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1.
Mol Biol Rep ; 51(1): 408, 2024 Mar 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38460043

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To describe an oncolytic adenovirus (OAd) encoding SP-SA-E7-4-1BBL that is capable of inducing tumor regression in therapeutic assays. Herein, we tested whether the antitumor effect is given by the induction of a tumor-specific immune response, as well as the minimum dose needed to elicit antitumor protection and monitor the OAd biodistribution over time. METHODS AND RESULTS: C57BL/6 mice (n = 5) per group were immunized twice with OAds encoding SP-SA-E7-4-1BBL, SA-E7-4-1BBL, or SP-SA-4-1BBL and challenged with TC-1 cancer cells. The DNA construct SP-SA-E7-4-1BBL was employed as a control via biolistic or PBS injection. Groups without tumor development at 47 days were rechallenged with TC-1 cells, and follow-up lasted until day 90. The minimum dose of OAd to induce the antitumor effect was established by immunization using serial dilution doses. The cytometry bead assay and the ELISpot assay were used to evaluate cytokine release in response to ex vivo antigenic stimulation. The distribution profile of the OAd vaccine was evaluated in the different organs by histological, immunohistochemical and qPCR analyses. The OAd SP-SA-E7-4-1BBL-immunized mice did not develop tumors even in a rechallenge. A protective antitumor effect was observed from a dose that is one hundredth of most reports of adenoviral vaccines. Immunization with OAd increases Interferon-gamma-producing cells in response to antigen stimulation. OAd was detected in tumors over time, with significant morphological changes, contrary to nontumor tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The OAd SP-SA-E7-4-1BBL vaccine confers a prophylactic, safe, long-lasting, and antigen-dependent antitumor effect mediated by a Th1 antitumor immune response.


Subject(s)
Cancer Vaccines , Neoplasms , Animals , Mice , Human papillomavirus 16 , 4-1BB Ligand/genetics , 4-1BB Ligand/pharmacology , Tissue Distribution , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Adenoviridae/genetics , Immunity , Neoplasms/therapy
2.
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) ; 69(15): 26-37, 2023 Dec 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38279502

ABSTRACT

Chronic diseases are a worldwide health problem directly related to society, lifestyle, and the development of unhealthy habits over time. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes are the main causes of death. Environmental factors, such as air pollutants, poor diet, genetic predisposition, or a combination of these, are related to the development of these diseases. These factors activate cell mechanisms, such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, inflammation, and cell death. Depending on the dose and duration of exposure to causative agents, this cell damage can be acute or chronic. Activating these cell mechanisms can rescue normal cell function and cause permanent damage, unleashing the degeneration of tissues and organs over time. A wide variety of treatments help control chronic diseases; however, they cannot be cured completely. This fact leads to complications, dysfunctions, and disabilities. Herein, we discuss some of the principal mechanisms involved and how cellular stress can lead to these diseases when they persist for a long time.


Subject(s)
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress , Oxidative Stress , Humans , Chronic Disease , Inflammation , Cell Death , Autophagy
3.
Int J Mol Sci ; 24(2)2023 Jan 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36674772

ABSTRACT

Biometals are all metal ions that are essential for all living organisms. About 40% of all enzymes with known structures require biometals to function correctly. The main target of damage by biometals is the central nervous system (CNS). Biometal dysregulation (metal deficiency or overload) is related to pathological processes. Chronic occupational and environmental exposure to biometals, including iron and copper, is related to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). Indeed, biometals have been shown to induce a dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra. Although the etiology of PD is still unknown, oxidative stress dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibition of both the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy are related to dopaminergic neuronal death. Herein, we addressed the involvement of redox-active biometals, iron, and copper, as oxidative stress and neuronal death inducers, as well as the current metal chelation-based therapy in PD.


