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Zhang R, He X, Cheng J, Zhang X, Han C, Liu Y, Chen P, Wang Y. (m) RVD-hemopressin (α) Ameliorated Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis and Damage to the BDNF/TrkB/Akt Pathway Induced by Scopolamine in HT22 Cells. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:627-637. [PMID: 37971633 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00677-w] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction in the cholinergic system and oxidative stress are closely related and play roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Scopolamine (Scop), which is commonly used to induce cholinergic system damage in cells and animals, also evokes oxidative stress. Our previous study indicated that the peptide (m) RVD-hemopressin (RVD) reversed the memory-impairing effect of Scop in mice by activating cannabinoid receptor 1 (CBR1), but the mechanism was unclear. In this study, we found that RVD inhibited the oxidative stress, apoptosis, decreased cell viability and downregulation of synapse-associated proteins induced by Scop in HT22 cells. The effect was associated with the BDNF/TrkB/Akt pathway, and the effects of RVD outlined above could be blocked by an antagonist of CBR1. These results suggest that RVD may be a potential drug candidate for disorders associated with damage to the cholinergic system and oxidative stress, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruisan Zhang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Xinliang He
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Jianghong Cheng
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Chen Han
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China.
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Recinella L, Libero ML, Veschi S, Piro A, Marconi GD, Diomede F, Chiavaroli A, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Florio R, Lamolinara A, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Salvatori R, Brunetti L, Leone S. Effects of GHRH Deficiency and GHRH Antagonism on Emotional Disorders in Mice. Cells 2023; 12:2615. [PMID: 37998350 PMCID: PMC10670114 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222615] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH) has been suggested to play a crucial role in brain function. We aimed to further investigate the effects of a novel GHRH antagonist of the Miami (MIA) series, MIA-602, on emotional disorders and explore the relationships between the endocrine system and mood disorders. In this context, the effects induced by MIA-602 were also analyzed in comparison to vehicle-treated mice with GH deficiency due to generalized ablation of the GHRH gene (GHRH knock out (GHRHKO)). We show that the chronic subcutaneous administration of MIA-602 to wild type (+/+) mice, as well as generalized ablation of the GHRH gene, is associated with anxiolytic and antidepressant behavior. Moreover, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses suggested an evident activation of Nrf2, HO1, and NQO1 in the prefrontal cortex of both +/+ mice treated with MIA-602 (+/+ MIA-602) and homozygous GHRHKO (-/- control) animals. Finally, we also found significantly decreased COX-2, iNOS, NFkB, and TNF-α gene expressions, as well as increased P-AKT and AKT levels in +/+ MIA-602 and -/- control animals compared to +/+ mice treated with vehicle (+/+ control). We hypothesize that the generalized ablation of the GHRH gene leads to a dysregulation of neural pathways, which is mimicked by GHRH antagonist treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Maria Loreta Libero
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Anna Piro
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Guya Diletta Marconi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.M.); (F.D.)
| | - Francesca Diomede
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.M.); (F.D.)
| | - Annalisa Chiavaroli
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Rosalba Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Alessia Lamolinara
- Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (R.C.); (W.S.); (A.V.S.)
- Division of Medical/Oncology and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (R.C.); (W.S.); (A.V.S.)
- Division of Medical/Oncology and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (R.C.); (W.S.); (A.V.S.)
