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Babamiri B, Sadri R, Farrokhnia M, Hassani M, Kaur M, Roberts EPL, Ashani MM, Sanati Nezhad A. Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Biosensor Based on Nitrogen-Doped Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene/Ti 3 CNT X MXene Nanocomposite for Metabolites Detection. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:27714-27727. [PMID: 38717953 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c01973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Rapid and accurate quantification of metabolites in different bodily fluids is crucial for a precise health evaluation. However, conventional metabolite sensing methods, confined to centralized laboratory settings, suffer from time-consuming processes, complex procedures, and costly instrumentation. Introducing the MXene/nitrogen-doped electrochemically exfoliated graphene (MXene@N-EEG) nanocomposite as a novel biosensing platform in this work addresses the challenges associated with conventional methods, leveraging the concept of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) enables the highly sensitive, specific, and reliable detection of metabolites. To validate our biosensing technology, we utilize agmatine as a significant biologically active metabolite. The MIP biosensor incorporates electrodeposited Prussian blue nanoparticles as a redox probe, facilitating the direct electrical signaling of agmatine binding in the polymeric matrix. The MXene@N-EEG nanocomposite, with excellent metal conductivity and a large electroactive specific surface area, effectively stabilizes the electrodeposited Prussian blue nanoparticles. Furthermore, increasing the content of agmatine-imprinted cavities on the electrode enhances the sensitivity of the MIP biosensor. Evaluation of the designed MIP biosensor in buffer solution and plasma samples reveals a wide linear concentration range of 1.0 nM-100.0 μM (R2 = 0.9934) and a detection limit of 0.1 nM. Notably, the developed microfluidic biosensor offers low cost, rapid response time to the target molecule (10 min of sample incubation), good recovery results for detecting agmatine in plasma samples, and acceptable autonomous performance for on-chip detection. Moreover, its high reliability and sensitivity position this MIP-based biosensor as a promising candidate for miniaturized microfluidic devices with the potential for scalable production for point-of-care applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Babamiri
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Rad Sadri
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mohammadreza Farrokhnia
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mohsen Hassani
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Edward P L Roberts
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mehdi Mohammadi Ashani
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Amir Sanati Nezhad
- BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
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Saha P, Panda S, Holkar A, Vashishth R, Rana SS, Arumugam M, Ashraf GM, Haque S, Ahmad F. Neuroprotection by agmatine: Possible involvement of the gut microbiome? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102056. [PMID: 37673131 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102056] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine derived from L-arginine, elicits tremendous multimodal neuromodulant properties. Alterations in agmatinergic signalling are closely linked to the pathogeneses of several brain disorders. Importantly, exogenous agmatine has been shown to act as a potent neuroprotectant in varied pathologies, including brain ageing and associated comorbidities. The antioxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, antidepressant and memory-enhancing activities of agmatine may derive from its ability to regulate several cellular pathways; including cell metabolism, survival and differentiation, nitric oxide signalling, protein translation, oxidative homeostasis and neurotransmitter signalling. This review briefly discusses mammalian metabolism of agmatine and then proceeds to summarize our current understanding of neuromodulation and neuroprotection mediated by agmatine. Further, the emerging exciting bidirectional links between agmatine and the resident gut microbiome and their implications for brain pathophysiology and ageing are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Subhrajita Panda
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Aayusha Holkar
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Rahul Vashishth
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Sandeep Singh Rana
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Mohanapriya Arumugam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon; Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
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Chang YS, Lin CY, Liu TY, Huang CM, Chung CC, Chen YC, Tsai FJ, Chang JG, Chang SJ. Polygenic risk score trend and new variants on chromosome 1 are associated with male gout in genome-wide association study. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:229. [PMID: 36221101 PMCID: PMC9552457 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02917-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gout is a highly hereditary disease, but not all those carrying well-known risk variants have developing gout attack even in hyperuricemia status. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis to illustrate the new genetic architectures of gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH). Methods GWAS was performed to identify variants associated with gout/AH compared with normouricemia. The participants were males, enrolled from the Taiwan Biobank and China Medical University, and divided into discovery (n=39,594) and replication (n=891) cohorts for GWAS. For PRS analysis, the discovery cohort was grouped as base (n=21,814) and target (n=17,780) cohorts, and the score was estimated by grouping the polymorphisms into protective or not for the phenotypes in the base cohort. Results The genes ABCG2 and SLC2A9 were found as the major genetic factors governing gouty and AH, and even in those carrying the rs2231142 (ABCG2) wild-genotype. Surprisingly, variants on chromosome 1, such as rs7546668 (DNAJC16), rs10927807 (AGMAT), rs9286836 (NUDT17), rs4971100 (TRIM46), rs4072037 (MUC1), and rs2974935 (MTX1), showed significant associations with gout in both discovery and replication cohorts (all p-values < 1e−8). Concerning the PRS, the rates of gout and AH increased with increased quartile PRS in those SNPs having risk effects on the phenotypes; on the contrary, gout/AH rates decreased with increased quartile PRS in those protective SNPs. Conclusions We found new variants on chromosome 1 significantly relating to gout, and PRS predicts the risk of developing gout/AH more robustly based on the SNPs’ effect types on the trait. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02917-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Sian Chang
- Center for Precision Medicine and Epigenome Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Laboratory Medicine, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Zhubei City, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yuan Liu
- Center for Precision Medicine and Epigenome Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ming Huang
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chun Chung
- Center for Precision Medicine and Epigenome Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Chen
- Center for Precision Medicine and Epigenome Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Jan-Gowth Chang
- Center for Precision Medicine and Epigenome Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Shun-Jen Chang
- Center for Precision Medicine and Epigenome Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Department of Kinesiology, Health and Leisure Studies, National University of Kaohsiung, No. 700, Kaohsiung University Road, Nanzih District, 81148, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Jeon SJ, Kwon H, Bae HJ, Gonzales EL, Kim J, Chung HJ, Kim DH, Ryu JH, Shin CY. Agmatine relieves behavioral impairments in Fragile X mice model. Neuropharmacology 2022; 219:109234. [PMID: 36057317 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109234] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of neurodevelopmental disorder, which is caused by the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. Despite the unceasing efforts to develop therapeutic agents against FXS based on the pathophysiological changes observed in animal models of FXS and human patients, therapeutic candidates including mGluR signaling modulators have failed to provide sufficient effects. Based on the recent successful demonstration of an endogenous polyamine, agmatine, to improve the autism-like symptoms in the valproic acid animal model of autism, we investigated the effects of agmatine against FXS symptoms using Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. METHODS We used male Fmr1 KO mice for behavioral tests such as marble burying, open-field test, memory tasks, social interaction tests and startle response to confirm the symptoms of FXS. We also checked the electrophysiological profile of neural activity in agmatine-treated Fmr1 KO mice. RESULTS Agmatine reversed the compulsion, learning and memory deficits, hyperactivity, aberrant social interaction, and communication deficit in Fmr1 KO mice while it normalized the aberrant LTP and LTD in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the potential of agmatine's novel disease-ameliorating effects in FXS, which warrants further studies to ascertain whether these findings translate into clinical effects in FXS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jin Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Sahmyook University, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Huiyoung Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jung Bae
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhyeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Chung
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Ryu
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Sánchez-Pérez S, Comas-Basté O, Costa-Catala J, Iduriaga-Platero I, Veciana-Nogués MT, Vidal-Carou MC, Latorre-Moratalla ML. The Rate of Histamine Degradation by Diamine Oxidase Is Compromised by Other Biogenic Amines. Front Nutr 2022; 9:897028. [PMID: 35694170 PMCID: PMC9175030 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.897028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, certain uncertainties related to the onset of histamine adverse effects remain unsolved and still require further research. Questions still to be resolved include the wide range of doses at which dietary histamine may trigger symptoms of intoxication (100-10,000 mg/kg) or the appearance of symptoms of histamine intolerance after the consumption of foods presumable without histamine. It seems feasible that other amines, by acting as competitive substrates, could interfere with histamine degradation by the intestinal enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the interference of different amines on the rate of histamine degradation by DAO. A series of in vitro enzymatic assays were performed using histamine as the reaction substrate combined with different proportions of putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, spermidine, and spermine (1:0.25, 1:1, 1:4, 1:20). Putrescine and cadaverine significantly delayed histamine degradation at all tested concentrations (p < 0.001). The greatest effect was observed when putrescine or cadaverine concentrations were 20-fold higher than that of histamine, its degradation being reduced by 70 and 80%, respectively, compared to histamine alone (28.16 ± 1.0 mU). In contrast, tyramine, spermidine and spermine significantly inhibited the histamine degradation rate only at the highest concentration (1:20), reducing it by 32-45%. These results demonstrate that other biogenic amines interfere with histamine metabolization by DAO in vitro, the extent depending on the substrate. These findings could explain why susceptibility to dietary histamine is so variable and account for the discrepancies in the scientific databases regarding the amount of histamine that triggers adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sònia Sánchez-Pérez
