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Singh M, Krishnamoorthy VR, Kim S, Khurana S, LaPorte HM. Brain-derived neuerotrophic factor and related mechanisms that mediate and influence progesterone-induced neuroprotection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1286066. [PMID: 38469139 PMCID: PMC10925611 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1286066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Historically, progesterone has been studied significantly within the context of reproductive biology. However, there is now an abundance of evidence for its role in regions of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with such non-reproductive functions that include cognition and affect. Here, we describe mechanisms of progesterone action that support its brain-protective effects, and focus particularly on the role of neurotrophins (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF), the receptors that are critical for their regulation, and the role of certain microRNA in influencing the brain-protective effects of progesterone. In addition, we describe evidence to support the particular importance of glia in mediating the neuroprotective effects of progesterone. Through this review of these mechanisms and our own prior published work, we offer insight into why the effects of a progestin on brain protection may be dependent on the type of progestin (e.g., progesterone versus the synthetic, medroxyprogesterone acetate) used, and age, and as such, we offer insight into the future clinical implication of progesterone treatment for such disorders that include Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meharvan Singh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States
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2
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Bourque M, Morissette M, Di Paolo T. Neuroactive steroids and Parkinson's disease: Review of human and animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 156:105479. [PMID: 38007170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The greater prevalence and incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in men suggest a beneficial effect of sex hormones. Neuroactive steroids have neuroprotective activities thus offering interesting option for disease-modifying therapy for PD. Neuroactive steroids are also neuromodulators of neurotransmitter systems and may thus help to control PD symptoms and side effect of dopamine medication. Here, we review the effect on sex hormones (estrogen, androgen, progesterone and its metabolites) as well as androstenediol, pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone) in human studies and in animal models of PD. The effect of neuroactive steroids is reviewed by considering sex and hormonal status to help identify specifically for women and men with PD what might be a preventive approach or a symptomatic treatment. PD is a complex disease and the pathogenesis likely involves multiple cellular processes. Thus it might be useful to target different cellular mechanisms that contribute to neuronal loss and neuroactive steroids provide therapeutics options as they have multiple mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Bourque
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Khor SLQ, Ng KY, Koh RY, Chye SM. Blood-brain Barrier and Neurovascular Unit Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: From Clinical Insights to Pathogenic Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Approaches. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:315-330. [PMID: 36999187 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230330093829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in the central nervous system by tightly regulating the influx and efflux of biological substances between the brain parenchyma and peripheral circulation. Its restrictive nature acts as an obstacle to protect the brain from potentially noxious substances such as blood-borne toxins, immune cells, and pathogens. Thus, the maintenance of its structural and functional integrity is vital in the preservation of neuronal function and cellular homeostasis in the brain microenvironment. However, the barrier's foundation can become compromised during neurological or pathological conditions, which can result in dysregulated ionic homeostasis, impaired transport of nutrients, and accumulation of neurotoxins that eventually lead to irreversible neuronal loss. Initially, the BBB is thought to remain intact during neurodegenerative diseases, but accumulating evidence as of late has suggested the possible association of BBB dysfunction with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. The neurodegeneration occurring in PD is believed to stem from a myriad of pathogenic mechanisms, including tight junction alterations, abnormal angiogenesis, and dysfunctional BBB transporter mechanism, which ultimately causes altered BBB permeability. In this review, the major elements of the neurovascular unit (NVU) comprising the BBB are discussed, along with their role in the maintenance of barrier integrity and PD pathogenesis. We also elaborated on how the neuroendocrine system can influence the regulation of BBB function and PD pathogenesis. Several novel therapeutic approaches targeting the NVU components are explored to provide a fresh outlook on treatment options for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lei Qi Khor
- School of Health Science, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khuen Yen Ng
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rhun Yian Koh
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Science, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Soi Moi Chye
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Science, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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4
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Luchetti S, Liere P, Pianos A, Verwer RWH, Sluiter A, Huitinga I, Schumacher M, Swaab DF, Mason MRJ. Disease stage-dependent changes in brain levels and neuroprotective effects of neuroactive steroids in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106169. [PMID: 37257664 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are known neuroprotective agents and neurotransmitter regulators. We previously found that expression of the enzymes synthesizing 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP), allopregnanolone (ALLO), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were reduced in the substantia nigra (SN) of Parkinson's Disease (PD) brain. Here, concentrations of a comprehensive panel of steroids were measured in human post-mortem brains of PD patients and controls. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to measure steroid levels in SN (involved in early symptoms) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) (involved later in the disease) of five control (CTR) and nine PD donors, divided into two groups: PD4 (PD-Braak stages 1-4) and PD6 (PD-Braak stages 5-6). In SN, ALLO was increased in PD4 compared to CTR and 5α-DHP and ALLO levels were diminished in PD6 compared to PD4. The ALLO metabolite 3α5α20α-hexahydroprogesterone (3α5α20α-HHP) was higher in PD4 compared to CTR. In PFC, 3α5α20α-HHP was higher in PD4 compared to both CTR and PD6. The effects of 5α-DHP, ALLO and DHEAS were tested on human post-mortem brain slices of patients and controls in culture. RNA expression of genes involved in neuroprotection, neuroinflammation and neurotransmission was analysed after 5 days of incubation with each steroid. In PD6 slices, both 5α-DHP and ALLO induced an increase of the glutamate reuptake effector GLAST1, while 5α-DHP also increased gene expression of the neuroprotective TGFB. In CTR slices, ALLO caused reduced expression of IGF1 and GLS, while DHEAS reduced the expression of p75 and the anti-apoptotic molecule APAF1. Together these data suggest that a potentially protective upregulation of ALLO occurs at early stages of PD, followed by a downregulation of progesterone metabolites at later stages that may exacerbate the pathological changes, especially in SN. Neuroprotective effects of neurosteroids are thus dependent on the neuropathological stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Luchetti
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Meibergdreef 47, 1105, BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Neuroimmunology Research Group, NIN, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicetre, 94276 Paris, France
| | - Antoine Pianos
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicetre, 94276 Paris, France
| | - Ronald W H Verwer
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Meibergdreef 47, 1105, BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arja Sluiter
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Meibergdreef 47, 1105, BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Inge Huitinga
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, NIN, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 INSERM and University Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicetre, 94276 Paris, France
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Meibergdreef 47, 1105, BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Castelnovo LF, Thomas P. Progesterone exerts a neuroprotective action in a Parkinson's disease human cell model through membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα/PAQR7). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1125962. [PMID: 36967764 PMCID: PMC10036350 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1125962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and current treatment options are unsatisfactory on the long term. Several studies suggest a potential neuroprotective action by female hormones, especially estrogens. The potential role of progestogens, however, is less defined, and no studies have investigated the potential involvement of membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs). In the present study, the putative neuroprotective role for mPRs was investigated in SH-SY5Y cells, using two established pharmacological treatments for cellular PD models, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Our results show that both the physiologic agonist progesterone and the specific mPR agonist Org OD 02-0 were effective in reducing SH-SY5Y cell death induced by 6-OHDA and MPP+, whereas the nuclear PR agonist promegestone (R5020) and the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol were ineffective. Experiments performed with gene silencing technology and selective pharmacological agonists showed that mPRα is the isoform responsible for the neuroprotective effects we observed. Further experiments showed that the PI3K-AKT and MAP kinase signaling pathways are involved in the mPRα-mediated progestogen neuroprotective action in SH-SY5Y cells. These findings suggest that mPRα could play a neuroprotective role in PD pathology and may be a promising target for the development of therapeutic strategies for PD prevention or management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Thomas
- *Correspondence: Luca F. Castelnovo, ; Peter Thomas,
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Poirier AA, Côté M, Jarras H, Litim N, Lamontagne-Proulx J, Al-Sweidi S, Morissette M, Lachhab A, Pelletier M, Di Paolo T, Soulet D. Peripheral Neuroprotective and Immunomodulatory Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Parkinson’s Disease Models. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:898067. [PMID: 35935876 PMCID: PMC9355275 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.898067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal disorders in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been associated with neuronal alteration in the plexus of the gut. We previously demonstrated the immunomodulatory effect of female hormones to treat enteric neurodegeneration in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. This study made the hypothesis of obtaining similar neuroprotection as with hormone treatments by affecting steroidogenesis with two 5α-reductase inhibitors, finasteride and dutasteride. These drugs are approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and alopecia and display mitochondrial effects. In MPTP-treated mice, the dopaminergic and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons alteration was prevented by finasteride and dutasteride, while the increase in proinflammatory macrophages density was inhibited by dutasteride treatment but not finasteride. NF-κB response, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines production in vitro were only prevented by dutasteride. In addition, mitochondrial production of free radicals, membrane depolarization, decreased basal respiration, and ATP production were inhibited by dutasteride, while finasteride had no effect. In conclusion, the present results indicate that dutasteride treatment prevents enteric neuronal damages in the MPTP mouse model, at least in part through anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial effects. This suggests that drug repurposing of dutasteride might be a promising avenue to treat enteric neuroinflammation in early PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrée-Anne Poirier
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Mélissa Côté
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Hend Jarras
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nadhir Litim
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jérôme Lamontagne-Proulx
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Sara Al-Sweidi
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Asmaa Lachhab
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Pelletier
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Denis Soulet,
