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Filis P, Tzavellas NP, Stagikas D, Zachariou C, Lekkas P, Kosmas D, Dounousi E, Sarmas I, Ntzani E, Mauri D, Korompilias A, Simos YV, Tsamis KI, Peschos D. Longitudinal Muscle Biopsies Reveal Inter- and Intra-Subject Variability in Cancer Cachexia: Paving the Way for Biopsy-Guided Tailored Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1075. [PMID: 38473431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051075] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cancer cachexia research, the development and refinement of diagnostic and predictive biomarkers constitute an ongoing challenge. This study aims to introduce longitudinal muscle biopsies as a potential framework for disease monitoring and treatment. The initial feasibility and safety assessment was performed for healthy mice and rats that received two consecutive muscle biopsies. The assessment was performed by utilizing three different tools. Subsequently, the protocol was also applied in leiomyosarcoma tumor-bearing rats. Longitudinal muscle biopsies proved to be a safe and feasible technique, especially in rat models. The application of this protocol to tumor-bearing rats further affirmed its tolerability and feasibility, while microscopic evaluation of the biopsies demonstrated varying levels of muscle atrophy with or without leukocyte infiltration. In this tumor model, sequential muscle biopsies confirmed the variability of the cancer cachexia evolution among subjects and at different time-points. Despite the abundance of promising cancer cachexia data during the past decade, the full potential of muscle biopsies is not being leveraged. Sequential muscle biopsies throughout the disease course represent a feasible and safe tool that can be utilized to guide precision treatment and monitor the response in cancer cachexia research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Filis
- Department of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolaos P Tzavellas
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Stagikas
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christianna Zachariou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kosmas
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evangelia Dounousi
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sarmas
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evangelia Ntzani
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Davide Mauri
- Department of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anastasios Korompilias
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Yannis V Simos
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Tsamis
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Tzavellas NP, Tsamis KI, Katsenos AP, Davri AS, Simos YV, Nikas IP, Bellos S, Lekkas P, Kanellos FS, Konitsiotis S, Labrakakis C, Vezyraki P, Peschos D. Firing Alterations of Neurons in Alzheimer's Disease: Are They Merely a Consequence of Pathogenesis or a Pivotal Component of Disease Progression? Cells 2024; 13:434. [PMID: 38474398 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050434] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, yet its underlying causes remain elusive. The conventional perspective on disease pathogenesis attributes alterations in neuronal excitability to molecular changes resulting in synaptic dysfunction. Early hyperexcitability is succeeded by a progressive cessation of electrical activity in neurons, with amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers and tau protein hyperphosphorylation identified as the initial events leading to hyperactivity. In addition to these key proteins, voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels play a decisive role in the altered electrical properties of neurons in AD. Impaired synaptic function and reduced neuronal plasticity contribute to a vicious cycle, resulting in a reduction in the number of synapses and synaptic proteins, impacting their transportation inside the neuron. An understanding of these neurophysiological alterations, combined with abnormalities in the morphology of brain cells, emerges as a crucial avenue for new treatment investigations. This review aims to delve into the detailed exploration of electrical neuronal alterations observed in different AD models affecting single neurons and neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P Tzavellas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Tsamis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Ioannina, 455 00 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Andreas P Katsenos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athena S Davri
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Yannis V Simos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ilias P Nikas
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 2029 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefanos Bellos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foivos S Kanellos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Spyridon Konitsiotis
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Ioannina, 455 00 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Labrakakis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Patra Vezyraki
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
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Mouchtouri ET, Konstantinou T, Lekkas P, Lianopoulou A, Kotsaridou Z, Mourouzis I, Pantos C, Kolettis TM. Endothelin Modulates Rhythm Disturbances and Autonomic Responses to Acute Emotional Stress in Rats. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:1401. [PMID: 37998000 PMCID: PMC10669295 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111401] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous peptide endothelin is currently under investigation as a modulatory factor of autonomic responses to acute emotional stress. Baseline plasma levels of endothelin alter blood pressure responses, but it remains unclear whether autonomic activity and arrhythmogenesis (i.e., brady- or tachyarrhythmias) are affected. We recorded sympathetic and vagal indices (derived from heart rate variability analysis), rhythm disturbances, voluntary motion, and systolic blood pressure after acute emotional stress in conscious rats with implanted telemetry devices. Two strains were compared, namely wild-type and ETB-deficient rats, the latter displaying elevated plasma endothelin. No differences in heart rate or blood pressure were evident, but sympathetic responses were blunted in ETB-deficient rats, contrasting prompt activation in wild-type rats. Vagal withdrawal was observed in both strains at the onset of stress, but vagal activity was subsequently restored in ETB-deficient rats, accompanied by low voluntary motion during recovery. Reflecting such distinct autonomic patterns, frequent premature ventricular contractions were recorded in wild-type rats, as opposed to sinus pauses in ETB-deficient rats. Thus, chronically elevated plasma endothelin levels blunt autonomic responses to acute emotional stress, resulting in vagal dominance and bradyarrhythmias. Our study provides further insights into the pathophysiology of stress-induced tachyarrhythmias and syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni-Taxiarchia Mouchtouri
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.-T.M.); (T.K.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Thomas Konstantinou
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.-T.M.); (T.K.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | | | - Alexandra Lianopoulou
- School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 10447 Athens, Greece; (A.L.); (Z.K.)
