scholarly journals β-caryophyllene, an FDA-Approved Food Additive, Inhibits Methamphetamine-Taking and Methamphetamine-Seeking Behaviors Possibly via CB2 and Non-CB2 Receptor Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang-Hu He ◽  
Ewa Galaj ◽  
Guo-Hua Bi ◽  
Yi He ◽  
Briana Hempel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Ratio ◽  
Incentive Motivation ◽  
Brain Stimulation Reward ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cb2 Receptor ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Cb2 Receptors

Recent research indicates that brain cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in drug reward and addiction. However, it is unclear whether β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural product with a CB2 receptor agonist profile, has therapeutic effects on methamphetamine (METH) abuse and dependence. In this study, we used animal models of self-administration, electrical brain-stimulation reward (BSR) and in vivo microdialysis to explore the effects of BCP on METH-taking and METH-seeking behavior. We found that systemic administration of BCP dose-dependently inhibited METH self-administration under both fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules in rats, indicating that BCP reduces METH reward, METH intake, and incentive motivation to seek and take METH. The attenuating effects of BCP were partially blocked by AM 630, a selective CB2 receptor antagonist. Genetic deletion of CB2 receptors in CB2-knockout (CB2-KO) mice also blocked low dose BCP-induced reduction in METH self-administration, suggesting possible involvement of a CB2 receptor mechanism. However, at high doses, BCP produced a reduction in METH self-administration in CB2-KO mice in a manner similar as in WT mice, suggesting that non-CB2 receptor mechanisms underlie high dose BCP-produced effects. In addition, BCP dose-dependently attenuated METH-enhanced electrical BSR and inhibited METH-primed and cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking in rats. In vivo microdialysis assays indicated that BCP alone did not produce a significant reduction in extracellular dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), while BCP pretreatment significantly reduced METH-induced increases in extracellular NAc DA in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting a DA-dependent mechanism involved in BCP action. Together, the present findings suggest that BCP might be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of METH use disorder.

scholarly journals Effect of Synchronous Versus Sequential Regimens on the Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Regorafenib with Irradiation

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 386
Author(s):  
Tung-Hu Tsai ◽  
Yu-Jen Chen ◽  
Li-Ying Wang ◽  
Chen-Hsi Hsieh
Keyword(s):  
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Hep G2 ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Dose Dependent

This study was performed to evaluate the interaction between conventional or high-dose radiotherapy (RT) and the pharmacokinetics (PK) of regorafenib in concurrent or sequential regimens for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Concurrent and sequential in vitro and in vivo studies of irradiation and regorafenib were designed. The interactions of RT and regorafenib in vitro were examined in the human hepatoma Huh-7, HA22T and Hep G2 cell lines. The RT–PK phenomenon and biodistribution of regorafenib under RT were confirmed in a free-moving rat model. Regorafenib inhibited the viability of Huh-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis in Huh-7 cells was enhanced by RT followed by regorafenib treatment. In the concurrent regimen, RT decreased the area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC)regorafenib by 74% (p = 0.001) in the RT2 Gy × 3 fraction (f’x) group and by 69% (p = 0.001) in the RT9 Gy × 3 f’x group. The AUCregorafenib was increased by 182.8% (p = 0.011) in the sequential RT2Gy × 1 f’x group and by 213.2% (p = 0.016) in the sequential RT9Gy × 1 f’x group. Both concurrent regimens, RT2Gy × 3 f’x and RT9Gy × 3 f’x, clearly decreased the biodistribution of regorafenib in the heart, liver, lung, spleen and kidneys, compared to the control (regorafenib × 3 d) group. The concurrent regimens, both RT2Gy × 3 f’x and RT9Gy × 3 f’x, significantly decreased the biodistribution of regorafenib, compared with the control group. The PK of regorafenib can be modulated both by off-target irradiation and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

scholarly journals Tolerogenic Splenic IDO+Dendritic Cells from the Mice Treated with Induced-Treg Cells Suppress Collagen-Induced Arthritis

