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[Effects of the δ-sleep inducing peptide on neuronal activity in the dorsal hippocampus of rats with different behavior in the open field after stimulation of the positive and negative emotionalistic structures of the brain].
Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova
O S Grigorchuk
We studied the cerebral mechanisms of positive and negative emotions in rats with different behavior in open field, reflecting stress resistance and neuronal effects of delta-sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP). In 20 male Wistar rats 107 neurons of dorsal hippocampus (57 neurons in active in open field--prognostically resistant to emotional stress and 50 inpassive--prognostically predisposed rats) were registered after positive (lateral hypothalamus--LH) and negative (ventromedial hypothalamus--VMH) emotional centers electric stimulation. Hippocampal neurons in active rats were less sensitive to stimulation of LH and VMH compared with passive ones. DSIP microiontophoretic application before LH stimulation decreases neuronal responses in both active and passive animals. DSIP increases dorsal hippocampus neurons sensitivity to VMH stimulation in active rats and decreases in passive ones.
Melanotan-associated melanoma in situ.
Australas J Dermatol
Suyin Ong, Jonathan Bowling
Injectable synthetic melanotropic peptides (often called melanotan) to enhance tanning are available over the Internet despite being unlicensed compounds with an unproven safety record. There have been reports of dysplastic naevi and melanoma associated with the use of melanotropic peptides. We report a case of melanotan-associated melanoma in situ.
Rapid and reversible impairments of short- and long-term social recognition memory are caused by acute isolation of adult rats via distinct mechanisms.
PLoS One
Hadar Shahar-Gold, Rotem Gur, Shlomo Wagner
Mammalian social organizations require the ability to recognize and remember individual conspecifics. This social recognition memory (SRM) can be examined in rodents using their innate tendency to investigate novel conspecifics more persistently than familiar ones. Here we used the SRM paradigm to examine the influence of housing conditions on the social memory of adult rats. We found that acute social isolation caused within few days a significant impairment in acquisition of short-term SRM of male and female rats. Moreover, SRM consolidation into long-term memory was blocked following only one day of social isolation. Both impairments were reversible, but with different time courses. Furthermore, only the impairment in SRM consolidation was reversed by systemic administration of arginine-vasopressin (AVP). In contrast to SRM, object recognition memory was not affected by social isolation. We conclude that acute social isolation rapidly induces reversible changes in the brain neuronal and molecular mechanisms underlying SRM, which hamper its acquisition and completely block its consolidation. These changes occur via distinct, AVP sensitive and insensitive mechanisms. Thus, acute social isolation of rats swiftly causes changes in their brain and interferes with their normal social behavior.
A multi-institutional, phase II open-label study of ganitumab (AMG 479) in advanced carcinoid and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Endocr Relat Cancer
J R Strosberg, J A Chan, D P Ryan +9 more
The IGF pathway has been implicated in the regulation of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) growth, and preliminary studies suggested that ganitumab (AMG 479), a human MAB against IGF1R, may have antitumor activity in this setting. We performed a two-cohort phase II study of ganitumab in patients with metastatic progressive carcinoid or pancreatic NETs (pNETs). This open-label study enrolled patients (≥18 years) with metastatic low- and intermediate-grade carcinoid or pNETs. Inclusion criteria included evidence of progressive disease (by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST)) within 12 months of enrollment, ECOG PS 0-2, and fasting blood sugar <160  mg/dl. Prior treatments were allowed and concurrent somatostatin analog therapy was permitted. The primary endpoint was objective response. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Sixty patients (30 carcinoid and 30 pNETs) were treated with ganitumab 18  mg/kg every 3 weeks, among whom 54 patients were evaluable for survival and 53 patients for response. There were no objective responders by RECIST. The median PFS duration was 6.3 months (95% CI, 4.2-12.6) for the entire cohort; 10.5 months for carcinoid patients, and 4.2 months for pNET patients. The OS rate at 12 months was 66% (95% CI, 52-77%) for the entire cohort. The median OS has not been reached. Grade 3/4 AEs were rare and consisted of hyperglycemia (4%), neutropenia (4%), thrombocytopenia (4%), and infusion reaction (1%). Although well tolerated, treatment with single-agent ganitumab failed to result in significant tumor responses among patients with metastatic well-differentiated carcinoid or pNET.
Genetic variants and effects on milk traits of the caprine paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) gene in dairy goats.
