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Gonçalves M, Rodrigues-Santos P, Januário C, Cosentino M, Pereira FC. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) - Can dendritic cells and monocytes expressing this moonlight enzyme change the phase of Parkinson's Disease? Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112062. [PMID: 38652967 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112062] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease where central and peripheral immune dysfunctions have been pointed out as a critical component of susceptibility and progression of this disease. Dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes are key players in promoting immune response regulation and can induce the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) under pro-inflammatory environments. This enzyme with catalytic and signaling activity supports the axis IDO1-KYN-aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), promoting disease-specific immunomodulatory effects. IDO1 is a rate-limiting enzyme of the kynurenine pathway (KP) that begins tryptophan (Trp) catabolism across this pathway. The immune functions of the pathway, which are extensively described in cancer, have been forgotten so far in neurodegenerative diseases, where a chronic inflammatory environment underlines the progression of the disease. Despite dysfunctions of KP have been described in PD, these are mainly associated with neurotoxic functions. With this review, we aim to focus on the immune properties of IDO1+DCs and IDO1+monocytes as a possible strategy to balance the pro-inflammatory profile described in PD. We also highlight the importance of exploring the role of dopaminergic therapeutics in IDO1 modulation to possibly optimize current PD therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milene Gonçalves
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Portugal
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Univ Coimbra, Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Januário
- Univ Coimbra, CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marco Cosentino
- Univ Insubria, Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Varese, Italy
| | - Frederico C Pereira
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
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Chen J, Zou J, Huang P, Gao X, Lun J, Li Y, Gong Z, Cao H. KYNA Ameliorates Glutamate Toxicity of HAND by Enhancing Glutamate Uptake in A2 Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4286. [PMID: 38673879 PMCID: PMC11050540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084286] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes are key players in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), and different types of reactive astrocytes play opposing roles in the neuropathologic progression of HAND. A recent study by our group found that gp120 mediates A1 astrocytes (neurotoxicity), which secrete proinflammatory factors and promote HAND disease progression. Here, by comparing the expression of A2 astrocyte (neuroprotective) markers in the brains of gp120 tgm mice and gp120+/α7nAChR-/- mice, we found that inhibition of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) promotes A2 astrocyte generation. Notably, kynurenine acid (KYNA) is an antagonist of α7nAChR, and is able to promote the formation of A2 astrocytes, the secretion of neurotrophic factors, and the enhancement of glutamate uptake through blocking the activation of α7nAChR/NF-κB signaling. In addition, learning, memory and mood disorders were significantly improved in gp120 tgm mice by intraperitoneal injection of kynurenine (KYN) and probenecid (PROB). Meanwhile, the number of A2 astrocytes in the mouse brain was significantly increased and glutamate toxicity was reduced. Taken together, KYNA was able to promote A2 astrocyte production and neurotrophic factor secretion, reduce glutamate toxicity, and ameliorate gp120-induced neuropathological deficits. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role that reactive astrocytes play in the development of HAND pathology and provide new evidence for the treatment of HAND via the tryptophan pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Cao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Guangzhou 510515, China; (J.C.)
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Wróbel-Kwiatkowska M, Turski W, Silska G, Rakicka-Pustułka M, Dymińska L, Rymowicz W. Determination of Bioactive Compound Kynurenic Acid in Linum usitatissimum L. Molecules 2024; 29:1702. [PMID: 38675522 PMCID: PMC11051930 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081702] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a bioactive compound exhibiting multiple actions and positive effects on human health due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. KYNA has been found to have a beneficial effect on wound healing and the prevention of scarring. Despite notable progress in the research focused on KYNA observed during the last 10 years, KYNA's presence in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) has not been proven to date. In the present study, parts of flax plants were analysed for KYNA synthesis. Moreover, eight different cultivars of flax seeds were tested for the presence of KYNA, resulting in a maximum of 0.432 µg/g FW in the seeds of the cultivar Jan. The level of KYNA was also tested in the stems and roots of two selected flax cultivars: an oily cultivar (Linola) and a fibrous cultivar (Nike). The exposure of plants to the KYNA precursors tryptophan and kynurenine resulted in higher levels of KYNA accumulation in flax shoots and roots. Thus, the obtained results indicate that KYNA might be synthesized in flax. The highest amount of KYNA (295.9 µg/g dry weight [DW]) was detected in flax roots derived from plants grown in tissue cultures supplemented with tryptophan. A spectroscopic analysis of KYNA was performed using the FTIR/ATR method. It was found that, in tested samples, the characteristic KYNA vibration bands overlap with the bands corresponding to the vibrations of biopolymers (especially pectin and cellulose) present in flax plants and fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wróbel-Kwiatkowska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland (W.R.)
| | - Waldemar Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8B, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Grażyna Silska
- Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants—National Research Institute, Wojska Polskiego 71B, 60-630 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Rakicka-Pustułka
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland (W.R.)
| | - Lucyna Dymińska
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Production Engineering, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, Komandorska 118/120, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Waldemar Rymowicz
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland (W.R.)
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4
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Gonçalves M, Furgiuele A, Rasini E, Legnaro M, Ferrari M, Luini A, Rodrigues-Santos P, Caramelo F, Marino F, Pereira FC, Cosentino M. A peripheral blood mononuclear cell-based in vitro model: A tool to explore indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1). Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176420. [PMID: 38367683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176420] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proinflammatory cytokines powerfully induce the rate-limiting enzyme indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) in dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes, it converts tryptophan (Trp) into L-kynurenine (KYN), along the kynurenine pathway (KP). This mechanism represents a crucial innate immunity regulator that can modulate T cells. This work explores the role of IDO1 in lymphocyte proliferation within a specific pro-inflammatory milieu. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclera cells (PBMCs) were isolated from buffy coats taken from healthy blood donors and exposed to a pro-inflammatory milieu triggered by a double-hit stimulus: lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus anti-CD3/CD28. The IDO1 mRNA levels in the PBMCs were measured by RT-PCR; the IDO1 activity was analyzed using the KYN/Trp ratio, measured by HPLC-EC; and lymphocyte proliferation was measured by flow cytometry. Trp and epacadostat (EP) were used as an IDO1 substrate and inhibitor, respectively. KYN, which is known to modulate Teffs, was tested as a positive control in lymphocyte proliferation. RESULTS IDO1 expression and activity in PBMCs increased in an in vitro pro-inflammatory milieu. The lymphoid stimulus increased IDO1 expression and activity, which supports the interaction between the activated lymphocytes and the circulating myeloid IDO1-expressing cells. The addition of Trp decreased lymphocyte proliferation but EP, which abrogated the IDO1 function, had no impact on proliferation. Additionally, incubation with KYN seemed to decrease the lymphocyte proliferation. CONCLUSION IDO1 inhibition did not change T lymphocyte proliferation. We present herein an in vitro experimental model suitable to measure IDO1 expression and activity in circulating myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milene Gonçalves
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alessia Furgiuele
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rasini
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Marco Ferrari
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandra Luini
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Caramelo
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Franca Marino
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Frederico C Pereira
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Marco Cosentino
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
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Hýžďalová M, Procházková J, Straková N, Pěnčíková K, Strapáčová S, Slováčková J, Kajabová S, Líbalová H, Topinka J, Kabátková M, Vondráček J, Mollerup S, Machala M. Transcriptional and phenotypical alterations associated with a gradual benzo[a]pyrene-induced transition of human bronchial epithelial cells into mesenchymal-like cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 107:104424. [PMID: 38522766 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The role of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a prominent genotoxic carcinogen and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, in tumor progression remains poorly characterized. We investigated the impact of BaP on the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in normal human bronchial epithelial HBEC-12KT cells. Early morphological changes after 2-week exposure were accompanied with induction of SERPINB2, IL1, CDKN1A/p21 (linked with cell cycle delay) and chemokine CXCL5. After 8-week exposure, induction of cell migration and EMT-related pattern of markers/regulators led to induction of further pro-inflammatory cytokines or non-canonical Wnt pathway ligand WNT5A. This trend of up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes and non-canonical Wnt pathway constituents was observed also in the BaP-transformed HBEC-12KT-B1 cells. In general, transcriptional effects of BaP differed from those of TGFβ1, a prototypical EMT inducer, or a model non-genotoxic AhR ligand, TCDD. Carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons could thus induce a unique set of molecular changes linked with EMT and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Hýžďalová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Procházková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic; Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Nicol Straková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Pěnčíková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Strapáčová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Slováčková
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic; Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Kajabová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Líbalová
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Topinka
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Kabátková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Steen Mollerup
- Research Group for Occupational Toxicology, The National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway, Oslo 0304, Norway
| | - Miroslav Machala
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, Brno 62100, Czech Republic.