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Yang ◽  
Yiming Yang ◽  
Huahua Fan ◽  
Hejian Zou
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Foxp3 Expression ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Treg Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Collagen Induced Arthritis

TGF-β-induced regulatory T cells (iTregs) retain Foxp3 expression and immune-suppressive activity in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). However, the mechanisms whereby transferred iTregs suppress immune responses, particularly the interplay between iTregs and dendritic cells (DCs)in vivo, remain incompletely understood. In this study, we found that after treatment with iTregs, splenic CD11c+DCs, termed “DCiTreg,” expressed tolerogenic phenotypes, secreted high levels of IL-10, TGF-β, and IDO, and showed potent immunosuppressive activityin vitro. After reinfusion with DCiTreg, marked antiarthritic activity improved clinical scores and histological end-points were observed. The serological levels of inflammatory cytokines and anti-CII antibodies were low and TGF-βproduction was high in the DCiTreg-treated group. DCiTregalso induced new iTregsin vivo. Moreover, the inhibitory activity of DCiTregon CIA was lost following pretreatment with the inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Collectively, these findings suggest that transferred iTregs could induce tolerogenic characteristics in splenic DCs and these cells could effectively dampen CIA in an IDO-dependent manner. Thus, the potential therapeutic effects of iTregs in CIA are likely maintained through the generation of tolerogenic DCsin vivo.

scholarly journals Cangju Qinggan Jiangzhi Decoction Reduces the Development of NonAlcoholic Steatohepatitis and Activation of Kupffer Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 971-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang  Cheng ◽  
Tianyang Chen ◽  
Jian Ping ◽  
Jianjie Chen
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Palmitic Acid ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Kupffer Cells ◽  
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis ◽  
Lipid Accumulation ◽  
Hepatic Injury ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Dependent Manner

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is defined as lipid accumulation with hepatic injury, inflammation and early to moderate fibrosis. Kupffer cells play a crucial role in promoting hepatic inflammation, which further facilitates the development of NASH. Here we investigated the effects of Cangju Qinggan Jiangzhi decoction (CQJD) on high fat diet (HFD) and methionine-choline deficient (MCD) induced mouse NASH pathogenesis. Methods: Mouse NASH models were developed by HFD and MCD diet. The treated mice were divided into three groups: the control group (n = 10), the low-dose CQJD treatment group (n = 10) and the high-dose CQJD treatment group (n = 10). The hepatic injury, inflammation, and apoptotic molecules were evaluated by H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Kupffer cells were isolated from control mice and CQJD-treated mice after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or palmitic acid. The level of the inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL1β, and CCL2 was measured by ELISA. Results: The HFD-fed mice displayed significant metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress-related alterations due to hepatic lipid accumulation. CQJD treatment largely normalized the hepatic injury, lowered the ALT/AST level, and reduced the severity of liver inflammation, as revealed by the decreased inflammatory cytokines levels. In vitro, CQJD blocked the activation of LPS- or palmitic acid-primed Kupffer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In the MCD diet-induced NASH mice, similar therapeutic effects of CQJD were also observed. Conclusion: CQJD ameliorates mouse nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The reduction in liver injury and inflammation induced by CQJD is associated with reduced activation of Kupffer cells. Our results suggest that CQJD is a promising therapeutic strategy in clinical steatohepatitis.

scholarly journals Quercetin Suppresses Apoptosis and Attenuates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration via the SIRT1-Autophagy Pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Wang ◽  
Xin He ◽  
Di Wang ◽  
Pandi Peng ◽  
Xiaolong Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Disc Degeneration ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Autophagy Pathway ◽  
Dose Dependent