Gene
Haiyu Zhao, Xianfeng Wu, Hanfang Cai +4 more
The paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) gene plays a critical role in cell proliferation, differentiation, hematopoiesis and organogenesis. This gene regulates several genes' expressions in the Wnt/beta-catenin and POU1F1 pathways, thereby probably affecting milk performance. The goal of this study was to characterize the genetic variants of the PITX2 gene and test their associations with milk traits in dairy goats. Herein, four novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), AC_000163:g.18117T>C, g.18161C>G, g.18322C>A and g.18353T>C, within the caprine PITX2 gene, were found in two famous Chinese dairy goat breeds. These SNPs mapping at Cys28Arg, Pro42Pro, IVS1+79C>A and IVS1+110T>C, were genotyped by the MvaI, SmaI, MspI and RsaI aCRS-RFLP or PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Accordingly, two main haplotypes (CGCT and CGCC) were identified among the specimens. Association testing revealed that the SmaI and RsaI polymorphisms were significantly associated with the milk fat content, milk lactose content and milk density (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in the Guanzhong (GZ) dairy goats, respectively. At the same time, the RsaI locus was also found to significantly link to the second lactation milk yield, milk fat content, milk lactose content, milk density and milk total solid content (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in the Xinong Saanen (XNSN) dairy goats, respectively. These results indicated that the caprine PITX2 gene had the significant effects on milk traits. Hence, the RsaI and SmaI loci could be regarded as two DNA markers for selecting superior milk performance in dairy goats. These preliminary findings not only would extend the spectrum of genetic variation of the goat PITX2 gene, but also would contribute to implementing marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding and genetics in dairy goats.
Increased muscle force production and bone mineral density in ActRIIB-Fc-treated mature rodents.
J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci
Chi-Sung Chiu, Norbert Peekhaus, Hans Weber +19 more
Myostatin is a highly conserved member of the transforming growth factor-β ligand family known to regulate muscle growth via activation of activin receptors. A fusion protein consisting of the extracellular ligand-binding domain of activin type IIB receptor with the Fc portion of human immunoglobulin G (ActRIIB-Fc) was used to inhibit signaling through this pathway. Here, we study the effects of this fusion protein in adult, 18-month-old, and orchidectomized mice. Significant muscle growth and enhanced muscle function were observed in adult mice treated for 3 days with ActRIIB-Fc. The ActRIIB-Fc-treated mice had enhanced fast fatigable muscle function, with only minor enhancement of fatigue-resistant fiber function. The ActRIIB-Fc-treated 18-month-old mice and orchidectomized mice showed significantly improved muscle function. Treatment with ActRIIB-Fc also increased bone mineral density and serum levels of a marker of bone formation. These observations highlight the potential of targeting ActRIIB receptor to treat age-related and hypogonadism-associated musculoskeletal degeneration.
Skeletal muscle hypertrophy and regeneration: interplay between the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) pathways.
Cell Mol Life Sci
Nadège Zanou, Philippe Gailly
Adult skeletal muscle can regenerate in response to muscle damage. This ability is conferred by the presence of myogenic stem cells called satellite cells. In response to stimuli such as injury or exercise, these cells become activated and express myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), i.e., transcription factors of the myogenic lineage including Myf5, MyoD, myogenin, and Mrf4 to proliferate and differentiate into myofibers. The MRF family of proteins controls the transcription of important muscle-specific proteins such as myosin heavy chain and muscle creatine kinase. Different growth factors are secreted during muscle repair among which insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are the only ones that promote both muscle cell proliferation and differentiation and that play a key role in muscle regeneration and hypertrophy. Different isoforms of IGFs are expressed during muscle repair: IGF-IEa, IGF-IEb, or IGF-IEc (also known as mechano growth factor, MGF) and IGF-II. MGF is expressed first and is observed in satellite cells and in proliferating myoblasts whereas IGF-Ia and IGF-II expression occurs at the state of muscle fiber formation. Interestingly, several studies report the induction of MRFs in response to IGFs stimulation. Inversely, IGFs expression may also be regulated by MRFs. Various mechanisms are proposed to support these interactions. In this review, we describe the general process of muscle hypertrophy and regeneration and decipher the interactions between the two groups of factors involved in the process.
Growth hormone secretagogues exert differential effects on skeletal muscle calcium homeostasis in male rats depending on the peptidyl/nonpeptidyl structure.