Subject(s)
Parkinson Disease , Trace Elements , Humans , Parkinson Disease/pathology , Copper , Metals , Iron , Oxidative Stress , Oxidation-Reduction , Dopaminergic Neurons/pathology , Chelating Agents/pharmacology , Chelating Agents/therapeutic use
4.
Int J Mol Sci ; 22(12)2021 Jun 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34207500

ABSTRACT

The ability of tumor cells to evade the immune system is one of the main challenges we confront in the fight against cancer. Multiple strategies have been developed to counteract this situation, including the use of immunostimulant molecules that play a key role in the anti-tumor immune response. Such a response needs to be tumor-specific to cause as little damage as possible to healthy cells and also to track and eliminate disseminated tumor cells. Therefore, the combination of immunostimulant molecules and tumor-associated antigens has been implemented as an anti-tumor therapy strategy to eliminate the main obstacles confronted in conventional therapies. The immunostimulant 4-1BBL belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family and it has been widely reported as the most effective member for activating lymphocytes. Hence, we will review the molecular, pre-clinical, and clinical applications in conjunction with tumor-associated antigens in antitumor immunotherapy, as well as the main molecular pathways involved in this association.


Subject(s)
4-1BB Ligand/immunology , Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology , Immunity, Innate , Lymphocyte Activation , Neoplasm Proteins/immunology , Neoplasms/immunology , Animals , Humans , Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasms/therapy
5.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 57(11)2021 Oct 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34833355

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main triggers for the development of gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, the objective of the present work consisted of determining the nutrients present in the bone broth (BB) and evaluating their anti-inflammatory properties in a murine model of UC, induced by intrarectal administration of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), and acetic acid (AcOH). The BB was prepared from the femur of bovine cattle and cooked in distilled water for 8 h at 100 ± 2 °C. Materials and Methods: The BB was administered ad libitum to BALB/c mice for 10 days before the induction of UC. Colon samples were collected for histological analysis and determination of cytokine expression levels by qPCR. Results: It was found that amino acids (AA) are the main nutritional contribution of BB, 54.56% of these correspond to essential AA. The prophylactic administration of BB in the murine model of UC reduced histological damage, decreased the expression of IL-1ß (61.12%), IL-6 (94.70%), and TNF-α (68.88%), and increased the expression of INF-γ (177.06%), IL-4 (541.36%), and IL-10 (531.97%). Conclusions: This study shows that BB has anti-inflammatory properties, and its consumption can decrease the symptoms of UC.


Subject(s)
Colitis, Ulcerative/etiology , Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy , Malnutrition/complications , Nutrients/therapeutic use , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Cattle , Cytokines , Disease Models, Animal , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid/therapeutic use
6.
Microb Pathog ; 142: 104073, 2020 Feb 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32070747

ABSTRACT

A pulmonary infection model due to Scedosporium apiospermum in immunocompetent mice was developed. BALB/c mice were infected by endotracheal intubation with 5 × 106 conidia/mouse and disease progression was evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 16, 21, 30, 50 and 60 post-infection through quantitative culture and histopathological analysis of lungs, livers, spleens, brains, and kidneys. There was no extrapulmonary dissemination during the study nor shown to be a lethal infection. The fungal burden in lungs was maintained from day 1-5 and gradually decreased by day 30 post-challenge. On day 60, 30% of mice showed complete elimination of the fungus. Severe alterations in the lung tissue were observed, as well as the presence of conidia and hyphae surrounded by a cellular infiltrate composed mainly of neutrophils in the first days of the infection. The elimination of fungal cells and normal tissue morphology were recovered throughout the study.

7.
Cell Biol Int ; 43(7): 809-819, 2019 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31050073

ABSTRACT

Our research group has developed a cell-penetrating peptide-based delivery system that includes the Asn194Lys mutation in the rabies virus glycoprotein-9R peptide (mRVG-9R). This system has the capacity to deliver DNA in astrocytes and SH-SY5Y cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the mRVG-9R peptide to deliver DNA molecules to murine brain cells. The mRVG-9R peptide, a karyophilic peptide (KP) and a plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) were bound by electrostatic charges to form the mRVG-9R complex. mRVG-9R complex was injected into the cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice by stereotactic surgery. After 2, 4, and 20 days, the animals were sacrificed and their brains were prepared for quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and histological analysis. We detected the GFP expression in neurons and glial cells in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampus of the murine brain. The results suggest that the mRVG-9R peptide has the ability to deliver DNA molecules to murine brain cells. Also, the expression of the reporter gene is maintained at least up to 20 days after injection in neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia cells. Thus, the in vivo transfection ability of the mRVG-9R peptide, makes it a promising candidate as a therapeutic gene delivery vector to the central nervous system cells.


