal neurogenesis impairments induced by MTX in adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataya Sritawan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Ram Prajit
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Pornthip Chaisawang
- Faculty of Medical Science, Nakhonratchasima College, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
| | - Apiwat Sirichoat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Wanassanan Pannangrong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Peter Wigmore
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Jariya Umka Welbat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Neuroscience Research and Development Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
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42
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Reid JJ, Linden MA, Peelor FF, Miller RA, Hamilton KL, Miller BF. Brain Protein Synthesis Rates in the UM-HET3 Mouse Following Treatment With Rapamycin or Rapamycin With Metformin. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 75:40-49. [PMID: 30864661 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin (RAP), alone and in combination with the antidiabetic drug, metformin (RAP+MET), extends lifespan in mice. The mechanisms underlying lifespan extension are unclear. One possibility is improved capacity for proteostatic maintenance. We have previously characterized peripheral protein synthesis rates following treatment with RAP. However, it is unknown if RAP+MET elicits similar changes, or if either treatment affects protein synthesis in the brain. We hypothesized that 8 weeks of treatment with RAP and RAP+MET would alter brain protein synthesis rates to reflect proteostatic processes. Using the stable isotopic tracer, deuterium oxide (D2O), we demonstrate in UM-HET3 mice that protein synthesis rates measured in whole brain were unaffected by treatment in young male mice, whereas RAP+MET decreased mitochondrial protein synthesis in young females. Conversely, RAP increased mitochondrial protein synthesis rates in older females. Activity through the AMPK/mTOR pathway was affected in a sex-specific manner in young mice, and minimal changes were observed in the older cohort. Thus, we establish D2O for measurements of biogenesis in the brain. These results provide initial insights into the effects of RAP and RAP+MET on brain protein synthesis. Additionally, these data emphasize that responses to slowed aging treatments vary with sex and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Reid
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City
| | - Melissa A Linden
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
| | - Frederick F Peelor
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City
| | - Richard A Miller
- Department of Pathology and Paul F. Glenn Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Karyn L Hamilton
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
| | - Benjamin F Miller
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City
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43
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Zu T, Guo S, Bardhi O, Ryskamp DA, Li J, Khoramian Tusi S, Engelbrecht A, Klippel K, Chakrabarty P, Nguyen L, Golde TE, Sonenberg N, Ranum LPW. Metformin inhibits RAN translation through PKR pathway and mitigates disease in C9orf72 ALS/FTD mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:18591-18599. [PMID: 32690681 PMCID: PMC7414156 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2005748117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat associated non-AUG (RAN) translation is found in a growing number of microsatellite expansion diseases, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We show that RAN translation is highly regulated by the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR). In cells, structured CAG, CCUG, CAGG, and G4C2 expansion RNAs activate PKR, which leads to increased levels of multiple RAN proteins. Blocking PKR using PKR-K296R, the TAR RNA binding protein or PKR-KO cells, reduces RAN protein levels. p-PKR is elevated in C9orf72 ALS/FTD human and mouse brains, and inhibiting PKR in C9orf72 BAC transgenic mice using AAV-PKR-K296R or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug metformin, decreases RAN proteins, and improves behavior and pathology. In summary, targeting PKR, including by use of metformin, is a promising therapeutic approach for C9orf72 ALS/FTD and other expansion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zu
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Shu Guo
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Olgert Bardhi
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Daniel A Ryskamp
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Jian Li
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Solaleh Khoramian Tusi
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Avery Engelbrecht
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Kelena Klippel
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Paramita Chakrabarty
- Center for Translation Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Lien Nguyen
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Todd E Golde
- Center for Translation Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, A3A 1A3, Canada;
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610;
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
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44
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Gómez-Escribano AP, Bono-Yagüe J, García-Gimeno MA, Sequedo MD, Hervás D, Fornés-Ferrer V, Torres-Sánchez SC, Millán JM, Sanz P, Vázquez-Manrique RP. Synergistic activation of AMPK prevents from polyglutamine-induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105105. [PMID: 32739430 PMCID: PMC7755709 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Expression of abnormally long polyglutamine (polyQ) tracks is the source of a range of dominant neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington disease. Currently, there is no treatment for this devastating disease, although some chemicals, e.g., metformin, have been proposed as therapeutic solutions. In this work, we show that metformin, together with salicylate, can synergistically reduce the number of aggregates produced after polyQ expression in Caenorhabditis elegans. Moreover, we demonstrate that incubation polyQ-stressed worms with low doses of both chemicals restores neuronal functionality. Both substances are pleitotropic and may activate a range of different targets. However, we demonstrate in this report that the beneficial effect induced by the combination of these drugs depends entirely on the catalytic action of AMPK, since loss of function mutants of aak-2/AMPKα2 do not respond to the treatment. To further investigate the mechanism of the synergetic activity of metformin/salicylate, we used CRISPR to generate mutant alleles of the scaffolding subunit of AMPK, aakb-1/AMPKβ1. In addition, we used an RNAi strategy to silence the expression of the second AMPKβ subunit in worms, namely aakb-2/AMPKβ2. In this work, we demonstrated that both regulatory subunits of AMPK are modulators of protein homeostasis. Interestingly, only aakb-2/AMPKβ2 is required for the synergistic action of metformin/salicylate to reduce polyQ aggregation. Finally, we showed that autophagy acts downstream of metformin/salicylate-related AMPK activation to promote healthy protein homeostasis in worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Gómez-Escribano
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain; Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Bono-Yagüe
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, Valencia, Spain
| | - M A García-Gimeno
- Department of Biotechnology, Escuela Técnica Superior De Ingeniería Agronómica y Del Medio Natural (ETSIAMN), Universitat Politécnica De València, Valencia, Spain
| | - M D Sequedo
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain; Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, Valencia, Spain
| | - D Hervás
- Department of Biostatistics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - V Fornés-Ferrer
- Tau Analytics, Parc Científic De La Universitat De València, Paterna, Spain
| | - S C Torres-Sánchez
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - J M Millán
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain; Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, Valencia, Spain
| | - P Sanz
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain; Instituto De Biomedicina De València, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - R P Vázquez-Manrique
- Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain; Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe-CIPF, Valencia, Spain.
