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Sagan SA, Moinfar Z, Moseley CE, Dandekar R, Spencer CM, Verkman AS, Ottersen OP, Sobel RA, Sidney J, Sette A, Anderson MS, Steinman L, Wilson MR, Sabatino JJ, Zamvil SS. T cell deletional tolerance restricts AQP4 but not MOG CNS autoimmunity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306572120. [PMID: 37463205 PMCID: PMC10372680 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306572120] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-specific Th17 cells are thought to have a central role in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) pathogenesis. When modeling NMO, only AQP4-reactive Th17 cells from AQP4-deficient (AQP4-/-), but not wild-type (WT) mice, caused CNS autoimmunity in recipient WT mice, indicating that a tightly regulated mechanism normally ensures tolerance to AQP4. Here, we found that pathogenic AQP4 T cell epitopes bind MHC II with exceptionally high affinity. Examination of T cell receptor (TCR) α/β usage revealed that AQP4-specific T cells from AQP4-/- mice employed a distinct TCR repertoire and exhibited clonal expansion. Selective thymic AQP4 deficiency did not fully restore AQP4-reactive T cells, demonstrating that thymic negative selection alone did not account for AQP4-specific tolerance in WT mice. Indeed, AQP4-specific Th17 cells caused paralysis in recipient WT or B cell-deficient mice, which was followed by complete recovery that was associated with apoptosis of donor T cells. However, donor AQP4-reactive T cells survived and caused persistent paralysis in recipient mice deficient in both T and B cells or mice lacking T cells only. Thus, AQP4 CNS autoimmunity was limited by T cell-dependent deletion of AQP4-reactive T cells. In contrast, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-specific T cells survived and caused sustained disease in WT mice. These findings underscore the importance of peripheral T cell deletional tolerance to AQP4, which may be relevant to understanding the balance of AQP4-reactive T cells in health and in NMO. T cell tolerance to AQP4, expressed in multiple tissues, is distinct from tolerance to MOG, an autoantigen restricted in its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A Sagan
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Zahra Moinfar
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Carson E Moseley
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Ravi Dandekar
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Collin M Spencer
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Alan S Verkman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Ole Petter Ottersen
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo NO-0316, Norway
| | - Raymond A Sobel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94305
| | - John Sidney
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Lawrence Steinman
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Michael R Wilson
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Joseph J Sabatino
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Scott S Zamvil
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
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Petrasch-Parwez E, Schöbel A, Benali A, Moinfar Z, Förster E, Brüne M, Juckel G. Correction to: Lateralization of increased density of Iba1-immunopositive microglial cells in the anterior midcingulate cortex of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 272:171. [PMID: 34642774 PMCID: PMC8803670 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-021-01339-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Petrasch-Parwez
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Schöbel
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alia Benali
- Section for Computational Sensomotorics, Department of Cognitive Neurology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Zahra Moinfar
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany ,International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eckart Förster
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Brüne
- Division of Social Neuropsychiatry and Evolutionary Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany ,Department of Psychiatry, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Georg Juckel
- Department of Psychiatry, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany. .,Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Präventivmedizin, LWL- Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr Universität Bochum, Alexandrinenstr.1, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
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Ismail FS, Faustmann TJ, Corvace F, Tsvetanova A, Moinfar Z, Faustmann PM. Ammonia induced microglia activation was associated with limited effects on connexin 43 and aquaporin 4 expression in an astrocyte-microglia co-culture model. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:21. [PMID: 33765917 PMCID: PMC7993489 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00628-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication resulting from acute or chronic liver disease. Hyperammonemia leading to astrocyte swelling and cerebral edema in combination with neuroinflammation including microglia activation, mainly contribute to the pathogenesis of HE. However, little is known about microglia and their inflammatory response, as well as their influence on astrocytic channels and astrocyte swelling under hyperammonemia. Objective To investigate the effects of ammonia on the microglial activation and morphology in different set-ups of an in vitro astrocyte-microglia co-culture model. Further, potential effects on glial viability, connexin 43 (Cx43) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression were tested. Methods Primary rat glial co-cultures of astrocytes containing 