Spinal cord injury-induced motor dysfunction is associated with neuroinflammation.Studies have shown that the triterpenoid lupenone,a natural product found in various plants,has a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect i...Spinal cord injury-induced motor dysfunction is associated with neuroinflammation.Studies have shown that the triterpenoid lupenone,a natural product found in various plants,has a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect in the context of chronic inflammation.However,the effects of lupenone on acute inflammation induced by spinal cord injury remain unknown.In this study,we established an impact-induced mouse model of spinal cord injury,and then treated the injured mice with lupenone(8 mg/kg,twice a day)by intrape ritoneal injection.We also treated BV2 cells with lipopolysaccharide and adenosine5’-triphosphate to simulate the inflammatory response after spinal cord injury.Our res ults showed that lupenone reduced IKBa activation and p65 nuclear translocation,inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome function by modulating nuclear factor kappa B,and enhanced the conve rsion of proinflammatory M1 mic roglial cells into anti-inflammatory M2 microglial cells.Furthermore,lupenone decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation,NLRP3-induced mic roglial cell polarization,and microglia pyroptosis by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway.These findings suggest that lupenone protects against spinal cord injury by inhibiting inflammasomes.展开更多
Previous studies have demonstrated a bidirectional relationship between inflammation and depression.Activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain,leucine-rich repeat,and NLR family pyrin domain-containin...Previous studies have demonstrated a bidirectional relationship between inflammation and depression.Activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain,leucine-rich repeat,and NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasomes is closely related to the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases.In patients with major depressive disorder,NLRP3 inflammasome levels are significantly elevated.Understanding the role that NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation plays in the pathogenesis of depression may be beneficial for future therapeutic strategies.In this review,we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms that lead to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in depression as well as to provide insight into therapeutic strategies that target the NLRP3 inflammasome.Moreover,we outlined various therapeutic strategies that target the NLRP3 inflammasome,including NLRP3 inflammatory pathway inhibitors,natural compounds,and other therapeutic compounds that have been shown to be effective in treating depression.Additionally,we summarized the application of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in clinical trials related to depression.Currently,there is a scarcity of clinical trials dedicated to investigating the applications of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in depression treatment.The modulation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in microglia holds promise for the management of depression.Further investigations are necessary to ascertain the efficacy and safety of these therapeutic approaches as potential novel antidepressant treatments.展开更多
Spinal cord injury can be traumatic or non-traumatic in origin,with the latter rising in incidence and prevalence with the aging demographics of our society.Moreove r,as the global population ages,individuals with co-...Spinal cord injury can be traumatic or non-traumatic in origin,with the latter rising in incidence and prevalence with the aging demographics of our society.Moreove r,as the global population ages,individuals with co-existent degenerative spinal pathology comprise a growing number of traumatic spinal cord injury cases,especially involving the cervical spinal cord.This makes recovery and treatment approaches particula rly challenging as age and comorbidities may limit regenerative capacity.For these reasons,it is critical to better understand the complex milieu of spinal cord injury lesion pathobiology and the ensuing inflammatory response.This review discusses microglia-specific purinergic and cytokine signaling pathways,as well as microglial modulation of synaptic stability and plasticity after injury.Further,we evaluate the role of astrocytes in neurotransmission and calcium signaling,as well as their border-forming response to neural lesions.Both the inflammatory and reparative roles of these cells have eluded our complete understanding and remain key therapeutic targets due to their extensive structural and functional roles in the nervous system.Recent advances have shed light on the roles of glia in neurotransmission and reparative injury responses that will change how interventions are directed.Understanding key processes and existing knowledge gaps will allow future research to effectively target these cells and harness their regenerative potential.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare extract against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced microglial activation in vitro as well as cognitive behavioral deficits in mice.Methods:LPS-activated BV-2 cell...Objective:To investigate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare extract against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced microglial activation in vitro as well as cognitive behavioral deficits in mice.Methods:LPS-activated BV-2 cell viability was measured using MTT assay and reactive oxygen species(ROS)was studied using DCF-DA assay.The antioxidative enzymes and pro-inflammatory mediators were analyzed using respective ELISA kits and Western blotting.For in vivo testing,LPS(1 mg/kg,i.p.)was given daily for five days in male Swiss albino mice to produce chronic neuroinflammation.Cognitive and behavioral tests were performed using open-field,passive avoidance,and rotarod experiments in LPS-induced mice.Results:Foeniculum vulgare extract(25,50 and 100μg/mL)significantly attenuated the LPS-activated increase in nitric oxide(NO),ROS,cyclooxygenase-2,inducible NO synthase,IL-6,and TNF-alpha(P<0.05).Moreover,LPS-induced oxidative stress and reduced antioxidative enzyme levels were significantly improved by Foeniculum vulgare extract(P<0.05).The extract also regulated the NF-κB/MAPK signaling in BV-2 cells.In an in vivo study,Foeniculum vulgare extract(50,100,and 200 mg/kg)markedly mitigated the LPS-induced cognitive and locomotor impairments in mice.The fingerprinting analysis showed distinctive peaks with rutin,kaempferol-3-O-glucoside,and anethole as identifiable compounds.Conclusions:Foeniculum vulgare extract can ameliorate LPS-stimulated neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells and improve cognitive and locomotor performance in LPS-administered mice.展开更多
Human dental pulp stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury.However,whether the human dental pulp stem cell secretome can contribute to functional recovery...Human dental pulp stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury.However,whether the human dental pulp stem cell secretome can contribute to functional recovery after spinal cord injury remains unclear.In the present study,we established a rat model of spinal cord injury based on impact injury from a dropped weight and then intraperitoneally injected the rats with conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells.We found that the conditioned medium effectively promoted the recovery of sensory and motor functions in rats with spinal cord injury,decreased expression of the microglial pyroptosis markers NLRP3,GSDMD,caspase-1,and interleukin-1β,promoted axonal and myelin regeneration,and inhibited the formation of glial scars.In addition,in a lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia model,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells protected cells from pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway.These results indicate that conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells can reduce microglial pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury.Therefore,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells may become an alternative therapy for spinal cord injury.展开更多