- Division of Medical/Oncology and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Roberto Salvatori
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (S.V.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Veschi S, Cama A, Marconi GD, Diomede F, Gesmundo I, Granata R, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Brunetti L, Leone S. Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor antagonist MIA-602 in mice with emotional disorders: a potential treatment for PTSD. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7465-7474. [PMID: 34331008 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01228-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression have been suggested to increase the risk for post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). A link between all these mental illnesses, inflammation and oxidative stress is also well established. Recent behavior studies by our group clearly demonstrate a powerful anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of a novel growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonist of MIAMI class, MIA-690, probably related to modulatory effects on the inflammatory and oxidative status. In the present work we investigated the potential beneficial effects of MIA-602, another recently developed GHRH antagonist, in mood disorders, as anxiety and depression, and the possible brain pathways involved in its protective activity, in adult mice. MIA-602 exhibited antinflammatory and antioxidant effects in ex vivo and in vivo experimental models, inducing anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavior in mice subcutaneously treated for 4 weeks. The beneficial effect of MIA-602 on inflammatory and oxidative status and synaptogenesis resulting in anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects could be related by increases of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These results strongly suggest that GHRH analogs should be tried clinically for the treatment of mood disorders including PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chiavaroli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Guya Diletta Marconi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Diomede
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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4
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Dimmito MP, Stefanucci A, Della Valle A, Scioli G, Cichelli A, Mollica A. An overview on plants cannabinoids endorsed with cardiovascular effects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:111963. [PMID: 34332376 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major causes for the reduction of the quality of life. The endocannabinoid system is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders due to its involvement in vasomotor control, cardiac contractility, blood pressure and vascular inflammation. Alteration in cannabinoid signalling can be often related to cardiotoxicity, circulatory shock, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Plants have been the major sources of medicines until modern eras in which researchers are experiencing a rediscovery of natural compounds as novel therapeutics. One of the most versatile plant is Cannabis sativa L., containing phytocannabinoids that may play a role in the treatment of CVDs. The aim of this review is to collect and investigate several less studied plants rich in cannabinoid-like active compounds able to interact with cannabinoid system; these plants may play a pivotal role in the treatment of disorders related to the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Alice Della Valle
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scioli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angelo Cichelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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5
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Glasmacher S, Gertsch J. Characterization of pepcan-23 as pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) and stability of hemopressins in mice. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 80:100808. [PMID: 33799079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressins ((x)-PVNFKLLSH) or peptide endocannabinoids (pepcans) can bind to cannabinoid receptors. RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) was shown to act as endogenous allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptors, with opposite effects on CB1 and CB2, respectively. Moreover, the N-terminally elongated pepcan-23 was detected in different tissues and was postulated to be the pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin. Currently, data about the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and stability of hemopressin-type peptides are lacking. Here we investigated the secondary structure and physiological role of pepcan-23 as precursor of RVD-hemopressin. We assessed the metabolic stability of these peptides, including hemopressin. Using LC-ESI-MS/MS, pepcan-23 was measured in mouse tissues and human whole blood (~50 pmol/mL) and in plasma was the most stable endogenous peptide containing the hemopressin sequence. Using peptide spiked human whole blood, mouse adrenal gland and liver homogenates demonstrate that pepcan-23 acts as endogenous pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin. Furthermore, administered pepcan-23 converted to RVD-hemopressin in mice. In circular dichroism spectroscopy, pepcan-23 showed a helix-unordered-helix structure and efficiently formed complexes with divalent metal ions, in particular Cu(II) and Ni(II). Hemopressin and RVD-hemopressin were not bioavailable to the brain and showed poor stability in plasma, in agreement with their overall poor biodistribution. Acute hemopressin administration (100 mg/kg) did not modulate endogenous RVD-hemopressin/pepcan-23 levels or influence the endocannabinoid lipidome but increased 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol. Overall, we show that pepcan-23 is a biological pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin and divalent metal ions may regulate this process. Given the lack of metabolic stability of hemopressins, administration of pepcan-23 as pro-peptide may be suitable in pharmacological experiments as it is converted to RVD-hemopressin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Glasmacher
