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Li YR, Zhang RN, Sun RR, Li YY, Zhang B, Jin XM, Zhang HF, Xiao BG, Ma CG, Fan HJ, Chai Z. Efficacy and mechanism of Wuzi Yanzong pill on the prevention and treatment of EAE. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20621. [PMID: 37842634 PMCID: PMC10568116 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20621] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Studies have shown that Wuzi Yanzong Pill (WYP) can be used to treat neurological diseases, but its mechanisms for multiple sclerosis (MS) remain unclear. This study aims to determine the effect of WYP on MS in an animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and explore its mechanism. To provide theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of MS with WYP. Methods C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into Blank control, EAE control, low dose WYP, medium dose WYP, and high dose WYP groups. One week before model generation, the mice were gavaged with saline (50 mL/kg/d) in Blank control and EAE control groups. The treatment groups was gavaged with different doses of WYP solution (4, 8, or 16 g/kg/d respectively) Clinical scores were recorded daily. Sample collection was conducted on the 14th and 28th days, respectively The expressions of IL-10, IL-17, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ in spleen were detected by ELISA. The expressions of ROCKII, P-MYPT1, TLR4, NF-κB/p65, MCP-1, CCR2 in spleen, brain and spinal cord were detected by Western Blot. The types of macrophages and the contents of intracellular IL-10 and IL-12 were detected by Flow Cytometry. The contents of TNF-α and TLR4 mRNA in the spleen were detected by RT-PCR. Results WYP treatment improved the clinical score of EAE mice in a significant dose-dependent manner, with the WYP high-dose group showed the most significant improvement in clinical score. Compared with the EAE control group, WYP high dose group had significantly lower levels of IL-17, IFN-γ, ROCKII, P-MYPT1, TLR4, NF-κB/p65, MCP-1, and CCR2 as well as TNF-α and TLR4 mRNA, but increased the number of M2 macrophages and IL-10. Conclusion WYP treatment relieves clinical symptoms in EAE mice, which may be related to regulate inflammatory pathway and inhibiting expressions of inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Rong Li
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Zhang
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Rui-Rui Sun
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Yan-Yan Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Health Commission of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Jin
- Logical Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Hai-Fei Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science Dept, Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Bao-Guo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
- Institute of Brain Science Dept, Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Hui-Jie Fan
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Zhi Chai
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
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TWEAK and TNFα, Both TNF Ligand Family Members and Multiple Sclerosis-Related Cytokines, Induce Distinct Gene Response in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101714. [PMID: 36292599 PMCID: PMC9601571 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101714] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a member of the TNF ligand family involved in various diseases including brain inflammatory pathologies such as multiple sclerosis. It has been demonstrated that TWEAK can induce cerebrovascular permeability in an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier. The molecular mechanisms playing a role in TWEAK versus TNFα signaling on cerebral microvascular endothelial cells are not well defined. Therefore, we aimed to identify gene expression changes in cultures of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) to address changes initiated by TWEAK exposure. Taken together, our studies highlighted that gene involved in leukocyte extravasation, notably claudin-5, were differentially modulated by TWEAK and TNFα. We identified differential gene expression of hCMEC/D3 cells at three timepoints following TWEAK versus TNFα stimulation and also found distinct modulations of several canonical pathways including the actin cytoskeleton, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Rho family GTPases, and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) pathways. To our knowledge, this is the first study to interrogate and compare the effects of TWEAK versus TNFα on gene expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells.