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Isenbrandt A, Morissette M, Bourque M, Lamontagne-Proulx J, Coulombe K, Soulet D, Di Paolo T. Effect of sex and gonadectomy on brain MPTP toxicity and response to dutasteride treatment in mice. Neuropharmacology 2021; 201:108784. [PMID: 34555366 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The main neuropathological feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) is degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN); PD prevalence is higher in men, suggesting a role of sex hormones in neuroprotection. This study sought the effects of sex hormones in the brain in a mouse model of PD and modulation of steroid metabolism/synthesis with the 5α-reductase inhibitor dutasteride shown to protect 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) male mice. Male and female mice were gonadectomized (GDX) or SHAM operated. They were treated with vehicle or dutasteride (5 mg/kg) for 10 days and administered a low dose of MPTP (5.5 mg/kg) or saline on the 5th day to model early PD; brains were collected thereafter. Striatal measures of the active metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) contents showed no difference supporting an effect of the experimental conditions investigated. In SHAM MPTP male mice loss of striatal DA and metabolites, DA transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) specific binding in the striatum and SN was prevented by dutasteride treatment; these changes were inversely correlated with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, an astrogliosis marker) levels. In SHAM female mice MPTP treatment had little or no effect on striatal and SN DA markers and GFAP levels whereas GDX male and female mice showed a similar loss of striatal DA markers and increase of GFAP. No effect of dutasteride treatment was observed in GDX male and female mice. In conclusion, sex differences in mice MPTP toxicity and response to dutasteride were observed that were lost upon gonadectomy implicating neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Isenbrandt
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Mélanie Bourque
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Jérôme Lamontagne-Proulx
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Katherine Coulombe
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, (Québec), G1V4G2, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Nishimura K, Takata K. Combination of Drugs and Cell Transplantation: More Beneficial Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Therapies Targeting Neurological Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169047. [PMID: 34445753 PMCID: PMC8396512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation therapy using pluripotent/multipotent stem cells has gained attention as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, ischemic stroke, and spinal cord injury. To fully realize the potential of cell transplantation therapy, new therapeutic options that increase cell engraftments must be developed, either through modifications to the grafted cells themselves or through changes in the microenvironment surrounding the grafted region. Together these developments could potentially restore lost neuronal function by better supporting grafted cells. In addition, drug administration can improve the outcome of cell transplantation therapy through better accessibility and delivery to the target region following cell transplantation. Here we introduce examples of drug repurposing approaches for more successful transplantation therapies based on preclinical experiments with clinically approved drugs. Drug repurposing is an advantageous drug development strategy because drugs that have already been clinically approved can be repurposed to treat other diseases faster and at lower cost. Therefore, drug repurposing is a reasonable approach to enhance the outcomes of cell transplantation therapies for neurological diseases. Ideal repurposing candidates would result in more efficient cell transplantation therapies and provide a new and beneficial therapeutic combination.
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Kalafatakis I, Patellis A, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Karagogeos D. The beneficial role of the synthetic microneurotrophin BNN20 in a focal demyelination model. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1474-1495. [PMID: 33583101 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BNN20, a C17-spiroepoxy derivative of the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone, has been shown to exhibit strong neuroprotective properties but its role in glial populations has not been assessed. Our aim was to investigate the effect of BNN20 on glial populations by using in vitro and in vivo approaches, taking advantage of the well-established lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-induced focal demyelination mouse model. Our in vivo studies, performed in male mice, showed that BNN20 treatment leads to an increased number of mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) in this model. It diminishes astrocytic accumulation during the demyelination phase leading to a faster remyelination process, while it does not affect oligodendrocyte precursor cell recruitment or microglia/macrophage accumulation. Additionally, our in vitro studies showed that BNN20 acts directly to OLs and enhances their maturation even after they were treated with LPC. This beneficial effect of BNN20 is mediated, primarily, through the neurotrophin receptor TrkA. In addition, BNN20 reduces microglial activation and their transition to their pro-inflammatory state upon lipopolysaccharides stimulation in vitro. Taken together our results suggest that BNN20 could serve as an important molecule to develop blood-brain barrier-permeable synthetic agonists of neurotrophin receptors that could reduce inflammation, protect and increase the number of functional OLs by promoting their differentiation/maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Kalafatakis
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Domna Karagogeos
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Physiopathological Role of Neuroactive Steroids in the Peripheral Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239000. [PMID: 33256238 PMCID: PMC7731236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) refers to many conditions involving damage to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Usually, PN causes weakness, numbness and pain and is the result of traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, or exposure to chemicals. Despite the high prevalence of PN, available treatments are still unsatisfactory. Neuroactive steroids (i.e., steroid hormones synthesized by peripheral glands as well as steroids directly synthesized in the nervous system) represent important physiological regulators of PNS functionality. Data obtained so far and here discussed, indeed show that in several experimental models of PN the levels of neuroactive steroids are affected by the pathology and that treatment with these molecules is able to exert protective effects on several PN features, including neuropathic pain. Of note, the observations that neuroactive steroid levels are sexually dimorphic not only in physiological status but also in PN, associated with the finding that PN show sex dimorphic manifestations, may suggest the possibility of a sex specific therapy based on neuroactive steroids.