Subject(s)
Cell-Penetrating Peptides/pharmacology , Corpus Striatum/drug effects , Drug Carriers/pharmacology , Glycoproteins/pharmacology , Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism , Hippocampus/drug effects , Peptide Fragments/pharmacology , Viral Proteins/pharmacology , Animals , Astrocytes/cytology , Astrocytes/drug effects , Corpus Striatum/cytology , Genes, Reporter , Genetic Vectors/therapeutic use , Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics , Hippocampus/cytology , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Microglia/cytology , Neurons/cytology , Neurons/drug effects , Oligodendroglia/cytology , Oligodendroglia/drug effects , Transfection/methods
9.
Int J Mol Sci ; 20(20)2019 Oct 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31627374

ABSTRACT

In cartilage tissue engineering, biphasic scaffolds (BSs) have been designed not only to influence the recapitulation of the osteochondral architecture but also to take advantage of the healing ability of bone, promoting the implant's integration with the surrounding tissue and then bone restoration and cartilage regeneration. This study reports the development and characterization of a BS based on the assembly of a cartilage phase constituted by fibroin biofunctionalyzed with a bovine cartilage matrix, cellularized with differentiated autologous pre-chondrocytes and well attached to a bone phase (decellularized bovine bone) to promote cartilage regeneration in a model of joint damage in pigs. BSs were assembled by fibroin crystallization with methanol, and the mechanical features and histological architectures were evaluated. The scaffolds were cellularized and matured for 12 days, then implanted into an osteochondral defect in a porcine model (n = 4). Three treatments were applied per knee: Group I, monophasic cellular scaffold (single chondral phase); group II (BS), cellularized only in the chondral phase; and in order to study the influence of the cellularization of the bone phase, Group III was cellularized in chondral phases and a bone phase, with autologous osteoblasts being included. After 8 weeks of surgery, the integration and regeneration tissues were analyzed via a histology and immunohistochemistry evaluation. The mechanical assessment showed that the acellular BSs reached a Young's modulus of 805.01 kPa, similar to native cartilage. In vitro biological studies revealed the chondroinductive ability of the BSs, evidenced by an increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen, both secreted by the chondrocytes cultured on the scaffold during 28 days. No evidence of adverse or inflammatory reactions was observed in the in vivo trial; however, in Group I, the defects were not reconstructed. In Groups II and III, a good integration of the implant with the surrounding tissue was observed. Defects in group II were fulfilled via hyaline cartilage and normal bone. Group III defects showed fibrous repair tissue. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the efficacy of a biphasic and bioactive scaffold based on silk fibroin and cellularized only in the chondral phase, which entwined chondroinductive features and a biomechanical capability with an appropriate integration with the surrounding tissue, representing a promising alternative for osteochondral tissue-engineering applications.


Subject(s)
Bone Regeneration , Tissue Engineering/methods , Animals , Cartilage , Cell Differentiation , Chondrocytes , Fibroins , Swine , Tissue Scaffolds
10.
J BUON ; 23(3): 541-549, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30003717

ABSTRACT

Currently, nanomedicine is approaching the research of nanomaterials that could work as drug delivery systems, to increase the efficiency, specificity and safety of drugs reducing toxicity and side effects. In this regard, carbon nanotubes have acquired great interest due to their physicochemical properties. The use of platinum-based drugs is facing some troubles in the clinic due to their side effects such as nephrotoxicity, neutropenia, neurotoxicity, among others. In addition, cases of tumors resistant to these drugs have been recently observed. The goal of this review was to analyze the reports about the use of formulations of platinum-based drugs in carbon nanotubes, to know and establish the most functional and potential conditions for its use in cancer treatment, identifying perspectives and develop areas for the improvement of these nanomaterials in the application of cancer therapy.


