Activation of the cGMP/protein kinase G system in breast cancer by the dopamine receptor-1

Despite recent advances in the detection and treatment of breast cancer,many shortcomings remain,providing incentives to search for new therapeutic targets.This review provides information on the expression and actions of dopamine receptor-1(D1R)in breast cancer.D1R is overexpressed in a significant number of primary breast tumors,characterized by having an aggressive phenotype and predicting a shorter survival time for patients.Activation of D1R in breast cancer cells by selective agonists caused suppression of cell viability,stimulation of apoptosis,inhibition of cell invasion,and an increase in chemosensitivity.Instead of being linked to the cAMP/PKA system as expected,D1R in breast cancer is linked to the activation of the cGMP/protein kinase G(PKG)pathway.Fenoldopam,a peripheral D1R agonist that does not penetrate the brain,dramatically suppressed the growth of breast cancer xenografts in immune-deficient mice.A new imaging system for detecting D1R-expressing tumors and metastases was also developed.The review offers a novel concept that D1R can serve as a biomarker for prognosis in advanced breast cancer and its agonists can be used as effective and personalized therapeutics in a subpopulation of patients with D1R-expressing breast tumors.Several drugs,some of which are FDA-approved,that bypass the D1R and directly activate the cGMP/PKG apoptotic system,are also identified.

Ginsenoside Rb1 protects dopaminergic neurons from inflammatory injury induced by intranigral lipopolysaccharide injection

Accumulating studies suggest that neuroinflammation characterized by microglial overactivation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.As such,inhibition of microglial overactivation might be a promising treatment strategy to delay the onset or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.Ginsenoside Rbl,the most active ingredient of ginseng,reportedly exerts neuroprotective effects by suppressing inflammation in vitro.The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rbl in a lipopolysaccharide-induced rat Parkinson’s disease model.Rats were divided into four groups.In the control group,sham-operated rats were intraperitoneally administered normal saline for 14 consecutive days.In the ginsenoside Rbl group,ginsenoside Rb1(20 mg/kg)was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days after sham surgery.In the lipopolysaccharide group,a single dose of lipopolysaccharide was unilaterally microinjected into the rat substantial nigra to establish the Parkinson’s disease model.Lipopolysaccharide-injected rats were treated with normal saline for 14 consecutive days.In the ginsenoside Rbl +lipopolysaccharide group,lipopolysaccharide was unilaterally microinjected into the rat substantial nigra.Subsequently,ginsenoside Rbl was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days.To investigate the therapeutic effects of ginsenoside Rbl,behavioral tests were performed on day 15 after lipopolysaccharide injection.We found that ginsenoside Rbl treatment remarkably reduced apomorphine-induced rotations in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.To investigate the neurotoxicity of lipopolysaccharide and potential protective effect of ginsenoside Rbl,contents of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,ginsenoside Rbl obviously attenuated the lipopolysaccharide-induced depletion of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum.To further explore the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rbl against lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity,immunohistochemistry and western blot assay of tyrosine hydroxylase were performed to evaluate dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantial nigra par compacta.The results showed that lipopolysaccharide injection caused a large loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra and a significant decrease in overall tyrosine hydroxylase expression.However,ginsenoside Rb1 noticeably reversed these changes.To investigate whether the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rbl was associated with inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation,we examined expression of the microglia marker Iba-1.Our results confirmed that lipopolysaccharide injection induced a significant increase in Iba-1 expression in the substantia nigra;however,ginsenoside Rbl effectively suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial overactivation.To elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of ginsenoside Rb1,we examined expression levels of inflammatory mediators(tumor necrosis factor-a,interleukin-1β,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and cyclooxygenase 2)and phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B signaling-related proteins(IκB,IKK)in the substantia nigra with enzyme-linked immunosorbent and western blot assays.Our results revealed that compared with the control group,phosphorylation and expression of inflammatory mediators IκB and IKK in the substantia nigra of lipopolysaccharide group rats were significantly increased;whereas,ginsenoside Rbl obviously reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced changes on the lesioned side of the substantial nigra par compacta.These findings confirm that ginsenoside Rbl can inhibit inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide injection into the substantia nigra and protect dopaminergic neurons,which may be related to its inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Shandong University of China in April 2016(approval No.KYLL-2016-0148).