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11
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Jin CF, Wang ZZ, Chen KZ, Xu TF, Hao GF. Computational Fragment-Based Design Facilitates Discovery of Potent and Selective Monoamine Oxidase-B (MAO-B) Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15021-15036. [PMID: 33210537 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B), which is mainly found in the glial cells of the brain, may lead to an elevated level of dopamine (DA) in patients. MAO-B inhibitors have been used extensively for patients with PD. However, the discovery of the selective MAO-B inhibitor is still a challenge. In this study, a computational strategy was designed for the rapid discovery of selective MAO-B inhibitors. A series of (S)-2-(benzylamino)propanamide derivatives were designed. In vitro biological evaluations revealed that (S)-1-(4-((3-fluorobenzyl)oxy)benzyl)azetidine-2-carboxamide (C3) was more potent and selective than safinamide, a promising drug for regulating MAO-B. Further studies revealed that the selectivity mechanism of C3 was due to the steric clash caused by the residue difference of Phe208 (MAO-A) and Ile199 (MAO-B). Animal studies showed that compound C3 could inhibit cerebral MAO-B activity and alleviate 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Fei Jin
- Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd., Shenzhen 518000; HEC Pharm Group, HEC Research and Development Center, Dongguan 523871, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Zheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Kang-Zhi Chen
- Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd., Shenzhen 518000; HEC Pharm Group, HEC Research and Development Center, Dongguan 523871, P. R. China
| | - Teng-Fei Xu
- Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd., Shenzhen 518000; HEC Pharm Group, HEC Research and Development Center, Dongguan 523871, P. R. China
| | - Ge-Fei Hao
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Research and Development Center for Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
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Botanical Drug Puerarin Promotes Neuronal Survival and Neurite Outgrowth against MPTP/MPP +-Induced Toxicity via Progesterone Receptor Signaling. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:7635291. [PMID: 33123315 PMCID: PMC7586160 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7635291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Progesterone receptor (PR) modulates neuroprotective and regenerative responses in Parkinson's disease and related neurological diseases. Objectives The present study was designed to determine whether botanical drug puerarin could exhibit neuroprotective and neurorestorative activities via PR signaling. Methods The neuroprotective and neurotrophic activities of puerarin were investigated in MPTP-lesioned mice and MPP+-challenged primary rat midbrain neurons. Rotarod performance test and tail suspension test were used to assess motor functions. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and PR were determined by immunostaining, Western blotting, and luciferase reporter assays. Neurite outgrowth was assessed by fluorescence staining and immunostaining. Results Puerarin effectively ameliorated the MPTP-induced motor abnormalities in MPTP-lesioned mice and protected primary rat midbrain neurons against MPP+-induced toxicity via PR signaling although progesterone exhibited the neuroprotection. PR antagonist mifepristone (RU486) diminished the neuroprotection of puerarin in MPTP-lesioned mice and MPP+-induced primary rat midbrain neurons. Moreover, puerarin promoted the differentiation of primary rat midbrain neurons and potentiated NGF to induce neuritogenesis in PC12 cells. RU486 and PR-siRNA could inhibit the effect of puerarin. Puerarin and progesterone could enhance the PR promoter. Conclusion Puerarin attenuated MPTP- and MPP+-induced toxicity and potentiated neurite outgrowth via PR. These results suggested that puerarin may become an alternative hormone for suppressing MPTP- and MPP+-induced toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Guennoun R. Progesterone in the Brain: Hormone, Neurosteroid and Neuroprotectant. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155271. [PMID: 32722286 PMCID: PMC7432434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone has a broad spectrum of actions in the brain. Among these, the neuroprotective effects are well documented. Progesterone neural effects are mediated by multiple signaling pathways involving binding to specific receptors (intracellular progesterone receptors (PR); membrane-associated progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1); and membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs)) and local bioconversion to 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone (3α,5α-THPROG), which modulates GABAA receptors. This brief review aims to give an overview of the synthesis, metabolism, neuroprotective effects, and mechanism of action of progesterone in the rodent and human brain. First, we succinctly describe the biosynthetic pathways and the expression of enzymes and receptors of progesterone; as well as the changes observed after brain injuries and in neurological diseases. Then, we summarize current data on the differential fluctuations in brain levels of progesterone and its neuroactive metabolites according to sex, age, and neuropathological conditions. The third part is devoted to the neuroprotective effects of progesterone and 3α,5α-THPROG in different experimental models, with a focus on traumatic brain injury and stroke. Finally, we highlight the key role of the classical progesterone receptors (PR) in mediating the neuroprotective effects of progesterone after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachida Guennoun
- U 1195 Inserm and University Paris Saclay, University Paris Sud, 94276 Le kremlin Bicêtre, France
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14