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Rai NK, Singh V, Li L, Willard B, Tripathi A, Dutta R. Comparative Proteomic Profiling Identifies Reciprocal Expression of Mitochondrial Proteins Between White and Gray Matter Lesions From Multiple Sclerosis Brains. Front Neurol 2022; 12:779003. [PMID: 35002930 PMCID: PMC8740228 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.779003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, where ongoing demyelination and remyelination failure are the major factors for progressive neurological disability. In this report, we employed a comprehensive proteomic approach and immunohistochemical validation to gain insight into the pathobiological mechanisms that may be associated with the progressive phase of MS. Isolated proteins from myelinated regions, demyelinated white-matter lesions (WMLs), and gray-matter lesions (GMLs) from well-characterized progressive MS brain tissues were subjected to label-free quantitative mass spectrometry. Using a system-biology approach, we detected increased expression of proteins belonging to mitochondrial electron transport complexes and oxidative phosphorylation pathway in WMLs. Intriguingly, many of these proteins and pathways had opposite expression patterns and were downregulated in GMLs of progressive MS brains. A comparison to the human MitoCarta database mapped the mitochondrial proteins to mitochondrial subunits in both WMLs and GMLs. Taken together, we provide evidence of opposite expression of mitochondrial proteins in response to demyelination of white- and gray-matter regions in progressive MS brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagendra Kumar Rai
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Vaibhav Singh
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ling Li
- Proteomic Core Facility, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Belinda Willard
- Proteomic Core Facility, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ajai Tripathi
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ranjan Dutta
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Guglietti B, Sivasankar S, Mustafa S, Corrigan F, Collins-Praino LE. Fyn Kinase Activity and Its Role in Neurodegenerative Disease Pathology: a Potential Universal Target? Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:5986-6005. [PMID: 34432266 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02518-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fyn is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the Src family of kinases (SFKs) which has been implicated in several integral functions throughout the central nervous system (CNS), including myelination and synaptic transmission. More recently, Fyn dysfunction has been associated with pathological processes observed in neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Neurodegenerative diseases are amongst the leading cause of death and disability worldwide and, due to the ageing population, prevalence is predicted to rise in the coming years. Symptoms across neurodegenerative diseases are both debilitating and degenerative in nature and, concerningly, there are currently no disease-modifying therapies to prevent their progression. As such, it is important to identify potential new therapeutic targets. This review will outline the role of Fyn in normal/homeostatic processes, as well as degenerative/pathological mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as demyelination, pathological protein aggregation, neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Guglietti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SG31, Helen Mayo South, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Srisankavi Sivasankar
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SG31, Helen Mayo South, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Sanam Mustafa
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SG31, Helen Mayo South, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Frances Corrigan
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SG31, Helen Mayo South, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Lyndsey E Collins-Praino
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, SG31, Helen Mayo South, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia. .,ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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Liu R, Li Y, Zhou H, Wang H, Liu D, Wang H, Wang Z. OIP5-AS1 facilitates Th17 differentiation and EAE severity by targeting miR-140-5p to regulate RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway. Life Sci 2021:119108. [PMID: 33515560 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the commonest neurologic disorders globally. LncRNA OIP5-AS1 has been found to be implicated in the etiology of MS. This study was to explore the roles and molecular mechanisms of OIP5-AS1 in the development of MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS RT-qPCR assay was used to measure expressions of OIP5-AS1, miR-140-5p, IL-17A mRNA and RhoA mRNA. CD4+IL-17+ cell proportion was determined by flow cytometry. IL-17A secretion was examined by ELISA assay. Cell inflammatory infiltration and demyelination were assessed by histological analyses. The interaction between miR-140-5p and OIP5-AS1 or RhoA 3'UTR was validated by bioinformatical analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Western blot assay was performed to detect protein expressions of ROCK2 and RhoA. An experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models was established to explore the role of OIP5-AS1 in MS in vivo. KEY FINDINGS OIP5-AS1 expression was enhanced in MS patients. Also, elevated OIP5-AS1 level was observed during T-helper 17 (Th17) differentiation. Moreover, OIP5-AS1 promoted Th17 differentiation in vitro and contributed to the development of EAE in vivo. Mechanical explorations revealed that OIP5-AS1 targeted miR-140-5p to regulate Th17 differentiation. Moreover, RhoA was a target of miR-140-5p and miR-140-5p inhibited the activation of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling. Also, RhoA upregulation abrogated the inhibitory effects of miR-140-5p on Th17 differentiation. SIGNIFICANCE OIP5-AS1 contributed to EAE development by targeting miR-140-5p/RhoA and activating RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway, shedding light on the roles and molecular mechanisms of OIP5-AS1 in the development of MS and providing some candidate targets for the diagnose and treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Liu