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45
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Evaluation of the ameliorative effects of oral administration of metformin on epileptogenesis in the temporal lobe epilepsy model in rats. Life Sci 2020; 257:118066. [PMID: 32652135 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis is necessary to target the best therapeutic interventions in epilepsy. Recently, it has been postulated that metformin, an old antidiabetic oral drug, has anti-seizure properties mostly due to its antioxidant activities. This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of metformin on the progression of epilepsy in the temporal lobe epilepsy model in rats. MAIN METHODS Temporal lobe Epilepsy was induced by intracerebroventricular microinjection of kainic acid. Metformin was orally administered for two weeks before induction of epilepsy. Anti-epileptogenic activity of metformin was evaluated by intracranial electroencepholography (IEEG) recording to detect spontaneous seizures, mossy fiber sprouting by Timm staining, neurogenesis by BrdU staining. KEY FINDINGS Oral administration of metformin prior to kainite-induced status epilepticus blocked the variant characterizations of epileptogenesis like neuronal cell death, aberrant neurogenesis, mossy fiber sprouting, and spontaneous seizures. SIGNIFICANCE These findings indicate that metformin has potential anti-epileptogenic properties in temporal lobe epilepsy.
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46
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Brás IC, König A, Outeiro TF. Glycation in Huntington's Disease: A Possible Modifier and Target for Intervention. J Huntingtons Dis 2020; 8:245-256. [PMID: 31322580 PMCID: PMC6839463 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-190366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Glycation is the non-enzymatic reaction between reactive dicarbonyls and amino groups, and gives rise to a variety of different reaction products known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Accumulation of AGEs on proteins is inevitable, and is associated with the aging process. Importantly, glycation is highly relevant in diabetic patients that experience periods of hyperglycemia. AGEs also play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Huntington’s disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease caused by an expansion of a CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene. The resulting expanded polyglutamine stretch in the huntingtin (HTT) protein induces its misfolding and aggregation, leading to neuronal dysfunction and death. HD patients exhibit chorea and psychiatric disturbances, along with abnormalities in glucose and energy homeostasis. Interestingly, an increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been reported in HD and in other CAG triplet repeat disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying the connection between glycation and HD progression remain unclear. In this review, we explore the possible connection between glycation and proteostasis imbalances in HD, and posit that it may contribute to disease progression, possibly by accelerating protein aggregation and deposition. Finally, we review therapeutic interventions that might be able to alleviate the negative impact of glycation in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Caldeira Brás
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Annekatrin König
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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47
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Chaudhari K, Wang J, Xu Y, Winters A, Wang L, Dong X, Cheng EY, Liu R, Yang SH. Determination of metformin bio-distribution by LC-MS/MS in mice treated with a clinically relevant paradigm. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234571. [PMID: 32525922 PMCID: PMC7289415 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, an anti-diabetes drug, has been recently emerging as a potential “anti-aging” intervention based on its reported beneficial actions against aging in preclinical studies. Nonetheless, very few metformin studies using mice have determined metformin concentrations and many effects of metformin have been observed in preclinical studies using doses/concentrations that were not relevant to therapeutic levels in human. We developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry protocol for metformin measurement in plasma, liver, brain, kidney, and muscle of mice. Young adult male and female C57BL/6 mice were voluntarily treated with metformin of 4 mg/ml in drinking water which translated to the maximum dose of 2.5 g/day in humans. A clinically relevant steady-state plasma metformin concentrations were achieved at 7 and 30 days after treatment in male and female mice. Metformin concentrations were slightly higher in muscle than in plasma, while, ~3 and 6-fold higher in the liver and kidney than in plasma, respectively. Low metformin concentration was found in the brain at ~20% of the plasma level. Furthermore, gender difference in steady-state metformin bio-distribution was observed. Our study established steady-state metformin levels in plasma, liver, muscle, kidney, and brain of normoglycemic mice treated with a clinically relevant dose, providing insight into future metformin preclinical studies for potential clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Chaudhari
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Pharmaceutical analysis core lab, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ali Winters
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Linshu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xiaowei Dong
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eric Y. Cheng
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shao-Hua Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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48
