RESUMEN

Background: Cynara scolymus has bioactive constituents and has been used for therapeutic actions. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms underlying pain-relieving effects of the hydroethanolic extract of C. scolymus (HECS). Methods: The antinociceptive activity of HECS was assessed through formalin and acetic acid-induced writhing tests at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Additionally, naloxone (non-selective opioid receptors antagonist, 2 mg/kg), atropine (non-selective muscarinic receptors antagonist, 1 mg/kg), chlorpheniramine (histamine HH1-receptor antagonist, 20 mg/kg), cimetidine (histamine H2-receptor antagonist, 12.5 mg/kg), flumazenil (GABAA/BDZ receptor antagonist, 5 mg/kg) and cyproheptadine (serotonin receptor antagonist, 4 mg/kg) were used to determine the systis implicated in HECS-induced analgesia. Impact of HECS on locomotor activity was executed by open-field test. Determination of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) was done. Evaluation of antioxidant activity was conducted iploying 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Results: HECS (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly indicated dose dependent antinociceptive activity against pain-related behavior induced by formalin and acetic acid (P < 0.001). Pretreatment with naloxone, atropine and flumazenil significantly reversed HECS-induced analgesia. Antinociceptive effect of HECS riained unaffected by chlorpheniramine, cimetidine and cyproheptadine. Locomotor activity was not affected by HECS. TPC and TFC of HECS were 59.49 ± 5.57 mgGAE/g dry extract and 93.39 ± 17.16 mgRE/g dry extract, respectively. DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50) of HECS was 161.32 ± 0.03 µg/mL. Conclusions: HECS possesses antinociceptive activity which is mediated via opioidergic, cholinergic and GABAergic pathways.