Degree of dopaminergic degeneration measured by ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 SPECT/CT imaging

To prevent and treat Parkinson＇s disease in its early stages,it is essential to be able to detect the degree of early dopaminergic neuron degeneration.Dopamine transporters（DAT） in the striatum regulate synaptic dopamine levels,and striatal ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 single-photon emission computed tomography（-SPECT） imaging is a marker for presynaptic neuronal degeneration.However,the association between the degree of dopaminergic degeneration and in vivo ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT imaging is unknown.Therefore,this study investigated the association between the degree of 6-hydroxydopamine（6-OHDA）-induced dopaminergic degeneration and DAT imaging using^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT in rats.Different degrees of nigrostriatal dopamine depletion were generated by injecting different doses of 6-OHDA（2,4,and 8 μg） into the right medial forebrain bundle.The degree of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron degeneration was assessed by rotational behavior and immunohistochemical staining.The results showed that striatal ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 binding was significantly diminished both in the ipsilateral and the contralateral sides in the 4 and 8 μg 6-OHDA groups,and that DAT ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 binding in the ipsilateral striatum showed a high correlation to apomorphine-induced rotations at 8 weeks post-lesion（r = –0.887,P 〈 0.01）.There were significant correlations between DAT ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 binding in the ipsilateral striatum and the amount of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons in the ipsilateral substantia nigra in the 2,4,and 8 μg 6-OHDA groups at 8 weeks post-lesion（r = 0.899,P 〈 0.01）.These findings indicate that striatal DAT imaging using ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 is a useful technique for evaluating the severity of dopaminergic degeneration.

Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid at 2-Amino-5-mercapto-[1, 3, 4]triazole Self-assembled Monolayers Gold Electrode

A newly synthesized reagent 2-amino-5-mercapto-[1, 3, 4]triazole (MATZ) has been usedto fabricate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold electrode for the first time. The SAMselectrode was characterized by electrochemical methods and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM),the SAMs electrode can be used to determinate dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) simultaneouslywith a detection limit of 8×10-7 mol/L for DA and 1×10-6 mol/L for UA respectively. The SAMscan also be used to detect the contents of DA and UA in synthetic urine sample with satisfactoryresults.

-94 G/A polymorphism in the dopamine D1 receptor gene is associated with schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population from Shandong province

The correlation between -94 G/A polymorphism in the dopamine D1 receptor gone and schizophrenia remains poorly understood despite extensive research. This study sought to evaluate the genotypes and allele frequencies of the -94 G/A polymorphism in the dopamine D1 receptor gone by real-time PCR using TaqMan fluorescent probes. One hundred and sixty-two patients with schizophrenia and 101 healthy controls living in Shandong province of China were evaluated. Experimental results showed that the G/A genotype distribution was significantly higher in the schizophrenia patients than in healthy controls. The frequencies of G allele and A allele were not significantly different between the schizophrenia patients and the controls. Thus, the -94 G/A polymorphism in the dopamine D1 receptor gone was found to be associated with schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population from Shandong province.

Treatment time influences the effects of a low-frequency pulsed electric field on synthesis of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine in PC12 cells

BACKGROUND： Electromagnetic radiation can influence dopamine （DA） synthesis in brain tissues or ceils, but electromagnetic frequencies, intensities, and radiation time can produce different effects. In addition, the signal pathway by which electromagnetic radiation influences DA synthesis remains controversial. OBJECTIVE： To determine tyrosine hydroxylase （TH） expression in PC12 cells and DA levels in cell culture media after different periods of low-frequency pulsed electric field （LF-PEF） stimulation, and to determine how LF-PEF signaling stimulates TH synthesis using inhibitors. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel, controlled, cell experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, between January and October 2006. MATERIALS： PC12 cells were purchased from the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. Nerve growth factor was purchased from PeproTech, USA. The protein kinase A inhibitor, H-89, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, U0126, were purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS： （1） Following routine culture in Dulbecco＇s modified eagle medium, primary PC12 cells were stimulated under LF-PEF （pulse frequency 50.Hz, pulse width 20 μs, peak field strength 1 V/m） for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes. （2） Inhibitors （H-89 or U0126, 1 μmol/L） were added 30 minutes before LF-PEF stimulation for 10 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （1） TH expression was determined by Western blot in PC12 cells at 0.5, 1,2, 3, and 4 days after LF-PEF stimulation. Similarly, DA was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in media at 2, 3, 4, or 5 days after LF-PEE （2） TH expression was detected 1 day after H-89 or U0126 treatment and LF-PEE RESULTS： （1） Short-term LF-PEF stimulation （5 and 10 minutes） increased TH expression and media DA levels after short-term culture （2 days） （P 〈 0.01）, but both parameters decreased with longer culture （3 4 days） （P 〈 0.01）. Long-term LF-PEF stimulation （15, 20, or 30 minutes） decreased TH and DA synthesis, followed by a rapid increase （P 〈 0.01）. （2） H89 could completely inhibit TH expression in PC12 cells stimulated by LF-PEF for 10 minutes, while the inhibition rate of U0126 was 53.2%. CONCLUSION： Short-term LF-PEF first promotes then inhibits, while long-term LF-PEF first inhibits then promotes, TH and DA synthesis. LF-PEF stimulation regulates TH expression primarily by activating protein kinase A to regulate DA synthesis.

