Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT): Monitoring neurovascular changes in a mouse repetitive traumatic brain injury model.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that mild TBI injuries, which comprise > 75% of all TBIs, can cause chronic post-concussive symptoms, especially when experienced repetitively (rTBI). rTBI is a major cause of cognitive deficit in athletes and military personnel and is associated with neurovascular changes. Current methods to monitor neurovascular changes in detail are prohibitively expensive and invasive for patients with mild injuries. NEW METHOD: We evaluated the potential of multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) to monitor neurovascular changes and assess therapeutic strategies in a mouse model of rTBI. Mice were subjected to rTBI or sham via controlled cortical impact and administered pioglitazone (PG) or vehicle. Oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin were monitored using MSOT. Indocyanine green clearance was imaged via MSOT to evaluate blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity. RESULTS: Mice subjected to rTBI show a transient increase in oxygenated/total hemoglobin ratio which can be mitigated by PG administration. rTBI mice also show BBB disruption shortly after injury and reduction of oxygenated/total hemoglobin in the chronic stage, neither of which were affected by PG intervention. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: MSOT imaging has the potential as a noninvasive in vivo imaging method to monitor neurovascular changes and assess therapeutics in mouse models of rTBI. In comparison to standard methods of tracking inflammation and BBB disruption, MSOT can be used multiple times throughout the course of injury without the need for surgery. Thus, MSOT is especially useful in research of rTBI models for screening therapeutics, and with further technological improvements may be extended for use in rTBI patients.

Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy: Recent advances.

From its initial description to the present day, left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy has been the subject of numerous studies and publications. In question as a real cardiomyopathy, left ventricular noncompaction can appear in isolation or in association with other cardiac malformations, genetic syndromes, and neuromuscular disorders. As a genetically heterogeneous disorder, it can be sporadic or familial, with an autosomal dominant pattern with variable penetrance most frequently observed. Different diagnostic criteria have been described through the years, first by using echocardiogram and later on by cardiac magnetic resonance. The lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria has led to the condition being over-diagnosed in the general population. Differential diagnosis between real cardiomyopathy, epiphenomenon (phenocopy in the setting of loading conditions or even other cardiomyopathies), and physiological hypertrabeculation, like in the athlete's heart must be considered. Clinically it can present as heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and even sudden death, but it can also be asymptomatic during familial screening. The main prognosis factors are left ventricular dilatation, dysfunction, and fibrosis. There is no specific treatment. Familial screening is recommended and special recommendations in the case of athletes must be taken into account. In the present article, we review the myth and reality concerning main and more recent aspects of left ventricular noncompaction.

Slow Coronary Blood Flow: Pathogenesis and Clinical Implications.

Coronary slow flow (CSF) phenomenon, also known as cardiac syndrome Y, is defined as the delayed opacification of the coronary vasculature at the distal level. Different hypotheses and theories have been postulated about its substrate and mechanism, such as microvascular and endothelial dysfunction. Several studies have confirmed that CSF is a cause of ischaemia detected by non-invasive testing. Clinically, it can present as angina pectoris, acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death. It has an incidence of 1-5% in patients undergoing coronary angiography and has been most frequently found in young men who are smokers with metabolic syndrome. There are no established treatments for CSF and further studies are still necessary.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Subclinical and Clinical Leaflet Thrombosis: Multimodality Imaging for Diagnosis and Risk Stratification.

In recent years, the phenomenon of subclinical leaflet thrombosis (SLT) in patients who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become increasingly relevant. Hypo-attenuating leaflet thickening and hypo-attenuation affecting motion diagnosed by CT are the hallmarks of SLT, and their incidence varies depending on the intensity of screening. Whether these phenomena are a surrogate for leaflet thrombosis reducing valve durability and increasing the risk of stroke is still a matter of debate. Uncertainty remains over the optimal antithrombotic therapy after TAVI and the best treatment strategy is still not confirmed. Ongoing and future trials will provide more evidence about the best strategy for the prevention and treatment of SLT.

Loop Diuretics Inhibit Ischemia-Induced Intracellular Ca2+ Overload in Neurons via the Inhibition of Voltage-Gated Ca2+ and Na+ Channels.

