Manganese(Mn)has been characterized as an environmental pollutant.Excessive releases of Mn due to human activities have increased Mn levels in the environment over the years,posing a threat to human health and the env...Manganese(Mn)has been characterized as an environmental pollutant.Excessive releases of Mn due to human activities have increased Mn levels in the environment over the years,posing a threat to human health and the environment.Long-term exposure to high concentrations of Mn can induce neurotoxicity.Therefore,toxicological studies on Mn are of paramount importance.Mn induces oxidative stress through affecting the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS),and the overabundance of ROS further triggers ferroptosis.Additionally,Mn^(2+) was found to be a novel activator of the cyclic guanosine-adenosine synthase(cGAS)−stimulator of interferon genes(STING)pathway in the innateimmune system.Thus,we speculate thatMn exposuremay promote ROS production by activating the cGAS−STING pathway,which further induces oxidative stress and ferroptosis,and ultimately triggers Mn neurotoxicity.This review discusses the mechanism between Mn-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis via activation of the cGAS−STING pathway,which may offer a prospective direction for future in-depth studies on the mechanism of Mn neurotoxicity.展开更多
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity(CIPN)is a severe dose-limiting adverse event of chemotherapy.Presently,the mechanism underlying the induction of CIPN remains unclear,and no effective treatment is availab...Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity(CIPN)is a severe dose-limiting adverse event of chemotherapy.Presently,the mechanism underlying the induction of CIPN remains unclear,and no effective treatment is available.In this study,through metabolomics analyses,we found that nab-paclitaxel therapy markedly increased serum serotonin[5-hydroxtryptamine(5-HT)]levels in both cancer patients and mice compared to the respective controls.Furthermore,nab-paclitaxel-treated enterochromaffin(EC)cells showed increased 5-HT synthesis,and serotonin-treated Schwann cells showed damage,as indicated by the activation of CREB3L3/MMP3/FAS signaling.Venlafaxine,an inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake,was found to protect against nerve injury by suppressing the activation of CREB3L3/MMP3/FAS signaling in Schwann cells.Remarkably,venlafaxine was found to significantly alleviate nab-paclitaxel-induced CIPN in patients without affecting the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy.In summary,our study reveals that EC cell-derived 5-HT plays a critical role in nab-paclitaxel-related neurotoxic lesions,and venlafaxine co-administration represents a novel approach to treating chronic cumulative neurotoxicity commonly reported in nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy.展开更多
Copper(Cu)pollution has raised global environmental concern due to its persistence and toxicity.Numerous studies have shown that the imbalance of Cu metabolism is closely related the neurodegenerative diseases.Previou...Copper(Cu)pollution has raised global environmental concern due to its persistence and toxicity.Numerous studies have shown that the imbalance of Cu metabolism is closely related the neurodegenerative diseases.Previous study exposited that excessive Cu participating in neurotoxic mechanism through oxidative stress,protein misfolding,mitochondrial malfunction,autophagy dysregulation,and apoptosis.However,the mechanism of neurotoxicity of Cu is still inconclusive.In this study,Caenorhabditis eleganswas used to investigate the acute Cu exposure on the nervous system and the possiblemechanism.Initially,0.01-10 mg/L Cu exposure inhibited locomotion behavior,and that 1-10mg/L decreased the sensory behavior in C.elegans.Subsequently,dopaminergic,glutamatergic,GABAergic and cholinergic neurons were destroyed,as well as the decreased expression of neurotransmitters after Cu exposure.Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that locomotion behaviors were positively correlated with the health of the dopaminergic,glutamatergic,GABAergic and cholinergic neurons.In addition,Cu exposure promoted the formation of oxidative stress.Study showed Cu significantly promoted nuclear localization of SKN-1,but inhibited that of DAF-16 in C.elegans.Further evidence showed skn-1mutants and daf-16 mutants weremore sensitiveness to Cu-induced behavioral defect.Meanwhile,the regulatory effects of SKN-1 and DAF-16 on downstream genes were blocked in skn-1 mutants and daf-16 mutants.Cu regulated the expression of downstream genes sod-3,ctl-1,gcs-1 and gst-4 through transcription factors SKN-1 and DAF-16,in response to Cu-induced neurotoxicity.Thus,the present study contributes to the understanding of the potential neurotoxicity of acute exposure to Cu in C.elegans.展开更多
Neuron glia antigen-2(NG2)glia,also known as oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs),are essential for maintaining the normal function and structure of the central nervous system(CNS)due to their supportive role[1].Unde...Neuron glia antigen-2(NG2)glia,also known as oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs),are essential for maintaining the normal function and structure of the central nervous system(CNS)due to their supportive role[1].Under physiological conditions,NG2 glia are involved in myelination by differentiating into oligodendrocytes,which are responsible for forming the myelin sheath around axons[2].In addition,the NG2 glia can directly influence the activity of neuronal circuits by receiving synaptic input from neurons and generating action potentials[3].Under pathological conditions,such as in response to injury or disease,the NG2 glia proliferate and differentiate to replace damaged oligodendrocytes,contributing to the repair and regeneration of myelin[4].展开更多
Lead ion （Pb2＋） has been proven to be a neurotoxin due to its neurotoxicity on mammalian nervous system, especially for the developing brains of juveniles. However, many reported studies involved the negative effec...Lead ion （Pb2＋） has been proven to be a neurotoxin due to its neurotoxicity on mammalian nervous system, especially for the developing brains of juveniles. However, many reported studies involved the negative effects of Pb2＋ on adult neural cells of humans or other mammals, only few of which have examined the effects of Pb2＋ on neural stem cells. The purpose of this study was to reveal the biological effects of Pb2＋from lead acetate [Pb （0H30OO）2] on viability, proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells derived from the hippocampus of newborn rats aged 7 days and adult rats aged 90 days, respectively. This study was carried out in three parts. In the first part, 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay （MTT viability assay） was used to detect the effects of Pb2＋ on the cell viability of passage 2 hippocampal neural stem cells after 48-hour exposure to 0-200 pM Pb2＋. In the second part, 10 pM bromodeoxyuridine was added into the culture medium of passage 2 hippocampal neural stem cells after 48-hour exposure to 0- 200 pM Pb2＋, followed by immunocytochemical staining with anti-bromodeoxyuridine to demonstrate the effects of Pb2＋ on cell proliferation. In the last part, passage 2 hippocampal neural stem cells were allowed to grow in the differentiation medium with 0-200 pM Pb2＋. Immunocytochemical staining with anti-microtubule-associated protein 2 （a neuron marker）, anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein （an astrocyte marker）, and anti-RIP （an oligodendrocyte marker） was performed to detect the differentiation commitment of affected neural stem cells after 6 days. The data showed that Pb2~ inhibited not only the viability and proliferation of rat hippocampal neural stem cells, but also their neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation in vitro. Moreover, increased activity of astrocyte differentiation of hippocampal neural stem cells from both newborn and adult rats was observed after exposure to high concentration of lead ion in vitro. These findings suggest that hippocampal neural stem cells of newborn rats were more sensitive than those from adult rats to Pb2＋cytotoxicity.展开更多