Study on the Expression of Dopamine Receptor-3(DRD3) in Rats after Sacral Spinal Cord Transection

[Objectives] This study aimed to study the distribution characteristics of DRD3(dopamine receptor-3) and the changes in its expression before and after spinal cord injury(SCI), in order to lay a morphological basis for later research. [Methods] Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation group and SCI group. The rat spinal cord transection model at the sacral 2(S_2) segment was established. Rat tail spasticity score was performed 60 d after SCI, and the rats with 4-5 points were screened for perfusion. The expression of DRD3 in the sacral spinal cord(S+C segment) was detected by immunofluorescence. [Results] In normal rats, DRD3 was mainly distributed in the dorsal horn(DH), intermediate zone(IMZ) and ventral horn(VH) of the gray matter. It was also expressed in the white matter of the spinal cord. After SCI, the distribution of DRD3 in the segment below the injury section was similar to that of normal rats. However, the expression was different(P<0.05). [Conclusions] There was no significant change in the distribution of DRD3 in spinal cord after SCI. After the spinal cord S_2 was completed transected, the expression of DRD3 was significantly reduced in the DH, IMZ and VH regions of the gray matter of the spinal cord.

Prenatal and Postnatal Exposures to 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetra Hydropyridine (MPTP) Impaired Mouse Midbrain Dopamine System and May Produce a Predisposing and Inducing Model for Parkinson’s Disease

Dopamine cell bodies in the substantia nigra of the midbrain and with their terminals projecting to the neostriatum form the nigrostriatum and these dopamine neurons degenerate in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Based on metabolic and func- tional specialization of the cell bodies versus the axon terminals, the level and disposition of dopamine, its metabolites and enzymes are different in both regions and are likely to be affected differently in PD. We examined changes in the midbrain dopamine system following 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), to test the hypothesis that a predisposing/sensitization stage and a inducing/precipitating stage underlie PD. Pregnant mice were treated with a low dose of MPTP during gestation days 8 - 12 to model the predisposing/sensitization stage, by interrupting the fetal mid- brain dopamine system during its neurogenesis. For the inducing/precipitating stage, the 12-weeks offspring were ad- ministered MPTP. The prenatal-MPTP offspring appear normal, but midbrain dopamine, 3,4-di-hydroxy-phenyl-acetic- acid, 3-methoxytyramine, tyrosine-hydroxylase and L-aromatic-amino-acid-decarboxylase, were reduced by 49.6%, 48%, 54%, 20.9% and 25%. Postnatal-MPTP of 10, 20, 30 mg/kg administered to the prenatal-PBS vs prenatal-MPTP offspring reduced midbrain dopamine by 43.6%, 47.2%, 70.3% vs 85.4%, 89.1%, 95.2%;tyrosine-hydroxylase by 30%, 63%, 81% vs 30.7%, 70.4%, 91.4%;L-aromatic-amino-acid-decarboxylase by 0%, 2%, 40% vs 32%, 40%, 58%. The prenatal-MPTP may render the DA system sensitive by causing sub-threshold reduction of DA, its metabolites and en- zymes, enabling postnatal-MPTP to reduce dopamine above the 70% - 80% PD-inducing threshold. Thus, the study may produce a prenatal predisposing/sensitization and postnatal inducing/precipitation model of PD. It also indicates that some cases of PD may have a fetal basis, in which sub-threshold nigrostriatal impairments occur early in life and PD-symptoms are induced during aging by further insults to the dopaminergic system that would not cause PD symptoms in normal indi-viduals.