RESUMEN

Environmental exposures may influence sleep; however, the contributions of environmental chemical pollutants to sleep health have not been systematically investigated. We conducted a systematic review to identify, evaluate, summarize, and synthesize the existing evidence between chemical pollutants (air pollution, exposures related to the Gulf War and other conflicts, endocrine disruptors, metals, pesticides, solvents) and dimensions of sleep health (architecture, duration, quality, timing) and disorders (sleeping pill use, insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing)). Of the 204 included studies, results were mixed; however, the synthesized evidence suggested associations between particulate matter, exposures related to the Gulf War, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, and pesticide exposure with worse sleep quality; exposures related to the Gulf War, aluminum, and mercury with insomnia and impaired sleep maintenance; and associations between tobacco smoke exposure with insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing, particularly in pediatric populations. Possible mechanisms relate to cholinergic signaling, neurotransmission, and inflammation. Chemical pollutants are likely key determinants of sleep health and disorders. Future studies should aim to evaluate environmental exposures on sleep across the lifespan, with a particular focus on developmental windows and biological mechanisms, as well as in historically marginalized or excluded populations.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: a migraine is a neurological disease. Copy number variation (CNV) is a phenomenon in which parts of the genome are repeated. We investigated the effects of the CNV and gene expression at the location 15q13.3 in the Cholinergic Receptor Nicotinic Alpha 7 Subunit (CHRNA7) gene, which we believe to be effective in the migraine clinic. METHODS: we evaluated changes in CHRNA7 gene expression levels and CNV of 15q13.3 in patients with migraine (n = 102, with aura, n = 43; without aura, n = 59) according to healthy controls (n = 120) by q-PCR. The data obtained were analyzed against the reference telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene with the double copy number by standard curve analysis. Copy numbers were graded as a normal copy (2), gain (2>), and loss (<2). RESULTS: we analyzed using the 2-ΔΔCT calculation method. The CHRNA7 gene was significantly downregulated in patients (p < 0.05). The analysis of CNV in the CHRNA7 gene was statistically significant in the patient group, according to healthy controls (p < 0.05). A decreased copy number indicates a dosage loss. However, no significant difference was observed among gain, normal, and loss copy numbers and expression values in patients (p > 0.05). The change in CNV was not associated with the downregulation of the CHRNA7 gene. CONCLUSION: Downregulation of the CHRNA7 gene may contribute to the formation of migraine by inactivation of the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR). The association of CNV gains and losses with migraines will lead to better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis, to better define the disease, to be used as a treatment target.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) have a recognised role in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In asthma, muscarinic antagonists (both short- and long-acting) were historically considered less effective than ß2-agonists; only relatively recently have studies been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of LAMAs, as add-on to either inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) monotherapy or ICS/long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA) combinations. These studies led to the approval of the first LAMA, tiotropium, as an add-on therapy in patients with poorly controlled asthma. Subsequently, a number of single-inhaler ICS/LABA/LAMA triple therapies have been approved or are in clinical development for the management of asthma. There is now substantial evidence of the efficacy and safety of LAMAs in asthma that is uncontrolled despite treatment with an ICS/LABA combination. This regimen is recommended by GINA as an optimisation step for patients with severe asthma before any biologic or systemic corticosteroid treatment is initiated. This narrative review summarises the potential mechanisms of action of LAMAs in asthma, together with the initial clinical evidence supporting this use. We also discuss the studies that led to the approval of tiotropium for asthma and the data evaluating the efficacy and safety of the various triple therapies, before considering other potential uses for triple therapy.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Every year, billions of dollars are spent treating smoking and related conditions, yet smoking-related morbidity and mortality continue to rise. There are currently only three FDA-approved medications for smoking cessation: nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline. Although these medications increase abstinence rates, most individuals relapse following treatment. This chapter reviews clinical trials published within the past 10 years investigating novel smoking cessation pharmacotherapies. Among these pharmacotherapies, some showed promising results, such as cytisine and endocannabinoid modulators, whereas others failed to produce significant effects. More research is needed to develop drugs that produce higher rates of long-term abstinence and to determine which subgroups of patients benefit from a given treatment.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Spinosad and temephos are two of the most used pesticides in Mexico for the control of vector causing disease such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. The aim of this study was to compare the neurotoxic effects of these two pesticides using guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) as a model organism. Guppies were exposed for 7 and 21 days to technical grade temephos and spinosad at 1.0 and 0.07 g/L, respectively, (10 and 0.5 mg/L of active substance; concentrations recommended by the Ministery of Health of the State (Secretaría de Salud de Nayarit (SSN) Mexico)). Subsequently, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) and acetylcholine concentrations (ACh) in muscle tissue were determined. Temephos exposure decreased AChE activity and increased ACh concentration, whereas exposure to spinosad only increased ACh concentration. Though cholinergic alterations were more severe in fish exposed to temephos, both pesticides were equally lethal during the first seven days after exposure. Nonetheless, temephos was more lethal after 21 days.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have shown the antispasmodic activity of Matricariarecutita without detailing the underlying mechanism(s). The present study was designed to determine whether the antispasmodic mechanisms of M. recutita extract mediated via histaminergic/cholinergic receptors, Ca2+channels, activation of PKA2 and NO release in isolated rabbit jejunum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The concentration- dependent (3 × 10-3-1.3 × 10-2 mg/ml) antispasmodic effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of M. recutita flowers was studied in isolated rabbit jejunum. The isolated jejunum preparations were divided into seven groups, including the pharmacological probes that modulate cholinergic, histaminergic, and nitrergic receptors, as well as PKA2. RESULTS: M. recutita inhibited spontaneous smooth muscle contractility of the jejunum in a concentration-dependent manner (3 × 10-3-1.3 × 10-2 mg/ml) and reduced both K+- and Ca2+-induced contractions, which is similar to the effect of verapamil. The antispasmodic effect of M. recutita was inhibited by H89 (a PKA2 inhibitor). The myorelaxant effect of M. recutita increased in the presence of ACh/His and H89. CONCLUSION: M. recutita evoked antispasmodic and spasmolytic effects mediated through different signaling pathways. Our results have shown this dual inhibitory effect is mediated by blocking Ca2+ channels, activating His and ACh receptors, releasing NO, and activating PKA2.