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has been generally accepted as the major cause of low back pain (LBP), which causes an enormous socioeconomic burden. Previous studies demonstrated that the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and the dyshomeostasis of extracellular matrix (ECM) contributed to the pathogenesis of IDD, and effective therapies were still lacking. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid possessing a specific effect of autophagy stimulation and SIRT1 activation, showed some protective effect on a series of degenerative diseases. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that quercetin might have therapeutic effects on IDD by inhibiting the apoptosis of NP cells and dyshomeostasis of ECM via the SIRT1-autophagy pathway. In this study, we revealed that quercetin treatment inhibited the apoptosis of NP cells and ECM degeneration induced by oxidative stress. We also found that quercetin promoted the expression of SIRT1 and autophagy in NP cells in a dose-dependent manner. Autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) reversed the protective effect of quercetin on apoptosis and ECM degeneration. Moreover, SIRT1 enzymatic activity inhibitor EX-527, suppressed quercetin-induced autophagy and the protective effect on NP cells, indicating that quercetin protected NP cells against apoptosis and prevented ECM degeneration via SIRT1-autophagy pathway. In vivo, quercetin was also demonstrated to alleviate the progression of IDD in rats. Taken together, our results suggest that quercetin prevents IDD by promoting SIRT1-dependent autophagy, indicating one novel and effective therapeutic method for IDD.

scholarly journals Poor outcome with anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody due to poor pharmacokinetic properties in PD-1/PD-L1 blockade-sensitive mouse models

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taiki Kurino ◽  
Reiko Matsuda ◽  
Ayu Terui ◽  
Hiroyuki Suzuki ◽  
Tomomi Kokubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Pharmacological Activity ◽  
Tumor Model ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Poor Outcome ◽  
Liver And Kidney ◽  
High Doses

BackgroundRecently, antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (aPD-1) and antiprogrammed death-ligand 1 (aPD-L1) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been approved. Even though aPD-1 and aPD-L1 mAbs target the same PD-1/PD-L1 axis, it is still unclear whether both mAbs exert equivalent pharmacological activity in patients who are sensitive to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, as there is no direct comparison of their pharmacokinetics (PK) and antitumor effects. Therefore, we evaluated the differences between both mAbs in PK and therapeutic effects in PD-1/PD-L1 blockade-sensitive mouse models.MethodsHerein, murine breast MM48 and colon MC38 xenografts were used to analyze the pharmacological activity of aPD-1 and aPD-L1 mAbs. The PK of the mAbs in the tumor-bearing mice was investigated at low and high doses using two radioisotopes (Indium-111 and Iodine-125) to evaluate the accumulation and degradation of the mAbs.ResultsaPD-1 mAb showed antitumor effect in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that the tumor model was sensitive to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, whereas aPD-L1 mAb failed to suppress tumor growth. The PK study showed that aPD-L1 mAb was accumulated largely in normal organs such as the spleen, liver, and kidney, resulting in low blood concentration and low distributions to tumors at a low dose, even though the tumors expressed PD-L1. Sufficient accumulation of aPD-L1 mAb in tumors was achieved by administration at a high dose owing to the saturation of target-mediated binding in healthy organs. However, degradation of aPD-L1 mAb in tumors was greater than that of aPD-1 mAb, which resulted in poor outcome presumably due to less inhibition of PD-L1 by aPD-L1 mAb than that of PD-1 by aPD-1 mAb.ConclusionAccording to the PK studies, aPD-1 mAb showed linear PK, whereas aPD-L1 mAb showed non-linear PK between low and high doses. Collectively, the poor PK characteristics of aPD-L1 mAb caused lower antitumor activity than of aPD-1 mAb. These results clearly indicated that aPD-L1 mAb required higher doses than aPD-1 mAb in clinical setting. Thus, targeting of PD-1 would be more advantageous than PD-L1 in terms of PK.

scholarly journals Effects of a Matrine- and Sophoridine-Containing Herbal Compound Medicine (AH-05) on Liver Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2093522
Author(s):  
Yanchu Li ◽  
Lu Chen ◽  
Rong Pu ◽  
Lu Zhou ◽  
Xufeng Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Liver Cancer ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Cell Polarization ◽  
Hematological Toxicity ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Herbal Compound ◽  
T Cell Polarization