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Falvo E, Garcia-Segura LM, Melcangi RC. Physiopathological role of the enzymatic complex 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase in the generation of progesterone and testosterone neuroactive metabolites. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100836. [PMID: 32217094 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The enzymatic complex 5α-reductase (5α-R) and 3α/3β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (HSOR) is expressed in the nervous system, where it transforms progesterone (PROG) and testosterone (T) into neuroactive metabolites. These metabolites regulate myelination, brain maturation, neurotransmission, reproductive behavior and the stress response. The expression of 5α-R and 3α-HSOR and the levels of PROG and T reduced metabolites show regional and sex differences in the nervous system and are affected by changing physiological conditions as well as by neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. A decrease in their nervous tissue levels may negatively impact the course and outcome of some pathological events. However, in other pathological conditions their increased levels may have a negative impact. Thus, the use of synthetic analogues of these steroids or 5α-R modulation have been proposed as therapeutic approaches for several nervous system pathologies. However, further research is needed to fully understand the consequences of these manipulations, in particular with 5α-R inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Serafini MM, Caruso D, Garcia-Segura LM, Viviani B, Melcangi RC. Sex differences in steroid levels and steroidogenesis in the nervous system: Physiopathological role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100804. [PMID: 31689419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system, in addition to be a target for steroid hormones, is the source of a variety of neuroactive steroids, which are synthesized and metabolized by neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence indicates that the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins and enzymes and the levels of neuroactive steroids are different in the nervous system of males and females. We here summarized the state of the art of neuroactive steroids, particularly taking in consideration sex differences occurring in the synthesis and levels of these molecules. In addition, we discuss the consequences of sex differences in neurosteroidogenesis for the function of the nervous system under healthy and pathological conditions and the implications of neuroactive steroids and neurosteroidogenesis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Melania Maria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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16
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Jarras H, Bourque M, Poirier AA, Morissette M, Coulombe K, Di Paolo T, Soulet D. Neuroprotection and immunomodulation of progesterone in the gut of a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12782. [PMID: 31430407 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal symptoms appear in Parkinson's disease patients many years before motor symptoms, suggesting the implication of dopaminergic neurones of the gut myenteric plexus. Inflammation is also known to be increased in PD. We previously reported neuroprotection with progesterone in the brain of mice lesioned with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and hypothesised that it also has neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities in the gut. To test this hypothesis, we investigated progesterone administered to adult male C57BL/6 mice for 10 days and treated with MPTP on day 5. In an additional experiment, progesterone was administered for 5 days following MPTP treatment. Ilea were collected on day 10 of treatment and microdissected to isolate the myenteric plexus. Dopaminergic neurones were reduced by approximately 60% and pro-inflammatory macrophages were increased by approximately 50% in MPTP mice compared to intact controls. These changes were completely prevented by progesterone administered before and after MPTP treatment and were normalised by 8 mg kg-1 progesterone administered after MPTP. In the brain of MPTP mice, brain-derived neurotrophic peptide (BDNF) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were associated with progesterone neuroprotection. In the myenteric plexus, increased BDNF levels compared to controls were measured in MPTP mice treated with 8 mg kg-1 progesterone started post MPTP, whereas GFAP levels remained unchanged. In conclusion, the results obtained in the present study show neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of progesterone in the myenteric plexus of MPTP mice that are similar to our previous findings in the brain. Progesterone is non-feminising and could be used for both men and women in the pre-symptomatic stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Jarras
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Pavillon CHUL), Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Bourque
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Pavillon CHUL), Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrée-Anne Poirier
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Pavillon CHUL), Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Pavillon CHUL), Quebec, Canada
| | - Katherine Coulombe
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Pavillon CHUL), Quebec, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Pavillon CHUL), Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Pavillon CHUL), Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
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Anti-neuroinflammatory, protective effects of the synthetic microneurotrophin BNN-20 in the advanced dopaminergic neurodegeneration of "weaver" mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 165:107919. [PMID: 31877321 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BNN-20 is a synthetic microneurotrophin, long-term (P1-P21) administration of which exerts potent neuroprotective effect on the "weaver" mouse, a genetic model of progressive, nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration. The present study complements and expands our previous work, providing evidence that BNN-20 fully protects the dopaminergic neurons even when administration begins at a late stage of dopaminergic degeneration (>40%). Since neuroinflammation plays a critical role in Parkinson's disease, we investigated the possible anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying the pharmacological action of BNN-20. The latter was shown to be microglia-mediated, at least in part. Indeed, BNN-20 induced a partial, but significant, reversal of microglia hyperactivation, observed in the untreated "weaver" mouse. Furthermore, it induced a shift in microglia polarization towards the neuroprotective M2 phenotype, suggesting a possible beneficial shifting of microglia activity. This observation was further supported by morphometric measurements. Moreover, BDNF levels, which were severely reduced in the "weaver" mouse midbrain, were restored to normal even after short-term BNN-20 administration. Experiments in "weaver"/NGL (dual GFP/luciferase-NF-κВ reporter) mice using bioluminescence after a short BNN-20 treatment (P60-P74), have shown that the increase of BDNF production was specifically mediated through the TrkB-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway. Interestingly, long-term BNN-20 treatment (P14-P60) significantly increased dopamine levels in the "weaver" striatum, which seems to be associated with the improved motor activity observed in the treated mutant animals. In conclusion, our findings suggest that BNN-20 may serve as a lead molecule for new therapeutic compounds for Parkinson's disease, combining strong anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective properties, leading to elevated dopamine levels and improved motor activity.