- Departament de Nutrició, Ciències de l’Alimentació i Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Campus de l’Alimentació de Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA⋅UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Xarxa d’Innovació Alimentària (XIA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Comas-Basté
- Departament de Nutrició, Ciències de l’Alimentació i Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Campus de l’Alimentació de Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA⋅UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Xarxa d’Innovació Alimentària (XIA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Costa-Catala
- Departament de Nutrició, Ciències de l’Alimentació i Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Campus de l’Alimentació de Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA⋅UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Xarxa d’Innovació Alimentària (XIA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irache Iduriaga-Platero
- Departament de Nutrició, Ciències de l’Alimentació i Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Campus de l’Alimentació de Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA⋅UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Xarxa d’Innovació Alimentària (XIA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Teresa Veciana-Nogués
- Departament de Nutrició, Ciències de l’Alimentació i Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Campus de l’Alimentació de Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA⋅UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Xarxa d’Innovació Alimentària (XIA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Vidal-Carou
- Departament de Nutrició, Ciències de l’Alimentació i Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Campus de l’Alimentació de Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA⋅UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Xarxa d’Innovació Alimentària (XIA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Luz Latorre-Moratalla
- Departament de Nutrició, Ciències de l’Alimentació i Gastronomia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Campus de l’Alimentació de Torribera, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA⋅UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Xarxa d’Innovació Alimentària (XIA), Barcelona, Spain
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Wierońska JM, Cieślik P, Kalinowski L. Nitric Oxide-Dependent Pathways as Critical Factors in the Consequences and Recovery after Brain Ischemic Hypoxia. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081097. [PMID: 34439764 PMCID: PMC8392725 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain ischemia is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO•), a molecule that is involved in the regulation of proper blood flow, vasodilation, neuronal and glial activity constitutes the crucial factor that contributes to the development of pathological changes after stroke. One of the early consequences of a sudden interruption in the cerebral blood flow is the massive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in neurons due to NO• synthase uncoupling, which leads to neurotoxicity. Progression of apoptotic or necrotic neuronal damage activates reactive astrocytes and attracts microglia or lymphocytes to migrate to place of inflammation. Those inflammatory cells start to produce large amounts of inflammatory proteins, including pathological, inducible form of NOS (iNOS), which generates nitrosative stress that further contributes to brain tissue damage, forming vicious circle of detrimental processes in the late stage of ischemia. S-nitrosylation, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and HIF-1α-dependent genes activated in reactive astrocytes play essential roles in this process. The review summarizes the roles of NO•-dependent pathways in the early and late aftermath of stroke and treatments based on the stimulation or inhibition of particular NO• synthases and the stabilization of HIF-1α activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Wierońska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (J.M.W.); (P.C.)
| | - Paulina Cieślik
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (J.M.W.); (P.C.)
| | - Leszek Kalinowski
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics—Biobank Fahrenheit BBMRI.pl, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki Street 7, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure Poland (BBMRI.PL), Debinki Street 7, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- BioTechMed Center/Department of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-223 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-349-1182
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Martí I Líndez AA, Reith W. Arginine-dependent immune responses. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5303-5324. [PMID: 34037806 PMCID: PMC8257534 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03828-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates that, over the course of evolution of the immune system, arginine has been selected as a node for the regulation of immune responses. An appropriate supply of arginine has long been associated with the improvement of immune responses. In addition to being a building block for protein synthesis, arginine serves as a substrate for distinct metabolic pathways that profoundly affect immune cell biology; especially macrophage, dendritic cell and T cell immunobiology. Arginine availability, synthesis, and catabolism are highly interrelated aspects of immune responses and their fine-tuning can dictate divergent pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory immune outcomes. Here, we review the organismal pathways of arginine metabolism in humans and rodents, as essential modulators of the availability of this semi-essential amino acid for immune cells. We subsequently review well-established and novel findings on the functional impact of arginine biosynthetic and catabolic pathways on the main immune cell lineages. Finally, as arginine has emerged as a molecule impacting on a plethora of immune functions, we integrate key notions on how the disruption or perversion of arginine metabolism is implicated in pathologies ranging from infectious diseases to autoimmunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Walter Reith
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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8
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Capella Roca B, Lao N, Barron N, Doolan P, Clynes M. An arginase-based system for selection of transfected CHO cells without the use of toxic chemicals. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:18756-18768. [PMID: 31666335 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyamines have essential roles in cell proliferation, DNA replication, transcription, and translation processes, with intracellular depletion of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine resulting in cellular growth arrest and eventual death. Serum-free media for CHO-K1 cells require putrescine supplementation, because these cells lack the first enzyme of the polyamine production pathway, arginase. On the basis of this phenotype, we developed an arginase-based selection system. We transfected CHO-K1 cells with a bicistronic vector co-expressing GFP and arginase and selected cells in media devoid of l-ornithine and putrescine, resulting in mixed populations stably expressing GFP. Moreover, single clones in these selective media stably expressed GFP for a total of 42 generations. Using this polyamine starvation method, we next generated recombinant CHO-K1 cells co-expressing arginase and human erythropoietin (hEPO), which also displayed stable expression and healthy growth. The hEPO-expressing clones grew in commercial media, such as BalanCD and CHO-S serum-free media (SFM)-II, as well as in a defined serum-free, putrescine-containing medium for at least 9 passages (27 generations), with a minimal decrease in hEPO titer by the end of the culture. We observed a lack of arginase activity also in several CHO cell strains (CHO-DP12, CHO-S, and DUXB11) and other mammalian cell lines, including BHK21, suggesting broader utility of this selection system. In conclusion, we have established an easy-to-apply alternative selection system that effectively generates mammalian cell clones expressing biopharmaceutically relevant or other recombinant proteins without the need for any toxic selective agents. We propose that this system is applicable to mammalian cell lines that lack arginase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Capella Roca
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; SSPC-SFI, Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Nga Lao
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training, A94 X099 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niall Barron
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training, A94 X099 Dublin, Ireland; School of Chemical & Bioprocessing Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04V1W8, Ireland
| | - Padraig Doolan
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Martin Clynes
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; SSPC-SFI, Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
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Up-regulation of HIF-1α is associated with neuroprotective effects of agmatine against rotenone-induced toxicity in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Amino Acids 2019; 52:171-179. [PMID: 31292720 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-019-02759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine, a metabolite generated by arginine decarboxylation, has been reported as neuromodulator and neuroactive substance. Several findings suggest that agmatine displays neuroprotective effects in several models of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). It has been hypothesized that biogenic amines may be involved in neuroprotection by scavenging oxygen radicals, thus preventing the generation of oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction, that leads to a reduction of oxygen consumption, followed by activation of prolyl hydroxylase and decrease of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels, has been demonstrated to play a role in PD pathogenesis. Using rotenone-treated differentiated SH-SY5Y cells as the in vitro PD model, we here investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying agmatine neuroprotective effects. Our results showed that the preliminary addition of agmatine induces HIF-1α activation, and prevents the rotenone-induced production of free radical species, and the activation of apoptotic pathways by inhibiting mitochondrial membrane potential decrease and caspase 3 as well as cytochrome c increase. Notably, these effects are mediated by HIF-1α, as indicated by experiments using a HIF-1α inhibitor. The present findings suggest that the treatment with agmatine is able to counteract the neuronal cell injury evoked by mitochondrial toxins.
