1
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Zhang M, Zhang Z, Li H, Xia Y, Xing M, Xiao C, Cai W, Bu L, Li Y, Park TE, Tang Y, Ye X, Lin WJ. Blockage of VEGF function by bevacizumab alleviates early-stage cerebrovascular dysfunction and improves cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38173017 PMCID: PMC10763201 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00388-4] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the predominant type of dementia worldwide. It is characterized by the progressive and irreversible decline of cognitive functions. In addition to the pathological beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, glial activation, and neuronal injury in the postmortem brains of AD patients, increasing evidence suggests that the often overlooked vascular dysfunction is an important early event in AD pathophysiology. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in regulating physiological functions and pathological changes in blood vessels, but whether VEGF is involved in the early stage of vascular pathology in AD remains unclear. METHODS We used an antiangiogenic agent for clinical cancer treatment, the humanized monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab, to block VEGF binding to its receptors in the 5×FAD mouse model at an early age. After treatment, memory performance was evaluated by a novel object recognition test, and cerebral vascular permeability and perfusion were examined by an Evans blue assay and blood flow scanning imaging analysis. Immunofluorescence staining was used to measure glial activation and Aβ deposits. VEGF and its receptors were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate bevacizumab-associated transcriptional signatures in the hippocampus of 5×FAD mice. RESULTS Bevacizumab treatment administered from 4 months of age dramatically improved cerebrovascular functions, reduced glial activation, and restored long-term memory in both sexes of 5×FAD mice. Notably, a sex-specific change in different VEGF receptors was identified in the cortex and hippocampus of 5×FAD mice. Soluble VEGFR1 was decreased in female mice, while full-length VEGFR2 was increased in male mice. Bevacizumab treatment reversed the altered expression of receptors to be comparable to the level in the wild-type mice. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of transcriptomic changes revealed that bevacizumab effectively reversed the changes in the gene sets associated with blood-brain barrier integrity and vascular smooth muscle contraction in 5×FAD mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the mechanistic roles of VEGF at the early stage of amyloidopathy and the protective effects of bevacizumab on cerebrovascular function and memory performance in 5×FAD mice. These findings also suggest the therapeutic potential of bevacizumab for the early intervention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Honghong Li
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yuting Xia
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Mengdan Xing
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Chuan Xiao
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Wenbao Cai
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Lulu Bu
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yi Li
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yamei Tang
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
| | - Xiaojing Ye
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Wei-Jye Lin
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
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2
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van Lanen RH, Melchers S, Hoogland G, Schijns OE, Zandvoort MAV, Haeren RH, Rijkers K. Microvascular changes associated with epilepsy: A narrative review. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:2492-2509. [PMID: 33866850 PMCID: PMC8504411 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x211010388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is dysfunctional in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In this regard, microvascular changes are likely present. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on microvascular changes in epilepsy, and includes clinical and preclinical evidence of seizure induced angiogenesis, barriergenesis and microcirculatory alterations. Anatomical studies show increased microvascular density in the hippocampus, amygdala, and neocortex accompanied by BBB leakage in various rodent epilepsy models. In human TLE, a decrease in afferent vessels, morphologically abnormal vessels, and an increase in endothelial basement membranes have been observed. Both clinical and experimental evidence suggests that basement membrane changes, such as string vessels and protrusions, indicate and visualize a misbalance between endothelial cell proliferation and barriergenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appears to play a crucial role. Following an altered vascular anatomy, its physiological functioning is affected as expressed by neurovascular decoupling that subsequently leads to hypoperfusion, disrupted parenchymal homeostasis and potentially to seizures". Thus, epilepsy might be a condition characterized by disturbed cerebral microvasculature in which VEGF plays a pivotal role. Additional physiological data from patients is however required to validate findings from models and histological studies on patient biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Hgj van Lanen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stan Melchers
- Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Govert Hoogland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Academic Center for Epileptology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Olaf Emg Schijns
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Academic Center for Epileptology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Amj van Zandvoort
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Hl Haeren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kim Rijkers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Academic Center for Epileptology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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3
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Santos VR, Melo IS, Pacheco ALD, Castro OWD. Life and death in the hippocampus: What's bad? Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:106595. [PMID: 31759972 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampal formation is crucial for the generation and regulation of several brain functions, including memory and learning processes; however, it is vulnerable to neurological disorders, such as epilepsy. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the most common type of epilepsy, changes the hippocampal circuitry and excitability, under the contribution of both neuronal degeneration and abnormal neurogenesis. Classically, neurodegeneration affects sensitive areas of the hippocampus, such as dentate gyrus (DG) hilus, as well as specific fields of the Ammon's horn, CA3, and CA1. In addition, the proliferation, migration, and abnormal integration of newly generated hippocampal granular cells (GCs) into the brain characterize TLE neurogenesis. Robust studies over the years have intensely discussed the effects of death and life in the hippocampus, though there are still questions to be answered about their possible benefits and risks. Here, we review the impacts of death and life in the hippocampus, discussing its influence on TLE, providing new perspectives or insights for the implementation of new possible therapeutic targets. This article is part of the Special Issue "NEWroscience 2018".