5% (M5, representing "physiological" conditions) or 30% (M30, representing "pathological" conditions) of microglia were incubated with 3 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM and 20 mM ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) for 6 h and 24 h in order to mimic the conditions of HE. An MTT assay was performed to measure the viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity of cells. The microglial phenotypes were analyzed by immunocytochemistry. The expression of Cx43 and AQP4 were quantified by immunoblot analysis. Results A significant reduction of glial viability was observed in M30 co-cultures after incubation with 20 mM NH4Cl for 6 h, whereas in M5 co-cultures the viability remained unchanged. Microglial activation was detected by immunocytochemistry after incubation with 3 mM, 5 mM and 10 mM NH4Cl for 6 h and 24 h in M5 as well as in M30 co-cultures. The Cx43 expression was slightly increased in M30 co-cultures after 6 h incubation with 5 mM NH4Cl. Also, the AQP4 expression was slightly increased only in M5 co-cultures treated with 10 mM NH4Cl for 6 h. Under the other conditions, Cx43 and AQP4 expression was not affected by NH4Cl. Conclusions The novel aspect of our study was the significant microglial activation and decrease of viability after NH4Cl incubation in different set-ups of an in vitro astrocyte-microglia co-culture model, contributing to better understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of HE. Hyperammonemia led to limited effects on Cx43 and AQP4 expression, the relevance of these minimal changes should be viewed with caution. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00628-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatme Seval Ismail
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Timo Jendrik Faustmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Franco Corvace
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anamariya Tsvetanova
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Zahra Moinfar
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Pedro M Faustmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory autoimmune disease caused by antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expressed on astrocytes. Binding of AQP4-specific antibodies (NMO-IgG) triggers activation of the complement cascade, which is responsible for astrocyte loss and secondary demyelination. Although the role for the cytolytic complement proteins in astrocyte destruction in NMO is well established, little is known regarding the initial phase of astrocyte injury. In this issue of the JCI, Chen and colleagues evaluated the precytolytic phase when NMO-IgG binds astrocytes in vivo in the absence of exogenous complement. NMO-IgG alone caused astrocyte activation and AQP4 loss. Surprisingly, microglia, CNS-resident innate immune cells that produce endogenous complement, were required for clinical manifestations of disease, a finding that suggests microglia may serve as a therapeutic target in NMO.
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Doosti R, Togha M, Moghadasi AN, Aghsaie A, Azimi AR, Khorramnia S, Moinfar Z, Ensani F, Harirchian MH, Minagar A, Sahraian MA. Evaluation of the risk of cervical cancer in patients with Multiple Sclerosis treated with cytotoxic agents: A cohort study. Iran J Neurol 2018; 17:64-70. [PMID: 30210730 PMCID: PMC6131331] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Background: Since most patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are women, the present study aimed to determine whether treatment of patients with MS by cytotoxic agents is associated with an increased risk of cervical dysplasia. Cancer screening is often neglected in the chronic diseases such as MS, so more attention in this field was needed. Decreasing morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer is the most important goal of screening in female MS patients especially in child bearing age. Thus, it can be said that this is the first study which investigated this important issue. Methods: A total of 129 individuals participated in this cohort study. They were assigned into 3 groups including 43 patients with MS who were treated with cytotoxic drugs, 43 patients with MS on immunomodulators, and 43 normal healthy controls. Pap smears were performed following standard methods and the results obtained from the three groups were compared by statistical analysis. Demographic data, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and Pap smear changes were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The most commonly detected abnormality in all examined patients and healthy controls was inflammation. Five patients with MS who were treated with cytotoxic agents revealed benign cellular changes (BCC) in their Pap smear that were statistically significant in comparison with other groups (P = 0.03). Patients who took Mitoxantrone presented BCC more than other groups [Odds ratio (OR) = 9.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46-60.70]. There was no significant difference between mean duration of MS diagnosis (P = 0.12), mean duration of previous MS treatments (P = 0.25), and mean duration of current MS treatments (P = 0.21) in patients with BCC compared to normal healthy controls or inflammatory change. Conclusion: According to the results of present study, BCC is more frequently observed in patients with MS who were treated with cytotoxic agents with immunosuppressive effect. Since BCC is a 'premalignant condition', the authors suggest that mandatory annual Pap smear should be performed for patients with MS who are treated with cytotoxic agents irrespective of their age in order to detect early signs of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozita Doosti
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Togha