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Liu G, Mei H, Chen M, Qin S, Li K, Zhang W, Chen T. Protective effect of agmatine against hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury via regulating lncRNA gadd7. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 516:68-74. [PMID: 31196629 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.04.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (HALI) is a kind of iatrogenic pulmonary dysfunction caused by the prolonged exposure to high concentrations of oxygen, which is commonly seen in the treatment of refractory hypoxemia. Agmatine (AGM), a biogenic amine metabolite of l-arginine, induces a variety of physiological and pharmacological effects in the body. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of AGM on hyperoxia-induced lung injury and explored the underlying mechanism. A series of methods were used including flow cytometry, tunnel assay, dual-luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The results indicate that AGM can protect hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Further studies suggest that AGM decreased the upregulated expression of lncRNA gadd7 caused by hyperoxia and due to the presence of the competitive binding of lncRNA gadd7 and MFN1 to miR-125a, AGM indirectly decreased MFN1 protein expression to inhibit the cells apoptosis. In conclusion, AGM protects hyperoxia-induced lung injury by decreasing the expression of lncRNA gadd7 to regulate MFN1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyue Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
| | - Hong Mei
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China.
| | - Miao Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China.
| | - Song Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
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11
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Therapeutic Effect of Agmatine on Neurological Disease: Focus on Ion Channels and Receptors. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:735-750. [PMID: 30610652 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-02712-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is the most injury-prone part of the mammalian body. Any acute or chronic, central or peripheral neurological disorder is related to abnormal biochemical and electrical signals in the brain cells. As a result, ion channels and receptors that are abundant in the nervous system and control the electrical and biochemical environment of the CNS play a vital role in neurological disease. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid receptor, kainate receptor, acetylcholine receptor, serotonin receptor, α2-adrenoreceptor, and acid-sensing ion channels are among the major channels and receptors known to be key components of pathophysiological events in the CNS. The primary amine agmatine, a neuromodulator synthesized in the brain by decarboxylation of L-arginine, can regulate ion channel cascades and receptors that are related to the major CNS disorders. In our previous studies, we established that agmatine was related to the regulation of cell differentiation, nitric oxide synthesis, and murine brain endothelial cell migration, relief of chronic pain, cerebral edema, and apoptotic cell death in experimental CNS disorders. In this review, we will focus on the pathophysiological aspects of the neurological disorders regulated by these ion channels and receptors, and their interaction with agmatine in CNS injury.
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12
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Xu W, Gao L, Li T, Shao A, Zhang J. Neuroprotective Role of Agmatine in Neurological Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1296-1305. [PMID: 28786346 PMCID: PMC6251039 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170808120633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurological diseases have always been one of the leading cause of mobility and mortality world-widely. However, it is still lacking efficient agents. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine, exerts its diverse biological characteristics and therapeutic potential in varied aspects. Methods: This review would focus on the neuroprotective actions of agmatine and its potential mechanisms in the setting of neurological diseases. Results: Numerous studies had demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of agmatine in varied types of neurological diseases, including acute attack (stroke and trauma brain injury) and chronic neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alz-heimer’s disease). The potential mechanism of agmatine induced neuroprotection includes anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, brain blood barrier (BBB) protection and brain edema prevention. Conclusions: The safety and low incidence of adverse effects indicate the vast potential therapeutic value of agmatine in the treatment of neurological diseases. However, most of the available studies relate to the agmatine are conducted in experi-mental models, more clinical trials are needed before the agmatine could be extensively clinically used
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liansheng Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Brain Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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13
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Benítez J, García D, Romero N, González A, Martínez-Oyanedel J, Figueroa M, Salas M, López V, García-Robles M, Dodd PR, Schenk G, Carvajal N, Uribe E. Metabolic strategies for the degradation of the neuromodulator agmatine in mammals. Metabolism 2018; 81:35-44. [PMID: 29162499 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine (1-amino-4-guanidinobutane), a precursor for polyamine biosynthesis, has been identified as an important neuromodulator with anticonvulsant, antineurotoxic and antidepressant actions in the brain. In this context it has emerged as an important mediator of addiction/satiety pathways associated with alcohol misuse. Consequently, the regulation of the activity of key enzymes in agmatine metabolism is an attractive strategy to combat alcoholism and related addiction disorders. Agmatine results from the decarboxylation of L-arginine in a reaction catalyzed by arginine decarboxylase (ADC), and can be converted to either guanidine butyraldehyde by diamine oxidase (DAO) or putrescine and urea by the enzyme agmatinase (AGM) or the more recently identified AGM-like protein (ALP). In rat brain, agmatine, AGM and ALP are predominantly localised in areas associated with roles in appetitive and craving (drug-reinstatement) behaviors. Thus, inhibitors of AGM or ALP are promising agents for the treatment of addictions. In this review, the properties of DAO, AGM and ALP are discussed with a view to their role in the agmatine metabolism in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Benítez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - David García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicol Romero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Arlette González
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - José Martínez-Oyanedel
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Figueroa
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mónica Salas
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Vasthi López
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - María García-Robles
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Peter R Dodd
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gerhard Schenk
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nelson Carvajal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Elena Uribe
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile.
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Kim JM, Lee JE, Cheon SY, Lee JH, Kim SY, Kam EH, Koo BN. The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Agmatine on Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Diabetic Rats. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 2017; 28:203-13. [PMID: 26057630 DOI: 10.1097/ana.0000000000000195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the previous study, we observed agmatine (AGM) posttreatment immediately after 30 minutes of suture occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) reduced the infarct size and neurological deficit in diabetic rats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of AGM to reduce cerebral ischemic damage in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Normoglycemic (n=20) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (n=40) were subjected to 30 minutes of MCAO followed by reperfusion. Twenty diabetic rats were treated with AGM (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) immediately after 30 minutes of MCAO. Modified neurological examinations and rotarod exercises were performed to evaluate motor function. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to determine the expression of inflammatory cytokines in ischemic brain tissue. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the mRNA expression of high-mobility group box 1, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, and TLR4 RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:: AGM posttreatment improved the neurobehavioral activity and motor function of diabetic MCAO rats at 24 and 72 hours after reperfusion. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that AGM treatment significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines in diabetic MCAO rats at 24 and 72 hours after reperfusion (P<0.01). Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction results indicated that AGM treatment significantly decreased the expression of high-mobility group box 1, RAGE, TLR2, and TLR4 in diabetic rats at 24 hours after reperfusion (P<0.05). This neuroprotective effect of AGM after MCAO was associated with modulation of the postischemic neuronal inflammation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Min Kim
- Departments of *Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine ‡Anatomy †Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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15
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Agmatine: multifunctional arginine metabolite and magic bullet in clinical neuroscience? Biochem J 2017; 474:2619-2640. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, the decarboxylation product of arginine, was largely neglected as an important player in mammalian metabolism until the mid-1990s, when it was re-discovered as an endogenous ligand of imidazoline and α2-adrenergic receptors. Since then, a wide variety of agmatine-mediated effects have been observed, and consequently agmatine has moved from a wallflower existence into the limelight of clinical neuroscience research. Despite this quantum jump in scientific interest, the understanding of the anabolism and catabolism of this amine is still vague. The purification and biochemical characterization of natural mammalian arginine decarboxylase and agmatinase still are open issues. Nevertheless, the agmatinergic system is currently one of the most promising candidates in order to pharmacologically interfere with some major diseases of the central nervous system, which are summarized in the present review. Particularly with respect to major depression, agmatine, its derivatives, and metabolizing enzymes show great promise for the development of an improved treatment of this common disease.
