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
Multiple sclerosis is characterized by demyelination and neuronal loss caused by inflammatory cell activation and infiltration into the central nervous system.Macrophage polarization plays an important role in the pat...Multiple sclerosis is characterized by demyelination and neuronal loss caused by inflammatory cell activation and infiltration into the central nervous system.Macrophage polarization plays an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,a traditional experimental model of multiple sclerosis.This study investigated the effect of Fasudil on macrophages and examined the therapeutic potential of Fasudil-modified macrophages in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.We found that Fasudil induced the conversion of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 type to the anti-inflammatory M2 type,as shown by reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide,interleukin-12,and CD16/32 and increased expression of arginase-1,interleukin-10,CD14,and CD206,which was linked to inhibition of Rho kinase activity,decreased expression of toll-like receptors,nuclear factor-κB,and components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway,and generation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.Crucially,Fasudil-modified macrophages effectively decreased the impact of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,resulting in later onset of disease,lower symptom scores,less weight loss,and reduced demyelination compared with unmodified macrophages.In addition,Fasudil-modified macrophages decreased interleukin-17 expression on CD4^(+)T cells and CD16/32,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and interleukin-12 expression on F4/80^(+)macrophages,as well as increasing interleukin-10 expression on CD4^(+)T cells and arginase-1,CD206,and interleukin-10 expression on F4/80^(+)macrophages,which improved immune regulation and reduced inflammation.These findings suggest that Fasudil-modified macrophages may help treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inducing M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting the inflammatory response,thereby providing new insight into cell immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis.展开更多
Ras homolog(Rho)-associated kinases(ROCKs)belong to the serine-threonine kinase family,which plays a pivotal role in regulating the damage,survival,axon guidance,and regeneration of neurons.ROCKs are also involved in ...Ras homolog(Rho)-associated kinases(ROCKs)belong to the serine-threonine kinase family,which plays a pivotal role in regulating the damage,survival,axon guidance,and regeneration of neurons.ROCKs are also involved in the biological effects of immune cells and glial cells,as well as the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and multiple sclerosis.Previous studies by us and others confirmed that ROCKs inhibitors attenuated the symptoms and progression of experimental models of the abovementioned neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting neuroinflammation,regulating immune imbalance,repairing the blood-brain barrier,and promoting nerve repair and myelin regeneration.Fasudil,the first ROCKs inhibitor to be used clinically,has a good therapeutic effect on neurodegenerative diseases.Fasudil increases the activity of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells,thus optimizing cell therapy.This review will systematically describe,for the first time,the effects of abnormal activation of ROCKs on T cells,B cells,microglia,astrocytes,oligodendrocytes,and pericytes in neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system,summarize the therapeutic potential of fasudil in several experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases,and clarify the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of ROCKs inhibition.This review also proposes that fasudil is a novel potential treatment,especially in combination with cell-based therapy.Findings from this review add support for further investigation of ROCKs and its inhibitor fasudil for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.展开更多
This study investigated the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture therapy for vascular dementia through electroacupuncture at the acupoints of Baihui （DU20）, Dazhui （DU14）, and bilateral Shenshu （BL23） in a ra...This study investigated the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture therapy for vascular dementia through electroacupuncture at the acupoints of Baihui （DU20）, Dazhui （DU14）, and bilateral Shenshu （BL23） in a rat model of vascular dementia produced by bilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion. Morris water maze test showed that electroacupuncture improved the learning ability of vascular dementia rats. Western blot assay revealed that the expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in vascular dementia rats was significantly increased after electroacupuncture, compared with the model group that was not treated with acupuncture. The average escape latency was also shortened after electroacupuncture, and escape strategies in the spatial probe test improved from edge and random searches, to linear and trending swim pathways. The experimental findings indicate that electroacupuncture improves learning and memory ability by up-regulating expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in the hippocampus of vascular dementia rats.展开更多
Astrocytes play multifaceted and vital roles in maintaining neurophysiological function of the central nervous system by regulating homeostasis, increasing synaptic plasticity, and sustaining neuroprotective effects. ...Astrocytes play multifaceted and vital roles in maintaining neurophysiological function of the central nervous system by regulating homeostasis, increasing synaptic plasticity, and sustaining neuroprotective effects. Astrocytes become activated as a result of inflammatory responses during the progression of pathological changes associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Reactive astrocytes(neurotoxic A1 and neuroprotective A2) are triggered during disease progression and pathogenesis due to neuroinflammation and ischemia. However, only a limited body of literature describes morphological and functional changes of astrocytes during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The present review investigated the detrimental and beneficial roles of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases reported in recent studies, as these cells have promising therapeutic potential and offer new approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.展开更多