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Neurology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Neurology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Aghsaie
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Azimi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Neurology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Khorramnia
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Moinfar
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Ensani
- Department of Pathology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Harirchian
- Iranian Center for Neurological Research, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Minagar
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mohammad Ali Sahraian
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Iranian Center for Neurological Research, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Mohammadi SF, Bazi-Shad A, Akbarizadeh J, Ashrafi E, Moinfar Z, Shirdel E, Nabavi M, Samiei S, Salehi-Rad S, Solomon AW. Follow-up and report on active trachoma in Zabol, Iran, prompted by Sharifi-Rad and Fallah's observations published in May 2016. New Microbes New Infect 2017; 20:14-15. [PMID: 29158904 PMCID: PMC5682883 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S-F Mohammadi
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran.,Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Bazi-Shad
- Deputy of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - J Akbarizadeh
- Deputy of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - E Ashrafi
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Z Moinfar
- Community and Preventive Medicine Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Shirdel
- Deputy of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - M Nabavi
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Samiei
- Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Salehi-Rad
- Deputy of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - A W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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7
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Ismail FS, Moinfar Z, Prochnow N, Dambach H, Hinkerohe D, Haase CG, Förster E, Faustmann PM. Dexamethasone and levetiracetam reduce hetero-cellular gap-junctional coupling between F98 glioma cells and glial cells in vitro. J Neurooncol 2017; 131:469-476. [PMID: 27848138 PMCID: PMC5350227 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-016-2324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) in astrocytes and glioma cells are important channels for cell-to-cell communication that contribute to homo- and heterocellular coupling. According to recent studies, heterocellular gap-junctional communication (H-GJC) between glioma cells and their surrounding environment enhances glioma progression. Therefore, we developed a new in vitro model to examine H-GJC between glioma cells, astrocytes and microglia. Consequently, F98 rat glioma cells were double-labeled with GJ-impermeable (CM-DiI) and GJ-permeable dye (calcein AM) and were seeded on unlabeled astrocyte-microglia co-cultures. Dual whole cell voltage clamp recordings were carried out on selected cell pairs to characterize the functional properties of H-GJC in vitro. The expression of four types of connexins (Cxs), including Cx32, Cx36, Cx43 and Cx45, and microglial phenotypes were analyzed by immunocytochemistry. The H-GJC between glioma cells and astrocytes/microglia increased after a longer incubation period with a higher number of glioma cells. We provided evidence for the direct GJ coupling of microglia and glioma cells under native in vitro conditions. In addition, we exploited this model to evaluate H-GJC after incubation with levetiracetam (LEV) and/or dexamethasone (DEX). Previous in vitro studies suggest that LEV and DEX are frequently used to control seizure and edema in glioma. Our findings showed that LEV and/or DEX decrease the number of heterocellular coupled cells significantly. In conclusion, our newly developed model demonstrated H-GJC between glioma cells and both astrocytes and microglia. The reduced H-GJC by LEV and DEX suggests a potential effect of both drugs on glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatme Seval Ismail
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Zahra Moinfar
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nora Prochnow
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hannes Dambach
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Hinkerohe
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Claus Gert Haase
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Evangelical Hospital Gelsenkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | - Eckart Förster
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Pedro Michael Faustmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Ocklenburg S, Schmitz J, Moinfar Z, Moser D, Klose R, Lor S, Kunz G, Tegenthoff M, Faustmann P, Francks C, Epplen JT, Kumsta R, Güntürkün O. Epigenetic regulation of lateralized fetal spinal gene expression underlies hemispheric asymmetries. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28145864 PMCID: PMC5295814 DOI: 10.7554/elife.22784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lateralization is a fundamental principle of nervous system organization but its molecular determinants are mostly unknown. In humans, asymmetric gene expression in the fetal cortex has been suggested as the molecular basis of handedness. However, human fetuses already show considerable asymmetries in arm movements before the motor cortex is functionally linked to the spinal cord, making it more likely that spinal gene expression asymmetries form the molecular basis of handedness. We analyzed genome-wide mRNA expression and DNA methylation in cervical and anterior thoracal spinal cord segments of five human fetuses and show development-dependent gene expression asymmetries. These gene expression asymmetries were epigenetically regulated by miRNA expression asymmetries in the TGF-β signaling pathway and lateralized methylation of CpG islands. Our findings suggest that molecular mechanisms for epigenetic regulation within the spinal cord constitute the starting point for handedness, implying a fundamental shift in our understanding of the ontogenesis of hemispheric asymmetries in humans. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22784.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ocklenburg