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16
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Nedeljko P, Turel M, Lobnik A. Fluorescence-Based Determination of Agmatine in Dietary Supplements. ANAL LETT 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2014.991962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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17
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Ramos-Molina B, López-Contreras AJ, Lambertos A, Dardonville C, Cremades A, Peñafiel R. Influence of ornithine decarboxylase antizymes and antizyme inhibitors on agmatine uptake by mammalian cells. Amino Acids 2015; 47:1025-34. [PMID: 25655388 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-1931-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine (4-aminobutylguanidine), a dicationic molecule at physiological pH, exerts relevant modulatory actions at many different molecular target sites in mammalian cells, having been suggested that the administration of this compound may have therapeutic interest. Several plasma membrane transporters have been implicated in agmatine uptake by mammalian cells. Here we report that in kidney-derived COS-7 cell line, at physiological agmatine levels, the general polyamine transporter participates in the plasma membrane translocation of agmatine, with an apparent Km of 44 ± 7 µM and Vmax of 17.3 ± 3.3 nmol h(-1) mg(-1) protein, but that at elevated concentrations, agmatine can be also taken up by other transport systems. In the first case, the physiological polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine), several diguanidines and bis(2-aminoimidazolines) and the polyamine transport inhibitor AMXT-1501 markedly decreased agmatine uptake. In cells transfected with any of the three ornithine decarboxylase antizymes (AZ1, AZ2 and AZ3), agmatine uptake was dramatically reduced. On the contrary, transfection with antizyme inhibitors (AZIN1 and AZIN2) markedly increased the transport of agmatine. Furthermore, whereas putrescine uptake was significantly decreased in cells transfected with ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the accumulation of agmatine was stimulated, suggesting a trans-activating effect of intracellular putrescine on agmatine uptake. All these results indicate that ODC and its regulatory proteins (antizymes and antizyme inhibitors) may influence agmatine homeostasis in mammalian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Ramos-Molina
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular B e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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18
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Popolo A, Adesso S, Pinto A, Autore G, Marzocco S. L-Arginine and its metabolites in kidney and cardiovascular disease. Amino Acids 2014; 46:2271-86. [PMID: 25161088 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1825-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
L-Arginine is a semi essential amino acid synthesised from glutamine, glutamate and proline via the intestinal-renal axis in humans and most mammals. L-Arginine degradation occurs via multiple pathways initiated by arginase, nitric-oxide synthase, Arg: glycine amidinotransferase, and Arg decarboxylase. These pathways produce nitric oxide, polyamines, proline, glutamate, creatine and agmatine with each having enormous biological importance. Several disease are associated to an L-arginine impaired levels and/or to its metabolites: in particular various L-arginine metabolites may participate in pathogenesis of kidney and cardiovascular disease. L-Arginine and its metabolites may constitute both a marker of pathology progression both the rationale for manipulating L-arginine metabolism as a strategy to ameliorate these disease. A large number of studies have been performed in experimental models of kidney disease with sometimes conflicting results, which underlie the complexity of Arg metabolism and our incomplete knowledge of all the mechanisms involved. Moreover several lines of evidence demonstrate the role of L-arg metabolites in cardiovascular disease and that L-arg administration role in reversing endothelial dysfunction, which is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. This review will discuss the implication of the mains L-arginine metabolites and L-arginine-derived guanidine compounds in kidney and cardiovascular disease considering the more recent literature in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Popolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
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19
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Gilad GM, Gilad VH. Evidence for oral agmatine sulfate safety – A 95-day high dosage pilot study with rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 62:758-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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20
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Gadkari TV, Cortes N, Madrasi K, Tsoukias NM, Joshi MS. Agmatine induced NO dependent rat mesenteric artery relaxation and its impairment in salt-sensitive hypertension. Nitric Oxide 2013; 35:65-71. [PMID: 23994446 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
l-Arginine and its decarboxylated product, agmatine are important mediators of NO production and vascular relaxation. However, the underlying mechanisms of their action are not understood. We have investigated the role of arginine and agmatine in resistance vessel relaxation of Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats. Second or 3rd-order mesenteric arterioles were cannulated in an organ chamber, pressurized and equilibrated before perfusing intraluminally with agonists. The vessel diameters were measured after mounting on the stage of a microscope fitted with a video camera. The gene expression in Dahl rat vessel homogenates was ascertained by real-time PCR. l-Arginine initiated relaxations (EC50, 5.8±0.7mM; n=9) were inhibited by arginine decarboxylase (ADC) inhibitor, difluoromethylarginine (DFMA) (EC50, 18.3±1.3mM; n=5) suggesting that arginine-induced vessel relaxation was mediated by agmatine formation. Agmatine relaxed the SD rat vessels at significantly lower concentrations (EC50, 138.7±12.1μM; n=22), which was compromised by l-NAME (l-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester, an eNOS inhibitor), RX821002 (α-2 AR antagonist) and pertussis toxin (G-protein inhibitor). The agmatine-mediated vessel relaxation from high salt Dahl rats was abolished as compared to that from normal salt rats (EC50, 143.9±23.4μM; n=5). The α-2A AR, α-2B AR and eNOS mRNA expression was downregulated in mesenteric arterioles of high-salt treated Dahl hypertensive rats. These findings demonstrate that agmatine facilitated the relaxation via activation of α-2 adrenergic G-protein coupled receptor and NO synthesis, and this pathway is compromised in salt-sensitive hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar V Gadkari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33174, United States
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21
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Piletz JE, Aricioglu F, Cheng JT, Fairbanks CA, Gilad VH, Haenisch B, Halaris A, Hong S, Lee JE, Li J, Liu P, Molderings GJ, Rodrigues ALS, Satriano J, Seong GJ, Wilcox G, Wu N, Gilad GM. Agmatine: clinical applications after 100 years in translation. Drug Discov Today 2013; 18:880-93. [PMID: 23769988 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) has been known as a natural product for over 100 years, but its biosynthesis in humans was left unexplored owing to long-standing controversy. Only recently has the demonstration of agmatine biosynthesis in mammals revived research, indicating its exceptional modulatory action at multiple molecular targets, including neurotransmitter systems, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and polyamine metabolism, thus providing bases for broad therapeutic applications. This timely review, a concerted effort by 16 independent research groups, draws attention to the substantial preclinical and initial clinical evidence, and highlights challenges and opportunities, for the use of agmatine in treating a spectrum of complex diseases with unmet therapeutic needs, including diabetes mellitus, neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases, opioid addiction, mood disorders, cognitive disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Piletz
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
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22
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Desforges B, Curmi PA, Bounedjah O, Nakib S, Hamon L, De Bandt JP, Pastré D. An intercellular polyamine transfer via gap junctions regulates proliferation and response to stress in epithelial cells. Mol Biol Cell 2013; 24:1529-43. [PMID: 23515223 PMCID: PMC3655814 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e12-10-0729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyamines are essential for mammalian cell growth and proliferation, and their synthesis in cells or transport from the extracellular environment has attracted much attention, especially in cancer research. Here it is shown for the first time that polyamines can be transferred from cell to cell via gap junctions to coordinate cell growth. In the organism, quiescent epithelial cells have the potential to resume cycling as a result of various stimuli, including wound healing or oxidative stress. Because quiescent cells have a low polyamine level, resuming their growth requires an increase of their intracellular polyamine levels via de novo polyamine synthesis or their uptake from plasma. Another alternative, explored here, is an intercellular exchange with polyamine-rich cycling cells via gap junctions. We show that polyamines promote gap junction communication between proliferating cells by promoting dynamical microtubule plus ends at the cell periphery and thus allow polyamine exchange between cells. In this way, cycling cells favor regrowth in adjacent cells deprived of polyamines. In addition, intercellular interactions mediated by polyamines can coordinate the translational response to oxidative stress through the formation of stress granules. Some putative in vivo consequences of polyamine-mediated intercellular interactions are also discussed regarding cancer invasiveness and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Desforges
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR829, Laboratoire Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques, Université Evry-Val d'Essonne, Evry 91025, France
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Abstract
In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of the arginase gene family in metazoans was performed. A total of 126 arginase genes have been identified in 44 species. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that arginase genes consist of four groups. Conservative and divergent gene structures are found among the groups. The syntenies also exist in distantly related genomes among multiple species. Adaptive evolution shows that, while purifying selection may have been the main force driving the evolution of the arginases, some of critical sites responsible for the functional divergence may have been under positive selection. Overall, the data obtained from our investigation contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of the arginase gene family and of the function and evolution of this family in metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- Institute of Life Science, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, P.R. China.
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Masri AAA, Eter EE. Agmatine induces gastric protection against ischemic injury by reducing vascular permeability in rats. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:2188-96. [PMID: 22611311 PMCID: PMC3351768 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i18.2188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of administration of agmatine (AGM) on gastric protection against ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury.
METHODS: Three groups of rats (6/group); sham, gastric I/R injury, and gastric I/R + AGM (100 mg/kg, i.p. given 15 min prior to gastric ischemia) were recruited. Gastric injury was conducted by ligating celiac artery for 30 min and reperfusion for another 30 min. Gastric tissues were histologically studied and immunostained with angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) and Ang-2. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured in gastric tissue homogenate. To assess whether AKt/phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase (PI3K) mediated the effect of AGM, an additional group was pretreated with Wortmannin (WM) (inhibitor of Akt/PI3K, 15 μg/kg, i.p.), prior to ischemic injury and AGM treatment, and examined histologically and immunostained. Another set of experiments was run to study vascular permeability of the stomach using Evan’s blue dye.
RESULTS: AGM markedly reduced Evan’s blue dye extravasation (3.58 ± 0.975 μg/stomach vs 1.175 ± 0.374 μg/stomach, P < 0.05), VEGF (36.87 ± 2.71 pg/100 mg protein vs 48.4 ± 6.53 pg/100 mg protein, P < 0.05) and MCP-1 tissue level (29.5 ± 7 pg/100 mg protein vs 41.17 ± 10.4 pg/100 mg protein, P < 0.01). It preserved gastric histology and reduced congestion. Ang-1 and Ang-2 immunostaining were reduced in stomach sections of AGM-treated animals. The administration of WM abolished the protective effects of AGM and extensive hemorrhage and ulcerations were seen.
CONCLUSION: AGM protects the stomach against I/R injury by reducing vascular permeability and inflammation. This protection is possibly mediated by Akt/PI3K.
