S-Allyl L-Cysteine Protects the Retina Against Kainate Excitotoxicity in the Rat

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 693-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiao-Ming Chao ◽  
Ing-Ling Chen ◽  
Jorn-Hon Liu

Excitotoxicity has been proposed to play a pivotal role in retinal ischemia. Retinal ischemia-associated ocular disorders are vision threatening. The aim was to also examine whether and how S-allyl L-cysteine (SAC) can protect the retina against kainate excitotoxicity. In vivo retinal excitotoxicity was induced by an intravitreous injection of 100 μM kainate into a Wistar rat eye for 1 day. The management and mechanisms involved in the processes were evaluated by electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, histopathology, and various biochemical approaches. In the present study, the cultured retinal cells were shown to possess kainate receptors. The defined retinal excitotoxic changes were characterized by a decrease in electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave amplitudes, a loss of the fluorogold retrograde labeled retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), an increase in the apoptotic cells in the RGC layer, and an increase in vimentin or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity, a marker for Müller cells. An up-regulation in the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMPs-9) was also detected in the retina subjected to kainate excitoxicity. Importantly, the excitotoxicity-induced alterations were significantly blunted when 100 μM SAC and/or the kainate receptor antagonist CNQX was applied. Conclusively, SAC would seem to protect the retina against kainate excitotoxicity via an inhibition of the up-regulation of iNOS and MMP-9 as well as a modulation of glial activation and apoptosis.

2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (1) ◽  
pp. R111-R118 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Scheerer ◽  
N. Dünker ◽  
S. Imagawa ◽  
M. Yamamoto ◽  
N. Suzuki ◽  
...  

The hematopoietic hormone erythropoietin (Epo), regularly produced by the kidneys and the liver, is also expressed in neuronal tissue, where it has been found to mediate paracrine neuroprotective effects. In most studies exploring the rescue effects of Epo, apoptosis was exogenously induced by different cell death stimuli. Herein, we set out to study the expression and function of Epo in physiologically occurring apoptosis in a model of retinal development. We made use of an organotypic retinal wholemount culture system that resembles the physiological in vivo situation with cell connections still retained. Epo mRNA expression in the retina, liver, and kidney showed a significant increase during early development, coinciding with the anemia of the newborn. In the retina of Epo-green fluorescent protein transgenic mice, Epo-expressing cells were identified and found to be distributed in the retinal ganglion cell layer. Treatment of retinal wholemount cultures with recombinant Epo resulted in a significant decrease of apoptotic ganglion cells as well as photoreceptor cells throughout retinal development. Moreover, transforming growth factor-β-induced apoptosis was completely antagonized by Epo when both factors were simultaneously applied. Investigations on the signaling pathway revealed a decrease in Bax mRNA levels in Epo-treated retinal cells. We conclude that Epo exerts wide and prolonged neuroprotective activity in physiologically occurring apoptosis and thus contributes to proper retinal development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8541
Author(s):  
Marlena Zyśk ◽  
Piotr Pikul ◽  
Robert Kowalski ◽  
Krzysztof Lewandowski ◽  
Monika Sakowicz-Burkiewicz ◽  
...  

The N-acetylaspartate network begins in neurons with N-acetylaspartate production catalyzed by aspartate N-acetyltransferase from acetyl-CoA and aspartate. Clinical studies reported a significant depletion in N-acetylaspartate brain level in type 1 diabetic patients. The main goal of this study was to establish the impact of either hyperglycemia or oxidative stress on the N-acetylaspartate network. For the in vitro part of the study, embryonic rat primary neurons were treated by using a nitric oxide generator for 24 h followed by 6 days of post-treatment culture, while the neural stem cells were cultured in media with 25–75 mM glucose. For the in vivo part, male adult Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight, ip) to induce hyperglycemia (diabetes model) and euthanized 2 or 8 weeks later. Finally, the biochemical profile, NAT8L protein/Nat8l mRNA levels and enzymatic activity were analyzed. Ongoing oxidative stress processes significantly affected energy metabolism and cholinergic neurotransmission. However, the applied factors did not affect the N-acetylaspartate network. This study shows that reduced N-acetylaspartate level in type 1 diabetes is not related to oxidative stress and that does not trigger N-acetylaspartate network fragility. To reveal why N-acetylaspartate is reduced in this pathology, other processes should be considered.


2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asli Semiz ◽  
Gurbet Celik-Turgut ◽  
Serdar Karakurt ◽  
Hakan Akca ◽  
Sevki Arslan ◽  
...  