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department Biopsychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Judith Schmitz
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department Biopsychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Zahra Moinfar
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dirk Moser
- Department of Genetic Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rena Klose
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department Biopsychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie Lor
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department Biopsychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Georg Kunz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Johannes Hospital, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Martin Tegenthoff
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Pedro Faustmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Clyde Francks
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jörg T Epplen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Robert Kumsta
- Department of Genetic Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department Biopsychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Moinfar Z, Dambach H, Schoenebeck B, Förster E, Prochnow N, Faustmann PM. Estradiol Receptors Regulate Differential Connexin 43 Expression in F98 and C6 Glioma Cell Lines. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150007. [PMID: 26919293 PMCID: PMC4769248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumour with male preponderance and poor prognosis. Glioma cells express variable amounts of connexin 43 (Cx43) and estrogen receptors (ERs). Both, Cx43 and ERs, play important roles in cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 17-ß estradiol (E2) on Cx43 expression in two glioma cell lines with variable native expression of Cx43. Materials and Methods F98 and C6 rat glioma cells were cultured for 24 h in the presence of 10 nM or 100 nM E2, and the E2-antagonist, Fulvestrant. An MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability. ERα, ERβ and Cx43 protein expressions were analysed by western blotting and Cx43 mRNA expression was analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. To quantify cell migration, an exclusive zone migration assay was used. Functional coupling of cells via gap junctions was examined using whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Results E2 reduced Cx43 expression in C6 cells, but increased Cx43 expression in F98 cultures. These effects were mediated via ERs. Moreover, E2 promoted C6 cell migration, but it did not affect F98 cell migration. The expression level of ERα was found to be high in C6, but low in F98 cells. ERβ was exclusively expressed in C6 cells. In addition, E2 treatment induced a significant decrease of ERβ in C6 cultures, while it decreased ERα expression in F98 glioma cells. Discussion These findings show that E2 differentially modulates Cx43 expression in F98 and C6 glioma cells, likely due to the differential expression of ERs in each of these cell lines. Our findings point to the molecular mechanisms that might contribute to the gender-specific differences in the malignancy of glioma and could have implications for therapeutic strategies against glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Moinfar
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hannes Dambach
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Bodo Schoenebeck
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eckart Förster
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nora Prochnow
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Pedro Michael Faustmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
- * E-mail:
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10
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Kumar P, Friebe K, Schallhorn R, Moinfar Z, Nau R, Bähr M, Schütze S, Hein K. Systemic Escherichia coli infection does not influence clinical symptoms and neurodegeneration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. BMC Neurosci 2015; 16:36. [PMID: 26088203 PMCID: PMC4472157 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-015-0172-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic infections can influence the course of multiple sclerosis (MS), especially by driving recurrent acute episodes. The question whether the infection enhances tissue damage is of great clinical importance and cannot easily be assessed in clinical trials. Here, we investigated the effects of a systemic infection with Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium frequently causing urinary tract infections, on the clinical course as well as on neurodegeneration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Methods Rats were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG1–125) and challenged intraperitoneally with live E. coli K1 in the preclinical or in the clinical phase of the disease. To ensure the survival of animals, antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone was initiated 36 h after the infection and continued for 3 consecutive days. Results Systemic infection with E. coli did not influence the onset of clinical EAE symptoms or disease severity. Analysis of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells revealed no significant changes in the extent of inflammatory infiltrates, demyelination and neurodegeneration after E. coli infection. Conclusions We could not confirm the detrimental effect of lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation, a model frequently used to mimic the bacterial infection, previously observed in animal models of MS. Our results indicate that the effect of an acute E. coli infection on the course of MS is less pronounced than suspected and underline the need for adequate models to test the role of systemic infections in the pathogenesis of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Kumar