One consequence of ischemic stroke is disruption of intracellular ionic homeostasis. Intracellular overload of both Na+ and Ca2+ has been linked to neuronal death in this pathophysiological state. The etiology of ionic imbalances resulting from stroke-induced ischemia and acidosis includes the dysregulation of multiple plasma membrane transport proteins, such as increased activity of sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter-1 (NKCC-1). Experiments using NKCC1 antagonists, bumetanide (BMN) and ethacrynic acid (EA), were carried out to determine if inhibition of this cotransporter affects Na+ and Ca2+ overload observed following in vitro ischemia-acidosis. Fluorometric Ca2+ and Na+ measurements were performed using cultured cortical neurons, and measurements of whole-cell membrane currents were used to determine target(s) of BMN and EA, other than the electroneutral NKCC-1. Both BMN and EA depressed ischemia-acidosis induced [Ca2+]i overload without appreciably reducing [Na+]i increases. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels were inhibited by both BMN and EA with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 4 and 36 µM, respectively. Similarly, voltage-gated Na+ channels were blocked by BMN and EA with IC50 values of 13 and 30 µM, respectively. However, neither BMN nor EA affected currents mediated by acid-sensing ion channels or ionotropic glutamatergic receptors, both of which are known to produce [Ca2+]i overload following ischemia. Data suggest that loop diuretics effectively inhibit voltage-gated Ca2+ and Na+ channels at clinically relevant concentrations, and block of these channels by these compounds likely contributes to their clinical effects. Importantly, inhibition of these channels, and not NKCC1, by loop diuretics reduces [Ca2+]i overload in neurons during ischemia-acidosis, and thus BMN and EA could potentially be used therapeutically to lessen injury following ischemic stroke.

Evaluation of cardiovascular events in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib in the clinical practice. The CARDIO-SOR study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The effectiveness of systemic treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends on the selection of patients, management of cirrhosis complications and expertise to treat adverse events. The aims of the study are to assess the frequency and management of cardiovascular events in HCC patients treated with sorafenib (SOR) and to create a scale to predict the onset of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). METHOD: Observational retrospective study with consecutive HCC patients treated with SOR between 2007 and 2019 in a western centre. In order to classify cardiovascular risk pre-SOR, we designed the CARDIOSOR scale with age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and peripheral vascular disease. Other adverse events, dosing and outcome data were collected during a homogeneous protocolled follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-nine patients were included (219 BCLC-C). The median overall survival was 11.1 months (IQR 5.6-20.5), and duration of treatment was 7.4 months (IQR 3.3-14.7). Seventeen patients (6%) stopped SOR due to cardiovascular event. Thirty-three patients suffered MACE (7 heart failure, 11 acute coronary syndrome, 12 cerebrovascular accident and 8 peripheral vascular ischemia); 99 had a minor cardiovascular event, mainly hypertension (n = 81). Age was the only independent factor associated to MACE (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.12; P = .002). The CARDIOSOR scale allows to identify the group of patients with higher risk of MACE (sHR 3.4; 95% CI 1.4-6.7; P = .04). CONCLUSION: The incidence of cardiovascular events in HCC patients treated with SOR is higher than expected. Multidisciplinary approach and clinical tools like CARDIOSOR scale could be helpful to manage these patients.

PRE-084 as a tool to uncover potential therapeutic applications for selective sigma-1 receptor activation.

The discovery of a highly selective putative sigma-1 (σ1) receptor agonist, PRE-084, has revealed the numerous potential uses of this receptor subtype as a therapeutic target. While much work has been devoted to determining the role of σ1 receptors in normal and pathophysiological states in the nervous system, recent work suggests that σ1 receptors may be important for modulating functions of other tissues. These discoveries have provided novel insights into σ1 receptor structure, function, and importance in multiple intracellular signaling mechanisms. These discoveries were made possible by σ1 receptor-selective agonists such as PRE-084. The chemical properties and pharmacological actions of PRE-084 will be reviewed here, along with the expanding list of potential therapeutic applications for selective activation of σ1 receptors.

Sigma-1 receptor activation-induced glycolytic ATP production and endothelial barrier enhancement.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that σ1 modulates endothelial barrier function due to its influence on endothelial bioenergetics. METHODS: Cultured HUVEC monolayers were used to model the endothelial barrier. ECIS, Transwell assays, and immunofluorescence labeling of junctional proteins were used to evaluate endothelial barrier function. Endothelial cell bioenergetics was determined using extracellular flux analysis and direct ATP level measurements. The endothelial-specific contribution of σ1 was tested using the σ1-selective agonist, PRE-084, and with targeted knockdown of σ1 expression using siRNA. RESULTS: Activation of σ1 with PRE-084 significantly enhanced endothelial barrier function and decreased permeability to albumin and dextran. Knockdown of σ1 with siRNA reduced barrier function and abolished PRE-084-induced endothelial barrier enhancement. PRE-084 upregulated endothelial glycolysis and glycolytic ATP production, but this response was abolished by siRNA-mediated knockdown of σ1 expression. PRE-084 also reduced the degree of endothelial barrier dysfunction caused by the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler CCCP. CONCLUSION: Activation of σ1 enhances endothelial barrier function and modulates the ratio of glycolytic versus mitochondrial ATP production. These novel findings suggest that endothelial σ1 may prove beneficial as a novel therapeutic target for reducing microvascular hyperpermeability and counteracting mitochondrial dysfunction.