| | - Zoi Kotsaridou
- School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 10447 Athens, Greece; (A.L.); (Z.K.)
| | - Iordanis Mourouzis
- Department of Pharmacology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Constantinos Pantos
- Department of Pharmacology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Theofilos M. Kolettis
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.-T.M.); (T.K.)
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
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Simos YV, Zerikiotis S, Lekkas P, Zachariou C, Halabalaki M, Ververidis F, Trantas EA, Tsamis K, Peschos D, Angelidis C, Vezyraki P. Hydroxytyrosol produced by engineered Escherichia coli strains activates Nrf2/HO-1 pathway: An in vitro and in vivo study. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:1598-1612. [PMID: 37691393 PMCID: PMC10676126 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231187647] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explores the biological effects of hydroxytyrosol (HT), produced by the metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli, in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. In particular, a metabolically engineered Escherichia coli strain capable of producing HT was constructed and utilized. HEK293 and HeLa cells were exposed to purified HT to determine non-toxic doses that can offer protection against oxidative stress (activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway). Male CD-1 mice were orally supplemented with HT to evaluate (1) renal and hepatic toxicity, (2) endogenous system antioxidant response, and (3) activation of Nrf2/HO-1 system in the liver. HT protected cells from oxidative stress through the activation of Nrf2 regulatory network. Activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway was also observed in the hepatic tissue of the mice. HT supplementation was safe and produced differential effects on mice's endogenous antioxidant defense system. HT biosynthesized from genetically modified Escherichia coli strains is an alternative method to produce high-quality HT that exerts favorable effects in the regulation of the organism's response to oxidative stress. Nonetheless, further investigation of the multifactorial action of HT on the antioxidant network regulation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannis V Simos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Stelios Zerikiotis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Christianna Zachariou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Maria Halabalaki
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli Zografou, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Filippos Ververidis
- Laboratory of Biological and Biotechnological Applications, Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, Heraklion 71410, Crete, Greece
- Agri-Food and Life Sciences Institute, Research Center of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, Heraklion 71410, Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanouil A Trantas
- Laboratory of Biological and Biotechnological Applications, Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, Heraklion 71410, Crete, Greece
- Agri-Food and Life Sciences Institute, Research Center of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, Heraklion 71410, Crete, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsamis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Charalampos Angelidis
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Patra Vezyraki
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina 45110, Greece
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Simos YV, Zerikiotis S, Lekkas P, Athinodorou AM, Zachariou C, Tzima C, Assariotakis A, Peschos D, Tsamis K, Halabalaki M, Ververidis F, Trantas EA, Economou G, Tarantilis P, Vontzalidou A, Vallianatou I, Angelidis C, Vezyraki P. Oral Supplementation with Hydroxytyrosol Synthesized Using Genetically Modified Escherichia coli Strains and Essential Oils Mixture: A Pilot Study on the Safety and Biological Activity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030770. [PMID: 36985343 PMCID: PMC10051181 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Several natural compounds have been explored as immune-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements. Amongst them, hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant found in olive products, and endemic medicinal plants have attracted the scientific community’s and industry’s interest. We investigated the safety and biological activity of a standardised supplement containing 10 mg of hydroxytyrosol synthesized using genetically modified Escherichia coli strains and equal amounts (8.33 μL) of essential oils from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Salvia fruticosa and Crithmum maritimum in an open-label, single-arm, prospective clinical study. The supplement was given to 12 healthy subjects, aged 26–52, once a day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood was collected at three-time points (weeks 0, 8 and follow-up at 12) for analysis, which included full blood count and biochemical determination of lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and liver function panel. Specific biomarkers, namely homocysteine, oxLDL, catalase and total glutathione (GSH) were also studied. The supplement induced a significant reduction in glucose, homocysteine and oxLDL levels and was tolerated by the subjects who reported no side effects. Cholesterol, triglyceride levels and liver enzymes remained unaffected except for LDH. These data indicate the supplement’s safety and its potential health-beneficial effects against pathologic conditions linked to cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannis V. Simos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Correspondence: (Y.V.S.); (P.V.); Tel.: +30-2651-007-602 (Y.V.S.); +30-2651-007-575 (P.V.)