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Katharina Friebe
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Rieka Schallhorn
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Zahra Moinfar
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Roland Nau
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Sandra Schütze
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Katharina Hein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
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Moinfar Z, Dambach H, Faustmann PM. Influence of drugs on gap junctions in glioma cell lines and primary astrocytes in vitro. Front Physiol 2014; 5:186. [PMID: 24904426 PMCID: PMC4032976 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are hemichannels on cell membrane. Once they are intercellulary connected to the neighboring cells, they build a functional syncytium which allows rapid transfer of ions and molecules between cells. This characteristic makes GJs a potential modulator in proliferation, migration, and development of the cells. So far, several types of GJs are recognized on different brain cells as well as in glioma. Astrocytes, as one of the major cells that maintain neuronal homeostasis, express different types of GJs that let them communicate with neurons, oligodendrocytes, and endothelial cells of the blood brain barrier; however, the main GJ in astrocytes is connexin 43. There are different cerebral diseases in which astrocyte GJs might play a role. Several drugs have been reported to modulate gap junctional communication in the brain which can consequently have beneficial or detrimental effects on the course of treatment in certain diseases. However, the exact cellular mechanism behind those pharmaceutical efficacies on GJs is not well-understood. Accordingly, how specific drugs would affect GJs and what some consequent specific brain diseases would be are the interests of the authors of this chapter. We would focus on pharmaceutical effects on GJs on astrocytes in specific diseases where GJs could possibly play a role including: (1) migraine and a novel therapy for migraine with aura, (2) neuroautoimmune diseases and immunomodulatory drugs in the treatment of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, (3) glioma and antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory agents that are used in treating brain tumors, and (4) epilepsy and anticonvulsants that are widely used for seizures therapy. All of the above-mentioned therapeutic categories can possibly affect GJs expression of astrocytes and the role is discussed in the upcoming chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Moinfar
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany ; Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
| | - Hannes Dambach
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
| | - Pedro M Faustmann
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany ; Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
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Kretzschmar B, Hein K, Moinfar Z, Könnecke B, Sättler MB, Hess H, Weissert R, Bähr M. Treatment with atacicept enhances neuronal cell death in a rat model of optic neuritis. J Neuroimmunol 2014; 268:58-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Dambach H, Hinkerohe D, Prochnow N, Stienen MN, Moinfar Z, Haase CG, Hufnagel A, Faustmann PM. Glia and epilepsy: Experimental investigation of antiepileptic drugs in an astroglia/microglia co-culture model of inflammation. Epilepsia 2013; 55:184-92. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Dambach
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research; Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum Germany
| | - Daniel Hinkerohe
- Department of Neurology; Ruhr-University Bochum; Knappschafts Hospital; Bochum Germany
| | - Nora Prochnow
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research; Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN); Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum Germany
| | - Martin N. Stienen
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research; Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum Germany
| | - Zahra Moinfar
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research; Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN); Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum Germany
| | - Claus G. Haase
- Department of Neurology; Holy Spirit Hospital; Köln Germany
| | | | - Pedro M. Faustmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research; Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN); Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum Germany