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Oyebade AO, Taiwo GA, Idowu M, Sidney T, Queiroz O, Adesogan AT, Vyas D, Ogunade IM. Effects of direct-fed microbial supplement on ruminal and plasma metabolome of early-lactation dairy cows: Untargeted metabolomics approach. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:2556-2571. [PMID: 37939839 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23876] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
We examined the effects of 2 multispecies direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplements on ruminal and plasma metabolome of early-lactation dairy cows using a high-coverage untargeted metabolomics approach. A total of 45 multiparous Holstein cows (41 ± 7 DIM) were enrolled for the 14-d pre-experimental and 91-d experimental period and were a subset from a lactation performance study, which used 114 cows. Cows were blocked using pre-experimental energy-corrected milk yield and randomly assigned within each block to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) corn silage-based diet with no DFM supplement (control; CON), (2) basal diet top-dressed with a mixture of Lactobacillus animalis and Propionibacterium freudenreichii at 3 × 109 cfu/d (PRO-A), or (3) basal diet top-dressed with a mixture of L. animalis, P. freudenreichii, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis at 11.8 × 109 cfu/d (PRO-B). The basal diet was fed ad libitum daily as a TMR at 0600 and 1200 h for a duration of 91 d. Rumen fluid and blood samples were taken on d -3, 28, 49, 70, and 91 and immediately stored at -80°C. Before analysis, ruminal and plasma samples from d 28, 49, 70, and 91 were composited. An in-depth, untargeted metabolome profile of the composite rumen and plasma samples and the d -3 samples was developed by using a chemical isotope labeling/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based technique. Differentially abundant metabolites (taking into account fold change [FC] values and false discovery rates [FDR]) were identified with a volcano plot. In the rumen, compared with the CON diet, supplemental PRO-A increased (FC ≥1.2; FDR ≤0.05) the relative concentrations of 9 metabolites, including 2-hydroxy-2,4-pentadienoic acid, glutaric acid, quinolinic acid, and shikimic acid, and PRO-B increased relative concentrations of 16 metabolites, including 2-hydroxy-2,4-pentadienoic acid, glutaric acid, 16-hydroxypalmitic acid, and 2 propionate precursors (succinic and methylsuccinic acids). Relative to PRO-A, supplemental PRO-B increased (FC ≥1.2; FDR ≤0.05) relative rumen concentrations of 3 metabolites, 16-hydroxypalmitic acid, indole-3-carboxylic acid, and 5-aminopentanoic acid, but reduced relative rumen concentrations of 13 metabolites, including carnitine, threonic acid, and shikimic acid. Compared with the CON diet, relative concentrations of 13 plasma metabolites, including myxochelin A and glyceraldehyde, were increased (FC ≥1.2; FDR ≤0.05) by PRO-A supplementation, whereas those of 9 plasma metabolites, including 4-(2-aminophenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoic acid, N-acetylornithine, and S-norlaudanosolin, were reduced (FC ≤0.83; FDR ≤0.05). Supplemental PRO-B increased (FC ≥1.2; FDR ≤0.05) relative concentrations of 9 plasma metabolites, including trans-o-hydroxybenzylidenepyruvic acid and 3-methylsalicylaldehyde, and reduced relative concentrations of 4 plasma metabolites, including β-ethynylserine and kynurenine. Pathway analysis of the differentially abundant metabolites in both rumen and plasma revealed that these metabolites are involved in AA and fatty acid metabolism and have antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties. The results of this study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with either PRO-A or PRO-B altered the plasma and ruminal metabolome. Notably, ruminal and plasma metabolites involved in the metabolism of AA and fatty acids and those with immunomodulatory properties were altered by either or both of the 2 microbial additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- A O Oyebade
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - G A Taiwo
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506
| | - Modoluwamu Idowu
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506
| | - T Sidney
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506
| | - O Queiroz
- Chr. Hansen A/S, Animal Health and Nutrition, DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - A T Adesogan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - D Vyas
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - I M Ogunade
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506.
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Yu L, Lu J, Du W. Tryptophan metabolism in digestive system tumors: unraveling the pathways and implications. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:174. [PMID: 38462620 PMCID: PMC10926624 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01552-7] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism plays a crucial role in influencing the development of digestive system tumors. Dysregulation of Trp and its metabolites has been identified in various digestive system cancers, including esophageal, gastric, liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Aberrantly expressed Trp metabolites are associated with diverse clinical features in digestive system tumors. Moreover, the levels of these metabolites can serve as prognostic indicators and predictors of recurrence risk in patients with digestive system tumors. Trp metabolites exert their influence on tumor growth and metastasis through multiple mechanisms, including immune evasion, angiogenesis promotion, and drug resistance enhancement. Suppressing the expression of key enzymes in Trp metabolism can reduce the accumulation of these metabolites, effectively impacting their role in the promotion of tumor progression and metastasis. Strategies targeting Trp metabolism through specific enzyme inhibitors or tailored drugs exhibit considerable promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes for digestive system tumors. In addition, integrating these approaches with immunotherapy holds the potential to further enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis, Treatment of Infectious Diseases,, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis, Treatment of Infectious Diseases,, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
| | - Weibo Du
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis, Treatment of Infectious Diseases,, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
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Gawel K. A Review on the Role and Function of Cinnabarinic Acid, a "Forgotten" Metabolite of the Kynurenine Pathway. Cells 2024; 13:453. [PMID: 38474418 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050453] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the human body, the majority of tryptophan is metabolized through the kynurenine pathway. This consists of several metabolites collectively called the kynurenines and includes, among others, kynurenic acid, L-kynurenine, or quinolinic acid. The wealth of metabolites, as well as the associated molecular targets and biological pathways, bring about a situation wherein even a slight imbalance in the kynurenine levels, both in the periphery and central nervous system, have broad consequences regarding general health. Cinnabarinic acid (CA) is the least known trace kynurenine, and its physiological and pathological roles are not widely understood. Some studies, however, indicate that it might be neuroprotective. Information on its hepatoprotective properties have also emerged, although these are pioneering studies and need to be replicated. Therefore, in this review, I aim to present and critically discuss the current knowledge on CA and its role in physiological and pathological settings to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b Str., 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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9
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Iwaniak P, Owe-Larsson M, Urbańska EM. Microbiota, Tryptophan and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors as the Target Triad in Parkinson's Disease-A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2915. [PMID: 38474162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052915] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the era of a steadily increasing lifespan, neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly present a significant therapeutic and socio-economic challenge. A properly balanced diet and microbiome diversity have been receiving increasing attention as targets for therapeutic interventions in neurodegeneration. Microbiota may affect cognitive function, neuronal survival and death, and gut dysbiosis was identified in Parkinson's disease (PD). Tryptophan (Trp), an essential amino acid, is degraded by microbiota and hosts numerous compounds with immune- and neuromodulating properties. This broad narrative review presents data supporting the concept that microbiota, the Trp-kynurenine (KYN) pathway and aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs) form a triad involved in PD. A disturbed gut-brain axis allows the bidirectional spread of pro-inflammatory molecules and α-synuclein, which may contribute to the development/progression of the disease. We suggest that the peripheral levels of kynurenines and AhR ligands are strongly linked to the Trp metabolism in the gut and should be studied together with the composition of the microbiota. Such an approach can clearly delineate the sub-populations of PD patients manifesting with a disturbed microbiota-Trp-KYN-brain triad, who would benefit from modifications in the Trp metabolism. Analyses of the microbiome, Trp-KYN pathway metabolites and AhR signaling may shed light on the mechanisms of intestinal distress and identify new targets for the diagnosis and treatment in early-stage PD. Therapeutic interventions based on the combination of a well-defined food regimen, Trp and probiotics seem of potential benefit and require further experimental and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Iwaniak
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maja Owe-Larsson
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Center of Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa M Urbańska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
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10
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Zhang H, Zhu K, Zhang R, Guo Y, Wang J, Liu C, Lu X, Zhou Z, Wu W, Zhang F, Song Z, Lin S, Yang C, Li X, Liu Y, Tang Q, Yu X, Xu L, Liu C. Oleic acid-PPARγ-FABP4 loop fuels cholangiocarcinoma colonization in lymph node metastases microenvironment. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00766. [PMID: 38377465 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lymph node metastasis is a significant risk factor for patients with cholangiocarcinoma, but the mechanisms underlying cholangiocarcinoma colonization in the lymph node microenvironment remain unclear. We aimed to determine whether metabolic reprogramming fueled the adaptation and remodeling of cholangiocarcinoma cells to the lymph node microenvironment. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing of primary tumor lesions and paired lymph node metastases from patients with cholangiocarcinoma and revealed significantly reduced intertumor heterogeneity and syntropic lipid metabolic reprogramming of cholangiocarcinoma after metastasis to lymph nodes, which was verified by pan-cancer single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, highlighting the essential role of lipid metabolism in tumor colonization in lymph nodes. Metabolomics and in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 screening identified PPARγ as a crucial regulator in fueling cholangiocarcinoma colonization in lymph nodes through the oleic acid-PPARγ-fatty acid-binding protein 4 positive feedback loop by upregulating fatty acid uptake and oxidation. Patient-derived organoids and animal models have demonstrated that blocking this loop impairs cholangiocarcinoma proliferation and colonization in the lymph node microenvironment and is superior to systemic inhibition of fatty acid oxidation. PPARγ-regulated fatty acid metabolic reprogramming in cholangiocarcinoma also contributes to the immune-suppressive niche in lymph node metastases by producing kynurenine and was found to be associated with tumor relapse, immune-suppressive lymph node microenvironment, and poor immune checkpoint blockade response. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal the role of the oleic acid-PPARγ-fatty acid-binding protein 4 loop in fueling cholangiocarcinoma colonization in lymph nodes and demonstrate that PPARγ-regulated lipid metabolic reprogramming is a promising therapeutic target for relieving cholangiocarcinoma lymph node metastasis burden and reducing further progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghua Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yabin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinjun Lu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Zhou
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenrui Wu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fapeng Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixiao Song
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shusheng Lin
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caini Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuxian Li