| | - Stelios Zerikiotis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Antrea-Maria Athinodorou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christianna Zachariou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christina Tzima
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros Assariotakis
- Laboratory of Agronomy, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsamis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Halabalaki
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli Zografou, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Filippos Ververidis
- Laboratory of Biological & Biotechnological Applications, Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Agri-Food and Life Sciences, Research Center of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emmanouil A. Trantas
- Laboratory of Biological & Biotechnological Applications, Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Agri-Food and Life Sciences, Research Center of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Garyfalia Economou
- Laboratory of Agronomy, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Tarantilis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Charalambos Angelidis
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Patra Vezyraki
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Correspondence: (Y.V.S.); (P.V.); Tel.: +30-2651-007-602 (Y.V.S.); +30-2651-007-575 (P.V.)
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Zekios KC, Mouchtouri ET, Lekkas P, Nikas DN, Kolettis TM. Sympathetic Activation and Arrhythmogenesis after Myocardial Infarction: Where Do We Stand? J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8050057. [PMID: 34063477 PMCID: PMC8156099 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8050057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction often leads to progressive structural and electrophysiologic remodeling of the left ventricle. Despite the widespread use of β-adrenergic blockade and implantable defibrillators, morbidity and mortality from chronic-phase ventricular tachyarrhythmias remains high, calling for further investigation on the underlying pathophysiology. Histological and functional studies have demonstrated extensive alterations of sympathetic nerve endings at the peri-infarct area and flow-innervation mismatches that create a highly arrhythmogenic milieu. Such accumulated evidence, along with the previously well-documented autonomic dysfunction as an important contributing factor, has stirred intense research interest for pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic neuromodulation in post-infarction heart failure. In this regard, aldosterone inhibitors, sacubitril/valsartan and sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors have shown antiarrhythmic effects. Non-pharmacologic modalities, currently tested in pre-clinical and clinical trials, include transcutaneous vagal stimulation, stellate ganglion modulation and renal sympathetic denervation. In this review, we provide insights on the pathophysiology of ventricular arrhythmogenesis post-myocardial infarction, focusing on sympathetic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos C. Zekios
- 1st Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 1 St. Niarxou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (K.C.Z.); (D.N.N.)
- Department of Cardiology, University of Ioannina, 1 St. Niarxou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Eleni-Taxiarchia Mouchtouri
- Department of Cardiology, University of Ioannina, 1 St. Niarxou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, 1 St. Niarxou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, 1 St. Niarxou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios N. Nikas
- 1st Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 1 St. Niarxou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (K.C.Z.); (D.N.N.)
| | - Theofilos M. Kolettis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 1 St. Niarxou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece; (K.C.Z.); (D.N.N.)
