Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sheu-Ran Choi, Ho Jae Han, Alvin J. Beitz, Jang-Hern Lee
Summary: Administration of IL-1 beta during the early phase of nerve injury can reduce the expression of Sig-1R in spinal astrocytes, decrease pGluN1 expression, and suppress the development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, producing an analgesic effect on neuropathic pain.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Doaa H. Abdelaziz, Sherif Boraii, Ejaz Cheema, Mohamed Hassan Elnaem, Tamer Omar, Amr Abdelraouf, Noha O. Mansour
Summary: The study showed that intraperitoneal administration of ondansetron significantly reduced postoperative pain levels and decreased the need for rescue analgesia, providing improved pain control.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Panagiotis Ferentinos, Eirini Maratou, Anastasia Antoniou, Alessandro Serretti, Nikolaos Smyrnis, Paraskevi Moutsatsou
Summary: The study compared IL1 beta levels in mononuclear lysates and plasma in MDD patients, finding that Delta IL1 beta(%) in lysates may be a longitudinal biomarker of antidepressant response.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Christoph Schultheiss, Edith Willscher, Lisa Paschold, Cornelia Gottschick, Bianca Klee, Svenja-Sibylla Henkes, Lidia Bosurgi, Jochen Dutzmann, Daniel Sedding, Thomas Frese, Matthias Girndt, Jessica I. Hoell, Michael Gekle, Rafael Mikolajczyk, Mascha Binder
Summary: Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is a global problem with unknown molecular drivers. A study found that 67.8% of participants, mostly with mild infections, reported PASC, with symptoms including fatigue, dyspnea, and concentration deficit. These symptoms persisted in 60% of participants over an average 8-month follow-up period. PASC was associated with elevated plasma levels of IL-18, IL-6, and TNF.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olga M. Koper-Lenkiewicz, Kinga Sutkowska, Natalia Wawrusiewicz-Kurylonek, Ewa Kowalewska, Joanna Matowicka-Karna
Summary: Studies have shown that the relationship between SNPs in proinflammatory cytokines genes and susceptibility to developing RA is inconclusive and varies among different ethnic populations. These polymorphisms also have an impact on clinicopathological features of RA and patients' response to treatment. Further research on larger cohorts and diverse populations is needed to elucidate the role of these SNPs in RA patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jenq-Lin Yang, Weng-Ling Lin, Shun-Ban Tai, Yi-Siang Ciou, Chih-Ling Chung, Jih-Jung Chen, Pei-Feng Liu, Ming-Wei Lin, Chun-Lin Chen
Summary: Sinulariolide (SC-1), a natural extract from Sinularia flexibilis, has anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory effects. The molecular pathway behind its anti-inflammatory effects remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of SC-1 on TGF beta-induced IL-6 release. We found that SC-1 inhibited TGF beta-induced IL-6 secretion through the suppression of p38 MAPK signaling and subsequent inhibition of NF-kappa B nuclear translocation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Wen-Wu Li, Yang Yang, Tian-Zhi Guo, Peyman Sahbaie, Xiao-you Shi, Qin Guang, Wade S. Kingery, Leonore A. Herzenberg, J. David Clark
Summary: In a murine tibia fracture model of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), up-regulated IL-6 signaling was found to be crucial for the development of nociceptive sensitization, vascular changes, and IgM immune complex deposition in the injured limbs. These findings suggest that anti-IL-6 therapies may be effective in reducing pain in the context of limb fracture or CRPS.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kim S. Robinson, Gee Ann Toh, Pritisha Rozario, Rae Chua, Stefan Bauernfried, Zijin Sun, Muhammad Jasrie Firdaus, Shima Bayat, Rhea Nadkarni, Zhi Sheng Poh, Khek Chian Tham, Cassandra R. Harapas, Chrissie K. Lim, Werncui Chu, Celest W. S. Tay, Kiat Yi Tan, Tianyun Zhao, Carine Bonnard, Radoslaw Sobota, John E. Connolly, John Common, Seth L. Masters, Kaiwen W. Chen, Lena Ho, Bin Wu, Veit Hornung, Franklin L. Zhong
Summary: This study reveals the mechanism of UVB and toxin-induced ribotoxic stress response by human NLRP1 and its impact on keratinocytes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laszlo Ducza, Peter Szucs, Krisztina Hegedus, Erzsebet Bakk, Andrea Gajtko, Ildiko Weber, Krisztina Hollo
Summary: The study demonstrates that IL-1 beta and IL-1R1 are overexpressed in spinal neurons and astrocytes in a persistent pain model, with the formation of inflammasomes affecting neuronal excitability to maintain pain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Emanuel Della-Torre, Marco Lanzillotta, Corrado Campochiaro, Giulio Cavalli, Giacomo De Luca, Alessandro Tomelleri, Nicola Boffini, Rebecca De Lorenzo, Annalisa Ruggeri, Patrizia Rovere-Querini, Antonella Castagna, Giovanni Landoni, Moreno Tresoldi, Fabio Ciceri, Alberto Zangrillo, Lorenzo Dagna
Summary: This study shows that IL-1 and IL-6 blockade therapy is more likely to provide a survival advantage in hyper-inflamed COVID-19 patients, especially when initiated before the establishment of severe respiratory failure.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuri Song, Jin Chung
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism and anti-inflammatory function of zingerone on periodontal inflammation induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans. Zingerone inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in THP-1 macrophages. It also enhanced autophagosome formation and reduced the intracellular survival of A. actinomycetemcomitans. These findings suggest that zingerone has potential as a treatment for periodontal inflammation.