Endocrinology
Antonella Liantonio, Gianluca Gramegna, Giuseppe Carbonara +7 more
The orexigenic and anabolic effects induced by ghrelin and the synthetic GH secretagogues (GHSs) are thought to positively contribute to therapeutic approaches and the adjunct treatment of a number of diseases associated with muscle wasting such as cachexia and sarcopenia. However, many questions about the potential utility and safety of GHSs in both therapy and skeletal muscle function remain unanswered. By using fura-2 cytofluorimetric technique, we determined the acute effects of ghrelin, as well as of peptidyl and nonpeptidyl synthetic GHSs on calcium homeostasis, a critical biomarker of muscle function, in isolated tendon-to-tendon male rat skeletal muscle fibers. The synthetic nonpeptidyl GHSs, but not peptidyl ghrelin and hexarelin, were able to significantly increase resting cytosolic calcium [Ca²⁺]i. The nonpeptidyl GHS-induced [Ca²⁺]i increase was independent of GHS-receptor 1a but was antagonized by both thapsigargin/caffeine and cyclosporine A, indicating the involvement of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Evaluation of the effects of a pseudopeptidyl GHS and a nonpeptidyl antagonist of the GHS-receptor 1a together with a drug-modeling study suggest the conclusion that the lipophilic nonpeptidyl structure of the tested compounds is the key chemical feature crucial for the GHS-induced calcium alterations in the skeletal muscle. Thus, synthetic GHSs can have different effects on skeletal muscle fibers depending on their molecular structures. The calcium homeostasis dysregulation specifically induced by the nonpeptidyl GHSs used in this study could potentially counteract the beneficial effects associated with these drugs in the treatment of muscle wasting of cachexia- or other age-related disorders.
Metabolism of growth hormone releasing peptides.
Anal Chem
Andreas Thomas, Philippe Delahaut, Oliver Krug +2 more
New, potentially performance enhancing compounds have frequently been introduced to licit and illicit markets and rapidly distributed via worldwide operating Internet platforms. Developing fast analytical strategies to follow these new trends is one the most challenging issues for modern doping control analysis. Even if reference compounds for the active drugs are readily obtained, their unknown metabolism complicates effective testing strategies. Recently, a new class of small C-terminally amidated peptides comprising four to seven amino acid residues received considerable attention of sports drug testing authorities due to their ability to stimulate growth hormone release from the pituitary. The most promising candidates are the growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP)-1, -2, -4, -5, -6, hexarelin, alexamorelin, and ipamorelin. With the exemption of GHRP-2, the entity of these peptides represents nonapproved pharmaceuticals; however, via Internet providers, all compounds are readily available. To date, only limited information on the metabolism of these substances is available and merely one metabolite for GHRP-2 is established. Therefore, a comprehensive in vivo (po and iv administration in rats) and in vitro (with human serum and recombinant amidase) study was performed in order to generate information on urinary metabolites potentially useful for routine doping controls. The urine samples from the in vivo experiments were purified by mixed-mode cation-exchange solid-phase extraction and analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) separation followed by high-resolution/high-accuracy mass spectrometry. Combining the high resolution power of a benchtop Orbitrap mass analyzer for the first metabolite screening and the speed of a quadrupole/time-of-flight (Q-TOF) instrument for identification, urinary metabolites were screened by means of a sensitive full scan analysis and subsequently confirmed by high-accuracy product ion scan experiments. Two deuterium-labeled internal standards (triply deuterated GHRP-4 and GHRP-2 metabolite) were used to optimize the extraction and analysis procedure. Overall, 28 metabolites (at least three for each GHRP) were identified from the in vivo samples and main metabolites were confirmed by the human in vitro model. All identified metabolites were formed due to exopeptidase- (amino- or carboxy-), amidase-, or endopeptidase activity.
Somatostatin, somatostatin analogs and somatostatin receptor dynamics in the biology of cancer progression.
Curr Mol Med
M Ruscica, M Arvigo, L Steffani +2 more
The pharmacological effects (i.e., inhibition of endocrine secretion and cell proliferation) mediated by the hormone somatostatin (SRIF) are derived from its universal high-affinity binding to five different G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs), named sst1-5. However, SRIF has a half-life of less than 3 min, whereas the available mono- and bi-specific SRIF preferential analogs show prolonged half-life and increased potency. These compounds may control tumor development, cell proliferation and metastatization by direct actions, including cell division arrest in G0/G1 phase (i.e., induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(kip1) or p21(Cip1)), induction of apoptosis (i.e., induction of p53 and Bax) and suppression of cell invasion. Along with these direct actions on the biology of cancer progression, in vivo SRIF analogs may also regulate tumor growth through indirect actions, by suppressing the secretion of growth-promoting hormones and growth factors and angiogenesis. Interestingly, when ssts are co-expressed, they may interact forming homo- or heterodimers, also with other GPCRs such as type 2 dopamine receptor and the μ-opioid receptor 1, altering their original pharmacological and functional properties. Dimers can be not only constitutive, but perhaps also ligandpromoted: hence, compounds with high affinity for different ssts isoforms may be used to achieve effects elicited by specific dimers. Future developments in the knowledge of ssts dynamics upon SRIF and SRIF analogs binding in neoplastic tissues may allow the full elucidation of the pathophysiological role of this system and the exploitation of the therapeutic potential of its modulation.
