Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OXT) are neuropeptides that are synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in/secreted from the neurohypophysis. Although VP and OXT were initially characterized as osmoregulatory and reproductive hormones, respectively, these peptides exert versatile actions not only in peripheral organs but also in the central nervous system via multiple G protein-coupled receptors. Orthologous peptides and receptors have been identified in various animal phyla, reflecting an ancient origin of this hormone family. The aim of this review is to provide basic information on this hormone family and to propose matters to be addressed in future studies. In the earlier sections of this review, we summarize the historical aspect of VP/OXT research as well as the basic features of hormonal peptides and corresponding receptors. The latter sections describe VP/OXT family peptides and their receptors in nonmammalian species, including invertebrates, to introduce the evolutionary aspect of this hormone family. By integrating knowledge from both general and comparative endocrinology perspectives, we highlight current and future research trends about the VP/OXT system.
{"title":"Structure and function of neurohypophysial hormones","authors":"Yasumasa Iwasaki , Yoko Yamaguchi , Mitsuru Nishiyama","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OXT) are neuropeptides that are synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in/secreted from the neurohypophysis. Although VP and OXT were initially characterized as osmoregulatory and reproductive hormones, respectively, these peptides exert versatile actions not only in peripheral organs but also in the central nervous system via multiple G protein-coupled receptors. Orthologous peptides and receptors have been identified in various animal phyla, reflecting an ancient origin of this hormone family. The aim of this review is to provide basic information on this hormone family and to propose matters to be addressed in future studies. In the earlier sections of this review, we summarize the historical aspect of VP/OXT research as well as the basic features of hormonal peptides and corresponding receptors. The latter sections describe VP/OXT family peptides and their receptors in nonmammalian species, including invertebrates, to introduce the evolutionary aspect of this hormone family. By integrating knowledge from both general and comparative endocrinology perspectives, we highlight current and future research trends about the VP/OXT system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 171300"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142471893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171315
Jinah Ha, Hyunwon Yang
This study aimed to investigate the expression and functional role of nesfatin-1, a peptide hormone traditionally associated with appetite regulation, in the human endometrium. Specifically, we examined its presence and regulatory potential in the human endometrial stromal cell line, THESC cells, focusing on the process of endometrial decidualization, which is critical for implantation and pregnancy maintenance. We found that nesfatin-1 and its binding sites were expressed in THESC cells. Furthermore, nesfatin-1 protein expression decreased after treatment with 17β-estradiol but increased upon exposure to progesterone, indicating an influence of sexsteroid hormones on nesfatin-1 expression. Notably, administration of nesfatin-1 protein to THESC cells resulted in significant upregulation of genes associated with decidualization, such as insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and prolactin. In addition, our research showed that nesfatin-1 promotes decidualization through the activation of the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings underscore the central role of nesfatin-1 in endometrial decidualization, and suggest its potential utility in the development of new treatments to improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
{"title":"Nesfatin-1 expressed in human endometrial stromal cell line (THESC) stimulates decidualization through FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway","authors":"Jinah Ha, Hyunwon Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171315","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171315","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate the expression and functional role of nesfatin-1, a peptide hormone traditionally associated with appetite regulation, in the human endometrium. Specifically, we examined its presence and regulatory potential in the human endometrial stromal cell line, THESC cells, focusing on the process of endometrial decidualization, which is critical for implantation and pregnancy maintenance. We found that nesfatin-1 and its binding sites were expressed in THESC cells. Furthermore, nesfatin-1 protein expression decreased after treatment with 17β-estradiol but increased upon exposure to progesterone, indicating an influence of sexsteroid hormones on nesfatin-1 expression. Notably, administration of nesfatin-1 protein to THESC cells resulted in significant upregulation of genes associated with decidualization, such as insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and prolactin. In addition, our research showed that nesfatin-1 promotes decidualization through the activation of the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings underscore the central role of nesfatin-1 in endometrial decidualization, and suggest its potential utility in the development of new treatments to improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 171315"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142505461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-26DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171313
M. Gonzalez-Garcia , B. Bertrand , EM Martell-Huguet , JF Espinosa-Romero , RF Vázquez , F. Morales –Vicente , F. Rosenau , LH Standker , OL Franco , AJ Otero-Gonzalez , C Muñoz-Garay
Amidst the health crisis caused by the rise of multi-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics. In this sense, Cm-p5 is an AMP with fungistatic activity against the yeast Candida albicans. Its antimicrobial activity and selectivity have been well characterized; however, the mechanism of action is still unknown. This study used biophysical approaches to gain insight into how this peptide exerts its activity. Stability and fluidity of lipid membrane were explored by liposome leakage and Laurdan generalized polarization (GP) respectively, suggesting that Cm-p5 does not perturb lipid membranes even at very high concentrations (≥100 µm.L−1). Likewise, no depolarizing action was observed using 3,3′-propil-2,2′-thyodicarbocianine, a potential membrane fluorescent reporter, with C. albicans cells or the corresponding liposome models. Changes in liposome size were analyzed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) data, indicating that Cm-p5 covers the vesicular surface slightly increasing liposome hydrodynamic size, without liposome rupture. These results were further corroborated with Langmuir monolayer isotherms, where no significant changes in lateral pressure or area per lipid were detected, indicating little or no insertion. Finally, data obtained from molecular dynamics simulations aligned with in vitro observations, whereby Cm-p5 slightly interacted with the fungal membrane model surface without causing significant perturbation. These results suggest Cm-p5 is not a pore-forming anti-fungal peptide and that other mechanisms of action on the membrane as some limitation of fungal nutrition or receptor-dependent transduction for depressing growth development should be explored.