RESUMEN

The major components of the cholinergic receptor system of the human brain include projections from the basal forebrain nuclei, and utilize the two types of receptors that they synapse on, nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. With the widespread cortical and subcortical projections of the basal forebrain, activity of these two receptor systems provide modulation of neurotransmitter activity underlying normal cognitive processes, such as attention, episodic memory, and working memory. Alzheimer's disease (AD) targets and damages cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain, and as these projections are lost, cognitive performance progressively declines. Currently, the most widely prescribed treatment for AD is acetylcholinesterase inhibitor medications, which work by partially blocking the degradation of acetylcholine in the synapse and enabling more of the neurotransmitter to reach and activate cholinergic receptors. However since these medications have limited effectiveness, alternate treatments that focus on augmenting the activity of the receptors themselves, independent of acetylcholinesterase inhibition, are being explored. This review will discuss: 1) the role of the cholinergic system in modulating cognition, 2) novel cholinergic treatment strategies for AD-related cognitive decline, in particular treatments intended to increase cholinergic system activity by selectively targeting muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors to improve cognitive performance, 3) risks, and additional considerations for cholinergic cognitive treatments for AD.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective To investigate the effects of cholinergic pathway on acute renal tubular cell injury induced by acute oxygen and glucose deprivation. Methods Rat kidney macrophages were isolated and cultured for constructing macrophages and renal epithelial cells co-cultivating model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), and the model cells were divided into three groups: OGD alone group, acetylcholine (ACh 100μmol/L)+OGD group and ACh + galantamine (Gal 10μmol/L)+OGD group. The cells underwent OGD treatment for 1 hour, and normally cultured for 24 hours. The expressions of TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-10 in supernatant fluid were detected by ELISA, the renal tubular cell viability was determined by MTT assay, the expression of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) mRNA and protein were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The activity of AChE was determined by colorimetric method. Results The expressions of TNF alpha (pg/ml) in OGD, Ach+OGD group, Ach+Gal+OGD groups were 140.2±44.81, 119.46±4.42 and 103.31±1.62 respectively (P0.05); The values of renal tubular cell proliferation were 55.02%±6.28%, 66.65%±6.47%, and 79.75%±4.22% respectively (P0.05); those of AchE protein were 0.66±0.07, 0.74±0.04 and 0.67±0.06 respectively (P>0.05); The activity of AChE (kU/L) was 0.51±0.02, 0.35±0.05 and 0.32±0.04 respectively (P=0.001, 0.001 and 0.368). Conclusions ACh and Gal could inhibit the secretion of inflammatory mediators and cholinesterase activity and can reduce the acute hypoxic renal tubular cell injury. The modulation of the cholinergic pathway in macrophages may be the important treatment method for acute renal injury in the future.

