Transgenic mice expressing human Bcl-2 in their neurons are resistant to 6-hydroxydopamine and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine neurotoxicity

Dipeptide mimetic of BDNF ameliorates motor dysfunction and striatal apoptosis in 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's rat model: Considering Akt and MAPKs signaling

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor and non-motor complaints. Dysregulation of neurotrophic factors and related signaling cascades have been reported to be common events in PD which is accompanied by dopaminergic (DA) neuron demise. However, the restoration of neurotrophic factors has several limitations. Bis-(N-monosuccinyl-L-methionyl-L-serine) heptamethylenediamide (BHME) is a dipeptide mimetic of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with reported anti-oxidant and neuroprotective effects in several experimental models. The current study has investigated the effect of BHME on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-caused motor anomalies in Wistar rats. In this regard, rats were treated daily with BHME (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) 1 h after 6-OHDA-caused damage until the twelfth day. Afterwards, motor behavior and DA neuron survival were evaluated via behavioral tests and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, respectively. Moreover, the activity of Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) family, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were evaluated by Western blotting. Our results indicated that BHME prevents motor dysfunction and DA cell death following 6-OHDA injection, and this improvement was in parallel with an enhancement in Akt activity, decrement of P38 phosphorylation, along with a reduction in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. In conclusion, our findings indicated that BHME, as a mimetic of BDNF, can be considered for further research and is a promising therapeutic agent for PD therapy.

Genistein suppresses microglial activation and inhibits apoptosis in different brain regions of hypoxia-exposed mice model of amnesia

Genistein (GE) or 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone, a plant derived isoflavone, is a biologically active compound having several beneficial properties. Studies showed that GE possesses anti-neoplastic, anti-tumor, anti-helminthic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Herein, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of GE in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced amnesia. Mice were exposed to hypoxic conditions (10% O2) in a designated hypoxia chamber and co-treated with GE (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Following this, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate memory performance. We assessed microglial activation in the hippocampus, amygdala, and pre-frontal cortex (PFC) regions by evaluating the Iba-1 and GFAP transcript levels, and MIP-1β, Cox-2, and IL6 protein levels. Apoptosis was assessed by evaluating Bax, BAD, and Bcl-2 mRNA levels, and caspase-3 activity. To uncover the underlying molecular mechanism, we evaluated the levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 in different brain regions of mice from all groups. Results showed that hypoxia-exposed mice have reduced performance in the behavioral tests and GE treatment enhanced the memory performance in hypoxia-exposed mice. Moreover, hypoxia-exposed mice showed increased expression of microglial activation markers and enhanced apoptosis in the hippocampus, amygdala, and PFC. GE treatment suppressed microglial activation and prevented apoptosis in the brain of hypoxia-exposed mice. Furthermore, hypoxia-exposure reduced the expression of Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1 while GE treatment ameliorated this decrease in different regions of hypoxia-exposed mice brain. In conclusion, GE prevents cognitive dysfunction by suppressing microglial activation and inhibiting apoptosis in the hypoxia-exposed mice brain.

Focused Ultrasound Stimulation as a Neuromodulatory Tool for Parkinson's Disease: A Scoping Review

Non-invasive focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) is a non-ionising neuromodulatory technique that employs acoustic energy to acutely and reversibly modulate brain activity of deep-brain structures. It is currently being investigated as a potential novel treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). This scoping review was carried out to map available evidence pertaining to the provision of FUS as a PD neuromodulatory tool. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews, a search was applied to Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials on 13 January 2022, with no limits applied. In total, 11 studies were included: 8 were from China and 1 each from Belgium, South Korea and Taiwan. All 11 studies were preclinical (6 in vivo, 2 in vitro, 2 mix of in vivo and in vitro and 1 in silico). The preclinical evidence indicates that FUS is safe and has beneficial neuromodulatory effects on motor behaviour in PD. FUS appears to have a therapeutic role in influencing the disease processes of PD, and therefore holds great promise as an attractive and powerful neuromodulatory tool for PD. Though these initial studies are encouraging, further study to understand the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms is required before FUS can be routinely used in PD.

Cell Death-Osis of Dopaminergic Neurons and the Role of Iron in Parkinson's Disease

Significance: There is still no cure for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Current treatments are based on the attempt to reduce dopaminergic neuronal loss, and multidisciplinary approaches have been used to provide only a temporary symptoms' relief. In addition to the difficulties of drugs developed against PD to access the brain, the specificity of those inhibitory compounds could be a concern. This because neurons might degenerate by activating distinct signaling pathways, which are often initiated by the same stimulus. Recent Advances: Apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis were shown to significantly contribute to PD progression and, so far, are the main death programs described as capable to alter brain homeostasis. Their activation is characterized by different biochemical and morphological features, some of which might even share the same molecular players. Critical Issues: If there is a pathological need to engage, in PD, multiple death programs, sequentially or simultaneously, is not clear yet. Possibly the activation of apoptosis, necroptosis, and/or ferroptosis correlates to different PD stages and symptom severities. This would imply that the efficacy of therapeutic approaches against neuronal death might depend on the death program they target and the relevance of this death pathway on a specific PD phase. Future Directions: In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis in PD. Understanding the interrelationship between different death pathways' activation in PD is of utmost importance for the development of therapeutic approaches against disease progression. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 453-473.

Integrated network analysis identifying potential novel drug candidates and targets for Parkinson's disease

This study aimed to identify potential novel drug candidates and targets for Parkinson's disease. First, 970 genes that have been reported to be related to PD were collected from five databases, and functional enrichment analysis of these genes was conducted to investigate their potential mechanisms. Then, we collected drugs and related targets from DrugBank, narrowed the list by proximity scores and Inverted Gene Set Enrichment analysis of drug targets, and identified potential drug candidates for PD treatment. Finally, we compared the expression distribution of the candidate drug-target genes between the PD group and the control group in the public dataset with the largest sample size (GSE99039) in Gene Expression Omnibus. Ten drugs with an FDR < 0.1 and their corresponding targets were identified. Some target genes of the ten drugs significantly overlapped with PD-related genes or already known therapeutic targets for PD. Nine differentially expressed drug-target genes with p < 0.05 were screened. This work will facilitate further research into the possible efficacy of new drugs for PD and will provide valuable clues for drug design.