Article
Immunology
Isak W. Tengesdal, Alberto Dinarello, Nicholas E. Powers, Matthew A. Burchill, Leo A. B. Joosten, Carlo Marchetti, Charles A. Dinarello
Summary: This study reveals that in melanoma, IL-1 beta-induced inflammation is linked to the expansion of immunosuppressive cells, and inhibition of NLRP3 can reduce STAT3 signaling, preventing the expression of immunosuppressive genes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yeo Dae Yoon, Myeong Youl Lee, Byeong Jo Choi, Chang Woo Lee, Hyunju Lee, Joo-Hee Kwon, Jeong-Wook Yang, Jong Soon Kang
Summary: This study found that Terrein has a protective effect against LPS-induced endotoxemia by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effect of Terrein might be mediated, at least in part, by blocking the activation of NF-kappa B, JNK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rui Zhang, Zheren Tan, Jianguo Niu, Hua-Jun Feng
Summary: The study demonstrates that noradrenergic neurotransmission modulates S-IRA predominantly via alpha 2 adrenoceptors in DBA/1 mice, indicating that selective activation of alpha 2 adrenoceptors can potentially prevent SUDEP.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Travis E. Faust, Dorothy P. Schafer
Summary: The study reveals that the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 specifically increases synaptogenesis in immature excitatory neurons through downstream neuronal STAT3-dependent transcriptional regulation of Rgs4.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ewa Witkowska, Magda Godlewska, Jowita Osiejuk, Sandra Gatarz, Beata Wilenska, Katarzyna Kosinska, Joanna Starnowska-Sokol, Anna Piotrowska, Piotr F. J. Lipinski, Joanna Matalinska, Jolanta Dyniewicz, Pawel K. Halik, Ewa Gniazdowska, Barbara Przewlocka, Aleksandra Misicka
Summary: This study developed a new type of bifunctional hybrid peptidomimetics for potential use in treating neuropathic pain. The results showed that the type of linker used to connect the pharmacophores had an effect on the antinociceptive activity of the compounds. Further tests and molecular modeling revealed that the activity in neuropathic pain is related to a proper balance of receptor affinity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Renata Zajaczkowska, Ewelina Rojewska, Agata Ciechanowska, Katarzyna Pawlik, Katarzyna Ciapala, Magdalena Kocot-Kepska, Wioletta Makuch, Jerzy Wordliczek, Joanna Mika
Summary: Neuropathic pain is a complex and difficult clinical challenge. Despite the availability of various treatment options, many patients still experience ineffective pain relief. Recent research suggests that mirogabalin may provide analgesic effects through several indirect mechanisms.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Karolina Strzebonska, Mateusz Blukacz, Mateusz T. Wasylewski, Maciej Polak, Bishal Gyawali, Marcin Waligora
Summary: This systematic review with meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety profiles of cancer umbrella trials testing targeted drugs or a combination of targeted therapy with chemotherapy. The study found that, on average, one in five cancer patients responded to a given therapy, while one in 125 died due to drug toxicity. The results do not support the expectation of increased patient benefit in cancer umbrella trials, and further studies should be conducted.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriela Mazur, Katarzyna Panczyk-Straszak, Anna Rapacz, Jan Kiszela, Magdalena Smolik, Maciej Gawlik, Maria Walczak, Joanna Czekajewska, Celina Poloczek, Elzbieta Karczewska, Ewa Zeslawska, Wojciech Nitek, Anna Niedbal, Joanna Lesniak, Katarzyna Ciapala, Katarzyna Pawlik, Joanna Mika, Anna M. Waszkielewicz
Summary: A series of 10 aminoalkanol derivatives of 5-chloro-2- or 5-chloro-4-methylxanthone were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant properties. The compound 5-chloro-2-([4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl]methyl)-9H-xanthen-9-one hydrochloride showed the best results in terms of anticonvulsant activity and protective index value. The compounds exhibited rapid absorption, good bioavailability, and the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Michal Rychlik, Gabriela Starowicz, Joanna Starnowska-Sokol, Katarzyna Mlyniec