Activation of Sigma Receptors With Afobazole Modulates Microglial, but Not Neuronal, Apoptotic Gene Expression in Response to Long-Term Ischemia Exposure.

Stroke continues to be a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability. The lack of therapeutic options for treating stroke at delayed time points (≥6 h post-stroke) remains a challenge. The sigma receptor agonist, afobazole, an anxiolytic used clinically in Russia, has been shown to reduce neuronal and glial cell injury following ischemia and acidosis; both of which have been shown to play important roles following an ischemic stroke. However, the mechanism(s) responsible for this cytoprotection remain unknown. Experiments were carried out on isolated microglia from neonatal rats and cortical neurons from embryonic rats to gain further insight into these mechanisms. Prolonged exposure to in vitro ischemia resulted in microglial cell death, which was associated with increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein, Bax, the death protease, caspase-3, and reduced expression in the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Incubation of cells with afobazole during ischemia decreased the number of microglia expressing both Bax and caspase-3, and increased cells expressing Bcl-2, which resulted in a concomitant enhancement in cell survival. In similar experiments, incubation of neurons under in vitro ischemic conditions resulted in higher expression of Bax and caspase-3, while at the same time expression of Bcl-2 was decreased. However, unlike observations made in microglial cells, afobazole was unable to modulate the expression of these apoptotic proteins, but a reduction in neuronal death was still noted. The functional state of surviving neurons was assessed by measuring metabolic activity, resting membrane potential, and responses to membrane depolarizations. Results showed that these neurons maintained membrane potential but had low metabolic activity and were unresponsive to membrane depolarizations. However, while these neurons were not fully functional, there was significant protection by afobazole against long-term ischemia-induced cell death. Thus, the effects of sigma receptor activation on microglial and neuronal responses to ischemia differ significantly.

Structural basis for the antiarrhythmic blockade of a potassium channel with a small molecule.

The acetylcholine-activated inward rectifier potassium current ( IKACh) is constitutively active in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). We tested the hypothesis that the blocking of IKACh with the small molecule chloroquine terminates persistent AF. We used a sheep model of tachypacing-induced, persistent AF, molecular modeling, electrophysiology, and structural biology approaches. The 50% inhibition/inhibitory concentration of IKACh block with chloroquine, measured by patch clamp, was 1 µM. In optical mapping of sheep hearts with persistent AF, 1 µM chloroquine restored sinus rhythm. Molecular modeling suggested that chloroquine blocked the passage of a hydrated potassium ion through the intracellular domain of Kir3.1 (a molecular correlate of IKACh) by interacting with residues D260 and F255, in proximity to I228, Q227, and L299. 1H 15N heteronuclear single-quantum correlation of purified Kir3.1 intracellular domain confirmed the modeling results. F255, I228, Q227, and L299 underwent significant chemical-shift perturbations upon drug binding. We then crystallized and solved a 2.5 Å X-ray structure of Kir3.1 with F255A mutation. Modeling of chloroquine binding to the mutant channel suggested that the drug's binding to the pore becomes off centered, reducing its ability to block a hydrated potassium ion. Patch clamp validated the structural and modeling data, where the F255A and D260A mutations significantly reduced IKACh block by chloroquine. With the use of numerical and structural biology approaches, we elucidated the details of how a small molecule could block an ion channel and exert antiarrhythmic effects. Chloroquine binds the IKACh channel at a site formed by specific amino acids in the ion-permeation pathway, leading to decreased IKACh and the subsequent termination of AF.-Takemoto, Y., Slough, D. P., Meinke, G., Katnik, C., Graziano, Z. A., Chidipi, B., Reiser, M., Alhadidy, M. M., Ramirez, R., Salvador-Montañés, O., Ennis, S., Guerrero-Serna, G., Haburcak, M., Diehl, C., Cuevas, J., Jalife, J., Bohm, A., Lin,Y.-S., Noujaim, S. F. Structural basis for the antiarrhythmic blockade of a potassium channel with a small molecule.

Modulation of mesenteric collecting lymphatic contractions by σ1-receptor activation and nitric oxide production.