Dopamine and GABA Interaction in Basal Ganglia: GABA-A or GABA-B Receptor Stimulation Attenuates L-DOPA-Induced Striatal and Nigral ERK1/2 Signaling in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by degeneration of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons. The primary drug used to treat PD symptoms is L-DOPA, but side effects such as dyskinesias limit its use. Previous findings show that L-DOPA treatment induces extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), a MAP-kinase protein. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is intimately involved in basal ganglia function. Our previous study using a unilaterally lesioned rat model of PD indicated that elevating GABA levels by GABA transaminase inhibitor, aminooxyacetic acid significantly attenuated L-DOPA-induced ERK phosphorylation in the striatum and substantia nigra (SN). The aim of the present study was to assess the role of GABA-A and GABA-B receptor by using a selective agonists, muscimol and baclofen respectively, on L-DOPA-induced ERK phosphorylation in the striatum and SN. Unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rats were prescreened by apomorphine induced rotation test for the extent of DA loss. Lesioned rats were treated with L-DOPA alone or after muscimol or baclofen pretreatment. Appropriate control groups were used. Phospho-ERK levels, tyrosine hydroxylase (to ascertain DA loss) and substance P (an indirect marker for DA loss) levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry using coronal slices at the level of striatum and SN. L-DOPA administration induced a robust increase (>300%) in phospho-ERK1/2 levels in the striatum and SN. Muscimol as well as baclofen pretreatment attenuated the L-DOPA-induced increase in phospho-ERK1/2 levels by >60% in the striatum and SN. Muscimol and baclofen pretreatment also greatly reduced the number of L-DOPA induced phospho-ERK1/2 stained cells in the striatum as well as the contralateral rotational behavior. The present data taken together with our previous study indicate that the L-DOPA induced increase in ERK1/2 is attenuated by GABA via a GABA-A and GABA-B receptor linked mechanism. The study provides further insight into a dopamine-GABA-ERK interaction in the therapeutic and/or side effects of L-DOPA in the basal ganglia.

M_(4) muscarinic receptors regulates dopamine/DARPP-32 signaling and glutamate transmis⁃sion to balance dopaminergic D1 function in mouse dorsal striatum

OBJECTIVE Abnormal striatal dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmis⁃sion is central to the pathophysiology of schizo⁃phrenia.In this study,we investigated the roles of M4 receptor interplay with D1 signaling in stria⁃tal neurotransmission that affect glutamatergic transmission to control the etiology of neuropsy⁃chiatric disorders.METHODS To study dorsal striatum(DS)region-specific neuronal and behav⁃ioral responses modulated by M4 receptors,we used clustered regularly interspaced short palin⁃dromic repeats-associated protein 9 technology to generate mice lacking M4 in the dorsal stria⁃tum(DS-M4-KD).The M4 positive allosteric modu⁃lator,VU0467154,were used to study the phar⁃macologically profiles with M4 receptor stimula⁃tion in WT mice.Oxotremorine M(Oxo-M),a no subtype-selective muscarinic agonist,was used to show that mAchRs activation,in order to dissect the particular function of M4,in DS-M4-KD mice.Open filed test and forced swim test were used to assess the change of psychiatric-like behav⁃iors.Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect protein levels of phosphory⁃lation site of dopamine-and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 ku(DARPP-32).Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to assess M4-mediated cholinergic inhibition of glutamater⁃gic synaptic input transmission.RESULTS West⁃ern blotting and immunohistochemistry assay showed VU0467154(5 mg·kg-1,ip)promoted phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr75,and atten⁃uated D1-dependent phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr34 within the mouse DS.Consistently,the Oxo-M(4μg,icv)also increased DARPP-32 phosphorylation at site Thr75 to reversed phos⁃phorylation at site Thr34 in WT mice,but not in DS-M4-KD mice.In parallel with altered DARPP-32 responses,VU0467154 or Oxo-M evoked a psychological stress response and reversed D1-induced hyperlocomotion in mice in open field test and force swim tests.However,Oxo-M sup⁃pression of D1-depengdeng behavioral respons⁃es was impaired in DS-M4-KD mice.Whole-cell patch recording showed that VU0467154 or Oxo-M mediated endogenous cholinergic inhibition of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents through M4 receptors,which in turn suppressed D1-depen⁃dent glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the DS.CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for the role of M4 receptors in regulation of dopa⁃mine/DARPP-32 signaling and glutamate respons⁃es in the DS,and therefore modulation of psychi⁃atric behaviors associated with D1 signaling.This results indicate the mechanisms of treatments targeting M4 in psychiatric disorders.