Subject(s)
Drug Carriers/administration & dosage , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Nanomedicine/methods , Nanotubes, Carbon , Organoplatinum Compounds/administration & dosage , Animals , Humans
11.
J BUON ; 23(6): 1893-1903, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30610819

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Advanced cancer is a catastrophic medical condition that is generally treated with surgery and conventional anticancer drugs, which are very toxic and often fail. A promising alternative is using genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells. A popular method for genetically engineering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is by employing transfection reagents. Nevertheless, a serious limitation of this procedure is its consistently low transfection efficiency. Therefore, the utility of transfection reagents in regenerative medicine - including cancer treatment - might increase strikingly by increasing their transfection efficiency and maintaining, to the greatest extent possible, cell viability and transgene expression levels. The purpose of this study was to analyze various effects on gene expression level, transfection efficiency, and cell viability by increasing the volume of transfection reagents and the plasmid DNA mass. METHODS: Mouse bone marrow MSCs were transfected with trademarked Xfect®, Turbofect® or Lipofectamine 3000® and the plasmid pTracer-EF-His-A® expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Additionally, we tested a protocol modification recommended by the Xfect manufacturer. The GFP expression level, transfection efficiency, and cell viability were evaluated together using a performance index. RESULTS: By doubling the quantities recommended by the manufacturers (reagent volume), plasmid DNA mass or both variables and by following a modified Xfect method, the transfection efficiency improved to 70%, the cell viability did not diminish, and the performance index increased to 47.7% with respect to the values determined using the original Xfect protocol. CONCLUSION: Transgene expression levels, transfection efficiency, and cell viability may be strikingly improved, by increasing the volume of the transfectant agent, the plasmid DNA mass or both, beyond those recommended by transfection kit manufacturers.


Subject(s)
Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage , Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Transfection/methods , Transgenes/physiology , Animals , Cell Survival , Cells, Cultured , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C
12.
Med Mycol ; 54(3): 280-6, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26705833

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcus neoformans infection is an important cause of meningitis in HIV/AIDS endemic regions. Antifungals for its management include amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole. Recently, treatment of this mycosis with sertraline has been studied with variable clinical outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess the in vitro antifungal effect of sertraline against clinical isolates of Cryptococcus spp. as well as its in vivo activity in a murine model of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. The in vitro susceptibility to fluconazole, amphotericin B, voriconazole and sertraline of 153 Cryptococcus spp. strains were evaluated according to CLSI procedures. Fungal tissue burden, serum antigenaemia and histopathology, together with the therapeutic efficacy of amphotericin B (3 mg/kg), fluconazole (15 mg/kg), and sertraline (3, 10, and 15 mg/kg) were evaluated in mice intracranially inoculated with one isolate of Cryptococcus neoformans. All strains were susceptible to the antifungals studied and exhibited growth inhibition with sertraline at clinically relevant concentrations. Sertraline at a dose of 15 mg/kg reduced the fungal burden in the brain and spleen with an efficacy comparable to that of fluconazole. In conclusion, sertraline exhibited an excellent in vitro-in vivo anti-cryptococcal activity, representing a possible new alternative for the clinical management of meningeal cryptococcosis.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Cryptococcosis/drug therapy , Cryptococcosis/microbiology , Cryptococcus neoformans/drug effects , Sertraline/administration & dosage , Sertraline/pharmacology , Animal Structures/microbiology , Animals , Colony Count, Microbial , Cryptococcosis/pathology , Cryptococcus neoformans/isolation & purification , Disease Models, Animal , Fungemia/microbiology , Histocytochemistry , Humans , Male , Mice , Treatment Outcome
13.
Neurobiol Dis ; 81: 76-92, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25497688