Recently, it has been reported that a σ-receptor antagonist could reduce inflammation-induced edema. Lymphatic vessels play an essential role in removing excess interstitial fluid. We tested the hypothesis that activation of σ-receptors would reduce or weaken collecting lymphatic contractions. We used isolated, cannulated rat mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessels to study contractions in response to the σ-receptor agonist afobazole in the absence and presence of different σ-receptor antagonists. We used RT-PCR and Western blot analysis to investigate whether these vessels express the σ1-receptor and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy to examine localization of the σ1-receptor in the collecting lymphatic wall. Using N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) pretreatment before afobazole in isolated lymphatics, we tested the role of nitric oxide (NO) signaling. Finally, we used 4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'-difluorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence as an indicator to test whether afobazole increases NO release in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells. Our results show that afobazole (50-150 µM) elevated end-systolic diameter and generally reduced pump efficiency and that this response could be partially blocked by the σ1-receptor antagonists BD 1047 and BD 1063 but not by the σ2-receptor antagonist SM-21. σ1-Receptor mRNA and protein were detected in lysates from isolated rat mesenteric collecting lymphatics. Confocal images with anti-σ1-receptor antibody labeling suggested localization in the lymphatic endothelium. Blockade of NO synthases with l-NAME inhibited the effects of afobazole. Finally, afobazole elicited increases in NO production from cultured lymphatic endothelial cells. Our findings suggest that the σ1-receptor limits collecting lymphatic pumping through a NO-dependent mechanism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Relatively little is known about the mechanisms that govern contractions of lymphatic vessels. σ1-Receptor activation has been shown to reduce the fractional pump flow of isolated rat mesenteric collecting lymphatics. The σ1-receptor was localized mainly in the endothelium, and blockade of nitric oxide synthase inhibited the effects of afobazole.

MTI-101 treatment inducing activation of Stim1 and TRPC1 expression is a determinant of response in multiple myeloma.

The emergence of drug resistance continues to be a major hurdle towards improving patient outcomes for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma. MTI-101 is a first-in-class peptidomimetic that binds a CD44/ITGA4 containing complex and triggers necrotic cell death in multiple myeloma cell lines. In this report, we show that acquisition of resistance to MTI-101 correlates with changes in expression of genes predicted to attenuate Ca2+ flux. Consistent with the acquired resistant genotype, MTI-101 treatment induces a rapid and robust increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in the parental cells; a finding that was attenuated in the acquired drug resistant cell line. Mechanistically, we show that pharmacological inhibition of store operated channels or reduction in the expression of a component of the store operated Ca2+ channel, TRPC1 blocks MTI-101 induced cell death. Importantly, MTI-101 is more potent in specimens obtained from relapsed myeloma patients, suggesting that relapse may occur at a cost for increased sensitivity to Ca2+ overload mediated cell death. Finally, we demonstrate that MTI-101 is synergistic when combined with bortezomib, using both myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma patient specimens. Together, these data continue to support the development of this novel class of compounds for the treatment of relapsed myeloma.

Kvß1.1 (AKR6A8) senses pyridine nucleotide changes in the mouse heart and modulates cardiac electrical activity.

The present study investigates the physiological role of Kvß1 subunit for sensing pyridine nucleotide (NADH/NAD+) changes in the heart. We used Kvß1.1 knockout (KO) or wild-type (WT) mice and established that Kvß1.1 preferentially binds with Kv4.2 and senses the pyridine nucleotide changes in the heart. The cellular action potential duration (APD) obtained from WT cardiomyocytes showed longer APDs with lactate perfusion, which increases intracellular NADH levels, while the APDs remained unaltered in the Kvß1.1 KO. Ex vivo monophasic action potentials showed a similar response, in which the APDs were prolonged in WT mouse hearts with lactate perfusion; however, the Kvß1.1 KO mouse hearts did not show APD changes upon lactate perfusion. COS-7 cells coexpressing Kv4.2 and Kvß1.1 were used for whole cell patch-clamp recordings to evaluate changes caused by NADH (lactate). These data reveal that Kvß1.1 is required in the mediated inactivation of Kv4.2 currents, when NADH (lactate) levels are increased. In vivo, isoproterenol infusion led to increased NADH in the heart along with QTc prolongation in wild-type mice; regardless of the approach, our data show that Kvß1.1 recognizes NADH changes and modulates Kv4.2 currents affecting AP and QTc durations. Overall, this study uses multiple levels of investigation, including the heterologous overexpression system, cardiomyocyte, ex vivo, and ECG, and clearly depicts that Kvß1.1 is an obligatory sensor of NADH/NAD changes in vivo, with a physiological role in the heart.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cardiac electrical activity is mediated by ion channels, and Kv4.2 plays a significant role, along with its binding partner, the Kvß1.1 subunit. In the present study, we identify Kvß1.1 as a sensor of pyridine nucleotide changes and as a modulator of Kv4.2 gating, action potential duration, and ECG in the mouse heart.