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, China
| | - Haitao Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, China
| | - Dequan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, China
| | - Huilin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, China
| | - Zhenghua Wang
- Department of Laboratory, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, China
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QUAKING Regulates Microexon Alternative Splicing of the Rho GTPase Pathway and Controls Microglia Homeostasis. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108560. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Bros M, Haas K, Moll L, Grabbe S. RhoA as a Key Regulator of Innate and Adaptive Immunity. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070733. [PMID: 31319592 PMCID: PMC6678964 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RhoA is a ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic protein that belongs to the family of small GTPases. RhoA acts as a molecular switch that is activated in response to binding of chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors, and via mDia and the ROCK signaling cascade regulates the activation of cytoskeletal proteins, and other factors. This review aims to summarize our current knowledge on the role of RhoA as a general key regulator of immune cell differentiation and function. The contribution of RhoA for the primary functions of innate immune cell types, namely neutrophils, macrophages, and conventional dendritic cells (DC) to (i) get activated by pathogen-derived and endogenous danger signals, (ii) migrate to sites of infection and inflammation, and (iii) internalize pathogens has been fairly established. In activated DC, which constitute the most potent antigen-presenting cells of the immune system, RhoA is also important for the presentation of pathogen-derived antigen and the formation of an immunological synapse between DC and antigen-specific T cells as a prerequisite to induce adaptive T cell responses. In T cells and B cells as the effector cells of the adaptive immune system Rho signaling is pivotal for activation and migration. More recently, mutations of Rho and Rho-modulating factors have been identified to predispose for autoimmune diseases and as causative for hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bros
- University Medical Center Mainz, Department of Dermatology, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Katharina Haas
- University Medical Center Mainz, Department of Dermatology, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lorna Moll
- University Medical Center Mainz, Department of Dermatology, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- University Medical Center Mainz, Department of Dermatology, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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p75NTR and TROY: Uncharted Roles of Nogo Receptor Complex in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:6329-6336. [PMID: 29294247 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), have been on the forefront of drug discovery for most of the myelin inhibitory molecules implicated in axonal regenerative process. Nogo-A along with its putative receptor NgR and co-receptor LINGO-1 has paved the way for the production of pharmaceutical agents such as monoclonal antibodies, which are already put into handful of clinical trials. On the other side, little progress has been made towards clarifying the role of neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR) and TROY in disease progression, other key players of the Nogo receptor complex. Previous work of our lab has shown that their exact location and type of expression is harmonized in a phase-dependent manner. Here, in this review, we outline their façade in normal and diseased central nervous system (CNS) and suggest a role for p75NTR in chronic axonal regeneration whereas TROY in acute inflammation of EAE intercourse.
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9
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Davies MR, Lee L, Feeley BT, Kim HT, Liu X. Lysophosphatidic acid-induced RhoA signaling and prolonged macrophage infiltration worsens fibrosis and fatty infiltration following rotator cuff tears. J Orthop Res 2017; 35:1539-1547. [PMID: 27505847 PMCID: PMC5502767 DOI: 10.1002/jor.23384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that macrophage-mediated chronic inflammation is involved in the development of rotator cuff muscle atrophy and degeneration following massive tendon tears. Increased RhoA signaling has been reported in chronic muscle degeneration, such as muscular dystrophy. However, the role of RhoA signaling in macrophage infiltration and rotator muscle degeneration remains unknown. Using a previously established rat model of massive rotator cuff tears, we found RhoA signaling is upregulated in rotator cuff muscle following a massive tendon-nerve injury. This increase in RhoA expression is greatly potentiated by the administration of a potent RhoA activator, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and is accompanied by increased TNFα and TGF-β1 expression in rotator cuff muscle. Boosting RhoA signaling with LPA significantly worsened rotator cuff muscle atrophy, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration, accompanied with massive monocytic infiltration of rotator cuff muscles. Co-staining of RhoA and the tissue macrophage marker CD68 showed that CD68+ tissue macrophages are the dominant cell source of increased RhoA signaling in rotator cuff muscles after tendon tears. Taken together, our findings suggest that LPA-mediated RhoA signaling in injured muscle worsens the outcomes of atrophy, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration by increasing macrophage infiltraion in rotator cuff muscle. Clinically, inhibiting RhoA signaling may represent a future direction for developing new treatments to improve muscle quality following massive rotator cuff tears. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1539-1547, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Davies
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1700 Owens Street, Room 364 San Francisco, California 94153