- Department of Cardiology, University of Ioannina, 1 St. Niarxou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, 1 St. Niarxou Avenue, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Introduction Acute emotional stress triggers autonomic responses that affect sympathovagal balance. However, the temporal pattern of changes in each autonomic arm during stress and recovery remains unclear. Therefore, we analyzed separately sympathetic and vagal activity, elicited by acute unpredictable stress in a rat model. Methods Continuous electrocardiographic recording was performed during (32 minutes) and after (two hours) successive use of restraint and air-jet stress in 10 rats, whereas five rats served as controls. Sympathetic and vagal indices were calculated non-invasively after heart rate variability analysis. Voluntary motion was quantified during recovery, as an index of continuing anxiety. Results The sympathetic nervous system index increased during stress and remained elevated during the initial stage of recovery. The parasympathetic nervous system index decreased immediately after the onset of stress and remained low throughout the observational period. During recovery, voluntary activity was more pronounced in the stress group than in the controls. Conclusion Successive restraint and air-jet stress in rats increased sympathetic activity and decreased vagal activity. These changes displayed only partial recovery post-stress and were accompanied by enhanced voluntary motion. Our findings may be important in the evaluation of the cardiac electrophysiologic implications of autonomic changes elicited by acute emotional stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni-Taxiarchia Mouchtouri
- Cardiology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC.,Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Ioannina, GRC.,Physiology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | | | | | - Iordanis Mourouzis
- Pharmacology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | | | - Theofilos M Kolettis
- Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Ioannina, GRC.,Cardiology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
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Brakatselos C, Delis F, Asprogerakas MZ, Lekkas P, Tseti I, Tzimas PS, Petrakis EA, Halabalaki M, Skaltsounis LA, Antoniou K. Cannabidiol Modulates the Motor Profile and NMDA Receptor-related Alterations Induced by Ketamine. Neuroscience 2020; 454:105-115. [PMID: 32950556 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-addictive ingredient of cannabis with antipsychotic potential, while ketamine (KET), an uncompetitive NMDA receptor inhibitor, has been extensively used as a psychotomimetic. Only few studies have focused on the role of CBD on the KET-induced motor profile, while no study has investigated the impact of CBD on KET-induced alterations in NMDA receptor subunit expression and ERK phosphorylation state, in brain regions related to the neurobiology and treatment of schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of CBD on KET-induced motor response and relevant glutamatergic signaling in the prefrontal cortex, the nucleus accumbens, the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. The present study demonstrated that CBD pre-administration did not reverse KET-induced short-lasting hyperactivity, but it prolonged it over time. CBD alone decreased motor activity at the highest dose tested (30 mg/kg) while KET increased motor activity at the higher doses (30, 60 mg/kg). Moreover, KET induced regionally-dependent alterations in NR1 and NR2B expression and ERK phosphorylation that were reversed by CBD pre-administration. Interestingly, in the nucleus accumbens KET per se reduced NR2B and p-ERK levels, while the CBD/KET combination increased NR2B and p-ERK levels, as compared to control. This study is the first to show that CBD prolongs KET-induced motor stimulation and restores KET-induced effects on glutamatergic signaling and neuroplasticity-related markers. These findings contribute to the understanding of CBD effects on the behavioral and neurobiological profiles of psychotogenic KET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Brakatselos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michail-Zois Asprogerakas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioulia Tseti
- INTERMED: Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ioulia and Eirini Tseti, Kaliftaki 27, 14564 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros S Tzimas
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftherios A Petrakis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Halabalaki
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Leandros A Skaltsounis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
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9
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Lekkas P, Kontonika M, Georgiou ES, La Rocca V, Mouchtouri ET, Mourouzis I, Pantos C, Kolettis TM. Endothelin receptors in the brain modulate autonomic responses and arrhythmogenesis during acute myocardial infarction in rats. Life Sci 2019; 239:117062. [PMID: 31734261 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117062] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Endothelin has been implicated in various processes in the brain, including the modulation of sympathetic responses. The present study examined the pathophysiologic role of brain endothelin-receptors in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, characterized by high incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. MAIN METHODS We investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of antagonists of endothelin-receptors ETA, ETB, or both, during a 24 h-observation period post-coronary ligation in (n = 70) rats. Continuous recording was performed via implanted telemetry transmitters, followed by arrhythmia-analysis and calculation of autonomic indices derived from heart rate variability. The regional myocardial electrophysiologic properties were assessed by monophasic action potentials and multi-electrode recordings. KEY FINDINGS Sympathetic-activity was decreased and vagal-activity was enhanced after intracerebroventricular ETA-receptor blockade, thus attenuating regional myocardial repolarization inhomogeneity. As a result, the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias was markedly lower in this group. Such effects were also observed after intracerebroventricular blockade of ETB-, or both, ETA- and ETB-receptors, although to a lesser extent. SIGNIFICANCE ETA-receptors in the brain modulate sympathetic and vagal responses and alter arrhythmogenesis during evolving myocardial necrosis in rats. These findings provide insights into arrhythmogenic mechanisms during acute myocardial infarction and call for further investigation on the role of endothelin in the central autonomic network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Lekkas
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Ioannina and Athens, Greece; Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Eleni-Taxiarchia Mouchtouri
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Ioannina and Athens, Greece; Department of Cardiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | - Iordanis Mourouzis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Pantos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Theofilos M Kolettis
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Ioannina and Athens, Greece; Department of Cardiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece.
