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Schwarz AP, Zakharova MV, Kovalenko AA, Dyomina AV, Zubareva OE, Zaitsev AV. Time- and Region-Specific Selection of Reference Genes in the Rat Brain in the Lithium-Pilocarpine Model of Acquired Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1100. [PMID: 38791067 PMCID: PMC11117783 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a commonly used tool for gene expression analysis. The selection of stably expressed reference genes is required for accurate normalization. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization in various brain regions of rats at different stages of the lithium-pilocarpine model of acquired epilepsy. We tested the expression stability of nine housekeeping genes commonly used as reference genes in brain research: Actb, Gapdh, B2m, Rpl13a, Sdha, Ppia, Hprt1, Pgk1, and Ywhaz. Based on four standard algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and comparative delta-Ct), we found that after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus, the stability of the tested reference genes varied significantly between brain regions and depended on time after epileptogenesis induction (3 and 7 days in the latent phase, and 2 months in the chronic phase of the model). Pgk1 and Ywhaz were the most stable, while Actb, Sdha, and B2m demonstrated the lowest stability in the analyzed brain areas. We revealed time- and region-specific changes in the mRNA expression of the housekeeping genes B2m, Actb, Sdha, Rpl13a, Gapdh, Hprt1, and Sdha. These changes were more pronounced in the hippocampal region during the latent phase of the model and are thought to be related to epileptogenesis. Thus, RT-qPCR analysis of mRNA expression in acquired epilepsy models requires careful selection of reference genes depending on the brain region and time of analysis. For the time course study of epileptogenesis in the rat lithium-pilocarpine model, we recommend the use of the Pgk1 and Ywhaz genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Aleksey V. Zaitsev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Toreza Prospekt, 44, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (M.V.Z.); (A.A.K.); (A.V.D.); (O.E.Z.)
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Aleksandrova EP, Ivlev AP, Kulikov AA, Naumova AA, Glazova MV, Chernigovskaya EV. Audiogenic kindling activates glutamatergic system in the hippocampus of rats with genetic predisposition to audiogenic seizures. Brain Res 2024; 1829:148792. [PMID: 38325559 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148792] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) development is associated with dysregulation of glutamatergic transmission in the hippocampus; however, detailed molecular mechanisms of pathological changes are still poorly understood. In the present study, we performed the complex analysis of glutamatergic system in the hippocampus of Krushinsky-Molodkina (KM) rats genetically prone to audiogenic seizures (AGS). Daily AGS stimulations (audiogenic kindling) were used to reproduce the dynamics of TLE development. Naïve KM rats were used as a control. After 14 AGS, at the stage of developing TLE, KM rats demonstrated significant upregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and c-Fos in the hippocampus indicating activation of the hippocampal cells. These changes were accompanied with an increase in glutaminase and vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) 2 suggesting the activation of glutamate production and loading into the synaptic vesicles. After 21 AGS, when TLE was fully-established, alterations were similar but more pronounced, with higher activation of glutaminase, increase in glutamate production, upregulation of VGLUT1 and 2, and Fos-related antigen 1 (Fra-1) along with c-Fos. Analysis of glutamate receptors showed variable changes. Thus, after 14 AGS, simultaneous increase in metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1 and decrease in ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors could reflect compensatory anti-epileptic mechanism, while further kindling progression induced upregulation of ionotropic receptors, probably, contributing to the hippocampal epileptization. However, we revealed practically no alterations in the expression of synaptic proteins. Altogether, obtained results suggested that overactivation of glutamate production in the hippocampus strongly contributed to TLE development in KM rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina P Aleksandrova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrey P Ivlev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey A Kulikov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Naumova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Margarita V Glazova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Elena V Chernigovskaya
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Huang L, Xiao W, Wang Y, Li J, Gong J, Tu E, Long L, Xiao B, Yan X, Wan L. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in epileptogenesis: an update on abnormal mGluRs signaling and its therapeutic implications. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:360-368. [PMID: 37488891 PMCID: PMC10503602 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.379018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity, high recurrence, and drug resistance. Enhanced signaling through the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is intricately associated with epilepsy. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are G protein-coupled receptors activated by glutamate and are key regulators of neuronal and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulated mGluR signaling has been associated with various neurological disorders, and numerous studies have shown a close relationship between mGluRs expression/activity and the development of epilepsy. In this review, we first introduce the three groups of mGluRs and their associated signaling pathways. Then, we detail how these receptors influence epilepsy by describing the signaling cascades triggered by their activation and their neuroprotective or detrimental roles in epileptogenesis. In addition, strategies for pharmacological manipulation of these receptors during the treatment of epilepsy in experimental studies is also summarized. We hope that this review will provide a foundation for future studies on the development of mGluR-targeted antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyi Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wenjie Xiao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jiaoe Gong
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ewen Tu
- Department of Neurology, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lili Long
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaoxin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lily Wan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Zubareva OE, Dyomina AV, Kovalenko AA, Roginskaya AI, Melik-Kasumov TB, Korneeva MA, Chuprina AV, Zhabinskaya AA, Kolyhan SA, Zakharova MV, Gryaznova MO, Zaitsev AV. Beneficial Effects of Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum in a Lithium-Pilocarpine Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098451. [PMID: 37176158 PMCID: PMC10179354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a challenging brain disorder that is often difficult to treat with conventional therapies. The gut microbiota has been shown to play an important role in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including epilepsy. In this study, the effects of Bifidobacterium longum, a probiotic, on inflammation, neuronal degeneration, and behavior are evaluated in a lithium-pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced in young adult rats. B. longum was administered orally at a dose of 109 CFU/rat for 30 days after pilocarpine injection. The results show that B. longum treatment has beneficial effects on the TLE-induced changes in anxiety levels, neuronal death in the amygdala, and body weight recovery. In addition, B. longum increased the expression of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective genes, such as Il1rn and Pparg. However, the probiotic had little effect on TLE-induced astrogliosis and microgliosis and did not reduce neuronal death in the hippocampus and temporal cortex. The study suggests that B. longum may have a beneficial effect on TLE and may provide valuable insights into the role of gut bacteria in epileptogenesis. In addition, the results show that B. longum may be a promising drug for the comprehensive treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga E Zubareva