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Lawrence Lee
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1700 Owens Street, Room 364 San Francisco, California 94153
| | - Brian T. Feeley
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1700 Owens Street, Room 364 San Francisco, California 94153
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Hubert T. Kim
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1700 Owens Street, Room 364 San Francisco, California 94153
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Xuhui Liu
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1700 Owens Street, Room 364 San Francisco, California 94153
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
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10
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Fang L, Wang Y, Zheng Q, Yang T, Zhao P, Zhao H, Zhang Q, Zhao Y, Qi F, Li K, Chen Z, Li J, Zhang N, Fan Y, Wang L. Effects of Bu Shen Yi sui capsule on NogoA/NgR and its signaling pathways RhoA/ROCK in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:346. [PMID: 28668079 PMCID: PMC5494129 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1847-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Axon growth inhibitory factors NogoA/Nogo receptor (NgR) and its signaling pathways RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) play a critical role in the repair of nerve damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). Bu Shen Yi Sui Capsule (BSYSC) is an effective Chinese formula utilized to treat MS in clinical setting and noted for its potent neuroprotective effects. In this study, we focus on the effects of BSYSC on promoting nerve repair and the underlying mechanisms in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Methods The EAE mouse model was induced by injecting subcutaneously with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35–55 supplemented with pertussis toxin. BSYSC was orally administrated at dose of 3.0 g/kg once a day for 40 days. The levels of protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, p-Tau, growth associated protein (GAP) -43, KI67 and Nestin in the brain or spinal cord on 20 and 40 day post-induction (dpi) were detected via immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, NogoA/NgR and RhoA/ROCK signaling molecules were studied by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Results Twenty or 40 days of treatment with BSYSC increased markedly PGP9.5 and GAP-43 levels, reduced p-Tau in the brain or spinal cord of mice with EAE. In addition, BSYSC elevated significantly the expression of KI67 and Nestin in the spinal cord 40 dpi. Further study showed that the activation of NogoA/NgR and RhoA/ROCK were suppressed by the presence of BSYSC. Conclusions BSYSC could attenuate axonal injury and promote repair of axonal damage in EAE mice in part through the down-regulation of NogoA/NgR and RhoA/ROCK signaling pathways.
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11
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Ji X, Liu H, An C, Wang Y, Zhao H, Zhang Q, Li M, Qi F, Chen Z, Wang X, Wang L. You-Gui pills promote nerve regeneration by regulating netrin1, DCC and Rho family GTPases RhoA, Racl, Cdc42 in C57BL/6 mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 187:123-133. [PMID: 27106785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE You-Gui pills (YGPs) are an effective traditional Chinese formula being used clinically for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Previous studies demonstrated that YGPs exerted the potent neuroprotective effects in murine models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is an equivalent animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the mechanism of YGPs functions remained unclear. AIM OF THIS STUDY The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of YGPs in MOG35-55-induced EAE mice and to further elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups, including the non-treated EAE model, prednisone acetate- and 1.2, 2.4 or 4.8g/kg YGPs-treated EAE groups, and a normal control group. The EAE model was established by injecting the mice subcutaneously with MOG35-55 antigen. The body weights were measured and the neurological functions were scored in each group. The pathology and morphology of the brain and spinal cord was examined. The expression of MAP-2 was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The levels of netrin1, DCC, RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 were assayed by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot on day 40 post-immunization (PI). RESULTS YGPs treatments significantly reduced neurological function scores in EAE mice, where the inflammatory infiltration was reduced and the axon and myelin damage in both brain and spinal cord was alleviated. In the brain and spinal cord tissues, YGPs increased the expression of neuronal factors MAP-2, netrin1 and DCC. The expression of Rac1 and Cdc42 were increased, while RhoA was reduced following YGPs treatments. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that YGPs exhibited a neuroprotective effect on promoting nerve regeneration at the brain and spinal cord in EAE mice induced by MOG35-55. Netrin1, DCC and the Rho family GTPases of RhoA, Racl, Cdc42 were involved in mediating the effects of YGPs on nerve regeneration.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/pathology
- Brain/ultrastructure
- DCC Receptor
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/drug therapy
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Female
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
- Nerve Growth Factors/genetics
- Nerve Growth Factors/metabolism
- Nerve Regeneration/drug effects
- Netrin-1
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use
- Peptide Fragments
- Phytotherapy
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Spinal Cord/drug effects
- Spinal Cord/pathology
- Spinal Cord/ultrastructure
- Tablets
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Ji
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Haolong Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Chen An
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Qiuxia Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Fang Qi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Xiujuan Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China.