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10
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Poulia N, Delis F, Brakatselos C, Lekkas P, Kokras N, Dalla C, Antoniou K. Escalating low-dose Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during adolescence induces differential behavioral and neurochemical effects in male and female adult rats. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2681-2693. [PMID: 31626712 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid administration during adolescence affects various physiological processes, such as motor and affective response, cognitive-related functions and modulates neurotransmitter activity. Literature remains scant concerning the parallel examination of the effects of adolescent escalating low-dose Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC) on the behavioral and plasticity profile of adult rats in both sexes. Herein, we investigated the long-term behavioral, neurochemical and neurobiological effects of adolescent escalating low Δ9 -THC doses in adult male and female rats. In adult males, adolescent low-dose Δ9 -THC exposure led to increased spontaneous locomotor activity, impaired behavioral motor habituation and defective short-term spatial memory, paralleled with decreased BDNF protein levels in the prefrontal cortex. In this brain area, serotonergic activity was increased, as depicted by the increased serotonin turnover rate, while the opposite effect was observed in the hippocampus, a region where SERT levels were enhanced by Δ9 -THC, compared with vehicle. In adult females, adolescent Δ9 -THC treatment led to decreased spontaneous vertical activity and impaired short-term spatial memory, accompanied by increased BDNF protein levels in the prefrontal cortex. Present findings emphasize the key role of adolescent escalating low Δ9 -THC exposure in the long-term regulation of motor response, spatial-related cognitive functions and neuroplasticity indices in adulthood. In this framework, these changes could, at a translational level, contribute to clinical issues suggesting the development of psychopathology in a sex-differentiated manner following Δ9 -THC exposure during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafsika Poulia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Brakatselos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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11
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Lekkas P, Georgiou ES, Kontonika M, Mouchtouri ET, Mourouzis I, Pantos C, Kolettis TM. Intracerebroventricular endothelin receptor-A blockade in rats decreases phase-II ventricular tachyarrhythmias during acute myocardial infarction. Physiol Res 2019; 68:867-871. [PMID: 31424250 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelin alters central sympathetic responses, but the resultant effects on arrhythmogenesis are unknown. We examined ventricular tachyarrhythmias after endothelin receptor-A blockade in the brain of Wistar rats with acute myocardial infarction. For this aim, BQ-123 (n=6) or phosphate-buffered saline (n=6) were injected intracerebroventricularly. After 10 min, the left coronary artery was ligated, followed by implantation of telemetry transmitters. Electrocardiography and voluntary activity (as a surrogate of acute left ventricular failure) were continuously monitored for 24 h. Infarct-size was similar in the two groups. There were fewer episodes of ventricular tachyarrhythmias of shorter average duration in treated rats, leading to markedly shorter total duration (12.3+/-8.9 s), when compared to controls (546.2+/-130.3 s). Voluntary activity increased in treated rats during the last hours of recording, but bradyarrhythmic episodes were comparable between the two groups. Endothelin receptor-A blockade in the brain of rats decreases the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias post-ligation, without affecting bradyarrhythmic episodes. These findings call for further research on the pathophysiologic role of endothelin during acute myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lekkas
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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12
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Dhima I, Zerikiotis S, Lekkas P, Simos YV, Gkiouli M, Vezyraki P, Dounousi E, Ragos V, Giannakopoulos X, Baltogiannis D, Kalfakakou V, Evangelou A, Peschos D, Karkabounas S. Curcumin Acts as a Chemosensitizer for Leiomyosarcoma Cells In Vitro But Fails to Mediate Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Cisplatin-Induced Experimental Nephrotoxicity in Rats. Integr Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1534735419872811. [PMID: 31441361 PMCID: PMC6710690 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419872811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various cancers. Although it represents an effective regimen, its application is accompanied by side effects to normal tissues, especially to the kidneys. Cisplatin generates free radicals and impairs the function of antioxidant enzymes. Modulation of cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by specific antioxidant molecules represents an attractive approach to minimize side effects. Methods. We studied the ability of curcumin to sensitize leiomyosarcoma (LMS) cells to cisplatin. Assays for cell proliferation, mitochondrial function, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest were performed using various concentrations of cisplatin and a concentration of