{"title":"Cm-p5, a molluscan-derived antifungal peptide exerts its activity by a membrane surface covering in a non-penetrating mode","authors":"M. Gonzalez-Garcia , B. Bertrand , EM Martell-Huguet , JF Espinosa-Romero , RF Vázquez , F. Morales –Vicente , F. Rosenau , LH Standker , OL Franco , AJ Otero-Gonzalez , C Muñoz-Garay","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171313","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171313","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amidst the health crisis caused by the rise of multi-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics. In this sense, Cm-p5 is an AMP with fungistatic activity against the yeast <em>Candida albicans</em>. Its antimicrobial activity and selectivity have been well characterized; however, the mechanism of action is still unknown. This study used biophysical approaches to gain insight into how this peptide exerts its activity. Stability and fluidity of lipid membrane were explored by liposome leakage and Laurdan generalized polarization (GP) respectively, suggesting that Cm-p5 does not perturb lipid membranes even at very high concentrations (≥100 µm.L<sup>−1</sup>). Likewise, no depolarizing action was observed using 3,3′-propil-2,2′-thyodicarbocianine, a potential membrane fluorescent reporter, with <em>C. albicans</em> cells or the corresponding liposome models. Changes in liposome size were analyzed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) data, indicating that Cm-p5 covers the vesicular surface slightly increasing liposome hydrodynamic size, without liposome rupture. These results were further corroborated with Langmuir monolayer isotherms, where no significant changes in lateral pressure or area per lipid were detected, indicating little or no insertion. Finally, data obtained from molecular dynamics simulations aligned with <em>in vitro</em> observations, whereby Cm-p5 slightly interacted with the fungal membrane model surface without causing significant perturbation. These results suggest Cm-p5 is not a pore-forming anti-fungal peptide and that other mechanisms of action on the membrane as some limitation of fungal nutrition or receptor-dependent transduction for depressing growth development should be explored.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 171313"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), particularly host defense peptides (HDPs), have gained recognition for their role in host defense mechanisms, but they have also shown potential as a promising anticancer, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal and immunomodulatory agent. Research studies in recent years have shown HDPs play a crucial role in endothelial cell function and biology. The function of endothelial cells is impacted by HDPs’ complex interplay between cytoprotective and cytotoxic actions as they are known to modulate barrier integrity, inflammatory response and angiogenesis. This biphasic response varies and depends on the peptide structure, its concentration, and the microenvironment. These effects are mediated through key signaling pathways, including MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt, which controls responses such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. In the present review, we have discussed the significance of the intriguing relationship between HDPs and endothelial cell physiology which suggests it potential as a therapeutic agents for the treating wounds, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation-related endothelial damage.