Oxidative stress and regulated cell death in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Motor deficits usually associated with PD correlate with dopaminergic axonal neurodegeneration starting at the striatum, which is then followed by dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN), with both events occurring already at the prodromal stage. We will overview the main physiological characteristics responsible for the higher susceptibility of the nigrostriatal circuit to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, as hinted by the acting mechanisms of the PD-causing neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Then, we will present multiple lines of evidence linking several cell death mechanisms involving mitochondria and production of reactive oxygen species to neuronal loss in PD, namely intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, parthanatos and mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis. We will focus on gathered data from postmortem PD samples and relevant in vivo models, especially MPTP-based models.

Ablation of RIP3 protects from dopaminergic neurodegeneration in experimental Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is driven by dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN) and striatum. Although apoptosis is considered the main neurodegenerative mechanism, other cell death pathways may be involved. In this regard, necroptosis is a regulated form of cell death dependent on receptor interacting protein 3 (RIP3), a protein also implicated in apoptosis and inflammation independently of its pro-necroptotic activity. Here, we explored the role of RIP3 genetic deletion in in vivo and in vitro PD models. Firstly, wild-type (Wt) and RIP3 knockout (RIP3ko) mice were injected intraperitoneally with MPTP (40 mg/kg, i.p.), and sacrificed after either 6 or 30 days. RIP3ko protected from dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the SN of MPTP-injected mice, but this effect was independent of necroptosis. In keeping with this, necrostatin-1s (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) did not afford full neuroprotection. Moreover, MPTP led to DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, lipid peroxidation and BAX expression in Wt mice, in the absence of caspase-8 cleavage, suggesting intrinsic apoptosis. This was mimicked in primary cortical neuronal cultures exposed to the active MPTP metabolite. RIP3 deficiency in cultured cells and in mouse brain abrogated all phenotypes. Curiously, astrogliosis was increased in the striatum of MPTP-injected Wt mice and further exacerbated in RIP3ko mice. This was accompanied by absence of microgliosis and reposition of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in the striata of MPTP-injected RIP3ko mice when compared to MPTP-injected Wt mice, which in turn showed a massive GDNF decrease. RIP3ko primary mixed glial cultures also presented decreased expression of inflammation-related genes upon inflammatory stimulation. These findings hint at possible undescribed non-necroptotic roles for RIP3 in inflammation and MPTP-driven cell death, which can contribute to PD progression.

Balancing Apoptosis and Autophagy for Parkinson's Disease Therapy: Targeting BCL-2

Apoptosis and autophagy are important intracellular processes that maintain organism homeostasis and promote survival. Autophagy selectively degrades damaged cellular organelles and protein aggregates, while apoptosis removes damaged or aged cells. Maintaining a balance between autophagy and apoptosis is critical for cell fate, especially for long-lived cells such as neurons. Conversely, their imbalance is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), which is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Restoring the balance between autophagy and apoptosis is a promising strategy for the treatment of PD. Some core proteins engage in cross talk between apoptosis and autophagy, including B cell lymphoma (BCL)-2 family members. This Review summarizes the role of BCL-2 members in the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy and discusses potential therapeutic approaches that target this balance for PD treatment.

The MPTP Story

The identification of MPTP, a relatively simple compound which causes selective degeneration of the substantia nigra after systemic administration, has had an a significant impact on the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) over the last 30 years. This article is prefaced by the intriguing “medical detective story” that lead to the discovery of the biological effects of MPTP in humans. The steps that lead to the unraveling its mechanism of action and their impact on research into pathways underlying nigrostriatal degeneration are reviewed. The impact of the animal models that have been developed utilizing MPTP is also described with a focus on the translational implications of MPTP-related research. These include use of MAO-B inhibitors aimed at neuroprotection in PD and the importance of a stable primate model for PD which was utilized to better understand the circuitry of the basal ganglia, and the identification of the subthalamic nucleus as a target for deep brain stimulation. Finally, the results of a broad range of epidemiologic studies aimed as assessing the impact of environmental factors in PD that have been inspired by MPTP are summarized, including the discovery of other neurotoxicants (rotenone and paraquat) with parkinsonogenic effects. Overall, this article attempts to describe how the discovery of this nigral neurotoxicant began, where it is currently, and what the future may hold.

Neuroprotective effects of selegiline on rat neural stem cells treated with hydrogen peroxide

Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species generation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of selegiline against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in hippocampus-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) were evaluated. NSCs isolated from neonatal Wistar rats were pretreated with different doses of selegiline for 48 h and then exposed to 125 µM H2O2 for 30 min. Using MTT and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assays, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the effects of selegiline on cell survival, apoptosis and the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and heat shock protein 4 (Hspa4) in pretreated stem cells were assessed compared with a control group lacking pretreatment. The results indicated that the viability of cells pretreated with 20 µM selegiline was significantly increased compared with the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, 20 µM selegiline increased the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and Hspa4 (P<0.05 vs. control) and suppressed oxidative stress-induced cell death (apoptosis and necrosis; P<0.05 vs. control and 10 µM groups). From these findings, it was concluded that selegiline may be a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of neurological diseases mediated by oxidative stress.

Neuroprotective Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Against MPP+-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells: Involvement of K2P Channels and Stretch-Activated Ion Channels

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) is a dopaminergic neuronal toxin that is widely used in constructing Parkinson's disease models in vitro. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non-invasive therapeutic approach that has neuromodulation and neuroprotective effects in the central neural system; however, whether LIPUS can provide protection for dopaminergic neurons against MPP⁺-induced neurocytotoxicity remains unknown. In this study, we found that pre-treatment with LIPUS (1 MHz, 50 mW/cm², 20% duty cycle and 100-Hz pulse repetition frequency, 10 min) inhibited MPP⁺-induced neurotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction in PC12 cells. LIPUS decreased MPP⁺-induced oxidative stress by modulating antioxidant proteins, including thioredoxin-1 and heme oxygenase-1, and prevented neurocytotoxicity via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt and ERK1/2 pathways. Furthermore, these beneficial effects were attributed to the activation of K2P channels and stretch-activated ion channels by LIPUS. These data indicate that LIPUS protects neuronal cells from MPP⁺-induced cell death through the K2P channel- and stretch-activated ion channel-mediated downstream pathways. The data also suggest that LIPUS could be a promising therapeutic method in halting or retarding the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease in a non-invasive manner.

