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Yang X, Zhou Y, Tan S, Tian X, Meng X, Li Y, Zhou B, Zhao G, Ge X, He C, Cheng W, Zhang Y, Zheng K, Yin K, Yu Y, Pan W. Alterations in gut microbiota contribute to cognitive deficits induced by chronic infection of Toxoplasma gondii. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:394-407. [PMID: 38608743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) emerges as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate whether gut microbiota and its metabolites play a role in T. gondii-induced cognitive deficits. We found that T. gondii infection induced cognitive deficits in mice, which was characterized by synaptic ultrastructure impairment and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. Moreover, the infection led to gut microbiota dysbiosis, barrier integrity impairment, and inflammation in the colon. Interestingly, broad-spectrum antibiotic ablation of gut microbiota attenuated the adverse effects of the parasitic infection on the cognitive function in mice; cognitive deficits and hippocampal pathological changes were transferred from the infected mice to control mice by fecal microbiota transplantation. In addition, the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and the production of serum butyrate were decreased in infected mice. Interestingly, dietary supplementation of butyrate ameliorated T. gondii-induced cognitive impairment in mice. Notably, compared to the healthy controls, decreased butyrate production was observed in the serum of human subjects with high levels of anti-T. gondii IgG. Overall, this study demonstrates that gut microbiota is a key regulator of T. gondii-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yuying Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Shimin Tan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiaokang Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xianran Meng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yiling Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Beibei Zhou
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong 272033, China
| | - Guihua Zhao
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong 272033, China
| | - Xing Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Cheng He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Wanpeng Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yumei Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Kun Yin
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, Shandong 272033, China.
| | - Yinghua Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Wei Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
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Qian Z, Xia M, Zhao T, Li Y, Li G, Zhang Y, Li H, Yang L. ACOD1, rather than itaconate, facilitates p62-mediated activation of Nrf2 in microglia post spinal cord contusion. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1661. [PMID: 38644791 PMCID: PMC11033726 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are crucial events causing neurological dysfunction. Aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1) and its metabolite itaconate (Ita) inhibit inflammation and OS by promoting alkylation of Keap1 to induce Nrf2 expression; however, it is unclear whether there is another pathway regulating their effects in inflammation-activated microglia after SCI. METHODS Adult male C57BL/6 ACOD1-/- mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were subjected to a moderate thoracic spinal cord contusion. The degree of neuroinflammation and OS in the injured spinal cord were assessed using qPCR, western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and trans-well assay. We then employed immunoprecipitation-western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR, dual-luciferase assay, and immunofluorescence-confocal imaging to examine the molecular mechanisms of ACOD1. Finally, the locomotor function was evaluated with the Basso Mouse Scale and footprint assay. RESULTS Both in vitro and in vivo, microglia with transcriptional blockage of ACOD1 exhibited more severe levels of neuroinflammation and OS, in which the expression of p62/Keap1/Nrf2 was down-regulated. Furthermore, silencing ACOD1 exacerbated neurological dysfunction in SCI mice. Administration of exogenous Ita or 4-octyl itaconate reduced p62 phosphorylation. Besides, ACOD1 was capable of interacting with phosphorylated p62 to enhance Nrf2 activation, which in turn further promoted transcription of ACOD1. CONCLUSIONS Here, we identified an unreported ACOD1-p62-Nrf2-ACOD1 feedback loop exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-OS in inflammatory microglia, and demonstrated the neuroprotective role of ACOD1 after SCI, which was different from that of endogenous and exogenous Ita. The present study extends the functions of ACOD1 and uncovers marked property differences between endogenous and exogenous Ita. KEY POINTS ACOD1 attenuated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress after spinal cord injury. ACOD1, not itaconate, interacted with p-p62 to facilitate Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation. Nrf2 was capable of promoting ACOD1 transcription in microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyang Qian
- Department of OrthopedicsTaizhou School of Clinical MedicineTaizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityTaizhouChina
| | - Mingjie Xia
- Department of Spine SurgeryNantong First People's HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- Department of OrthopedicsTaizhou School of Clinical MedicineTaizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityTaizhouChina
- Postgraduate SchoolDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - You Li
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive SurgeryRWTH Aachen University HospitalAachenGermany
| | - Guangshen Li
- Department of OrthopedicsTaizhou School of Clinical MedicineTaizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityTaizhouChina
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsTaizhou School of Clinical MedicineTaizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityTaizhouChina
- Postgraduate SchoolDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Haijun Li
- Department of OrthopedicsTaizhou School of Clinical MedicineTaizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityTaizhouChina
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of OrthopedicsTaizhou School of Clinical MedicineTaizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityTaizhouChina
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Liu S, Yan Z, Peng Y, Liu Y, Li Y, Xu D, Gong Y, Cui Z, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Wang D, Pan W, Yang X. Lentinan has a beneficial effect on cognitive deficits induced by chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:454. [PMID: 38093309 PMCID: PMC10717010 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is increasingly considered a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is only limited information on the development of drugs for T. gondii infection. Lentinan from Lentinula edodes is a bioactive ingredient with the potential to enhance anti-infective immunity. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of lentinan on T. gondii-associated cognitive deficits in mice. METHODS A chronic T. gondii infection mouse model was established by administering 10 cysts of T. gondii by gavage. Lentinan was intraperitoneally administered 2 weeks before infection. Behavioral tests, RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy and Golgi-Cox staining were performed to assess the effect of lentinan on cognitive deficits and neuropathology in vivo. In vitro, the direct and indirect effects of lentinan on the proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites were evaluated in the absence and presence of BV-2 cells, respectively. RESULTS Lentinan prevented T. gondii-induced cognitive deficits and altered the transcriptome profile of genes related to neuroinflammation, microglial activation, synaptic function, neural development and cognitive behavior in the hippocampus of infected mice. Moreover, lentinan reduced the infection-induced accumulation of microglia and downregulated the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, the neurite and synaptic ultrastructural damage in the hippocampal CA1 region due to infection was ameliorated by lentinan administration. Lentinan decreased the cyst burden in the brains of infected mice, which was correlated with behavioral performance. In line with this finding, lentinan could significantly inhibit the proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites in the microglial cell line BV2, although lentinan had no direct inhibitory effect on parasite growth. CONCLUSIONS Lentinan prevents cognitive deficits via the improvement of neurite impairment and synaptic loss induced by T. gondii infection, which may be associated with decreased cyst burden in the brain. Overall, our findings indicate that lentinan can ameliorate T. gondii-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxi Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziyi Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunqiu Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiling Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Daxiang Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuying Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zeyu Cui
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongshui Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yumei Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Dahui Wang
- Liangshan College (Li Shui) China, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wei Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
- National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiaoying Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
- National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Liu R, Gong Y, Xia C, Cao Y, Zhao C, Zhou M. Itaconate: A promising precursor for treatment of neuroinflammation associated depression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115521. [PMID: 37717531 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation triggers the production of inflammatory factors, influences neuron generation and synaptic plasticity, thus playing an important role in the pathogenesis of depression and becoming an important direction of depression prevention and treatment. Itaconate is a metabolite secreted by macrophages in immunomodulatory responses, that has potent immunomodulatory effects and has been proven to exert anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of diseases. Microglia are mononuclear macrophages that reside in the central nervous system (CNS), and may be the source of endogenous itaconate in the brain. Itaconate can directly inhibit succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), reduce the production of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), activate nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and block glycolysis, and thereby improving the depressive symptoms associated with the above mechanisms. Notably, itaconate also indirectly ameliorates the depressive symptoms associated with some inflammatory diseases. With the optimization of the structure and the development of new delivery systems, the application value and therapeutic potential of itaconate have been significantly improved. Dimethyl itaconate (DI) and 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI), cell-permeable derivatives of itaconate, are more suitable for crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), exhibiting therapeutic effects in the research of multiple diseases. This article provides an overview of the immunomodulatory effects of itaconate and its potential therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory depression, focusing on the promising application of itaconate as a precursor of antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruisi Liu
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yueling Gong
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenyi Xia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yemin Cao
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China.