{"title":"Host defense peptides at the crossroad of endothelial cell physiology: Insight into mechanistic and pharmacological implications","authors":"Vivek Kumar Garg , Hemant Joshi , Amarish Kumar Sharma , Kiran Yadav , Vikas Yadav","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171320","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171320","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), particularly host defense peptides (HDPs), have gained recognition for their role in host defense mechanisms, but they have also shown potential as a promising anticancer, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal and immunomodulatory agent. Research studies in recent years have shown HDPs play a crucial role in endothelial cell function and biology. The function of endothelial cells is impacted by HDPs’ complex interplay between cytoprotective and cytotoxic actions as they are known to modulate barrier integrity, inflammatory response and angiogenesis. This biphasic response varies and depends on the peptide structure, its concentration, and the microenvironment. These effects are mediated through key signaling pathways, including MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt, which controls responses such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. In the present review, we have discussed the significance of the intriguing relationship between HDPs and endothelial cell physiology which suggests it potential as a therapeutic agents for the treating wounds, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation-related endothelial damage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 171320"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142638462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171301
Xiaoxi Liu , Stanislav Cherepanov , Mehdi Abouzari , Amila Zuko , Shu Yang , Jamasb Sayadi , Xiaoyuan Jia , Chikashi Terao , Tsukasa Sasaki , Shigeru Yokoyama
This study investigates the rs547238576 (R150S) missense variant in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene, previously observed through screening of rare variants in Japanese individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Contrary to the anticipated loss-of-function, R150S exhibits gain-of-function effects, enhancing oxytocin (OXT) sensitivity, ligand-binding affinity, and OXT-induced Ca2+ mobilization in vitro. This suggests R150S may alter OXT signaling, potentially contributing to the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance seen in ASD and other psychiatric disorders. Our findings underscore the significance of genetic variations in OXTR on functional activity and highlight the necessity for population-specific genetic study and in vitro analysis to elucidate genetic susceptibilities to neuropsychiatric conditions.
{"title":"R150S mutation in the human oxytocin receptor: Gain-of-function effects and implication in autism spectrum disorder","authors":"Xiaoxi Liu , Stanislav Cherepanov , Mehdi Abouzari , Amila Zuko , Shu Yang , Jamasb Sayadi , Xiaoyuan Jia , Chikashi Terao , Tsukasa Sasaki , Shigeru Yokoyama","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171301","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171301","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the rs547238576 (R150S) missense variant in the oxytocin receptor (<em>OXTR</em>) gene, previously observed through screening of rare variants in Japanese individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Contrary to the anticipated loss-of-function, R150S exhibits gain-of-function effects, enhancing oxytocin (OXT) sensitivity, ligand-binding affinity, and OXT-induced Ca<sup>2+</sup> mobilization <em>in vitro</em>. This suggests R150S may alter OXT signaling, potentially contributing to the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance seen in ASD and other psychiatric disorders. Our findings underscore the significance of genetic variations in <em>OXTR</em> on functional activity and highlight the necessity for population-specific genetic study and <em>in vitro</em> analysis to elucidate genetic susceptibilities to neuropsychiatric conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 171301"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142471892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-18DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171311
Esther Imperlini , Federica Massaro , Angelica Grifoni , Francesco Maiurano , Anna Rita Taddei , Stefano Borocci , Francesco Buonocore , Fernando Porcelli
Antarctic fishes, living in an extreme environment and normally exposed to pathogens, are a promising source of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These are emerging as next-generation drugs due to their activity against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. To infect hosts, beyond intrinsic/acquired resistance, MDR species also use virulence factors such as protease secretion. Hence, AMPs targeting virulence factors could represent a novel strategy to counteract the antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this paper, we focused on a mutant peptide, named KHS-Cnd, that was obtained from the scaffold of the chionodracine (Cnd), a natural peptide identified in the icefish Chionodraco hamatus. We studied different effects caused by the peptide interaction with the cell membrane of two model bacteria, E. coli and B. cereus. First, we investigated its membranolytic activity revealing that the peptide action is more evident on E. coli, with a 69 % uptake of the used dye at 3 μM, whereas for B. cereus we found only a 65 % uptake at 6 μM. Successively, we determined the impact of this lysis on total protein concentration in the medium and an increase was estimated for both bacteria (84 % after 1 h for E. coli and 90 % for B. cereus, respectively). Moreover, we evaluated the changes in the proteolytic activity of the supernatant, that is an important aspect of bacterial resistance, showing that there was a significant reduction for both bacteria, although at higher level in the case of E. coli. The membranolytic activity was evidenced also morphologically with TEM analysis and a different alteration was evidenced for the two bacteria. Moreover, NMR metabolomics analysis showed that peptide induces changes in E. coli and B. cereus extracellular metabolites especially at the higher tested concentrations: this metabolic variation could be used as a fingerprinting of the peptide action on bacteria physiology due to its interaction with cell wall. Finally, we determined the KHS-Cnd cytotoxicity on human primary cell lines to verify its selectivity toward bacterial cell membranes and we found low toxicity until a concentration of 5 μM. Considering that the peptide exerts both membranolytic and anti-virulence activity on E. coli at 1.5 μM, we confirmed the interesting potential of this AMP as a new drug to counteract AMR.
