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Shelukhina I, Siniavin A, Kasheverov I, Ojomoko L, Tsetlin V, Utkin Y. α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076524. [PMID: 37047495 PMCID: PMC10095066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The naturally occurring three-finger snake α-neurotoxins and mammalian Ly6/uPAR proteins, as well as neurotoxic peptides α-conotoxins, are not only sophisticated tools in research on nAChRs but are also considered as potential medicines. In particular, the inhibition of the α9-containing nAChRs by α-conotoxins may be a pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain. nAChRs are involved in the inflammation processes during AIDS and other viral infections; thus they can also be means used in drug design. In this review, we discuss the role of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs in the immune processes and in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuri Utkin
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-495-3366522
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Sanapalli BKR, Yele V, Sigalapalli DK, Gadewal N, Shaik AB, Bhandare RR, Annadurai S, Karri VVSR. Forging of nicotine for the effective management of diabetic wounds: A hybrid of scaffold hopping and molecular dynamics simulation approaches. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Stegemann A, Raker V, Del Rey A, Steinbrink K, Böhm M. Expression of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Is Critically Required for the Antifibrotic Effect of PHA-543613 on Skin Fibrosis. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:446-456. [PMID: 34120115 DOI: 10.1159/000517772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeting the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) has recently been suggested as a potential new treatment for fibrotic skin diseases. Here, we performed a genetic and pharmacologic approach to clarify the role of this receptor in the bleomycin (BLM) mouse model of skin fibrosis using α7nAChR KO mice. METHODS We analyzed the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in murine skin using quantitative RT-PCR, pepsin digestion/SDS-PAGE of proteins and performed hydroxyproline assays as well as histological/immunohistochemical staining of skin sections. To identity the target cells of the α7nAChR agonist PHA-543613, we used murine dermal fibroblasts (MDF). We tested their response to the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and utilized gene silencing to elucidate the role of the α7nAChR. RESULTS We confirmed our previous findings on C3H/HeJ mice and detected a suppressive effect of PHA-543613 on BLM-induced skin fibrosis in the mouse strain C57BL/6J. This antifibrotic effect of PHA-543613 was abrogated in α7nAChR-KO mice. Interestingly, α7nAChR-KO animals exhibited a basal profibrotic signature by higher RNA expression of ECM genes and hydroxyproline content than WT mice. In WT MDF, PHA-543613 suppressed ECM gene expression induced by TGF-β1. Gene silencing of α7nAChR by small interfering RNA neutralized the effects of PHA-543613 on TGF-β1-mediated ECM gene expression. CONCLUSION In summary, we have identified the α7nAChR as the essential mediator of the antifibrotic effect of PHA-543613. MDF are directly targeted by PHA-543613 to suppress collagen synthesis. Our findings emphasize therapeutic exploitation of α7nAChR receptor agonists in fibrotic skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha Stegemann
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Raker
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Adriana Del Rey
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Markus Böhm
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Yang T, Zhou Y, Zhang W, Zhang L, Chen S, Chen C, Gao F, Yang H, Manyande A, Wang J, Tian Y, Tian X. The Spinal α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Contributes to the Maintenance of Cancer-Induced Bone Pain. J Pain Res 2021; 14:441-452. [PMID: 33623426 PMCID: PMC7894822 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s286321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is acknowledged as a multifactorial chronic pain that tortures advanced cancer patients, but existing treatment strategies for CIBP have not been satisfactory yet. Investigators have demonstrated that the activation of α7-nAChRs exerts analgesic effects in some chronic pain models. However, the role of spinal α7-nAChRs in CIBP remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of α7-nAChRs in a well-established CIBP model induced by Walker 256 rat mammary gland carcinoma cells. Methods The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) of the ipsilateral hind paw was measured using von Frey filament. The expressions of spinal α7-nAChRs and NF-κB were measured with Western blotting analysis. Immunofluorescence was employed to detect the expression of α7-nAChRs and co-expressed of α7-nAChRs with NeuN or GFAP or Iba1. Results Experiment results showed that the expression of spinal α7-nAChRs was significantly downregulated over time in CIBP rats, and in both CIBP rats and sham rats, most of the α7-nAChRs located in neurons. Behavioral data suggested PNU-282,987, a selective α7-nAChRs agonist, dose-dependently produced analgesic effect and positive allosteric modulator could intensify its effects. Further, repeated administration of PNU-282,987 reversed the expression of α7-nAChRs, inhibited the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and attenuates CIBP-induced mechanical allodynia state as well. Conclusion These results suggest that the reduced expression of spinal α7-nAChRs contributes to the maintenance of CIBP by upregulating NF-κB expression, which implying a novel pharmacological therapeutic target for the treatment of CIBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Longqing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuping Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Anne Manyande