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Moinfar Z, Dambach H, Gold R, Hinkerohe D, Faustmann P. IL-6, AQP4 and CX43 modulations by estrogen in a model of astrocyte–/INS;microglia: Insight to the NMO and pregnancy outcome. J Neurol Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.07.1359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Sahraian MA, Khorramnia S, Ebrahim MM, Moinfar Z, Lotfi J, Pakdaman H. Multiple sclerosis in Iran: a demographic study of 8,000 patients and changes over time. Eur Neurol 2010; 64:331-6. [PMID: 21071949 DOI: 10.1159/000321649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iran was formerly considered to be located in a low prevalence zone for multiple sclerosis (MS). During the last decade the number of patients has increased. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of MS in the capital city of the country. METHODS We re-evaluated the files of all patients who had registered at the Iranian Multiple Sclerosis Society during a 10-year period. RESULTS 8,146 patients (72.3% female, 27.7% male) with a female-to-male ratio of 2.60 had registered. Mean age of disease onset was 27.24 (SD: 8.32). A relapsing-remitting pattern was recognized in 84.9% of the patients. The number of new registrations tripled from 2002 to 2008 and the female-to-male ratio increased from 2 to 3.12. The prevalence of MS in Tehran is estimated to be at least 51.9 per 100,000. Visual impairment was the main presenting symptom. CONCLUSIONS It seems that the prevalence of MS has increased to a medium-to-high risk level in Iran. The mean age of onset was similar to other studies but the calculated prevalence of early onset MS was increased. The cumulative data indicates that the female-to-male ratio is increasing annually.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is a severe inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with distinguishing features from multiple sclerosis (MS). NMO has an unknown etiology with poor prognosis in which anti-aquaporin-4 receptor IgG seems to play a major role. The purpose of this study is to represent a clinical and demographic data of NMO in Iranian population. METHODS Of 1800 patients attending our MS clinic, 44 patients with NMO were recruited from 2006 to 2009. RESULTS Female to male ratio was 3:1 and the disease affected women in younger ages than men (P = 0.04). The median expanded disability status scale score was 3 and the mean duration of symptoms was 4.53 +/- 3.41 (median = 4) years with annual relapse rate of 1.13 year/patient. The most frequent symptoms at presentation were optic neuritis 22 (50%) and transverse myelitis 14 (31.8%). Out of 12 patients whose titer of NMO-IgG was measured, four (30.7%) patients were seropositive. Twenty-eight patients (63%) received azathioprine for a mean duration of 16.84 +/- 27.91 months with significantly lower annual relapse rate (0.4 year/patient). CONCLUSIONS Iranian patients as a Caucasian population living in Asia seem to have the same clinical features in comparison with the reported studies from Western countries. Although the duration of follow-up was not too long, but they may possibly have a more benign course.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Sahraian
- Department of Neurology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran.
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Sahraian M, Khorramnia S, Moinfar Z, Mohammad Ebrahim M, Lotfi J. FP24-TU-01 Multiple sclerosis in Iran, demographic study of 8000 patients and changes over time. J Neurol Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(09)70390-9] [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: 12/01/2022]
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Omidfar K, Moinfar Z, Sohi AN, Tavangar SM, Haghpanah V, Heshmat R, Kashanian S, Larijani B. Expression of EGFRvIII in Thyroid Carcinoma: Immunohistochemical Study by Camel Antibodies. Immunol Invest 2009; 38:165-80. [DOI: 10.1080/08820130902735998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Gharagozlou M, Abdollahpour H, Moinfar Z, Bemanian MH, Sedaghat M. A survey of pediatricians' knowledge on asthma management in children. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol 2008; 7:85-90. [PMID: 18552410 DOI: 07.02/ijaai.8590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common acute and chronic conditions in children, and the pediatricians are expected to provide an important role for asthma care in this age group, however there is no published information describing the different aspects of their practices about children asthma in Iran. This study was done to characterize the knowledge of the Iranian pediatricians about the diagnosis, treatment and education of asthma in children. Validated questionnaires were completed by 193 pediatricians from different parts of Iran during the International Congress of Pediatrics in Tehran. A total of 193 returned questionnaires (96.5%) were eligible for the survey and analysis. About 49% of the respondents were male and 18% were sub-specialists. Wheezing was the most common mentioned symptoms in taking asthma into consideration. About 40% of these physicians had no plan for doing spirometry in eligible children and 35.2% of them did not have familiarity with peak flowmeter. Also about 17.6% of them paid no regular visits to their asthmatic patients. Only 29% of the respondents indicated that they would prescribe inhaled corticosteroids for a 6-year-old child with moderate persistent asthma and 73.3% of them would prescribe inhaled bronchodilator (Salbutamol) for an acute asthmatic attack as the first drug, while 17.1% of them used epinephrine injection for this purpose. About 42.2% of the respondents did not consider any education or action plan for their patients and only 60.6% of them had access to standard guidelines and educational programs. The results show that there are numerous aspects of children asthma management in Iran which are not consistent with standardized guidelines and recommendations. This survey and the attained information suggest areas for interventions to improve the pediatricians' knowledge about asthma and the disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Gharagozlou
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology of Children's Medical Center Hospital, Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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