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Muscarinic receptor mediated contractions of the detrusor rely on Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels but to our knowledge the mechanism linking stimulation of M3Rs to the activation of voltage dependent Ca2+ channels has not been established. TRPC4 channels are receptor operated cation channels that couple muscarinic receptor activation to depolarization of intestinal smooth muscle cells, voltage-activated Ca2+ influx and contraction. We investigated whether TRPC4 channels are involved in cholinergic mediated contractions of the detrusor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Isometric tension recordings were made on strips of murine detrusor and intracellular Ca2+ measurements were made on isolated detrusor myocytes using confocal microscopy. Transcriptional expression of TRPC and IP3R subtypes in intact detrusor strips and isolated detrusor myocytes was assessed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Cholinergic stimulation of the detrusor induced by electrical field stimulation or exogenous application of carbachol or neostigmine evoked contractions consisting of a transient plus a tonic response, which was blocked by ML204, an inhibitor of TRPC4 channels. A phasic oscillatory component was blocked by the IP3R inhibitor 2-APB. Carbachol evoked reproducible Ca2+ responses in isolated detrusor myocytes, consisting of an initial Ca2+ transient followed by Ca2+ oscillations. ML204 inhibited the initial Ca2+ transient whereas 2-APB inhibited the Ca2+ oscillations. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction experiments showed that TRPC4ß, TRPC6 and IP3R1 were selectively expressed in isolated detrusor myocytes. Control experiments demonstrated that ML204 did not affect L-type Ca2+ or BK current amplitude, caffeine induced Ca2+ transients or KCl induced contractions of the detrusor. CONCLUSIONS: Muscarinic receptor mediated contractions of the detrusor involve the activation of TRPC4ß channels.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: ST101, an acetylcholine release agent with efficacy in rodent memory and cognition models, was assessed for clinical safety and efficacy. METHODS: A phase 2 double blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 210 AD patients (MMSE 10-20) on 10 mg donepezil QD. Patients received ST101 (10, 60, or 120 mg QD) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in cognitive function measured by ADAS-cog in the modified Intent To Treat (MITT) population and the Per Protocol (PP) population. RESULTS: Mean ADAS-cog change favored ST101 over placebo in the MITT population (p = 0.0957, one-sided) and in the PP population (p = 0.0434, one-sided, ∼1.5 point drug-placebo difference) comparing all ST101 dose groups combined to placebo. Among secondary and exploratory outcome measures the ADCS-CGIC also showed a beneficial trend (p = 0.0294, one-sided). In a post-hoc analysis, the subgroup with more severe disease (MMSE 10-17) showed a dose response in the ADAS-cog with the greatest efficacy at 120 mg (p = 0.0067, one sided). No significant ST101-related safety concerns were identified. CONCLUSION: The study supports the possibility that ST101, in patients receiving a stable dose of donepezil, may provide additional symptomatic benefit in moderate AD.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies suggest that glucocorticoids modulate memory reconsolidation. Moreover, cholinergic system is involved in memory reconsolidation. Since glucocorticoids interact with brain cholinergic system in modulating memory processing, we investigated whether glucocorticoid influences on the reconsolidation of emotionally arousing training depend on the cholinergic system. METHODS: Mice were trained (1mA, 3s footshock) in an inhibitory avoidance task. Forty-eight hours after training, memory reactivation was occurred (Test 1), and different treatments were given. Two (Test 2), five (Test 3), and seven days (Test 4) after memory reactivation (Test 1), animals were retested for fear memory retention. RESULTS: In the first experiment, we observed that administration of corticosterone (CORT, 0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg) following memory reactivation impaired subsequent expression of memory in a dose-dependent manner. In the second experiment, we found that CORT-induced impairment of memory reconsolidation was reversed by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (0.5 and 2 mg/kg). In the third experiment, the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecaylamine (0.5 or 2 mg/kg) was not able to block the corticosterone response. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that glucocorticoids impair memory reconsolidation by a muscarinic cholinergic mechanism.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: The plethora of studies indicated that there is a cross talk relationship between harmaline and serotonergic (5-HT) system on cognitive and non-cognitive behaviors. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the effects of hippocampal 5-HT4 receptor on memory acquisition deficit induced by harmaline. METHODS: Harmaline was injected peritoneally, while 5-HT4 receptor agonist (RS67333) and antagonist (RS23597-190) were injected intra-hippocampal. A single-trial step-down passive avoidance, open field and tail flick tasks were used for measurement of memory, locomotor activity and pain responses, respectively. RESULTS: The data revealed that pre-training injection of higher dose of harmaline (1 mg/kg), RS67333 (0.5 ng/mouse) and RS23597-190 (0.5 ng/mouse) decreased memory acquisition process in the adult mice. Moreover, concurrent pre-training administration of subthreshold dose of RS67333 (0.005 ng/mouse) or RS23597-190 (0.005 ng/mouse) with subthreshold dose of harmaline (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) intensify impairment of memory acquisition. All above interventions did not change locomotion and tail flick behaviors. DISCUSSION: The results demonstrated that the synergistic effect between both hippocampal 5-HT4 receptor agonist and antagonist with impairment of memory acquisition induced by harmaline, indicating a modulatory effect for hippocampal 5HT4 receptor on Harmaline induced amnesia.

RESUMEN

Objective To evaluate the role of β-arrestin-1 in inhibition of endotoxin-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPM-VECs) by penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC).Methods HPMVECs were seeded in 6-well plates (2 ml/hole) or in culture flasks (4 ml/flask) at the density of 1 × 105/ml,and were randomly divided into 5 groups (n =20 each) using a random number table:empty plasmid transfection group (group C),lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + empty plasmid transfection group (group LPS),PHC + LPS + empty plasmid transfection group (group P+LPS),LPS + β-arrestin-1 gene-shRNA transfection group (group LPS+shRNA) and PHC + LPS + β-arrestin-1 gene-shRNA transfection group (group P+LPS+shRNA).HPMVECs were transfected with empty plasmid 1.5 μg or with plasmid containing 15 nmol/L β-arrestin-1gene-shRNA.At 24 h of incubation,PHC with the final concentration of 2 μg/ml was added,the cells were incubated for 1 h,LPS with the final concentration of 0.1 μg/ml was then added,and the cells were continuously incubated for another 1 h.The supernatant was collected to measure the activity of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH).The cell suspension was collected for determination of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression and NF-κB activities and NF-κB inhibitor I-κB and β-arrestin-1expression.Results Compared with group C,the activities of LDH in supernatant were increased,VCAM-1 expression was up-regulated,NF-κB activity was significantly increased,and I-κB and β-arrestin-1 expression was down-regulated in LPS and LPS+shRNA groups.Compared with group LPS,the activities of LDH in supernatant were decreased,VCAM-1 expression was down-regulated,NF-κB activity was significantly decreased,and I-κB and β-arrestin-l expression was up-regulated in group P+LPS,and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group P+LPS+shRNA.Compared with group P+LPS,the activities of LDH in supernatant were increased,VCAM-1 expression was up-regulated,NF-κB activity was significantly increased,and I-κB and β-arrestin-1 expression was down-regulated in group P+LPS+shRNA.Conclusion PHC inhibits endotoxin-induced activation of NF-κB in HPMVECs completely through up-regulating β-arrestin-1 expression.