- School of Human and Social Sciences, University of West London, London, UK
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuke Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuebi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Wu YJ, Wang L, Ji CF, Gu SF, Yin Q, Zuo J. The Role of α7nAChR-Mediated Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway in Immune Cells. Inflammation 2021; 44:821-834. [PMID: 33405021 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01396-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) is widely distributed in the nervous and non-cholinergic immune systems. It is necessary for the cholinergic transmitter to participate in the regulation of inflammatory response and is the key element of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). Because of the profound impact of CAP on the immune system, α7nAChR is considered as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Available evidences confirmed that manipulation of CAP by activating α7nAChR with either endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) or cholinergic agonists can substantially alleviate inflammatory responses both in vivo and in vitro. However, the mechanism through which CAP curbs the excessive pro-inflammatory responses and maintains immune homeostasis is not fully understood. Obtained clues suggest that the crosstalk between CAP and classical inflammatory pathways is the key to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism, and the impacts of CAP activation in α7nAChR-expressing immune cells are the foundation of the immunoregulatory property. In this article, we review and update the knowledge concerning the progresses of α7nAChR-based CAP, including α7nAChR properties, signal transductions, interactions with classic immune pathways, and immunoregulatory functions in different immune cells. Certain critical issues to be addressed are also highlighted. By providing a panoramic view of α7nAChR, the summarized evidences will pave the way for the development of novel anti-inflammatory reagents and strategy and inspire further researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jin Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhu Medicine and Health School, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Chao-Fan Ji
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital), Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Shao-Fei Gu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital), Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Qin Yin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China.
| | - Jian Zuo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital), Wuhu, 241000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China.
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Wannan Medical College, 241000, Wuhu, China.
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Stegemann A, Böhm M. Targeting the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-A novel road towards the future treatment of skin diseases. Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:924-931. [PMID: 32780438 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are members of the superfamily of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels. The natural ligand for nAChRs is the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Among the nAChRs is the α7nAChR. It is not only expressed by neural tissues but also in the skin. A number of different resident cutaneous cell types including epidermal keratinocytes, sebocytes and dermal fibroblasts express functional α7nAChR. Moreover, cells of the immune system such as lymphocytes, macrophages and monocytes, playing an important role in skin homeostasis, also express α7nAChR. Translational research focusing on the exploitation of the α7nAChR in dermatology has revealed that this neuroendocrine receptor could be promising target for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. For example, α7nAChR agonists can counteract transforming growth factor-β1-mediated responses in dermal fibroblasts, key effector cells in scleroderma. In accordance with this α7nAChR, agonists are effective in both inflammation and non-inflammation-driven models of experimentally induced skin fibrosis. Moreover, α7nAChR agonists can modulate expression of proinflammatory cytokines in epidermal keratinocytes that are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases. Finally, the capability of α7nAChR agonists to suppress ultraviolet light A/B-induced responses, for example production of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, the latter crucially involved in dermal photoageing, points to a potential of such agents in the prevention of extrinsic skin ageing. Therefore, emphasis on translational research targeting the α7nAChR in skin may lead to the development of new treatment and prevention modalities against fibrosclerotic skin diseases, psoriasis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, acne, photodermatoses and extrinsic skin ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Böhm