MIcroglia/macrophage-mediated erythrophagocytosis plays a crucial role in hematoma clearance after intracerebral hemorrhage.Dynamic cytoskeletal changes accompany phagocytosis.However,whether and how these changes are...MIcroglia/macrophage-mediated erythrophagocytosis plays a crucial role in hematoma clearance after intracerebral hemorrhage.Dynamic cytoskeletal changes accompany phagocytosis.However,whether and how these changes are associated with microglia/macrophage-mediated erythrophagocytosis remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the function of acetylatedα-tubulin,a stabilized microtubule form,in microglia/macrophage erythrophagocytosis after intracerebral hemorrhage both in vitro and in vivo.We first assessed the function of acetylatedα-tubulin in erythrophagocytosis using primary DiO GFP-labeled red blood cells co-cultured with the BV2 microglia or RAW264.7 macrophage cell lines.Acetylatedα-tubulin expression was significantly decreased in BV2 and RAW264.7 cells during erythrophagocytosis.Moreover,silencingα-tubulin acetyltransferase 1(ATAT1),a newly discoveredα-tubulin acetyltransferase,decreased Ac-α-tub levels and enhanced the erythrophagocytosis by BV2 and RAW264.7 cells.Consistent with these findings,in ATAT1-/-mice,we observed increased ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and Perls-positive microglia/macrophage phagocytes of red blood cells in peri-hematoma and reduced hematoma volume in mice with intracerebral hemorrhage.Additionally,knocking out ATAT1 alleviated neuronal apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines around the hematoma,ultimately improving neurological recovery of mice after intracerebral hemorrhage.These findings suggest that ATAT1 deficiency accelerates erythrophagocytosis by microglia/macrophages and hematoma absorption after intracerebral hemorrhage.These results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of hematoma clearance and suggest ATAT1 as a potential target for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage.展开更多
Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that microglia and macrophages participate in a multiphasic brain damage repair process following intracerebral hemorrhage.The E26 transformation-specific sequence-related t...Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that microglia and macrophages participate in a multiphasic brain damage repair process following intracerebral hemorrhage.The E26 transformation-specific sequence-related transcription factor Spi1 regulates microglial/macrophage commitment and maturation.However,the effect of Spi1 on intracerebral hemorrhage remains unclear.In this study,we found that Spi1 may regulate recovery from the neuroinflammation and neurofunctional damage caused by intracerebral hemorrhage by modulating the microglial/macrophage transcriptome.We showed that high Spi1expression in microglia/macrophages after intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with the activation of many pathways that promote phagocytosis,glycolysis,and autophagy,as well as debris clearance and sustained remyelination.Notably,microglia with higher levels of Soil expression were chara cterized by activation of pathways associated with a variety of hemorrhage-related cellular processes,such as complement activation,angiogenesis,and coagulation.In conclusion,our results suggest that Spi1 plays a vital role in the microglial/macrophage inflammatory response following intracerebral hemorrhage.This new insight into the regulation of Spi1 and its target genes may advance our understanding of neuroinflammation in intracerebral hemorrhage and provide therapeutic targets for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.展开更多
Alzheimer s disease,among the most common neurodegenerative disorders,is chara cterized by progressive cognitive impairment.At present,the Alzheimer’s disease main risk remains genetic ris ks,but major environmental ...Alzheimer s disease,among the most common neurodegenerative disorders,is chara cterized by progressive cognitive impairment.At present,the Alzheimer’s disease main risk remains genetic ris ks,but major environmental fa ctors are increasingly shown to impact Alzheimer’s disease development and progression.Microglia,the most important brain immune cells,play a central role in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and are considered environmental and lifestyle"sensors."Factors like environmental pollution and modern lifestyles(e.g.,chronic stress,poor dietary habits,sleep,and circadian rhythm disorde rs)can cause neuroinflammato ry responses that lead to cognitive impairment via microglial functioning and phenotypic regulation.However,the specific mechanisms underlying interactions among these facto rs and microglia in Alzheimer’s disease are unclear.Herein,we:discuss the biological effects of air pollution,chronic stress,gut micro biota,sleep patterns,physical exercise,cigarette smoking,and caffeine consumption on microglia;consider how unhealthy lifestyle factors influence individual susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease;and present the neuroprotective effects of a healthy lifestyle.Toward intervening and controlling these environmental risk fa ctors at an early Alzheimer’s disease stage,understanding the role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease development,and to rgeting strategies to to rget microglia,co uld be essential to future Alzheimer’s disease treatments.展开更多
We previously reported that miR-124-3p is markedly upregulated in microglia-derived exosomes following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.However,its impact on neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress following repet...We previously reported that miR-124-3p is markedly upregulated in microglia-derived exosomes following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.However,its impact on neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury remains unclear.In this study,we first used an HT22 scratch injury model to mimic traumatic brain injury,then co-cultured the HT22 cells with BV2 microglia expressing high levels of miR-124-3p.We found that exosomes containing high levels of miR-124-3p attenuated apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Furthermore,luciferase reporter assay analysis confirmed that miR-124-3p bound specifically to the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein IRE1α,while an IRE1αfunctional salvage experiment confirmed that miR-124-3p targeted IRE1αand reduced its expression,thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in injured neurons.Finally,we delivered microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p intranasally to a mouse model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and found that endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis levels in hippocampal neurons were significantly reduced.These findings suggest that,after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,miR-124-3 can be transferred from microglia-derived exosomes to injured neurons,where it exerts a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.Therefore,microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.展开更多
There is growing evidence that long-term central nervous system(CNS)inflammation exacerbates secondary deterioration of brain structures and functions and is one of the major determinants of disease outcome and progre...There is growing evidence that long-term central nervous system(CNS)inflammation exacerbates secondary deterioration of brain structures and functions and is one of the major determinants of disease outcome and progression.In acute CNS injury,brain microglia are among the first cells to respond and play a critical role in neural repair and regeneration.However,microglial activation can also impede CNS repair and amplify tissue damage,and phenotypic transformation may be responsible for this dual role.Mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)-derived exosomes(Exos)are promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of acute CNS injuries due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties.MSC-Exos are nanoscale membrane vesicles that are actively released by cells and are used clinically as circulating biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis.MSC-Exos can be neuroprotective in several acute CNS models,including for stroke and traumatic brain injury,showing great clinical potential.This review summarized the classification of acute CNS injury disorders and discussed the prominent role of microglial activation in acute CNS inflammation and the specific role of MSC-Exos in regulating pro-inflammatory microglia in neuroinflammatory repair following acute CNS injury.Finally,this review explored the potential mechanisms and factors associated with MSCExos in modulating the phenotypic balance of microglia,focusing on the interplay between CNS inflammation,the brain,and injury aspects,with an emphasis on potential strategies and therapeutic interventions for improving functional recovery from early CNS inflammation caused by acute CNS injury.展开更多
Microglia, the main driver of neuroinflammation, play a central role in the initiation and exacerbation of various neurodegenerative diseases and are now considered a promising therapeutic target. Previous studies on ...Microglia, the main driver of neuroinflammation, play a central role in the initiation and exacerbation of various neurodegenerative diseases and are now considered a promising therapeutic target. Previous studies on in vitro human microglia and in vivo rodent models lacked scalability, consistency, or physiological relevance, which deterred successful therapeutic outcomes for the past decade. Here we review human blood monocyte-derived microglia-like cells as a robust and consistent approach to generate a patient-specific microglia-like model that can be used in extensive cohort studies for drug testing. We will highlight the strength and applicability of human blood monocyte-derived microglia-like cells to increase translational outcomes by reviewing the advantages of human blood monocyte-derived microglia-like cells in addressing patient heterogeneity and stratification, the basis of personalized medicine.展开更多