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China.
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Eisa-Beygi S, Wen XY. Could pharmacological curtailment of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway reverse the endothelial barrier dysfunction associated with Ebola virus infection? Antiviral Res 2014; 114:53-6. [PMID: 25512227 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway induces endothelial barrier dysfunction and increased vascular permeability, which is a hallmark of various life-threatening vascular pathologies. Therapeutic approaches aimed at inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway have proven effective in the attenuation of vascular leakage observed in animal models of endotoxin-induced lung injury/sepsis, edema, autoimmune disorders, and stroke. These findings suggest that treatments targeting the ROCK pathway might be of benefit in the management of the Ebola virus disease (EVD), which is characterized by severe vascular leak, likely involving pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, released from virus-infected macrophages. In this paper, we review evidence from in vivo and in vitro models of vascular leakage, suggesting that the RhoA/ROCK pathway is an important therapeutic target for the reversal of the vascular permeability defects associated with EVD. Future studies should explore the efficacy of pharmacological inhibition of RhoA/ROCK pathway on reversing the endothelial barrier dysfunction in animal models of EVD and other hemorrhagic fever virus infections as part of an adjunctive therapy. Such experimental studies should focus, in particular, on the small molecule fasudil (HA-1077), a derivative of isoquinoline, which is a safe and clinically approved inhibitor of ROCK, making it an excellent candidate in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Eisa-Beygi
- Program in Development and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Xiao-Yan Wen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Kou S, Zheng Q, Wang Y, Zhao H, Zhang Q, Li M, Qi F, Fang L, Liu L, Ouyang J, Zhao H, Wang L. Zuo-Gui and You-Gui pills, two traditional Chinese herbal formulas, downregulated the expression of NogoA, NgR, and RhoA in rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 158 Pt A:102-112. [PMID: 25448504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zuo-Gui pills (ZGPs) and You-Gui pills (YGPs) are 2 traditional Chinese herbal formulas used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) in the clinical setting and have been shown to have neuroprotective effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective functions of ZGPs and YGPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Female Lewis rats were randomly divided into normal control, EAE model, 2g/kg ZGP-treated EAE, 3g/kg YGP-treated EAE, and prednisone acetate-treated groups. EAE model was induced by subcutaneous injection of MBP68-86 antigen. The neurological function scores were estimated. Histological structures of the brains and spinal cords were observed, and myelinated and axons imaged. NogoA, Nogo receptor (NgR), and RhoA transcript and protein levels were measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting on postimmunization (PI) days 14 (acute stage) and 28 (remission stage). RESULTS ZGPs and YGPs significantly reduced neurological functions scores and abrogated inflammatory infiltrates, demyelination, and axonal damage. Furthermore, treatment with ZGPs and YGPs inhibited NogoA, NgR, and RhoA mRNA and protein expression in rats at both the acute and remission stages. ZGPs exhibited stronger effects on NogoA and RhoA expressions, as well as neurological function, during the acute stage of EAE, while YGPs caused greater reductions in NogoA expression during the remission stage. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that ZGPs and YGPs exerted neuroprotective effects by downregulation of NogoA, NgR, and RhoA pathways, with differences in response times and targets observed between ZGPs and YGPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Kou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Qi Zheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Yizhou Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Qiuxia Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Fang Qi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Ling Fang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Lei Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Junyao Ouyang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Haiyu Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China.