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qibin Tang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianhuan Yu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Leibo Xu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Quinn A, El Chazli Y, Escrig S, Daraspe J, Neuschwander N, McNally A, Genoud C, Meibom A, Engel P. Host-derived organic acids enable gut colonization of the honey bee symbiont Snodgrassella alvi. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:477-489. [PMID: 38225461 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01572-y] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Diverse bacteria can colonize the animal gut using dietary nutrients or by engaging in microbial crossfeeding interactions. Less is known about the role of host-derived nutrients in enabling gut bacterial colonization. Here we examined metabolic interactions within the evolutionary ancient symbiosis between the honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the core gut microbiota member Snodgrassella alvi. This betaproteobacterium is incapable of metabolizing saccharides, yet colonizes the honey bee gut in the presence of a sugar-only diet. Using comparative metabolomics, 13C-tracers and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), we show in vivo that S. alvi grows on host-derived organic acids, including citrate, glycerate and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate, which are actively secreted by the host into the gut lumen. S. alvi also modulates tryptophan metabolism in the gut by converting kynurenine to anthranilate. These results suggest that S. alvi is adapted to a specific metabolic niche in the honey bee gut that depends on host-derived nutritional resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Quinn
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yassine El Chazli
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Escrig
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean Daraspe
- Electron Microscopy Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Neuschwander
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aoife McNally
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christel Genoud
- Electron Microscopy Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anders Meibom
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Advanced Surface Analysis, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Engel
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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12
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Cavanagh JT. Anti-inflammatory Drugs in the Treatment of Depression. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 38112963 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The last two decades have seen a flourishing of research into the immunobiology of psychiatric phenotypes, in particular major depressive disorder. Both preclinical and clinical data have highlighted pathways and possible mechanisms that might link changes in immunobiology, most especially inflammation, to clinically relevant behaviour. From a therapeutics perspective, a major impetus has been the action of Biologics, often monoclonal antibodies, that target specific cytokines acting as "molecular scalpels" helping to uncover the actions of those proteins. These interventions have been associated with improvements in mood and related symptoms. There are now enough studies and participants to permit meta-analytic analyses of the actions of these and other anti-inflammatory agents.In this chapter, the focus is on the evidence for the role of inflammation biology in depression and the meta-analytic data from trials. The putative mechanisms that might underpin the antidepressant effect of anti-inflammatory drugs are also explored. Lastly, I describe the more stubborn difficulties around heterogeneity, deep phenotyping and stratification as well as improved animal models and greater understanding of the biology that might be addressed by future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Cavanagh
- Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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13
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Del Sole R, Stomeo T, Mergola L. Disposable Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes for Rapid Electrochemical Detection of l-Kynurenine in Human Urine. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 16:3. [PMID: 38201667 PMCID: PMC10780426 DOI: 10.3390/polym16010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
l-Kynurenine (l-Kyn) is an endogenous metabolite produced in the catabolic route of l-Tryptophan (l-Trp), and it is a potential biomarker of several immunological disorders. Thus, the development of a fast and cheap technology for the specific detection of l-Kyn in biological fluids is of great relevance, especially considering its recent correlation with SARS-CoV-2 disease progression. Herein, a disposable screen-printed electrode based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) has been constructed: the o-Phenylenediamine monomer, in the presence of l-Kyn as a template with a molar ratio of monomer/template of 1/4, has been electropolymerized on the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The optimized kyn-MIP-SPCE has been characterized via cyclic voltammetry (CV), using [Fe(CN)6)]3-/4- as a redox probe and a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. After the optimization of various experimental parameters, such as the number of CV electropolymerization cycles, urine pretreatment, electrochemical measurement method and incubation period, l-Kyn has been detected in standard solutions via square wave voltammetry (SWV) with a linear range between 10 and 100 μM (R2 = 0.9924). The MIP-SPCE device allowed l-Kyn detection in human urine in a linear range of 10-1000 μM (R2 = 0.9902) with LOD and LOQ values of 1.5 and 5 µM, respectively. Finally, a high selectivity factor α (5.1) was calculated for l-Kyn toward l-Trp. Moreover, the Imprinting Factor obtained for l-Kyn was about seventeen times higher than the IF calculated for l-Trp. The developed disposable sensing system demonstrated its potential application in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Del Sole
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni Km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Stomeo
- Center for Bio-Molecular Nanotechnology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Barsanti 14, 73010 Arnesano, Italy;
| | - Lucia Mergola
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni Km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
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14
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Marković M, Petronijević N, Stašević M, Stašević Karličić I, Velimirović M, Stojković T, Ristić S, Stojković M, Milić N, Nikolić T. Decreased Plasma Levels of Kynurenine and Kynurenic Acid in Previously Treated and First-Episode Antipsychotic-Naive Schizophrenia Patients. Cells 2023; 12:2814. [PMID: 38132134 PMCID: PMC10741951 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242814] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (TRP) catabolites exert neuroactive effects, with the plethora of evidence suggesting that kynurenic acid (KYNA), a catabolite of the kynurenine pathway (KP), acts as the regulator of glutamate and acetylcholine in the brain, contributing to the schizophrenia pathophysiology. Newer evidence regarding measures of KP metabolites in the blood of schizophrenia patients and from the central nervous system suggest that blood levels of these metabolites by no means could reflect pathological changes of TRP degradation in the brain. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma concentrations of TRP, kynurenine (KYN) and KYNA at the acute phase and remission of schizophrenia in a prospective, case-control study of highly selected and matched schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals. Our study revealed significantly decreased KYN and KYNA in schizophrenia patients (p < 0.001), irrespective of illness state, type of antipsychotic treatment, number of episodes or illness duration and no differences in the KYN/TRP ratio between schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals. These findings could be interpreted as indices that kynurenine pathway might not be dysregulated in the periphery and that other factors contribute to observed disturbances in concentrations, but as our study had certain limitations, we cannot draw definite conclusions. Further studies, especially those exploring other body compartments that participate in kynurenine pathway, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Marković
- Clinic for Mental Disorders “Dr Laza Lazarević”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.S.); (I.S.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.P.); (M.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Nataša Petronijević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.P.); (M.V.); (T.S.)
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Milena Stašević
- Clinic for Mental Disorders “Dr Laza Lazarević”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.S.); (I.S.K.)
| | - Ivana Stašević Karličić
- Clinic for Mental Disorders “Dr Laza Lazarević”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.S.); (I.S.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Priština—Kosovska Mitrovica, 38220 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Milica Velimirović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.P.); (M.V.); (T.S.)
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Tihomir Stojković
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.P.); (M.V.); (T.S.)
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Slavica Ristić
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Mina Stojković
- Clinic for Neurology, University Clinical Centre of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia;
| | - Nataša Milić
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Department for Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Tatjana Nikolić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.P.); (M.V.); (T.S.)
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
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15
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Brock J, Basu N, Schlachetzki JCM, Schett G, McInnes IB, Cavanagh J. Immune mechanisms of depression in rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:790-804. [PMID: 37923863 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01037-w] [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] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a common and disabling comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis that not only decreases the likelihood of remission and treatment adherence but also increases the risk of disability and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Compelling data that link immune mechanisms to major depressive disorder indicate possible common mechanisms that drive the pathology of the two conditions. Preclinical evidence suggests that pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis, have various effects on monoaminergic neurotransmission, neurotrophic factors and measures of synaptic plasticity. Neuroimaging studies provide insight into the consequences of inflammation on the brain (for example, on neural connectivity), and clinical trial data highlight the beneficial effects of immune modulation on comorbid depression. Major depressive disorder occurs more frequently in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in the general population, and major depressive disorder also increases the risk of a future diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, further highlighting the link between rheumatoid arthritis and major depressive disorder. This Review focuses on interactions between peripheral and central immunobiological mechanisms in the context of both rheumatoid arthritis and major depressive disorder. Understanding these mechanisms will provide a basis for future therapeutic development, not least in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Brock
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Neil Basu
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Iain B McInnes
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jonathan Cavanagh
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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16
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Fadhilah F, Indrati AR, Dewi S, Santoso P. The Kynurenine/Tryptophan Ratio as a Promising Metabolomic Biomarker for Diagnosing the Spectrum of Tuberculosis Infection and Disease. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:5587-5595. [PMID: 38045904 PMCID: PMC10693202 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s438364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic system and immunology used to be seen as distinct fields of study. Recent developments in our understanding of how the immune system operates in health and disease have connected these fields to complex systems. An effective technique for identifying probable abnormalities of metabolic homeostasis brought on by disease is metabolomics, which is defined as the thorough study of small molecule metabolic intermediates within a biological system that collectively make up the metabolome. A prognostic metabolic biomarker with adequate prognostic accuracy for tuberculosis progression has recently been created. The rate-limiting host enzyme for the conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), is greatly elevated in the lungs of tuberculosis disease patients. Targeted study on tryptophan in tuberculosis disease indicates that such decreases may also resembled this upregulation. Although tuberculosis diagnosis has improved with the use of interferon release assay and tuberculosis nucleic acid amplification, tuberculosis control is made difficult by the lack of a biomarker to diagnose active tuberculosis disease. We hope that the reader of this work can develop an understanding of the advantages of metabolomics testing, particularly as a sort of testing that can be used for both diagnosing and monitoring a patient's response to treatment for tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fitri Fadhilah