Plastics such as polyvinyl chlorides （PVC） are widely used in many indoor constructed environments; however, their unbound chemicals, such as di-（2-ethylhexyl） phthalates （DEHP）, can leach into the surrounding e...Plastics such as polyvinyl chlorides （PVC） are widely used in many indoor constructed environments; however, their unbound chemicals, such as di-（2-ethylhexyl） phthalates （DEHP）, can leach into the surrounding environment. This study focused on DEHP＇s effect on the central nervous system by determining the precise DEHP content in mice brain tissue after exposure to the chemical, to evaluate the specific exposure range. Primary neuronal-astrocyte co-culture systems were used as in vitro models for chemical hazard identification of DEHP. Oxidative stress was hypothesized as a probable mechanism involved, and therefore the total reactive oxygen species （ROS） concentration was determined as a biomarker of oxidative stress. In addition, NeuriteTracer, a neurite tracing plugin with ImageJ, was used to develop an assay for neurotoxicity to provide quantitative measurements of neurological parameters, such as neuronal number, neuron count and neurite length, all of which could indicate neurotoxic effects. The results showed that with 1 nmol/L DEHP exposure, there was a significant increase in ROS concentrations, indicating that the neuronal-astrocyte cultures were injured due to exposure to DEHP. In response, astrocyte proliferation （gliosis） was initiated, serving as a mechanism to maintain a homeostatic environment for neurons and protect neurons from toxic chemicals. There is a need to assess the cumulative effects of DEHP in animals to evaluate the possible uotake and effects on the human neuronal system from exoosure to DEHP in the indoor environment.展开更多
Patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy frequently experience neurotoxic symptoms, which may lead to premature discontinuation of therapy. Despitediscontinuation of platinum drugs, these symptoms can persist...Patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy frequently experience neurotoxic symptoms, which may lead to premature discontinuation of therapy. Despitediscontinuation of platinum drugs, these symptoms can persist over a long period of time. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin, among all platinum drugs, have significant neurotoxic potential. A distal dose-dependent symmetrical sensory neuropathy is the most common presentation of platinum neurotoxicity. DNA damage-induced apoptosis of dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons seems to be the principal cause of neurological symptoms. However, DRG injury alone cannot explain some unique symptoms such as cold-aggravated burning pain affecting distal extremities that is observed with oxaliplatin administration. In this article, we briefly reviewed potential mechanisms for the development of platinum drugs-associated neurological manifestations.展开更多
Appropriate selection and measurement of lead biomarkers of exposure are critically important for health care management purposes,public health decision making,and primary prevention synthesis.Lead is one of the neuro...Appropriate selection and measurement of lead biomarkers of exposure are critically important for health care management purposes,public health decision making,and primary prevention synthesis.Lead is one of the neurotoxicants that seems to be involved in the etiology of psychologies.Biomarkers are generally classified into three groups:biomarkers of exposure,effect,and susceptibility.The main body compartments that store lead are the blood,soft tissues,and bone;the half-life of lead in these tissues is measured in weeks for blood,months for soft tissues,and years for bone.Within the brain,lead-induced damage in the prefrontal cerebral cortex,hippocampus,and cerebellum can lead to a variety of neurological disorders,such as brain damage,mental retardation,behavioral problems,nerve damage,and possibly Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and schizophrenia.This paper presents an overview of biomarkers of lead exposure and discusses the neurotoxic effects of lead with regard to children and adults.展开更多
Neurotoxicity is an infrequent adverse reaction to iodinated contrast agents. Contrast induced neurotoxicity following coronary angiogram is very rare. Renal disease is a risk factor for contrast induced neurotoxicity...Neurotoxicity is an infrequent adverse reaction to iodinated contrast agents. Contrast induced neurotoxicity following coronary angiogram is very rare. Renal disease is a risk factor for contrast induced neurotoxicity. We report a case of contrast induced neurotoxicity following coronary angiogram and intervention using Iohexol(Omnipaque 350) in an end stage renal disease patient on peritoneal dialysis who had prior exposure to iodinated contrast without any adverse reaction. Hemodialysis had to be initiated for rapid removal of the contrast agent with subsequent complete resolution of neurological deficits. This case highlights the need for interventionalists to be aware of an important adverse reaction to iodinated contrast agents, especially in individuals with renal dysfunction, and that neurotoxicity is a possibility even with prior uneventful exposures. The role and timing of hemodialysis in contrast induced neurotoxicity in patients with chronic kidney disease and in those without chronic kidney disease needs further deliberation.展开更多
Chronic activation of microglial cells endangers neuronal survival through the release of various proinflammatory and neurotoxic factors. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall has been considered useful for the treatmen...Chronic activation of microglial cells endangers neuronal survival through the release of various proinflammatory and neurotoxic factors. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall has been considered useful for the treatment of various disorders in traditional oriental medicine. Paeonol, found in the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, has a wide range of pharmacological functions, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of paeonol in the repression of inflammation-induced neurotoxicity and microglial cell activation. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and primary microglial cells from rat brain were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Paeonol pretreatment was performed for 30 minutes prior to lipopolysaccharide addition. Cell viability and nitrite （the production of nitric oxide）, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-lbeta products were measured after lipopolysaccharide treatment. In organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, paeonol blocked lipopolysaccharide-related hippocampal cell death and inhibited the release of nitrite and interleukin-lbeta. Paeonol was effective in inhibiting nitric oxide release from primary microglial cells. It also reduced the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and intefleukin-1β from microglial cells. Paeonol possesses neuroprotective activity in a model of inflammation-induced neurotoxicity and reduces the release of neurotoxic and proinflammatory factors in activated microglial cells.展开更多
Aconitine,a common and main toxic component of Aconitum,is toxic to the central nervous system.However,the mechanism of aconitine neurotoxicity is not yet clear.In this work,we had the hypothesis that excitatory amino...Aconitine,a common and main toxic component of Aconitum,is toxic to the central nervous system.However,the mechanism of aconitine neurotoxicity is not yet clear.In this work,we had the hypothesis that excitatory amino acids can trigger excitotoxicity as a pointcut to explore the mechanism of neurotoxicity induced by aconitine.HT22 cells were simulated by aconitine and the changes of target cell metabolites were real-time online investigated based on a microfluidic chip-mass spectrometry system.Meanwhile,to confirm the metabolic mechanism of aconitine toxicity on HT22 cells,the levels of lactate dehydrogenase,intracellular Ca^(2+),reactive oxygen species,glutathione and superoxide dismutase,and ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein were detected by molecular biotechnology.Integration of the detected results revealed that neurotoxicity induced by aconitine was associated with the process of excitotoxicity caused by glutamic acid and aspartic acid,which was followed by the accumulation of lactic acid and reduction of glucose.The surge of extracellular glutamic acid could further lead to a series of cascade reactions including intracellular Ca^(2+)overload and oxidative stress,and eventually result in cell apoptosis.In general,we illustrated a new mechanism of aconitine neurotoxicity and presented a novel analysis strategy that real-time online monitoring of cell metabolites can provide a new approach to mechanism analysis.展开更多