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18
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Cardia MC, Carta AR, Caboni P, Maccioni AM, Erbì S, Boi L, Meloni MC, Lai F, Sinico C. Trimethyl Chitosan Hydrogel Nanoparticles for Progesterone Delivery in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11120657. [PMID: 31817711 PMCID: PMC6956284 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11120657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is a sex hormone which shows neuroprotective effects in different neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the pharmacokinetic limitations associated with the peripheral administration of this molecule highlight the need for more efficient delivery approaches to increase brain progesterone levels. Since the nose-to-brain administration of mucoadhesive hydrogel nanoparticles is a non-invasive and convenient strategy for the delivery of therapeutics to the central nervous system, in this work, progesterone-loaded hydrogel nanoparticle formulations have been prepared, characterized, and tested in vivo. Nanoparticles, loaded with different progesterone concentrations, have been obtained by polyelectrolyte complex formation between trimethyl chitosan and sodium alginate, followed by ionotropic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate as a cross-linking agent. All formulations showed a mean diameter ranging from 200 nm to 236 nm, a polydispersity index smaller than 0.23, and a high progesterone encapsulation efficiency (83–95%). The zeta potential values were all positive and greater than 28 mV, thus ensuring nanoparticles stability against aggregation phenomena as well as interaction with negative sialic residues of the nasal mucosa. Finally, in vivo studies on Sprague–Dawley male rats demonstrated a 5-fold increase in brain progesterone concentrations compared to basal progesterone level after 30 min of hydrogel nanoparticle inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Anna Rosa Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.R.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Anna Maria Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Sara Erbì
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Laura Boi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.R.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Maria Cristina Meloni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758514
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
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19
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Yilmaz C, Karali K, Fodelianaki G, Gravanis A, Chavakis T, Charalampopoulos I, Alexaki VI. Neurosteroids as regulators of neuroinflammation. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100788. [PMID: 31513776 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a physiological protective response in the context of infection and injury. However, neuroinflammation, especially if chronic, may also drive neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), display inflammatory activation of microglia and astrocytes. Intriguingly, the central nervous system (CNS) is a highly steroidogenic environment synthesizing steroids de novo, as well as metabolizing steroids deriving from the circulation. Neurosteroid synthesis can be substantially affected by neuroinflammation, while, in turn, several steroids, such as 17β-estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and allopregnanolone, can regulate neuroinflammatory responses. Here, we review the role of neurosteroids in neuroinflammation in the context of MS, AD, PD and TBI and describe underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, we introduce the concept that synthetic neurosteroid analogues could be potentially utilized for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canelif Yilmaz
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kanelina Karali
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgia Fodelianaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasileia Ismini Alexaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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20
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Gargiulo-Monachelli G, Meyer M, Lara A, Garay L, Lima A, Roig P, De Nicola AF, Gonzalez Deniselle MC. Comparative effects of progesterone and the synthetic progestin norethindrone on neuroprotection in a model of spontaneous motoneuron degeneration. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 192:105385. [PMID: 31150830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Wobbler mouse has been proposed as an experimental model of the sporadic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The administration of natural progesterone (PROG) to Wobbler mice attenuates neuropathology, inhibits oxidative stress, enhances the expression of genes involved in motoneuron function, increases survival and restores axonal transport. However, current pharmacological treatments for ALS patients are still partially effective. This encouraged us to investigate if the synthetic progestin norethindrone (NOR), showing higher potency than PROG and used for birth control and hormone therapy might also afford neuroprotection. Two-month-old Wobbler mice (wr/wr) were left untreated or received either a 20 mg pellet of PROG or a 1 mg pellet of NOR for 18 days. Untreated control NFR/NFR mice (background strain for Wobbler) were also employed. Wobblers showed typical clinical and spinal cord abnormalities, while these abnormalities were normalized with PROG treatment. Surprisingly, we found that NOR did not increase immunoreactivity and gene expression for choline-acetyltransferase, drastically decreased GFAP + astrogliosis, favored proinflammatory mediators, promoted the inflammatory phenotype of IBA1+ microglia, increased the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) mRNA and protein expression and the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/NADPH diaphorase in the cervical spinal cord. Additionally, NOR treatment produced atrophy of the thymus. The combined negative effects of NOR on clinical assessments (forelimb atrophy and rotarod performance) suggest a detrimental effect on muscle trophism and motor function. These findings reinforce the evidence that the type of progestin used for contraception, endometriosis or replacement therapy, may condition the outcome of preclinical and clinical studies targeting neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisella Gargiulo-Monachelli
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Meyer
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Lara
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Garay
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Depto. de Bioquímica Humana, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia Lima
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paulina Roig
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Depto. de Bioquímica Humana, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Claudia Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Depto. de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Uenaka T, Satake W, Cha PC, Hayakawa H, Baba K, Jiang S, Kobayashi K, Kanagawa M, Okada Y, Mochizuki H, Toda T. In silico drug screening by using genome-wide association study data repurposed dabrafenib, an anti-melanoma drug, for Parkinson's disease. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:3974-3985. [PMID: 30137437 PMCID: PMC6216208 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss. At present, there are no drugs that stop the progression of PD. As with other multifactorial genetic disorders, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) found multiple risk loci for PD, although their clinical significance remains uncertain. Here, we report the identification of candidate drugs for PD by a method using GWAS data and in silico databases. We identified 57 Food and Drug Administration-approved drug families as candidate neuroprotective drugs for PD. Among them, dabrafenib, which is known as a B-Raf kinase inhibitor and is approved for the treatment of malignant melanoma, showed remarkable cytoprotective effects in neurotoxin-treated SH-SY5Y cells and mice. Dabrafenib was found to inhibit apoptosis, and to enhance the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and inhibit the phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase. Dabrafenib targets B-Raf, and we confirmed a protein-protein interaction between B-Raf and Rit2, which is coded by RIT2, a PD risk gene in Asians and Caucasians. In RIT2-knockout cells, the phosphorylation of ERK was reduced, and dabrafenib treatment improved the ERK phosphorylation. These data indicated that dabrafenib exerts protective effects against neurotoxicity associated with PD. By using animal model, we confirmed the effectiveness of this in silico screening method. Furthermore, our results suggest that this in silico drug screening system is useful in not only neurodegenerative diseases but also other common diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Uenaka
- Division of Neurology/Molecular Brain Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Wataru Satake