- Doctorate in Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Agnes Rengga Indrati
- Clinical Pathology Department, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Sumartini Dewi
- Internal Medicine Department, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Prayudi Santoso
- Internal Medicine Department, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
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17
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Sadok I, Jędruchniewicz K. Dietary Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites-Source, Fate, and Chromatographic Determinations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16304. [PMID: 38003492 PMCID: PMC10671297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216304] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan metabolism plays an essential role in human health. In mammals, about 95% of dietary tryptophan is metabolized through the kynurenine pathway, which is associated with the development of several pathologies, including neurodegeneration. Some of the kynurenine pathway metabolites are agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor involved in metabolic functions, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. Thus, their origins, fates, and roles are of widespread interest. Except for being produced endogenously, these metabolites can originate from exogenous sources (e.g., food) and undergo absorption in the digestive tract. Recently, a special focus on exogenous sources of tryptophan metabolites was observed. This overview summarizes current knowledge about the occurrence of the kynurenine pathway metabolites (kynurenines) in food and the analytical method utilized for their determination in different food matrices. Special attention was paid to sample preparation and chromatographic analysis, which has proven to be a core technique for the detection and quantification of kynurenines. A discussion of the fate and role of dietary kynurenines has also been addressed. This review will, hopefully, guide further studies on the impact of dietary kynurenines on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Sadok
- Laboratory of Separation and Spectroscopic Method Applications, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Jędruchniewicz
- Laboratory of Separation and Spectroscopic Method Applications, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland;
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18
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Farup PG, Rootwelt H, Hestad K. APOE Polymorphism Is Associated with Changes in the Kynurenine Pathway. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1955. [PMID: 37895304 PMCID: PMC10606170 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101955] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND APOE polymorphism and the Kynurenine pathway (KP) are associated with many disorders, but little is known about associations between APOE polymorphism and the KP. This study explored the associations between the KP and APOE polymorphism in disorders associated with APOE polymorphism and changes in the KP. METHODS Subjects with morbid obesity before and after bariatric surgery (numbers 139 and 95, respectively), depression (number 49), and unspecified neurological symptoms (number 39) were included. The following grouping of the APOE genotypes was used: E2 = ɛ2ɛ2 + ɛ2ɛ3, E3 = ɛ3ɛ3 + ɛ2ɛ4, and E4 = ɛ3ɛ4 + ɛ4ɛ4. The KP metabolites Tryptophan, Kynurenine, Kynurenic acid, Quinolinic acid, and Xanthurenic acid were quantified in serum. RESULTS The main findings were a significant positive association between E3 and Quinolinic acid (difference between E3 and E2E4: 12.0 (3.5; 18.6) ng/mL); p = 0.005), and a negative association between E4 and Kynurenine (difference between E4 and E2E3: -31.3 (-54.2; -3.2) ng/mL; p = 0.008). Quinolinic acid has been ascribed neurotoxic and inflammatory effects, and Kynurenine is a marker of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that APOE polymorphism might cause changes in the KP that contribute to the disease. Inflammation could be the link between APOE and the KP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per G. Farup
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, 2381 Brumunddal, Norway;
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Helge Rootwelt
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Knut Hestad
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, 2381 Brumunddal, Norway;
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
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19
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Basson C, Serem JC, Hlophe YN, Bipath P. An in vitro investigation of l-kynurenine, quinolinic acid, and kynurenic acid on B16 F10 melanoma cell cytotoxicity and morphology. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:912-922. [PMID: 37661337 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3843] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The metastatic behavior of melanoma has accentuated the need for specific therapy targets. Compounds, namely l-kynurenine ( l-kyn), quinolinic acid (Quin), and kynurenic acid (KA) previously displayed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects in vitro against cancer cells. Despite the growing interest in these compounds there are limited studies examining the in vitro effects on melanoma. In B16 F10 melanoma cells, RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and HaCat keratinocyte cells, postexposure to the compounds, crystal violet staining was used to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ), whereas polarization-optical transmitted light differential interference contrast and light microscopy after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess morphological changes. l-kyn, Quin, and KA-induced cytotoxicity in all cell lines, with l-kyn being the most cytotoxic compound. l-kyn and KA at IC50 -induced morphological changes in B16 F10, RAW 264.7, and HaCat cell lines, whereas Quin had effects on B16 F10 and RAW 264.7 cells but did not affect HaCat cells. l-kyn, Quin, and KA each display different levels of cytotoxicity, which were cell line specific. l-kyn was shown to be the most potent compound against all cell lines and may offer future treatment strategies when combined with other viable treatments against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlise Basson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - June Cheptoo Serem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yvette Nkondo Hlophe
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Priyesh Bipath
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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20
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Anguelov R, Manjunath G, Phiri AE, Nyakudya TT, Bipath P, C Serem J, N Hlophe Y. Quantifying assays: inhibition of signalling pathways of cancer. MATHEMATICAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE IMA 2023; 40:266-290. [PMID: 37669569 DOI: 10.1093/imammb/dqad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Inhibiting a signalling pathway concerns controlling the cellular processes of a cancer cell's viability, cell division and death. Assay protocols created to see if the molecular structures of the drugs being tested have the desired inhibition qualities often show great variability across experiments, and it is imperative to diminish the effects of such variability while inferences are drawn. In this paper, we propose the study of experimental data through the lenses of a mathematical model depicting the inhibition mechanism and the activation-inhibition dynamics. The method is exemplified through assay data obtained from an experimental study of the inhibition of the chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) signalling pathway of melanoma cells. The quantitative analysis is conducted as a two step process: (i) deriving theoretically from the model the cell viability as a function of time depending on several parameters; (ii) estimating the values of the parameters by using the experimental data. The cell viability is obtained as a function of concentration of the inhibitor and time, thus providing a comprehensive characterization of the potential therapeutic effect of the considered inhibitor, e.g. $IC_{50}$ can be computed for any time point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roumen Anguelov
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
- Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev St., Block 8, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - G Manjunath
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Avulundiah E Phiri
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Trevor T Nyakudya
- Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Priyesh Bipath
- Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - June C Serem
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Yvette N Hlophe
- Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
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21
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Marszalek-Grabska M, Gawel K, Kosheva N, Kocki T, Turski WA. Developmental Exposure to Kynurenine Affects Zebrafish and Rat Behavior. Cells 2023; 12:2224. [PMID: 37759447 PMCID: PMC10526278 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182224] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper nutrition and supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding are crucial for the development of offspring. Kynurenine (KYN) is the central metabolite of the kynurenine pathway and a direct precursor of other metabolites that possess immunoprotective or neuroactive properties, with the ultimate effect on fetal neurodevelopment. To date, no studies have evaluated the effects of KYN on early embryonic development. Thus, the aim of our study was to determine the effect of incubation of larvae with KYN in different developmental periods on the behavior of 5-day-old zebrafish. Additionally, the effects exerted by KYN administered on embryonic days 1-7 (ED 1-7) on the behavior of adult offspring of rats were elucidated. Our study revealed that the incubation with KYN induced changes in zebrafish behavior, especially when zebrafish embryos or larvae were incubated with KYN from 1 to 72 h post-fertilization (hpf) and from 49 to 72 hpf. KYN administered early during pregnancy induced subtle differences in the neurobehavioral development of adult offspring. Further research is required to understand the mechanism of these changes. The larval zebrafish model can be useful for studying disturbances in early brain development processes and their late behavioral consequences. The zebrafish-medium system may be applicable in monitoring drug metabolism in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Marszalek-Grabska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (K.G.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (W.A.T.)
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22
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Luan Y, Wang Y, Zhang W, Duan X, Su P, Li Q, Pang Y, Gou M. Identification and characterization of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway-related genes involving lamprey (Lampetra japonica) innate immunity. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 140:108967. [PMID: 37488041 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway is involved in several biological functions, including immunosuppression, inflammatory response, and tumor suppression. Six TRP-KYN pathway-related genes, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2), aminoadipate aminotransferase (AADAT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase 2 (GOT2), kynurenine monooxygenase (KMO), and kynureninase (KYNU) have been identified and cloned from the jawless vertebrate lamprey (Lampetra japonica) to gain insights into their evolution and characterization. Expression distribution showed that the key gene Lj-TDO was highly expressed in the oral gland. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that TRP-KYN pathway-related genes were significantly overexpressed after multi-stimulation. RNA interference showed that Lj-IDO2 knockdown regulated the expression of inflammatory factors. In conclusion, our study successfully clarified the ancestral features and functions of the TRP-KYN pathway, while providing valuable insights into the involvement of this pathway in the immune responses of a jawless vertebrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimu Luan
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Yaocen Wang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Wentong Zhang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Xuyuan Duan
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Peng Su
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China
| | - Yue Pang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China.
| | - Meng Gou
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034, China.