- Dept. of Dermatology, University of Münster, Germany
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Stegemann A, Flis D, Ziolkowski W, Distler JHW, Steinbrink K, Böhm M. The α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: A Promising Target for the Treatment of Fibrotic Skin Disorders. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:2371-2379. [PMID: 32335129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Targeting neuroendocrine receptors can be considered as another interesting approach to treating fibrotic disorders. Previously, we could demonstrate that tropisetron, a classical serotonin receptor blocker, can modulate collagen synthesis and acts in vitro through the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAchR). Here, we used a pharmacologic approach with specific α7nAchR agonists to validate this hypothesis. PHA-543613, an α7nAchR-specific agonist, not only prevented but also reversed established skin fibrosis of mice injected with bleomycin. Interestingly, agonistic stimulation of α7nAchR also attenuated experimental skin fibrosis in the non-inflammation driven adenovirus coding for TGFβ receptor Iact mouse model, indicating fibroblast-mediated and not only anti-inflammatory effects of such agents. The fibroblast-mediated effects were confirmed in vitro using human dermal fibroblasts, in which the α7nAchR-specific agonists strongly reduced the impact of TGFβ1-mediated expression on collagen and myofibroblast marker expression. These actions were linked to modulation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor JunB and impairment of the mitochondrial respiratory system. Our results indicate that pharmacologic stimulation of the α7nAchR could be a promising target for treatment of patients with skin fibrotic diseases. Moreover, our results suggest a mechanistic axis of collagen synthesis regulation through the mitochondrial respiratory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha Stegemann
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Damian Flis
- Department of Bioenergetics and Nutrition, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wieslaw Ziolkowski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Institute for Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Markus Böhm
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Hone AJ, McIntosh JM. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in neuropathic and inflammatory pain. FEBS Lett 2017; 592:1045-1062. [PMID: 29030971 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are actively being investigated as therapeutic targets for the treatment of pain and inflammation, but despite more than 30 years of research, there are currently no FDA-approved analgesics that are specific for these receptors. Much of the initial research effort focused on the α4β2 nAChR subtype, but more recently, additional subtypes have been identified as promising new leads and include α6β4, α7, and α9-containing nAChRs. This Review will focus on the distribution of these nAChRs in the cell types involved in neuropathic pain and inflammation and the activity of currently available nicotinic ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Li X, Han X, Bao J, Liu Y, Ye A, Thakur M, Liu H. Nicotine increases eclampsia-like seizure threshold and attenuates microglial activity in rat hippocampus through the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Brain Res 2016; 1642:487-496. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Pecaut MJ, Mehrotra S, Luo-Owen X, Bayeta EJM, Bellinger DL, Gridley DS. Chlorisondamine, a sympathetic ganglionic blocker, moderates the effects of whole-body irradiation (WBI) on early host defense to a live bacterial challenge. Immunol Lett 2015; 167:103-15. [PMID: 26235133 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing consensus that long-term deficits in the brain are due to dynamic interactions between multiple neural and immune cell types. Specifically, radiation induces an inflammatory response, including changes in neuromodulatory pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion. The purpose of this study was to establish that there is sympathetic involvement in radiation-induced decrements early in in vivo immune function host defense. Female, 8-9 week-old C57BL/6J mice were exposed to whole-body irradiation (WBI). There were 8 groups with radiation (0 vs. 3 Gy protons), immune challenge (Escherichia coli) and exposure to the sympathetic ganglionic blocker, chlorisondamine (1 mg/kg weight, i.p.), as independent variables. Ten days post-irradiation, mice were inoculated with E. coli intraperitoneally and sacrificed 90-120 min later. The data suggest that radiation-induced changes in immune function may in part be mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. Briefly, we found that radiation augments the bacteria-induced inflammatory cytokine response, particularly those cytokines involved in innate immunity. However, this augmentation can be reduced by the ganglionic blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States; Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States; Division of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States.