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14
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Yin Y, Lin L, Ruiz C, Khan S, Cameron MD, Grant W, Pocas J, Eid N, Park H, Schröter T, Lograsso PV, Feng Y. Synthesis and biological evaluation of urea derivatives as highly potent and selective rho kinase inhibitors. J Med Chem 2013; 56:3568-81. [PMID: 23570561 DOI: 10.1021/jm400062r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RhoA and its downstream effector ROCK mediate stress fiber formation and cell contraction through their effects on the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC). Inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway has proven to be a promising strategy for several indications such as cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, and inflammatory disease. In 2010, our group reported urea-based ROCK inhibitors as potential antiglaucoma agents. These compounds showed potent IC50 values in enzymatic and cell-based assays and significant intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects in rats (∼7 mmHg). (22) To develop more advanced ROCK inhibitors targeting various potential applications (such as myocardial infarction, erectile dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, etc.) in addition to glaucoma, a thorough SAR for this urea-based scaffold was studied. The detailed optimization process, counter-screening, and in vitro and in vivo DMPK studies are discussed. Potent and selective ROCK inhibitors with various in vivo pharmacokinetic properties were discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yin
- Medicinal Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, 130 Scripps Way, #2A1, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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15
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Liu R, Zhang Z, Lu Z, Borlongan C, Pan J, Chen J, Qian L, Liu Z, Zhu L, Zhang J, Xu Y. Human Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Ameliorate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Regulating Immunoinflammation and Remyelination. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 22:1053-62. [PMID: 23140594 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengjuan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Cesar Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jie Pan
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhao Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lai Qian
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Stem Cell Engineering Research Center, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
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16
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Huang XN, Fu J, Wang WZ. The effects of fasudil on the permeability of the rat blood-brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier following experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmunol 2011; 239:61-7. [PMID: 21978848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2011.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Revised: 07/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is a primary characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated the protective effects of fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) that was induced by guinea-pig spinal cord. In addition, we studied the effects of fasudil on BBB and BSCB permeability. We found that fasudil partly alleviated EAE-dependent damage by decreasing BBB and BSCB permeability. These results provide rationale for the development of selective inhibitors of Rho kinase as a novel therapy for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- X N Huang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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17
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Zhang X, Tao Y, Troiani L, Markovic-Plese S. Simvastatin inhibits IFN regulatory factor 4 expression and Th17 cell differentiation in CD4+ T cells derived from patients with multiple sclerosis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:3431-7. [PMID: 21856936 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1100580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Subsequent to the clinical trial of simvastatin in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RR MS), which demonstrated the ability of simvastatin to inhibit new inflammatory CNS lesion formation, the current in vitro study has characterized the mechanisms through which simvastatin inhibits Th17 cell differentiation. The anti-inflammatory effects of statins are mediated by the inhibition of isoprenylation, which ensures proper membrane insertion and function of proteins. Small GTPases, involved in multiple signal transduction pathways, are the key targets for isoprenylation. We report that simvastatin, one of the most hydrophobic statins with good CNS penetration, inhibited Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 secretion in in vitro-differentiated naive CD4(+) T cells from RR MS patients. Simvastatin exerted a less prominent effect on the cells from healthy controls, as it inhibited only IL-17F secretion. The inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation was mediated via inhibition of IFN regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) expression, which was identified as a key transcription factor for human Th17 cell differentiation using both IRF4 gene knockdown and overexpression experiments. In studies addressing which isoprenylation pathway--geranylgeranylation or farnesylation--is inhibited by simvastatin, we demonstrated that the geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitor replicated the effect of simvastatin. Selective inhibition of geranylgeranylated RhoA-associated kinase replicated the effect of simvastatin on the inhibition of IRF4 expression and IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 secretion, presenting a promising new therapeutic approach for this disabling disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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18
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Zhang Z, Zhang ZY, Schittenhelm J, Wu Y, Meyermann R, Schluesener HJ. Parenchymal accumulation of CD163+ macrophages/microglia in multiple sclerosis brains. J Neuroimmunol 2011; 237:73-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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19
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Moreno-López B, Sunico CR, González-Forero D. NO orchestrates the loss of synaptic boutons from adult "sick" motoneurons: modeling a molecular mechanism. Mol Neurobiol 2010; 43:41-66. [PMID: 21190141 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-010-8159-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Synapse elimination is the main factor responsible for the cognitive decline accompanying many of the neuropathological conditions affecting humans. Synaptic stripping of motoneurons is also a common hallmark of several motor pathologies. Therefore, knowledge of the molecular basis underlying this plastic process is of central interest for the development of new therapeutic tools. Recent advances from our group highlight the role of nitric oxide (NO) as a key molecule triggering synapse loss in two models of motor pathologies. De novo expression of the neuronal isoform of NO synthase (nNOS) in motoneurons commonly occurs in response to the physical injury of a motor nerve and in the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In both conditions, this event precedes synaptic withdrawal from motoneurons. Strikingly, nNOS-synthesized NO is "necessary" and "sufficient" to induce synaptic detachment from motoneurons. The mechanism involves a paracrine/retrograde action of NO on pre-synaptic structures, initiating a downstream signaling cascade that includes sequential activation of (1) soluble guanylyl cyclase, (2) cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase, and (3) RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling. Finally, ROCK activation promotes phosphorylation of regulatory myosin light chain, which leads to myosin activation and actomyosin contraction. This latter event presumably contributes to the contractile force to produce ending axon retraction. Several findings support that this mechanism may operate in the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Moreno-López
- Grupo de NeuroDegeneración y NeuroReparación (GRUNEDERE), Área de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, Plaza Falla, 9, 11003 Cádiz, Spain.