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23
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Moley CR, Chambers CA, Dadelahi AS, Ponzilacqua-Silva B, Abushahba MFN, Lacey CA, Franklin CL, Skyberg JA. Innate Lymphoid Cells and Interferons Limit Neurologic and Articular Complications of Brucellosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1170-1184. [PMID: 37263343 PMCID: PMC10477959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a globally significant zoonotic disease. Human patients with brucellosis develop recurrent fever and focal complications, including arthritis and neurobrucellosis. The current study investigated the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in the pathogenesis of focal brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis. After footpad infection, natural killer cells and ILC1 cells both limited joint colonization by Brucella. Mice lacking natural killer cells, and in particular mice lacking all ILCs, also developed marked arthritis after footpad infection. Following pulmonary infection, mice lacking adaptive immune cells and ILCs developed arthritis, neurologic complications, and meningitis. Adaptive immune cells and ILCs both limited colonization of the brain by Brucella following pulmonary infection. Transcriptional analysis of Brucella-infected brains revealed marked up-regulation of genes associated with inflammation and interferon responses, as well as down-regulation of genes associated with neurologic function. Type II interferon deficiency resulted in colonization of the brain by Brucella, but mice lacking both type I and type II interferon signaling more rapidly developed clinical signs of neurobrucellosis, exhibited hippocampal neuronal loss, and had higher levels of Brucella in their brains than mice lacking type II interferon signaling alone. Collectively, these findings indicate ILCs and interferons play an important role in prevention of focal complications during Brucella infection, and that mice with deficiencies in ILCs or interferons can be used to study pathogenesis of neurobrucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Moley
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Catherine A Chambers
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Alexis S Dadelahi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Bárbara Ponzilacqua-Silva
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Mostafa F N Abushahba
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Carolyn A Lacey
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Craig L Franklin
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jerod A Skyberg
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
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24
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Basson C, Serem JC, Hlophe YN, Bipath P. The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in immunomodulation and cancer metastasis. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18691-18701. [PMID: 37644823 PMCID: PMC10557908 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6484] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The activation of the kynurenine pathway in cancer progression and metastasis through immunomodulatory pathways has drawn attention to the potential for kynurenine pathway inhibition. The activation of the kynurenine pathway, which results in the production of kynurenine metabolites through the degradation of tryptophan, promotes the development of intrinsically malignant properties in cancer cells while facilitating tumour immune escape. In addition, kynurenine metabolites act as biologically active substances to promote cancer development and metastasis. METHODS A literature review was conducted to investigate the role of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in immunomodulation and cancer metastasis. RESULTS Evidence suggests that several enzymes and metabolites implicated in the kynurenine pathway are overexpressed in various cancers. As such, the tryptophan pathway represents a promising target for cancer treatment. However, downstream signalling pathways, including aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation, have previously induced diverse biological effects in various malignancies, which resulted in either the promotion or the inhibition of metastasis. CONCLUSION As a result, a thorough investigation of the kynurenine pathway and its regulatory mechanisms is necessary in order to properly comprehend the effects of kynurenine pathway activation involved in cancer development and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlise Basson
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - June Cheptoo Serem
- Department of Anatomy, School of MedicineUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Yvette Nkondo Hlophe
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Priyesh Bipath
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
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25
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Pedraz-Petrozzi B, Marszalek-Grabska M, Kozub A, Szalaj K, Trzpil A, Stachniuk A, Lamadé EK, Gilles M, Deuschle M, Turski WA, Fornal E. LC-MS/MS-based quantification of tryptophan, kynurenine, and kynurenic acid in human placental, fetal membranes, and umbilical cord samples. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12554. [PMID: 37532780 PMCID: PMC10397233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39774-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan breakdown metabolites formed along the kynurenine pathway play a significant role in pregnancy and fetal development. To understand their involvement, it is crucial to quantify the levels of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), and kynurenic acid (KYNA) in relevant biological samples such as the placenta, fetal membranes, and umbilical cord. This study used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine TRP, KYN, and KYNA levels. The LC-MS/MS method was optimized for high sensitivity and specificity, demonstrating good reproducibility with a precision of < 10% CV and an accuracy of 85-115%. The lower limit of quantification for both TRP and KYN was 0.5 µg/ml, while for KYNA, it was 0.5 ng/mL. The method exhibited linearity within the examined range of concentrations in the homogenate, ranging from 0.5 to 30 µg/ml for TRP and KYN and from 0.5 to 25 ng/ml for KYNA. Using this method, we found significant differences in the concentrations of these substances in investigated maternal-fetal compartments. Placenta samples exhibited higher KYN and lower KYNA concentrations than the umbilical cord and fetal membrane, indicating a potentially important role for kynurenines in late pregnancy. Collectively, this finding may facilitate further research and provide inside into the involvement of the kynurenine pathway of TRP metabolism in fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pedraz-Petrozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Marta Marszalek-Grabska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Kozub
- Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Klaudia Szalaj
- Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Alicja Trzpil
- Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Stachniuk
- Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Eva Kathrin Lamadé
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maria Gilles
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Deuschle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilia Fornal
- Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
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26
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Vilbert M, Koch EC, Rose AAN, Laister RC, Gray D, Sotov V, Penny S, Spreafico A, Pinto DM, Butler MO, Saibil SD. Analysis of the Circulating Metabolome of Patients with Cutaneous, Mucosal and Uveal Melanoma Reveals Distinct Metabolic Profiles with Implications for Response to Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3708. [PMID: 37509369 PMCID: PMC10378038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143708] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) than mucosal and uveal melanoma patients (MM/UM). Aiming to explore these differences and understand the distinct response to ICI, we evaluated the serum metabolome of advanced CM, MM, and UM patients. Levels of 115 metabolites were analyzed in samples collected before ICI, using a targeted metabolomics platform. In our analysis, molecules involved in the tryptophan-kynurenine axis distinguished UM/MM from CM. UM/MM patients had higher levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HKyn), whilst patients with CM were found to have higher levels of kynurenic acid (KA). The KA/3-HKyn ratio was significantly higher in CM versus the other subtypes. UM, the most ICI-resistant subtype, was also associated with higher levels of sphingomyelin-d18:1/22:1 and the polyamine spermine (SPM). Overall survival was prolonged in a cohort of CM patients with lower SPM levels, suggesting there are also conserved metabolic factors promoting ICI resistance across melanoma subtypes. Our study revealed a distinct metabolomic profile between the most resistant melanoma subtypes, UM and MM, compared to CM. Alterations within the kynurenine pathway, polyamine metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolic pathway may contribute to the poor response to ICI. Understanding the different metabolomic profiles introduces opportunities for novel therapies with potential synergic activity to ICI, to improve responses of UM/MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysa Vilbert
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Erica C Koch
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - April A N Rose
- Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Rob C Laister
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Diana Gray
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Valentin Sotov
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Susanne Penny
- National Research Council, Human Health Therapeutics, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8, Canada
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Devanand M Pinto
- National Research Council, Human Health Therapeutics, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8, Canada
| | - Marcus O Butler
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Samuel D Saibil
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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27
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Sun Y, Wang S, Liu B, Hu W, Zhu Y. Host-Microbiome Interactions: Tryptophan Metabolism and Aromatic Hydrocarbon Receptors after Traumatic Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10820. [PMID: 37445997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310820] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury refers to the damage caused to intracranial tissues by an external force acting on the head, leading to both immediate and prolonged harmful effects. Neuroinflammatory responses play a critical role in exacerbating the primary injury during the acute and chronic phases of TBI. Research has demonstrated that numerous neuroinflammatory responses are mediated through the "microbiota-gut-brain axis," which signifies the functional connection between the gut microbiota and the brain. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a vital role in facilitating communication between the host and microbiota through recognizing specific ligands produced directly or indirectly by the microbiota. Tryptophan (trp), an indispensable amino acid in animals and humans, represents one of the key endogenous ligands for AhR. The metabolites of trp have significant effects on the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) through activating AHR signalling, thereby establishing bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain. These interactions are mediated through immune, metabolic, and neural signalling mechanisms. In this review, we emphasize the co-metabolism of tryptophan in the gut microbiota and the signalling pathway mediated by AHR following TBI. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of these mechanisms on the underlying processes involved in traumatic brain injury, while also addressing potential future targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Sun
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Bingwei Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
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28
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Mrštná K, Kujovská Krčmová L, Švec F. Advances in kynurenine analysis. Clin Chim Acta 2023:117441. [PMID: 37321530 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Kynurenine, the first product of tryptophan degradation via the kynurenine pathway, has become one of the most frequently mentioned biomarkers in recent years. Its levels in the body indicate the state of the human physiology. Human serum and plasma are the main matrixes used to evaluate kynurenine levels and liquid chromatography is the dominant technique for its determination. However, their concentrations in blood do not always correspond to the levels in other matrixes obtained from the affected individuals. It is therefore important to decide when it is appropriate to analyse kynurenine in alternative matrices. However, liquid chromatography may not be the best option for the analysis. This review presents alternatives that can be used and summarizes the features that need to be considered prior to kynurenine determination. Possible approaches to kynurenine analysis in a variety of human matrixes, their challenges, and limitations are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mrštná
- The Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203/8, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; The Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - L Kujovská Krčmová
- The Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203/8, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; The Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - F Švec
- The Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovského 1203/8, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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Heo MJ, Suh JH, Lee SH, Poulsen KL, An YA, Moorthy B, Hartig SM, Moore DD, Kim KH. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor maintains hepatic mitochondrial homeostasis in mice. Mol Metab 2023; 72:101717. [PMID: 37004989 PMCID: PMC10106517 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mitophagy removes damaged mitochondria to maintain cellular homeostasis. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression in the liver plays a crucial role in supporting normal liver functions, but its impact on mitochondrial function is unclear. Here, we identified a new role of AhR in the regulation of mitophagy to control hepatic energy homeostasis. METHODS In this study, we utilized primary hepatocytes from AhR knockout (KO) mice and AhR knockdown AML12 hepatocytes. An endogenous AhR ligand, kynurenine (Kyn), was used to activate AhR in AML12 hepatocytes. Mitochondrial function and mitophagy process were comprehensively assessed by MitoSOX and mt-Keima fluorescence imaging, Seahorse XF-based oxygen consumption rate measurement, and Mitoplate S-1 mitochondrial substrate utilization analysis. RESULTS Transcriptomic analysis indicated that mitochondria-related gene sets were dysregulated in AhR KO liver. In both primary mouse hepatocytes and AML12 hepatocyte cell lines, AhR inhibition strongly suppressed mitochondrial respiration rate and substrate utilization. AhR inhibition also blunted the fasting response of several essential autophagy genes and the mitophagy process. We further identified BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), a mitophagy receptor that senses nutrient stress, as an AhR target gene. AhR is directly recruited to the Bnip3 genomic locus, and Bnip3 transcription was enhanced by AhR endogenous ligand treatment in wild-type liver and abolished entirely in AhR KO liver. Mechanistically, overexpression of Bnip3 in AhR knockdown cells mitigated the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restored functional mitophagy. CONCLUSIONS AhR regulation of the mitophagy receptor BNIP3 coordinates hepatic mitochondrial function. Loss of AhR induces mitochondrial ROS production and impairs mitochondrial respiration. These findings provide new insight into how endogenous AhR governs hepatic mitochondrial homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jeong Heo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine and Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ji Ho Suh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine and Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sung Ho Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Kyle L Poulsen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine and Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yu A An
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine and Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bhagavatula Moorthy
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sean M Hartig
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David D Moore
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Kang Ho Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine and Center for Perioperative Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Pinto CJG, Ávila-Gálvez MÁ, Lian Y, Moura-Alves P, Nunes Dos Santos C. Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by gut phenolic metabolites: A strategy towards gut inflammation. Redox Biol 2023; 61:102622. [PMID: 36812782 PMCID: PMC9958510 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor able to control complex transcriptional processes in several cell types, which has been correlated with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Numerous studies have described different compounds as ligands of this receptor, like xenobiotics, natural compounds, and several host-derived metabolites. Dietary (poly)phenols have been studied regarding their pleiotropic activities (e.g., neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory), but their AHR modulatory capabilities have also been considered. However, dietary (poly)phenols are submitted to extensive metabolism in the gut (e.g., gut microbiota). Thus, the resulting gut phenolic metabolites could be key players modulating AHR since they are the ones that reach the cells and may exert effects on the AHR throughout the gut and other organs. This review aims at a comprehensive search for the most abundant gut phenolic metabolites detected and quantified in humans to understand how many have been described as AHR modulators and what could be their impact on inflammatory gut processes. Even though several phenolic compounds have been studied regarding their anti-inflammatory capacities, only 1 gut phenolic metabolite, described as AHR modulator, has been evaluated on intestinal inflammatory models. Searching for AHR ligands could be a novel strategy against IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina J G Pinto
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - María Ángeles Ávila-Gálvez
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Yilong Lian
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; I3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Cláudia Nunes Dos Santos
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, Portugal.