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Tang BL. Could metformin be therapeutically useful in Huntington's disease? Rev Neurosci 2020; 31:297-317. [PMID: 31751298 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2019-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggest that dimethylbiguanide (metformin), a first-line drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus, could be neuroprotective in a range of brain pathologies, which include neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury. However, there are also contraindications that associate metformin treatment with cognitive impairment as well as adverse outcomes in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease animal models. Recently, a beneficial effect of metformin in animal models of Huntington's disease (HD) has been strengthened by multiple reports. In this brief review, the findings associated with the effects of metformin in attenuating neurodegenerative diseases are discussed, focusing on HD-associated pathology and the potential underlying mechanisms highlighted by these studies. The mechanism of action of metformin is complex, and its therapeutic efficacy is therefore expected to be dependent on the disease context. The key metabolic pathways that are effectively affected by metformin, such as AMP-activated protein kinase activation, may be altered in the later decades of the human lifespan. In this regard, metformin may nonetheless be therapeutically useful for neurological diseases with early pathological onsets, such as HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Luen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 117596, Singapore.,NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Medical Drive, Singapore 119077, Singapore
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49
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Metformin and cognition from the perspectives of sex, age, and disease. GeroScience 2020; 42:97-116. [PMID: 31897861 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-019-00146-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is the safest and the most widely prescribed first-line therapy for managing hyperglycemia due to different underlying causes, primarily type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to its euglycemic properties, metformin has stimulated a wave of clinical trials to investigate benefits on aging-related diseases and longevity. Such an impact on the lifespan extension would undoubtedly expand the therapeutic utility of metformin regardless of glycemic status. However, there is a scarcity of studies evaluating whether metformin has differential cognitive effects across age, sex, glycemic status, metformin dose, and duration of metformin treatment and associated pathological conditions. By scrutinizing the available literature on animal and human studies for metformin and brain function, we expect to shed light on the potential impact of metformin on cognition across age, sex, and pathological conditions. This review aims to provide readers with a broader insight of (a) how metformin differentially affects cognition and (b) why there is a need for more translational and clinical studies examining multifactorial interactions. The outcomes of such comprehensive studies will streamline precision medicine practices, avoiding "fit for all" approach, and optimizing metformin use for longevity benefit irrespective of hyperglycemia.
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50
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Markowicz-Piasecka M, Huttunen KM, Sadkowska A, Sikora J. Pleiotropic Activity of Metformin and Its Sulfonamide Derivatives on Vascular and Platelet Haemostasis. Molecules 2019; 25:E125. [PMID: 31905674 PMCID: PMC6982810 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25010125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) predisposes patients to endothelial cell injury and dysfunction, improvement of vascular function should be an important target for therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of metformin, its sulfenamide and sulfonamide derivatives on selected parameters of endothelial and smooth muscle cell function, and platelet activity. Metformin was not found to significantly affect the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or aortal smooth muscle cells (AoSMC); however, it decreased cell migration by approximately 21.8% in wound healing assays after 24 h stimulation (wound closure 32.5 µm versus 41.5 µm for control). Metformin reduced platelet aggregation manifested by 19.0% decrease in maximum of aggregation (Amax), and 20% reduction in initial platelet aggregation velocity (v0). Furthermore, metformin decreased spontaneous platelet adhesion by 27.7% and ADP-induced adhesion to fibrinogen by 29.6% in comparison to control. Metformin sulfenamide with an n-butyl alkyl chain (compound 1) appeared to exert the most unfavourable effects on AoSMC cell viability (IC50 = 0.902 ± 0.015 μmol/mL), while 4-nitrobenzenesulfonamide (compound 3) and 2-nitrobenzenesulfonamide (compound 4) derivatives of metformin did not affect AoSMC and HUVEC viability at concentrations up to 2.0 μmol/mL. These compounds were also found to significantly reduce migration of smooth muscle cells by approximately 81.0%. Furthermore, sulfonamides 3 and 4 decreased the initial velocity of platelet aggregation by 11.8% and 20.6%, respectively, and ADP-induced platelet adhesion to fibrinogen by 76.3% and 65.6%. Metformin and its p- and o-nitro-benzenesulfonamide derivatives 3, 4 appear to exert beneficial effects on some parameters of vascular and platelet haemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Markowicz-Piasecka
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Kristiina M. Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, POB 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Adrianna Sadkowska
- Students Research Group, Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Joanna Sikora
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
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