The mechanism underlying acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on acrylamide-induced toxicity in adult rodents, but neurotoxicity in weaning rats has not been investigat...The mechanism underlying acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on acrylamide-induced toxicity in adult rodents, but neurotoxicity in weaning rats has not been investigated. To explore the neurotoxic effect of acrylamide on the developing brain, weaning rats were gavaged with 0, 5, 15, and 30 mg/kg acrylamide for 4 consecutive weeks. No obvious neurotoxicity was observed in weaning rats in the low-dose acrylamide group （5 mg/kg）. However, rats from the moderateand high-dose acrylamide groups （15 and 30 mg/kg） had an abnormal gait. Furthermore, biochemical tests in these rats demonstrated that glutamate concentration was significantly reduced, and ^-aminobutyric acid content was significantly increased and was dependent on acrylamide dose. Immunohis- tochemical staining showed that in the cerebral cortex, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid decarboxylase and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression increased remarkably in the moderate- and high-dose acrylamide groups. These results indicate that in weaning rats, acrylamide is positively associated with neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, which may correlate with upregulation of γ-aminobutyric acid and subsequent neuronal degeneration after the initial acrylamide exposure.展开更多
Ghrelin is a neuropeptide that has various physiological functions and has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in a number of neurological disease models.However,the underlying mechanisms of ghrelin in Parkinson’...Ghrelin is a neuropeptide that has various physiological functions and has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in a number of neurological disease models.However,the underlying mechanisms of ghrelin in Parkinson’s disease remain largely unexplored.The current study aimed to study the effects of ghrelin in a 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA)-induced Parkinson’s disease model and evaluate the potential underlying mechanisms.In the present study,we treated an SH-SY5 Y cell model with 6-OHDA,and observed that pretreatment with different concentrations of ghrelin(1,10,and 100 nM)for 30 minutes relieved the neurotoxic effects of 6-OHDA,as revealed by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Annexin V/propidium iodide(PI)apoptosis assays.Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay results demonstrated that 6-OHDA treatment upregulatedα-synuclein and lincRNA-p21 and downregulated TG-interacting factor 1(TGIF1),which was predicted as a potential transcription regulator of the gene encodingα-synuclein(SNCA).Ghrelin pretreatment was able to reverse the trends caused by 6-OHDA.The Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay results revealed that inhibiting eitherα-synuclein or lincRNA-p21 expression with small interfering RNA(siRNA)relieved 6-OHDA-induced cell apoptosis.Furthermore,inhibiting lincRNA-p21 also partially upregulated TGIF1.By retrieving information from a bioinformatics database and performing both double luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation assays,we found that lincRNA-p21 and TGIF1 were able to form a double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen homolog 1(STAU1)binding site and further activate the STAU1-mediated mRNA decay pathway.In addition,TGIF1 was able to transcriptionally regulateα-synuclein expression by binding to the promoter of SNCA.The Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay results showed that either knockdown of TGIF1 or overexpression of lincRNA-p21 notably abolished the neuroprotective effects of ghrelin against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity.Collectively,these findings suggest that ghrelin exerts neuroprotective effects against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity via the lincRNA-p21/TGIF1/α-synuclein pathway.展开更多
Many types of plastic products,including polystyrene,have long been used in commercial and industrial applications.Microplastics and nanoplastics,plastic particles derived from these plastic products,are emerging as e...Many types of plastic products,including polystyrene,have long been used in commercial and industrial applications.Microplastics and nanoplastics,plastic particles derived from these plastic products,are emerging as environmental pollutants that can pose health risks to a wide variety of living organisms,including humans.However,it is not well understood how microplastics and nanoplastics affect cellular functions and induce stress responses.Humans can be exposed to polystyrene-microplastics and polystyrene-nanoplastics through ingestion,inhalation,or skin contact.Most ingested plastics are excreted from the body,but inhaled plastics may accumulate in the lungs and can even reach the brain via the nose-to-brain route.Small-sized polystyrene-nanoplastics can enter cells by endocytosis,accumulate in the cytoplasm,and cause various cellular stresses,such as inflammation with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production,oxidative stress with generation of reactive oxygen species,and mitochondrial dysfunction.They induce autophagy activation and autophagosome formation,but autophagic flux may be impaired due to lysosomal dysfunction.Unless permanently exposed to polystyrene-nanoplastics,they can be removed from cells by exocytosis and subsequently restore cellular function.However,neurons are very susceptible to this type of stress,thus even acute exposure can lead to neurodegeneration without recovery.This review focuses specifically on recent advances in research on polystyrene-nanoplastic-induced cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity.Furthermore,in this review,based on mechanistic studies of polystyrene-nanoplastics at the cellular level other than neurons,future directions for overcoming the negative effects of polystyrene-nanoplastics on neurons were suggested.展开更多
A growing body of evidence suggests that disruption of the homeostasis of lipid metabolism affects the pathogenesis of Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）. In particular, dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis in the brain ...A growing body of evidence suggests that disruption of the homeostasis of lipid metabolism affects the pathogenesis of Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）. In particular, dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis in the brain has been reported to considerably increase the risk of developing AD. Thus, dysregulation of lipid homeostasis may increase the amyloid β （Aβ） levels by affecting amyloid precursor protein （APP） cleavage, which is the most important risk factor involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Previous research demonstrated that Aβ can trigger neuronal insulin resistance, which plays an important role in response to Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in AD. Epidemiological studies also suggested that statin use is associated with a decreased incidence of AD. Therefore, statins are believed to be a good candidate for conferring neuropro- tective effects against AD. Statins may play a beneficial role in reducing A^-induced neurotoxicity. Their effect involves a putative mechanism beyond its cholesterol-lowering effects in preventing A[3-induced neurotoxicity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the protective effect of statins have not been clearly determined in Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Given that statins may provide benefits beyond the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A （HMG-CoA） reductase, these drugs may also improve the brain. Thus, statins may have beneficial effects on impaired insulin signaling by activating AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK） in neuronal cells. They play a potential therapeutic role in targeting Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity.展开更多
Extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus can relieve pain and promote repair of nerve injury. The present study intraperitoneally injected extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus for 3...Extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus can relieve pain and promote repair of nerve injury. The present study intraperitoneally injected extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus for 3 and 4 days prior to and following intrathecal injection of bupivacaine into pregnant rats. The pain threshold test after bupivacaine injection showed that the maximum possible effect of tail-flick latency peaked 1 day after intrathecal injection of bupivacaine in the extract-pretreatment group, and gradually decreased, while the maximum possible effect in the bupivacaine group continued to increase after intrathecal injection of bupivacaine. Histological observation showed that after 4 days of intrathecal injection of bupivacaine, the number of shrunken, vacuolated, apoptotic and caspase-9-positive cells in the dorsal root ganglion in the extract-pretreatment group was significantly reduced compared with the bupivacaine group. These findings indicate that extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus can attenuate neurotoxicity induced by intrathecal injection of bupivacaine in pregnant rats, possibly by inhibiting caspase-9 protein expression and suppressing nerve cell apoptosis.展开更多
After intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg lead acetate, rats received 8 weeks of treadmill exercise （15-22 m/min, 25-64 minutes） and/or treadmill exercise at 1.6 km/h until exhaustion. The markers related to neuro...After intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg lead acetate, rats received 8 weeks of treadmill exercise （15-22 m/min, 25-64 minutes） and/or treadmill exercise at 1.6 km/h until exhaustion. The markers related to neurotoxicity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. 8 weeks of treadmill exercise significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the hippocampus （P = 0.04） and plasma level of total antioxidant capacity of rats exposed to lead acetate （P 〈 0.001）, and significantly decreased plasma level of malondialdehyde （P 〈 0.001）. Acute exercise only decreased the hippocampal malondialdehyde level （P = 0.09） and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the hippocampus （P = 0.66）. Acute exercise also enhanced the total antioxidant capacity in rats exposed to lead acetate, insignificantly （P = 0.99）, These findings suggest that chronic treadmill exercise can significantly decrease neurotoxicity and alleviate oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate. However, acute endurance exercise was not associated with these beneficial effects.展开更多
Studies have suggested that aluminum, a neurotoxic metal, is involved in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have confirmed that aluminum influences intracellular Ca^2＋ homeostasis. Howeve...Studies have suggested that aluminum, a neurotoxic metal, is involved in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have confirmed that aluminum influences intracellular Ca^2＋ homeostasis. However, it remains unclear whether aluminum increases or decreases intracellular Ca^2＋ concentrations. The present study demonstrated that Al^3＋ competitively binds to calmodulin （CAM）, together with Ca^2＋, which resulted in loss of capacity of CaM to bind to Ca^2＋, leading to increased [Ca^2＋]i. Al^3＋ stimulated voltage-gated calcium channels on cell membranes, which allowed a small quantity of Ca^2＋ into the cells. Al^3＋ also promoted calcium release from organelles by stimulating L-Ca^2＋αlc to trigger calcium-induced calcium release. Although Al^3＋ upregulated expression of Na＋/Ca^2＋exchanger mRNA, increased levels of Ca^2＋ and Na＋/Ca^2＋ exchanger did not maintain a normal Ca^2＋ balance. Al^3＋ resulted in disordered intracellular calcium homeostasis by affecting calcium channels, calcium buffering, and calcium expulsion.展开更多
Methamphetamine is an amphetamine-type psychostimulant that can damage dopaminergic neurons and cause characteristic pathological changes similar to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. However,...Methamphetamine is an amphetamine-type psychostimulant that can damage dopaminergic neurons and cause characteristic pathological changes similar to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unclear. In the present study, we established a Parkinson's disease pathology model by exposing SH-SY5 Y cells and C57 BL/6 J mice to methamphetamine. In vitro experiments were performed with 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 mM methamphetamine for 24 hours or 2.0 mM methamphetamine for 0-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-, and 24-hour culture of SH-SY5 Y cells. Additional experimental groups of SH-SY5 Y cells were administered a nitric oxide inhibitor, 0.1 mM N-nitro-L-arginine, 1 hour before exposure to 2.0 mM methamphetamine for 24 hours. In vivo experiments: C57 BL/6 J mice were intraperitoneally injected with N-nitro-L-arginine(8 mg/kg), eight times, at intervals of 12 hours. Methamphetamine 15 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected eight times, at intervals of 12 hours, but 0.5-hour after each N-nitro-L-arginine injection in the combined group. Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of nitric oxide synthase, α-synuclein(α-Syn), 5 G4, nitrated α-synuclein at the residue Tyr39(nT39 α-Syn), cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase(PARP) in cells and mouse brain tissue. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to measure the positive reaction of NeuN, nT39 α-Syn and 5 G4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the dopamine levels in the mouse brain. After methamphetamine exposure, α-Syn expression increased; the aggregation of α-Syn 5 G4 increased; nT39 α-Syn, nitric oxide synthase, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP expression increased in the cultures of SH-SY5 Y cells and in the brains of C57 BL/6 J mice; and dopamine levels were reduced in the mouse brain. These changes were markedly reduced when N-nitro-L-arginine was administered with methamphetamine in both SH-SY5 Y cells and C57 BL/6 J mice. These results suggest that nT39 α-Syn aggregation is involved in methamphetamine neurotoxicity.展开更多
Neuroscientists have recognized the importance of astrocytes in regulating neurological function and their influence on the release of glial transmitters.Few studies,however,have focused on the effects of general anes...Neuroscientists have recognized the importance of astrocytes in regulating neurological function and their influence on the release of glial transmitters.Few studies,however,have focused on the effects of general anesthetic agents on neuroglia or astrocytes.Astrocytes can also be an important target of general anesthetic agents as they exert not only sedative,analgesic,and amnesic effects but also mediate general anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity and postoperative cognitive dysfunction.Here,we analyzed recent advances in understanding the mechanism of general anesthetic agents on astrocytes,and found that exposure to general anesthetic agents will destroy the morphology and proliferation of astrocytes,in addition to acting on the receptors on their surface,which not only affect Ca^(2+)signaling,inhibit the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and lactate from astrocytes,but are even involved in the regulation of the pro-and anti-inflammatory processes of astrocytes.These would obviously affect the communication between astrocytes as well as between astrocytes and neighboring neurons,other neuroglia,and vascular cells.In this review,we summarize how general anesthetic agents act on neurons via astrocytes,and explore potential mechanisms of action of general anesthetic agents on the nervous system.We hope that this review will provide a new direction for mitigating the neurotoxicity of general anesthetic agents.展开更多
基金supported by Lanzhou Youth Science and Technology Talent Innovation Project(No.2023-QN-60)the Startup Fund for the Construction of the Double First-Class Project,Lanzhou University,China(No.561121203)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31802256)the Medical Innovation and Development Project of Lanzhou University(No.lzuyxcx-2022-196)the Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Gansu Province(No.20JR5RA579).
