Nalfurafine promotes myelination in vitro and facilitates recovery from cuprizone + rapamycin-induced demyelination in mice.

The kappa opioid receptor has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for promoting remyelination. In the current study, we evaluated the ability of nalfurafine to promote oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation and myelination in vitro, and its efficacy in an extended, cuprizone-induced demyelination model. Primary mouse (C57BL/6J) OPC-containing cultures were treated with nalfurafine (0.6-200 nM), clemastine (0.01-100 µM), T3 (30 ng/mL), or vehicle for 5 days. Using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, we found that nalfurafine treatment increased OPC differentiation, oligodendrocyte (OL) morphological complexity, and myelination of nanofibers in vitro. Adult male mice (C57BL/6J) were given a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone and administered rapamycin (10 mg/kg) once daily for 12 weeks followed by 6 weeks of treatment with nalfurafine (0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg), clemastine (10 mg/kg), or vehicle. We quantified the number of OLs using immunofluorescence, gross myelination using black gold staining, and myelin thickness using electron microscopy. Cuprizone + rapamycin treatment produced extensive demyelination and was accompanied by a loss of mature OLs, which was partially reversed by therapeutic administration of nalfurafine. We also assessed these mice for functional behavioral changes in open-field, horizontal bar, and mouse motor skill sequence tests (complex wheel running). Cuprizone + rapamycin treatment resulted in hyperlocomotion, poorer horizontal bar scores, and less distance traveled on the running wheels. Partial recovery was observed on both the horizontal bar and complex running wheel tests over time, which was facilitated by nalfurafine treatment. Taken together, these data highlight the potential of nalfurafine as a remyelination-promoting therapeutic.

Functional genomics and metabolomics advance the ethnobotany of the Samoan traditional medicine "matalafi".

The leaf homogenate of Psychotria insularum is widely used in Samoan traditional medicine to treat inflammation associated with fever, body aches, swellings, wounds, elephantiasis, incontinence, skin infections, vomiting, respiratory infections, and abdominal distress. However, the bioactive components and underlying mechanisms of action are unknown. We used chemical genomic analyses in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) to identify and characterize an iron homeostasis mechanism of action in the traditional medicine as an unfractionated entity to emulate its traditional use. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the homogenate identified two flavonol glycosides, rutin and nicotiflorin, each binding iron in an ion-dependent molecular networking metabolomics analysis. Translating results to mammalian immune cells and traditional application, the iron chelator activity of the P. insularum homogenate or rutin decreased proinflammatory and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokine responses in immune cells. Together, the synergistic power of combining traditional knowledge with chemical genomics, metabolomics, and bioassay-guided fractionation provided molecular insight into a relatively understudied Samoan traditional medicine and developed methodology to advance ethnobotany.

Synthesis and Detection of BODIPY-, Biotin-, and 19 F- Labeled Single-Entity Dendritic Heparan Sulfate Mimetics.

Heparin and heparan sulfate (HS) are naturally occurring mammalian glycosaminoglycans, and their synthetic and semi-synthetic mimetics have attracted significant interest as potential therapeutics. However, understanding the mechanism of action by which HS, heparin, and HS mimetics have a biological effect is difficult due to their highly charged nature, broad protein interactomes, and variable structures. To address this, a library of novel single-entity dendritic mimetics conjugated to BODIPY, Fluorine-19 (19 F), and biotin was synthesized for imaging and localization studies. The novel dendritic scaffold allowed for the conjugation of labeling moieties without reducing the number of sulfated capping groups, thereby better mimicking the multivalent nature of HS-protein interactions. The 19 F labeled mimetics were assessed in phantom studies and were detected at concentrations as low as 5 mM. Flow cytometric studies using a fluorescently labeled mimetic showed that the compound associated with immune cells from tumors more readily than splenic counterparts and was directed to endosomal-lysosomal compartments within immune cells and cancer cells. Furthermore, the fluorescently labeled mimetic entered the central nervous system and was detectable in brain-infiltrating immune cells 24 hours after treatment. Here, we report the enabling methodology for rapidly preparing various labeled HS mimetics and molecular probes with diverse potential therapeutic applications.