{"title":"Membrane alteration, anti-virulence properties and metabolomic perturbation of a chionodracine-derived antimicrobial peptide, KHS-Cnd, on two bacteria models","authors":"Esther Imperlini , Federica Massaro , Angelica Grifoni , Francesco Maiurano , Anna Rita Taddei , Stefano Borocci , Francesco Buonocore , Fernando Porcelli","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antarctic fishes, living in an extreme environment and normally exposed to pathogens, are a promising source of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These are emerging as next-generation drugs due to their activity against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. To infect hosts, beyond intrinsic/acquired resistance, MDR species also use virulence factors such as protease secretion. Hence, AMPs targeting virulence factors could represent a novel strategy to counteract the antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this paper, we focused on a mutant peptide, named KHS-Cnd, that was obtained from the scaffold of the chionodracine (Cnd), a natural peptide identified in the icefish <em>Chionodraco hamatus</em>. We studied different effects caused by the peptide interaction with the cell membrane of two model bacteria, <em>E. coli</em> and <em>B. cereus</em>. First, we investigated its membranolytic activity revealing that the peptide action is more evident on <em>E. coli</em>, with a 69 % uptake of the used dye at 3 μM, whereas for <em>B. cereus</em> we found only a 65 % uptake at 6 μM. Successively, we determined the impact of this lysis on total protein concentration in the medium and an increase was estimated for both bacteria (84 % after 1 h for <em>E. coli</em> and 90 % for <em>B. cereus</em>, respectively). Moreover, we evaluated the changes in the proteolytic activity of the supernatant, that is an important aspect of bacterial resistance, showing that there was a significant reduction for both bacteria, although at higher level in the case of <em>E. coli</em>. The membranolytic activity was evidenced also morphologically with TEM analysis and a different alteration was evidenced for the two bacteria. Moreover, NMR metabolomics analysis showed that peptide induces changes in <em>E. coli</em> and <em>B. cereus</em> extracellular metabolites especially at the higher tested concentrations: this metabolic variation could be used as a fingerprinting of the peptide action on bacteria physiology due to its interaction with cell wall. Finally, we determined the KHS-Cnd cytotoxicity on human primary cell lines to verify its selectivity toward bacterial cell membranes and we found low toxicity until a concentration of 5 μM. Considering that the peptide exerts both membranolytic and anti-virulence activity on <em>E. coli</em> at 1.5 μM, we confirmed the interesting potential of this AMP as a new drug to counteract AMR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 171311"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142471891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-11-22DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171322
Patrícia Tancsics , Aliz Kovács , Miklós Palotai , Zsolt Bagosi
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and stimulates the noradrenergic neurotransmission, both processes being implicated in the pathogenesis of anxiety and depression, but the intimate site and mechanism of interaction of CRF and CRF-related peptides, named urocortins (UCN1, UCN2, UCN3), with noradrenaline (NA) was not fully elucidated yet. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the actions of CRF and urocortins on the NA released from the rat locus coeruleus (LC), the primary source of NA in the brain, and the participation of CRF receptors (CRF1 and CRF2) in these actions. In order to do so, male Wistar rats were used, their LC were isolated and dissected, and the LC slices were incubated with tritium-labelled NA, superfused and stimulated electrically. During superfusion, the LC slices were treated with CRF, UCN1, UCN2 or UCN3, and, when significant effect was observed, pretreated with selective CRF1 antagonist antalarmin or selective CRF2 antagonist astressin2B. The release of tritium-labelled NA from the LC was determined by liquid scintillation counting. CRF and UCN1 increased significantly the tritium-labelled NA release from the LC, and these effects were reduced by antalarmin, but not by astressin2B. In addition, UCN2, but not UCN3, decreased significantly the tritium-labelled NA release from the LC, and this effect was reversed by astressin2B, but not antalarmin. Our results indicate the existence of two apparently opposing CRF systems in the LC, since activation of CRF1 by CRF and UCN1 stimulated, whereas activation of CRF2 by UCN2 inhibited the NA release.