Herbal medicine can present an alternative way of treating liver cancer. Here, we explored a matrine- and sophoridine-containing herbal compound medicine (AH-05) extracted from Adenophora capillaris, Sophora flavescens, Astragalus, and other plants. H22 and HepG2 cell models, as well as an H22 xenograft model, were established. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured in vitro, and tumor volume and weight were observed in vivo. The activation of AKT/mTOR and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways in tumor cells and the polarization of CD4/CD8 T cells in the spleen were tested. To assess safety, hematological toxicity and pathology of the liver, kidney, spleen, and intestine were evaluated. AH-05 inhibited cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In vivo, tumor volume and weight were reduced, and the activation of NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, AKT, p-AKT Ser473, and mTOR was suppressed. In addition, AH-05 promoted CD4+ T cell polarization in the spleen. With regard to safety, slight intestinal mucosa edema was observed, but no severe pathological or hematological toxicity was detected. AH-05 exhibited its therapeutic effects against liver cancer by regulating the AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways, and the immune environment, by promoting CD4+ T cell polarization in the spleen. Thus, AH-05 represents a potential supplementary herbal compound medicine for liver cancer.

Suicide inactivation of aromatase in human placenta and uterine leiomyoma by 5α-dihydronorethindrone, a metabolite of norethindrone, and its effect on steroid-producing enzymes

1994 ◽  
Vol 130 (6) ◽  
pp. 634-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takara Yamamoto ◽  
Takaya Tamura ◽  
Jo Kitawaki ◽  
Yoshio Osawa ◽  
Hiroji Okada
Keyword(s):  
Human Placenta ◽  
Uterine Leiomyoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Chain Cleavage ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Suicide Inactivation

Yamamoto T, Tamura T, Kitawaki J, Osawa Y, Okada H. Suicide inactivation of aromatase in human placenta and uterine leiomyoma by 5α-dihydronorethindrone, a metabolite of norethindrone, and its effect on steroid-producing enzymes. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:634–40. ISSN 0804–4643 Norethindrone (NET; 17α-ethynyl-19-nortestosterone), a progestogen component of the contraceptive pill, irreversibly inhibits aromatase activity in human placental microsomes. However, it is known also to be aromatized in vitro and in vivo to produce a biologically very active estrogen called ethynylestradiol (EE2). It is therefore inappropriate to administer a high dose of NET to estrogendependent cancer patients for a prolonged time period. In this study, we focused on 5α-dihydronorethindrone (5α-DHNET), a metabolite of NET that is not aromatizable, and the inhibitory effects of 5α-DHNET on human placental and uterine leiomyoma microsomal aromatase and other steroid synthetases. 5α-Dihydronorethindrone showed weak affinity for both estrogen and progestogen receptors. It inhibited significantly human placental aromatase activity in a dose-dependent manner (Ki = 9.0 μmol/l; Kinact = 0.024/min), as well as that of uterine leiomyoma, but did not influence cholesterol side-chain cleavage or 17α-hydroxylase, 21-hydroxylase or 11β-hydroxylase activities. These results suggest that 5α-DHNET may be useful as an aromatase inhibitor, whose use in large doses is expected to reduce the size of estrogen-dependent tumors. Takara Yamamoto, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamikyo-Ku, Kyoto 602, Japan

scholarly journals Immunomodulatory Effects of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells on Concanavalin A-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Cell Medicine ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 21-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuma Yoshizumi ◽  
Hiroshi Yukawa ◽  
Ryoji Iwaki ◽  
Sanae Fujinaka ◽  
Ayano Kanou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Concanavalin A ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects

Cell therapy with adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) is expected to be a candidate for the treatment of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), which is caused by excessive immune responses. In order to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ASCs on FHF, the in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory effects of ASCs were examined in detail in the mouse model. The in vitro effects of ASCs were examined by assessing their influence on the proliferation of lymphomononuclear cells (LMCs) stimulated with three kinds of mitogens: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin, concanavalin A (ConA), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The proliferation of LMCs was efficiently suppressed in a dose-dependent manner by ASCs in the cases of PMA plus ionomycin stimulation and ConA stimulation, but not in the case of LPS stimulation. The in vivo effects of transplanted ASCs were examined in the murine FHF model induced by ConA administration. The ALT levels and histological inflammatory changes in the ConA-administered mice were apparently relieved by the transplantation of ASCs. The analysis of mRNA expression patterns in the livers indicated that the expressions of the cytokines such as Il-6, Il-10, Ifn-γ, and Tnf-α, and the cell surface markers such as Cd3γ, Cd4, Cd8α, Cd11b, and Cd11c were downregulated in the ASC-transplanted mice. The immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of ASCs were confirmed in the mouse model both in vitro and in vivo. These suggest that the cell therapy with ASCs is beneficial for the treatment of FHF.