Objective: To examine the anti-inflammatory effect of grape seed extract(GSE) in animal and cellular models and explore its mechanism of action. Methods: This study determined the inhibitory effect of GSE on macrophag...Objective: To examine the anti-inflammatory effect of grape seed extract(GSE) in animal and cellular models and explore its mechanism of action. Methods: This study determined the inhibitory effect of GSE on macrophage inflammation and Th1 and Th17 polarization in vitro. Based on the in vitro results, the effects and mechanisms of GSE on multiple sclerosis(MS)-experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE) mice model were further explored. The C57BL/6 mice were intragastrically administered with 50 mg/kg of GSE once a day from the 3rd day to the 27th day after immunization. The activation of microglia, the polarization of Th1 and Th17and the inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, IL-12, IL-17and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) secreted by them were detected in vitro and in vivo by flow cytometry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, respectively. Results: GSE reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide(P<0.01), inhibited the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17 and IFN-γ in spleen cells of EAE mice immunized for 9 days(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and reduced the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 mediated by CD3 and CD28 factors(P<0.01). GSE significantly improved the clinical symptoms of EAE mice, and inhibited spinal cord demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration. Peripherally, GSE downregulated the expression of toll-like-receptor 4(TLR4) and Rho-associated kinase(ROCKⅡ, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors(P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the central nervous system, GSE inhibited the infiltration of CD45+CD11b+and CD45+CD4+cells, and weakened the differentiation of Th1 and Th17(P<0.05). Moreover, it reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors(P<0.01), and prevented the activation of microglia(P<0.05). Conclusion: GSE had a beneficial effect on the pathogenesis and progression of EAE by inhibiting inflammatory response as a potential drug and strategy for the treatment of MS.展开更多
For the optimal functional recovery of force-transmitting connective tissues,obtaining grafts that are mechanically robust and integrating them with host bone effectively to tolerate high loads during violent joint mo...For the optimal functional recovery of force-transmitting connective tissues,obtaining grafts that are mechanically robust and integrating them with host bone effectively to tolerate high loads during violent joint motions is both crucial and challenging.Recent research proposes that a hierarchical helical carbon nanotube fiber,which has the considerably high mechanical strength,and can integrate with the host bone and restore movement in animals,is a very promising artificial ligament.The above research marks a significant development in artificial ligament via the innovative utilization of hierarchical helical carbon nanotube fiber.展开更多
Environmental cues provided by products from the diet,gut microbiota metabolism,and exposure to sunlight are sensed by specific receptors that drive a specific genomic profile in immune cells and influence the outcome...Environmental cues provided by products from the diet,gut microbiota metabolism,and exposure to sunlight are sensed by specific receptors that drive a specific genomic profile in immune cells and influence the outcome of multiple sclerosis(MS),an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system(CNS),1 which affects approximately 2.3 million people worldwide.2 Among these receptors,the ligand-activated transcription factor retinoic acid receptorα(RAR-α)senses retinoic acid and other ligands to promote the transcription of genes that have retinoic acid receptor elements in their promoter region.3 Supplementation with all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA),a metabolite of vitamin A,ameliorates inflammation in MS and the corresponding animal model,experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE),by shifting the balance between Th17/regulatory T cells(Tregs)and inducing tolerogenic dendritic cells.4,5 To overcome the weaknesses associated with ATRA agonists,e.g.,instability,poor bioavailability and nonselective binding to a broad range of retinoid receptors,a variety of synthetic agonists specifically targeting RAR have been developed.6 One of them,AM80,inhibits Th17 cells and suppress acute neuroinflammation;however,continuous AM80 treatment is ineffective,most likely because AM80 also inhibits Tregs and IL-10 production.6 AM580,a stable benzoic derivative of retinoic acid and a selective RAR-αagonist,has been recently shown to significantly reduce the production of Th1 cytokines but promote Th2 cytokines in human PBMCs7 and to inhibit microglial activation,thus acting beneficially in Alzheimer’s disease treatment.8 In addition,AM580 protects retinal cells against diabetes-induced apoptosis by inducing neurotrophic factors.9 However,whether it has a protective effect on neuroinflammation is unknown.展开更多
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 a grant from the Department of Science and Technology of Shanxi Province,China,No.20210302123477(to CL)Datong Bureau of Science and Technology of China,No.2020152(to CL)the Opening Foundation of Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.2022-KF-03(to CL).