Gene therapy targeting mitochondrial pathway in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) presents a relative selective localization of pathology to substantia nigra and well-defined motor symptoms caused by dopaminergic degeneration that makes it an ideal target for gene therapy. Parallel progress in viral vector systems enables the delivery of therapeutic genes directly into brain with reasonable safety along with sustained transgene expression. To date, gene therapy for PD that has reached clinical trial evaluation is mainly based on symptomatic approach that involves enzyme replacement strategy and restorative approach that depends on the addition of neurotrophic factors. Mitochondrial dysregulation, such as reduced complex I activity, increased mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, ROS-mediated mitochondrial DNA damage, bioenergetic failure, and perturbation of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy, has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Many of mutated genes linked to familial forms of PD affect these mitochondrial features. In this review, we discuss the recent progress that has been made in preclinical development of gene therapy targeting the mitochondrial pathway as disease modifying approach for PD. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic efficacy of candidate genes, including Parkin, PINK1, alpha synuclein, PGC-1 alpha, and anti-apoptotic molecules.

MicroRNA-7 inhibits neuronal apoptosis in a cellular Parkinson's disease model by targeting Bax and Sirt2

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disease. MicroRNA-7 (miR-7) displays neuroprotective properties against PD. However, the biological roles of miR-7 and its underlying molecular mechanisms in PD remain unclear. We demonstrated herein that 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)) confers toxic effects on dopaminergic neuron in a dose-dependent manner in a cellular PD model, although this phenomenon is attenuated by miR-7 treatment. Introduction of miR-7 inhibits MPP(+)-induced neuronal apoptosis as reflected by the reduced terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive rate, mitochondrial permeability potential, caspase 3 activity, and nucleosomal enrichment factor. Bax and sirtuin 2 (Sirt2) are the direct targets of miR-7. Moreover, the effects of miR-7 were counteracted by Bax and Sirt2 overexpression, respectively. The altered molecular expressions downstream of Bax and Sirt2 are also involved in miR-7 regulation of the MPP(+)-triggered neuronal apoptosis. These findings have implications on the potential application of miR-7 in PD treatment.

Potential application of lithium in Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases

Lithium, the long-standing hallmark treatment for bipolar disorder, has recently been identified as a potential neuroprotective agent in neurodegeneration. Here we focus on introducing numerous in vitro and in vivo studies that have shown lithium treatment to be efficacious in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, increasing autophagy, inhibiting apoptosis, and decreasing the accumulation of α-synulcein, with an emphasis on Parkinson's disease. A number of biological pathways have been shown to be involved in causing these neuroprotective effects. The inhibition of GSK-3β has been the mechanism most studied; however, other modes of action include the regulation of apoptotic proteins and glutamate excitotoxicity as well as down-regulation of calpain. This review provides a framework of the neuroprotective effects of lithium in neurodegenerative diseases and the putative mechanisms by which lithium provides the protection. Lithium-only treatment may not be a suitable therapeutic option for neurodegenerative diseases due to inconsistent efficacy and potential side-effects, however, the use of low dose lithium in combination with other potential or existing therapeutic compounds may be a promising approach to reduce symptoms and disease progression in neurodegenerative diseases.

Protective effects of 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside in the MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease: Involvement of reactive oxygen species-mediated JNK, P38 and mitochondrial pathways

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the selective death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Oxidative stress-induced neuron loss is thought to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD. Previous work from our group suggests that 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), an active component extracted from a traditional Chinese herb, Polygonum multiflorum thunb, can attenuate 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridium-induced apoptosis in the neuronal cell line PC12, by inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation and modulating c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) activation. Here, we investigated the protective effects of TSG against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropypridine (MPTP)-induced loss of tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells in mice and the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that MPTP-induced loss of tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells and reactive oxygen species generation were prevented by TSG in a dose-dependent manner. The reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine could also mitigate reactive oxygen species generation. Moreover, JNK and P38 were activated by MPTP, but extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases phosphorylation did not change after MPTP treatment. TSG at different doses blocked the activation of JNK and P38. The protective effect of TSG was also associated with downregulation of the bax/bcl-2 ratio, reversed the release of cytochrome c and smac, and inhibited the activation of caspase-3, -6, and -9 induced by MPTP. In conclusion, our studies demonstrated that the protective effects of TSG in the MPTP-induced mouse model of PD are involved, at least in part, in controlling reactive oxygen species-mediated JNK, P38, and mitochondrial pathways.

PARP-1 involvement in neurodegeneration: A focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

DNA damage is the prime activator of the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase1 (PARP-1) whose overactivation has been proven to be associated with the pathogenesis of numerous central nervous system disorders, such as ischemia, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Under oxidative stress conditions PARP-1 activity increases, leading to an accumulation of ADP-ribose polymers and NAD(+) depletion, that induces energy crisis and finally cell death. This review aims to explain the contribution of PARP-1 in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, to stimulate further studies on this issue and thereby engage a new perspective regarding the design of possible therapeutic agents or the identification of biomarkers.

A multicenter phase I/II study of obatoclax mesylate administered as a 3- or 24-hour infusion in older patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia

PURPOSE

An open-label phase I/II study of single-agent obatoclax determined a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and schedule, safety, and efficacy in older patients (≥ 70 yr) with untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Phase I evaluated the safety of obatoclax infused for 3 hours on 3 consecutive days (3 h × 3 d) in 2-week cycles. Initial obatoclax dose was 30 mg/day (3 h × 3 d; n = 3). Obatoclax was increased to 45 mg/day (3 h × 3 d) if ≤ 1 patient had a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and decreased to 20 mg/day (3 h × 3 d) if DLT occurred in ≥ 2 patients. In the phase II study, 12 patients were randomized to receive obatoclax at the dose identified during phase I (3 h × 3 d) or 60 mg/day administered by continuous infusion over 24 hours for 3 days (24 h × 3 d) to determine the morphologic complete response rate.

RESULTS

In phase I, two of three patients receiving obatoclax 30 mg/day (3 h × 3 d) experienced grade 3 neurologic DLTs (confusion, ataxia, and somnolence). Obatoclax was decreased to 20 mg/day (3 h × 3 d). In phase II, no clinically relevant safety differences were observed between the 20 mg/day (3 h × 3 d; n = 7) and 60 mg/day (24 h × 3 d; n = 5) arms. Neurologic and psychiatric adverse events were most common and were generally transient and reversible. Complete response was not achieved in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Obatoclax 20 mg/day was the MTD (3 h × 3 d) in older patients with AML. In the schedules tested, single-agent obatoclax was not associated with an objective response. Evaluation in additional subgroups or in combination with other chemotherapy modalities may be considered for future study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00684918.