The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Am J Clin Dermatol
Yuan Wang, Mei Wang, Shengxiang Xiao +3 more
Argireline is a synthetic peptide that is patterned from the N-terminal end of the protein SNAP-25 and has been shown to reduce the degree of facial wrinkles. It is reported to inhibit vesicle docking by preventing formation of the ternary SNARE complex and by interfering in catecholamine release. The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline has not been studied in Chinese subjects.
Atypical melanocytic naevi following melanotan injection.
Ir Med J
C Reid, T Fitzgerald, A Fabre +1 more
Melanotan is a synthetic analogue of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH) that stimulates melanogenesis. It is sold on the internet and tanning salons as a quick 'tanning jab'. We report a patient who developed multiple new onset atypical naevi within one week of receiving two Melanotan injections. This case highlights the potential risk of Melanotan in stimulating dysplastic naevi or possibly malignant melanoma.
The synthetic melanocortin (CKPV)2 exerts anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory effects against Candida albicans vaginitis via inducing macrophage M2 polarization.
PLoS One
Hai-xia Ji, Yu-lian Zou, Jing-jing Duan +14 more
In this study, we examined anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory effects of the synthetic melanocortin peptide (Ac-Cys-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2)2 or (CKPV)2 against Candida albicans vaginitis. Our in vitro results showed that (CKPV)2 dose-dependently inhibited Candida albicans colonies formation. In a rat Candida albicans vaginitis model, (CKPV)2 significantly inhibited vaginal Candida albicans survival and macrophages sub-epithelial mucosa infiltration. For mechanisms study, we observed that (CKPV)2 inhibited macrophages phagocytosis of Candida albicans. Meanwhile, (CKPV)2 administration inhibited macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) release, while increasing the arginase activity and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production, suggesting macrophages M1 to M2 polarization. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) production was also induced by (CKPV)2 administration in macrophages. These above effects on macrophages by (CKPV)2 were almost reversed by melanocortin receptor-1(MC1R) siRNA knockdown, indicating the requirement of MC1R in the process. Altogether, our results suggest that (CKPV)2 exerted anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activities against Candida albicans vaginitis probably through inducing macrophages M1 to M2 polarization and MC1R activation.
Ubiquitous Gasp1 overexpression in mice leads mainly to a hypermuscular phenotype.
BMC Genomics
Olivier Monestier, Caroline Brun, Katy Heu +5 more
Myostatin, a member of the TGFβ superfamily, is well known as a potent and specific negative regulator of muscle growth. Targeting the myostatin signalling pathway may offer promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of muscle-wasting disorders. In the last decade, various myostatin-binding proteins have been identified to be able to inhibit myostatin activity. One of these is GASP1 (Growth and Differentiation Factor-Associated Serum Protein-1), a protein containing a follistatin domain as well as multiple domains associated with protease inhibitors. Despite in vitro data, remarkably little is known about in vivo functions of Gasp1. To further address the role of GASP1 during mouse development and in adulthood, we generated a gain-of-function transgenic mouse model that overexpresses Gasp1 under transcriptional control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter/enhancer.
Role of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the control of prolactin secretion by other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides at the level of the pituitary.
Endocr Regul
S K Jain, D Zelena
Although prolactin (PRL) plays an important role in the milk production, it has also many other functions. PRL secretion can be inhibited by dopamine and stimulated by serotonin, thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). However, the exact mechanisms of PRL regulation are still not fully understood. Glutamate is also a potent elevator of PRL secretion. It has several receptors: ionotropic NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) and non-NMDA as well as metabotropic receptors. Our interest was to find out whether endogenous glutamate may act at the hypophyseal level and affect the PRL regulating neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, TRH, VIP).
[Delta-sleep inducing peptide entrapment and release from polymer hydrogels based on modified polyvinyl alcohol in vitro].