curcumin that caused a nonsignificant reduction in cell viability. Moreover, the effect of curcumin was examined against cisplatin-induced experimental nephrotoxicity. Renal injury was assessed by measuring serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the kidney's relative weight. Oxidative stress was measured by means of enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the rats' blood and malondialdehyde levels in rats' urine. Results. In our study, we found that curcumin sensitizes LMS cells to cisplatin by enhancing apoptosis and impairing mitochondrial function. In an in vivo model of cisplatin-induced experimental nephrotoxicity, intraperitoneal administration of curcumin failed to preserve blood's antioxidant enzyme activity and decrease lipid peroxidation. Nevertheless, curcumin was able to protect nephrons' histology from cisplatin's toxic effect. Conclusion. Our results showed that curcumin can act as chemosensitizer, but its role as an adjunctive cisplatin-induced oxidative stress inhibitor requires further dose-finding studies to maximize the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
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13
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Kostara CE, Lekkas P, Vezyraki P, Angelidis C, Deligiannis IK, Bairaktari ET, Kalfakakou V. Lipidome of plasma lipoproteins and liver is zinc- modulated in High fat diet treated mice. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 50:268-275. [PMID: 30262290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) and Zn-transcription Factors regulate the metabolic pathways of lipids and glucose, consequently nutritional zinc deficiency or excess, activates stress pathways and deranges the hepatic metabolism of lipids. High fat diet (HFD) also leads to lipids' profile disorders as well as to intracellular free radicals (FR) accumulation and finally to metabolic stress-syndrome. Study of nutritional Zn effects on the lipidome of plasma lipoproteins and liver, in HFD-mice, was the aim of the present research. Three Zn enriched HF-Diets as follows, 3 mg/kg feed (Zn deficient diet), 30 mg/kg feed (Zn sufficient diet), 300mgZn /kg feed (Zn excess diet) (Mucedola s.r.l Italy-55% cal) were applied respectively to three groups of male wild type (wt) mice (Hybrid F1/F1),C57Bl/6xCBA, one month old, for 10 weeks. Accordingly, mice body weight rate and 1H-NMR spectrum analysis of liver extracts and plasma HDL and non-HDL lipoproteins were evaluated at the end of the experimental period. It is concluded that Zn sufficient diet (30 mg/Kg Feed) creates a highly protective lipidomic profile on plasma and liver lipoproteins of HFD-mice, related to significantly increased antiatherogenic indicators in lipids' composition, compared to mice in nutritional Zn deficiency or excess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Kostara
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Medical Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Laboratory of Physiology-Unit of Environmental Physiology, Medical Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Patra Vezyraki
- Laboratory of Physiology-Unit of Environmental Physiology, Medical Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Angelidis
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis-Konstantinos Deligiannis
- Laboratory of Physiology-Unit of Environmental Physiology, Medical Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni T Bairaktari
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Medical Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Kalfakakou
- Laboratory of Physiology-Unit of Environmental Physiology, Medical Department, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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14
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Kolettis TM, Kontonika M, Lekkas P, Vlahos AP, Baltogiannis GG, Gatzoulis KA, Chrousos GP. Autonomic responses during acute myocardial infarction in the rat model: implications for arrhythmogenesis. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 29:339-345. [PMID: 29634485 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2017-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Autonomic responses participate in the pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction, but their precise time course remains unclear. Here, we investigated the autonomic activity and ventricular tachyarrhythmias in conscious, unrestrained rats post-infarction. Methods The left coronary artery was ligated in 12 Wistar rats, and six rats were sham operated, followed by 24-h electrocardiographic recording via implanted telemetry transmitters. Sympathetic activity was assessed by detrended fluctuation analysis and vagal activity by time- and frequency-domain analysis of heart rate variability. The duration of the ventricular tachyarrhythmias was measured, and voluntary motion served as a marker of heart failure. Results In sham-operated rats, heart rate and sympathetic activity remained low, whereas vagal activity rose progressively after the fourth hour. Post-ligation, medium-sized antero-septal necrosis was observed, reaching ~20% of the left ventricular volume; tachyarrhythmias were frequent, displaying a bimodal curve, and motion counts were low. Vagal activity decreased early post-ligation, coinciding with a high incidence of tachyarrhythmias, but tended to rise subsequently in rats with higher motion counts. Sympathetic activity increased after the third hour, along with a second tachyarrhythmia peak, and remained elevated throughout the 24-h period. Conclusions Vagal withdrawal, followed by gradual sympathetic activation, may participate in arrhythmogenesis during acute myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theofilos M Kolettis