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25
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The neuroprotective effect of agmatine after focal cerebral ischemia in diabetic rats. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 2012; 24:39-50. [PMID: 21993016 DOI: 10.1097/ana.0b013e318235af18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with structural and functional alterations of various organ systems including the central nervous system. The aim of present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of agmatine (AGM) on cerebral ischemic damage in diabetic rats. METHODS Normoglycemic (n=30) and streptozocine-induced diabetic rats (n=82) were subjected to 30 minutes of suture-occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) with 24 or 72 hours of reperfusion. Thirty-nine diabetic rats were treated with AGM (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) immediately after 30 minutes of MCAO. To evaluate the motor function, a modified neurological examination and rota-rod exercise were performed. The brain infarct volume and edema volume were assessed. Caspase-3 activity and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling staining were used to evaluate cellular apoptosis. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to determine the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and inducible NOS in ischemic brain tissues. RESULTS AGM posttreatment improved the neurobehavioral activity of diabetic MCAO rats at 24 and 72 hours after reperfusion. The infarct size and edema volume were reduced in AGM-treated diabetic rats compared with those in diabetic rats without AGM posttreatment (P<0.01). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that AGM treatment significantly decreased the number of caspase-3-positive and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling-positive cells in diabetic MCAO rats at 24 and 72 hours after reperfusion (P<0.01). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry results indicated that AGM treatment significantly decreased neuronal NOS and inducible NOS expression in diabetic rats at 24 and 72 hours after reperfusion (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS AGM posttreatment reduced cerebral infarct size and neurological deficit expression in diabetic rats subjected to MCAO. The reduced infarct size was associated with a decrease in apoptosis and NOS expression.
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Molderings GJ, Haenisch B. Agmatine (decarboxylated l-arginine): Physiological role and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 133:351-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Castagnolo D, Schenone S, Botta M. Guanylated Diamines, Triamines, and Polyamines: Chemistry and Biological Properties. Chem Rev 2011; 111:5247-300. [PMID: 21657224 DOI: 10.1021/cr100423x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Castagnolo
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, via Alcide de Gasperi 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, I-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, via Alcide de Gasperi 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Expression and function of arginine-producing and consuming-enzymes in the kidney. Amino Acids 2011; 42:1237-52. [PMID: 21567240 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-0897-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The kidney plays a key role in arginine metabolism. Arginine production is controlled by argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) which metabolize citrulline and aspartate to arginine and fumarate whereas arginine consumption is dependent on arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (GAT), which mediates creatine and ornithine synthesis. Histological and biochemical techniques have been used to study the distribution and activity of these enzymes in anatomically dissected segments, in isolated fragments of tubules and in whole tissues. ASS and ASL mRNAs and proteins are expressed in the proximal tubule. Within this nephron segment, the proximal convoluted tubule has a higher arginine synthesis capacity than the proximal straight tubules. Furthermore, this arginine-synthesizing portion of the nephron matches perfectly with the site of citrulline reabsorption from the glomerular filtrate. The kidney itself can produce citrulline from methylated arginine, but this capacity is limited. Therefore, intestinal citrulline synthesis is required for renal arginine production. Although the proximal convoluted tubule also expresses a significant amount of GAT, only 10% of renal arginine synthesis is metabolized to guanidinoacetic acid, possibly because GAT has a mitochondrial localization. Kidney arginase (AII) is expressed in the cortical and outer medullary proximal straight tubules and does not degrade significant amounts of newly synthesized arginine. The data presented in this review identify the proximal convoluted tubule as the main site of endogenous arginine biosynthesis.
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Bokara KK, Kwon KH, Nho Y, Lee WT, Park KA, Lee JE. Retroviral Expression of Arginine Decarboxylase Attenuates Oxidative Burden in Mouse Cortical Neural Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 20:527-37. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2010.0312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumar Bokara
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki Hyo Kwon
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoonmi Nho
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Won Taek Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Ah Park
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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Moon SU, Kwon KH, Kim JH, Bokara KK, Park KA, Lee WT, Lee JE. Recombinant hexahistidine arginine decarboxylase (hisADC) induced endogenous agmatine synthesis during stress. Mol Cell Biochem 2010; 345:53-60. [PMID: 20730478 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0559-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The arginine decarboxylase (ADC) is a significant functional enzyme, synthesizes agmatine through arginine metabolism, and agmatine was reported to posses protective properties in various tissues. This study first optimized the conditions for efficient hexahistidine tagged human ADC (hisADC) gene delivery into mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3) using retroviral vector (pLXSN). Later, the functionality of the delivered hisADC gene in synthesizing agmatine during H(2)O(2) injury in NIH3T3 was also elucidated. Amplification of hisADC gene was performed using hisADC specific primers under specified conditions. The hisADC PCR product (1.4 kb) was ligated with pLXSN considering the restriction enzyme sites. The complete hisADC pLXSN clone was transfected into PT67 cell line following CalPhos Mammalian transfection method. RT-PCR and western blot results showed the specific and strong detection of hisADC genes in hisADC PT67 transfected cells compared with normal control and pLXSN transfected PT67 cells. The retrovirus containing hisADC gene (vhisADC) was infected into NIH3T3 (vhisADC NIH) using polybrene reagent. Immunocytochemical results showed hisADC expression in the cytoplasm of vhisADC NIH. HPLC analysis revealed high agmatine concentration in the vhisADC NIH, and the induced agmatine synthesized from the retroviral gene delivery prevented vhisADC NIH from H(2)O(2) injury which is evident by the decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05) leakage into the medium and less number of propidium iodide positive cells during injury compared to control group. The obtained results provide compelling evidence that higher level of hisADC transgene expression completely triggered the endogenous agmatine synthesis during H(2)O(2) injury thus protecting NIH3T3 cells against cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ung Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 134 Shinchon-dong Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
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Uzbay T, Kayir H, Goktalay G, Yildirim M. Agmatine disrupts prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle reflex in rats. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:923-9. [PMID: 19282421 DOI: 10.1177/0269881109102533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is a guanidine-amine formed by the enzymatic decarboxylation of arginine. Agmatine has been proposed to be a neuromodulator and its downstream derivatives, the polyamines, have been suggested to be responsible for sensory gating deficits seen in schizophrenia. In this study, male Wistar rats underwent treatments with agmatine, vehicle or other agents known to alter sensory gating in an experimental paradigm of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response. Apomorphine (1 mg/kg s.c.), a nonselective dopamine agonist known to disrupt PPI responses, was injected as the positive reference. Neither apomorphine nor agmatine (40-160 mg/kg i.p.) induced effects on the intensity of startle reflex without a prepulse. However, apomorphine or agmatine (160 mg/kg i.p.) disrupted the PPI of acoustic startle reflex. Furthermore, when given 30 min prior, agmatine acted additively with apomorphine's effect on PPI. In an attempt to gain more insight, haloperidol (1 and 2 mg/kg i.p.), clozapine (2.5-7.5 mg/kg i.p.) or quetiapine (2.5 and 7.5 mg/kg i.p.) was also injected prior to agmatine (160 mg/kg i.p.). Haloperidol (1 mg/kg) and clozapine (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) were able to prevent the PPI-disrupting effects of apomorphine. However, none of these antipsychotics prevent the PPI-disrupting effects of agmatine. These results suggest that agmatine disrupts the PPI of acoustic startle reflex of rats in a fundamentally different manner than apomorphine does. It may also have a critical role in the pathogenesis of sensorimotor gating-related dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Uzbay
- Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Ankara, Turkey.
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Boobis A, Watelet JB, Whomsley R, Benedetti MS, Demoly P, Tipton K. Drug interactions. Drug Metab Rev 2009; 41:486-527. [PMID: 19601724 DOI: 10.1080/10837450902891550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Drugs for allergy are often taken in combination with other drugs, either to treat allergy or other conditions. In common with many pharmaceuticals, most such drugs are subject to metabolism by P450 enzymes and to transmembrane transport. This gives rise to considerable potential for drug-drug interactions, to which must be added consideration of drug-diet interactions. The potential for metabolism-based drug interactions is increasingly being taken into account during drug development, using a variety of in silico and in vitro approaches. Prediction of transporter-based interactions is not as advanced. The clinical importance of a drug interaction will depend upon a number of factors, and it is important to address concerns quantitatively, taking into account the therapeutic index of the compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Boobis
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Toxicology, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London.