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Habib MA, Islam MM, Islam MM, Hasan MM, Baek KH. Current Status and De Novo Synthesis of Anti-Tumor Alkaloids in Nicotiana. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13050623. [PMID: 37233664 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050623] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkaloids are the most diversified nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites, having antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and are extensively used in pharmaceuticals to treat different types of cancer. Nicotiana serves as a reservoir of anti-cancer alkaloids and is also used as a model plant for the de novo synthesis of various anti-cancer molecules through genetic engineering. Up to 4% of the total dry weight of Nicotiana was found to be composed of alkaloids, where nicotine, nornicotine, anatabine, and anabasine are reported as the dominant alkaloids. Additionally, among the alkaloids present in Nicotiana, β-carboline (Harmane and Norharmane) and Kynurenines are found to show anti-tumor effects, especially in the cases of colon and breast cancers. Creating new or shunting of existing biosynthesis pathways in different species of Nicotiana resulted in de novo or increased synthesis of different anti-tumor molecules or their derivatives or precursors including Taxadiane (~22.5 µg/g), Artemisinin (~120 μg/g), Parthenolide (~2.05 ng/g), Costunolide (~60 ng/g), Etoposide (~1 mg/g), Crocin (~400 µg/g), Catharanthine (~60 ng/g), Tabersonine (~10 ng/g), Strictosidine (~0.23 mg/g), etc. Enriching the precursor pool, especially Dimethylallyl Diphosphate (DMAPP), down-regulating other bi-product pathways, compartmentalization or metabolic shunting, or organelle-specific reconstitution of the precursor pool, might trigger the enhanced accumulation of the targeted anti-cancer alkaloid in Nicotiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ahsan Habib
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mobinul Islam
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mukul Islam
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mohidul Hasan
- Department of Plant Pathology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
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Biswas P, Stuehr DJ. Indoleamine Dioxygenase and Tryptophan Dioxygenase Activities are Regulated through Control of Cell Heme Allocation by Nitric Oxide. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104753. [PMID: 37116709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and Tryptophan-2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO) catalyze the conversion of L-tryptophan to N-formyl-kynurenine and thus play primary roles in metabolism, inflammation, and tumor immune surveillance. Because their activities depend on their heme contents which vary in biological settings and go up or down in a dynamic manner, we studied how their heme levels may be impacted by nitric oxide (NO) in mammalian cells. We utilized cells expressing TDO or IDO1 either naturally or via transfection and determined their activities, heme contents, and expression levels as a function of NO exposure. We found NO has a bimodal effect: A narrow range of low NO exposure promoted cells to allocate heme into the heme-free TDO and IDO1 populations and consequently boosted their heme contents and activities 4- to 6-fold, while beyond this range the NO exposure transitioned to have a negative impact on their heme contents and activities. NO did not alter dioxygenase protein expression levels and its bimodal impact was observed when NO was released by a chemical donor or was generated naturally by immune-stimulated macrophage cells. NO-driven heme allocations to IDO1 and TDO required participation of a GAPDH-heme complex and for IDO1 required chaperone Hsp90 activity. Thus, cells can up- or down-regulate their IDO1 and TDO activities through a bimodal control of heme allocation by NO. This mechanism has important biomedical implications and helps explain why the IDO1 and TDO activities in animals go up and down in response to immune stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranjal Biswas
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | - Dennis J Stuehr
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
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Associations between the kynurenine pathway and the brain in patients with major depressive disorder-A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 121:110675. [PMID: 36372294 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that an imbalance in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway is an important pathophysiological mechanism of depression. Several studies have reported that an imbalance in the KYN pathway and its metabolites is associated with abnormalities in cerebral structure and function in depression, but the available evidence has been inconsistent. In this review, we systematically reviewed and integrated the findings concerning the associations between the KYN pathway and the brain in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). A total of 22 neuroimaging studies were ultimately included in the present study. The neuroimaging modalities used in the studies included structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging, functional MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, arterial spin labelling and positron emission tomography. The results revealed that an imbalance in the KYN pathway was associated with structural and functional abnormalities in several brain regions in patients with MDD. The brain regions most frequently associated with an imbalance in the KYN pathway were cortical regions (i.e., anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex), subcortical regions (i.e., striatum, thalamus and amygdala) and white matter fibres (i.e., inner capsule and left superior longitudinal tract). Our study provides robust evidence that cerebral abnormalities associated with the KYN pathway may be the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD. Future prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the causal relationships between the imbalanced KYN pathway and cerebral abnormalities in patients with MDD.
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Tezcan D, Onmaz DE, Sivrikaya A, Körez MK, Hakbilen S, Gülcemal S, Yılmaz S. Kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in patients with familial Mediterranean fever. Mod Rheumatol 2023; 33:398-407. [PMID: 35139221 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory syndrome characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and aseptic polyserositis. Subclinical inflammation generates a hidden threat to the development of FMF complications such as amyloidosis in attack-free intervals. The kynurenine pathway (KP) has been considered an important player in inflammation and immune response. The study was aimed to measure serum levels of KP metabolites in patients with FMF in the attack-free period. METHODS A total of 161 participants were recruited from the rheumatology department in this single-centre, case-control study. Participants meeting the eligibility criteria were divided into healthy controls (n = 80) and FMF (n = 81). The laboratory data were obtained from the electronic registration database. Serum tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK), and quinolinic acid (QUIN) concentrations were measured with tandem mass spectrometry. Laboratory findings of FMF patients and healthy controls subjects were compared and evaluated. RESULTS Serum TRP and KYNA levels were significantly decreased in both FMF groups compared to the control group, while the levels of KYN, QUIN, 3HK, the KYN/TRP ratio, and red cell distribution width were higher. CONCLUSION TRP degradation by the KP is increased in patients with FMF. KP metabolites can be useful in demonstrating subclinical inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Tezcan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Duygu Eryavuz Onmaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Sivrikaya
- Department of Biochemistry, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Muslu Kazım Körez
- Division of Biostatistics, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Selda Hakbilen
- Division of Rheumatology, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Semral Gülcemal
- Division of Rheumatology, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sema Yılmaz
- Division of Rheumatology, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
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Salminen A. Activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in Alzheimer's disease: role of tryptophan metabolites generated by gut host-microbiota. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:201-222. [PMID: 36757399 PMCID: PMC10036442 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02289-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbiota in interaction with intestinal host tissues influences many brain functions and microbial dysbiosis has been linked with brain disorders, such as neuropsychiatric conditions and Alzheimer's disease (AD). L-tryptophan metabolites and short-chained fatty acids (SCFA) are major messengers in the microbiota-brain axis. Aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) are main targets of tryptophan metabolites in brain microvessels which possess an enriched expression of AhR protein. The Ah receptor is an evolutionarily conserved, ligand-activated transcription factor which is not only a sensor of xenobiotic toxins but also a pleiotropic regulator of both developmental processes and age-related tissue degeneration. Major microbiota-produced tryptophan metabolites involve indole derivatives, e.g., indole 3-pyruvic acid, indole 3-acetaldehyde, and indoxyl sulfate, whereas indoleamine and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenases (IDO/TDO) of intestine host cells activate the kynurenine (KYN) pathway generating KYN metabolites, many of which are activators of AhR signaling. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the serum level of indoxyl sulfate which promotes AD pathogenesis, e.g., it disrupts integrity of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and impairs cognitive functions. Activation of AhR signaling disturbs vascular homeostasis in brain; (i) it controls blood flow via the renin-angiotensin system, (ii) it inactivates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), thus impairing NO production and vasodilatation, and (iii) it induces oxidative stress, stimulates inflammation, promotes cellular senescence, and enhances calcification of vascular walls. All these alterations are evident in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in AD pathology. Moreover, AhR signaling can disturb circadian regulation and probably affect glymphatic flow. It seems plausible that dysbiosis of gut microbiota impairs the integrity of BBB via the activation of AhR signaling and thus aggravates AD pathology. KEY MESSAGES: Dysbiosis of gut microbiota is associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Tryptophan metabolites are major messengers from the gut host-microbiota to brain. Tryptophan metabolites activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling in brain. The expression of AhR protein is enriched in brain microvessels and blood-brain barrier. Tryptophan metabolites disturb brain vascular integrity via AhR signaling. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota promotes inflammation and AD pathology via AhR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, Kuopio, 70211, Finland.