Biomed Khim
T V Sukhanova, A A Artiukhov, I A Prudchenko +4 more
The aim of the study was to entrap delta-sleep inducing peptide (DSIP) in cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels of different structures and to evaluate peptide release kinetics from these hydrogels using an in vitro model. Isotropic and macroporous hydrogels on the basis of poly(vinyl alcohol) acrylic derivative (Acr-PVA) as well as macroporous hydogels containing epoxy groups which were synthesized by copolymerization of this monomer with glycidyl methacrylate. The isotropic hydrogels were fabricated at positive temperatures while the macroporous hydrogels (cryogels) were prepared at the temperatures below zero. The peptide was entrapped into macroporous modified PVA hydrogels by addition of a peptide solution on previously fabricated matrices, while into PVA-GMA hydrogels containing epoxy groups peptide immobilization was carried out by incubation of hydrogel matrices in the peptide solution. In the case of isotropic hydrogels the peptide was added into the polymer mixture at a hydrogel formation reaction. The peptide release kinetics was studied by incubation of hydrogels in PBS (pH 7.4), in physiological solution (0.9% NaCl) and in water. DSIP concentration in supernatants was determined by phase-reverse HPLC. DSIP release from the macroporous PVA hydrogel after 30 min incubation was 74, 70 and 64% in water, PBS and 0.9% NaCl, relatively, and it was completed in 3 hs. From the isotropic hydrogel the release neither peptide nor products of its degradation was not observed even after 48 hs of incubation. For freshly prepared hydrogel the release kinetics was as follows: 27 and 78% in 30 and 33 hs, relatively. In the case of the lyophilized hydrogel samples the peptide release was 63% in 30 min incubation while drying patterns at room temperature for 3 days resulted in significant peptide loss because its structure damage.
The polyfunctionality of human memory CD8+ T cells elicited by acute and chronic virus infections is not influenced by age.
PLoS Pathog
Alina Lelic, Chris P Verschoor, Mario Ventresca +6 more
As humans age, they experience a progressive loss of thymic function and a corresponding shift in the makeup of the circulating CD8+ T cell population from naïve to memory phenotype. These alterations are believed to result in impaired CD8+ T cell responses in older individuals; however, evidence that these global changes impact virus-specific CD8+ T cell immunity in the elderly is lacking. To gain further insight into the functionality of virus-specific CD8+ T cells in older individuals, we interrogated a cohort of individuals who were acutely infected with West Nile virus (WNV) and chronically infected with Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). The cohort was stratified into young (<40 yrs), middle-aged (41-59 yrs) and aged (>60 yrs) groups. In the aged cohort, the CD8+ T cell compartment displayed a marked reduction in the frequency of naïve CD8+ T cells and increased frequencies of CD8+ T cells that expressed CD57 and lacked CD28, as previously described. However, we did not observe an influence of age on either the frequency of virus-specific CD8+ T cells within the circulating pool nor their functionality (based on the production of IFNγ, TNFα, IL2, Granzyme B, Perforin and mobilization of CD107a). We did note that CD8+ T cells specific for WNV, CMV or EBV displayed distinct functional profiles, but these differences were unrelated to age. Collectively, these data fail to support the hypothesis that immunosenescence leads to defective CD8+ T cell immunity and suggest that it should be possible to develop CD8+ T cell vaccines to protect aged individuals from infections with novel emerging viruses.
Administration of donepezil does not rescue galanin-induced spatial learning deficits.
Int J Neurosci
Jonathan J Sabbagh, Chelcie F Heaney, Monica M Bolton +3 more
The neuropeptide galanin inhibits the evoked release of several neurotransmitters including acetylcholine and modulates adenylate cyclase (AC) activity. Galanin has also been established to impair various forms of learning and memory in rodents. However, whether galanin produces learning deficits by inhibiting cholinergic activity or decreasing AC function has not been clearly established. The current study investigated if donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor utilized in Alzheimer's disease, could rescue galanin-induced Morris water task deficits in rats. The results demonstrated that donepezil did not alter the previously established deficits induced by galanin. These findings suggest that galanin-mediated spatial learning deficits may be unrelated to its modulation of the cholinergic system.
[The diagnostics of adaptive reactions of blood on application the stress-modulating therapy in patients with brain chronic ischemia].
Klin Lab Diagn
V N Krylov, A V Deriugina, E A Antipenko +1 more
The article deals with the results of analysis of electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes and leukogram in patients with dyscirculatory encephalopathy on different stages of disease on application therapy with inclusion of stress-modulating pharmaceuticals into course of treatment. It is established that the electrophoretic mobiliy of erythrocytes makes it possible to evaluate the adaptive indicators blood in patients with dyscirculatory encephalopathy. The consideration of these indicators makes feasible the substantiation of inclusion of stress-modulating therapy into complex treatment of patients with chronic cerebrovascular inefficiency.
A single ascending-dose study of muscle regulator ACE-031 in healthy volunteers.
Muscle Nerve
Kenneth M Attie, Niels G Borgstein, Yijun Yang +7 more
ACE-031 is a soluble form of activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB). ACE-031 promotes muscle growth by binding to myostatin and other negative regulators of muscle mass.