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Polyamines: fundamental characters in chemistry and biology. Amino Acids 2009; 38:393-403. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-009-0396-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Regunathan S, Dozier D, Takkalapalli R, Phillips WJ. Agmatine Levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Normal Human Volunteers. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2009; 23:35-9. [DOI: 10.1080/15360280902728161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Lim HD, Adami M, Guaita E, Werfel T, Smits RA, de Esch IJP, Bakker RA, Gutzmer R, Coruzzi G, Leurs R. Pharmacological characterization of the new histamine H4 receptor agonist VUF 8430. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:34-43. [PMID: 19413569 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We compare the pharmacological profiles of a new histamine H4 receptor agonist 2-(2-guanidinoethyl)isothiourea (VUF 8430) with that of a previously described H4 receptor agonist, 4-methylhistamine. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Radioligand binding and functional assays were performed using histamine H4 receptors expressed in mammalian cell lines. Compounds were also evaluated ex vivo in monocyte-derived dendritic cells endogenously expressing H4 receptors and in vivo in anaesthetized rats for gastric acid secretion activity. KEY RESULTS Both VUF 8430 and 4-methylhistamine were full agonists at human H4 receptors with lower affinity at rat and mouse H4 receptors. Both compounds induced chemotaxis of monocyte-derived dendritic cells. VUF 8430 also showed reasonable affinity and was a full agonist at the H3 receptor. Agmatine is a metabolite of arginine, structurally related to VUF 8430, and was a H4 receptor agonist with micromolar affinity. At histamine H3 receptors, agmatine was a full agonist, whereas 4-methylhistamine was an agonist only at high concentrations. Both VUF 8430 and agmatine were inactive at H1 and H2 receptors, whereas 4-methylhistamine is as active as histamine at H2 receptors. In vivo, VUF 8430 only caused a weak secretion of gastric acid mediated by H2 receptors, whereas 4-methylhistamine, dimaprit, histamine and amthamine, at equimolar doses, induced 2.5- to 6-fold higher output than VUF 8430. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results suggest complementary use of 4-methylhistamine and VUF 8430 as H4 receptor agonists. Along with H4 receptor antagonists, both agonists can serve as useful pharmacological tools in studies of histamine H4 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman D Lim
- Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Dastan A, Kocer I, Erdogan F, Ates O, Kiziltunc A. Agmatine as retinal protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury in guinea pigs. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2009; 53:219-24. [PMID: 19484439 DOI: 10.1007/s10384-009-0660-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2008] [Accepted: 02/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the neuroprotective effect of agmatine (Agm) on the retinas of guinea pigs subjected to a transient ischemia-reperfusion insult. METHODS Twenty-eight guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups. Forty-five minutes before ischemic insult, the guinea pigs were intraperitoneally administered either Agm (50 mg/kg) (Agm 1) or saline (control 1 group) once, or twice separated by a 12-h interval (Agm 2; control 2). Transient ocular ischemia was achieved under general anesthesia by cannulating an anterior chamber maintainer connected to an infusion line of a semiflexible bottle. The saline reservoir pressure was increased by using a blood pressure tolls cuff to achieve an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 150 mmHg. This IOP was maintained for 90 min. Reperfusion was achieved by pulling off the anterior chamber maintainer. The animals in the Agm 1 and control 1 groups were killed at the end of the 4-h reperfusion period. The eyes were enucleated for histopathological (retinal thickness) and biochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, TBARS, and nitric oxide, NO) investigation. The animals in the Agm 2 and control 2 groups were killed at the end of a 24-h reperfusion period. RESULTS The mean retinal thickness of the animals in the Agm 1 (25.94 +/- 1.23 microm) and Agm 2 (24.49 +/- 0.88 microm) groups was lower than that of those in the control 1 (37.60 +/- 2.27 microm) and control 2 (36. 64 +/- 1.32 microm) groups (P < 0.05). The mean TBARS level of the animals in the Agm 1 (8.37 +/- 0.94 nmol/ml) and Agm 2 (8.01 +/- 0.97 nmol/ml) groups was lower than that of those in the control 1 (12.09 +/- 1.27 nmol/ml) and control 2 (12.09 +/- 1.27 and 11.72 +/- 1.63 nmol/ml) groups (P < 0.05). The mean NO level of the animals in the Agm 1 (100.77 +/- 6.20 nmol/ml) and Agm 2 (94.63 +/- 5.24 nmol/ml) was lower than that of those in the control 1 (131.77 +/- 4.61 nmol/ml) and control 2 (122.43 +/- 4.35 nmol/ml) groups (P < 0.05). There were positive correlations between the TBARS and NO levels and retinal thickness in the Agm and control groups. CONCLUSION Agmatine exerts a significant neuroprotective effect on guinea pig retinas after transient ischemia-reperfusion insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Dastan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
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Satriano J, Cunard R, Peterson OW, Dousa T, Gabbai FB, Blantz RC. Effects on kidney filtration rate by agmatine requires activation of ryanodine channels for nitric oxide generation. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2008; 294:F795-800. [PMID: 18199604 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00392.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Agmatine, decarboxylated arginine, is produced in the kidney and can increase nephron and kidney filtration rate via renal vasodilatation and increases in plasma flow. This increase in filtration rate after agmatine is prevented by administration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors. In endothelial cells, agmatine-stimulated nitrite production is accompanied by induction of cytosolic calcium. NOS activity requires calcium for activation; however, the source of this calcium remains unknown. Ryanodine receptor (RyR) calcium-activated calcium release channels are present in the kidney cortex, and we evaluated if RyR contributes to the agmatine response. Agmatine microperfused into Bowman's space reversibly increases nephron filtration rate (SNGFR) by approximately 30%. cADP-ribose (cADPR) regulates RyR channel activity. Concurrent infusion of agmatine with the cADPR blocker 8-bromo-cADPR (2 microM) prevents the increase in filtration rate. Furthermore, direct activation of the RyR channel with ryanodine at agonist concentrations (5 microM) increases SNGFR, and, like agmatine, this increase is prevented by administration of N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine, a nonselective NOS blocker. We demonstrate that agmatine does not elicit ADPR cyclase activity in vascular smooth muscle membranes and does not directly affect RyR calcium channel responses using sea urchin egg homogenates. These results imply interplay between endothelial cell cADPR/RyR/Ca(2+)/NO and the cADPR/RyR/Ca(2+) pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells in arterioles in the regulation of kidney filtration rate. In conclusion, we show that agmatine-induced effects require activation of cADPR and RyR calcium release channels for NO generation, vasodilation, and increased filtration rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Satriano
- Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, Univ. of California, San Diego and Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, M.C. 9111-H, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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Kanerva K, Mäkitie LT, Pelander A, Heiskala M, Andersson LC. Human ornithine decarboxylase paralogue (ODCp) is an antizyme inhibitor but not an arginine decarboxylase. Biochem J 2008; 409:187-92. [PMID: 17900240 DOI: 10.1042/bj20071004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
ODC (ornithine decarboxylase), the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, is regulated by specific inhibitors, AZs (antizymes), which in turn are inhibited by AZI (AZ inhibitor). We originally identified and cloned the cDNA for a novel human ODC-like protein called ODCp (ODC paralogue). Since ODCp was devoid of ODC catalytic activity, we proposed that ODCp is a novel form of AZI. ODCp has subsequently been suggested to function either as mammalian ADC (arginine decarboxylase) or as AZI in mice. Here, we report that human ODCp is a novel AZI (AZIN2). By using yeast two-hybrid screening and in vitro binding assay, we show that ODCp binds AZ1-3. Measurements of the ODC activity and ODC degradation assay reveal that ODCp inhibits AZ1 function as efficiently as AZI both in vitro and in vivo. We further demonstrate that the degradation of ODCp is ubiquitin-dependent and AZ1-independent similar to the degradation of AZI. We also show that human ODCp has no intrinsic ADC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Kanerva
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Rutherford K, Parson WW, Daggett V. The histamine N-methyltransferase T105I polymorphism affects active site structure and dynamics. Biochemistry 2007; 47:893-901. [PMID: 18154359 DOI: 10.1021/bi701737f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) is the primary enzyme responsible for inactivating histamine in the mammalian brain. The human HNMT gene contains a common threonine-isoleucine polymorphism at residue 105, distal from the active site. The 105I variant has decreased activity and lower protein levels than the 105T protein. Crystal structures of both variants have been determined but reveal little regarding how the T105I polymorphism affects activity. We performed molecular dynamics simulations for both 105T and 105I at 37 degrees C to explore the structural and dynamic consequences of the polymorphism. The simulations indicate that replacing Thr with the larger Ile residue leads to greater burial of residue 105 and heightened intramolecular interactions between residue 105 and residues within helix alpha3 and strand beta3. This altered, tighter packing is translated to the active site, resulting in the reorientation of several cosubstrate-binding residues. The simulations also show that the hydrophobic histamine-binding domain in both proteins undergoes a large-scale breathing motion that exposes key catalytic residues and lowers the hydrophobicity of the substrate-binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Rutherford
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Box 355061, Seattle, Washington 98195-5061, USA