| | - Mingmei Zhou
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Lei M, Guo X, Yao Y, Shu T, Ren Z, Yang X, Ouyang C, Chen Q, Liu C, Liu X. Trelagliptin relieved cognitive impairment of diabetes mellitus rats: Involvement of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β and inflammation pathway. Exp Gerontol 2023; 182:112307. [PMID: 37804920 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112307] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment frequently coexists with diabetes. Trelagliptin is a once-weekly taking selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor and a long-term effective hypoglycemic medicine; nonetheless, its effects for the treatment of diabetes-related cognitive impairment have only sometimes been explored. In this study, a DM model was built using streptozotocin (STZ) and a high-fat diet (HFD). The morris water maze test on DM rats revealed a considerably reduced capacity for spatial learning and memory, but trelagliptin was able to restore function. Trelagliptin could lower the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors such IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in DM rats. It could also reduce the ratio of p-IKKα/IKKα, and the immunofluorescence result of NF-κB also demonstrated a drop. Trelagliptin partially restored dendritic spines and prevented the loss or shrinkage of neurons, respectively, according to the results of Nissl's staining and golgi staining. Furthermore, PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β has been activated, and synaptic plasticity has been modified during this process. In conclusion, trelagliptin improved the cognitive lesion in DM rats by suppressing the activation of the inflammatory route and by activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway at the same time, as well as interacting with the pathways that protect neurons, which still need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lei
- Hubei key laboratory of diabetes and angiopathy, Medical research institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Xiying Guo
- Hubei key laboratory of diabetes and angiopathy, Medical research institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yue Yao
- Hubei key laboratory of diabetes and angiopathy, Medical research institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China; Pharmacy College, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Ting Shu
- Pharmacy College, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Zhanhong Ren
- Hubei key laboratory of diabetes and angiopathy, Medical research institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Xiaosong Yang
- Hubei key laboratory of diabetes and angiopathy, Medical research institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Changhan Ouyang
- Pharmacy College, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Qingjie Chen
- Hubei key laboratory of diabetes and angiopathy, Medical research institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China.
| | - Chao Liu
- Hubei key laboratory of diabetes and angiopathy, Medical research institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China.
| | - Xiufen Liu
- Hubei key laboratory of diabetes and angiopathy, Medical research institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China.
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Yuk JM, Park EJ, Kim IS, Jo EK. Itaconate family-based host-directed therapeutics for infections. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1203756. [PMID: 37261340 PMCID: PMC10228716 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1203756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Itaconate is a crucial anti-infective and anti-inflammatory immunometabolite that accumulates upon disruption of the Krebs cycle in effector macrophages undergoing inflammatory stress. Esterified derivatives of itaconate (4-octyl itaconate and dimethyl itaconate) and its isomers (mesaconate and citraconate) are promising candidate drugs for inflammation and infection. Several itaconate family members participate in host defense, immune and metabolic modulation, and amelioration of infection, although opposite effects have also been reported. However, the precise mechanisms by which itaconate and its family members exert its effects are not fully understood. In addition, contradictory results in different experimental settings and a lack of clinical data make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the therapeutic potential of itaconate. Here we review how the immune response gene 1-itaconate pathway is activated during infection and its role in host defense and pathogenesis in a context-dependent manner. Certain pathogens can use itaconate to establish infections. Finally, we briefly discuss the major mechanisms by which itaconate family members exert antimicrobial effects. To thoroughly comprehend how itaconate exerts its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, additional research on the actual mechanism of action is necessary. This review examines the current state of itaconate research in infection and identifies the key challenges and opportunities for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Min Yuk
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Infection Biology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Park
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - In Soo Kim
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyeong Jo