Activation of σ1 and σ2 receptors by afobazole increases glial cell survival and prevents glial cell activation and nitrosative stress after ischemic stroke.

Activation of sigma receptors at delayed time points has been shown to decrease injury following ischemic stroke. The mixed σ1/σ2 receptor agonist, 5-ethoxy-2-[2-(morpholino)-ethylthio]benzimidazole (afobazole), provides superior long-term outcomes compared to other σ ligands in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model. Experiments using the MCAO model were carried out to determine the molecular mechanism involved in the beneficial effects of afobazole. Administration of afobazole (3 mg/kg) at delayed time points post-stroke significantly increased the number of microglia and astrocytes detected in the ipsilateral hemisphere at 96 h post-surgery. Morphological analysis of the microglia indicated that a greater number of these cells were found in the ramified resting state in MCAO animals treated with afobazole relative to MCAO vehicle controls. Similarly, fewer reactive astrocytes were detected in the injured hemisphere of afobazole-treated animals. Both the enhanced survival and reduced activation of glial cells were abolished by co-application of either a σ1 (BD-1063) or a σ2 (SM-21) receptor antagonist with afobazole. To gain further insight into the mechanisms by which afobazole lessens stroke injury, we probed the brain sections for markers of neuroinflammation (tumor necrosis factor α) and nitrosative stress (S-nitrosocysteine). Data show that afobazole significantly reduces S-nitrosocysteine levels, but does not alter tumor necrosis factor α expression 96 h after an ischemic stroke. Taken together our data indicate that afobazole acting via both σ1 and σ2 receptors decreases stroke injury by enhancing glial cell survival, blocking ischemia-induced glial cell activation, and decreasing nitrosative stress.

Synthesis, crystal structure and effect of indeno[1,2-b]indole derivatives on prostate cancer in vitro. Potential effect against MMP-9.

A highly regiospecific synthesis of a series of indenoindoles is reported, together with X-ray studies and their activity against human prostate cancer cells PC-3 and LNCaP in vitro. The most effective compound 7,7-dimethyl-5-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)]-(4bRS,9bRS)-dihydroxy-4b,5,6,7,8,9bhexahydro-indeno[1,2-b]indole-9,10-dione 7q reduced the viability in both cell lines in a time and dose-dependent manner. Inhibitory effects were also observed on the adhesion, migration, and invasion of the prostate cancer cells as well as on clonogenic possibly by inhibition of MMP-9 activity. Molecular docking of 7q and 6k into MMP-9 human active site was also performed to determine the probable binding mode.

σ-1 Receptor Inhibition of ASIC1a Channels is Dependent on a Pertussis Toxin-Sensitive G-Protein and an AKAP150/Calcineurin Complex.

ASIC1a channels play a major role in various pathophysiological conditions including depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and neurodegeneration following ischemic stroke. Sigma-1 (σ-1) receptor stimulation depresses the activity of ASIC1a channels in cortical neurons, but the mechanism(s) by which σ-1 receptors exert their influence on ASIC1a remains unknown. Experiments were undertaken to elucidate the signaling cascade linking σ-1 receptors to ASIC1a channels. Immunohistochemical studies showed that σ-1 receptors, ASIC1a and A-kinase anchoring peptide 150 colocalize in the plasma membrane of the cell body and processes of cortical neurons. Fluorometric Ca(2+) imaging experiments showed that disruption of the macromolecular complexes containing AKAP150 diminished the effects of the σ-1 on ASIC1a, as did application of the calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporin A and FK-506. Moreover, whole-cell patch clamp experiments showed that σ-1 receptors were less effective at decreasing ASIC1a-mediated currents in the presence of the VIVIT peptide, which binds to calcineurin and prevents cellular effects dependent on AKAP150/calcineurin interaction. The coupling of σ-1 to ASIC1a was also disrupted by preincubation of the neurons in the G-protein inhibitor, pertussis toxin (PTX). Taken together, our data reveal that σ-1 receptor block of ASIC1a function is dependent on activation of a PTX-sensitive G-protein and stimulation of AKAP150 bound calcineurin.