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Farup PG, Hamarsland H, Mølmen KS, Ellefsen S, Hestad K. The Kynurenine Pathway in Healthy Subjects and Subjects with Obesity, Depression and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030351. [PMID: 36986451 PMCID: PMC10053928 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Changes in tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP) are observed in several disorders and coupled with pathophysiological deviations. Methods: This study retrospectively compared the KP in serum in healthy subjects (108) with subjects with obesity (141), depression (49), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (22) participating in four clinical studies and explored predictors of the changes in the KP metabolites. Results: Compared with the healthy group, the KP was upregulated in the disease groups with high kynurenine, quinolinic acid (QA), kynurenine/tryptophan-ratio and QA/xanthurenic acid-ratio and low kynurenic acid/QA-ratio. Tryptophan and xanthurenic acid were upregulated in the depressed group compared with the groups with obesity and COPD. The covariates BMI, smoking, diabetes, and C-reactive protein explained the significant differences between the healthy group and the group with obesity but not between the healthy group and the groups with depression and COPD, indicating that different pathophysiological conditions result in the same changes in the KP. Conclusions: The KP was significantly upregulated in the disease groups compared with the healthy group, and there were significant differences between the disease groups. Different pathophysiological abnormalities seemed to result in the same deviations in the KP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per G. Farup
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, N-2381 Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Correspondence:
| | - Håvard Hamarsland
- Section for Health and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, N-2624 Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Knut Sindre Mølmen
- Section for Health and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, N-2624 Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Stian Ellefsen
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, N-2381 Brumunddal, Norway
- Section for Health and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, N-2624 Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Knut Hestad
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, N-2381 Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, N-2418 Elverum, Norway
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Turning Microbial AhR Agonists into Therapeutic Agents via Drug Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020506. [PMID: 36839828 PMCID: PMC9966334 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020506] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing therapeutics for inflammatory diseases is challenging due to physiological mucosal barriers, systemic side effects, and the local microbiota. In the search for novel methods to overcome some of these problems, drug delivery systems that improve tissue-targeted drug delivery and modulate the microbiota are highly desirable. Microbial metabolites are known to regulate immune responses, an observation that has resulted in important conceptual advances in areas such as metabolite pharmacology and metabolite therapeutics. Indeed, the doctrine of "one molecule, one target, one disease" that has dominated the pharmaceutical industry in the 20th century is being replaced by developing therapeutics which simultaneously manipulate multiple targets through novel formulation approaches, including the multitarget-directed ligands. Thus, metabolites may not only represent biomarkers for disease development, but also, being causally linked to human diseases, an unexploited source of therapeutics. We have shown the successful exploitation of this approach: by deciphering how signaling molecules, such as the microbial metabolite, indole-3-aldehyde, and the repurposed drug anakinra, interact with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor may pave the way for novel therapeutics in inflammatory human diseases, for the realization of which drug delivery platforms are instrumental.
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Kynurenine Pathway in Diabetes Mellitus-Novel Pharmacological Target? Cells 2023; 12:cells12030460. [PMID: 36766803 PMCID: PMC9913876 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway (Trp-KYN) is the major route for tryptophan conversion in the brain and in the periphery. Kynurenines display a wide range of biological actions (which are often contrasting) such as cytotoxic/cytoprotective, oxidant/antioxidant or pro-/anti-inflammatory. The net effect depends on their local concentration, cellular environment, as well as a complex positive and negative feedback loops. The imbalance between beneficial and harmful kynurenines was implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric illnesses and metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite available therapies, DM may lead to serious macro- and microvascular complications including cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic renal disease, diabetic retinopathy, autonomic neuropathy or cognitive impairment. It is well established that low-grade inflammation, which often coincides with DM, can affect the function of KP and, conversely, that kynurenines may modulate the immune response. This review provides a detailed summary of findings concerning the status of the Trp-KYN pathway in DM based on available animal, human and microbiome studies. We highlight the importance of the molecular interplay between the deranged (functionally and qualitatively) conversion of Trp to kynurenines in the development of DM and insulin resistance. The Trp-KYN pathway emerges as a novel target in the search for preventive and therapeutic interventions in DM.
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Ren R, Fang Y, Sherchan P, Lu Q, Lenahan C, Zhang JH, Zhang J, Tang J. Kynurenine/Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Modulates Mitochondria-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Apoptosis in Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:1111-1129. [PMID: 35481813 PMCID: PMC9784632 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis play crucial roles in the pathological processes of secondary injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), together with its endogenous ligand kynurenine, is known to mediate free radical accumulation and neuronal excitotoxicity in central nervous systems. Herein, we investigate the pathological roles of kynurenine/AHR after ICH. Results: Endogenous AHR knockout alleviated reactive oxygen species accumulation and neuronal apoptosis in ipsilateral hemisphere at 48 h after ICH in mice. The ICH insult resulted in an increase of total and nucleus AHR protein levels and AHR transcriptional activity. Inhibition of AHR provided both short- and long- term neurological benefits by attenuating mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis after ICH in mice. RhoA-Bax signaling activated mitochondrial death pathway and participated in deleterious actions of AHR. Finally, we reported that exogenous kynurenine aggravated AHR activation and mediated the brain mentioned earlier. Male animals were used in the experiments. Innovation: We show for the first time that kynurenine/AHR mediates mitochondria death and free radical accumulation, at least partially via the RhoA/Bax signaling pathway. Pharmacological antagonists of AHR and kynurenine may ameliorate neurobehavioral function and improve the prognosis of patients with ICH. Conclusion: Kynurenine/AHR may serve as a potential therapeutic target to attenuate mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress and neuronal cells impairment in patients with ICH. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1111-1129.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reng Ren
- Department of Neurointensive Care Unit and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Yuanjian Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Prativa Sherchan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Qin Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Cameron Lenahan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - John H. Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, and Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurointensive Care Unit and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
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Hu Y, Liu Z, Tang H. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase may be a potential prognostic biomarker and immunotherapy target in cancer: A meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:977640. [PMID: 36263228 PMCID: PMC9574363 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.977640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) is one of the emerging immune checkpoints. Meanwhile, TDO2 is also a key enzyme in the tryptophan (Trp)–kynurenine (Kyn) signaling pathway. Many studies have evaluated that TDO2 is highly expressed in various malignant tumor patients and plays a prognostic role. However, the sample size of a single prognostic study was small, and the results were still controversial. Methods We used Stata software and referenced the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement to conduct a meta-analysis on TDO2 and its clinical features and prognosis. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to find publications concerning TDO2 expression in malignant tumor patients up to June 2021. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) to evaluate the bias risk of the included literature. Risk ratios (RRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were used for clinical outcomes, specifically overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). In addition, we used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to verify our conclusions. Results Nine studies including 667 patients with malignant tumors were identified. Our results suggested that overexpression of TDO2 was statistically correlated with poor OS and poor PFS (HR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.52–4.40, p = 0.0005; HR = 2.38, 95% CI = 0.99–5.73, p = 0.05). In terms of clinicopathological characteristics, the overexpression level of TDO2 was statistically correlated with TNM (tumor–node–metastasis) stage (RR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.48–0.89, p = 0.002) and regional lymph node metastasis (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.59–0.99, p = 0.04). Subgroup analysis revealed the potential sources of heterogeneity. In addition, bioinformatics studies suggested that the level of TDO2 was high in malignant tumors and higher in cancer tissue than in matched paracarcinoma tissue. Gene enrichment analysis showed that TDO2 was closely related to immune response. Conclusion Overall, TDO2 may be a biomarker for the survival and prognosis of patients with malignant tumors and a potential therapeutic target in the future. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=260442, identifier (CRD42021260442)
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zhongjian Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Tang,
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Qian M, Xia Y, Zhang G, Yu H, Cui Y. Research progress on microRNA-1258 in the development of human cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1024234. [PMID: 36249037 PMCID: PMC9556982 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1024234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs composed of 20-22 nucleotides that do not encode proteins, which regulate the expression of downstream genes by targeting the 3' untranslated region of mRNA. Plentiful research has demonstrated that miRNAs participate in the initiation and development of diverse diseases and malignant tumors. miR-1258 exerts great influence on tumors, including tumor growth, distant metastasis, migration, invasion, chemosensitivity, cell glycolysis, apoptosis, and stemness. Interestingly, miR-1258 is a miRNA with explicit functions and has been investigated to act as a tumor suppressor in studies on various types of tumors. With accumulating research on miR-1258, it has been found to be used as a biomarker in the early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of tumor patients. In this review, we outline the development of miR-1258 research, describe its regulatory network, and discuss its roles in cancer. Additionally, we generalize the potential clinical applications of miR-1258. This review offers emerging perspectives and orientations for further comprehending the function of miR-1258 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and potent therapeutic target in cancer.
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Kynurenine Pathway of Tryptophan Metabolism Is Associated with Hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11101884. [PMID: 36290606 PMCID: PMC9598717 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11101884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) involves dysregulated immune-inflammatory responses, characterized by severe oxidative stress and high mortality. Metabolites modulating the inflammatory and immune responses may play a central role in the pathogenesis of ARDS. Most biogenic amines may induce the production of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and programmed cell death. We conducted a prospective study on metabolic profiling specific to the amino acids and biogenic amines of 69 patients with ARDS. Overall, hospital mortality was 52.2%. Between day 1 and day 7 after ARDS onset, plasma kynurenine levels and the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio were significantly higher among non-survivors than in survivors (all p < 0.05). Urine metabolic profiling revealed a significantly higher prevalence of tryptophan degradation and higher concentrations of metabolites downstream of the kynurenine pathway among non-survivors than among survivors upon ARDS onset. Cox regression models revealed that plasma kynurenine levels and the plasma kynurenine/tryptophan ratio on day 1 were independently associated with hospital mortality. The activation of the kynurenine pathway was associated with mortality in patients with ARDS. Metabolic phenotypes and modulating metabolic perturbations of the kynurenine pathway could perhaps serve as prognostic markers or as a target for therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing oxidative stress and mortality in ARDS.