Chikusetsu saponin V attenuates MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells via regulation of Sirt1/Mn-SOD and GRP78/caspase-12 pathways

Studies have shown that saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJ) possess neuroprotective effects. However, whether Chikusetsu saponin V (CsV), the most abundant member of SPJ, can exert neuroprotective effects against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP⁺)-induced cytotoxicity is not known. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of CsV on MPP⁺-induced cytotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and explore its possible mechanisms. Our results show that CsV attenuates MPP⁺-induced cytotoxicity, inhibits ROS accumulation, and increases mitochondrial membrane potential dose-dependently. We also found that levels of Sirt1 protein and Mn-SOD mRNA significantly decreased in MPP⁺-treated group but were restored with CsV treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GRP78 protein and Caspase-12 mRNA levels were elevated by MPP⁺ exposure but reversed by CsV treatment. CsV inhibited the MPP⁺-induced downregulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax in a dose-dependent manner and, thus, increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. Overall, these results suggest that Sirt1/Mn-SOD and GRP78/Caspase-12 pathways might be involved in the CsV-mediated neuroprotective effects.

BAX channel activity mediates lysosomal disruption linked to Parkinson disease

Lysosomal disruption is increasingly regarded as a major pathogenic event in Parkinson disease (PD). A reduced number of intraneuronal lysosomes, decreased levels of lysosomal-associated proteins and accumulation of undegraded autophagosomes (AP) are observed in PD-derived samples, including fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons, and post-mortem brain tissue. Mechanistic studies in toxic and genetic rodent PD models attribute PD-related lysosomal breakdown to abnormal lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PD-linked LMP and subsequent lysosomal defects remain virtually unknown, thereby precluding their potential therapeutic targeting. Here we show that the pro-apoptotic protein BAX (BCL2-associated X protein), which permeabilizes mitochondrial membranes in PD models and is activated in PD patients, translocates and internalizes into lysosomal membranes early following treatment with the parkinsonian neurotoxin MPTP, both in vitro and in vivo, within a time-frame correlating with LMP, lysosomal disruption, and autophagosome accumulation and preceding mitochondrial permeabilization and dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Supporting a direct permeabilizing effect of BAX on lysosomal membranes, recombinant BAX is able to induce LMP in purified mouse brain lysosomes and the latter can be prevented by pharmacological blockade of BAX channel activity. Furthermore, pharmacological BAX channel inhibition is able to prevent LMP, restore lysosomal levels, reverse AP accumulation, and attenuate mitochondrial permeabilization and overall nigrostriatal degeneration caused by MPTP, both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our results reveal that PD-linked lysosomal impairment relies on BAX-induced LMP, and point to small molecules able to block BAX channel activity as potentially beneficial to attenuate both lysosomal defects and neurodegeneration occurring in PD.

Neuroprotective effects of tetramethylpyrazine against dopaminergic neuron injury in a rat model of Parkinson's disease induced by MPTP

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disease. Although several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of PD, apoptotic cell death and oxidative stress are the most prevalent mechanisms. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is a biological component that has been extracted from Ligusticum wallichii Franchat (ChuanXiong), which exhibits anti-apoptotic and antioxidant roles. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of TMP against dopaminergic neuron injury in a rat model of Parkinson's disease induced by MPTP and to elucidate probable molecular mechanisms. The results showed that TMP could notably prevent MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurons damage, reflected by improvement of motor deficits, enhancement of TH expression and the content of dopamine and its metabolite, DOPAC. We observed MPTP-induced activation of mitochondrial apoptotic death pathway, evidenced by up-regulation of Bax, down-regulation of Bcl-2, release of cytochrome c and cleavage of caspase 3, which was significantly inhibited by TMP. Moreover, TMP could prevent MPTP-increased TBARS level and MPTP-decreased GSH level, indicating the antioxidant role of TMP in PD model. And the antioxidant role of TMP attributes to the prevention of MPTP-induced reduction of Nrf2 and GCLc expression. In conclusion, in MPTP-induced PD model, TMP prevents the down-regulation of Nrf2 and GCLc, maintaining redox balance and inhibiting apoptosis, leading to the attenuation of dopaminergic neuron damage. The effectiveness of TMP in treating PD potentially leads to interesting therapeutic perspectives.

Integrating pathways of Parkinson's disease in a molecular interaction map

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a major neurodegenerative chronic disease, most likely caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Information on various aspects of PD pathogenesis is rapidly increasing and needs to be efficiently organized, so that the resulting data is available for exploration and analysis. Here we introduce a computationally tractable, comprehensive molecular interaction map of PD. This map integrates pathways implicated in PD pathogenesis such as synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired protein degradation, alpha-synuclein pathobiology and neuroinflammation. We also present bioinformatics tools for the analysis, enrichment and annotation of the map, allowing the research community to open new avenues in PD research. The PD map is accessible at http://minerva.uni.lu/pd_map .

Revelation in the neuroprotective functions of rasagiline and selegiline: the induction of distinct genes by different mechanisms

In Parkinson's disease, cell death of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra progresses and neuroprotective therapy is required to halt neuronal loss. In cellular and animal models, selegiline [(-)deprenyl] and rasagiline, inhibitors of type B monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B, protect neuronal cells from programmed cell death. In this paper, the authors review their recent results on the molecular mechanisms by which MAO inhibitors prevent the cell death through the induction of antiapoptotic, prosurvival genes. MAO-A mediates the induction of antiapoptotic bcl-2 and mao-a itself by rasagiline, whereas a different mechanism is associated with selegiline. Rasagiline and selegiline preferentially increase GDNF and BDNF in nonhuman primates and Parkinsonian patients, respectively. Enhanced neurotrophic factors might be applicable to monitor the neurorescuing activity of neuroprotection.