促肾上腺皮质激素释放因子（CRF）能激活下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺（HPA）轴，刺激去甲肾上腺素能神经递质，这两个过程都与焦虑和抑郁的发病机制有关，但CRF和CRF相关肽（即尿皮质素（UCN1、UCN2、UCN3））与去甲肾上腺素（NA）相互作用的密切部位和机制尚未完全阐明。因此，本研究旨在探究 CRF 和尿皮质素对大鼠脑内 NA 的主要来源--大鼠脑室（LC）释放的 NA 的作用，以及 CRF 受体（CRF1 和 CRF2）在这些作用中的参与情况。为此，研究人员使用雄性 Wistar 大鼠，分离并解剖了它们的 LC，用氚标记的 NA 培养 LC 切片，并对其进行灌注和电刺激。在超灌注过程中，用 CRF、UCN1、UCN2 或 UCN3 处理 LC 切片，并在观察到显著效果时，用选择性 CRF1 拮抗剂 antalarmin 或选择性 CRF2 拮抗剂 astressin2B 进行预处理。通过液体闪烁计数测定氚标记的 NA 从 LC 中的释放量。CRF 和 UCN1 能显著增加胰岛素管中氚标记 NA 的释放，antalarmin 能降低这些效应，但 astressin2B 却不能。此外，UCN2（而非 UCN3）能显著减少 LC 中氚标记 NA 的释放，而 astressin2B（而非 antalarmin）能逆转这种效应。我们的研究结果表明，LC中存在两种明显对立的CRF系统，因为CRF和UCN1激活CRF1会刺激NA的释放，而UCN2激活CRF2会抑制NA的释放。
{"title":"The effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortins on the noradrenaline (NA) released from the locus coeruleus (LC)","authors":"Patrícia Tancsics , Aliz Kovács , Miklós Palotai , Zsolt Bagosi","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171322","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171322","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and stimulates the noradrenergic neurotransmission, both processes being implicated in the pathogenesis of anxiety and depression, but the intimate site and mechanism of interaction of CRF and CRF-related peptides, named urocortins (UCN1, UCN2, UCN3), with noradrenaline (NA) was not fully elucidated yet. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the actions of CRF and urocortins on the NA released from the rat locus coeruleus (LC), the primary source of NA in the brain, and the participation of CRF receptors (CRF1 and CRF2) in these actions. In order to do so, male Wistar rats were used, their LC were isolated and dissected, and the LC slices were incubated with tritium-labelled NA, superfused and stimulated electrically. During superfusion, the LC slices were treated with CRF, UCN1, UCN2 or UCN3, and, when significant effect was observed, pretreated with selective CRF1 antagonist antalarmin or selective CRF2 antagonist astressin2B. The release of tritium-labelled NA from the LC was determined by liquid scintillation counting. CRF and UCN1 increased significantly the tritium-labelled NA release from the LC, and these effects were reduced by antalarmin, but not by astressin2B. In addition, UCN2, but not UCN3, decreased significantly the tritium-labelled NA release from the LC, and this effect was reversed by astressin2B, but not antalarmin. Our results indicate the existence of two apparently opposing CRF systems in the LC, since activation of CRF1 by CRF and UCN1 stimulated, whereas activation of CRF2 by UCN2 inhibited the NA release.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 171322"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142710638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171312
Trinidad de los Ángeles Cordero Gil , María Soledad Moleón , Belkis Ester Marelli , Pablo Ariel Siroski
Amphibians and reptiles, like all animals, are prone to periodic infections. However, crocodilians stand out for their remarkable ability to remain generally healthy and infection-free despite frequent exposure to a wide variety of microorganisms in their habitats and often sustaining significant injuries. These animals have evolved highly active immune mechanisms that provide rapid and effective defense. This is evidenced by the superior hemolytic capacity of their plasma compared to that of other organisms. To date, several host defense peptides (HDPs) have been identified in crocodilians, including cathelicidins, beta-defensins, hepcidins, leucrocins, hemocidins, and omwaprins. These peptides exhibit potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Due to the relatively low but diverse evolutionary rate of crocodilians, the HDPs found in this species offer valuable insights into proteins and mechanisms of action that are highly conserved across many animals related to immune defense. The potential applications of HDPs in modern medicine represent a promising strategy for developing new therapeutic agents. Their novelty and the vast variability with which peptide sequences can be designed and modified expand the field of application for HDPs almost infinitely. This review addresses the urgent need for innovative and more effective drugs to combat the rise of antimicrobialresistant infections and evaluates the potential of crocodilian HDPs. It presents recent advances in the identification of crocodilian HDPs, particularly antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including previously underexplored topics such as the sequential and structural conformation of different peptide types in crocodilians and the use of bioinformatics tools to enhance native peptides