A centenary of service: 100 years of Immunology & Cell Biology.

This year marks the 100th year of the publication of Immunology & Cell Biology since it was first published in March 1924 as the Australian Journal of Experimental Biology and Medical Science. In this Editorial, we recount the journal from its founding, to its focus on immunology, through to the modern era.

The effects of aspirin and ticagrelor on Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated platelet activation: results of a randomized, cross-over trial.

Platelet activation underlies the pathology of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is administered post-AMI to limit this activation. Platelets express Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 1, 2, and 4 and become potently activated in response to TLR2/1 and TLR4 stimulation. However, it is unknown whether antiplatelet agents can protect against platelet activation via these TLR pathways. This study aimed to determine the extent to which TLR-mediated platelet activation can be inhibited by currently used antiplatelet agents. Ten healthy subjects were enrolled into a single-blinded randomized cross-over trial. Subjects received either aspirin monotherapy or DAPT (aspirin in combination with ticagrelor) for 1 week, were washed out, and crossed over to the other drug regimen. Platelet activation was assessed in response to Pam3CSK4 (a TLR2/1 agonist) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS; a TLR4 agonist) at baseline and after each antiplatelet drug regimen. Platelet-surface expression of CD62p and PAC1 by flow cytometry was measured as markers of platelet activation. At baseline, expression of CD62p and PAC1 increased significantly in response to high-dose LPS and in a dose-dependent manner in response to Pam3CSK4. Aspirin monotherapy did not inhibit platelet activation in response to any TLR agonist tested. DAPT with aspirin and ticagrelor only modestly inhibited expression of both activation markers in response to high doses of Pam3CSK4 and LPS. However, incubation with these TLR agonists led to substantial platelet activation despite treatment with these anti-platelet agents. Platelet-TLR2/1 and platelet-TLR4 represent intact on-treatment platelet activation pathways, which may contribute to on-going platelet activation post-AMI.

Methodological considerations for the assessment of ADP induced platelet aggregation using the Multiplate® analyser.

Factors affecting the Multiplate® assay's analytical precision have not been well defined. We investigated the effect of methodological factors on the measurement of ADP-induced platelet aggregation using the Multiplate® assay. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was analysed in whole blood using the Multiplate® assay. We tested the reproducibility of measurement, the effect of different anticoagulants (hirudin, citrate and heparin) and the effect of time delay (15, 30, 45, 60, 120 and 180 minutes) between sampling and analysis in patients. The use of a manual calibrated pipette with the Multiplate® analyser was also tested. The mean coefficient of variation (CV) using the manufacturers recommended methods was 10.8 ± 8.7% (n = 30). When compared to hirudin (359.5 ± 309 AU*min) the use of heparin (521.0 ± 316 AU*min, p = 0.0015) increased platelet aggregation, while the use of sodium citrate (245.0 ± 209 AU*min, p = 0.003) decreased the platelet aggregation (n = 20). The addition of CaCl2 to the citrate-anticoagulated blood resulted in platelet aggregation levels similar to hirudin. Platelet aggregation varied with time delay (n = 20). When compared to platelet aggregation at 30 minutes (391.1 ± 283 AU*min), platelet aggregation was reduced at 60 minutes (335.2 ± 251.6 AU*min, p < 0.05), 120 minutes (198.8 ± 122.9 AU*min, p < 0.001) and 180 minutes (160.7 ± 92 AU*min, p < 0.001). The use of a manual calibrated pipette did not significantly reduce the mean CV in the assay (n = 20). Methodological factors such as the anticoagulant used and the time delay should be standardised where possible to reduce variability, and allow thresholds derived from one study to be comparable across multiple studies.

Mitochondrial genome-knockout cells demonstrate a dual mechanism of action for the electron transport complex I inhibitor mycothiazole.