- University of Ioannina, 1 Stavrou Niarxou Avenue, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | - George P Chrousos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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15
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Kontonika M, Barka E, Roumpi M, La Rocca V, Lekkas P, Daskalopoulos EP, Vilaeti AD, Baltogiannis GG, Vlahos AP, Agathopoulos S, Kolettis TM. Prolonged intra-myocardial growth hormone administration ameliorates post-infarction electrophysiologic remodeling in rats. Growth Factors 2017; 35:1-11. [PMID: 28264596 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2017.1297432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Experimental studies indicate improved ventricular function after treatment with growth hormone (GH) post-myocardial infarction, but its effect on arrhythmogenesis is unknown. Here, we assessed the medium-term electrophysiologic remodeling after intra-myocardial GH administration in (n = 33) rats. GH was released from an alginate scaffold, injected around the ischemic myocardium after coronary ligation. Two weeks thereafter, ventricular tachyarrhythmias were induced by programmed electrical stimulation. Monophasic action potentials were recorded from the infarct border, coupled with evaluation of electrical conduction and repolarization from a multi-electrode array. The arrhythmia score was lower in GH-treated rats than in alginate-treated rats or controls. The shape and the duration of the action potential at the infarct border were preserved, and repolarization-dispersion was attenuated after GH; moreover, voltage rise was higher and activation delay was shorter. GH normalized also right ventricular parameters. Intra-myocardial GH preserved electrical conduction and repolarization-dispersion at the infarct border and decreased the incidence of induced tachyarrhythmias in rats post-ligation. The long-term antiarrhythmic potential of GH merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianthi Kontonika
- a Department of Cardiology , Medical School, University of Ioannina , Greece
- b Cardiovascular Research Institute , Ioannina , Greece
| | - Eleonora Barka
- b Cardiovascular Research Institute , Ioannina , Greece
- c Ceramics and Composites Laboratory, Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Ioannina , Ioannina , Greece
| | - Maria Roumpi
- b Cardiovascular Research Institute , Ioannina , Greece
- c Ceramics and Composites Laboratory, Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Ioannina , Ioannina , Greece
| | | | | | - Evangelos P Daskalopoulos
- b Cardiovascular Research Institute , Ioannina , Greece
- d Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique , Brussels , Belgium
| | | | | | - Antonios P Vlahos
- b Cardiovascular Research Institute , Ioannina , Greece
- e Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Child Health , Medical School, University of Ioannina , Ioannina , Greece
| | - Simeon Agathopoulos
- b Cardiovascular Research Institute , Ioannina , Greece
- c Ceramics and Composites Laboratory, Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Ioannina , Ioannina , Greece
| | - Theofilos M Kolettis
- a Department of Cardiology , Medical School, University of Ioannina , Greece
- b Cardiovascular Research Institute , Ioannina , Greece
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16
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Lemas D, Lekkas P, Ballif BA, Vigoreaux JO. Intrinsic disorder and multiple phosphorylations constrain the evolution of the flightin N-terminal region. J Proteomics 2015; 135:191-200. [PMID: 26691840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Flightin is a myosin binding phosphoprotein that originated in the ancestor to Pancrustacea ~500 MYA. In Drosophila melanogaster, flightin is essential for length determination and flexural rigidity of thick filaments. Here, we show that among 12 Drosophila species, the N-terminal region is characterized by low sequence conservation, low pI, a cluster of phosphorylation sites, and a high propensity to intrinsic disorder (ID) that is augmented by phosphorylation. Using mass spectrometry, we identified eight phosphorylation sites within a 29 amino acid segment in the N-terminal region of D. melanogaster flightin. We show that phosphorylation of D. melanogaster flightin is modulated during flight and, through a comparative analysis to orthologs from other Drosophila species, we found phosphorylation sites that remain invariant, sites that retain the charge character, and sites that are clade-specific. While the number of predicted phosphorylation sites differs across species, we uncovered a conserved pattern that relates the number of phosphorylation sites to pI and ID. Extending the analysis to orthologs of other insects, we found additional conserved features in flightin despite the near absence of sequence identity. Collectively, our results demonstrate that structural constraints demarcate the evolution of the highly variable N-terminal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominick Lemas
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States
| | - Bryan A Ballif
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States
| | - Jim O Vigoreaux
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States.