Microglia,which are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system,are an important part of the inflammatory response that occurs after cerebral ischemia.Vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1(Vav1) is a gua...Microglia,which are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system,are an important part of the inflammatory response that occurs after cerebral ischemia.Vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1(Vav1) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is related to microglial activation.However,how Vav1 participates in the inflammato ry response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion inj ury remains unclea r.In this study,we subjected rats to occlusion and repe rfusion of the middle cerebral artery and subjected the BV-2 mic roglia cell line to oxygen-glucose deprivatio n/reoxygenation to mimic cerebral ischemia/repe rfusion in vivo and in vitro,respectively.We found that Vav1 levels were increased in the brain tissue of rats subjected to occlusion and reperfusion of the middle cerebral arte ry and in BV-2 cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation.Silencing Vav1 reduced the cerebral infarct volume and brain water content,inhibited neuronal loss and apoptosis in the ischemic penumbra,and im p roved neurological function in rats subjected to occlusion and repe rfusion of the middle cerebral artery.Further analysis showed that Vav1 was almost exclusively localized to microglia and that Vav1 downregulation inhibited microglial activation and the NOD-like receptor pyrin 3(NLRP3) inflammasome in the ischemic penumbra,as well as the expression of inflammato ry facto rs.In addition,Vov1 knoc kdown decreased the inflammatory response exhibited by BV-2 cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxyge nation.Taken together,these findings show that silencing Vav1 attenuates inflammation and neuronal apoptosis in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia/repe rfusion through inhibiting the activation of mic roglia and NLRP3 inflammasome.展开更多
According to studies,neuroinflammation is increasingly being linked to the development of major depressive disorder(MDD).In response to inflammatory stimuli,brain microglia,which are immune cells,can change into react...According to studies,neuroinflammation is increasingly being linked to the development of major depressive disorder(MDD).In response to inflammatory stimuli,brain microglia,which are immune cells,can change into reactive states.Because of this,microglia play an essentiall role in the early stages of neuroinflammation.Experiments have shown that microglia are able to detect infected or damaged cells,which then activates a cytotoxic response that further exacerbates the harm to brain cells.It has been proven that microglia are quite good at recognizing infections and damaged cells.Microglia,on the other hand,have been found to respond in a number of ways to injury and may even help regenerate damaged tissues.Chronic activation of microglia has been observed in persons with MDD.Deficits in neuroplasticity have been linked to depression,and recent studies show that this may be related to changes in microglia shape and function brought on by either excessive inflammatory activity or the natural aging process.Changing the phenotype of microglia by regulation of inflammatory pathways may be necessary for harnessing neuroinflammation in MDD.Recent research has linked several microglial phenotypes to individual metabolic pathways,showing that energy metabolism plays a pivotal role in coordinating microglial activity.In this study,we investigate whether or not traditional pro-inflammatory,anti-inflammatory,and metabolic pathways in microglia can be used as novel therapeutic routes for regulating neuroinflammation in brain diseases.The focus of this essay is on MDD,although we will also discuss related mental health issues.展开更多
As the average age of the world population increases,more people will face debilitating aging-associated conditions,including dementia and stroke.Not only does the incidence of these conditions increase with age,but t...As the average age of the world population increases,more people will face debilitating aging-associated conditions,including dementia and stroke.Not only does the incidence of these conditions increase with age,but the recovery afterward is often worse in older patients.Researchers and health professionals must unveil and understand the factors behind age-associated diseases to develop a therapy for older patients.Aging causes profound changes in the immune system including the activation of microglia in the brain.Activated microglia promote T lymphocyte transmigration leading to an increase in neuroinflammation,white matter damage,and cognitive impairment in both older humans and rodents.The presence of T and B lymphocytes is observed in the aged brain and correlates with worse stroke outcomes.Preclinical strategies in stroke target either microglia or the lymphocytes or the communications between them to promote functional recovery in aged subjects.In this review,we examine the role of the microglia and T and B lymphocytes in aging and how they contribute to cognitive impairment.Additionally,we provide an important update on the contribution of these cells and their interactions in preclinical aged stroke.展开更多
M ultiple sclerosis is a chro nic central nervous system demyelinating disease whose onset and progression are driven by a combination of immune dysregulation,genetic predisposition,and environmental fa ctors.The acti...M ultiple sclerosis is a chro nic central nervous system demyelinating disease whose onset and progression are driven by a combination of immune dysregulation,genetic predisposition,and environmental fa ctors.The activation of microglia and astrocytes is a key player in multiple sclerosis immunopathology,playing specific roles associated with anatomical location and phase of the disease and controlling demyelination and neurodegeneration.Even though reactive mic roglia can damage tissue and heighten deleterious effects and neurodegeneration,activated microglia also perform neuroprotective functions such as debris phagocytosis and growth fa ctor secretion.Astrocytes can be activated into pro-inflammato ry phenotype A1 through a mechanism mediated by activated neuroinflammatory microglia,which could also mediate neurodegeneration.This A1 phenotype inhibits oligodendrocyte prolife ration and differe ntiation and is toxic to both oligodendrocytes and neurons.Howeve r,astroglial activation into phenotype A2 may also take place in response to neurodegeneration and as a protective mechanism.A variety of animal models mimicking specific multiple sclerosis features and the associated pathophysiological processes have helped establish the cascades of events that lead to the initiation,progression,and resolution of the disease.The colonystimulating facto r-1 receptor is expressed by myeloid lineage cells such as peripheral monocytes and macrophages and central nervous system microglia.Importantly,as microglia development and survival critically rely on colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor signaling,colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor inhibition can almost completely eliminate microglia from the brain.In this context,the present review discusses the impact of microglial depletion through colo ny-stimulating factor-1 receptor inhibition on demyelination,neurodegeneration,astroglial activation,and behavior in different multiple sclerosis models,highlighting the diversity of microglial effects on the progression of demyelinating diseases and the strengths and weaknesses of microglial modulation in therapy design.展开更多
Astrocytes and microglia play an orchestrated role following spinal cord injury;however,the molecular mechanisms through which microglia regulate astrocytes after spinal cord injury are not yet fully understood.Herein...Astrocytes and microglia play an orchestrated role following spinal cord injury;however,the molecular mechanisms through which microglia regulate astrocytes after spinal cord injury are not yet fully understood.Herein,microglia were pharmacologically depleted and the effects on the astrocytic response were examined.We further explored the potential mechanisms involving the signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3)pathway.For in vivo experiments,we constructed a contusion spinal cord injury model in C57BL/6 mice.To deplete microglia,all mice were treated with colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX3397,starting 2 weeks prior to surgery until they were sacrificed.Cell proliferation was examined by 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine(EdU)and three pivotal inflammatory cytokines were detected by a specific Bio-Plex Pro^(TM) Reagent Kit.Locomotor function,neuroinflammation,astrocyte activation and phosphorylated STAT3(pSTAT3,a maker of activation of STAT3 signaling)levels were determined.For in vitro experiments,a microglia and astrocyte coculture system was established,and the small molecule STA21,which blocks STAT3 activation,was applied to investigate whether STAT3 signaling is involved in mediating astrocyte proliferation induced by microglia.PLX3397 administration disrupted glial scar formation,increased inflammatory spillover,induced diffuse tissue damage and impaired functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Microglial depletion markedly reduced EdU+proliferating cells,especially proliferating astrocytes at 7 days after spinal cord injury.RNA sequencing analysis showed that the JAK/STAT3 pathway was downregulated in mice treated with PLX3397.Double immunofluorescence staining confirmed that PLX3397 significantly decreased STAT3 expression in astrocytes.Importantly,in vitro coculture of astrocytes and microglia showed that microglia-induced astrocyte proliferation was abolished by STA21 administration.These findings suggest that microglial depletion impaired astrocyte proliferation and astrocytic scar formation,and induced inflammatory diffusion partly by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation in astrocytes following spinal cord injury.展开更多
Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system. During the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, stimulatory factors continuously act on the microglia causing abnormal activation and unbalanced phen...Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system. During the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, stimulatory factors continuously act on the microglia causing abnormal activation and unbalanced phenotypic changes;these events have become a significant and promising area of research. In this review, we summarize the effects of microglial polarization and crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Our literature search found that phenotypic changes occur continuously in Alzheimer’s disease and that microglia exhibit extensive crosstalk with astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and penetrated peripheral innate immune cells via specific signaling pathways and cytokines. Collectively, unlike previous efforts to modulate microglial phenotypes at a single level, targeting the phenotypes of microglia and the crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system may be more effective in reducing inflammation in the central nervous system in Alzheimer’s disease. This would establish a theoretical basis for reducing neuronal death from central nervous system inflammation and provide an appropriate environment to promote neuronal regeneration in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.展开更多
Microglia-mediated inflammatory responses have been shown to play a crucial role in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells have shown anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment...Microglia-mediated inflammatory responses have been shown to play a crucial role in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells have shown anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, whether they can protect neurons in Parkinson’s disease by inhibiting microglia-mediated inflammatory responses is not yet known. In this study, exosomes were isolated from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and injected into a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease. We found that the exosomes injected through the tail vein and lateral ventricle were absorbed by dopaminergic neurons and microglia on the affected side of the brain, where they repaired nigral-striatal dopamine system damage and inhibited microglial activation. Furthermore, in an in vitro cell model, pretreating lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 cells with exosomes reduced interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 secretion, prevented the adoption of pyroptosis-associated morphology by BV2 cells, and increased the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells. Potential targets for treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes were further identified by high-throughput microRNA sequencing and protein spectrum sequencing. Our findings suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes are a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease, and that their neuroprotective effects may be mediated by inhibition of excessive microglial proliferation.展开更多
Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase family member 14(PARP14),which is an intracellular mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase,has been reported to promote post-stroke functional recovery,but its role in spinal cord injury(SCI)remains un...Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase family member 14(PARP14),which is an intracellular mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase,has been reported to promote post-stroke functional recovery,but its role in spinal cord injury(SCI)remains unclear.To investigate this,a T10 spinal cord contusion model was established in C57BL/6 mice,and immediately after the injury PARP14 shRNA-carrying lentivirus was injected 1 mm from the injury site to silence PARP14 expression.We found that PARP14 was up-regulated in the injured spinal cord and that lentivirus-mediated downregulation of PARP14 aggravated functional impairment after injury,accompanied by obvious neuronal apoptosis,severe neuroinflammation,and slight bone loss.Furthermore,PARP14 levels were elevated in microglia after SCI,PARP14 knockdown activated microglia in the spinal cord and promoted a shift from M2-polarized microglia(anti-inflammatory phenotype)to M1-polarized microglia(pro-inflammatory phenotype)that may have been mediated by the signal transducers and activators of transcription(STAT)1/6 pathway.Next,microglia M1 and M2 polarization were induced in vitro using lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γand interleukin-4,respectively.The results showed that PARP14 knockdown promoted microglia M1 polarization,accompanied by activation of the STAT1 pathway.In addition,PARP14 overexpression made microglia more prone to M2 polarization and further activated the STAT6 pathway.In conclusion,these findings suggest that PARP14 may improve functional recovery after SCI by regulating the phenotypic transformation of microglia via the STAT1/6 pathway.展开更多
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-like 2(TREML2)is a newly identified susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's disease(AD).It encodes a microglial inflammation-associated receptor.To date,the potential rol...Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-like 2(TREML2)is a newly identified susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's disease(AD).It encodes a microglial inflammation-associated receptor.To date,the potential role of mic roglial TREML2 in neuroinflammation in the context of AD remains unclear.In this study,APP/PS1 mice were used to investigate the dynamic changes of TREML2 levels in brain during AD progression.In addition,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)stimulation of primary microglia as well as a lentivirus-mediated TREML2 overexpression and knockdown were employed to explore the role of TREML2 in neuroinflammation in the context of AD.Our res ults show that TREML2 levels gradually increased in the brains of AP P/PS1 mice during disease progression.LPS stimulation of primary microglia led to the release of inflammato ry cytokines including interleukin-1β,inte rleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-a in the culture medium.The LPS-induced mic roglial release of inflammatory cytokines was enhanced by TREML2 overexpression and was attenuated by TREML2 knoc kdown.LPS increased the levels of mic roglial M1-type polarization marker inducible nitric oxide synthase.This effect was enhanced by TREML2 overexpression and ameliorated by TREML2 knockdown.Furthermore,the levels of microglial M2-type polarization markers CD206 and ARG1 in the primary microglia were reduced by TREML2 overexpression and elevated by TREML2 knockdown.LPS stimulation increased the levels of NLRP3 in primary microglia.The LPS-induced increase in NLRP3 was further elevated by TREML2 overexpression and alleviated by TREML2 knockdown.In summary,this study provides the first evidence that TREML2 modulates inflammation by regulating microglial polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.These findings reveal the mechanisms by which TREML2 regulates microglial inflammation and suggest that TREML2 inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for AD.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81801226(to QK and XS)and 82101445(to XJ)。
文摘Spinal cord injury-induced motor dysfunction is associated with neuroinflammation.Studies have shown that the triterpenoid lupenone,a natural product found in various plants,has a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect in the context of chronic inflammation.However,the effects of lupenone on acute inflammation induced by spinal cord injury remain unknown.In this study,we established an impact-induced mouse model of spinal cord injury,and then treated the injured mice with lupenone(8 mg/kg,twice a day)by intrape ritoneal injection.We also treated BV2 cells with lipopolysaccharide and adenosine5’-triphosphate to simulate the inflammatory response after spinal cord injury.Our res ults showed that lupenone reduced IKBa activation and p65 nuclear translocation,inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome function by modulating nuclear factor kappa B,and enhanced the conve rsion of proinflammatory M1 mic roglial cells into anti-inflammatory M2 microglial cells.Furthermore,lupenone decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation,NLRP3-induced mic roglial cell polarization,and microglia pyroptosis by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway.These findings suggest that lupenone protects against spinal cord injury by inhibiting inflammasomes.