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Mielnik CA, Lam VM, Ross RA. CB 1 allosteric modulators and their therapeutic potential in CNS disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110163. [PMID: 33152384 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CB1 is the most abundant GPCR found in the mammalian brain. It has garnered considerable attention as a potential therapeutic drug target. CB1 is involved in a wide range of physiological and psychiatric processes and has the potential to be targeted in a wide range of disease states. However, most of the selective and non-selective synthetic CB1 agonists and antagonists/inverse agonists developed to date are primarily used as research tools. No novel synthetic cannabinoids are currently in the clinic for use in psychiatric illness; synthetic analogues of the phytocannabinoid THC are on the market to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, along with off-label use for pain. Novel strategies are being explored to target CB1, but with emphasis on the elimination or mitigation of the potential psychiatric adverse effects that are observed by central agonism/antagonism of CB1. New pharmacological options are being pursued that may avoid these adverse effects while preserving the potential therapeutic benefits of CB1 modulation. Allosteric modulation of CB1 is one such approach. In this review, we will summarize and critically analyze both the in vitro characterization and in vivo validation of CB1 allosteric modulators developed to date, with a focus on CNS therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine A Mielnik
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Vincent M Lam
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ruth A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Heimann AS, Dale CS, Guimarães FS, Reis RAM, Navon A, Shmuelov MA, Rioli V, Gomes I, Devi LL, Ferro ES. Hemopressin as a breakthrough for the cannabinoid field. Neuropharmacology 2021; 183:108406. [PMID: 33212113 PMCID: PMC8609950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH in rats, and PVNFKLLSH in humans and mice), a fragment derived from the α-chain of hemoglobin, was the first peptide described to have type 1 cannabinoid receptor activity. While hemopressin was shown to have inverse agonist/antagonistic activity, extended forms of hemopressin (i.e. RVD-hemopressin, also called pepcan-12) exhibit type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptor agonistic/allosteric activity, and recent studies suggest that they can activate intracellular mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors. Therefore, hemopressin and hemopressin-related peptides could have location-specific and biased pharmacological action, which would increase the possibilities for fine-tunning and broadening cannabinoid receptor signal transduction. Consistent with this, hemopressins were shown to play a role in a number of physiological processes including antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, regulation of food intake, learning and memory. The shortest active hemopressin fragment, NFKF, delays the first seizure induced by pilocarpine, and prevents neurodegeneration in an experimental model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These functions of hemopressins could be due to engagement of both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptor systems. Self-assembled nanofibrils of hemopressin have pH-sensitive switchable surface-active properties, and show potential as inflammation and cancer targeted drug-delivery systems. Upon disruption of the self-assembled hemopressin nanofibril emulsion, the intrinsic analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of hemopressin could help bolster the therapeutic effect of anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer formulations. In this article, we briefly review the molecular and behavioral pharmacological properties of hemopressins, and summarize studies on the intricate and unique mode of generation and binding of these peptides to cannabinoid receptors. Thus, the review provides a window into the current status of hemopressins in expanding the repertoire of signaling and activity by the endocannabinoid system, in addition to their new potential for pharmaceutic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila S Dale
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A M Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Federal University, 21949-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ami Navon
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Michal A Shmuelov
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Vanessa Rioli
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (LETA), Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CETICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lakshmi L Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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8
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Zhang R, Lao K, Lu B, Guo H, Cheng J, Chen P, Gou X. (m)RVD-hemopressin (α) and (m)VD-hemopressin (α) improve the memory-impairing effect of scopolamine in novel object and object location recognition tasks in mice. Peptides 2021; 136:170442. [PMID: 33171279 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of cholinergic system plays an important role in disease associated with cognitive blockage, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Central administration of scopolamine, an antagonist of acetylcholine receptor, could induce memory impairment in mice. Endocannabinoid system was also implicated in AD, as two peptides agonists of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R), (m)RVD-hemopressin (α) (RVD) and (m)VD-hemopressin (α) (VD) have been reported to inhibit the AD-relating impairment in animal and cell models. More than one-third of the cholinergic cells expressed CB1R, so we speculated that RVD and VD might have ability to inhibit the memory-impairing effect of scopolamine. Our results showed RVD and VD ameliorated the memory toxicity of scopolamine, and the effects of the two peptides could be blocked by CB1R antagonists hemopressin (Hp) and AM251 in novel object and object location recognition tasks in mice. This study suggested that RVD and VD might be potential compounds for the treatment of the disease associated with impairment of cholinergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruisan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Kejing Lao
- Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Baiyu Lu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Huifang Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Jianghong Cheng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China.
| | - Xingchun Gou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China; Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China.