文摘Manganese(Mn)has been characterized as an environmental pollutant.Excessive releases of Mn due to human activities have increased Mn levels in the environment over the years,posing a threat to human health and the environment.Long-term exposure to high concentrations of Mn can induce neurotoxicity.Therefore,toxicological studies on Mn are of paramount importance.Mn induces oxidative stress through affecting the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS),and the overabundance of ROS further triggers ferroptosis.Additionally,Mn^(2+) was found to be a novel activator of the cyclic guanosine-adenosine synthase(cGAS)−stimulator of interferon genes(STING)pathway in the innateimmune system.Thus,we speculate thatMn exposuremay promote ROS production by activating the cGAS−STING pathway,which further induces oxidative stress and ferroptosis,and ultimately triggers Mn neurotoxicity.This review discusses the mechanism between Mn-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis via activation of the cGAS−STING pathway,which may offer a prospective direction for future in-depth studies on the mechanism of Mn neurotoxicity.
基金supported by a Key Project of the Health Bureau of Zhejiang Province(WKJ-ZJ-2325)a Key Project of Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation(LZ23H160007)+5 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82373308)Basic Scientific Research Funds of Department of Education of Zhejiang Province(KYYB202212)Zhejiang Province Public Welfare Technology Application Research Project of China(LGF22H160080)Research Project of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital(ZRY2020A005)Basic Scientific Research Funds of the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province(KYQN202128)General Research Projects of Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education(Y202249311).
文摘Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity(CIPN)is a severe dose-limiting adverse event of chemotherapy.Presently,the mechanism underlying the induction of CIPN remains unclear,and no effective treatment is available.In this study,through metabolomics analyses,we found that nab-paclitaxel therapy markedly increased serum serotonin[5-hydroxtryptamine(5-HT)]levels in both cancer patients and mice compared to the respective controls.Furthermore,nab-paclitaxel-treated enterochromaffin(EC)cells showed increased 5-HT synthesis,and serotonin-treated Schwann cells showed damage,as indicated by the activation of CREB3L3/MMP3/FAS signaling.Venlafaxine,an inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake,was found to protect against nerve injury by suppressing the activation of CREB3L3/MMP3/FAS signaling in Schwann cells.Remarkably,venlafaxine was found to significantly alleviate nab-paclitaxel-induced CIPN in patients without affecting the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy.In summary,our study reveals that EC cell-derived 5-HT plays a critical role in nab-paclitaxel-related neurotoxic lesions,and venlafaxine co-administration represents a novel approach to treating chronic cumulative neurotoxicity commonly reported in nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82404224,82373541 and 82073516)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20241307).
文摘Copper(Cu)pollution has raised global environmental concern due to its persistence and toxicity.Numerous studies have shown that the imbalance of Cu metabolism is closely related the neurodegenerative diseases.Previous study exposited that excessive Cu participating in neurotoxic mechanism through oxidative stress,protein misfolding,mitochondrial malfunction,autophagy dysregulation,and apoptosis.However,the mechanism of neurotoxicity of Cu is still inconclusive.In this study,Caenorhabditis eleganswas used to investigate the acute Cu exposure on the nervous system and the possiblemechanism.Initially,0.01-10 mg/L Cu exposure inhibited locomotion behavior,and that 1-10mg/L decreased the sensory behavior in C.elegans.Subsequently,dopaminergic,glutamatergic,GABAergic and cholinergic neurons were destroyed,as well as the decreased expression of neurotransmitters after Cu exposure.Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that locomotion behaviors were positively correlated with the health of the dopaminergic,glutamatergic,GABAergic and cholinergic neurons.In addition,Cu exposure promoted the formation of oxidative stress.Study showed Cu significantly promoted nuclear localization of SKN-1,but inhibited that of DAF-16 in C.elegans.Further evidence showed skn-1mutants and daf-16 mutants weremore sensitiveness to Cu-induced behavioral defect.Meanwhile,the regulatory effects of SKN-1 and DAF-16 on downstream genes were blocked in skn-1 mutants and daf-16 mutants.Cu regulated the expression of downstream genes sod-3,ctl-1,gcs-1 and gst-4 through transcription factors SKN-1 and DAF-16,in response to Cu-induced neurotoxicity.Thus,the present study contributes to the understanding of the potential neurotoxicity of acute exposure to Cu in C.elegans.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32300959)a Guangzhou Scientific Research Grant(SL2024A04J00578)the SCNU Young Faculty Development Program(22KJ04).
文摘Neuron glia antigen-2(NG2)glia,also known as oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs),are essential for maintaining the normal function and structure of the central nervous system(CNS)due to their supportive role[1].Under physiological conditions,NG2 glia are involved in myelination by differentiating into oligodendrocytes,which are responsible for forming the myelin sheath around axons[2].In addition,the NG2 glia can directly influence the activity of neuronal circuits by receiving synaptic input from neurons and generating action potentials[3].Under pathological conditions,such as in response to injury or disease,the NG2 glia proliferate and differentiate to replace damaged oligodendrocytes,contributing to the repair and regeneration of myelin[4].