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Li D, Yu S, Long Y, Shi A, Deng J, Ma Y, Wen J, Li X, Liu S, Zhang Y, Wan J, Li N, Ao R. Tryptophan metabolism: Mechanism-oriented therapy for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Front Immunol 2022; 13:985378. [PMID: 36159806 PMCID: PMC9496178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.985378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological and psychiatric disorders are a category of chronic diseases that are widespread and pose serious mental and physical health problems for patients. The substrates, products, and enzymes of Tryptophan metabolism all contribute to the development of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This paper deals with three metabolic pathways of tryptophan that produce a series of metabolites called tryptophan Catabolics (TRYCATs). These metabolites are involved in pathological processes such as excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage and are closely associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Here, we review the elements that affect how tryptophan metabolism is regulated, including inflammation and stress, exercise, vitamins, minerals, diet and gut microbes, glucocorticoids, and aging, as well as the downstream regulatory effects of tryptophan metabolism, including the regulation of glutamate (Glu), immunity, G-protein coupled receptor 35 (Gpr35), nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and dopamine (DA). In order to advance the general understanding of tryptophan metabolism in neurological and psychiatric disorders, this paper also summarizes the current situation and effective drugs of tryptophan metabolism in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders and considers its future research prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Long
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ai Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Songyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinyan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Li, ; Rui Ao,
| | - Rui Ao
- Oncology Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Li, ; Rui Ao,
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Gut Microbiota Regulation of AHR Signaling in Liver Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091244. [PMID: 36139083 PMCID: PMC9496174 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver health plays a vital role in human health and disease. Emerging evidence has shown the importance of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, and liver failure. As a ligand-activated transcription factor, AHR can be activated by endogenous ligands of microbial metabolites such as tryptophan (Trp), kynurenine (Kyn) or indole derivatives locally or distantly. However, the therapeutic effects of the gut microbiota-regulated AHR pathway remain to be clarified. In this review, we summarize recent progress and examine the role of AHR signaling as a target for gut microbiota intervention in liver diseases. The focus on AHR signaling will identify a promising target in the gut microbiota for better understanding and therapeutic opportunities in liver diseases.
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Tryptophan Challenge in Healthy Controls and People with Schizophrenia: Acute Effects on Plasma Levels of Kynurenine, Kynurenic Acid and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15081003. [PMID: 36015151 PMCID: PMC9416551 DOI: 10.3390/ph15081003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The pivotal tryptophan (TRP) metabolite kynurenine is converted to several neuroactive compounds, including kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is elevated in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of people with schizophrenia (SZ) and may contribute to cognitive abnormalities in patients. A small proportion of TRP is metabolized to serotonin and further to 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Notably, KP metabolism is readily affected by immune stimulation. Here, we assessed the acute effects of an oral TRP challenge (6 g) on peripheral concentrations of kynurenine, KYNA and 5-HIAA, as well as the cytokines interferon-γ, TNF-α and interleukin-6, in 22 participants with SZ and 16 healthy controls (HCs) using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. TRP raised the levels of kynurenine, KYNA and 5-HIAA in a time-dependent manner, causing >20-fold, >130-fold and 1.5-fold increases in kynurenine, KYNA and 5-HIAA concentrations, respectively, after 240 min. According to multivariate analyses, neither baseline levels nor the stimulating effects of TRP differed between participants with SZ and HC. Basal cytokine levels did not vary between groups, and remained unaffected by TRP. Although unlikely to be useful diagnostically, measurements of circulating metabolites following an acute TRP challenge may be informative for assessing the in vivo efficacy of drugs that modulate the neosynthesis of KYNA and other products of TRP degradation.
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Nkandeu DS, Basson C, Joubert AM, Serem JC, Bipath P, Nyakudya T, Hlophe Y. The involvement of a chemokine receptor antagonist CTCE-9908 and kynurenine metabolites in cancer development. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:608-622. [PMID: 35789495 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3731] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with nearly 20,000 reported cases every year and 700 deaths. If diagnosed early, the 5-year survival rate is about 90%, however, when diagnosed late, the 5-year survival rate decreases to about 20%. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer with an estimated 5-year survival rate of approximately 90%. Neuroblastoma is a paediatric cancer with a low survival rate. Sixty percent of patients with metastatic disease do not survive 5 years after diagnosis. Despite recent advances in targeted therapies, there is a crucial need to identify reliable prognostic biomarkers which will be able to contribute to the development of more precision-based chemotherapeutic strategies to prevent tumour migration and metastasis. The compound, CTCE-9908 inhibits the binding of CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) to the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) receptor leading to reduced metastasis. Kynurenine metabolites are derived tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid. Kynurenine metabolites inhibit T-cell proliferation resulting in cell growth arrest. For this reason, chemokines receptors represent potential targets for the treatment of cancer growth and metastasis. In this review paper, the role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling pathway in the development of cancer is highlighted together with the current available treatments involving the CTCE-9908 compound in combination with microtubule inhibitors like paclitaxel and docetaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Sandra Nkandeu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Charlize Basson
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anna Margaretha Joubert
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - June Cheptoo Serem
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Priyesh Bipath
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Trevor Nyakudya
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yvette Hlophe
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Unbalanced IDO1/IDO2 Endothelial Expression and Skewed Keynurenine Pathway in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Pneumonia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061332. [PMID: 35740354 PMCID: PMC9220124 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intense investigation, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the newly defined long COVID-19 syndrome are not fully understood. Increasing evidence has been provided of metabolic alterations characterizing this group of disorders, with particular relevance of an activated tryptophan/kynurenine pathway as described in this review. Recent histological studies have documented that, in COVID-19 patients, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzymes are differentially expressed in the pulmonary blood vessels, i.e., IDO1 prevails in early/mild pneumonia and in lung tissues from patients suffering from long COVID-19, whereas IDO2 is predominant in severe/fatal cases. We hypothesize that IDO1 is necessary for a correct control of the vascular tone of pulmonary vessels, and its deficiency in COVID-19 might be related to the syndrome’s evolution toward vascular dysfunction. The complexity of this scenario is discussed in light of possible therapeutic manipulations of the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway in COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndromes.
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Interactions between Tryptophan Metabolism, the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System as Potential Drivers of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Metabolic Diseases. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060514. [PMID: 35736447 PMCID: PMC9227929 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing and therefore is its burden of disease as NALFD is a risk factor for cirrhosis and is associated with other metabolic conditions such as type II diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis. Linking these cardiometabolic diseases is a state of low-grade inflammation, with higher cytokines and c-reactive protein levels found in individuals with NAFLD, obesity and type II diabetes. A possible therapeutic target to decrease this state of low-grade inflammation is the metabolism of the essential amino-acid tryptophan. Its three main metabolic pathways (kynurenine pathway, indole pathway and serotonin/melatonin pathway) result in metabolites such as kynurenic acid, xanturenic acid, indole-3-propionic acid and serotonin/melatonin. The kynurenine pathway is regulated by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that is upregulated by pro-inflammatory molecules such as INF, IL-6 and LPS. Higher activity of IDO is associated with increased inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD, as well with increased glucose levels, obesity and atherosclerosis. On the other hand, increased concentrations of the indole pathway metabolites, regulated by the gut microbiome, seem to result in more favorable outcomes. This narrative review summarizes the interactions between tryptophan metabolism, the gut microbiome and the immune system as potential drivers of cardiometabolic diseases in NAFLD.
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Sadok I, Jędruchniewicz K, Staniszewska M. Quantification of nicotinic acid, kynurenine, and kynurenine acid in poultry meat by validated liquid chromatography-single quadrupole mass spectrometry method. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.113582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Fan Q, Zuo J, Tian H, Huang C, Nice EC, Shi Z, Kong Q. Nanoengineering a metal-organic framework for osteosarcoma chemo-immunotherapy by modulating indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:162. [PMID: 35501823 PMCID: PMC9063269 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02372-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The high postoperative recurrence rate and refractoriness of relapsed tumors are still a conundrum for the clinical management of osteosarcoma (OS). New therapeutic options are urgently needed. Depriving the nourishment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells is a novel strategy to improve the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for enhanced OS therapy. Methods We synthesized a hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified metal–organic framework for combinational chemotherapy and immunotherapy of OS. Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) was prepared by a one-pot synthetic method, Gemcitabine (Gem) and D-1-Methyltryptophan (D-1-MT) were loaded into the ZIF-8 during the synthesis process to make ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT nanoparticles (NPs). The end product (HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs) was obtained by HA modification on the surface of ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs. The obtained HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs have excellent potential as a drug delivery vector for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in vitro and vivo. Results The results indicate that HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs were readily taken up by OS cells, and that the Gem and D-1-MT were effectively released into the acidic environment. The HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs could efficiently decrease OS cell viability (proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion). And HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs could reactivate antitumor immunity by inhibiting indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Furthermore, animal experiments confirmed that HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs could induce intratumoral immune responses and inhibit tumor growth. Additionally, HA/ZIF-8@Gem/D-1-MT NPs have a good safety profile. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that the combination of Gem with D-1-MT brings new hope for the improved treatment of OS, while the generation of the nanosystem has increased the application potential and flexibility of this strategy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02372-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Fan
- Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region (Hospital.C.T.), Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of TibetanAutonomous Region (Hospital.C.T.), Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Zuo
- Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region (Hospital.C.T.), Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hailong Tian
- Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region (Hospital.C.T.), Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Zheng Shi
- Clinical Medical College &, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China.
| | - Qingquan Kong
- Department of Orthopedics, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of TibetanAutonomous Region (Hospital.C.T.), Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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