Asiaticoside, a trisaccaride triterpene induces biochemical and molecular variations in brain of mice with parkinsonism

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease characterized by oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in the pars compacta of substantia nigra remains a challenge to manage with an added disadvantage of side effects of L-levo dopa, the standard drug used for therapy. Thus, an alternative approach of utilizing natural components would be beneficial in the management of the disease. The present study was aimed to investigate the potential role of asiaticoside (As), a trisaccaride triterpene against1 - methyl 4 - phenyl 1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity in experimental mice.

METHODS

Mice were divided into 4 groups: Group I received vehicle saline, group II was treated with 20 mg/kg of body weight of MPTP (2 doses with 2 h intervals), group III received MPTP along with 50 mg/kg body weight of As for the 21 consecutive days starting from the day of MPTP intoxication. Group IV received 50 mg/kg body weight of asiaticoside for the same period serving as drug control. Animals were sacrificed at the end of experimental period and the striatum and midbrain samples were analyzed for enzyme assays, transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis. Immunofluorescent assay was performed to study the expression of GFAP to detect astrocyte, which are activated due to neuronal damage. Imunohistochemical studies were carried out to quantify the expression of Bax and Bcl2, the molecular signatures that would provide clues of the extent of neurodegeneration.

RESULTS

The activities of enzymes were increased on As administration when compared with those of group II animals. Expressions of Bax and Bcl2 along with GFAP did show significant variations (p < 0.05) on MPTP treatment when compared to control animals and the changes were found to be reversed significantly (p < 0.05) after treatment with asiaticoside. TEM analysis also showed attenuated degenerative architecture on As administration. The mice which received As alone (drug control IV) did not show significant variation from that of the control mice.

CONCLUSION

The observations suggest that asiaticoside may be efficacious in protecting neurons from the oxidative damage caused by the insult of MPTP.

Cyperi Rhizoma inhibits the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced reduction in nigrostriatal dopaminergenic neurons in estrogen-deprived mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cyperi Rhizoma has commonly been used for the treatment of gynecological and neuropsychiatric disorders in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the estrogenic properties and neuroprotective effects of Cyperi Rhizoma under estrogen-deprived condition in female mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine the estrogen-like effect of Cyperi Rhizoma extract (CRE), we measured luciferase expression after transfection of a promoter construct containing an estrogen response element (ERE) and treatment of CRE. To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of CRE, we measured striatal dopamine, movement ability, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity, and apoptosis-related protein expression levels after treatment of CRE either with or without 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in ovariectomized female mice.

RESULTS

CRE significantly induced the luciferase expression driven by an ERE in PC12 cells, a dopaminergic cell line, in a dose-dependent manner. In mice, MPTP significantly decreased the levels of dopamine in the striatum and behavior performance; in contrast, both CRE and 17β-estradiol benzoate (EB) recovered these parameters to normal levels. CRE and EB treatment also recovered TH immunopositive fibers and cells, respectively, from MPTP toxicity. Additionally, MPTP significantly down-regulated Bcl-2 expression in the mitochondria of dopaminergic cells in the SN, followed by an increase in Bax expression, cytochrome C translocation to the cytosol, and cleaved-caspase-3 expression, whereas these were inhibited by CRE or EB treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide the first evidence that CRE has estrogen-like and neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons in estrogen-deprived mice treated with MPTP-toxin.

Mitochondrial biology and Parkinson's disease

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles with complex structural features which play several important cellular functions, such as the production of energy by oxidative phosphorylation, the regulation of calcium homeostasis, or the control of programmed cell death (PCD). Given its essential role in neuronal viability, alterations in mitochondrial biology can lead to neuron dysfunction and cell death. Defects in mitochondrial respiration have long been implicated in the etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the role of mitochondria in PD extends well beyond defective respiration and also involves perturbations in mitochondrial dynamics, leading to alterations in mitochondrial morphology, intracellular trafficking, or quality control. Whether a primary or secondary event, mitochondrial dysfunction holds promise as a potential therapeutic target to halt the progression of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD.

Endogenous ghrelin's role in hippocampal neuroprotection after global cerebral ischemia: does endogenous ghrelin protect against global stroke?

Ghrelin is a gastrointestinal hormone with a well-characterized role in feeding and metabolism. Recent evidence suggests that ghrelin may also be neuroprotective after injury in animal models of cerebral ischemia. Thus exogenous ghrelin treatment can improve cell survival, reduce infarct size, and rescue memory deficits in focal ischemia models, doing so by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis. Endogenous ghrelin plays a key a role in a number of physiological processes, including feeding, metabolism, stress, and anxiety. However, no study has examined whether endogenous ghrelin also contributes to neuroprotection after cerebral ischemia. Here, we aimed to determine whether endogenous ghrelin normally protects against neuronal cell death and cognitive impairments after global cerebral ischemia and whether such changes are linked with inflammation or apoptosis. We used a two-vessel occlusion (2VO) model of global cerebral ischemia in wild-type (wt) and ghrelin knockout (ghr-/-) C57/Bl6J mice. ghr-/- mice had improved cell survival in the Cornu Ammonis(CA)-2/3 region of the hippocampus-a region of significant growth hormone secretagogue receptor expression. They also displayed less cellular degeneration than wt mice after the 2VO (Fluoro-Jade) and had less cognitive impairment in the novel object-recognition test. These outcomes were despite evidence of more neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the ghr-/- and less of a postsurgery hypothermia. Finally, we found that mortality in the week following the 2VO was reduced more in ghr-/- mice than in wt. Overall, these experiments point to a neurodegenerative but antiapoptotic effect of endogenous ghrelin in this model of global ischemia, highlighting that further research is essential before we can apply ghrelin treatments to neurodegenerative insults in the clinic.

The role of ghrelin in neuroprotection after ischemic brain injury

Ghrelin, a gastrointestinal peptide with a major role in regulating feeding and metabolism, has recently been investigated for its neuroprotective effects. In this review we discuss pre-clinical evidence suggesting ghrelin may be a useful therapeutic in protecting the brain against injury after ischemic stroke. Specifically, we will discuss evidence showing ghrelin administration can improve neuronal cell survival in animal models of focal cerebral ischemia, as well as rescue memory deficits. We will also discuss its proposed mechanisms of action, including anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, and suggest ghrelin treatment may be a useful intervention after stroke in the clinic.