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Wu Y, Xu D, He Y, Yan Z, Liu R, Liu Z, He C, Liu X, Yu Y, Yang X, Pan W. Dimethyl itaconate ameliorates the deficits of goal-directed behavior in Toxoplasma gondii infected mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011350. [PMID: 37256871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurotrophic parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has been implicated as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is only limited information concerning its underlying mechanism and therapeutic strategy. Here, we investigated the effects of T. gondii chronic infection on the goal-directed cognitive behavior in mice. Moreover, we evaluated the preventive and therapeutic effect of dimethyl itaconate on the behavior deficits induced by the parasite. METHODS The infection model was established by orally infecting the cysts of T. gondii. Dimethyl itaconate was intraperitoneally administered before or after the infection. Y-maze and temporal order memory (TOM) tests were used to evaluate the prefrontal cortex-dependent behavior performance. Golgi staining, transmission electron microscopy, indirect immunofluorescence, western blot, and RNA sequencing were utilized to determine the pathological changes in the prefrontal cortex of mice. RESULTS We showed that T. gondii infection impaired the prefrontal cortex-dependent goal-directed behavior. The infection significantly downregulated the expression of the genes associated with synaptic transmission, plasticity, and cognitive behavior in the prefrontal cortex of mice. On the contrary, the infection robustly upregulated the expression of activation makers of microglia and astrocytes. In addition, the metabolic phenotype of the prefrontal cortex post infection was characterized by the enhancement of glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation, the blockage of the Krebs cycle, and the disorder of aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1)-itaconate axis. Notably, the administration of dimethyl itaconate significantly prevented and treated the cognitive impairment induced by T. gondii, which was evidenced by the improvement of behavioral deficits, synaptic ultrastructure lesion and neuroinflammation. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates that T. gondii infection induces the deficits of the goal-directed behavior, which is associated with neuroinflammation, the impairment of synaptic ultrastructure, and the metabolic shifts in the prefrontal cortex of mice. Moreover, we report that dimethyl itaconate has the potential to prevent and treat the behavior deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongshuai Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
| | - Daxiang Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yan He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
| | - Ziyi Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
| | - Rundong Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhuanzhuan Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
| | - Cheng He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
| | - Yinghua Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Basic Medicine (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, China
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Kim YJ, Park EJ, Lee SH, Silwal P, Kim JK, Yang JS, Whang J, Jang J, Kim JM, Jo EK. Dimethyl itaconate is effective in host-directed antimicrobial responses against mycobacterial infections through multifaceted innate immune pathways. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:49. [PMID: 36882813 PMCID: PMC9993662 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-00992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Itaconate, a crucial immunometabolite, plays a critical role in linking immune and metabolic functions to influence host defense and inflammation. Due to its polar structure, the esterified cell-permeable derivatives of itaconate are being developed to provide therapeutic opportunities in infectious and inflammatory diseases. Yet, it remains largely uncharacterized whether itaconate derivatives have potentials in promoting host-directed therapeutics (HDT) against mycobacterial infections. Here, we report dimethyl itaconate (DMI) as the promising candidate for HDT against both Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and nontuberculous mycobacteria by orchestrating multiple innate immune programs. RESULTS DMI per se has low bactericidal activity against Mtb, M. bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), and M. avium (Mav). However, DMI robustly activated intracellular elimination of multiple mycobacterial strains (Mtb, BCG, Mav, and even to multidrug-resistant Mtb) in macrophages and in vivo. DMI significantly suppressed the production of interleukin-6 and -10, whereas it enhanced autophagy and phagosomal maturation, during Mtb infection. DMI-mediated autophagy partly contributed to antimicrobial host defenses in macrophages. Moreover, DMI significantly downregulated the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling during infection with Mtb, BCG, and Mav. CONCLUSION Together, DMI has potent anti-mycobacterial activities in macrophages and in vivo through promoting multifaceted ways for innate host defenses. DMI may bring light to new candidate for HDT against Mtb and nontuberculous mycobacteria, both of which infections are often intractable with antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jae Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Park
- Department of Microbiology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Lee
- Center for Research Equipment, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, South Korea
| | - Prashanta Silwal
- Department of Microbiology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jin Kyung Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jeong Seong Yang
- Department of Research and Development, Korea Mycobacterium Resource Center (KMRC), The Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Osong, 28158, South Korea
| | - Jake Whang
- Department of Research and Development, Korea Mycobacterium Resource Center (KMRC), The Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Osong, 28158, South Korea
| | - Jichan Jang
- Division of Life Science, Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK21 Four Program), Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, South Korea
| | - Jin-Man Kim
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun-Kyeong Jo
- Department of Microbiology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea. .,Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea. .,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.
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