文摘Multiple sclerosis is characterized by demyelination and neuronal loss caused by inflammatory cell activation and infiltration into the central nervous system.Macrophage polarization plays an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,a traditional experimental model of multiple sclerosis.This study investigated the effect of Fasudil on macrophages and examined the therapeutic potential of Fasudil-modified macrophages in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.We found that Fasudil induced the conversion of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 type to the anti-inflammatory M2 type,as shown by reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide,interleukin-12,and CD16/32 and increased expression of arginase-1,interleukin-10,CD14,and CD206,which was linked to inhibition of Rho kinase activity,decreased expression of toll-like receptors,nuclear factor-κB,and components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway,and generation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.Crucially,Fasudil-modified macrophages effectively decreased the impact of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,resulting in later onset of disease,lower symptom scores,less weight loss,and reduced demyelination compared with unmodified macrophages.In addition,Fasudil-modified macrophages decreased interleukin-17 expression on CD4^(+)T cells and CD16/32,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and interleukin-12 expression on F4/80^(+)macrophages,as well as increasing interleukin-10 expression on CD4^(+)T cells and arginase-1,CD206,and interleukin-10 expression on F4/80^(+)macrophages,which improved immune regulation and reduced inflammation.These findings suggest that Fasudil-modified macrophages may help treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inducing M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting the inflammatory response,thereby providing new insight into cell immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nos.81473577 (to CGM), 81903596 (to QW), 82004028 (to LJS)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, No.2020M680912 (to LJS)+2 种基金Open Project of The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education of China,No.2019004 (to CGM)Science and Technology Innovation Project of Shanxi Colleges of China, Nos.2019L0728 (to QW)Cultivation Project of Shanxi Universtity of Chinese Medicine of China, No.2019PY130 (to QW)
文摘Ras homolog(Rho)-associated kinases(ROCKs)belong to the serine-threonine kinase family,which plays a pivotal role in regulating the damage,survival,axon guidance,and regeneration of neurons.ROCKs are also involved in the biological effects of immune cells and glial cells,as well as the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and multiple sclerosis.Previous studies by us and others confirmed that ROCKs inhibitors attenuated the symptoms and progression of experimental models of the abovementioned neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting neuroinflammation,regulating immune imbalance,repairing the blood-brain barrier,and promoting nerve repair and myelin regeneration.Fasudil,the first ROCKs inhibitor to be used clinically,has a good therapeutic effect on neurodegenerative diseases.Fasudil increases the activity of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells,thus optimizing cell therapy.This review will systematically describe,for the first time,the effects of abnormal activation of ROCKs on T cells,B cells,microglia,astrocytes,oligodendrocytes,and pericytes in neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system,summarize the therapeutic potential of fasudil in several experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases,and clarify the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of ROCKs inhibition.This review also proposes that fasudil is a novel potential treatment,especially in combination with cell-based therapy.Findings from this review add support for further investigation of ROCKs and its inhibitor fasudil for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81001541
文摘This study investigated the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture therapy for vascular dementia through electroacupuncture at the acupoints of Baihui （DU20）, Dazhui （DU14）, and bilateral Shenshu （BL23） in a rat model of vascular dementia produced by bilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion. Morris water maze test showed that electroacupuncture improved the learning ability of vascular dementia rats. Western blot assay revealed that the expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in vascular dementia rats was significantly increased after electroacupuncture, compared with the model group that was not treated with acupuncture. The average escape latency was also shortened after electroacupuncture, and escape strategies in the spatial probe test improved from edge and random searches, to linear and trending swim pathways. The experimental findings indicate that electroacupuncture improves learning and memory ability by up-regulating expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in the hippocampus of vascular dementia rats.