基金supported by Health Commission of Pudong New Area Health and Family Planning Scientific Research Project,No.PW2020E-4(to GL)Siming Youth Fund Project of Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.SGKJ-202119(to RH)+5 种基金Medical Innovation Research Special Project of 2021“Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan”of Shanghai,No.21Y21920200(to GL)Shanghai Rising-Star Program and Shanghai Sailing Program,No.23YF1418200(to QH)Shanghai Municipal Health Commission Foundation grant,No.20234Y0294(to QH)Hundred Teacher Talent Program of Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences,No.A1-2601-23-311007-21(to QH)the Scientific and Technological Innovation Program of Higher Education Institution in Shanxi,No.2021L350(to XC)the Fundamental Research Program of Shanxi Province,No.20210302124194(to XC).
文摘Previous studies have demonstrated a bidirectional relationship between inflammation and depression.Activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain,leucine-rich repeat,and NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasomes is closely related to the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases.In patients with major depressive disorder,NLRP3 inflammasome levels are significantly elevated.Understanding the role that NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation plays in the pathogenesis of depression may be beneficial for future therapeutic strategies.In this review,we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms that lead to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in depression as well as to provide insight into therapeutic strategies that target the NLRP3 inflammasome.Moreover,we outlined various therapeutic strategies that target the NLRP3 inflammasome,including NLRP3 inflammatory pathway inhibitors,natural compounds,and other therapeutic compounds that have been shown to be effective in treating depression.Additionally,we summarized the application of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in clinical trials related to depression.Currently,there is a scarcity of clinical trials dedicated to investigating the applications of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in depression treatment.The modulation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in microglia holds promise for the management of depression.Further investigations are necessary to ascertain the efficacy and safety of these therapeutic approaches as potential novel antidepressant treatments.
基金supported by the Robert Campeau Family Foundation/Dr.C.H.Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research(to MGF)。
文摘Spinal cord injury can be traumatic or non-traumatic in origin,with the latter rising in incidence and prevalence with the aging demographics of our society.Moreove r,as the global population ages,individuals with co-existent degenerative spinal pathology comprise a growing number of traumatic spinal cord injury cases,especially involving the cervical spinal cord.This makes recovery and treatment approaches particula rly challenging as age and comorbidities may limit regenerative capacity.For these reasons,it is critical to better understand the complex milieu of spinal cord injury lesion pathobiology and the ensuing inflammatory response.This review discusses microglia-specific purinergic and cytokine signaling pathways,as well as microglial modulation of synaptic stability and plasticity after injury.Further,we evaluate the role of astrocytes in neurotransmission and calcium signaling,as well as their border-forming response to neural lesions.Both the inflammatory and reparative roles of these cells have eluded our complete understanding and remain key therapeutic targets due to their extensive structural and functional roles in the nervous system.Recent advances have shed light on the roles of glia in neurotransmission and reparative injury responses that will change how interventions are directed.Understanding key processes and existing knowledge gaps will allow future research to effectively target these cells and harness their regenerative potential.
基金supported by Konkuk University in the year 2022.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare extract against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced microglial activation in vitro as well as cognitive behavioral deficits in mice.Methods:LPS-activated BV-2 cell viability was measured using MTT assay and reactive oxygen species(ROS)was studied using DCF-DA assay.The antioxidative enzymes and pro-inflammatory mediators were analyzed using respective ELISA kits and Western blotting.For in vivo testing,LPS(1 mg/kg,i.p.)was given daily for five days in male Swiss albino mice to produce chronic neuroinflammation.Cognitive and behavioral tests were performed using open-field,passive avoidance,and rotarod experiments in LPS-induced mice.Results:Foeniculum vulgare extract(25,50 and 100μg/mL)significantly attenuated the LPS-activated increase in nitric oxide(NO),ROS,cyclooxygenase-2,inducible NO synthase,IL-6,and TNF-alpha(P<0.05).Moreover,LPS-induced oxidative stress and reduced antioxidative enzyme levels were significantly improved by Foeniculum vulgare extract(P<0.05).The extract also regulated the NF-κB/MAPK signaling in BV-2 cells.In an in vivo study,Foeniculum vulgare extract(50,100,and 200 mg/kg)markedly mitigated the LPS-induced cognitive and locomotor impairments in mice.The fingerprinting analysis showed distinctive peaks with rutin,kaempferol-3-O-glucoside,and anethole as identifiable compounds.Conclusions:Foeniculum vulgare extract can ameliorate LPS-stimulated neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells and improve cognitive and locomotor performance in LPS-administered mice.
基金supported by the Research Foundation of Technology Committee of Tongzhou District,No.KJ2019CX001(to SX).
文摘Human dental pulp stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury.However,whether the human dental pulp stem cell secretome can contribute to functional recovery after spinal cord injury remains unclear.In the present study,we established a rat model of spinal cord injury based on impact injury from a dropped weight and then intraperitoneally injected the rats with conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells.We found that the conditioned medium effectively promoted the recovery of sensory and motor functions in rats with spinal cord injury,decreased expression of the microglial pyroptosis markers NLRP3,GSDMD,caspase-1,and interleukin-1β,promoted axonal and myelin regeneration,and inhibited the formation of glial scars.In addition,in a lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia model,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells protected cells from pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway.These results indicate that conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells can reduce microglial pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury.Therefore,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells may become an alternative therapy for spinal cord injury.
基金supported by Science and Technology Innovation Enhancement Project of Army Medical University(to LX).