Effect of total isoflavones from pueraria lobata on the expressions of preproenkephalin, prodynorphin and D2 dopamine receptor mRNA in PC12 cells induced by MPP^+

Objective： The aim of the study was to observe the effect of total isoflavones from pueraria Iobata （TIP） on D2 dopamine receptor mRNA, preproenkephalin mRNA and prodynorphin mRNA expressions in Parkinson＇s disease （PD） model cells induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion （MPP^＋）. Methods： TIP was dissolved in 0.1 M NaOH and added to the culture medium at a final concentrations of 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 200 mg/L. Some cells （control） were exposed to 0.001 M NaOH. TIP was added to PC12 cells 30 min prior to the administration of MPP^＋. TIP and MPP^＋ remained in the culture medium for 96 h. D2 dopamine receptor mRNA, preproenkephalin mRNA and prodynorphin mRNA expressions were assayed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Results： The D2 dopamine receptor mRNA and preproenkephalin mRNA expressions were up-regulated in MPP^＋ group compared with the control group, and prodynorphin mRNA expression was down-regulated in that. The D2 dopamine receptor mRNA expression being down-regulated and prodynorphin mRNA expression being up-regulated in TIP group compared with the MPP^＋ group. And there was no effect of TIP on preproenkephalin gene expression in PC12 cells induced by MPP^＋. Conclusion： The results suggest that TIP down-regulates the D2 dopamine receptor mRNA expression, up-regulates prodynorphin mRNA expression and not affects preproenkephalin gene expression in PC12 cells induced by MPP^＋.

Feasibility of ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 Micro-SPECT imaging of dopamine transporter in animal retinas

In this paper,^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 Micro-SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) was used for imaging dopamine transporter (DAT) in retinas and to investigate the changes of DAT in retinas of guinea pigs with form deprivation myopia.Pigmented guinea pigs aged 3 weeks were derided into form deprivation myopia (FDM) group (n=6) and normal control group (n=6).The test group wore translucent goggles randomly for 4 weeks, and both groups underwent biometric measurement (refraction and axial length) before and after the experiment. Micro-SPECT retinas imaging was performed at the 4^(th) week after injection of ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1.The retinas were clearly resolved in the images.The ratio of ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 uptake in the myopic retinas (11.55±2.80) was 3.64±1.40 lower than that in the control eye (15.20±1.98),and 2.35±1.05 lower than that in the fellow eyes (13.90±2.04).The results showed that ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 Micro-SPECT eye imaging can be used to trace the distribution and changes of DAT in retina,and DAT in the myopic retinas were lower than that in the normal control eyes and fellow eyes.Micro-SPECT may provide a new approach for further studies on the role of dopamine system in the experimental myopia.

The dopamine receptor D4 regulates the proliferation of pulmonary arteries smooth muscle in broilers by downregulating AT1R

The major cause of pulmonary vascular remodeling in broilers is abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs),and one of the main causes of pulmonary hypertension syndrome(PHS)in broilers is pulmonary artery vascular remodeling.Forty Arbor Acres(AA)broilers were randomly divided into four groups(n=10):a control group(deionized water,Og/L NaCl),a freshwater group(FW,deionized water+1 g/L NaCl),highly salinized freshwater group 1(H-SFW-1,deionized water+2.5 g/L NaCl)and highly salinized freshwater group 2(H-SFW-2,deionized water+5 g/L NaCl).The results of in vivo experiments showed that vascular smooth muscle of the broilers could be significantly proliferated by intake of high-salinity fresh water(H-SFW-1&H-SFW-2),which significantly increased the content of angiotensin II(Ang II)and the expression of angiotensin II type 1(AT1)receptor protein.Meanwhile,it significantly decreased the expression of dopamine receptor D4(DRD4)protein.The results of in vitro experiments showed that exogenous Ang II induced the proliferation of primary VSMCs in broilers,which could be significantly inhibited by DRD4 agonists(D4A,HY-101384A)and enhanced by DRD4 inhibitors(D4I;HY-B0965).In addition,the results of immunoblotting and fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that AT1 receptors could be negatively regulated by DRD4 in VSMCs of broilers,either at the transcriptional or translational level.At the same time,the expression of AT1 receptor could be increased by DRD4 inhibition by D4I and decreased by DRD4 activation by D4A.The negative regulatory effect of DRD4 on AT1 receptor occurred in a dose-dependent manner.These results indicate that long-term intake of highly salinized fresh water can cause PHS in broilers,accompanied by varying degrees of proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle.This mechanism may involve response of its receptor being induced by increased Ang II,while DRD4 can negatively regulate it.