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Hong S, Lee JE, Kim CY, Seong GJ. Agmatine protects retinal ganglion cells from hypoxia-induced apoptosis in transformed rat retinal ganglion cell line. BMC Neurosci 2007; 8:81. [PMID: 17908330 PMCID: PMC2089075 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-8-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2007] [Accepted: 10/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agmatine is an endogenous polyamine formed by the decarboxylation of L-arginine. We investigated the protective effects of agmatine against hypoxia-induced apoptosis of immortalized rat retinal ganglion cells (RGC-5). RGC-5 cells were cultured in a closed hypoxic chamber (5% O2) with or without agmatine. Cell viability was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and apoptosis was examined by annexin V and caspase-3 assays. Expression and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; JNK, ERK p44/42, and p38) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) were investigated by Western immunoblot analysis. The effects of agmatine were compared to those of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a well-known protective neurotrophin for retinal ganglion cells. RESULTS After 48 hours of hypoxic culture, the LDH assay showed 52.3% cell loss, which was reduced to 25.6% and 30.1% when agmatine and BDNF were administered, respectively. This observed cell loss was due to apoptotic cell death, as established by annexin V and caspase-3 assays. Although total expression of MAPKs and NF-kappaB was not influenced by hypoxic injury, phosphorylation of these two proteins was increased. Agmatine reduced phosphorylation of JNK and NF-kappaB, while BDNF suppressed phosphorylation of ERK and p38. CONCLUSION Our results show that agmatine has neuroprotective effects against hypoxia-induced retinal ganglion cell damage in RGC-5 cells and that its effects may act through the JNK and NF-kappaB signaling pathways. Our data suggest that agmatine may lead to a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce retinal ganglion cell injury related to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samin Hong
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Yun Kim
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gong Je Seong
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Isome M, Lortie MJ, Murakami Y, Parisi E, Matsufuji S, Satriano J. The antiproliferative effects of agmatine correlate with the rate of cellular proliferation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2007; 293:C705-11. [PMID: 17475661 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00084.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines are small cationic molecules required for cellular proliferation. Agmatine is a biogenic amine unique in its capacity to arrest proliferation in cell lines by depleting intracellular polyamine levels. We previously demonstrated that agmatine enters mammalian cells via the polyamine transport system. As polyamine transport is positively correlated with the rate of cellular proliferation, the current study examines the antiproliferative effects of agmatine on cells with varying proliferative kinetics. Herein, we evaluate agmatine transport, intracellular accumulation, and its effects on antizyme expression and cellular proliferation in nontransformed cell lines and their transformed variants. H-ras- and Src-transformed murine NIH/3T3 cells (Ras/3T3 and Src/3T3, respectively) that were exposed to exogenous agmatine exhibit increased uptake and intracellular accumulation relative to the parental NIH/3T3 cell line. Similar increases were obtained for human primary foreskin fibroblasts relative to a human fibrosarcoma cell line, HT1080. Agmatine increases expression of antizyme, a protein that inhibits polyamine biosynthesis and transport. Ras/3T3 and Src/3T3 cells demonstrated augmented increases in antizyme protein expression relative to NIH/3T3 in response to agmatine. All transformed cell lines were significantly more sensitive to the antiproliferative effects of agmatine than nontransformed lines. These effects were attenuated in the presence of exogenous polyamines or inhibitors of polyamine transport. In conclusion, the antiproliferative effects of agmatine preferentially target transformed cell lines due to the increased agmatine uptake exhibited by cells with short cycling times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Isome
- University of California San Diego and Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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Rosivall L, Peti-Peterdi J, Rázga Z, Fintha A, Bodor C, MirzaHosseini S. Renin-angiotensin system affects endothelial morphology and permeability of renal afferent arteriole. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 94:7-17. [PMID: 17444272 DOI: 10.1556/aphysiol.94.2007.1-2.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The afferent arteriole (AA) is an important regulatory site of renal function and blood pressure. We have demonstrated endothelial fenestration and high permeability in the vicinity of renin granulated epithelioid cells in the juxtaglomerular portion of the afferent arteriole in different mammals. The permeability of fenestrated endothelium of afferent arteriole may be important in connection to various physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. We have assumed that the permeable fenestration may serve as a communication channel between the intravascular circulation and a pathway for renin secretion. Utilising the multiphoton image technique we were able to visualise the endothelial fenestration and renin granules of the in vitro microperfused AA and in vivo AA. We demonstrated that ferritin-positive, i.e., permeable portion of the afferent arteriole, under control conditions is on average 45 microm, which is about one-third to half of the total length of the afferent arteriole. The length of this portion is not constant and can change by physiologic and pharmacologic manipulation of renin formation. The permeability of the afferent arteriole is not changing only parallel with the pharmacologically stimulated renin secretion as already demonstrated in adult rats, but also with the change of renin appearance in afferent arteriole within the very first few days of life after birth. Independently from the age there is a significant correlation between the renin-positive and permeable portion of the AA. Further studies are necessary to clarify the physiological significance of afferent arteriolar permeability and its changes in the postnatal development of the kidney, as well as in correlation with activity of renin- angiotensin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rosivall
- Nephrology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary.
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Eto S, Isome M, Sano H, Fukuda Y, Kawasaki Y, Suzuki J, Igarashi K, Satriano J, Suzuki H. Agmatine suppresses mesangial cell proliferation by modulating polyamine metabolism. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2006; 210:145-51. [PMID: 17023768 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.210.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines play an essential role in the growth and differentiation of mammalian cells. The depletion of intracellular polyamines results in the suppression of growth. Proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells (MC) is the most common pathologic change in many forms of glomerulonephritis. Agmatine is a metabolite of arginine via arginine decarboxylase (ADC), highly expressed in the kidney, and unique in its capacity to suppress intracellular polyamine levels required for proliferation. As agmatine enters mammalian cells via the polyamine transport system, its antiproliferative effects may preferentially target cells with increased proliferative kinetics. In the present study, we evaluated the antiproliferative effects of agmatine on human MC in vitro. MC proliferation was stimulated with 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB, 20 ng/ml). Cell proliferation was measured using the (4.3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) proliferation assay. Intracellular polyamine levels were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography, and cell death was assessed by cellular DNA fragmentation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The MTT proliferation assay showed that agmatine significantly suppressed proliferation of human MC treated with 20% FBS or 5% FBS + PDGF as compared to human MC treated with 5% FBS. Polyamine levels were markedly lower in cells treated with agmatine, and proliferation was rescued by administration of putrescine. The fragmented DNA was hardly detected in agmatine-treated human MC. In summary, human MC stimulated to increase their proliferative kinetics are significantly more sensitive to the antiproliferative effects of agmatine than normally cultured cells. Suppressed proliferation of the agmatine-treated human MC is not due to increased cell death. These results suggest that agmatine is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of human mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehiko Eto
- Department of Pediatrics, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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López-Contreras AJ, López-Garcia C, Jiménez-Cervantes C, Cremades A, Peñafiel R. Mouse ornithine decarboxylase-like gene encodes an antizyme inhibitor devoid of ornithine and arginine decarboxylating activity. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:30896-906. [PMID: 16916800 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m602840200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines, is a labile protein that is regulated by interacting with antizymes (AZs), a family of polyamine-induced proteins. Recently, a novel human gene highly homologous to ODC, termed ODC-like or ODC-paralogue (ODCp), was cloned, but the studies aimed to determine its function rendered contradictory results. We have cloned the mouse orthologue of human ODCp and studied its expression and possible function. mRNA of mouse Odcp was found in the brain and testes, showing a conserved expression pattern with regard to the human gene. Transfection of mouse Odcp in HEK 293T cells elicited an increase in ODC activity, but no signs of arginine decarboxylase activity were evident. On the other hand, whereas the ODCp protein was mainly localized in the mitochondrial/membrane fraction, ODC activity was found in the cytosolic fraction and was markedly decreased by small interfering RNA against human ODC. Co-transfection experiments with combinations of Odc, Az1, Az2, Az3, antizyme inhibitor (Azi), and Odcp genes showed that ODCp mimics the action of AZI, rescuing ODC from the effects of AZs and prevented ODC degradation by the proteasome. A direct interaction between ODCp and AZs was detected by immunoprecipitation experiments. We conclude that mouse ODCp has no intrinsic decarboxylase activity, but it acts as a novel antizyme inhibitory protein (AZI2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés J López-Contreras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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Regunathan S. Agmatine: biological role and therapeutic potentials in morphine analgesia and dependence. AAPS JOURNAL 2006; 8:E479-84. [PMID: 17025265 PMCID: PMC2761054 DOI: 10.1208/aapsj080356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is an amine that is formed by decarboxylation of L-arginine by the enzyme arginine decarboxylase (ADC) and hydrolyzed by the enzyme agmatinase to putrescine. Agmatine binds to several target receptors in the brain and has been proposed as a novel neuromodulator. In animal studies, agmatine potentiated morphine analgesia and reduced dependence/withdrawal. While the exact mechanism is not clear, the interactions with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, alpha2-adrenergic receptors, and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling have been proposed as possible targets. Like other monoamine transmitter molecules, agmatine is rapidly metabolized in the periphery and has poor penetration into the brain, which limits the use of agmatine itself as a therapeutic agent. However, the development of agmatinase inhibitors will offer a useful method to increase endogenous agmatine in the brain as a possible therapeutic approach to potentiate morphine analgesia and reduce dependence/withdrawal. This review provides a succinct discussion of the biological role/therapeutic potential of agmatine during morphine exposure/pain modulation, with an extensive amount of literature cited for further details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soundar Regunathan