基金supported by a grant from the University of Hong Kong, China
文摘Lead ion （Pb2＋） has been proven to be a neurotoxin due to its neurotoxicity on mammalian nervous system, especially for the developing brains of juveniles. However, many reported studies involved the negative effects of Pb2＋ on adult neural cells of humans or other mammals, only few of which have examined the effects of Pb2＋ on neural stem cells. The purpose of this study was to reveal the biological effects of Pb2＋from lead acetate [Pb （0H30OO）2] on viability, proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells derived from the hippocampus of newborn rats aged 7 days and adult rats aged 90 days, respectively. This study was carried out in three parts. In the first part, 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay （MTT viability assay） was used to detect the effects of Pb2＋ on the cell viability of passage 2 hippocampal neural stem cells after 48-hour exposure to 0-200 pM Pb2＋. In the second part, 10 pM bromodeoxyuridine was added into the culture medium of passage 2 hippocampal neural stem cells after 48-hour exposure to 0- 200 pM Pb2＋, followed by immunocytochemical staining with anti-bromodeoxyuridine to demonstrate the effects of Pb2＋ on cell proliferation. In the last part, passage 2 hippocampal neural stem cells were allowed to grow in the differentiation medium with 0-200 pM Pb2＋. Immunocytochemical staining with anti-microtubule-associated protein 2 （a neuron marker）, anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein （an astrocyte marker）, and anti-RIP （an oligodendrocyte marker） was performed to detect the differentiation commitment of affected neural stem cells after 6 days. The data showed that Pb2~ inhibited not only the viability and proliferation of rat hippocampal neural stem cells, but also their neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation in vitro. Moreover, increased activity of astrocyte differentiation of hippocampal neural stem cells from both newborn and adult rats was observed after exposure to high concentration of lead ion in vitro. These findings suggest that hippocampal neural stem cells of newborn rats were more sensitive than those from adult rats to Pb2＋cytotoxicity.
基金supported by the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51136002)China Key Technologies R&D Program(No.2012BAJ02B03)
文摘Plastics such as polyvinyl chlorides （PVC） are widely used in many indoor constructed environments; however, their unbound chemicals, such as di-（2-ethylhexyl） phthalates （DEHP）, can leach into the surrounding environment. This study focused on DEHP＇s effect on the central nervous system by determining the precise DEHP content in mice brain tissue after exposure to the chemical, to evaluate the specific exposure range. Primary neuronal-astrocyte co-culture systems were used as in vitro models for chemical hazard identification of DEHP. Oxidative stress was hypothesized as a probable mechanism involved, and therefore the total reactive oxygen species （ROS） concentration was determined as a biomarker of oxidative stress. In addition, NeuriteTracer, a neurite tracing plugin with ImageJ, was used to develop an assay for neurotoxicity to provide quantitative measurements of neurological parameters, such as neuronal number, neuron count and neurite length, all of which could indicate neurotoxic effects. The results showed that with 1 nmol/L DEHP exposure, there was a significant increase in ROS concentrations, indicating that the neuronal-astrocyte cultures were injured due to exposure to DEHP. In response, astrocyte proliferation （gliosis） was initiated, serving as a mechanism to maintain a homeostatic environment for neurons and protect neurons from toxic chemicals. There is a need to assess the cumulative effects of DEHP in animals to evaluate the possible uotake and effects on the human neuronal system from exoosure to DEHP in the indoor environment.
文摘Patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy frequently experience neurotoxic symptoms, which may lead to premature discontinuation of therapy. Despitediscontinuation of platinum drugs, these symptoms can persist over a long period of time. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin, among all platinum drugs, have significant neurotoxic potential. A distal dose-dependent symmetrical sensory neuropathy is the most common presentation of platinum neurotoxicity. DNA damage-induced apoptosis of dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons seems to be the principal cause of neurological symptoms. However, DRG injury alone cannot explain some unique symptoms such as cold-aggravated burning pain affecting distal extremities that is observed with oxaliplatin administration. In this article, we briefly reviewed potential mechanisms for the development of platinum drugs-associated neurological manifestations.
文摘Appropriate selection and measurement of lead biomarkers of exposure are critically important for health care management purposes,public health decision making,and primary prevention synthesis.Lead is one of the neurotoxicants that seems to be involved in the etiology of psychologies.Biomarkers are generally classified into three groups:biomarkers of exposure,effect,and susceptibility.The main body compartments that store lead are the blood,soft tissues,and bone;the half-life of lead in these tissues is measured in weeks for blood,months for soft tissues,and years for bone.Within the brain,lead-induced damage in the prefrontal cerebral cortex,hippocampus,and cerebellum can lead to a variety of neurological disorders,such as brain damage,mental retardation,behavioral problems,nerve damage,and possibly Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and schizophrenia.This paper presents an overview of biomarkers of lead exposure and discusses the neurotoxic effects of lead with regard to children and adults.
文摘Neurotoxicity is an infrequent adverse reaction to iodinated contrast agents. Contrast induced neurotoxicity following coronary angiogram is very rare. Renal disease is a risk factor for contrast induced neurotoxicity. We report a case of contrast induced neurotoxicity following coronary angiogram and intervention using Iohexol(Omnipaque 350) in an end stage renal disease patient on peritoneal dialysis who had prior exposure to iodinated contrast without any adverse reaction. Hemodialysis had to be initiated for rapid removal of the contrast agent with subsequent complete resolution of neurological deficits. This case highlights the need for interventionalists to be aware of an important adverse reaction to iodinated contrast agents, especially in individuals with renal dysfunction, and that neurotoxicity is a possibility even with prior uneventful exposures. The role and timing of hemodialysis in contrast induced neurotoxicity in patients with chronic kidney disease and in those without chronic kidney disease needs further deliberation.
文摘Chronic activation of microglial cells endangers neuronal survival through the release of various proinflammatory and neurotoxic factors. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall has been considered useful for the treatment of various disorders in traditional oriental medicine. Paeonol, found in the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, has a wide range of pharmacological functions, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of paeonol in the repression of inflammation-induced neurotoxicity and microglial cell activation. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and primary microglial cells from rat brain were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Paeonol pretreatment was performed for 30 minutes prior to lipopolysaccharide addition. Cell viability and nitrite （the production of nitric oxide）, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-lbeta products were measured after lipopolysaccharide treatment. In organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, paeonol blocked lipopolysaccharide-related hippocampal cell death and inhibited the release of nitrite and interleukin-lbeta. Paeonol was effective in inhibiting nitric oxide release from primary microglial cells. It also reduced the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and intefleukin-1β from microglial cells. Paeonol possesses neuroprotective activity in a model of inflammation-induced neurotoxicity and reduces the release of neurotoxic and proinflammatory factors in activated microglial cells.
基金supported the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.:81973569,82130113,and 22034005)the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.:2021YFF0600700)the“Xinglin Scholars”Research Promotion Program of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Grant No.:BSH2021009).