Gasdermin D-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis expands inflammatory responses that aggravate acute liver failure by upregulating monocyte chemotactic protein 1/CC chemokine receptor-2 to recruit macrophages

BACKGROUND Massive hepatocyte death is the core event in acute liver failure(ALF).Gasdermin D(GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis is a type of highly inflammatory cell death.However,the role of hepatocyte pyroptosis and its mechanisms of expanding inflammatory responses in ALF are unclear.AIM To investigate the role and mechanisms of GSDMD-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis through in vitro and in vivo experiments.METHODS The expression of pyroptosis pathway-associated proteins in liver tissues from ALF patients and a hepatocyte injury model was examined by Western blot.GSDMD short hairpin RNA(shRNA)was used to investigate the effects of downregulation of GSDMD on monocyte chemotactic protein 1(MCP1)and its receptor CC chemokine receptor-2(CCR2)in vitro.For in vivo experiments,we used GSDMD knockout mice to investigate the role and mechanism of GSDMD in a D-galactose/lipopolysaccharide(D-Galn/LPS)-induced ALF mouse model.RESULTS The levels of pyroptosis pathway-associated proteins in liver tissue from ALF patients and a hepatocyte injury model increased significantly.The level of GSDMD-N protein increased most obviously(P<0.001).In vitro,downregulation of GSDMD by shRNA decreased the cell inhibition rate and the levels of MCP1/CCR2 proteins(P<0.01).In vivo,GSDMD knockout dramatically eliminated inflammatory damage in the liver and improved the survival of DGaln/LPS-induced ALF mice(P<0.001).Unlike the mechanism of immune cell pyroptosis that involves releasing interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-18,GSDMDmediated hepatocyte pyroptosis recruited macrophages via MCP1/CCR2 to aggravate hepatocyte death.However,this pathological process was inhibited after knocking down GSDMD.CONCLUSION GSDMD-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ALF,recruiting macrophages to release inflammatory mediators by upregulating MCP1/CCR2 and leading to expansion of the inflammatory responses.GSDMD knockout can reduce hepatocyte death and inflammatory responses,thus alleviating ALF.

The hypothalamic-spinal dopaminergic system:a target for pain modulation

Nociceptive signals conveyed to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord by primary nociceptors are subject to extensive modulation by local neurons and by supraspinal descending pathways to the spinal cord before being relayed to higher brain centers. Descending modulatory pathways to the spinal cord comprise,among others, noradrenergic, serotonergic, γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)ergic, and dopaminergic fibers.The contributions of noradrenaline, serotonin, and GABA to pain modulation have been extensively investigated. In contrast, the contributions of dopamine to pain modulation remain poorly understood.The focus of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the contributions of dopamine to pain modulation. Hypothalamic A11 dopaminergic neurons project to all levels of the spinal cord and provide the main source of spinal dopamine. Dopamine receptors are expressed in primary nociceptors as well as in spinal neurons located in different laminae in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, suggesting that dopamine can modulate pain signals by acting at both presynaptic and postsynaptic targets. Here, I will review the literature on the effects of dopamine and dopamine receptor agonists/antagonists on the excitability of primary nociceptors, the effects of dopamine on the synaptic transmission between primary nociceptors and dorsal horn neurons, and the effects of dopamine on pain in rodents. Published data support both anti-nociceptive effects of dopamine mediated by D2-like receptors and pro-nociceptive effects mediated by D1-like receptors.