scholarly journals Re-silencing of silent synapses unmasks anti-relapse effects of environmental enrichment

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (18) ◽  
pp. 5089-5094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao-Ying Ma ◽  
Xiusong Wang ◽  
Yanhua Huang ◽  
Helene Marie ◽  
Eric J. Nestler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Behavioral Treatment ◽  
Basolateral Amygdala ◽  
Drug Exposure ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Cocaine Withdrawal ◽  
Silent Synapses ◽  
Cocaine Craving

Environmental enrichment (EE) has long been postulated as a behavioral treatment for drug addiction based on its preventive effects in animal models: rodents experiencing prior EE exhibit increased resistance to establishing drug taking and seeking. However, the therapeutic effects of EE, namely, the effects of EE when applied after drug exposure, are often marginal and transient. Using incubation of cue-induced cocaine craving, a rat relapse model depicting progressive intensification of cocaine seeking after withdrawal from cocaine self-administration, our present study reveals that after cocaine withdrawal, in vivo circuit-specific long-term depression (LTD) unmasks the therapeutic power of EE to achieve long-lasting anti-relapse effects. Specifically, our previous results show that cocaine self-administration generates AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-silent excitatory synapses within the basolateral amygdala (BLA) to nucleus accumbens (NAc) projection, and maturation of these silent synapses via recruiting calcium-permeable (CP) AMPARs contributes to incubation of cocaine craving. Here, we show that after cocaine withdrawal and maturation of silent synapses, the BLA-to-NAc projection became highly resistant to EE. However, optogenetic LTD applied to this projection in vivo transiently re-silenced these silent synapses by removing CP-AMPARs. During this transient window, application of EE resulted in the insertion of nonCP-AMPARs, thereby remodeling the “incubated” BLA-to-NAc projection. Consequently, incubation of cocaine craving was decreased persistently. These results reveal a mechanistic basis through which the persistent anti-relapse effects of EE can be unleashed after drug withdrawal.

scholarly journals Therapeutic Effects of Inhibitor of ompA Expression against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strains

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (22) ◽  
pp. 12257
Author(s):  
Seok-Hyeon Na ◽  
Hyejin Jeon ◽  
Man-Hwan Oh ◽  
Yoo-Jeong Kim ◽  
Mingi Chu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Bacteriostatic Activity ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
Eskape Pathogens

The widespread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is of great concern in clinical settings worldwide. It is urgent to develop new therapeutic agents against this pathogen. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potentials of compound 62520, which has been previously identified as an inhibitor of the ompA promoter activity of A. baumannii, against CRAB isolates, both in vitro and in vivo. Compound 62520 was found to inhibit the ompA expression and biofilm formation in A. baumannii ATCC 17978 at sub-inhibitory concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. These inhibitory properties were also observed in clinical CRAB isolates belonging to sequence type (ST) 191. Additionally, compound 62520 exhibited a bacteriostatic activity against clinical clonal complex (CC) 208 CRAB isolates, including ST191, and ESKAPE pathogens. This bacteriostatic activity was not different between STs of CRAB isolates. Bacterial clearance was observed in mice infected with bioimaging A. baumannii strain 24 h after treatment with compound 62520. Compound 62520 was shown to significantly increase the survival rates of both immunocompetent and neutropenic mice infected with A. baumannii ATCC 17978. This compound also increased the survival rates of mice infected with clinical CRAB isolate. These results suggest that compound 62520 is a promising scaffold to develop a novel therapeutic agent against CRAB infections.

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