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9
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Riquelme-Sandoval A, de Sá-Ferreira CO, Miyakoshi LM, Hedin-Pereira C. New Insights Into Peptide Cannabinoids: Structure, Biosynthesis and Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596572. [PMID: 33362550 PMCID: PMC7759141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous lipids, of which the best known are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their enzyme machinery for synthesis and degradation and their specific receptors, cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor two (CB2). However, endocannabinoids also bind to other groups of receptors. Furthermore, another group of lipids are considered to be endocannabinoids, such as the fatty acid ethanolamides, the fatty acid primary amides and the monoacylglycerol related molecules. Recently, it has been shown that the hemopressin peptide family, derived from α and β chains of hemoglobins, is a new family of cannabinoids. Some studies indicate that hemopressin peptides are expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and act as ligands of these receptors, thus suggesting that they play a physiological role. In this review, we examine new evidence on lipid endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the modulation of their signaling pathways. We focus our discussion on the current knowledge of the pharmacological effects, the biosynthesis of the peptide cannabinoids and the new insights on the activation and modulation of cannabinoid receptors by these peptides. The novel peptide compounds derived from hemoglobin chains and their non-classical activation of cannabinoid receptors are only starting to be uncovered. It will be exciting to follow the ensuing discoveries, not only in reference to what is already known of the classical lipid endocannabinoids revealing more complex aspects of endocannabinoid system, but also as to its possibilities as a future therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Riquelme-Sandoval
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caio O de Sá-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leo M Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Hedin-Pereira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,VPPCB-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Wei F, Zhao L, Jing Y. Hemoglobin-derived peptides and mood regulation. Peptides 2020; 127:170268. [PMID: 32070683 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evidence accumulated over the past decades has revealed that red blood cells and hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood play important roles in modulating moods and emotions. The number of red blood cells affects the mood. Hb is the principal content in the red blood cells besides water. Denatured Hb is hydrolyzed to produce bioactive peptides. RVD-hemopressin α (RVD-Hpα), which is a fragment of α-chain (95-103) in Hb, functions as a negative allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptor 1 and a positive allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptor 2. Hemorphins, which are fragments of β-chain in Hb, exert their effects on opioid receptors. Two hemorphins, namely, LVV-hemorphin-6 and LVV-hemorphin-7, could induce anxiolytic-like effects. The use of Hb-derived bioactive peptides for the treatment of mood disorders is desirable due to cannabinoid-opioid cross modulation and the critical roles of the two systems in physiological processes, such as memory, mood and emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Wei
- Department of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University First Affiliated Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Yuhong Jing
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China.
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11
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Zhang R, Zheng Y, Hu F, Meng X, Lv B, Lao K, Gao X, Zhang X, Gou X. Effect of (m)VD-hemopressin against Aβ1-42-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in mouse hippocampal neurons. Peptides 2020; 124:170185. [PMID: 31730791 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious neurodegenerative disease. Senile plaques (SPs) composed of amyloid-β (Aβ) are typical features of AD. Aβ plays a key role in the disease and has the ability to induce other pathological characteristics of AD, including oxidative stress injury. (m)VD-hemopressin (VD), a peptide derived from mouse brain extracts, can bind cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) as an agonist. Our previous report indicated that VD reverses memory impairment induced by Aβ1-42 in mice. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism by which VD protects hippocampal neurons against Aβ1-42-induced impairment. Our results showed that VD inhibited oxidative stress injury induced by Aβ1-42, as demonstrated by the VD-induced reversal of the upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the intracellular lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and the downregulation of the activities of the antioxidative enzymes catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in mouse hippocampal neurons. We also found that VD restored the decrease in cell growth and viability induced by Aβ1-42 and reversed Aβ1-42-induced apoptosis mediated by the apoptosis-associated proteins Bcl-2 and Bax. However, cotreatment with AM251 (an antagonist of CB1R) blocked the effects of VD. In brief, this study suggested that through CB1R, VD reversed the impairment of cell growth and viability, oxidative stress injury and apoptosis induced by Aβ1-42. Therefore, VD may be a promising agent for the treatment of diseases that involve oxidative stress injury and apoptosis induced by Aβ1-42, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruisan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Yongcai Zheng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Fengrui Hu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Xin Meng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Bosen Lv
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Kejing Lao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Xingchun Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Xingchun Gou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China.