| | - Shalini Mehrotra
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States
| | - Xian Luo-Owen
- Division of Trauma Services, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States
| | - Erben J M Bayeta
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States
| | - Denise L Bellinger
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States
| | - Daila S Gridley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States; Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States; Division of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, 92354 CA, United States
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Loram LC, Taylor FR, Strand KA, Maier SF, Speake JD, Jordan KG, James JW, Wene SP, Pritchard RC, Green H, Van Dyke K, Mazarov A, Letchworth SR, Watkins LR. Systemic administration of an alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine agonist reverses neuropathic pain in male Sprague Dawley rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2013. [PMID: 23182225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) agonists attenuate pain and inflammation in preclinical models. This study tested whether systemic delivery of an α7 nAChR agonist attenuates neuropathic pain and associated immune-mediated pro-inflammation. Hind paw response thresholds to mechanical stimuli in male Sprague Dawley rats were assessed before and after sciatic chronic constriction injury (CCI) or sham surgery. Osmotic mini-pumps containing TC-7020, an α7 nAChR selective agonist, were implanted 10 to 14 days after surgery. TC-7020 (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/d; s.c.) significantly attenuated CCI-induced allodynia, which lasted through 2 weeks of test compound administration. Spinal cords were collected after 2 weeks and processed for microglial and astrocyte activation markers within the ipsilateral L4-L6 dorsal horn. In addition, ipsilateral L4-5 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) were processed for neuronal injury and satellite cell activation markers. CCI-induced central glial cell activation markers were not suppressed by TC-7020, even though TC-7020 is mildly blood-brain barrier permeable. However, TC-7020 downregulated the integrated density of activation transcription factor 3 (ATF3) but not the number of ATF positive cells. TC-7020 also downregulated phosphorylated extracellular signal kinase (p-ERK) and satellite cell activation in the CCI-affected DRGs. Therefore, systemic α7 nAChR agonist may be effective in treating neuropathic pain via reducing neuronal injury and immune cells activation occurring in the periphery. PERSPECTIVE These studies demonstrated that TC-7020, an alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist with partial blood-brain barrier permeability, reversed neuropathic pain in rats, likely via attenuation of inflammation in the DRG and/or the site of sciatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Loram
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
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Madhur MS, Harrison DG. Synapses, signals, CDs, and cytokines: interactions of the autonomic nervous system and immunity in hypertension. Circ Res 2013; 111:1113-6. [PMID: 23065340 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.112.278408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Lantzova VB, Sepp EK, Kozlovskii AS. Role of antibodies to neuronal α7-acetylcholine receptors in myasthenia. Bull Exp Biol Med 2012; 151:305-7. [PMID: 22451872 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-011-1315-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The role of antibodies to a fragment of neuronal acetylcholine receptor was studied by EIA in patients with myasthenia. Antibody levels were significantly higher in patients with generalized myasthenia. Enzyme immunoassay of antibodies by the reaction with acetylcholine receptor fragment can serve as an additional method for studies of autoimmune myasthenia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V B Lantzova
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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The Expression and Pharmacological Characterization of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunits in HBE16 Airway Epithelial Cells. Cell Biochem Biophys 2011; 62:421-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s12013-011-9324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Piao WH, Campagnolo D, Dayao C, Lukas RJ, Wu J, Shi FD. Nicotine and inflammatory neurological disorders. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2009; 30:715-22. [PMID: 19448649 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2009.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoke is a major health risk factor which significantly increases the incidence of diseases including lung cancer and respiratory infections. However, there is increasing evidence that smokers have a lower incidence of some inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Nicotine is the main immunosuppressive constituent of cigarette smoke, which inhibits both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Unlike cigarette smoke, nicotine is not yet considered to be a carcinogen and may, in fact, have therapeutic potential as a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agent. This review provides a synopsis summarizing the effects of nicotine on the immune system and its (nicotine) influences on various neurological diseases.