Clinical outcomes of lenvatinib plus transarterial chemoembolization with or without programmed death receptor-1 inhibitors in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Programmed death receptor-1(PD-1)inhibitors have been approved as secondline treatment regimen in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),but it is still worth studying whether patients can benefit from PD-1 inhibitors as first-line drugs combined with targeted drugs and locoregional therapy.AIM To estimate the clinical outcome of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)and lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors for patients with unresectable HCC(uHCC).METHODS We carried out retrospective research of 65 patients with uHCC who were treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2017 to February 2022.45 patients received the PD-1 inhibitors,lenvatinib,TACE(PD-1-Lenv-T)therapy,and 20 received the lenvatinib,TACE(Lenv-T)therapy.In terms of the dose of lenvatinib,8 mg was given orally for patients weighing less than 60 kg and 12 mg for those weighing more than 60 kg.Of the patients in the PD-1 inhibitor combination group,15 received Toripalimab,14 received Toripalimab,14 received Camrelizumab,4 received Pembrolizumab,9 received Sintilimab,and 2 received Nivolumab,1 with Tislelizumab.According to the investigators’assessment,TACE was performed every 4-6 wk when the patient had good hepatic function(Child-Pugh class A or B)until disease progression occurred.We evaluated the efficacy by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(mRECIST criteria).We accessd the safety by the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events,v 5.0.The key adverse events(AEs)after the initiation of combination therapy were observed.RESULTS Patients with uHCC who received PD-1-Lenv-T therapy(n=45)had a clearly longer overall survival than those who underwent Lenv-T therapy(n=20,26.8 vs 14.0 mo;P=0.027).The median progression-free survival time between the two treatment regimens was also measured{11.7 mo[95%confidence interval(CI):7.7-15.7]in the PD-1-Lenv-T group vs 8.5 mo(95%CI:3.0-13.9)in the Lenv-T group(P=0.028)}.The objective response rates of the PD-1-Lenv-T group and Lenv-T group were 44.4%and 20%(P=0.059)according to the mRECIST criteria,meanwhile the disease control rates were 93.3%and 64.0%(P=0.003),respectively.The type and frequency of AEs showed little distinction between patients received the two treatment regimens.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the early combination of PD-1 inhibitors has manageable toxicity and hopeful efficacy in patients with uHCC.

Diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease:dangerous liaisons between insulin and dopamine

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease has been described in several epidemiological studies over the 1960 s to date.Molecular studies have shown the possible functional link between insulin and dopamine,as there is strong evidence demonstrating the action of dopamine in pancreatic islets,as well as the insulin effects on feeding and cognition through central nervous system mechanism,largely independent of glucose utilization.Therapies used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus appear to be promising candidates for symptomatic and/or disease-modifying action in neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease,while an old dopamine agonist,bromocriptine,has been repositioned for the type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment.This review will aim at reappraising the different studies that have highlighted the dangerous liaisons between diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease.

Effects of levodopa on dopaminergic neurons and induced dyskinesia A radio-imaging study