文摘MIcroglia/macrophage-mediated erythrophagocytosis plays a crucial role in hematoma clearance after intracerebral hemorrhage.Dynamic cytoskeletal changes accompany phagocytosis.However,whether and how these changes are associated with microglia/macrophage-mediated erythrophagocytosis remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the function of acetylatedα-tubulin,a stabilized microtubule form,in microglia/macrophage erythrophagocytosis after intracerebral hemorrhage both in vitro and in vivo.We first assessed the function of acetylatedα-tubulin in erythrophagocytosis using primary DiO GFP-labeled red blood cells co-cultured with the BV2 microglia or RAW264.7 macrophage cell lines.Acetylatedα-tubulin expression was significantly decreased in BV2 and RAW264.7 cells during erythrophagocytosis.Moreover,silencingα-tubulin acetyltransferase 1(ATAT1),a newly discoveredα-tubulin acetyltransferase,decreased Ac-α-tub levels and enhanced the erythrophagocytosis by BV2 and RAW264.7 cells.Consistent with these findings,in ATAT1-/-mice,we observed increased ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and Perls-positive microglia/macrophage phagocytes of red blood cells in peri-hematoma and reduced hematoma volume in mice with intracerebral hemorrhage.Additionally,knocking out ATAT1 alleviated neuronal apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines around the hematoma,ultimately improving neurological recovery of mice after intracerebral hemorrhage.These findings suggest that ATAT1 deficiency accelerates erythrophagocytosis by microglia/macrophages and hematoma absorption after intracerebral hemorrhage.These results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of hematoma clearance and suggest ATAT1 as a potential target for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81971097(to JY)。
文摘Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that microglia and macrophages participate in a multiphasic brain damage repair process following intracerebral hemorrhage.The E26 transformation-specific sequence-related transcription factor Spi1 regulates microglial/macrophage commitment and maturation.However,the effect of Spi1 on intracerebral hemorrhage remains unclear.In this study,we found that Spi1 may regulate recovery from the neuroinflammation and neurofunctional damage caused by intracerebral hemorrhage by modulating the microglial/macrophage transcriptome.We showed that high Spi1expression in microglia/macrophages after intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with the activation of many pathways that promote phagocytosis,glycolysis,and autophagy,as well as debris clearance and sustained remyelination.Notably,microglia with higher levels of Soil expression were chara cterized by activation of pathways associated with a variety of hemorrhage-related cellular processes,such as complement activation,angiogenesis,and coagulation.In conclusion,our results suggest that Spi1 plays a vital role in the microglial/macrophage inflammatory response following intracerebral hemorrhage.This new insight into the regulation of Spi1 and its target genes may advance our understanding of neuroinflammation in intracerebral hemorrhage and provide therapeutic targets for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071190 and 82371438(to LC)Innovative Strong School Project of Guangdong Medical University,No.4SG21230G(to LC)Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Medical University,No.GDMUM2020017(to CL)。
文摘Alzheimer s disease,among the most common neurodegenerative disorders,is chara cterized by progressive cognitive impairment.At present,the Alzheimer’s disease main risk remains genetic ris ks,but major environmental fa ctors are increasingly shown to impact Alzheimer’s disease development and progression.Microglia,the most important brain immune cells,play a central role in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and are considered environmental and lifestyle"sensors."Factors like environmental pollution and modern lifestyles(e.g.,chronic stress,poor dietary habits,sleep,and circadian rhythm disorde rs)can cause neuroinflammato ry responses that lead to cognitive impairment via microglial functioning and phenotypic regulation.However,the specific mechanisms underlying interactions among these facto rs and microglia in Alzheimer’s disease are unclear.Herein,we:discuss the biological effects of air pollution,chronic stress,gut micro biota,sleep patterns,physical exercise,cigarette smoking,and caffeine consumption on microglia;consider how unhealthy lifestyle factors influence individual susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease;and present the neuroprotective effects of a healthy lifestyle.Toward intervening and controlling these environmental risk fa ctors at an early Alzheimer’s disease stage,understanding the role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease development,and to rgeting strategies to to rget microglia,co uld be essential to future Alzheimer’s disease treatments.
基金supported by the Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem Innovation Fund,No.22HHXBSS00047(to PL)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82072166(to PL),82071394(to XG)+4 种基金Science and Technology Planning Project of Tianjin,No.20YFZCSY00030(to PL)Science and Technology Project of Tianjin Municipal Health Commission,No.TJWJ2021QN005(to XG)Tianjin Key Medical Discipline(Specialty)Construction Project,No.TJYXZDXK-006ATianjin Municipal Education Commission Scientific Research Program Project,No.2020KJ164(to JZ)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2022M712392(to ZY).
文摘We previously reported that miR-124-3p is markedly upregulated in microglia-derived exosomes following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.However,its impact on neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury remains unclear.In this study,we first used an HT22 scratch injury model to mimic traumatic brain injury,then co-cultured the HT22 cells with BV2 microglia expressing high levels of miR-124-3p.We found that exosomes containing high levels of miR-124-3p attenuated apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Furthermore,luciferase reporter assay analysis confirmed that miR-124-3p bound specifically to the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein IRE1α,while an IRE1αfunctional salvage experiment confirmed that miR-124-3p targeted IRE1αand reduced its expression,thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in injured neurons.Finally,we delivered microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p intranasally to a mouse model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and found that endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis levels in hippocampal neurons were significantly reduced.These findings suggest that,after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,miR-124-3 can be transferred from microglia-derived exosomes to injured neurons,where it exerts a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.Therefore,microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.
文摘There is growing evidence that long-term central nervous system(CNS)inflammation exacerbates secondary deterioration of brain structures and functions and is one of the major determinants of disease outcome and progression.In acute CNS injury,brain microglia are among the first cells to respond and play a critical role in neural repair and regeneration.However,microglial activation can also impede CNS repair and amplify tissue damage,and phenotypic transformation may be responsible for this dual role.Mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)-derived exosomes(Exos)are promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of acute CNS injuries due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties.MSC-Exos are nanoscale membrane vesicles that are actively released by cells and are used clinically as circulating biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis.MSC-Exos can be neuroprotective in several acute CNS models,including for stroke and traumatic brain injury,showing great clinical potential.This review summarized the classification of acute CNS injury disorders and discussed the prominent role of microglial activation in acute CNS inflammation and the specific role of MSC-Exos in regulating pro-inflammatory microglia in neuroinflammatory repair following acute CNS injury.Finally,this review explored the potential mechanisms and factors associated with MSCExos in modulating the phenotypic balance of microglia,focusing on the interplay between CNS inflammation,the brain,and injury aspects,with an emphasis on potential strategies and therapeutic interventions for improving functional recovery from early CNS inflammation caused by acute CNS injury.