The beneficial role of thiamine in Parkinson disease

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common form of neurodegeneration among elderly individuals. PD is clinically characterized by tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural imbalance. In this paper, we review the evidence for an association between PD and thiamine. Interestingly, a significant association has been demonstrated between PD and low levels of serum thiamine, and thiamine supplements appear to have beneficial clinical effects against PD. Multiple studies have evaluated the connection between thiamine and PD pathology, and candidate pathways involve the transcription factor Sp1, p53, Bcl-2, caspase-3, tyrosine hydroxylase, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, vascular endothelial growth factor, advanced glycation end products, nuclear factor kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Thus, a review of the literature suggests that thiamine plays a role in PD, although further investigation into the effects of thiamine in PD is needed.

Over-expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein modulates multiple aspects of neuronal Ca2+ signaling

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) protects and preserves the function of neurons in both in vitro and in vivo models of excitotoxicity. Since calcium (Ca(2+)) overload is a pivotal event in excitotoxic neuronal cell death, we have determined whether XIAP over-expression influences Ca(2+)-signaling in primary cultures of mouse cortical neurons. Using cortical neuron cultures derived from wild-type (Wt) mice transiently transfected with XIAP or from transgenic mice that over-express XIAP, we show that XIAP opposes the rise in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration by a variety of triggers. Relative to control neurons, XIAP over-expression produced a slight, but significant, elevation of resting Ca(2+) concentrations. By contrast, the rise in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations produced by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor stimulation and voltage gated Ca(2+) channel activation were markedly attenuated by XIAP over-expression. The release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores induced by the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin was also inhibited in neurons transiently transfected with XIAP. The pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD did not, however, diminish the rise in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations elicited by L-glutamate suggesting that XIAP influences Ca(2+) signaling in a caspase-independent manner. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the ability of XIAP to block excessive rises in intracellular Ca(2+) by a variety of triggers may contribute to the neuroprotective effects of this anti-apoptotic protein.

Lithium's gene expression profile, relevance to neuroprotection A cDNA microarray study

Lithium can prevent 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice. This is attributed to induced antioxidant and antiapoptotic state, which among other factors results from induction of Bcl-2 and reduction of Bax, however, cDNA microarray reveals that this represents only one cascade of lithium targets. From analyzing the gene expression profile of lithium, we are able to point out candidate genes that might be involved in the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of lithium. Among these are, the cAMP response element binding (CREB) protein, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), both CREB and ERK-part of the mitogen-activated kinase pathway-were upregulated by lithium, downregulated by MPTP, and maintained in mice fed with lithium chloride (LiCl) supplemented diet and treated with MPTP. Our positive control included tyrosine hydroxylase which both its mRNA and protein levels were independently measured, in addition to Bcl-2 protein levels. Other important genes which were similarly regulated are plasma glutathione peroxidase precursor (GSHPX-P), protein kinase C alpha type, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 precursor, and interferon regulatory factor. In addition, some genes were oppositely regulated, i.e., downregulated by lithium, upregulated by MPTP, and maintained in mice fed with LiCl supplemented diet and treated with MPTP, among these genes were basic fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 precursor, inhibin alpha subunit, glutamate receptor subunit zeta 1 precursor (NMD-R1), postsynaptic density protein-95 which together with NMD-R1 can form an apoptotic promoting complex. The discussed targets represent part of genes altered by chronic lithium. In fact lithium affected the expressions of more than 50 genes among these were basic transcription factors, transcription activators, cell signaling proteins, cell adhesion proteins, oncogenes and tumor suppressors, intracellular transducers, survival and death genes, and cyclins, here we discuss the relevance of these changes to lithium's reported neuroprotective properties.

ω-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid attenuates MPP+-induced neurodegeneration in fully differentiated human SH-SY5Y and primary mesencephalic cells

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a neuroactive omega-3 fatty acid, has been demonstrated to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the cellular mechanisms of protection are unknown. Here, we studied the effects of EPA in fully differentiated human SH-SY5Y cells and primary mesencephalic neurons treated with MPP(+) . In both in-vitro models of PD, EPA attenuated an MPP(+) -induced reduction in cell viability. EPA also prevented the presence of electron-dense cytoplasmic inclusions in SH-SY5Y cells. Then, possible mechanisms of the neuroprotection were studied. In primary neurons, EPA attenuated an MPP(+) -induced increase in Tyrosine-related kinase B (TrkB) receptors. In SH-SY5Y cells, EPA down-regulated reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. This antioxidant effect of EPA may have been mediated by its inhibition of neuronal NADPH oxidase and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), as MPP(+) increased the expression of these enzymes. Furthermore, EPA prevented an increase in cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), an enzyme linked with COX-2 in the potentially pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid cascade. Lastly, EPA attenuated an increase in the bax:bcl-2 ratio, and cytochrome c release. However, EPA did not prevent mitochondrial enlargement or a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. This study demonstrated cellular mechanisms by which EPA provided neuroprotective effects in experimental PD.

Programmed cell death in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a debilitating disorder characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons caused by programmed cell death. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the major programmed cell death pathways as they relate to PD. For a long time, programmed cell death has been synonymous with apoptosis but there now is evidence that other types of programmed cell death exist, such as autophagic cell death or programmed necrosis, and that these types of cell death are relevant to PD. The pathways and signals covered here include namely the death receptors, BCL-2 family, caspases, calpains, cdk5, p53, PARP-1, autophagy, mitophagy, mitochondrial fragmentation, and parthanatos. The review will present evidence from postmortem PD studies, toxin-induced models (especially MPTP/MPP+, 6-hydroxydopamine and rotenone), and from α-synuclein, LRRK2, Parkin, DJ-1, and PINK1 genetic models of PD, both in vitro and in vivo.