BACKGROUND： Radio-imaging has been used in neurological diagnosis, in particular for extrapyramidal disease. Moreover, it has been extensively utilized for early diagnosis of Parkinson＇s disease （PD） patients and in animal studies. However, it has rarely been utilized to assess drug-induced side effects in PD. OBJECTIVE： To investigate changes in dopamine transporter expression in a rat model of PD through the use of radio-imaging taking ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 as an imaging agent, and to explore the effect of levodopa （L-dopa） on dopaminergic neurons and the possible mechanisms of dyskinesia induction. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal study was performed at the Laboratory of Department of Nuclear Medicine, Soochow University from April 2006 to June 2007. MATERIALS： 6-hydroxydopamine was purchased from Sigma, USA and L-dopa was purchased from Shanghai Fuda Pharmaceutical, China. ^99mTcO4-fresh elutriant was provided by the Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University. TRODAT-1 image kit was provided by Jiangsu Atomic Energy Research Establishment, China. The SN-695B radioimmunoassay gamma counter was purchased from Shanghai Hesuo Rihuan Photoelectric Instrument, China. The AZ-CA256eZ-Scope portable y camera was purchased from Anzai Medical, Japan. METHODS： A total of 34 healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats were selected. Thirty were used to establish a PD model by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the right medial forebrain bundle, and four were injected with normal saline and served as the sham-surgery group. At the end of 4 weeks, 21 successful PD models were selected and randomly assigned to the L-dopa （n = 15, 20 mg/kg per day）, model （n = 6, normal saline）, and sham-surgery （n = 4, no treatment） groups. After 1 month of treatment, involuntary movement was evaluated twice weekly in each rat. A total of 0.2 mL ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 was injected into the tail vein 2 days following drug termination, and images of dopamine transporters were acquired 2 hours later. The rats were sacrificed and the ratios of specific radioactivity uptake were calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Manifestations of abnormal involuntary movement （AIM） were observed and total AIM scores were calculated. Images of dopamine transporters were acquired using an eZ-Scope portable y camera, and radioactive y quantification of ^99mTC-TRODAT-1 in the rat brains was assayed. The ratios of the left and right corpora striata were determined. The number and function of dopamine transporters was evaluated according to specific radioactivity uptake ratio （R） from the left and right corpora striata. RESULTS： Of 15 PD rats, nine exhibited AIM following L-dopa treatment： five scored 〉 20, i.e., severe grade, four scored 8-16, mild grade, and the remaining exhibited normal behavior. There were no differences in specific radioactivity uptake of dopamine transporter between the left and right corpora striata in the sham-surgery rats, and the images were clear and symmetrically distributed. Specific radioactivity uptake of the normal side （left） was significantly greater than the lesioned side （right） in the model group rats （P 〈 0.01）, and the R value was significantly increased compared with the sham-surgery group （P 〈 0.01）. The radio-ligand accumulation in the right corpus striatum was sparse. In the L-dopa group, specific radioactivity uptake was significantly decreased in the lesioned （right） side of the AiM rats, and the Rvalue was increased compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05）. The amount of radio-ligand in the right corpus striatum was diminished. The Rvalue was significantly reduced in the non-AIM rats compared with the AIM rats （P 〈 0.05）, and specific radioactivity uptake was significantly increased in the lesioned （right） side compared with the normal side （P 〈 0.05）. Moreover, radio-ligand accumulation was observed in the right corpus striatum, and differences in radio-ligand accumulation between the two sides were reduced. CONCLUSION： Following L-dopa treatment, the number and function of dopamine transporter in some PD rats were reduced. L-dopa was shown to be toxic to dopaminergic neurons and induced dyskinesia.

Effects of endogenous dopamine induced by low concentration atropine eye drops on choroidal neovascularization in high myopia mice

AIM:To evaluate effects of endogenous dopamine induced by low concentration atropine eye drops on choroidal neovascularization(CNV)in high myopia mice.METHODS:The C57BL/6J mice were deprived of the right eye for 4wk,and the high myopia was diagnosed by optometry,the diopter was less than-6.00 D,and CNV was induced by 532 nm laser.The changes of dopamine D1 receptor(DRD1),dopamine D2 receptor(DRD2),and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)were detected by Western blot technology at 0.5,1,2h,and 7d after 0.01%,0.05%,and 0.1%atropine eye drops,respectively,the area of CNV was measured.RESULTS:Significant increases were observed on the expression of DRD2 in mouse high myopia model at 0.5,1,2h,7d with 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops(P<0.05).Significant decreases were observed on the expression of DRD1 and VEGFA in mouse high myopia model at 0.5,1,2h,7d with 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops(P<0.05).The area of CNV induced by laser in the drug-treated group was significantly smaller than that in the control group,and the higher the concentration,the more significant the inhibitory effect(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The 0.01%,0.05%,0.1%atropine eye drops can decrease the level of VEGFA and inhibit high myopia CNV indirectly by up-regulating the level of DRD2 and down-regulating the level of DRD1,and the effect of 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops is more significant.

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 in Human Meningiomas

The expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) in human meningiomas and the relationships between their expression and the tumors' histological features and angiogenesis were investigated by means of immunohistochemical technique. The expression of bFGF and FGFR-1 was detected by antibody of bFGF or FGFR-1. The tumors' angiogenesis was evaluated by microvascular density (MVD) and, which was observed by use of CD34-antibody immunohistochemically. The results showed that there were varied degrees of the expression of bFGF and FGFR-1 proteins in meningiomas. The expression was correlated with the tumors' histological characters and angiogenesis. It was concluded that bFGF and FGFR-1 might play important roles in meningiomas' angiogenesis and proliferation. The expression positive rate of bFGF and FGFR-1 may provide an indication of evaluating the histological and malignant degree of the tumor.