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K. Vishnudas V, S. Guillemette S, Lekkas P, W. Maughan D, O. Vigoreaux J. Characterization of the Intracellular Distribution of Adenine Nucleotide Translocase (ANT) in Drosophila Indirect Flight Muscles. Cell 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/cellbio.2013.23017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Tanner BCW, Miller MS, Miller BM, Lekkas P, Irving TC, Maughan DW, Vigoreaux JO. COOH-terminal truncation of flightin decreases myofilament lattice organization, cross-bridge binding, and power output in Drosophila indirect flight muscle. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2011; 301:C383-91. [PMID: 21593450 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00016.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The indirect flight muscle (IFM) of insects is characterized by a near crystalline myofilament lattice structure that likely evolved to achieve high power output. In Drosophila IFM, the myosin rod binding protein flightin plays a crucial role in thick filament organization and sarcomere integrity. Here we investigate the extent to which the COOH terminus of flightin contributes to IFM structure and mechanical performance using transgenic Drosophila expressing a truncated flightin lacking the 44 COOH-terminal amino acids (fln(ΔC44)). Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements show decreased myofilament lattice order in the fln(ΔC44) line compared with control, a transgenic flightin-null rescued line (fln(+)). fln(ΔC44) fibers produced roughly 1/3 the oscillatory work and power of fln(+), with reduced frequencies of maximum work (123 Hz vs. 154 Hz) and power (139 Hz vs. 187 Hz) output, indicating slower myosin cycling kinetics. These reductions in work and power stem from a slower rate of cross-bridge recruitment and decreased cross-bridge binding in fln(ΔC44) fibers, although the mean duration of cross-bridge attachment was not different between both lines. The decreases in lattice order and myosin kinetics resulted in fln(ΔC44) flies being unable to beat their wings. These results indicate that the COOH terminus of flightin is necessary for normal myofilament lattice organization, thereby facilitating the cross-bridge binding required to achieve high power output for flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand C W Tanner
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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Karkabounas S, Kostoula OK, Daskalou T, Veltsistas P, Karamouzis M, Zelovitis I, Metsios A, Lekkas P, Evangelou AM, Kotsis N, Skoufos I. Anticarcinogenic and antiplatelet effects of carvacrol. Exp Oncol 2006; 28:121-5. [PMID: 16837902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effect of carvacrol on chemical carcinogenesis, cancer cell proliferation and platelet aggregation, and to find possible correlation between all these processes and the antioxidant properties of carvacrol. MATERIALS AND METHODS 3,4-benzopyrene-induced carcinogenesis model using Wistar rats was used. Leiomyosarcoma cells from Wistar rats were used to study carvacrol antiproliferative activity in vitro. The carvacrol antiplatelet properties were investigated with platelet aggregation assay and flow cytometry technique. The production of thromboxane B2, final metabolite of platelet aggregation, was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Our study revealed significant anticarcinogenic properties of carvacrol. We observed 30% decrease of 3,4 benzopyrene carcinogenic activity in vivo. Antiproliferative activity of carvacrol (IC(50)) was 90 microM and 67 microM for 24 h and 48 h of incubation of cells, respectively. Carvacrol possessed also mild antiplatelet effect, inducing the decrease of thromboxane A2 production in platelets and as a result - restrictive expression of the GPIIb/IIIa platelet receptor. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrated that carvacrol possesses anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative and antiplatelet properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Karkabounas
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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