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Aldhous MC, Prescott RJ, Roberts S, Samuel K, Waterfall M, Satsangi J. Does nicotine influence cytokine profile and subsequent cell cycling/apoptotic responses in inflammatory bowel disease? Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008; 14:1469-82. [PMID: 18618634 DOI: 10.1002/ibd.20523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking differentially influences susceptibility to the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated the effects of nicotine on cytokine, cell cycle, and apoptotic responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from IBD patients and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS PBMCs from IBD patients and HC were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 microg/mL) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA, 5 or 0.5 microg/mL), +/- nicotine (1, 10, 100 microg/mL). Cytokines (IL1beta, IL2, IL10, IL12/IL23p40, TGFbeta, TNFalpha) were measured in supernatants at 24 hours. After 72 hours cells were analyzed by flow cytometry for cell cycle and apoptosis. Statistical modeling was used to identify interactions between cytokines and cell cycle / apoptosis and minimize confounding effects. RESULTS Stimulation by LPS and PHA (5 microg/mL) increased IL12/IL23p40 production from CD and UC versus HC (P < 0.05); PHA (0.5 microg/mL) increased IL1beta in UC and decreased TGFbeta from CD and UC (P < 0.01). In all groups, nicotine reduced LPS- and PHA (0.5 microg/mL)-stimulated production of IL1beta, IL10, TGFbeta, and TNFalpha (P < 0.001). Cell cycle analysis showed that PHA, but not LPS, induced proliferation and decreased G(0)/G(1) resting cells in CD and UC versus HC (P < 0.001). Nicotine decreased PHA-stimulated S-phase proliferation and increased G(0)/G(1) resting cells (P < 0.01). Modeling showed independent associations between IL12/IL23p40 and apoptosis (P = 0.01), IL1beta and resting cells (P = 0.006), TNFalpha and proliferating cells (P < 0.001). Disease activity and smoking habit had no effect. CONCLUSIONS Dysregulated cytokine profiles in UC and CD are associated with specific alterations in cell cycle responses; these effects may be modified by nicotine, and potentially by anticytokine therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian C Aldhous
- Gastrointestinal Unit, School of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
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Haplotypic analysis of tag SNPs of the interleukin-18 gene in relation to cardiovascular disease events: the MORGAM Project. Eur J Hum Genet 2008; 16:1512-20. [PMID: 18628791 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2008.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a key inflammatory molecule suspected of being involved in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) capturing the common genetic variation of the IL-18 gene (tag SNPs) were genotyped in five European prospective CVD cohorts including 1933 cases and 1938 non-cases as part of the MORGAM Project. Not a single SNP was found associated with CVD. However, a significant (P=0.002) gene-smoking interaction was observed. In smokers, the -105T allele was more frequent in cases than in non-cases (0.29 vs 0.25) and associated with an increased risk of disease (odds ratio (OR)=1.25 (1.07-1.45), P=0.005), whereas the inverse relationship tended to be observed in non-smokers (OR=0.90 (0.78-1.02), P=0.131). The gene-smoking interaction was broadly homogenous across the cohorts and was also observed through haplotype analyses. In conclusion, using the concerted effort of several European prospective CVD cohorts, we are able to show that one IL-18 tag SNP interacts with smoking to modulate the risk of developing CVD.
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Nicotinic signaling ameliorates acute bladder inflammation induced by protamine sulfate or cyclophosphamide. J Urol 2008; 179:2440-6. [PMID: 18433785 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2008.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nicotinic afferent pathways may be involved in the regulation of bladder inflammation. Based on that hypothesis we investigated the role of nicotinic signaling in a comparative analysis of 2 models of experimental bladder inflammation using protamine sulfate and cyclophosphamide. MATERIALS AND METHODS Protamine sulfate and cyclophosphamide were used to induce acute bladder inflammation. Nicotinic agonists and antagonists were given concomitant to the bladder inflammatory agents. Changes in bladder inflammation were measured histologically by a pathologist and through the expression of inflammatory genes. RESULTS Histologically cyclophosphamide induced more inflammatory changes than protamine sulfate during acute bladder inflammation. Antagonizing nicotinic signaling with mecamylamine induced further inflammatory changes on histology when used with cyclophosphamide but not with protamine sulfate. However, antagonizing nicotinic signaling in combination with protamine sulfate induced greater increases in mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 compared to cyclophosphamide and mecamylamine combination treatments. The activation of nicotinic signaling attenuated acute bladder inflammation by protamine sulfate and cyclophosphamide independently through the down-regulation of increased interleukin-6 expression. CONCLUSIONS Acutely cyclophosphamide treatment results in a greater frank bladder inflammation model in mice than protamine sulfate. However, cholinergic signaling can inhibit inflammation by either mechanism of induced bladder injury. Interleukin-6 gene expression is present and it can be regulated by afferent neuronal signaling even in the absence of observed histological changes in acute bladder inflammatory models.
