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Gao H, Liang Y, Wang M, Li W, Zheng W, Wang Z, Sun G, Liu H, Liu M, Zhang Y. Inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation by MCC950 attenuates dopaminergic neuronal damage in MN9D cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2025; 1001:177774. [PMID: 40436242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177774] [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: 03/17/2025] [Revised: 05/06/2025] [Accepted: 05/26/2025] [Indexed: 06/02/2025]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the pathological aggregation of α-synuclein, which drives neurodegeneration. The NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 has shown neuroprotective effects in various PD models, but its direct impact on α-synuclein aggregation remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of MCC950 in an α-synuclein-overexpressing MN9D dopaminergic neuronal model. MCC950 significantly alleviated α-synuclein-induced neuronal damage, as evidenced by improved cell viability, reduced apoptosis, and downregulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression. Proteomic analysis revealed that MCC950 modulates protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), potentially alleviating stress-induced protein misfolding. Molecular docking and biochemical assays demonstrated that MCC950 directly binds to the C-terminal region of α-synuclein, inhibiting its aggregation. Additionally, MCC950 upregulated heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), a molecular chaperone that suppresses α-synuclein oligomerization. Notably, the neuroprotective effects of MCC950 were independent of autophagy modulation or NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition in this model. These findings highlight MCC950 as a multi-target therapeutic agent that directly inhibits α-synuclein aggregation, offering a promising strategy for treating PD and related α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Gao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Yingneng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Mengfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Wen Li
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Zitong Wang
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Guangqiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Hongchun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China.
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Asiri YI, Pichaivel M, Parameshwaran SP, Venkatesan K, Alqahtani S, Alqahtani T, Ahmed R, Elfadil H, Elodemi M, Genena S, Sivadasan D, Paulsamy P. Targeting Hyperuricemia and NLRP3 Inflammasome in Gouty Arthritis: A Preclinical Evaluation of Allopurinol and Disulfiram Combination Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2025; 18:762. [PMID: 40430581 PMCID: PMC12114764 DOI: 10.3390/ph18050762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2025] [Revised: 05/17/2025] [Accepted: 05/18/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Gouty arthritis (GA) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by hyperuricemia and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, leading to joint damage and systemic inflammation. Although allopurinol (ALP), a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, effectively lowers serum urate levels, it has limited anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated whether combining disulfiram (DSF), a known NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, with ALP enhances therapeutic outcomes in a rat model of gout. Methods: Thirty male Albino Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 6): control, disease control, ALP-treated, DSF-treated, and ALP + DSF combination. Hyperuricemia was induced using potassium oxonate, followed by MSU crystal injection to trigger acute gout. Treatment lasted 30 days. Efficacy was assessed through clinical scoring, paw swelling, serum uric acid levels, ELISA-based cytokine profiling (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6), renal function tests, radiography, and histopathology. Results: Combination therapy with ALP + DSF significantly reduced paw swelling (p < 0.05), inflammation index (p < 0.001), serum uric acid (p < 0.001), and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to monotherapy. Histopathology revealed preserved synovial architecture and reduced inflammatory infiltration. Radiographic imaging showed attenuated soft tissue swelling and joint erosion. Renal function markers were also improved in the combination group. Conclusions: The combination of ALP and DSF provided superior anti-inflammatory and urate-lowering effects compared to individual treatments. These findings support the potential of disulfiram as an adjunct to conventional ULTs in gout management through dual modulation of urate metabolism and inflammasome-driven inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya I. Asiri
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia; (Y.I.A.); (S.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Manimekalai Pichaivel
- Department of Pharmacology, Swamy Vivekanadha College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Namakkal 637205, Tamil Nadu, India; (M.P.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Selva Prasanthi Parameshwaran
- Department of Pharmacology, Swamy Vivekanadha College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Namakkal 637205, Tamil Nadu, India; (M.P.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Krishnaraju Venkatesan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia; (Y.I.A.); (S.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Saud Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia; (Y.I.A.); (S.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Taha Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia; (Y.I.A.); (S.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Rehab Ahmed
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (H.E.)
| | - Hassabelrasoul Elfadil
- Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (H.E.)
| | - Mahmoud Elodemi
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shaimaa Genena
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Durgaramani Sivadasan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Premalatha Paulsamy
- College of Nursing, Mahalah Branch for Girls, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia;
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Yin L, Zhang H, Shang Y, Wu S, Jin T. NLRP3 inflammasome: From drug target to drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2025; 30:104375. [PMID: 40345614 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104375] [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: 12/02/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2025] [Accepted: 05/02/2025] [Indexed: 05/11/2025]
Abstract
The immune system employs innate and adaptive immunity to combat pathogens and stress stimuli. Innate immunity rapidly detects pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), whereas adaptive immunity mediates antigen-specific T/B cell responses. The NLRP3 inflammasome, a key cytoplasmic PRR, consists of leucine-rich repeat, nucleotide-binding, and pyrin domains. Its activation requires priming (signal 1: Toll-like receptors/NOD-like receptors/cytokine receptors) and activation (signal 2: PAMPs/DAMPs/particulates). NLRP3 triggers cytokine storms and neuroinflammation, contributing to inflammatory diseases. Emerging therapies target NLRP3 via nuclear receptors (transcriptional regulation), adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors (gene delivery), and microRNAs (post-transcriptional modulation). This review highlights NLRP3's signaling cascade, pathological roles, and combinatorial treatments leveraging nuclear receptors, AAVs, and microRNAs for immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yin
- Center of Disease Immunity and Intervention, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China; College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027 China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Center of Disease Immunity and Intervention, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Yuhua Shang
- Anhui Genebiol Biotech. Ltd., Hefei 230000, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Center of Disease Immunity and Intervention, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China.
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Center of Disease Immunity and Intervention, College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China; Anhui Genebiol Biotech. Ltd., Hefei 230000, China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027 China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.
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Minuti A, Raffaele I, Scuruchi M, Lui M, Muscarà C, Calabrò M. Role and Functions of Irisin: A Perspective on Recent Developments and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2025; 14:554. [PMID: 40427436 PMCID: PMC12108254 DOI: 10.3390/antiox14050554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2025] [Revised: 04/28/2025] [Accepted: 05/05/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Irisin is a peptide derived from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) and is primarily produced by muscle fibers under the regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) during exercise. Irisin has been the subject of extensive research due to its potential as a metabolic regulator and its antioxidant properties. Notably, it has been associated with protective actions within the brain. Despite growing interest, many questions remain regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects. This review summarizes recent findings on irisin, highlighting its pleiotropic functions and the biological processes and molecular cascades involved in its action, with a particular focus on the central nervous system. Irisin plays a crucial role in neuron survival, differentiation, growth, and development, while also promoting mitochondrial homeostasis, regulating apoptosis, and facilitating autophagy-processes essential for normal neuronal function. Emerging evidence suggests that irisin may improve conditions associated with non-communicable neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and multiple sclerosis. Given its diverse benefits, irisin holds promise as a novel therapeutic agent for preventing and treating neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio Minuti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Ivana Raffaele
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Michele Scuruchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Maria Lui
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Claudia Muscarà
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (M.C.)
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