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
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Zhu MY, Wang WP, Bissette G. Neuroprotective effects of agmatine against cell damage caused by glucocorticoids in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Neuroscience 2006; 141:2019-27. [PMID: 16777341 PMCID: PMC2921983 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2005] [Revised: 04/12/2006] [Accepted: 05/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the present study the neuroprotective effects of agmatine against neuronal damage caused by glucocorticoids were examined in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Spectrophotometric measurements of lactate dehydrogenase activities, beta-tubulin III immunocytochemical staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick-end-labeling assay (TUNEL) labeling and caspase-3 assays were carried out to detect cell damage or possible involved mechanisms. Our results show that dexamethasone and corticosterone produced a concentration-dependent increase of lactate dehydrogenase release in 12-day hippocampal cultures. Addition of 100 microM agmatine into media prevented the glucocorticoid-induced increase of lactate dehydrogenase release, an effect also shared with the specific N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK801 and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists mifepristone and spironolactone. Arcaine, an analog of agmatine with similar structure as agmatine, also blocked glucocorticoid-induced increase of lactate dehydrogenase release. Spermine and putrescine, the endogenous polyamine and metabolic products of agmatine without the guanidino moiety of agmatine, have no appreciable effect on glucocorticoid-induced injuries, indicating a structural relevance for this neuroprotection. Immunocytochemical staining with beta-tubulin III confirmed the substantial neuronal injuries caused by glucocorticoids and the neuroprotective effects of agmatine against these neuronal injuries. TUNEL labeling demonstrated that agmatine significantly reduced TUNEL-positive cell numbers induced by exposure of cultured neurons to dexamethasone. Moreover, exposure of hippocampal neurons to dexamethasone significantly increased caspase-3 activity, which was inhibited by co-treatment with agmatine. Taken together, these results demonstrate that agmatine can protect cultured hippocampal neurons from glucocorticoid-induced neurotoxicity, through a possible blockade of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor channels or a potential anti-apoptotic property.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-Y Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
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Kotil K, Kuscuoglu U, Kirali M, Uzun H, Akçetin M, Bilge T. Investigation of the dose-dependent neuroprotective effects of agmatine in experimental spinal cord injury: a prospective randomized and placebo-control trial. J Neurosurg Spine 2006; 4:392-9. [PMID: 16703907 DOI: 10.3171/spi.2006.4.5.392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT No definitive treatment for spinal cord injuries (SCIs) exists, and more research is required. The use of agmatine [4-(aminobutyl)-guanidine-NH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-NH-C(-NH2)(=NH)], a guanidinium compound formed by decarboxylation of L-arginine by arginine decarboxylase, is a neurotransmitter-neuromodulator with both N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-antagonizing and nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-inhibiting activities. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the dose-dependent activity of agmatine, an inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor and selective NMDAR antagonist, on biochemical and functional recovery in an experimental rat SCI model. METHODS This study involved 40 Wistar albino male rats. The rats were subjected to sleep-awake cycles for 7 days before surgery. In each group, general anesthesia was induced by a 60-mg/kg ketamine injection. For the surgical SCI model, a Yaşargil aneurysm clip was placed in the spinal cord. The study was conducted in the following four main groups: Group I (control group) laminectomy only; Group II, trauma-only group and SCI; Group III, laminectomy, SCI and agmatine 50 mg/kg for 10 days; and Group IV, laminectomy, SCI, and agmatine 100 mg/kg for 10 days. On Day 1, no statistical difference was observed in any group (p < 0.005, analysis of variance [ANOVA] and the Fisher protected least significant difference [PLSD]). On Day 2, no statistical difference was noted among Groups II, III, and IV (p = 0.27, p = 0.42, and p = 0.76, respectively; ANOVA and Fisher PLSD). Beginning on Day 3, recovery in Groups III and IV differed significantly from that in Group II (p < 0.005, ANOVA and Fisher PLSD), and a statistically significant difference between Groups III and IV was observed, which also was present on Days 5, 7, and 10 (p = 0.003, p = 0.0024, and p = 0.0036, respectively; ANOVA and Fisher PLSD). Several observations were noteworthy: motor function scores were reduced significantly in the spinal cord-injured rats compared with the controls (p < 0.005); on Day 1, the agreement of motor function scores in rats in each SCI group indicated that the traumatic event had been replicated equally across all groups (p = 0.59, p = 0.59, and p = 0.28); a statistically significant difference in motor function scores developed on Day 3 between the rats subjected to trauma alone (Group II) and those treated with agmatine (Groups III and IV) (p < 0.005); and no statistically significant intergroup difference in motor function existed at any postinjury interval between the 50- and 100-mg/kg/day agmatine-treated rats (p > 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Agmatine administration following SCI was shown to reduce NO levels significantly. No statistically significant intergroup difference in the reduction of NO levels was found between rats treated with 50- and 100-mg/kg/day doses of agmatine. Administration of a 100-mg/kg/day dose of agmatine reduced the NO levels to those measured in controls. The authors conclude that with additional studies into the role of agmatine, this drug may be helpful in the treatment of patients with SCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Kotil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haseki Educational and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Iyo AH, Zhu MY, Ordway GA, Regunathan S. Expression of arginine decarboxylase in brain regions and neuronal cells. J Neurochem 2006; 96:1042-50. [PMID: 16445852 PMCID: PMC2921170 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03544.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
After our initial report of a mammalian gene for arginine decarboxylase, an enzyme for the synthesis of agmatine from arginine, we have determined the regional expression of ADC in rat. We have analyzed the expression of ADC in rat brain regions by activity, protein and mRNA levels, and the regulation of expression in neuronal cells by RNA interference. In rat brain, ADC was widely expressed in major brain regions, with a substantial amount in hypothalamus, followed by cortex, and with least amounts in locus coeruleus and medulla. ADC mRNA was detected in primary astrocytes and C6 glioma cells. While no ADC message was detected in fresh neurons (3 days old), significant message appeared in differentiated neurons (3 weeks old). PC12 cells, treated with nerve growth factor, had higher ADC mRNA compared with naive cells. The siRNA mixture directed towards the N-terminal regions of ADC cDNA down-regulated the levels of mRNA and protein in cultured neurons/C6 glioma cells and these cells produced lower agmatine. Thus, this study demonstrates that ADC message is expressed in rat brain regions, that it is regulated in neuronal cells and that the down-regulation of ADC activity by specific siRNA leads to lower agmatine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiye H Iyo
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA
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Wang WP, Iyo AH, Miguel-Hidalgo J, Regunathan S, Zhu MY. Agmatine protects against cell damage induced by NMDA and glutamate in cultured hippocampal neurons. Brain Res 2006; 1084:210-6. [PMID: 16546145 PMCID: PMC2922054 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2005] [Revised: 02/07/2006] [Accepted: 02/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is a polyamine and has been considered as a novel neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the central nervous system. In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of agmatine against cell damage caused by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and glutamate was investigated in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay, beta-tubulin III immunocytochemical staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay were conducted to detect cell damage. Exposure of 12-day neuronal cultures of rat hippocampus to NMDA or glutamate for 1 h caused a concentration-dependent neurotoxicity, as indicated by the significant increase in released LDH activities. Addition of 100 microM agmatine into media ablated the neurotoxicity induced by NMDA or glutamate, an effect also produced by the specific NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine hydrogen maleate (MK801). Arcaine, an analog of agmatine with similar structure as agmatine, fully prevented the NMDA- or glutamate-induced neuronal damage. Spermine and putrescine, the endogenous polyamine and metabolic products of agmatine without the guanidine moiety of agmatine, failed to show this effect, indicating a structural relevance for this neuroprotection. Immunocytochemical staining and TUNEL assay confirmed the findings in the LDH measurement. That is, agmatine and MK801 markedly attenuated NMDA-induced neuronal death and significantly reduced TUNEL-positive cell numbers induced by exposure of cultured hippocampal neurons to NMDA. Taken together, these results demonstrate that agmatine can protect cultured hippocampal neurons from NMDA- or glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, through a possible blockade of the NMDA receptor channels or a potential anti-apoptotic property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ping Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Soochow University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Abiye H. Iyo
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Javier Miguel-Hidalgo
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Soundar Regunathan
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Meng-Yang Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Corresponding author. Fax: +1 601 984 5899. (M.-Y. Zhu)
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