Oxidative stress in apoptosis and cancer: an update

The oxygen paradox tells us that oxygen is both necessary for aerobic life and toxic to all life forms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) touch every biological and medical discipline, especially those involving proliferative status, supporting the idea that active oxygen may be increased in tumor cells. In fact, metabolism of oxygen and the resulting toxic byproducts can cause cancer and death. Efforts to counteract the damage caused by ROS are gaining acceptance as a basis for novel therapeutic approaches, and the field of prevention of cancer is experiencing an upsurge of interest in medically useful antioxidants. Apoptosis is an important means of regulating cell numbers in the developing cell system, but it is so important that it must be controlled. Normal cell death in homeostasis of multicellular organisms is mediated through tightly regulated apoptotic pathways that involve oxidative stress regulation. Defective signaling through these pathways can contribute to both unbalance in apoptosis and development of cancer. Finally, in this review, we discuss new knowledge about recent tools that provide powerful antioxidant strategies, and designing methods to deliver to target cells, in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Overexpression of parkin ameliorates dopaminergic neurodegeneration induced by 1- methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mice

Mutations in the parkin gene are currently thought to be the most common cause of recessive familial Parkinsonism. Parkin functions as an E3 ligase to regulate protein turnover, and its function in mitochondrial quality control has been reported recently. Overexpression of parkin has been found to prevent neuronal degeneration under various conditions both in vivo and in vitro. Here, we generated a transgenic mouse model in which expression of wild type parkin was driven by neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter. We reported that both young and old parkin transgenic mice exhibited less reduction of striatal TH protein and number of TH positive neurons in the substantia nigra induced by 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), compared to wild type littermates. MPTP-induced mitochondrial impairment in the substantia nigra was improved in young parkin transgenic mice. Decreased striatal α-synuclein was demonstrated in old parkin transgenic mice. These results provide reliable evidence from the transgenic mouse model for parkin that overexpression of parkin may attenuate dopaminergic neurodegeneration induced by MPTP through protection of mitochondria and reduction of α-synuclein in the nigrostriatal pathway.

Mitochondria and programmed cell death in Parkinson's disease: apoptosis and beyond

Abstract Significance: Activation of mitochondrion-dependent programmed cell death (PCD) pathways is instrumental to the demise of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons in experimental mouse models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Supporting the relevance of these findings for PD, key molecular elements of this pathogenic cascade have also been demonstrated in postmortem brain samples of PD patients. Recent Advances and Critical Issues: Mounting evidence indicates that different morphological types of cell death co-exist in the brain of PD patients, all of which may result from the activation of common upstream PCD pathways. Indeed, contrary to initial views, it is now established that the deleterious effects of PCD pathways are not limited to mitochondrion-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis but also involve caspase-independent nonapoptotic cell death, including necrosis. This notion may help reconcile the observation of both apoptotic and nonapoptotic dopaminergic cell death in postmortem PD samples.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Potential neuroprotective strategies for PD should be aimed at targeting both apoptotic and nonapoptotic pathways, all of which may simultaneously occur in PD patients through activation of common upstream PCD pathways involving the mitochondria. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 16, 883-895.

Neurorescue effect of rosmarinic acid on 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned nigral dopamine neurons in rat model of Parkinson's disease

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound. It has been reported that RA possessed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our previous study showed that RA could protect MES23.5 dopaminergic cells against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. The purpose of this study was to explore the neuroreparative (neurorescue) effect of RA on 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) in vivo. In this study, the rats were given RA orally after intrastriatal 6-OHDA lesion. Results showed that the dopamine content in the striatum decreased and the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons reduced after 6-OHDA treatment. RA treatment after 6-OHDA administration could restore these changes. Further studies demonstrated that 6-OHDA treatment increased the iron-staining positive cells, which were markedly decreased by RA treatment. Moreover, RA suppressed the increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 at gene level induced by 6-OHDA. This indicates that the neurorescue effects of RA against 6-ODHA-induced degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system were achieved by decreasing nigral iron levels and regulating the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax gene expression.

Astragaloside IV prevents MPP⁺-induced SH-SY5Y cell death via the inhibition of Bax-mediated pathways and ROS production

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Oxidative stress and neural degeneration are suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of PD. Previous studies have revealed that Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) can reduce inflammation and oxidation, making it a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disease. In this study, we investigated whether AS-IV protect against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridnium ion (MPP(+))-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and determined the mechanism of AS-IV neuroprotection. We found that pretreatment with AS-IV significantly reversed the loss of cell viability, nuclear condensation, the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the activity of caspase-3 induced by MPP(+). Our study suggests that the neuroprotective effect of AS-IV is related to mechanisms including ROS production and the inhibition of Bax-mediated pathway. The present study supports the notion that AS-IV may be a promising neuroprotective agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as PD.

Lithium and valproate prevent olfactory discrimination and short-term memory impairments in the intranasal 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) rat model of Parkinson's disease

We have recently demonstrated that rodents treated intranasally with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) display time-dependent impairments in olfactory, emotional, cognitive and motor functions associated with disruption of dopaminergic neurotransmission in different brain structures conceivably analogous to those observed during different stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). On the other hand, lithium (Li) and valproate (VPA) are two primary drugs used to treat bipolar mood disorder that have recently emerged as promising neuroprotective agents. The present data indicates that the pretreatment with Li (47.5 mg/kg) or VPA (200 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal route during 7 consecutive days was able to prevent olfactory discrimination and short-term memory impairments evaluated in the social recognition and step-down inhibitory avoidance tasks in rats infused with a single intranasal (i.n.) administration of MPTP (0.1 mg/nostril). Despite the absence of clear depressive-like responses following the current MPTP dose, Li and VPA treatment presented an antidepressant profile reducing the immobility time in the forced swimming test. Importantly, at this time no significant alterations on the locomotor activity of the animals were observed in the open field test. Moreover, Li and VPA prevented dopamine depletion in the olfactory bulb and striatum of MPTP-infused rats. These results provide new insights in experimental models of PD, indicating that Li and VPA may represent new therapeutic tools for the management of olfactory and cognitive symptoms associated to early preclinical phases of PD, together with their neuroprotective potential demonstrated in previous research.

Involvement of activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in the protective effects of puerarin against MPP+-induced human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell death

In an attempt to clarify the protective effect of puerarin on toxin-insulted dopaminergic neuronal death, this present study was carried out by using a typical Parkinson's disease (PD) model - 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide (MPP(+))-induced dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cellular model. Data are presented, which showed that puerarin up-regulated Akt phosphorylation in both of MPP(+)-treated and non-MPP(+)-treated cells. The presence of PI3K inhibitor LY294002 completely blocked puerarin-induced activation of Akt phosphorylation. Moreover, puerarin decreased MPP(+)-induced cell death, which was blocked by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002. We further demonstrated that puerarin protected against MPP(+)-induced p53 nuclear accumulation, Puma (p53-upregulated mediator of apoptosis) and Bax expression and caspase-3-dependent programmed cell death (PCD). This protection was blocked by applying a PI3K/Akt inhibitor. Additionally, it was Pifithrin-α, but not Pifithrin-μ, which blocked MPP(+)-induced Puma and Bax expression, caspase-3 activation and cell death. Collectively, these data suggest that the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in the protective effect of puerarin against MPP(+)-induced neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell death through inhibiting nuclear p53 accumulation and subsequently caspase-3-dependent PCD. Puerarin might be a potential therapeutic agent for PD.