ABSTRACT

Gene multiplications or point mutations in alpha (α)-synuclein are associated with familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). An increase in copper (Cu) levels has been reported in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of PD patients, while occupational exposure to Cu has been suggested to augment the risk to develop PD. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which α-synuclein and Cu regulate dopaminergic cell death. Short-term overexpression of wild type (WT) or mutant A53T α-synuclein had no toxic effect in human dopaminergic cells and primary midbrain cultures, but it exerted a synergistic effect on Cu-induced cell death. Cell death induced by Cu was potentiated by overexpression of the Cu transporter protein 1 (Ctr1) and depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH) indicating that the toxic effects of Cu are linked to alterations in its intracellular homeostasis. Using the redox sensor roGFP, we demonstrated that Cu-induced oxidative stress was primarily localized in the cytosol and not in the mitochondria. However, α-synuclein overexpression had no effect on Cu-induced oxidative stress. WT or A53T α-synuclein overexpression exacerbated Cu toxicity in dopaminergic and yeast cells in the absence of α-synuclein aggregation. Cu increased autophagic flux and protein ubiquitination. Impairment of autophagy by overexpression of a dominant negative Atg5 form or inhibition of the ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) with MG132 enhanced Cu-induced cell death. However, only inhibition of the UPS stimulated the synergistic toxic effects of Cu and α-synuclein overexpression. Our results demonstrate that α-synuclein stimulates Cu toxicity in dopaminergic cells independent from its aggregation via modulation of protein degradation pathways.


Subject(s)
Copper/pharmacology , Dopaminergic Neurons/drug effects , Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Proteolysis/drug effects , alpha-Synuclein/metabolism , Animals , Apoptosis/drug effects , Caspases/metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism , Embryo, Mammalian , Humans , Leupeptins/pharmacology , Mesencephalon/cytology , Mutation/genetics , Neuroblastoma/pathology , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Signal Transduction/physiology , Time Factors , Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism , alpha-Synuclein/genetics
14.
Biotechnol Lett ; 37(4): 779-85, 2015 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25515795

ABSTRACT

Fusokines are proteins formed by the fusion of two cytokines. They have greater bioavailability and therapeutic potential than individual cytokines or a combination of different cytokines. Interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (CXCL10) and lymphotactin (XCL1) are members of the chemotactic family of cytokines, which induce tumor regression by eliciting immune-system cell chemotaxis. We engineered a replication-deficient adenoviral system expressing CXCL10/XCL1 fusokine (Ad FIL) and assessed its chemotactic response in vitro and in vivo. The CXCL10/XCL1 fusokine elicited a greater chemotactic effect in IL-2 stimulated lymphocytes than individual or combined cytokines in vitro. CXCL10/XCL1 fusokine biological activity was demonstrated in vivo by intratumoral chemoattraction of CXCR3+ cells. Thus, this novel CXCL10/XCL1 fusokine may represent a potential tool for gene therapy treatment of cancer and other illnesses that require triggering immune-system cell recruitment.


Subject(s)
Chemokine CXCL10/metabolism , Chemokines, C/metabolism , Chemotaxis , Genetic Vectors , Lymphocytes/physiology , Mastadenovirus/genetics , Animals , Cell Line , Chemokine CXCL10/genetics , Chemokines, C/genetics , Humans , Lymphocytes/drug effects , Mice, Inbred C57BL
15.
Toxicon ; 244: 107753, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38740098

ABSTRACT

This review analyzes the current progress in loaded nanoparticles (NPs) of plant extracts or isolated antineoplastic compounds used in breast and cervical cancer treatments. Also, it provides a comprehensive overview of the contributions made by traditional medicine and nanomedicine to the research of two of the most prevalent types of cancer in women worldwide: breast and cervical cancer. Searches were conducted in electronic databases to gather relevant information related to the biological activity of the NPs, which were meticulously reviewed. Nanomedicine has advanced to incorporate plant compounds including their crude extracts, in the preparation of NPs. The most used method is green synthesis, whose most outstanding advantages, is the reduced preparation time, and the variety of results that can be obtained depending on the reaction times, pH, temperature, and concentration of both the bio-reducing agent and the compound or plant extract. Most of the studies focus on evaluating crude extracts with high polarity, such as aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic extracts. In conclusion, exploring the use of organic compounds is considered an area of opportunity for further research and future perspectives. Most of the analyzed studies were conducted using in vitro assays, highlighting the relatively recent nature of this field. It is expected that future research will involve more in vivo assays, particularly focusing on isolated cell lines representing the most difficult-to-treat types of cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer like MDA-MB-231. Notably the MCF-7 cell line is one of the most used, while limited studies were found concerning cervical cancer.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Nanoparticles , Plant Extracts , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Humans , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Female , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Nanomedicine
16.
Biotech Histochem ; : 1-7, 2024 May 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38726944