基金supported partially by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81473577(to CGM)a grant from the Department of Science and Technology of Shanxi Province,China,No.201803D421073(to YQY)and No.201805D111009(to CGM)+2 种基金a grant from Shanxi Applied Basic Research Project,No.201901D211538(to LJS)Datong Bureau of Science and Technology of China,No.2019198(to CGM)Research Project Funds from Shanxi Scholarship Council of China,No.2014-7(to CGM)。
文摘Astrocytes play multifaceted and vital roles in maintaining neurophysiological function of the central nervous system by regulating homeostasis, increasing synaptic plasticity, and sustaining neuroprotective effects. Astrocytes become activated as a result of inflammatory responses during the progression of pathological changes associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Reactive astrocytes(neurotoxic A1 and neuroprotective A2) are triggered during disease progression and pathogenesis due to neuroinflammation and ischemia. However, only a limited body of literature describes morphological and functional changes of astrocytes during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The present review investigated the detrimental and beneficial roles of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases reported in recent studies, as these cells have promising therapeutic potential and offer new approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81903596)Science and Technology Innovation Project of Shanxi Colleges (No.2019L0728)+2 种基金Leading Team of Medical Science and Technology of Shanxi Province (No.2020TD05)Funds for Construction of Key Disciplines from Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine (No.030200117)Cultivation Project of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine (Nos.2019PY130 and 2020PY-JC-14)。
文摘Objective: To examine the anti-inflammatory effect of grape seed extract(GSE) in animal and cellular models and explore its mechanism of action. Methods: This study determined the inhibitory effect of GSE on macrophage inflammation and Th1 and Th17 polarization in vitro. Based on the in vitro results, the effects and mechanisms of GSE on multiple sclerosis(MS)-experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE) mice model were further explored. The C57BL/6 mice were intragastrically administered with 50 mg/kg of GSE once a day from the 3rd day to the 27th day after immunization. The activation of microglia, the polarization of Th1 and Th17and the inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, IL-12, IL-17and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) secreted by them were detected in vitro and in vivo by flow cytometry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, respectively. Results: GSE reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide(P<0.01), inhibited the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17 and IFN-γ in spleen cells of EAE mice immunized for 9 days(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and reduced the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 mediated by CD3 and CD28 factors(P<0.01). GSE significantly improved the clinical symptoms of EAE mice, and inhibited spinal cord demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration. Peripherally, GSE downregulated the expression of toll-like-receptor 4(TLR4) and Rho-associated kinase(ROCKⅡ, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors(P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the central nervous system, GSE inhibited the infiltration of CD45+CD11b+and CD45+CD4+cells, and weakened the differentiation of Th1 and Th17(P<0.05). Moreover, it reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors(P<0.01), and prevented the activation of microglia(P<0.05). Conclusion: GSE had a beneficial effect on the pathogenesis and progression of EAE by inhibiting inflammatory response as a potential drug and strategy for the treatment of MS.
基金supported by the State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies(Grant No.FZ2022009).
文摘For the optimal functional recovery of force-transmitting connective tissues,obtaining grafts that are mechanically robust and integrating them with host bone effectively to tolerate high loads during violent joint motions is both crucial and challenging.Recent research proposes that a hierarchical helical carbon nanotube fiber,which has the considerably high mechanical strength,and can integrate with the host bone and restore movement in animals,is a very promising artificial ligament.The above research marks a significant development in artificial ligament via the innovative utilization of hierarchical helical carbon nanotube fiber.
基金supported by the NIH grants NS099594 and AI135601.Q.W.and C.G.M.supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81371414 and 81473577)。
文摘Environmental cues provided by products from the diet,gut microbiota metabolism,and exposure to sunlight are sensed by specific receptors that drive a specific genomic profile in immune cells and influence the outcome of multiple sclerosis(MS),an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system(CNS),1 which affects approximately 2.3 million people worldwide.2 Among these receptors,the ligand-activated transcription factor retinoic acid receptorα(RAR-α)senses retinoic acid and other ligands to promote the transcription of genes that have retinoic acid receptor elements in their promoter region.3 Supplementation with all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA),a metabolite of vitamin A,ameliorates inflammation in MS and the corresponding animal model,experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE),by shifting the balance between Th17/regulatory T cells(Tregs)and inducing tolerogenic dendritic cells.4,5 To overcome the weaknesses associated with ATRA agonists,e.g.,instability,poor bioavailability and nonselective binding to a broad range of retinoid receptors,a variety of synthetic agonists specifically targeting RAR have been developed.6 One of them,AM80,inhibits Th17 cells and suppress acute neuroinflammation;however,continuous AM80 treatment is ineffective,most likely because AM80 also inhibits Tregs and IL-10 production.6 AM580,a stable benzoic derivative of retinoic acid and a selective RAR-αagonist,has been recently shown to significantly reduce the production of Th1 cytokines but promote Th2 cytokines in human PBMCs7 and to inhibit microglial activation,thus acting beneficially in Alzheimer’s disease treatment.8 In addition,AM580 protects retinal cells against diabetes-induced apoptosis by inducing neurotrophic factors.9 However,whether it has a protective effect on neuroinflammation is unknown.