文摘Aconitine,a common and main toxic component of Aconitum,is toxic to the central nervous system.However,the mechanism of aconitine neurotoxicity is not yet clear.In this work,we had the hypothesis that excitatory amino acids can trigger excitotoxicity as a pointcut to explore the mechanism of neurotoxicity induced by aconitine.HT22 cells were simulated by aconitine and the changes of target cell metabolites were real-time online investigated based on a microfluidic chip-mass spectrometry system.Meanwhile,to confirm the metabolic mechanism of aconitine toxicity on HT22 cells,the levels of lactate dehydrogenase,intracellular Ca^(2+),reactive oxygen species,glutathione and superoxide dismutase,and ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein were detected by molecular biotechnology.Integration of the detected results revealed that neurotoxicity induced by aconitine was associated with the process of excitotoxicity caused by glutamic acid and aspartic acid,which was followed by the accumulation of lactic acid and reduction of glucose.The surge of extracellular glutamic acid could further lead to a series of cascade reactions including intracellular Ca^(2+)overload and oxidative stress,and eventually result in cell apoptosis.In general,we illustrated a new mechanism of aconitine neurotoxicity and presented a novel analysis strategy that real-time online monitoring of cell metabolites can provide a new approach to mechanism analysis.
基金supported by the Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Province in China,No.B2014202the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province in China,No.2014A030310455
文摘The mechanism underlying acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on acrylamide-induced toxicity in adult rodents, but neurotoxicity in weaning rats has not been investigated. To explore the neurotoxic effect of acrylamide on the developing brain, weaning rats were gavaged with 0, 5, 15, and 30 mg/kg acrylamide for 4 consecutive weeks. No obvious neurotoxicity was observed in weaning rats in the low-dose acrylamide group （5 mg/kg）. However, rats from the moderateand high-dose acrylamide groups （15 and 30 mg/kg） had an abnormal gait. Furthermore, biochemical tests in these rats demonstrated that glutamate concentration was significantly reduced, and ^-aminobutyric acid content was significantly increased and was dependent on acrylamide dose. Immunohis- tochemical staining showed that in the cerebral cortex, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid decarboxylase and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression increased remarkably in the moderate- and high-dose acrylamide groups. These results indicate that in weaning rats, acrylamide is positively associated with neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, which may correlate with upregulation of γ-aminobutyric acid and subsequent neuronal degeneration after the initial acrylamide exposure.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81901417(to XH)the Natural Science Foundation Doctoral Research Initiation Plan of Liaoning Province of China,No.2019-BS-287(to XH)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2019M661173(to XH)。
文摘Ghrelin is a neuropeptide that has various physiological functions and has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in a number of neurological disease models.However,the underlying mechanisms of ghrelin in Parkinson’s disease remain largely unexplored.The current study aimed to study the effects of ghrelin in a 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA)-induced Parkinson’s disease model and evaluate the potential underlying mechanisms.In the present study,we treated an SH-SY5 Y cell model with 6-OHDA,and observed that pretreatment with different concentrations of ghrelin(1,10,and 100 nM)for 30 minutes relieved the neurotoxic effects of 6-OHDA,as revealed by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Annexin V/propidium iodide(PI)apoptosis assays.Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay results demonstrated that 6-OHDA treatment upregulatedα-synuclein and lincRNA-p21 and downregulated TG-interacting factor 1(TGIF1),which was predicted as a potential transcription regulator of the gene encodingα-synuclein(SNCA).Ghrelin pretreatment was able to reverse the trends caused by 6-OHDA.The Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay results revealed that inhibiting eitherα-synuclein or lincRNA-p21 expression with small interfering RNA(siRNA)relieved 6-OHDA-induced cell apoptosis.Furthermore,inhibiting lincRNA-p21 also partially upregulated TGIF1.By retrieving information from a bioinformatics database and performing both double luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation assays,we found that lincRNA-p21 and TGIF1 were able to form a double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen homolog 1(STAU1)binding site and further activate the STAU1-mediated mRNA decay pathway.In addition,TGIF1 was able to transcriptionally regulateα-synuclein expression by binding to the promoter of SNCA.The Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay results showed that either knockdown of TGIF1 or overexpression of lincRNA-p21 notably abolished the neuroprotective effects of ghrelin against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity.Collectively,these findings suggest that ghrelin exerts neuroprotective effects against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity via the lincRNA-p21/TGIF1/α-synuclein pathway.
基金supported by the Basic Study and Interdisciplinary R&D Foundation of the University of Seoul(2019)grants,Nos.201910021035202006251003(both to KYR and JC)。
文摘Many types of plastic products,including polystyrene,have long been used in commercial and industrial applications.Microplastics and nanoplastics,plastic particles derived from these plastic products,are emerging as environmental pollutants that can pose health risks to a wide variety of living organisms,including humans.However,it is not well understood how microplastics and nanoplastics affect cellular functions and induce stress responses.Humans can be exposed to polystyrene-microplastics and polystyrene-nanoplastics through ingestion,inhalation,or skin contact.Most ingested plastics are excreted from the body,but inhaled plastics may accumulate in the lungs and can even reach the brain via the nose-to-brain route.Small-sized polystyrene-nanoplastics can enter cells by endocytosis,accumulate in the cytoplasm,and cause various cellular stresses,such as inflammation with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production,oxidative stress with generation of reactive oxygen species,and mitochondrial dysfunction.They induce autophagy activation and autophagosome formation,but autophagic flux may be impaired due to lysosomal dysfunction.Unless permanently exposed to polystyrene-nanoplastics,they can be removed from cells by exocytosis and subsequently restore cellular function.However,neurons are very susceptible to this type of stress,thus even acute exposure can lead to neurodegeneration without recovery.This review focuses specifically on recent advances in research on polystyrene-nanoplastic-induced cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity.Furthermore,in this review,based on mechanistic studies of polystyrene-nanoplastics at the cellular level other than neurons,future directions for overcoming the negative effects of polystyrene-nanoplastics on neurons were suggested.