Summary: As a neuromodulator, zinc regulates synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. The zinc-sensing receptor GPR39 plays a role in age-related memory decline, and its agonist can reverse memory deficits in old animals. These findings have important implications for Alzheimer's disease research and treatment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Bogacka, Katarzyna Pawlik, Katarzyna Ciapala, Agata Ciechanowska, Joanna Mika
Summary: This article introduces the role of chemokines and their receptors in various biological processes, particularly in the modulation of neuroimmune interactions. It provides a brief characterization of CCR4 and its ligands, highlighting their contributions to immunological and neoplastic diseases. The article also emphasizes the significant role of CCR4 in nociceptive transmission, especially in painful neuropathy, and discusses the potential of targeting the CCL2/CCL17/CCL22/CCR4 axis in new therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Katarzyna Ciapala, Katarzyna Pawlik, Agata Ciechanowska, Joanna Mika, Ewelina Rojewska
Summary: Changes in the kynurenine pathway enzymes and metabolites were investigated in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain in mice. Modulation of the kynurenine pathway through pharmacological interventions attenuated mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in mice with neuropathic pain and enhanced the effectiveness of selected opioids. The injection of L-kynurenine preceded by a KMO inhibitor was found to be particularly effective in reducing hypersensitivity. Furthermore, L-kynurenine exerted an analgesic effect when administered intravenously, which was enhanced by a microglial activation inhibitor. Overall, the results suggest that modulation of the kynurenine pathway may be a promising pharmacological approach to managing neuropathy.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Agata Ciechanowska, Ewelina Rojewska, Anna Piotrowska, Justyna Barut, Katarzyna Pawlik, Katarzyna Ciapala, Grzegorz Kreiner, Joanna Mika
Summary: This study investigates the involvement of chemokine-C-motif ligand 1 (XCL1) and its receptors, XCR1 and ITGA9, in nociceptive transmission. The results show that the blockade/neutralization of both XCR1 and ITGA9 receptors can reverse hypersensitivity and improve opioid analgesia. The findings suggest that blocking the XCL1-ITGA9 interaction may serve as a novel strategy for the treatment of neuropathic pain in combination with opioids.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Katarzyna Pawlik, Katarzyna Ciapala, Agata Ciechanowska, Klaudia Kwiatkowski, Joanna Mika
Summary: Neuropathic pain treatment is a challenging issue due to the lack of effective therapies in the clinic. This study focuses on the roles of chemokines and their receptors, CCR1 and CCR3, in neuropathic pain. The findings demonstrate that the ligands of CCR1 and CCR3, such as CCL2/3/5/7/8/9, are involved in the development and persistence of neuropathic pain, and the inhibition of their production and blockade of CCR1 and CCR3 effectively reduce pain-like behavior.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Ciapala, Ewelina Rojewska, Katarzyna Pawlik, Agata Ciechanowska, Joanna Mika
Summary: The study aimed to determine the effects of nonselective modulators of MAP kinases and PI3K on peripheral neuropathy and their impact on opioid-induced analgesia. The results showed that fisetin, peimine, and astaxanthin effectively reduced tactile and thermal hypersensitivity in mice with neuropathic pain, while artemisinin did not exhibit analgesic potency. Bardoxolone methyl and 740 Y-P showed analgesic effects and enhanced opioid effectiveness. Combined administration of astaxanthin and bardoxolone methyl with opioids further increased analgesia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Anesthesiology
Stefanie H. Meeuwis, Mateusz T. Wasylewski, Elzbieta A. Bajcar, Helena Bieniek, Waclaw M. Adamczyk, Sofiia Honcharova, Marianna Di Nardo, Giuliana Mazzoni, Przemyslaw Babel
Summary: Observational learning has an impact on placebo hypoalgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia, and can be used to optimize treatment of chronic pain conditions. The type of observation and the observer's empathic concern modulate this impact.