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12
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Wei F, Zhao L, Jing Y. Signaling molecules targeting cannabinoid receptors: Hemopressin and related peptides. Neuropeptides 2020; 79:101998. [PMID: 31831183 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in various physiological processes such as nociception, inflammation, appetite, stress, and emotion regulation. Many studies have linked the endocannabinoid system to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Hemopressin [Hp; a fragment of the hemoglobin α1 chain (95-103 amino acids)] and related peptides [VD-Hpα and RVD-Hpα] are peptides that bind to CBRs. Hp acts as an inverse agonist to CB1 receptor (CB1R), VD-Hpα acts as an agonist to CB1R, and RVD-Hpα acts as a negative allosteric modulator of CB1R and a positive allosteric modulator of CB2R. Because of the critical roles of CBRs in numerous physiological processes, it is appealing to use Hp and related peptides for therapeutic purposes. This review discusses their discovery, structure, metabolism, brain exposure, self-assembly characteristics, pharmacological characterization, and pharmacological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Wei
- Department of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University First Affiliated Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Yuhong Jing
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China.
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13
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Marconi GD, Gesmundo I, Granata R, Cai R, Sha W, Schally AV, Brunetti L, Leone S. Antinflammatory, antioxidant, and behavioral effects induced by administration of growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:732. [PMID: 31959947 PMCID: PMC6971229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57292-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonist MIA-690 and GHRH agonist MR-409, previously synthesized and developed by us have demonstrated potent antitumor effects. However, little is known about the effects of these analogs on brain functions. We investigated the potential antinflammatory and antioxidant effects of GHRH antagonist MIA-690 and GHRH agonist MR-409, on isolated mouse prefrontal cortex specimens treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, we studied their effects on emotional behavior after chronic in vivo treatment. Ex vivo, MIA-690 and MR-409 inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory and pro-oxidative markers. In vivo, both MIA-690 and MR-409 induced anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, increased norepinephrine and serotonin levels and decreased nuclear factor-kB, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 gene expression in prefrontal cortex. Increased nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 expression was also found in mice treated with MIA-690 and MR-409. MIA-690 showed higher efficacy in inhibiting all tested inflammatory and oxidative markers. In addition, MR-409 induced a down regulation of the gene and protein expression of pituitary-type GHRH-receptor in prefrontal cortex of mice after 4 weeks of treatment at 5 µg/day. In conclusion, our results demonstrate anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of GHRH analogs that could involve modulatory effects on monoaminergic signaling, inflammatory and oxidative status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Pathology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Wei Sha
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Pathology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Division of Medical/Oncology, Department of Pathology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
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14
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Bódis J, Sulyok E, Kőszegi T, Prémusz V, Várnagy Á, Koppán M. Serum and follicular fluid levels of serotonin, kisspeptin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization: an observational study : Neurohormones in patients receiving IVF. J Int Med Res 2019; 48:300060519879330. [PMID: 31868047 PMCID: PMC7604995 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519879330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effect of interactions between serotonin (5-HT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and kisspeptin on the reproductive potential in women receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS Paired serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples were obtained from 30 consecutive patients receiving IVF. Primary and secondary outcome measures were the rate of chemical/clinical pregnancy and the number of mature oocytes and embryos, respectively. Serum and FF 5-HT, BDNF, kisspeptin, and platelet-activating factor (PAF) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS In response to ovarian hyperstimulation, serum 5-HT and kisspeptin levels significantly increased, whereas serum BDNF and PAF levels remained unchanged. These factors were detected in FF, but they were unrelated to serum levels. FF 5-HT and BDNF levels were positively correlated. Serum kisspeptin levels were negatively correlated with FF BDNF and serum and FF PAF levels. Women who were pregnant had significantly lower FF BDNF levels compared with women who were not pregnant (21.96±12.75 vs 47.63±52.90 µg/mL). Multivariate stepwise linear regression and logistic regression analyses showed that only 5-HT and kisspeptin improved IVF outcome. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates a role of serotoninergic mechanisms in success of IVF, but the contribution of interacting neuropeptides requires additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Bódis
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Endre Sulyok
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kőszegi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Prémusz
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Koppán
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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15
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de Araujo CB, Heimann AS, Remer RA, Russo LC, Colquhoun A, Forti FL, Ferro ES. Intracellular Peptides in Cell Biology and Pharmacology. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9040150. [PMID: 30995799 PMCID: PMC6523763 DOI: 10.3390/biom9040150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular peptides are produced by proteasomes following degradation of nuclear, cytosolic, and mitochondrial proteins, and can be further processed by additional peptidases generating a larger pool of peptides within cells. Thousands of intracellular peptides have been sequenced in plants, yeast, zebrafish, rodents, and in human cells and tissues. Relative levels of intracellular peptides undergo changes in human diseases and also when cells are stimulated, corroborating their biological function. However, only a few intracellular peptides have been pharmacologically characterized and their biological significance and mechanism of action remains elusive. Here, some historical and general aspects on intracellular peptides' biology and pharmacology are presented. Hemopressin and Pep19 are examples of intracellular peptides pharmacologically characterized as inverse agonists to cannabinoid type 1 G-protein coupled receptors (CB1R), and hemopressin fragment NFKF is shown herein to attenuate the symptoms of pilocarpine-induced epileptic seizures. Intracellular peptides EL28 (derived from proteasome 26S protease regulatory subunit 4; Rpt2), PepH (derived from Histone H2B type 1-H), and Pep5 (derived from G1/S-specific cyclin D2) are examples of peptides that function intracellularly. Intracellular peptides are suggested as biological functional molecules, and are also promising prototypes for new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane B de Araujo
- Special Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS, Butantan Institute, São Paulo SP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Lilian C Russo
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo 1111, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Alison Colquhoun
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Fábio L Forti
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo 1111, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
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16
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Ruiz de Azua I, Lutz B. Multiple endocannabinoid-mediated mechanisms in the regulation of energy homeostasis in brain and peripheral tissues. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1341-1363. [PMID: 30599065 PMCID: PMC11105297 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2994-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is widely expressed in many central and peripheral tissues, and is involved in a plethora of physiological processes. Among these, activity of the eCB system promotes energy intake and storage, which, however, under pathophysiological conditions, can favour the development of obesity and obesity-related disorders. It is proposed that eCB signalling is evolutionary beneficial for survival under periods of scarce food resources. Remarkably, eCB signalling is increased both in hunger and in overnutrition conditions, such as obesity and type-2 diabetes. This apparent paradox suggests a role of the eCB system both at initiation and at clinical endpoint of obesity. This review will focus on recent findings about the role of the eCB system controlling whole-body metabolism in mice that are genetically modified selectively in different cell types. The current data in fact support the notion that eCB signalling is not only engaged in the development but also in the maintenance of obesity, whereby specific cell types in central and peripheral tissues are key sites in regulating the entire body's energy homeostasis.