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexandra V Dyomina
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna A Kovalenko
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna I Roginskaya
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tigran B Melik-Kasumov
- Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Marina A Korneeva
- Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Alesya V Chuprina
- Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Alesya A Zhabinskaya
- Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Stepan A Kolyhan
- Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Maria V Zakharova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marusya O Gryaznova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aleksey V Zaitsev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Pala M, Meral I, Pala Acikgoz N, Gorucu Yilmaz S, Okur SK, Acar S, Polat Y, Akbas F. Downregulatory effect of miR-342-3p on epileptogenesis in the PTZ-kindling model. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:11997-12006. [PMID: 36271980 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08017-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epileptogenesis is a process that results in neurons firing abnormally, causing seizures. Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs expressed in the epileptic hippocampus are involved in epileptogenesis. We demonstrated the expression changes of miRNAs that may be effective in epileptogenesis in silico analysis in the kindling model created with Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Thus, we aimed to identify the target genes responsible for epileptogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifteen male Wistar-albino rats (200-230 g) were randomly divided into two groups control (n = 6) and PTZ (n = 9). The control group received 0.5 ml saline, and the PTZ group (35 mg/kg i.p.) intraperitoneally (i.p.) (11 times, every other day) to induce tonic-clonic seizures. Seizures were observed and scored 30 min after PTZ injection. After the last dose of PTZ (75 mg/kg) administration, the hippocampus tissues of the rats were removed by anesthesia. Analysis of miRNAs was performed with the Affymetrix gene chip miRNA sequence (728 miRNA) and confirmed by the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (Real-Time PCR) method (29 miRNAs). We evaluated the expression change of the target gene of miRNA, whose expression change was detected using in silico analysis, by q-RT PCR. Eight miRNAs with changes in expression were detected. Of these miRNAs, miR-342-p was downregulated in the PTZ group and was statistically significant (p < 0.005). Ultimately, we determined that the target gene of miR-342-p is a metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (GRM2) and that GRM2 expression is upregulated. CONCLUSIONS Downregulation of miR-342-3p in the PTZ kindling model may result in the upregulation of GRM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukaddes Pala
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, Turkey.
| | - Ismail Meral
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilgun Pala Acikgoz
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Senay Gorucu Yilmaz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Semra Karaca Okur
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seyma Acar
- Family Health Center, Sancaktepe No. 1, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yalcin Polat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fahri Akbas
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Wang W, Gao R, Ren Z, Yang D, Sun K, Li X, Yan S. Global trends in research of glutamate in epilepsy during past two decades: A bibliometric analysis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1042642. [PMID: 36340784 PMCID: PMC9630577 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1042642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects more than 70 million people in the world. It is characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures, and it is related to many neurological, cognitive, and psychosocial consequences. Glutamate neurotransmitter dysfunction has essential functions in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. In this work, bibliometric analysis was conducted to explore the trends, frontiers, and hotspots of the global scientific output of glutamate in epilepsy research in the past 20 years. The Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was searched to obtain information on publications and records published between 2002 and 2021. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to conduct bibliometric and visual analyses on the overall distribution of annual output, major countries, active institutions, journals, authors, commonly cited literature, and keywords. The impact and quality of the papers were assessed using the global citation score (GCS). Four thousand eight hundred ninety-one publications were retrieved in total. During the past two decades, the number of publications (Np) associated with glutamate in epilepsy has risen yearly. The United States has published the most papers; its H-index and number of citations are also the highest. The League of European Research Universities (LERU) was the most productive institution. In 2016, the total score of the paper written by Zhang Y was 854, ranking first. The keywords that appear most frequently are “epilepsy,” “glutamate,” “temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE),” “hippocampus,” and “seizures.” This study showed that although the publications related to epileptic glutamate fluctuated slightly, the Np increased overall. The United States is a great creator and influential country in this field. The first three authors are Eid, T., Aronica, E., and Smolders, I. “spectrum,” “animal model,” “inflammation,” “mutation,” “dysfunction,” and “prefrontal cortex” are increasing research hotspots. By recognizing the most critical indicators (researchers, countries, research institutes, and journals of glutamate release in epilepsy research), the research hotspot of glutamate in epilepsy could help countries, scholars, and policymakers in this field enhance their understanding of the role of glutamate in epilepsy and make decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Runshi Gao
- Department of Functional Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Ren
- Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongju Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Sun
- Department of Functional Neurology, National Center for Children’s Health of China, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Suying Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Suying Yan,
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