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Rodrigues Santos
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Igor Santana Melo
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceio, Brazil
| | | | - Olagide Wagner de Castro
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceio, Brazil.
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4
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Xiao D, Lv J, Zheng Z, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Luo C, Qi L, Qin B, Liu C. Mechanisms of microRNA‑142 in mitochondrial autophagy and hippocampal damage in a rat model of epilepsy. Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:98. [PMID: 33846769 PMCID: PMC8043661 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Researchers have confirmed the microRNA (miRNA/miR)‑epilepsy association in rodent models of human epilepsy via a comprehensive database. However, the mechanisms of miR‑142 in epilepsy have not been extensively studied. In the present study, a rat model of epilepsy was first established by an injection of lithium chloride‑pilocarpine and the successful establishment of the model was verified via electroencephalogram monitoring. The levels of miR‑142, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)‑induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), marker proteins of mitochondrial autophagy, and apoptosis‑related proteins were measured. Additionally, the pathological changes in the hippocampus, the ultrastructure of the mitochondria, and degeneration and the apoptosis of neurons were observed using different staining methods. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the hippocampus, mitochondrial membrane potential (MTP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were detected. Furthermore, the targeting association between miR‑142 and PINK1 was predicted and verified. Consequently, apoptosis increased, and mitochondrial autophagy decreased, in the hippocampus of epileptic rats. Following miR‑142 inhibition, the epileptic rats exhibited an increased Bax expression, a decreased Bcl‑2 expression, upregulated marker protein levels of mitochondrial autophagy, a reduced MDA content, an enhanced SOD activity, an increased MTP and decreased ROS generation. PINK1 is a target gene of miR‑142, and its overexpression protected against hippocampal damage. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that miR‑142 inhibition promotes mitochondrial autophagy and reduces hippocampal damage in epileptic rats by targeting PINK1. These findings may provide useful information for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, P.R. China
| | - Jingdan Lv
- Department of Neurology, Guangzhou Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510130, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Zheng
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Pingxiang People's Hospital of Southern Medical University, Pingxiang, Jiangxi 337055, P.R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Pingxiang People's Hospital of Southern Medical University, Pingxiang, Jiangxi 337055, P.R. China
| | - Yonggen Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Pingxiang People's Hospital of Southern Medical University, Pingxiang, Jiangxi 337055, P.R. China
| | - Cuizhu Luo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Pingxiang People's Hospital of Southern Medical University, Pingxiang, Jiangxi 337055, P.R. China
| | - Liu Qi
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, P.R. China
| | - Bing Qin
- Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, P.R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
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5
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Greer K, Basso EKG, Kelly C, Cash A, Kowalski E, Cerna S, Ocampo CT, Wang X, Theus MH. Abrogation of atypical neurogenesis and vascular-derived EphA4 prevents repeated mild TBI-induced learning and memory impairments. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15374. [PMID: 32958852 PMCID: PMC7506550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72380-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain injury resulting from repeated mild traumatic insult is associated with cognitive dysfunction and other chronic co-morbidities. The current study tested the effects of aberrant neurogenesis in a mouse model of repeated mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI). Using Barnes Maze analysis, we found a significant reduction in spatial learning and memory at 24 days post-rmTBI compared to repeated sham (rSham) injury. Cell fate analysis showed a greater number of BrdU-labeled cells which co-expressed Prox-1 in the DG of rmTBI-injured mice which coincided with enhanced cFos expression for neuronal activity. We then selectively ablated dividing neural progenitor cells using a 7-day continuous infusion of Ara-C prior to rSham or rmTBI. This resulted in attenuation of cFos and BrdU-labeled cell changes and prevented associated learning and memory deficits. We further showed this phenotype was ameliorated in EphA4f./f/Tie2-Cre knockout compared to EphA4f./f wild type mice, which coincided with altered mRNA transcript levels of MCP-1, Cx43 and TGFβ. These findings demonstrate that cognitive decline is associated with an increased presence of immature neurons and gene expression changes in the DG following rmTBI. Our data also suggests that vascular EphA4-mediated neurogenic remodeling adversely affects learning and memory behavior in response to repeated insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kisha Greer
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | | | - Colin Kelly
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Alison Cash
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kowalski
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Steven Cerna
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Collin Tanchanco Ocampo
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Xia Wang
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Michelle H Theus
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Center for Engineered Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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6