基金supported by the grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan,China(MOST 105-2314-B-013-MY3 and MOST 106-2320-B-040-021-MY3)
文摘A growing body of evidence suggests that disruption of the homeostasis of lipid metabolism affects the pathogenesis of Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）. In particular, dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis in the brain has been reported to considerably increase the risk of developing AD. Thus, dysregulation of lipid homeostasis may increase the amyloid β （Aβ） levels by affecting amyloid precursor protein （APP） cleavage, which is the most important risk factor involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Previous research demonstrated that Aβ can trigger neuronal insulin resistance, which plays an important role in response to Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in AD. Epidemiological studies also suggested that statin use is associated with a decreased incidence of AD. Therefore, statins are believed to be a good candidate for conferring neuropro- tective effects against AD. Statins may play a beneficial role in reducing A^-induced neurotoxicity. Their effect involves a putative mechanism beyond its cholesterol-lowering effects in preventing A[3-induced neurotoxicity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the protective effect of statins have not been clearly determined in Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Given that statins may provide benefits beyond the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A （HMG-CoA） reductase, these drugs may also improve the brain. Thus, statins may have beneficial effects on impaired insulin signaling by activating AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK） in neuronal cells. They play a potential therapeutic role in targeting Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30972843the Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Shenzhen, No. 201102092
文摘Extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus can relieve pain and promote repair of nerve injury. The present study intraperitoneally injected extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus for 3 and 4 days prior to and following intrathecal injection of bupivacaine into pregnant rats. The pain threshold test after bupivacaine injection showed that the maximum possible effect of tail-flick latency peaked 1 day after intrathecal injection of bupivacaine in the extract-pretreatment group, and gradually decreased, while the maximum possible effect in the bupivacaine group continued to increase after intrathecal injection of bupivacaine. Histological observation showed that after 4 days of intrathecal injection of bupivacaine, the number of shrunken, vacuolated, apoptotic and caspase-9-positive cells in the dorsal root ganglion in the extract-pretreatment group was significantly reduced compared with the bupivacaine group. These findings indicate that extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus can attenuate neurotoxicity induced by intrathecal injection of bupivacaine in pregnant rats, possibly by inhibiting caspase-9 protein expression and suppressing nerve cell apoptosis.
文摘After intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg lead acetate, rats received 8 weeks of treadmill exercise （15-22 m/min, 25-64 minutes） and/or treadmill exercise at 1.6 km/h until exhaustion. The markers related to neurotoxicity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. 8 weeks of treadmill exercise significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the hippocampus （P = 0.04） and plasma level of total antioxidant capacity of rats exposed to lead acetate （P 〈 0.001）, and significantly decreased plasma level of malondialdehyde （P 〈 0.001）. Acute exercise only decreased the hippocampal malondialdehyde level （P = 0.09） and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the hippocampus （P = 0.66）. Acute exercise also enhanced the total antioxidant capacity in rats exposed to lead acetate, insignificantly （P = 0.99）, These findings suggest that chronic treadmill exercise can significantly decrease neurotoxicity and alleviate oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate. However, acute endurance exercise was not associated with these beneficial effects.
基金supported by the Department of Hygienic Toxicology,Public Health College,Harbin Medical University,China
文摘Studies have suggested that aluminum, a neurotoxic metal, is involved in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have confirmed that aluminum influences intracellular Ca^2＋ homeostasis. However, it remains unclear whether aluminum increases or decreases intracellular Ca^2＋ concentrations. The present study demonstrated that Al^3＋ competitively binds to calmodulin （CAM）, together with Ca^2＋, which resulted in loss of capacity of CaM to bind to Ca^2＋, leading to increased [Ca^2＋]i. Al^3＋ stimulated voltage-gated calcium channels on cell membranes, which allowed a small quantity of Ca^2＋ into the cells. Al^3＋ also promoted calcium release from organelles by stimulating L-Ca^2＋αlc to trigger calcium-induced calcium release. Although Al^3＋ upregulated expression of Na＋/Ca^2＋exchanger mRNA, increased levels of Ca^2＋ and Na＋/Ca^2＋ exchanger did not maintain a normal Ca^2＋ balance. Al^3＋ resulted in disordered intracellular calcium homeostasis by affecting calcium channels, calcium buffering, and calcium expulsion.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81373240(to PMQ)and 81671865(to PMQ)
文摘Methamphetamine is an amphetamine-type psychostimulant that can damage dopaminergic neurons and cause characteristic pathological changes similar to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unclear. In the present study, we established a Parkinson's disease pathology model by exposing SH-SY5 Y cells and C57 BL/6 J mice to methamphetamine. In vitro experiments were performed with 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 mM methamphetamine for 24 hours or 2.0 mM methamphetamine for 0-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-, and 24-hour culture of SH-SY5 Y cells. Additional experimental groups of SH-SY5 Y cells were administered a nitric oxide inhibitor, 0.1 mM N-nitro-L-arginine, 1 hour before exposure to 2.0 mM methamphetamine for 24 hours. In vivo experiments: C57 BL/6 J mice were intraperitoneally injected with N-nitro-L-arginine(8 mg/kg), eight times, at intervals of 12 hours. Methamphetamine 15 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected eight times, at intervals of 12 hours, but 0.5-hour after each N-nitro-L-arginine injection in the combined group. Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of nitric oxide synthase, α-synuclein(α-Syn), 5 G4, nitrated α-synuclein at the residue Tyr39(nT39 α-Syn), cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase(PARP) in cells and mouse brain tissue. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to measure the positive reaction of NeuN, nT39 α-Syn and 5 G4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the dopamine levels in the mouse brain. After methamphetamine exposure, α-Syn expression increased; the aggregation of α-Syn 5 G4 increased; nT39 α-Syn, nitric oxide synthase, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP expression increased in the cultures of SH-SY5 Y cells and in the brains of C57 BL/6 J mice; and dopamine levels were reduced in the mouse brain. These changes were markedly reduced when N-nitro-L-arginine was administered with methamphetamine in both SH-SY5 Y cells and C57 BL/6 J mice. These results suggest that nT39 α-Syn aggregation is involved in methamphetamine neurotoxicity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82171260,81641042,81471240the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,Nos.LZ22H090002 and 2014C33170(all to ZH)。
文摘Neuroscientists have recognized the importance of astrocytes in regulating neurological function and their influence on the release of glial transmitters.Few studies,however,have focused on the effects of general anesthetic agents on neuroglia or astrocytes.Astrocytes can also be an important target of general anesthetic agents as they exert not only sedative,analgesic,and amnesic effects but also mediate general anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity and postoperative cognitive dysfunction.Here,we analyzed recent advances in understanding the mechanism of general anesthetic agents on astrocytes,and found that exposure to general anesthetic agents will destroy the morphology and proliferation of astrocytes,in addition to acting on the receptors on their surface,which not only affect Ca^(2+)signaling,inhibit the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and lactate from astrocytes,but are even involved in the regulation of the pro-and anti-inflammatory processes of astrocytes.These would obviously affect the communication between astrocytes as well as between astrocytes and neighboring neurons,other neuroglia,and vascular cells.In this review,we summarize how general anesthetic agents act on neurons via astrocytes,and explore potential mechanisms of action of general anesthetic agents on the nervous system.We hope that this review will provide a new direction for mitigating the neurotoxicity of general anesthetic agents.