In the last decade, hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA) have gained increasing attention from researchers due to their antioxidant potential. The aim of this study was to examine in detail the impact of dietary HCA on particular types of P450 and also selected phase II and antioxidant enzymes in Wistar rat. HCA (10 mM/kg/day, i.p.) was administered for ten continuous days. Examination of the activities and mRNA and protein levels revealed that CYP2B, 2C6 and 3A enzyme activities were not altered significantly, with Western blot and qRT-PCR results corroborating this result. While treatment with HCA led to a significant reduction in CYP1A1/CYP1A2-associated enzyme activities, CYP1A1 protein, and mRNA levels were found to be unchanged. Aromatase (CYP19) activity, as well as protein and mRNA levels, were significantly reduced with HCA treatment. On the other hand, the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activities were increased significantly. Also, HCA treatment significantly increased the GST-mu and GST-theta mRNA levels. These observations may be of importance given the potential use of HCA as a chemopreventive and as an anticancer agent.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Howard Wen-Haur Chao ◽  
Yu-Kuang Chen ◽  
Jorn-Hon Liu ◽  
Hwai-Tzong Pan ◽  
Hsin-May Lin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Emodin has been proved to have an anti-ischemic effect on the brain, however little research has been done on its effect on vision-threatening retinal ischemia. Thus, an investigation was carried out into the hypothetical efficacy of emodin against retinal ischemia and the role of β-catenin/VEGF in its therapeutic mechanism. Methods Retinal ischemia, followed by reperfusion (IR), was inducted by raising the intraocular pressure of a Wistar rat’s eye to 120 mmHg for 60 min. Additionally, pre-ischemic/post-ischemic intravitreous injections of emodin (4, 10 and 20 μM) or vehicle were carried out on the eye with retinal ischemia. MTT assay, electroretinograms, cresyl violet staining retinal thickness measurements, and fluorogold retrograde labelling of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) as well as Western blotting were carried out. Results Cultured RGC-5 cells subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) were used to confirm the effective concentrations of emodin (administered 1 h pre-OGD, pre-OGD emodin). The most effective and significant (P = 0.04) dose of pre-OGD emodin was observed at 0.5 μM (cell viability: 47.52 ± 3.99%) as compared to pre-OGD vehicle treatment group (38.30 ± 2.51%). Furthermore, pre-ischemic intravitreous injection of 20 μM emodin (Emo20 + IR = 0.99 ± 0.18, P < 0.001) significantly attenuated the ischemia induced reduction in ERG b-wave amplitude, as compared to pre-ischemic intravitreous vehicle (Vehicle+IR = 0.04 ± 0.02). Post-ischemic intravitreous 20 μM emodin also significantly (P < 0.001) attenuated the ischemia associated b-wave reduction (IR + Em20 = 0.24 ± 0.09). Compared with pre-ischemic intravitreous vehicle (Vehicle+IR; whole retina thickness = 71.80 ± 1.08 μm; inner retina thickness = 20.97 ± 0.85 μm; RGC =2069.12 ± 212.82/0.17mm2), the significant (P < 0.001) protective effect was also present with pre-ischemic administration of emodin. This was shown by observing cresyl violet stained retinal thickness (Emo20 + IR: whole retina = 170.10 ± 0.10 μm; inner retina = 70.65 ± 2.06 μm) and retrograde fluorogold immunolabeled RGC density (4623.53 ± 179.48/0.17mm2). As compared to the normal control (the ratio of β-catenin/VEGF to β-actin was set as 1 in the Sham group), the β-catenin/VEGF protein level significantly (P < 0.001) increased after retinal ischemia and when pre-ischemic intravitreous vehicle (Vehicle+IR = 1.64 ± 0.14/7.67 ± 2.57) was carried out. However, these elevations were significantly (P = 0.02) attenuated by treatment with emodin 20 μM (Emo20 + IR = 1.00 ± 0.19/1.23 ± 0.44). Conclusions The present results suggest that emodin might protect against retinal ischemia insulted neurons such as RGCs by significantly downregulating the upregulation of β-catenin/VEGF protein that occurs during ischemia.