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20
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Yu JZ, Ding J, Ma CG, Sun CH, Sun YF, Lu CZ, Xiao BG. Therapeutic potential of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by Fasudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor. J Neurosci Res 2010; 88:1664-72. [PMID: 20077431 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The migration of aberrant inflammatory cells into the central nervous system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases potentially through the Rho/Rho-kinase (Rock) pathway, but direct evidence from human and animal models remains inadequate. Here we further confirm that Fasudil, a selective Rock inhibitor, has therapeutic potential in a mouse model of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The results show that Fasudil decreased the development of EAE in C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemistry disclosed that expression of Rock-II in the perivascular spaces and vascular endothelial cells of spleens, spinal cords, and brains was elevated in EAE and was inhibited in the Fasudil-treated group. T-cell proliferation specific to MOG(35-55) was markedly reduced, together with a significant down-regulation of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-6, and MCP-1. In contrast, secretion of IL-4 was increased, and IL-10 was slightly elevated. There were no differences in the percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+), CD8(+)CD28(-), and CD8(+)CD122(+) in mononuclear cells. Histological staining disclosed a marked decrease of inflammatory cells in spinal cord and brain of Fasudil-treated mice. These results, together with previous studies showing the inhibitory effect of Fasudil on T-cell migration, might expand its clinical application as a new therapy for multiple sclerosis by decreasing cell migration and regulating immune balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Zhong Yu
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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21
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Nohra R, Beyeen AD, Guo JP, Khademi M, Sundqvist E, Hedreul MT, Sellebjerg F, Smestad C, Oturai AB, Harbo HF, Wallström E, Hillert J, Alfredsson L, Kockum I, Jagodic M, Lorentzen J, Olsson T. RGMA and IL21R show association with experimental inflammation and multiple sclerosis. Genes Immun 2010; 11:279-93. [PMID: 20072140 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2009.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Rat chromosome 1 harbors overlapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) for cytokine production and experimental models of inflammatory diseases. We fine-dissected this region that regulated cytokine production, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), anti-MOG antibodies and pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) in advanced intercross lines (AILs). Analysis in the tenth and twelfth generation of AILs resolved the region in two narrow QTL, Eae30 and Eae31. Eae30 showed linkage to MOG-EAE, anti-MOG antibodies and levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Eae31 showed linkage to EAE, PIA, anti-MOG antibodies and levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-6. Confidence intervals defined a limited set of potential candidate genes, with the most interesting being RGMA, IL21R and IL4R. We tested the association with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a Nordic case-control material. A single nucleotide polymorphism in RGMA associated with MS in males (odds ratio (OR)=1.33). Polymorphisms of RGMA also correlated with changes in the expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and TNF in cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients. In IL21R, there was one positively associated (OR=1.14) and two protective (OR=0.87 and 0.68) haplotypes. One of the protective haplotypes correlated to lower IFN-gamma expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of MS patients. We conclude that RGMA and IL21R and their pathways are crucial in MS pathogenesis and warrant further studies as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Nohra
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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