ABSTRACT

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are frequent afflictions related to sports or physical trauma. Autograft reconstruction strategies cause secondary injury to the patient. One alternative, supported by clinical evidence, is porcine xenografts. For clinical use, xenografts must be conditioned to avoid immune rejection. The most widely accepted procedure is tissue decellularization. We analyzed three decellularization strategies: the application of the anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sonication, and freezing and thawing cycles. The treated tissues were evaluated histologically using H&E, Masson's trichrome, Verhoeff-van Gieson staining, and DAPI for fluorescent staining of nuclei. Finally, collagen fiber preservation was evaluated by quantifying this protein by colorimetry. The most efficient decellularization techniques were sonication and SDS. Collagen fibers were preserved in all experimental conditions.

17.
Mol Neurobiol ; 60(12): 7253-7273, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37542649

ABSTRACT

Since the number of aged people will increase in the next years, neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's Disease (PD), will also rise. Recently, we demonstrated that autophagy stimulation with rapamycin decreases dopaminergic neuronal death mediated by oxidative stress in the paraquat (PQ)-induced PD model. Assessing the neurotherapeutic efficacy of autophagy-inducing molecules is critical for preventing or delaying neurodegeneration. Therefore, we evaluated the autophagy inducers metformin and trehalose effect in a PD model. Autophagy induced by both molecules was confirmed in the SH-SY5Y dopaminergic cells by detecting increased LC3-II marker and autophagosome number compared to the control by western blot and transmission electron microscopy. Both autophagy inducers showed an antioxidant effect, improved mitochondrial activity, and decreased dopaminergic cell death induced by PQ. Next, we evaluated the effect of both inducers in vivo. C57BL6 mice were pretreated with metformin or trehalose before PQ administration. Cognitive and motor deteriorated functions in the PD model were evaluated through the nest building and the gait tests and were prevented by metformin and trehalose. Both autophagy inducers significantly reduced the dopaminergic neuronal loss, astrocytosis, and microgliosis induced by PQ. Also, cell death mediated by PQ was prevented by metformin and trehalose, assessed by TUNEL assay. Metformin and trehalose induced autophagy through AMPK phosphorylation and decreased α-synuclein accumulation. Therefore, metformin and trehalose are promising neurotherapeutic autophagy inducers with great potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as PD.


Subject(s)
Metformin , Neuroblastoma , Parkinson Disease , Humans , Animals , Mice , Aged , Parkinson Disease/drug therapy , Trehalose/pharmacology , Trehalose/therapeutic use , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Autophagy , Dopamine , Metformin/pharmacology , Metformin/therapeutic use
18.
Cells Dev ; 175: 203860, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37270067

ABSTRACT

Peroxiredoxins (Prdxs) are thiol-dependent enzymes that scavenge peroxides. Previously, we found that Prdxs were hyperoxidized in a Parkinson's disease model induced by paraquat (PQ), which led to their inactivation, perpetuating reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Herein, we evaluated the redox state of the typical 2-Cys-Prx subgroup. We found that PQ induces ROS compartmentalization in different organelles, reflected by the 2-Cys-Prdx hyperoxidation pattern detected by redox eastern blotting. 2-Cys Prdxs are most vulnerable to hyperoxidation, while atypical 2-Cys Peroxiredoxin 5 (Prdx5) is resistant and is expressed in multiple organelles, such as mitochondria, peroxisomes, and cytoplasm. Therefore, we overexpressed human Prdx5 in the dopaminergic SHSY-5Y cell line using the adenoviral vector Ad-hPrdx5. Prdx5 overexpression was confirmed by western blotting and immunofluorescence (IF) and effectively decreased PQ-mediated mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ROS assessed with a mitochondrial superoxide indicator and DHE through IF or flow cytometry. Decreased ROS mediated by Prdx5 in the main subcellular compartments led to overall cell protection against PQ-induced cell death, which was demonstrated by flow cytometry using Annexin V labeling and 7-AAD. Therefore, Prdx5 is an attractive therapeutic target for PD, as its overexpression protects dopaminergic cells from ROS and death, which warrants further experimental animal studies for its subsequent application in clinical trials.