Article
Neurosciences
Agata Ciechanowska, Katarzyna Pawlik, Katarzyna Ciapala, Joanna Mika
Summary: The study examined the effects of pharmacological modulation of chemokines and their receptors on hypersensitivity after nerve injury. The results showed increased levels of CCL3 and CCL9 after nerve injury, and treatment with neutralizing antibodies or antagonists for these chemokines relieved neuropathic pain symptoms and enhanced morphine analgesia. These findings suggest that CCL3 and CCL9 play important roles in neuropathic pain and opioid analgesia, and CCR1 and CCR5 may serve as potential targets for neuropathy treatment.
Article
Neurosciences
Magdalena Kocot-Kepska, Katarzyna Pawlik, Katarzyna Ciapala, Wioletta Makuch, Renata Zajaczkowska, Jan Dobrogowski, Anna Przeklasa-Muszynska, Joanna Mika
Summary: Neuropathic pain is a complex condition with limited analgesic options. This study showed that phenytoin, a well-known substance, can reduce hypersensitivity and enhance morphine-induced analgesia in an animal model of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, it was found that phenytoin influences microglia/macrophage activity at the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion levels. These findings suggest that phenytoin may be an effective strategy for managing neuropathic pain, particularly in combination with opioids.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Pawlik, Joanna Mika
Summary: Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that significantly reduces patients' quality of life. Currently used analgesics are not effective and may cause side effects. Recent studies highlight the role of chemokines in neuropathy and their potential as analgesic targets. Chemokine receptors can be blocked or inhibited to relieve neuropathic pain and enhance opioid analgesia. Multi-target chemokine receptor antagonists have also shown promise as effective painkillers. Modulating the chemokine family can greatly improve the lives of neuropathic pain patients.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Renata Zajaczkowska, Katarzyna Pawlik, Katarzyna Ciapala, Anna Piotrowska, Agata Ciechanowska, Ewelina Rojewska, Magdalena Kocot-Kepska, Wioletta Makuch, Jerzy Wordliczek, Joanna Mika
Summary: This study compares the analgesic effect of mirogabalin and pregabalin in a neuropathic pain model and finds that mirogabalin has a superior analgesic effect and may act through multiple indirect mechanisms.
Article
Neurosciences
Yang He, Jun Tang, Meng Zhang, Junjie Ying, Dezhi Mu
Summary: This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of human placenta derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) transplantation in a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The results showed that hPMSCs transplantation reduced apoptosis and improved long-term neurological prognosis. Furthermore, the downregulation of Sema 3A/NRP-1 expression and activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway played a key role in the protective effects of hPMSCs.
Article
Neurosciences
Emily L. Isenstein, Edward G. Freedman, Jiayi Xu, Ian A. DeAndrea-Lazarus, John J. Foxe
Summary: This study evaluated electrophysiological discrimination of parametric somatosensory stimuli in healthy young adults to understand how the brain processes the duration of tactile information. The results showed that participants did not electrophysiologically discriminate between 100 and 115 ms, but they exhibited distinct electrophysiological responses when the deviant stimuli were 130, 145, and 160 ms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of tactile sensitivity in different clinical conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Juliana R. Souza, Ludmila Lima-Silveira, Daniela Accorsi-Mendonca, Benedito H. Machado
Summary: This study demonstrates that A2A receptors play a crucial role in modulating synaptic transmission in the NTS neurons and are required for the enhancement of glutamatergic transmission observed under short-term sustained hypoxia conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Miki Hashizume, Rina Ito, Rie Suge, Yasushi Hojo, Gen Murakami, Takayuki Murakoshi
Summary: The basolateral amygdaloid complex (BLA) is closely involved in the formation of emotional memories, including both aversive memory and contextual fear memory. Acute sleep deprivation (SD) disrupts the acquisition of tone-associated fear memory in juvenile rats, but has no significant effect on contextual fear memory. Slow network oscillation in the amygdala contributes to the formation of amygdala-dependent fear memory in relation to sleep.
Article
Neurosciences
Qunxian Wang, Shipeng Guo, Dongjie Hu, Xiangjun Dong, Zijun Meng, Yanshuang Jiang, Zijuan Feng, Weihui Zhou, Weihong Song
Summary: GSDME plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by regulating the switch from apoptosis to pyroptosis and participating in neuroinflammatory response. Knockdown of GSDME has been shown to improve cognitive impairments, indicating that GSDME could be a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.
