Uncoupling protein 2 in the glial response to stress:implications for neuroprotection

Reactive oxygen species（ROS） are free radicals thought to mediate the neurotoxic effects of several neurodegenerative disorders.In the central nervous system,ROS can also trigger a phenotypic switch in both astrocytes and microglia that further aggravates neurodegeneration,termed reactive gliosis.Negative regulators of ROS,such as mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2（UCP2） are neuroprotective factors that decrease neuron loss in models of stroke,epilepsy,and parkinsonism.However,it is unclear whether UCP2 acts purely to prevent ROS production,or also to prevent gliosis.In this review article,we discuss published evidence supporting the hypothesis that UCP2 is a neuroprotective factor both through its direct effects in decreasing mitochondrial ROS and through its effects in astrocytes and microglia.A major effect of UCP2 activation in glia is a change in the spectrum of secreted cytokines towards a more anti-inflammatory spectrum.There are multiple mechanisms that can control the level or activity of UCP2,including a variety of metabolites and micro RNAs.Understanding these mechanisms will be key to exploitingthe protective effects of UCP2 in therapies for multiple neurodegenerative conditions.

miRNA-133a-UCP2 pathway regulates inflammatory bowel disease progress by influencing inflammation, oxidative stress and energy metabolism

AIM To investigate the role of the miR-133a-UCP2 pathway in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to explore the potential downstream mechanisms with respect to inflammation, oxidative stress and energy metabolism. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were fed dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) liquid for 7 consecutive days, followed by the administration of saline to the DSS group, UCP2 siRNA to the UCP2 group and a miR-133a mimic to the miR-133a group on days 8 and 11. Body weight, stool consistency and rectal bleeding were recorded daily, and these composed the disease activity index (DAI) score for the assessment of disease severity. After cervical dislocation was performed on day 14, the length of the colon in each mouse was measured, and colonic tissue was collected for further study, which included the following: haematoxylin and eosin staining, UCP2 and miR-133a detection by immunohistochemical staining, western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, measurement of apoptosis by TUNEL assay, and the assessment of inflammation (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and MCP1), oxidative stress (H2O2 and MDA) and metabolic parameters (ATP) by ELISA and colorimetric methods. RESULTS An animal model of IBD was successfully established, as shown by an increased DAI score, shortened colon length and specific pathologic changes, along with significantly increased UCP2 and decreased miR-133a levels. Compared with the DSS group, the severity of IBD was alleviated in the UCP2 and the miR-133a groups after successful UCP2 knockdown and miR-133a overexpression. The extent of apoptosis, as well as the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, MDA and ATP, were significantly increased in both the UCP2 and miR-133a groups compared with the DSS group. CONCLUSION The miR-133a-UCP2 pathway participates in IBD by altering downstream inflammation, oxidative stress and markers of energy metabolism, which provides novel clues and potential therapeutic targets for IBD.

The clinical antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide extend Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan and healthspan

The drugs extending healthspan in clinic have always been searched.Nitazoxanide is an FDA-approved clinical antiprotozoal drug.Nitazoxanide is rapidly metabolized to tizoxanide after absorption in vivo.Our previous studies find that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide induce mild mitochondrial uncoupling and activate cellular AMPK,oral nitazoxanide protects against experimental hyperlipidemia,hepatic steatosis,and atherosclerosis.Here,we demonstrate that both nitazoxanide and tizoxanide extend the lifespan and healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans through Akt/AMPK/sir 2.1/daf16 pathway.Additionally,both nitazoxanide and tizoxanide improve high glucose-induced shortening of C.elegans lifespan.Nitazoxanide has been a clinical drug with a good safety profile,we suggest that it is a novel anti-aging drug.

Mitochondrial uncoupler triclosan induces vasorelaxation of rat arteries

Our previous studies found that mitochondrial uncouplers induced vasodilation. Triclosan, the broad spectrum antibacterial agent, is the active ingredient in soaps and toothpastes. It was reported that triclosan induced mitochondrial uncoupling, so we aim to investigate the effects of triclosan on vascular function of rat mesenteric arteries and aorta. The isometric tension of rat mesenteric artery and thoracic aorta was recorded by multi-wire myograph system. The cytosolic [Ca^(2+)]_i, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mitoROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential of smooth muscle cells(A10 cells) were measured using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Triclosan treatment relaxed phenylephrine(PE)-and high K^(+)(KPSS)-induced constriction, and pre-treatment with triclosan inhibited PE-and KPSS-induced constriction of rat mesenteric arteries. In rat thoracic aorta, triclosan also relaxed PE-and KPSS-induced constriction. Triclosan induces vasorelaxation without involving KATPchannel activation in smooth muscle cells of arteries.Triclosan treatment increased cytosolic [Ca^(2+)]_i, mitochondrial ROS production and depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential in A10 cells. In conclusion, triclosan induces mitochondrial uncoupling in vascular smooth muscle cells and relaxes the constricted rat mesenteric arteries and aorta of rats. The present results suggest that triclosan would indicate vasodilation effect if absorbed excessively in vivo.

Anthelmintics nitazoxanide protects against experimental hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis in hamsters and mice

Lipid metabolism disorders contribute to hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis.It is ideal to develop drugs simultaneous improving both hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis.Nitazoxanide is an FDA-approved oral antiprotozoal drug with excellent pharmacokinetic and safety profile.We found that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide induced mild mitochondrial uncoupling and subsequently activated AMPK in Hep G2 cells.Gavage administration of nitazoxanide inhibited high-fat diet(HFD)-induced increases of liver weight,blood and liver lipids,and ameliorated HFD-induced renal lipid accumulation in hamsters.Nitazoxanide significantly improved HFD-induced histopathologic changes of hamster livers.In the hamsters with pre-existing hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis,nitazoxanide also showed therapeutic effect.Gavage administration of nitazoxanide improved HFD-induced hepatic steatosis in C57BL/6J mice and western diet(WD)-induced hepatic steatosis in Apoe-/-mice.The present study suggests that repurposing nitazoxanide as a drug for hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis treatment is promising.