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Baruah J, Vasudevan A, Köhling R. Vascular Integrity and Signaling Determining Brain Development, Network Excitability, and Epileptogenesis. Front Physiol 2020; 10:1583. [PMID: 32038280 PMCID: PMC6987412 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the etiological mechanisms leading up to epilepsy has undergone radical changes over time due to more insights into the complexity of the disease. The traditional hypothesis emphasized network hyperexcitability and an imbalance of inhibition and excitation, eventually leading to seizures. In this context, the contribution of the vascular system, and particularly the interactions between blood vessels and neuronal tissue, came into focus only recently. Thus, one highly exciting causative or contributing factor of epileptogenesis is the disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the context of not only posttraumatic epilepsy, but also other etiologies. This hypothesis is now recognized as a synergistic mechanism that can give rise to epilepsy, and BBB repair for restoration of cerebrovascular integrity is considered a therapeutic alternative. Endothelial cells lining the inner surface of blood vessels are an integral component of the BBB system. Sealed by tight junctions, they are crucial in maintaining homeostatic activities of the brain, as well as acting as an interface in the neurovascular unit. Additional potential vascular mechanisms such as inflammation, altered neurovascular coupling, or changes in blood flow that can modulate neuronal circuit activity have been implicated in epilepsy. Our own work has shown how intrinsic defects within endothelial cells from the earliest developmental time points, which preclude neuronal changes, can lead to vascular abnormalities and autonomously support the development of hyperexcitability and epileptiform activity. In this article, we review the importance of vascular integrity and signaling for network excitability and epilepsy by highlighting complementary basic and clinical research studies and by outlining possible novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jugajyoti Baruah
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory, Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Anju Vasudevan
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory, Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Rüdiger Köhling
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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7
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Zhang Y, Zhu W, Yu H, Yu J, Zhang M, Pan X, Gao X, Wang Q, Sun H. P2Y4/TSP-1/TGF-β1/pSmad2/3 pathway contributes to acute generalized seizures induced by kainic acid. Brain Res Bull 2019; 149:106-119. [PMID: 31005663 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is accompanied by angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/phosphorylated small mothers against decapentaplegic 2 and 3 (pSmad2/3)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, activated by thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), which is further regulated by Y type P2 purinergic receptor activity, may participate in angiogenesis. We sought to investigate the relationship between the P2R/TSP-1/TGF-β1/pSmad2/3/VEGF pathway, angiogenesis, and BBB damage in a kainic acid (KA) model of acute generalized seizure. Our results demonstrated that KA-induced seizures were accompanied by angiogenesis and BBB damage. In addition, expression of TSP-1, TGF-β1, and pSmad2/3 was increased. Rats treated with pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2', 4'-disulfonic acid, a broad P2 receptor antagonist, or Reactive Blue 2, a potent P2Y4 receptor antagonist, showed significant attenuation of TSP-1 expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation levels. Furthermore, angiogenesis, BBB damage, and acute seizure severity were also reduced. The inhibition of TSP-1 expression by siRNA or TGF-β1 activation by Leu-Ser-Lys-Leu (LSKL) treatment prevented KA-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3, angiogenesis, BBB damage, and acute seizures. Our results strongly indicate that the P2Y4/TSP-1/TGF-β1/pSmad2/3/VEGF pathway plays an essential role in seizure pathophysiology and angiogenesis. Therapeutic interventions targeting this pathway may offer new treatment options for acute seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Haiying Yu
- Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Mengdi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xiaohong Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xue Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Qiaoyun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Hongliu Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.
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8
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Yang JS, Wei HX, Chen PP, Wu G. Roles of Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling in central nervous system injury and recovery. Exp Ther Med 2018. [PMID: 29456630 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5702.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple cellular components are involved in the complex pathological process following central nervous system (CNS) injury, including neurons, glial cells and endothelial cells. Previous studies and neurotherapeutic clinical trials have assessed the molecular mechanisms that underlie neuronal cell death following CNS injury. However, this approach has largely failed to reduce CNS damage or improve the functional recovery of patients. Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors and ephrin ligands have attracted considerable attention since their discovery, due to their extensive distribution and unique bidirectional signaling between astrocytes and neurons. Previous studies have investigated the roles of Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling in the developing central nervous system. It was determined that Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling is expressed in various CNS regions and cell types, and that it serves diverse roles in the adult CNS. In the present review, the roles of Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling in CNS injuries are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Shan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Xing Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Ping-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
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9
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Yang JS, Wei HX, Chen PP, Wu G. Roles of Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling in central nervous system injury and recovery. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:2219-2227. [PMID: 29456630 PMCID: PMC5795627 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple cellular components are involved in the complex pathological process following central nervous system (CNS) injury, including neurons, glial cells and endothelial cells. Previous studies and neurotherapeutic clinical trials have assessed the molecular mechanisms that underlie neuronal cell death following CNS injury. However, this approach has largely failed to reduce CNS damage or improve the functional recovery of patients. Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors and ephrin ligands have attracted considerable attention since their discovery, due to their extensive distribution and unique bidirectional signaling between astrocytes and neurons. Previous studies have investigated the roles of Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling in the developing central nervous system. It was determined that Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling is expressed in various CNS regions and cell types, and that it serves diverse roles in the adult CNS. In the present review, the roles of Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling in CNS injuries are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Shan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Xing Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Ping-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
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