1999 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale Montpied ◽  
Frédéric de Bock ◽  
Mireille Lerner-Natoli ◽  
Joël Bockaert ◽  
Gérard Rondouin

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (45) ◽  
pp. 5783-5792
Author(s):  
Kholood Abid Janjua ◽  
Adeeb Shehzad ◽  
Raheem Shahzad ◽  
Salman Ul Islam ◽  
Mazhar Ul Islam

There is compelling evidence that drug molecules isolated from natural sources are hindered by low systemic bioavailability, poor absorption, and rapid elimination from the human body. Novel approaches are urgently needed that could enhance the retention time as well as the efficacy of natural products in the body. Among the various adopted approaches to meet this ever-increasing demand, nanoformulations show the most fascinating way of improving the bioavailability of dietary phytochemicals through modifying their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Curcumin, a yellowish pigment isolated from dried ground rhizomes of turmeric, exhibits tremendous pharmacological effects, including anticancer activities. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that curcumin mediates anticancer effects through the modulation (upregulation and/or downregulations) of several intracellular signaling pathways both at protein and mRNA levels. Scientists have introduced multiple modern techniques and novel dosage forms for enhancing the delivery, bioavailability, and efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of various malignancies. These novel dosage forms include nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, phospholipids, and curcumin-encapsulated polymer nanoparticles. Nanocurcumin has shown improved anticancer effects compared to conventional curcumin formulations. This review discusses the underlying molecular mechanism of various nanoformulations of curcumin for the treatment of different cancers. We hope that this study will make a road map for preclinical and clinical investigations of cancer and recommend nano curcumin as a drug of choice for cancer therapy.


BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengwu Xiao ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Meimian Hua ◽  
Huan Chen ◽  
Bin Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins exhibit oncogenic roles in various cancers. The roles of TRIM27, a member of the TRIM super family, in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remained unexplored. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the clinical impact and roles of TRIM27 in the development of RCC. Methods The mRNA levels of TRIM27 and Kaplan–Meier survival of RCC were analyzed from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of TRIM27 both in vivo and in vitro. siRNA and TRIM27 were exogenously overexpressed in RCC cell lines to manipulate TRIM27 expression. Results We discovered that TRIM27 was elevated in RCC patients, and the expression of TRIM27 was closely correlated with poor prognosis. The loss of function and gain of function results illustrated that TRIM27 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in RCC cell lines. Furthermore, TRIM27 expression was positively associated with NF-κB expression in patients with RCC. Blocking the activity of NF-κB attenuated the TRIM27-mediated enhancement of proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. TRIM27 directly interacted with Iκbα, an inhibitor of NF-κB, to promote its ubiquitination, and the inhibitory effects of TRIM27 on Iκbα led to NF-κB activation. Conclusions Our results suggest that TRIM27 exhibits an oncogenic role in RCC by regulating NF-κB signaling. TRIM27 serves as a specific prognostic indicator for RCC, and strategies targeting the suppression of TRIM27 function may shed light on future therapeutic approaches.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e001905
Author(s):  
Jung-Hee Hong ◽  
Dae-Hee Kim ◽  
Moon-Kyu Lee

IntroductionThe concept of glucolipotoxicity refers to the combined, deleterious effects of elevated glucose and/or fatty acid levels.Research design and methodsTo investigate the effects of chronic glucolipotoxicity on glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36) amide (GLP-1) secretion, we generated glucolipotoxic conditions in human NCI-H716 enteroendocrine cells using either 5 or 25 mM glucose with or without 500 µM palmitate for 72 hours. For in vivo study, we have established a chronic nutrient infusion model in the rat. Serial blood samples were collected for 2 hours after the consumption of a mixed meal to evaluate insulin sensitivity and β-cell function.ResultsChronic glucolipotoxic conditions decreased GLP-1 secretion and the expressions of pCREB, pGSK3β, β-catenin, and TCF7L2 in NCI-H716 cells. Glucolipotoxicity conditions reduced glucose transporter expression, glucose uptake, and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels in L-cells, and increased triglyceride accumulation. In contrast, PPARα and ATP levels were reduced, which correlated well with decreased levels of SUR1 and Kir6.2, cAMP contents and expressions of pCAMK2, EPAC and PKA. We also observed an increase in reactive oxygen species production, UCP2 expression and Complex I activity. Simultaneous treatment with insulin restored the GLP-1 secretion. Glucolipotoxic conditions decreased insulin secretion in a time-dependent manner in INS-1 cells, which was recovered with exendin-4 cotreatment. Glucose and SMOFlipid infusion for 6 hours decreased GLP-1 secretion and proglucagon mRNA levels as well as impaired the glucose tolerance, insulin and C-peptide secretion in rats.ConclusionThese results provide evidence for the first time that glucolipotoxicity could affect GLP-1 secretion through changes in glucose and lipid metabolism, gene expressions, and proglucagon biosynthesis and suggest the interrelationship between glucolipotoxicities of L-cells and β-cells which develops earlier than that of L-cells.


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