{"title":"Host defense peptides in crocodilians – A comprehensive review","authors":"Trinidad de los Ángeles Cordero Gil , María Soledad Moleón , Belkis Ester Marelli , Pablo Ariel Siroski","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171312","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171312","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amphibians and reptiles, like all animals, are prone to periodic infections. However, crocodilians stand out for their remarkable ability to remain generally healthy and infection-free despite frequent exposure to a wide variety of microorganisms in their habitats and often sustaining significant injuries. These animals have evolved highly active immune mechanisms that provide rapid and effective defense. This is evidenced by the superior hemolytic capacity of their plasma compared to that of other organisms. To date, several host defense peptides (HDPs) have been identified in crocodilians, including cathelicidins, beta-defensins, hepcidins, leucrocins, hemocidins, and omwaprins. These peptides exhibit potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Due to the relatively low but diverse evolutionary rate of crocodilians, the HDPs found in this species offer valuable insights into proteins and mechanisms of action that are highly conserved across many animals related to immune defense. The potential applications of HDPs in modern medicine represent a promising strategy for developing new therapeutic agents. Their novelty and the vast variability with which peptide sequences can be designed and modified expand the field of application for HDPs almost infinitely. This review addresses the urgent need for innovative and more effective drugs to combat the rise of antimicrobialresistant infections and evaluates the potential of crocodilian HDPs. It presents recent advances in the identification of crocodilian HDPs, particularly antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including previously underexplored topics such as the sequential and structural conformation of different peptide types in crocodilians and the use of bioinformatics tools to enhance native peptides</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 171312"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142546691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The co-evolution of social behavior and the immune system plays a critical role in individuals' adaptation to their environment. However, also need for further research on the key molecules that co-regulate social behavior and immunity. This study focused on neonatal mice that were separated from their mothers for 4 hours per day between the 6th and 16th day after birth. The results showed that these mice had lower plasma levels of IFN-γ and oxytocin, but higher levels of plasma glucocorticoids (GC), then impacting their social abilities. Additionally, maternal separation led to decreased levels of BDNF, IGF2, and CREB mRNAs in the hippocampus, while levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) remained unaffected. Maternal separation also resulted in increased levels of oxytocin and CRH mRNA in the hypothalamus, as well as an increase in CD45+ lymphocyte subsets in the meninges and choroid plexus (CP), with CD8+ lymphocytes in meninges and CD4+ lymphocytes in CP showing an increase. In IFN-γ-/- mice, a decrease in social preference was observed alongside lower plasma oxytocin levels. Moreover, IFN-γ-/- mice exhibited reduced numbers of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN), decreased BDNF levels in the PFC and hippocampus, and alterations in CD45+ lymphocytes in CP and meninges, with an increase in CD8+ lymphocytes in meninges and CD4+ lymphocytes in CP. These findings highlight the immunological impact of social stress on IFN-γ regulation, suggesting that the immunomodulatory molecule IFN-γ may influence social behavior by affecting synaptic efficiency in brain regions such as the hippocampus and PFC, which are linked to oxytocin in the PVN.