Dissociation of progressive dopaminergic neuronal death and behavioral impairments by Bax deletion in a mouse model of Parkinson's diseases

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, late-onset movement disorder with selective degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Although the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been used to induce progressive degeneration of DA neurons in various animal models of PD, the precise molecular pathway and the impact of anti-apoptotic treatment on this neurodegeneration are less understood. Following a striatal injection of 6-OHDA, we observed atrophy and progressive death of DA neurons in wild-type mice. These degenerating DA neurons never exhibited signs of apoptosis (i.e., caspase-3 activation and cytoplasmic release of cytochrome C), but rather show nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), a hallmark of regulated necrosis. However, mice with genetic deletion of the proapoptotic gene Bax (Bax-KO) exhibited a complete absence of 6-OHDA-induced DA neuron death and nuclear translocation of AIF, indicating that 6-OHDA-induced DA neuronal death is mediated by Bax-dependent AIF activation. On the other hand, DA neurons that survived in Bax-KO mice exhibited marked neuronal atrophy, without significant improvement of PD-related behavioral deficits. These findings suggest that anti-apoptotic therapy may not be sufficient for PD treatment, and the prevention of Bax-independent neuronal atrophy may be an important therapeutic target.

Gain of survival signaling by down-regulation of three key miRNAs in brain of calorie-restricted mice

The decline in cognitive robustness with aging can be attributed to complex genetic pathways involving many cellular dysfunctions, cumulative over time, precipitating in frailty and loss of wellness in the elderly brain. The size and health of the neuronal cell population determines cognitive robustness in mammals. A transgenic mouse model over-expressing Bcl-2 has been shown to rescue neurons from naturally occurring cell death (NOCD). Here we show that in the brain of calorie-restricted (CR) mice, there is an age-dependent decreased expression of microRNAs mmu-miR-181a-1*, mmu-miR-30e and mmu-miR-34a, with a corresponding gain in Bcl-2 expression, and decreases in pro-apoptosis genes such as Bax and cleavage of Caspases. Functional characterization shows that these miRNAs repress Bcl-2 expression by the 3'UTR reporter assays, accompanied by loss of this gene's endogenous expression, and a gain in pro-apoptosome-specific proteins. Over-expression of these miRNAs increases the rate of apoptosis, accompanied by a decline in Bcl-2 expression in miRNA-transfected mouse and human cell lines. We report here that down-regulation of miR-34a, -30e, and -181a permits their shared target gene expression (Bcl-2) to remain at a high level without post-transcriptional repression, accompanied by concomitant low levels of Bax expression and Caspase cleaving; this chain event may be a part of the underlying mechanism contributing to the gain in neuronal survival in long-lived CR-fed mice.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevents 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced neurodegeneration

Parkinson's disease is associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and decreased striatal dopamine levels. We now report that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, attenuated dopaminergic neurodegeneration and dopamine loss in the MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) mouse model of Parkinson's disease. The neuroprotective effect of CAPE was associated with marked reductions in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and caspase 1 expression. Additionally, CAPE inhibited MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and directly inhibited MPP+-induced release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria. Thus, CAPE may have beneficial effects in slowing or preventing the progression of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Molecular actions and therapeutic potential of lithium in preclinical and clinical studies of CNS disorders

Lithium has been used clinically to treat bipolar disorder for over half a century, and remains a fundamental pharmacological therapy for patients with this illness. Although lithium's therapeutic mechanisms are not fully understood, substantial in vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that it has neuroprotective/neurotrophic properties against various insults, and considerable clinical potential for the treatment of several neurodegenerative conditions. Evidence from pharmacological and gene manipulation studies support the notion that glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition and induction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated signaling are lithium's main mechanisms of action, leading to enhanced cell survival pathways and alteration of a wide variety of downstream effectors. By inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated calcium influx, lithium also contributes to calcium homeostasis and suppresses calcium-dependent activation of pro-apoptotic signaling pathways. In addition, lithium decreases inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate by inhibiting phosphoinositol phosphatases, a process recently identified as a novel mechanism for inducing autophagy. Through these mechanisms, therapeutic doses of lithium have been demonstrated to defend neuronal cells against diverse forms of death insults and to improve behavioral as well as cognitive deficits in various animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, fragile X syndrome, as well as Huntington's, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases, among others. Several clinical trials are also underway to assess the therapeutic effects of lithium for treating these disorders. This article reviews the most recent findings regarding the potential targets involved in lithium's neuroprotective effects, and the implication of these findings for the treatment of a variety of diseases.

Phase II study of obatoclax mesylate (GX15-070), a small-molecule BCL-2 family antagonist, for patients with myelofibrosis

BACKGROUND

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a disease characterized by the overexpression of the antiapoptotic BCL-2 family of proteins (eg, BCL-XL and MCL-1).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, open-label, noncomparative phase II study of obatoclax mesylate, a small-molecule pan-BCL-2 antagonist, in patients with MF. Obatoclax was administered as a 24-hour infusion (on an outpatient basis) every 2 weeks at a fixed dose of 60 mg.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 63 years (range, 43-89 years). Twelve were men, and all 22 patients were previously treated (median of 2 previous therapies). Ten patients (45%) had a Lille score of 1, and 9 patients (41%) had a Lille score of 2. Thirteen (59%) were red blood cell transfusion dependent. A median of 7 cycles of obatoclax were administered. No patient achieved complete or partial response according to International Working Group criteria. One patient (4%) demonstrated a clinical improvement (in terms of hemoglobin and platelet count) after 7 cycles of therapy. The improvement was sustained for 4 cycles of therapy, after which he underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The most common adverse events included low-grade ataxia and fatigue in 50% of the patients. Dose reduction because of toxicity was required in 1 patient, whereas 2 patients were taken off the study because of grade 3 ataxia and grade 3 heart failure. Grade 3/4 anemia and thrombocytopenia were evident in 6 (27%) and 4 (18%) patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Obatoclax exhibits no significant clinical activity in patients with MF at the dose and schedule evaluated.