RESUMEN

Importance of the correct diagnosis in the correct early management of a scorpion stung patient by using antivenom is not emphasized, particularly when there are little evidences. A 65-year-old female was brought to our emergency department with the chief compliant of being stung by an unknown object 3 h earlier while traveling in an intercity bus. She became agitated and simultaneously experienced tachycardia, very severe generalized sweating, cold and wet extremities, bilateral diffuse crackle in the base of lungs, tachypnea, and lethargy. With the primitive diagnosis of myocardial infarction, scorpion sting was documented as the cause of this combined cholinergic and adrenergic syndrome after the scorpion was found in the patient's bed clothes. She dramatically responded to the administration of low dose of scorpion antivenom. This case dramatically responded to the antivenom administration, especially the cholinergic and sympathetic signs, pulmonary edema, and electrocardiographic changes were fully and almost immediately recovered. Scorpion antivenom may reverse life-threatening manifestations of scorpion envenomation if used early and in appropriate patients.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective To evaluate the effect of nicotine pretreatment on cardiac function following myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 200-250 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =20 each):sham operation group (group S),group I/R and nicotine pretreatment group (group N).The rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 20％ urethane 1 g/kg,tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated.Myocardial ischemia was induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min of reperfusion.The left anterior descending branch of coronary artery was only exposed,but not occluded in group S.Nicotine 400 μg/kg was injected intravenously via the right jugular vein at 30 min before myocardial ischemia in group N.The equal volume of normal saline was injected instead in groups S and I/R.Before ischemia,at 30 min of ischemia and at 30 and 120 min of reperfusion,10 rats from each group were chosen for record of left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP),left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP),± dp/dtmax,HR and mean arterial pressure (MAP).Blood samples were collected from the right carotid artery of the left 10 rats in each group at 60 min of reperfusion to measure plasma CK-MB activity and cTnI and TNF-α concentrations.Results Compared with group S,MAP and LVSP at T2,3 and HR,LVDP and ± dp/dtmax at T1-3 were significantly decreased,and the plasma CK-MB activity and cTnI and TNF-α concentrations were increased in group I/R,and LVDP at T1,2 and HR and ± dp/dtmax at T1-3 were significantly decreased,and the plasma CK-MB activity and cTnI and TNF-α concentrations were increased in group N (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group I/R,MAP,HR,LVSP,LVDP and ± dp/dtmax were significantly increased at T3,and the plasma CK-MB activity and cTnI and TNF-α concentrations were decreased in group N (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Nicotine pretreatment can reduce myocardial I/R injury through activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway,thus improving cardiac function in rats.

RESUMEN

Objective To investigate the effect of nicotine on coagulation abnormalities in endotoxemic rats.Methods Ninety-six male SD rats weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=24 each): group normal saline (group NS);group LPS;group nicotine(group NIC)and group α-bungarotoxin (α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, group α-BGT) . Endotoxemia was induced by LPS 10 mg/kg injected via femoral vein in LPS, NIC and α-BGT groups. In group NIC nicotine 400 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 30 min before LPS injection. In group α-BGT α-BGT 1 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 15 min before intraperitoneal nicotine. Prothrombin time(PT),activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),fibrinogen(Fib),antithrombin (AT),von Willebrand factor(vWF),plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1),D-dimer,platelet count and TNF-α were measured before (baseline) and 2, 4 and 6 h after LPS injection.Results PT and APTT were significantly prolonged and plasma Fib and AT concentrations and platelet count were significantly decreased, while plasma PAI-1, D-dimer, vWF and TNF-α concentrations were significantly increased after LPS administration in group LPS as compared with group NS. Nitotine pretreatment significantly attenuated the LPS-induced changes in group NIC.The effect of nicotine was counteracted by α-BGT. Conclusion Nicotine can attenuate coagulation abnormalities induced by LPS by acting on α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.