Mycothiazole, a polyketide metabolite isolated from the marine sponge Cacospongia mycofijiensis, is a potent inhibitor of metabolic activity and mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I in sensitive cells, but other cells are relatively insensitive to the drug. Sensitive cell lines (IC(50) 0.36-13.8 nM) include HeLa, P815, RAW 264.7, MDCK, HeLa S3, 143B, 4T1, B16, and CD4/CD8 T cells. Insensitive cell lines (IC(50) 12.2-26.5 µM) include HL-60, LN18, and Jurkat. Thus, there is a 34,000-fold difference in sensitivity between HeLa and HL-60 cells. Some sensitive cell lines show a biphasic response, suggesting more than one mechanism of action. Mitochondrial genome-knockout ρ(0) cell lines are insensitive to mycothiazole, supporting a conditional mitochondrial site of action. Mycothiazole is cytostatic rather than cytotoxic in sensitive cells, has a long lag period of about 12 h, and unlike the complex I inhibitor, rotenone, does not cause G(2)/M cell cycle arrest. Mycothiazole decreases, rather than increases the levels of reactive oxygen species after 24 h. It is concluded that the cytostatic inhibitory effects of mycothiazole on mitochondrial electron transport function in sensitive cell lines may depend on a pre-activation step that is absent in insensitive cell lines with intact mitochondria, and that a second lower-affinity cytotoxic target may also be involved in the metabolic and growth inhibition of cells.

Sex Differences in Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist Mediated Attenuation of Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain is a common side effect for cancer patients which has limited effective treatment options. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists are a promising alternative to currently available opioid drugs due to their low abuse potential. In the current study, we have investigated the effects of Salvinorin A (SalA) analogues, 16-Ethynyl SalA, 16-Bromo SalA and ethyoxymethyl ether (EOM) SalB, and in a preclinical model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Using an acute dose-response procedure, we showed that compared to morphine, 16-Ethynyl SalA was more potent at reducing mechanical allodynia; and SalA, 16-Ethynyl SalA, and EOM SalB were more potent at reducing cold allodynia. In the mechanical allodynia testing, U50,488 was more potent in males and SalA was more potent in females. There were no sex differences in the acute cold allodynia testing. In the chronic administration model, treatment with U50,488 (10 mg/kg) reduced the mechanical and cold allodynia responses to healthy levels over 23 days of treatment. Overall, we have shown that KOR agonists are effective in a model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, indicating that KOR agonists could be further developed to treat this debilitating condition.

Nalfurafine reduces neuroinflammation and drives remyelination in models of CNS demyelinating disease.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath, resulting in physical and cognitive disability. There is currently no cure for MS, and finding effective treatments to prevent disease progression has been challenging. Recent evidence suggests that activating kappa opioid receptors (KOR) has a beneficial effect on the progression of MS. Although many KOR agonists like U50,488 are not suitable for clinical use because of a poor side-effect profile, nalfurafine is a potent, clinically used KOR agonist with a favorable side-effect profile. METHODS: Using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, the effect of therapeutically administered nalfurafine or U50,488 on remyelination, CNS infiltration and peripheral immune responses were compared. Additionally, the cuprizone model was used to compare the effects on non-immune demyelination. RESULTS: Nalfurafine enabled recovery and remyelination during EAE. Additionally, it was more effective than U50,488 and promoted disease reduction when administered after chronic demyelination. Blocking KOR with the antagonist, nor-BNI, impaired full recovery by nalfurafine, indicating that nalfurafine mediates recovery from EAE in a KOR-dependent fashion. Furthermore, nalfurafine treatment reduced CNS infiltration (especially CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) and promoted a more immunoregulatory environment by decreasing Th17 responses. Finally, nalfurafine was able to promote remyelination in the cuprizone demyelination model, supporting the direct effect on remyelination in the absence of peripheral immune cell invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings support the potential of nalfurafine to promote recovery and remyelination and highlight its promise for clinical use in MS.