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Sugama S, Conti B. Interleukin-18 and stress. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 58:85-95. [PMID: 18295340 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2007.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2007] [Revised: 11/02/2007] [Accepted: 11/16/2007] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine believed to play a role in a variety of conditions and diseases including infections, autoimmunity, cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis. IL-18 is also a possible contributor to the sickness syndrome by inducing anorexia and sleep. Originally recognized to be produced by cells of the immune system, IL-18 is also found in endocrine tissues, including the adrenal and the pituitary glands, and in the central nervous system where it is produced by microglial and ependymal cells as well as by neurons of the medial habenular nucleus. IL-18 is produced constitutively and its levels can increase during infection but also during stress in the absence of an exogenous stimulus. IL-18 levels are elevated by activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a tissue specific way via differential promoter and splicing usage, and may be down-regulated by the activation of the para-sympathetic system. This suggested the possibility that IL-18 may participate in the regulation of the HPA axis or that it may have a role in mediating the CNS dependent effects on the susceptibility to or the progression of diseases. This review summarizes the evidence linking stress and IL-18 and discusses the possible implication of the neuro-immuno-modulatory action of IL-18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuei Sugama
- Department of Physiology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan.
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Zheng Y, Ritzenthaler JD, Roman J, Han S. Nicotine stimulates human lung cancer cell growth by inducing fibronectin expression. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2007; 37:681-90. [PMID: 17600315 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2007-0051oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which tobacco promotes lung cancer remain incompletely understood. Herein, we report that nicotine, a major component of tobacco, promotes the proliferation of cultured non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells; this effect was most noticeable at 5 days. However, nicotine had no effect on apoptosis of NSCLC cells. In experiments designed to unveil the mechanisms for this effect, we found that nicotine also stimulated mRNA and protein expression of fibronectin. Fibronectin is a matrix glycoprotein that regulates important cellular processes (e.g., adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation) and is highly expressed in tobacco-related lung disorders. Of note, reagents against the integrin alpha5beta1 (antibodies, RGD peptides, alpha5 shRNA) blocked the mitogenic effects of nicotine. Thus, nicotine stimulated NSCLC cell proliferation indirectly via fibronectin induction. We then focused on the mechanisms responsible for nicotine-induced fibronectin expression in NSCLC cells and found that nicotine stimulated the surface expression of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7 nAChR), and that alpha-bungarotoxin, an inhibitor of alpha7 nAChR, abolished the nicotine-induced fibronectin response. The fibronectin-inducing effects of nicotine were associated with activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, and were abrogated by inhibitors of ERK (PD98059), PI3-K (LY294002), and mTOR (rapamycin), but not by inhibitors of protein kinase (PK)C (calphostin C) and PKA (H89). These observations suggest that nicotine stimulates NSCLC proliferation through induction of fibronectin, and that these events are mediated through nAChR-mediated signals that include ERK and PI3-K/mTOR pathways. This work highlights the role of fibronectin and alpha5beta1 integrins as potential targets for anti-lung cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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de Jonge WJ, Ulloa L. The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor as a pharmacological target for inflammation. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 151:915-29. [PMID: 17502850 PMCID: PMC2042938 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 462] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological regulation of the immune system encompasses comprehensive anti-inflammatory mechanisms that can be harnessed for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory disorders. Recent studies indicate that the vagal nerve, involved in control of heart rate, hormone secretion and gastrointestinal motility, is also an immunomodulator. In experimental models of inflammatory diseases, vagal nerve stimulation attenuates the production of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibits the inflammatory process. Acetylcholine, the principal neurotransmitter of the vagal nerve, controls immune cell functions via the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR). From a pharmacological perspective, nicotinic agonists are more efficient than acetylcholine at inhibiting the inflammatory signaling and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. This 'nicotinic anti-inflammatory pathway' may have clinical implications as treatment with nicotinic agonists can modulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines from immune cells. Nicotine has been tested in clinical trials as a treatment for inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis, but the therapeutic potential of this mechanism is limited by the collateral toxicity of nicotine. Here, we review the recent advances that support the design of more specific receptor-selective nicotinic agonists that have anti-inflammatory effects while eluding its collateral toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J de Jonge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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