Subject(s)
Oxidative Stress , Paraquat , Animals , Humans , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/pharmacology , Paraquat/pharmacology , Peroxiredoxins/genetics , Peroxiredoxins/metabolism , Peroxiredoxins/pharmacology , Cell Death/genetics
19.
Neurotoxicology ; 95: 181-192, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36775208

ABSTRACT

The environment, containing pollutants, toxins, and transition metals (copper, iron, manganese, and zinc), plays a critical role in neurodegenerative disease development. Copper occupational exposure increases Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. Previously, we determined the mechanisms by which copper induces dopaminergic cell death in vitro. The copper transporter protein 1 (Ctr1) overexpression led to intracellular glutathione depletion potentiating caspase-3 mediated cell death; oxidative stress was primarily cytosolic, and Nrf2 was upregulated mediating an antioxidant response; and protein ubiquitination, AMPK-Ulk1 signaling, p62, and Atg5-dependent autophagy were increased as a protective mechanism. However, the effect of chronic copper exposure on the neurodegenerative process has not been explored in vivo. We aimed to elucidate whether prolonged copper treatment reproduces PD features and mechanisms during aging. Throughout 40 weeks, C57BL/6J male mice were treated with copper at 0, 100, 250, and 500 ppm in the drinking water. Chronic copper exposure altered motor function and induced dopaminergic neuronal loss, astrocytosis, and microgliosis in a dose-dependent manner. α-Synuclein accumulation and aggregation were increased in response to copper, and the proteasome and autophagy alterations, previously observed in vitro, were confirmed in vivo, where protein ubiquitination, AMPK phosphorylation, and the autophagy marker LC3-II were also increased by copper exposure. Finally, nitrosative stress was induced by copper in a concentration-dependent fashion, as evidenced by increased protein nitration. To our knowledge, this is the first study combining chronic copper exposure and aging, which may represent an in vivo model of non-genetic PD and help to assess potential prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. DATA AVAILABILITY: The data underlying this article are available in the article.


Subject(s)
Neurodegenerative Diseases , Parkinson Disease , Mice , Animals , Male , Copper/toxicity , Copper/metabolism , Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Mice, Inbred C57BL , alpha-Synuclein/metabolism , Parkinson Disease/metabolism , Dopaminergic Neurons , Aging
20.
Daru ; 31(2): 135-144, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37393413

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide synthesized by lower organisms. It has recently received special attention because of its neuroprotective properties by stimulating autophagy in Parkinson's disease (PD) models. Therefore, evaluating whether trehalose affects metabolic organs is vital to determine its neurotherapeutic safety. METHODS: We validated the trehalose neuroprotective dosage in a PD model induced with intraperitoneal paraquat administration twice weekly for 7 weeks. One week before paraquat administration, mice were treated with trehalose in the drinking water and continued along with paraquat treatment. Histological and morphometrical analyses were conducted on the organs involved in trehalose metabolism, including the liver, pancreas, and kidney. RESULTS: Paraquat-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss was significantly decreased by trehalose. After trehalose treatment, the liver morphology, the mononucleated/binucleated hepatocytes percentage, and sinusoidal diameter remained unchanged in each liver lobes. Endocrine and exocrine pancreas's histology was not affected, nor was any fibrotic process observed. The islet of Langerhans's structure was preserved when analyzing the area, the largest and smallest diameter, and circularity. Renal morphology remained undamaged, and no changes were identified within the glomerular basement membrane. The renal corpuscle structure did not suffer alterations in the Bowman's space, area, diameter, circularity, perimeter, and cellularity. Besides, the renal tubular structures's luminal area and internal and external diameter were preserved. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that systemic trehalose administration preserved the typical histological architecture of the organs involved in its metabolism, supporting its safety as a potential neuroprotective agent.


Subject(s)
Paraquat , Trehalose , Mice , Animals , Trehalose/pharmacology , Trehalose/therapeutic use , Kidney , Liver , Pancreas
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