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MESH Headings
- Adipose Tissue/metabolism
- Animals
- Brain/metabolism
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Energy Metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/pathology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Inigo Ruiz de Azua
- German Resilience Center (DRZ) and Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Beat Lutz
- German Resilience Center (DRZ) and Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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17
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Leone S, Ferrante C, Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Mollica A, Tömböly C, Stefanucci A, Dimmito MP, Dvorácskó S, Verratti V, De Petrocellis L, Orlando G, Brunetti L. Effects of RVD-hemopressin (α) on feeding and body weight after standard or cafeteria diet in rats. Neuropeptides 2018; 72:38-46. [PMID: 30396596 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Palatability and variety of foods are major reasons for hedonic eating, and hence for obesity. Hemopressin, a hemoglobin α chain-derived peptide, plays antagonist/inverse agonist role on cannabinoid (CB)1 receptors, while RVD-hemopressin(α)[RVD-hp(α)], a N-terminally extended form of hemopressin, has been reported as an allosteric modulator of CB1 and CB2 receptors. We investigated the effects of 14 daily intraperitoneal injections of RVD-hp(α), in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a highly palatable cafeteria-style (CAF) diet (30% fat, 56% carbohydrate, 14% protein; 4.20 kcal/g) compared to standard laboratory chow (STD) food (3.5% fat, 63% carbohydrate, 14% protein, 19.5% other components without caloric value; 3.20 kcal). Food intake, body weight and locomotor activity were recorded throughout the study. Finally, rats were sacrificed and agouti-related peptide (AgRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene expression in the hypothalamus was measured by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that CAF diet increased food intake as compared to STD diet. In both STD and CAF diet fed rats, RVD-hp(α) treatment inhibited food intake, increased locomotor activity but did not modify body weight. In vehicle injected animals, CAF as compared to STD diet increased AgRP gene expression. RVD-hp(α) treatment decreased POMC mRNA levels in both diet groups and lowered the elevated AgRP levels induced by CAF diet. RVD-hp(α) treatment plays an anorexigenic role paralleled by increased locomotor activity both in STD and CAF diet fed rats. The inhibition of feeding could be partially mediated by lowering of hypothalamic POMC and AgRP gene expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
| | | | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Italy
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
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18
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Leone S, Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Ferrante C, Orlando G, Vacca M, Salvatori R, Brunetti L. Behavioural phenotyping, learning and memory in young and aged growth hormone-releasing hormone-knockout mice. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:924-931. [PMID: 30300535 PMCID: PMC6130317 DOI: 10.1530/ec-18-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) plays an important role in brain functions. The aim of this study was to examine cognitive functions and emotional behaviour in a mouse model of isolated GH deficiency due to bi-allelic ablation of the GHRH gene (GHRH knockout, GHRHKO). METHODS Learning, memory and emotional behaviour were evaluated using a series of validated tests (Morris water maze, eight-arm radial maze, open field, elevated plus maze test, forced swim tests) in 2-, 5- and 12-month-old male mice either homozygous (−/−) or heterozygous (+/−) for the GHRHKO allele. RESULTS Compared with age-matched +/− mice, −/− mice showed decreased cognitive performance in Morris water maze and eight-arm radial maze tests. By comparing the effects of aging in each genotype, we observed an age-related impairment in test results in +/− mice, while in −/− mice a significant decline in cognitive function was found only in 12 months compared with 2-month-old mice, but no difference was found between 5 months old vs 2 months old. −/− mice showed increased exploration activity compared to age-matched +/− controls, while both strains of mice had an age-related decrease in exploration activity. When evaluated through open field, elevated plus maze and forced swim tests, −/− mice demonstrated a decrease in anxiety and depression-related behaviour compared to age-matched +/− controls. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that homozygous ablation of GHRH gene is associated with decreased performance in learning and memory tests, possibly linked to increased spontaneous locomotor activity. In addition, we observed an age-related decline in cognitive functions in both genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Leone
- Department of PharmacyG. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lucia Recinella
- Department of PharmacyG. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of PharmacyG. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence should be addressed to G Orlando:
| | - Michele Vacca
- Department of PharmacyG. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Salvatori
- Division of EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of PharmacyG. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
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