基金supported by grants from NHMRC (APP1125796)The Col Bambrick Memorial MND Research Grant+2 种基金The NTI MND Research Grantthe FightMND Foundationsupported by an NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship APP1118452。
文摘Microglia, the main driver of neuroinflammation, play a central role in the initiation and exacerbation of various neurodegenerative diseases and are now considered a promising therapeutic target. Previous studies on in vitro human microglia and in vivo rodent models lacked scalability, consistency, or physiological relevance, which deterred successful therapeutic outcomes for the past decade. Here we review human blood monocyte-derived microglia-like cells as a robust and consistent approach to generate a patient-specific microglia-like model that can be used in extensive cohort studies for drug testing. We will highlight the strength and applicability of human blood monocyte-derived microglia-like cells to increase translational outcomes by reviewing the advantages of human blood monocyte-derived microglia-like cells in addressing patient heterogeneity and stratification, the basis of personalized medicine.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province (General Program),No.2017010825 (to JQ)。
文摘Microglia,which are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system,are an important part of the inflammatory response that occurs after cerebral ischemia.Vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1(Vav1) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is related to microglial activation.However,how Vav1 participates in the inflammato ry response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion inj ury remains unclea r.In this study,we subjected rats to occlusion and repe rfusion of the middle cerebral artery and subjected the BV-2 mic roglia cell line to oxygen-glucose deprivatio n/reoxygenation to mimic cerebral ischemia/repe rfusion in vivo and in vitro,respectively.We found that Vav1 levels were increased in the brain tissue of rats subjected to occlusion and reperfusion of the middle cerebral arte ry and in BV-2 cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation.Silencing Vav1 reduced the cerebral infarct volume and brain water content,inhibited neuronal loss and apoptosis in the ischemic penumbra,and im p roved neurological function in rats subjected to occlusion and repe rfusion of the middle cerebral artery.Further analysis showed that Vav1 was almost exclusively localized to microglia and that Vav1 downregulation inhibited microglial activation and the NOD-like receptor pyrin 3(NLRP3) inflammasome in the ischemic penumbra,as well as the expression of inflammato ry facto rs.In addition,Vov1 knoc kdown decreased the inflammatory response exhibited by BV-2 cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxyge nation.Taken together,these findings show that silencing Vav1 attenuates inflammation and neuronal apoptosis in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia/repe rfusion through inhibiting the activation of mic roglia and NLRP3 inflammasome.
文摘According to studies,neuroinflammation is increasingly being linked to the development of major depressive disorder(MDD).In response to inflammatory stimuli,brain microglia,which are immune cells,can change into reactive states.Because of this,microglia play an essentiall role in the early stages of neuroinflammation.Experiments have shown that microglia are able to detect infected or damaged cells,which then activates a cytotoxic response that further exacerbates the harm to brain cells.It has been proven that microglia are quite good at recognizing infections and damaged cells.Microglia,on the other hand,have been found to respond in a number of ways to injury and may even help regenerate damaged tissues.Chronic activation of microglia has been observed in persons with MDD.Deficits in neuroplasticity have been linked to depression,and recent studies show that this may be related to changes in microglia shape and function brought on by either excessive inflammatory activity or the natural aging process.Changing the phenotype of microglia by regulation of inflammatory pathways may be necessary for harnessing neuroinflammation in MDD.Recent research has linked several microglial phenotypes to individual metabolic pathways,showing that energy metabolism plays a pivotal role in coordinating microglial activity.In this study,we investigate whether or not traditional pro-inflammatory,anti-inflammatory,and metabolic pathways in microglia can be used as novel therapeutic routes for regulating neuroinflammation in brain diseases.The focus of this essay is on MDD,although we will also discuss related mental health issues.
基金supported by 16POST27490032 American Heart Association post-doctoral fellowshipNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant R21 NS114836-01A1 (to AC)
文摘As the average age of the world population increases,more people will face debilitating aging-associated conditions,including dementia and stroke.Not only does the incidence of these conditions increase with age,but the recovery afterward is often worse in older patients.Researchers and health professionals must unveil and understand the factors behind age-associated diseases to develop a therapy for older patients.Aging causes profound changes in the immune system including the activation of microglia in the brain.Activated microglia promote T lymphocyte transmigration leading to an increase in neuroinflammation,white matter damage,and cognitive impairment in both older humans and rodents.The presence of T and B lymphocytes is observed in the aged brain and correlates with worse stroke outcomes.Preclinical strategies in stroke target either microglia or the lymphocytes or the communications between them to promote functional recovery in aged subjects.In this review,we examine the role of the microglia and T and B lymphocytes in aging and how they contribute to cognitive impairment.Additionally,we provide an important update on the contribution of these cells and their interactions in preclinical aged stroke.
文摘M ultiple sclerosis is a chro nic central nervous system demyelinating disease whose onset and progression are driven by a combination of immune dysregulation,genetic predisposition,and environmental fa ctors.The activation of microglia and astrocytes is a key player in multiple sclerosis immunopathology,playing specific roles associated with anatomical location and phase of the disease and controlling demyelination and neurodegeneration.Even though reactive mic roglia can damage tissue and heighten deleterious effects and neurodegeneration,activated microglia also perform neuroprotective functions such as debris phagocytosis and growth fa ctor secretion.Astrocytes can be activated into pro-inflammato ry phenotype A1 through a mechanism mediated by activated neuroinflammatory microglia,which could also mediate neurodegeneration.This A1 phenotype inhibits oligodendrocyte prolife ration and differe ntiation and is toxic to both oligodendrocytes and neurons.Howeve r,astroglial activation into phenotype A2 may also take place in response to neurodegeneration and as a protective mechanism.A variety of animal models mimicking specific multiple sclerosis features and the associated pathophysiological processes have helped establish the cascades of events that lead to the initiation,progression,and resolution of the disease.The colonystimulating facto r-1 receptor is expressed by myeloid lineage cells such as peripheral monocytes and macrophages and central nervous system microglia.Importantly,as microglia development and survival critically rely on colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor signaling,colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor inhibition can almost completely eliminate microglia from the brain.In this context,the present review discusses the impact of microglial depletion through colo ny-stimulating factor-1 receptor inhibition on demyelination,neurodegeneration,astroglial activation,and behavior in different multiple sclerosis models,highlighting the diversity of microglial effects on the progression of demyelinating diseases and the strengths and weaknesses of microglial modulation in therapy design.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.2020A1515010090(to ZLZ)the Science and Technology Project Foundation of Guangzhou City,No.202002030004(to HZ).
