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Meanti R, Licata M, Rizzi L, Bresciani E, Molteni L, Coco S, Locatelli V, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. Protective Effects of Hexarelin and JMV2894 in a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line Expressing the SOD1-G93A Mutated Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020993. [PMID: 36674509 PMCID: PMC9863688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable motor neuron disease whose etiology remains unresolved; nonetheless, mutations of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) have been associated with several variants of ALS. Currently available pharmacologic interventions are only symptomatic and palliative in effect; therefore, there is a pressing demand for more effective drugs. This study examined potential therapeutic effects of growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs), a large family of synthetic compounds, as possible candidates for the treatment of ALS. Human neuroblastoma cells expressing the SOD1-G93A mutated protein (SH-SY5Y SOD1G93A cells) were incubated for 24 h with H2O2 (150 µM) in the absence, or presence, of GHS (1 µM), in order to study the protective effect of GHS against increased oxidative stress. The two GHSs examined in this study, hexarelin and JMV2894, protected cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity by activating molecules that regulate apoptosis and promote cell survival processes. These findings suggest the possibility of developing new GHS-based anti-oxidant and neuroprotective drugs with improved therapeutic potential. Further investigations are required for the following: (i) to clarify GHS molecular mechanisms of action, and (ii) to envisage the development of new GHSs that may be useful in ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Monza, Italy
| | - Martina Licata
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Monza, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-6448-8224
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Molteni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Monza, Italy
| | - Silvia Coco
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Monza, Italy
| | - Vittorio Locatelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Monza, Italy
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Meanti R, Bresciani E, Rizzi L, Coco S, Zambelli V, Dimitroulas A, Molteni L, Omeljaniuk RJ, Locatelli V, Torsello A. Potential Applications for Growth Hormone Secretagogues Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2376-2394. [PMID: 36111771 PMCID: PMC10616926 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220915103613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) arises from neuronal death due to complex interactions of genetic, molecular, and environmental factors. Currently, only two drugs, riluzole and edaravone, have been approved to slow the progression of this disease. However, ghrelin and other ligands of the GHS-R1a receptor have demonstrated interesting neuroprotective activities that could be exploited in this pathology. Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid hormone, primarily synthesized and secreted by oxyntic cells in the stomach wall, binds to the pituitary GHS-R1a and stimulates GH secretion; in addition, ghrelin is endowed with multiple extra endocrine bioactivities. Native ghrelin requires esterification with octanoic acid for binding to the GHS-R1a receptor; however, this esterified form is very labile and represents less than 10% of circulating ghrelin. A large number of synthetic compounds, the growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) encompassing short peptides, peptoids, and non-peptidic moieties, are capable of mimicking several biological activities of ghrelin, including stimulation of GH release, appetite, and elevation of blood IGF-I levels. GHS have demonstrated neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects in experimental models of pathologies both in vitro and in vivo. To illustrate, some GHS, currently under evaluation by regulatory agencies for the treatment of human cachexia, have a good safety profile and are safe for human use. Collectively, evidence suggests that ghrelin and cognate GHS may constitute potential therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Silvia Coco
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Vanessa Zambelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Anna Dimitroulas
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Molteni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Robert J. Omeljaniuk
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Vittorio Locatelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
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Liu X, Wang L, Wang Z, Dong Y, Chen Y, Cao J. Mel1b and Mel1c melatonin receptors mediate green light-induced secretion of growth hormone in chick adenohypophysis cells via the AC/PKA and ERK1/2 signalling pathways. J Photochem Photobiol B 2021; 225:112322. [PMID: 34736066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A previous study showed that melatonin (MEL) membrane receptors 1b (Mel1b) and Mel1c promoted the secretion of growth hormone (GH) in chick adenohypophysis cells under monochromatic green light. However, the intracellular signalling pathways of these two receptors are unclear. Therefore, cultured adenohypophysis cells derived from chickens exposed to monochromatic green light were treated with MEL, Mel1b- and Mel1c-specific blockers, protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors and adenylate cyclase (AC), or AC activator in vitro to explore the signal transduction mechanism that promote the secretion of GH. The results showed that Mel1b and Mel1c participate in MEL-mediated green light-induced secretion of GH in chick adenohypophysis cells. However, MEL increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, and p-PKA protein levels were blocked by a Mel1b-specific antagonist but not a Mel1c-specific antagonist, which indicated that Mel1b affected the secretion of GH via the AC/cAMP/PKA signalling pathway. Moreover, Mel1b and Mel1c both activated ERK1/2 to regulate the secretion of GH. In addition, intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ channels were also involved in secretion of GH in chick adenohypophysis cells. These results demonstrate that the MEL mediated green light-induced secretion of GH in chick adenohypophysis via the Mel1b/AC/PKA/ERK1/2, Mel1c/ERK1/2, and intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ channel signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinfeng Liu