- Division of Neurology/Molecular Brain Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Pei-Chieng Cha
- Division of Neurology/Molecular Brain Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hideki Hayakawa
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kousuke Baba
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiying Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kobayashi
- Division of Neurology/Molecular Brain Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Motoi Kanagawa
- Division of Neurology/Molecular Brain Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yukinori Okada
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Statistical Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Toda
- Division of Neurology/Molecular Brain Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Giatti S, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE, Melcangi RC. Neuroactive steroids, neurosteroidogenesis and sex. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:1-17. [PMID: 29981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is a target and a source of steroids. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that target neurons and glial cells. They include hormonal steroids originated in the peripheral glands, steroids locally synthesized by the neurons and glial cells (neurosteroids) and synthetic steroids, some of them used in clinical practice. Here we review the mechanisms of synthesis, metabolism and action of neuroactive steroids, including the role of epigenetic modifications and the mitochondria in their sex specific actions. We examine sex differences in neuroactive steroid levels under physiological conditions and their role in the establishment of sex dimorphic structures in the nervous system and sex differences in its function. In addition, particular attention is paid to neuroactive steroids under pathological conditions, analyzing how pathology alters their levels and their role as neuroprotective factors, considering the influence of sex in both cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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23
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Bourque M, Morissette M, Di Paolo T. Repurposing sex steroids and related drugs as potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2018; 147:37-54. [PMID: 29649433 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which a greater prevalence and incidence is described in men. This suggests a protective effect of sex hormones in the brain. Therefore, steroids and drugs to treat endocrine conditions could have additional application for PD. Here, we review the protective effect of sex hormones, particularly estrogens, progesterone, androgens and dehydroepiandrosterone, in animal models of PD and also in human studies. Data also support that drugs affecting estrogen neurotransmission such as selective estrogen receptor modulators or affecting steroid metabolism with 5α-reductase inhibitors could be repositioned for treatment of PD. Sex steroids are also modulator of neurotransmission, thus they could repurposed to treat PD motor symptoms and to modulate the response to PD medication. No drug is yet available to limit PD progression. PD is a complex disease implicating multiple pathological processes and a therapeutic strategy using drugs with several mechanisms of action, such as sex steroids and endocrine drugs are interesting repositioning options for symptomatic treatment and disease-modifying activity for PD. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Drug Repurposing: old molecules, new ways to fast track drug discovery and development for CNS disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Bourque
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, G1K 7P4, Canada.
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24
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Litim N, Morissette M, Caruso D, Melcangi RC, Di Paolo T. Effect of the 5α-reductase enzyme inhibitor dutasteride in the brain of intact and parkinsonian mice. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 174:242-256. [PMID: 28982631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dutasteride is a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor in clinical use to treat endocrine conditions. The present study investigated the neuroprotective mechanisms of action of dutasteride in intact and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned mice using a low dose of MPTP not affecting motor activity modeling early stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). We hypothesized that dutasteride neuroprotection is due to altered steroids levels. Dutasteride pre-treatment prevented loss of striatal dopamine (DA) and its metabolite DOPAC. Dutasteride decreased effects of MPTP on striatal dopamine transporter (DAT), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and D2 DA receptor specific binding while D1 receptor specific binding remained unchanged. Dutasteride enhanced DAT specific binding and the glycosylated form of DAT in intact mice. MPTP-lesioned mice had plasma and brain testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels lower than control mice whereas progesterone and its metabolites (dihydroprogesterone, isopregnanolone and tetrahydroprogesterone) pathway showed increases. Dutasteride treatment by inhibiting transformation of progesterone and testosterone to its metabolites elevated plasma and brain concentrations of testosterone compared to MPTP mice and decreased DHT levels in intact mice. Plasma and brain estradiol levels were low and remained unchanged by MPTP and/or dutasteride treatment. Dutasteride treatment did not affect striatal phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream substrate GSK3β as well as phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in intact and MPTP lesioned MPTP mice. Striatal glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels were markedly elevated in MPTP compared to control mice and dutasteride reduced GFAP levels in MPTP mice. Treatment with dutasteride post-lesion left unchanged striatal DA levels. These results suggest dutasteride as promising drug for PD neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadhir Litim
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto C Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada.
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25
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Miville-Godbout E, Bourque M, Morissette M, Al-Sweidi S, Smith T, Jayasinghe D, Ritchie S, Di Paolo T. Plasmalogen precursor mitigates striatal dopamine loss in MPTP mice. Brain Res 2017; 1674:70-76. [PMID: 28830769 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtn) are a class of glycerophospholipids characterized by a vinyl-ether bond at the sn-1 position that play an important role in the structure and function of membranes. Previous reports have suggested a link between reduced blood and brain PlsEtn levels and Parkinson's disease (PD). We recently reported that the DHA containing plasmalogen precursor PPI-1011 protected striatal dopamine (DA) against MPTP toxicity in mice. In this paper, we further investigate the specificity requirements of the lipid side chains by testing the oleic acid-containing plasmalogen precursor PPI-1025. Male mice were treated for 10days with daily oral administration of PPI-1025 (10, 50 or 200mg/kg). On day 5 mice received MPTP and were sacrificed on Day 11. Treatment with PPI-1025 prevented MPTP-induced decrease of DA and serotonin, as well as their metabolites. In addition, PPI-1025 treatment prevented the MPTP-induced decrease of the striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) specific binding. Significant positive correlations were measured between striatal DA concentrations and DAT or VMAT2 specific binding, as well as with serum plasmalogen concentrations. The neuroprotective effect of PPI-1025 displayed a bell-curve dose-dependency losing effect at the highest dose tested. The similar protective response of oleic and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing plasmalogen precursors suggests that the neuroprotection observed is not only due to DHA but to the oleic substituent and the plasmalogen backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Miville-Godbout
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, Qc G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, Qc G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mélanie Bourque
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, Qc G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, Qc G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, Qc G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Sara Al-Sweidi
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, Qc G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Tara Smith
- Med-Life Discoveries LP, 104-407 Downey Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 4L8, Canada
| | | | - Shawn Ritchie
- Med-Life Discoveries LP, 104-407 Downey Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 4L8, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, Qc G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, Qc G1V 0A6, Canada.