{"title":"Maternal separation alters peripheral immune responses associated with IFN-γ and OT in mice","authors":"Yishu Zhang , HaiChao Chen , JiaXin Cao , LiPing Gao , YuHong Jing","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171318","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The co-evolution of social behavior and the immune system plays a critical role in individuals' adaptation to their environment. However, also need for further research on the key molecules that co-regulate social behavior and immunity. This study focused on neonatal mice that were separated from their mothers for 4 hours per day between the 6th and 16th day after birth. The results showed that these mice had lower plasma levels of IFN-γ and oxytocin, but higher levels of plasma glucocorticoids (GC), then impacting their social abilities. Additionally, maternal separation led to decreased levels of <em>BDNF</em>, <em>IGF2</em>, and <em>CREB</em> mRNAs in the hippocampus, while levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) remained unaffected. Maternal separation also resulted in increased levels of oxytocin and <em>CRH</em> mRNA in the hypothalamus, as well as an increase in CD45<sup>+</sup> lymphocyte subsets in the meninges and choroid plexus (CP), with CD8<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes in meninges and CD4<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes in CP showing an increase. In IFN-γ<sup>-/-</sup> mice, a decrease in social preference was observed alongside lower plasma oxytocin levels. Moreover, IFN-γ<sup>-/-</sup> mice exhibited reduced numbers of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN), decreased <em>BDNF</em> levels in the PFC and hippocampus, and alterations in CD45<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes in CP and meninges, with an increase in CD8<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes in meninges and CD4<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes in CP. These findings highlight the immunological impact of social stress on IFN-γ regulation, suggesting that the immunomodulatory molecule IFN-γ may influence social behavior by affecting synaptic efficiency in brain regions such as the hippocampus and PFC, which are linked to oxytocin in the PVN.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 171318"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142564342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-09-10DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171296
Christoffer Novais de Farias Silva , Amanda de Sá Martins de Bessa , Jaqueline Moura da Costa , Paulo Ricardo Lopes , Ângela Ribeiro Neves , Monique Machado Louredo Teles Bombardelli , Diego Basile Colugnati , Gustavo Rodrigues Pedrino , Elizabeth Pereira Mendes , Robson Augusto Sousa dos Santos , Manoel Francisco Biancardi , Fernanda Cristina Alcantara dos Santos , Carlos Henrique Castro
Exercise training leads to physiological cardiac hypertrophy and the protective axis of the renin-angiotensin system composed of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, angiotensin-(1–7), and Mas receptor seems involved in this process. However, the role of the basal activity of the Mas receptor in exercise-induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy is still unclear. We evaluated the effects of the Mas receptor blockade on the left ventricular structure and function of rats submitted to running training. Rats were assigned to 4 groups: sedentary (S), sedentary + A-779 (Mas receptor antagonist, 120 µg/kg/day, i.p.; SA), trained (60-minute treadmill running sessions, five days a week, 8 weeks; T), and trained + A-779 (TA). Systolic blood pressure was higher in sedentary and trained rats treated with A-779 at the end of the experimental period. The A-779 treatment prevented the left ventricular hypertrophy evoked by physical exercise and increased collagen deposition in sedentary and trained rats. Cardiomyocytes from the SA group presented increased length and thickness of the sarcomeres, elongated mitochondria, glycogen deposits, and enlarged cisterns of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. TA group presented a reduced sarcomere thickness and cytoplasm with a degenerative aspect. These findings show that the basal activity of the Mas receptor is essential for the proper turnover of the extracellular matrix in the myocardium and the maintenance of the sarcomeric structure of cardiomyocytes.
{"title":"Mas receptor blockade impairs exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy","authors":"Christoffer Novais de Farias Silva , Amanda de Sá Martins de Bessa , Jaqueline Moura da Costa , Paulo Ricardo Lopes , Ângela Ribeiro Neves , Monique Machado Louredo Teles Bombardelli , Diego Basile Colugnati , Gustavo Rodrigues Pedrino , Elizabeth Pereira Mendes , Robson Augusto Sousa dos Santos , Manoel Francisco Biancardi , Fernanda Cristina Alcantara dos Santos , Carlos Henrique Castro","doi":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Exercise training leads to physiological cardiac hypertrophy and the protective axis of the renin-angiotensin system composed of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, angiotensin-(1–7), and Mas receptor seems involved in this process. However, the role of the basal activity of the Mas receptor in exercise-induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy is still unclear. We evaluated the effects of the Mas receptor blockade on the left ventricular structure and function of rats submitted to running training. Rats were assigned to 4 groups: sedentary (S), sedentary + A-779 (Mas receptor antagonist, 120 µg/kg/day, i.p.; SA), trained (60-minute treadmill running sessions, five days a week, 8 weeks; T), and trained + A-779 (TA). Systolic blood pressure was higher in sedentary and trained rats treated with A-779 at the end of the experimental period. The A-779 treatment prevented the left ventricular hypertrophy evoked by physical exercise and increased collagen deposition in sedentary and trained rats. Cardiomyocytes from the SA group presented increased length and thickness of the sarcomeres, elongated mitochondria, glycogen deposits, and enlarged cisterns of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. TA group presented a reduced sarcomere thickness and cytoplasm with a degenerative aspect. These findings show that the basal activity of the Mas receptor is essential for the proper turnover of the extracellular matrix in the myocardium and the maintenance of the sarcomeric structure of cardiomyocytes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":19765,"journal":{"name":"Peptides","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 171296"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142241721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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