文摘Astrocytes and microglia play an orchestrated role following spinal cord injury;however,the molecular mechanisms through which microglia regulate astrocytes after spinal cord injury are not yet fully understood.Herein,microglia were pharmacologically depleted and the effects on the astrocytic response were examined.We further explored the potential mechanisms involving the signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3)pathway.For in vivo experiments,we constructed a contusion spinal cord injury model in C57BL/6 mice.To deplete microglia,all mice were treated with colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX3397,starting 2 weeks prior to surgery until they were sacrificed.Cell proliferation was examined by 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine(EdU)and three pivotal inflammatory cytokines were detected by a specific Bio-Plex Pro^(TM) Reagent Kit.Locomotor function,neuroinflammation,astrocyte activation and phosphorylated STAT3(pSTAT3,a maker of activation of STAT3 signaling)levels were determined.For in vitro experiments,a microglia and astrocyte coculture system was established,and the small molecule STA21,which blocks STAT3 activation,was applied to investigate whether STAT3 signaling is involved in mediating astrocyte proliferation induced by microglia.PLX3397 administration disrupted glial scar formation,increased inflammatory spillover,induced diffuse tissue damage and impaired functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Microglial depletion markedly reduced EdU+proliferating cells,especially proliferating astrocytes at 7 days after spinal cord injury.RNA sequencing analysis showed that the JAK/STAT3 pathway was downregulated in mice treated with PLX3397.Double immunofluorescence staining confirmed that PLX3397 significantly decreased STAT3 expression in astrocytes.Importantly,in vitro coculture of astrocytes and microglia showed that microglia-induced astrocyte proliferation was abolished by STA21 administration.These findings suggest that microglial depletion impaired astrocyte proliferation and astrocytic scar formation,and induced inflammatory diffusion partly by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation in astrocytes following spinal cord injury.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos. 82004028 (to LJS) and 81473577 (to CGM)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No. 2020M680912 (to LJS)+4 种基金Shanxi Applied Basic Research Project,No. 201901D211538 (to LJS)Leading Team of Medical Science and Technology of Shanxi Province,No. 2020TD05 (to CGM)Funds for Construction of Key Disciplines from Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine,Young Scientists Cultivation Project of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine No. 2021PYQN-09 (to LJS)Basic Research Project of the Cultivation Plan of Scientific and Technological Innovation Ability of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine,No. 2020PY-JC-02 (to LJS)Cardiovascular Special Fund Project of National Regional Traditional Chinese Medicine Medical Center of Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine in 2021, No. XGZX202115 (to LJS)。
文摘Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system. During the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, stimulatory factors continuously act on the microglia causing abnormal activation and unbalanced phenotypic changes;these events have become a significant and promising area of research. In this review, we summarize the effects of microglial polarization and crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Our literature search found that phenotypic changes occur continuously in Alzheimer’s disease and that microglia exhibit extensive crosstalk with astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and penetrated peripheral innate immune cells via specific signaling pathways and cytokines. Collectively, unlike previous efforts to modulate microglial phenotypes at a single level, targeting the phenotypes of microglia and the crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system may be more effective in reducing inflammation in the central nervous system in Alzheimer’s disease. This would establish a theoretical basis for reducing neuronal death from central nervous system inflammation and provide an appropriate environment to promote neuronal regeneration in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,Nos.18967728D (to XQC),H2021423063 (to HXC)Youth Top Talent Project of Colleges and Universities in Hebei Province,No.BJ2021033 (to HXC)。
文摘Microglia-mediated inflammatory responses have been shown to play a crucial role in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells have shown anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, whether they can protect neurons in Parkinson’s disease by inhibiting microglia-mediated inflammatory responses is not yet known. In this study, exosomes were isolated from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and injected into a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease. We found that the exosomes injected through the tail vein and lateral ventricle were absorbed by dopaminergic neurons and microglia on the affected side of the brain, where they repaired nigral-striatal dopamine system damage and inhibited microglial activation. Furthermore, in an in vitro cell model, pretreating lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 cells with exosomes reduced interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 secretion, prevented the adoption of pyroptosis-associated morphology by BV2 cells, and increased the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells. Potential targets for treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes were further identified by high-throughput microRNA sequencing and protein spectrum sequencing. Our findings suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes are a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease, and that their neuroprotective effects may be mediated by inhibition of excessive microglial proliferation.
基金supported by the Shenyang Science and Technology Project,No.20-205-4-092(to AHX)。
文摘Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase family member 14(PARP14),which is an intracellular mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase,has been reported to promote post-stroke functional recovery,but its role in spinal cord injury(SCI)remains unclear.To investigate this,a T10 spinal cord contusion model was established in C57BL/6 mice,and immediately after the injury PARP14 shRNA-carrying lentivirus was injected 1 mm from the injury site to silence PARP14 expression.We found that PARP14 was up-regulated in the injured spinal cord and that lentivirus-mediated downregulation of PARP14 aggravated functional impairment after injury,accompanied by obvious neuronal apoptosis,severe neuroinflammation,and slight bone loss.Furthermore,PARP14 levels were elevated in microglia after SCI,PARP14 knockdown activated microglia in the spinal cord and promoted a shift from M2-polarized microglia(anti-inflammatory phenotype)to M1-polarized microglia(pro-inflammatory phenotype)that may have been mediated by the signal transducers and activators of transcription(STAT)1/6 pathway.Next,microglia M1 and M2 polarization were induced in vitro using lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γand interleukin-4,respectively.The results showed that PARP14 knockdown promoted microglia M1 polarization,accompanied by activation of the STAT1 pathway.In addition,PARP14 overexpression made microglia more prone to M2 polarization and further activated the STAT6 pathway.In conclusion,these findings suggest that PARP14 may improve functional recovery after SCI by regulating the phenotypic transformation of microglia via the STAT1/6 pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of china,No.81974156(to TJ)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20201117(to YDZ)。
文摘Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-like 2(TREML2)is a newly identified susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's disease(AD).It encodes a microglial inflammation-associated receptor.To date,the potential role of mic roglial TREML2 in neuroinflammation in the context of AD remains unclear.In this study,APP/PS1 mice were used to investigate the dynamic changes of TREML2 levels in brain during AD progression.In addition,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)stimulation of primary microglia as well as a lentivirus-mediated TREML2 overexpression and knockdown were employed to explore the role of TREML2 in neuroinflammation in the context of AD.Our res ults show that TREML2 levels gradually increased in the brains of AP P/PS1 mice during disease progression.LPS stimulation of primary microglia led to the release of inflammato ry cytokines including interleukin-1β,inte rleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-a in the culture medium.The LPS-induced mic roglial release of inflammatory cytokines was enhanced by TREML2 overexpression and was attenuated by TREML2 knoc kdown.LPS increased the levels of mic roglial M1-type polarization marker inducible nitric oxide synthase.This effect was enhanced by TREML2 overexpression and ameliorated by TREML2 knockdown.Furthermore,the levels of microglial M2-type polarization markers CD206 and ARG1 in the primary microglia were reduced by TREML2 overexpression and elevated by TREML2 knockdown.LPS stimulation increased the levels of NLRP3 in primary microglia.The LPS-induced increase in NLRP3 was further elevated by TREML2 overexpression and alleviated by TREML2 knockdown.In summary,this study provides the first evidence that TREML2 modulates inflammation by regulating microglial polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.These findings reveal the mechanisms by which TREML2 regulates microglial inflammation and suggest that TREML2 inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for AD.