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26
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Botsakis K, Mourtzi T, Panagiotakopoulou V, Vreka M, Stathopoulos GT, Pediaditakis I, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Delis F, Antoniou K, Zisimopoulos D, Georgiou CD, Panagopoulos NT, Matsokis N, Angelatou F. BNN-20, a synthetic microneurotrophin, strongly protects dopaminergic neurons in the "weaver" mouse, a genetic model of dopamine-denervation, acting through the TrkB neurotrophin receptor. Neuropharmacology 2017; 121:140-157. [PMID: 28461162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors are among the most promising treatments aiming at slowing or stopping and even reversing Parkinson's disease (PD). However, in most cases, they cannot readily cross the human blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Herein, we propose as a therapeutic for PD the small molecule 17-beta-spiro-[5-androsten-17,2'-oxiran]-3beta-ol (BNN-20), a synthetic analogue of DHEA, which crosses the BBB and is deprived of endocrine side-effects. Using the "weaver" mouse, a genetic model of PD, which exhibits progressive dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the Substantia Nigra (SN), we have shown that long-term administration (P1-P21) of BNN-20 almost fully protected the dopaminergic neurons and their terminals, via i) a strong anti-apoptotic effect, probably mediated through the Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) neurotrophin receptor's PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway, ii) by exerting an efficient antioxidant effect, iii) by inducing significant anti-inflammatory activity and iv) by restoring Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels. By intercrossing "weaver" with NGL mice (dual GFP/luciferase-NF-κΒ reporter mice, NF-κΒ.GFP.Luc), we obtained Weaver/NGL mice that express the NF-κB reporter in all somatic cells. Acute BNN-20 administration to Weaver/NGL mice induced a strong NF-κB-dependent transcriptional response in the brain as detected by bioluminescence imaging, which was abolished by co-administration of the TrkB inhibitor ANA-12. This indicates that BNN-20 exerts its beneficial action (at least in part) through the TrkB-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway. These results could be of clinical relevance, as they suggest BNN-20 as an important neuroprotective agent acting through the TrkB neurotrophin receptor pathway, mimicking the action of the endogenous neurotrophin BDNF. Thus BNN-20 could be proposed for treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Botsakis
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, 26 500, Greece
| | - Theodora Mourtzi
- Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, 26 500, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Panagiotakopoulou
- Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, 26 500, Greece
| | - Malamati Vreka
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, 26 500, Greece
| | | | - Iosif Pediaditakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71110, Greece
| | | | - Achilleas Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71110, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Foundation for Research & Technology - Hellas, GR, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | | | | | - Nikolaos T Panagopoulos
- Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, 26 500, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Matsokis
- Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, 26 500, Greece
| | - Fevronia Angelatou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, 26 500, Greece.
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27
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Litim N, Morissette M, Di Paolo T. Effects of progesterone administered after MPTP on dopaminergic neurons of male mice. Neuropharmacology 2017; 117:209-218. [PMID: 28192111 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone neuroprotection of striatal dopamine (DA) in male mice lesioned with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was previously reported when administered before MPTP or an hour after. A dose of MPTP to induce a partial lesion was used to model early stages or prodromal Parkinson. We hypothesized that brain DA can be restored by progesterone administered early (24 h) or later (5 days) after MPTP. Male mice received 4 injections of MPTP (8 mg/kg) and progesterone (8 mg/kg) once daily for 5 days started 24 h or 5 days after MPTP. The lesion decreased striatal DA and its metabolites but not serotonin contents. MPTP mice treated with progesterone starting 24 h but not 5 days after MPTP had higher striatal DA and its metabolites content than vehicle-treated MPTP mice. Striatal DA transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) specific binding decreased in lesioned mice and were corrected with progesterone treatment starting 24 h but not 5 days after MPTP. Striatal glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels, a marker of activated astrocytes, were elevated by the MPTP lesion and were corrected with progesterone treatment starting 24 h after MPTP. Striatal brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were decreased by the MPTP lesion and were prevented by progesterone treatments whereas no change of Akt, GSK3β, ERK1 and 2 and their phosphorylated forms were observed. Thus, progesterone administered after MPTP in mice protected dopaminergic neurons through modulation of neuroinflammation and BDNF. In humans, progesterone could possibly be used as a disease-modifying drug in prodromal Parkinson.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadhir Litim
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Marc Morissette
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada.
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