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animal, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animal, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zixu Wang
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animal, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yulan Dong
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animal, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yaoxing Chen
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animal, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animal, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Jing J, Jiang X, Zhu C, Zheng Q, Ji Q, Yin H, Huang J, Zhu Y, Wang J, Qin S, Ling Y. Dynamic changes of miRNAs in skeletal muscle development at New Zealand rabbits. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:577. [PMID: 34315409 PMCID: PMC8314457 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07896-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND miRNA is one of the crucial roles in the complex and dynamic network that regulates the development of skeletal muscle. The landscape of skeletal muscle miRNAs from fetus to adult in New Zealand rabbits has not been revealed yet. RESULTS In this study, nine RNA-seq libraries of fetus, child and adult rabbits' leg muscles were constructed. A total of 278 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified. In the fetus vs. child group, the main functional enrichments were involved in membrane and transport. Pathway enriched terms of up-regulated DEmiRNAs were connected with the differentiation and hypertrophy of skeletal muscle, and down-regulated ones were related to muscle structure and metabolic capacity. In the child vs. adult group, functions were associated to positioning and transportation, and pathways were relevant to ECM, muscle structure and hypertrophy. Finally, ocu-miR-185-3p and ocu-miR-370-3p, which had the most target genes, were identified as hub-miRNAs in these two groups. CONCLUSIONS In short, we summarized the highly expressed and uniquely expressed DEmiRNAs of fetus, child and adult rabbits' leg muscles. Besides, the potential functional changes of miRNAs in two consecutive stages have been explored. Among them, the ocu-miR-185-3p and ocu-miR-370-3p with the most target genes were selected as hub-miRNAs. These data improved the understanding of the regulatory molecules of meat rabbit development, and provided a novel perspective for molecular breeding of meat rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jing
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio- Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xichun Jiang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui, 230031, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuiyun Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio- Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio- Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianyun Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio- Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiqun Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The 901st Hospital, Anhui, 230031, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtong Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio- Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixiao Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio- Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio- Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuaiqi Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio- Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China. .,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio- Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui, 230036, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
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Meanti R, Rizzi L, Bresciani E, Molteni L, Locatelli V, Coco S, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. Hexarelin Modulation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt Pathways in Neuro-2A Cells Inhibits Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptotic Toxicity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:444. [PMID: 34066741 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hexarelin, a synthetic hexapeptide, exerts cyto-protective effects at the mitochondrial level in cardiac and skeletal muscles, both in vitro and in vivo, may also have important neuroprotective bioactivities. This study examined the inhibitory effects of hexarelin on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis in Neuro-2A cells. Neuro-2A cells were treated for 24 h with various concentrations of H2O2 or with the combination of H2O2 and hexarelin following which cell viability and nitrite (NO2−) release were measured. Cell morphology was also documented throughout and changes arising were quantified using Image J skeleton and fractal analysis procedures. Apoptotic responses were evaluated by Real-Time PCR (caspase-3, caspase-7, Bax, and Bcl-2 mRNA levels) and Western Blot (cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-7, MAPK, and Akt). Our results indicate that hexarelin effectively antagonized H2O2-induced damage to Neuro-2A cells thereby (i) improving cell viability, (ii) reducing NO2− release and (iii) restoring normal morphologies. Hexarelin treatment also reduced mRNA levels of caspase-3 and its activation, and modulated mRNA levels of the BCL-2 family. Moreover, hexarelin inhibited MAPKs phosphorylation and increased p-Akt protein expression. In conclusion, our results demonstrate neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic effects of hexarelin, suggesting that new analogues could be developed for their neuroprotective effects.
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