Etiology of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not fully understood. Different pathological processes are considered, such as amyloid deposition, tau protein phosphorylation, oxidative stress (OS), ...metal ion disregulation, or chronic neuroinflammation. Purinergic signaling is involved in all these processes, suggesting the importance of nucleotide receptors (P2X and P2Y) and adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, A3) present on the CNS cells. Ecto-purines, ecto-pyrimidines, and enzymes participating in their metabolism are present in the inter-cellular spaces. Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in brain induces the ATP release into the extra-cellular space, which in turn stimulates the P2X7 receptors. Activation of P2X7 results in the increased synthesis and release of many pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, activation of P2X7 leads to the decreased activity of α-secretase, while activation of P2Y2 receptor has an opposite effect. Simultaneous inhibition of P2X7 and stimulation of P2Y2 would therefore be the efficient way of the α-secretase activation. Activation of P2Y2 receptors present in neurons, glia cells, and endothelial cells may have a positive neuroprotective effect in AD. The OS may also be counteracted via the purinergic signaling. ADP and its non-hydrolysable analogs activate P2Y13 receptors, leading to the increased activity of heme oxygenase, which has a cytoprotective activity. Adenosine, via A1 and A2A receptors, affects the dopaminergic and glutaminergic signaling, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), and also changes the synaptic plasticity (e.g., causing a prolonged excitation or inhibition) in brain regions responsible for learning and memory. Such activity may be advantageous in the Alzheimer’s disease.
Several relations between cytokines and pathogenesis of diabetes are reviewed. In type 1 and type 2 diabetes an increased synthesis is observed and as well as the release of pro-inflammatory ...cytokines, which cause the damage of pancreatic islet cells and, in type 2 diabetes, the development of the insulin resistance. That process results in the disturbed balance between pro-inflammatory and protective cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), as well as recently discovered pancreatic derived factor PANDER are involved in the apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells. Inside β-cells, cytokines activate different metabolic pathways leading to the cell death. IL-1β activates the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), affects the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and activates the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). TNF-α and IFN-γ in a synergic way activate calcium channels, what leads to the mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of caspases. Neutralization of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially interleukin 1β with the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and/or IL-1β antibodies might cause the extinction of the inflammatory process of pancreatic islets, and consequently normalize concentration of glucose in blood and decrease the insulin resistance. In type 1 diabetes interleukin-6 participates in regulation of balance between Th17 and regulatory T cells. In type 2 diabetes and obesity, the long-duration increase of IL-6 concentration in blood above 5 pg/ml leads to the chronic and permanent increase in expression of SOCS3, contributing to the increase in the insulin resistance in cells of the skeletal muscles, liver and adipose tissue.
Dendrolimus pini
is one of the most harmful defoliators of Scots pine in Poland and other countries in Europe and Central Asia. The monitoring of this insect needs to be improved and to include the ...use of pheromone traps. Laboratory studies were conducted to compare changes in the residual amounts of (
Z,E
)-5,7-dodecadienal and (
Z
,
E
)-5,7-dodecadien-1-ol, the major components of the
D. pini
pheromone, in four types of dispensers. The two most promising dispensers, red rubber cylindrical dispensers (rubber cylinders) and polyethylene vials, were tested in the field for their ability to attract
D. pini
males. In addition, the effects of trap type (sticky wing, non-sticky cross-vane, bucket, funnel and modified gypsy moth milk carton) and height of trap placement (1.5 m, 5–6 m and tree crown) on trap catches were tested in the field. The vials provided the longest half-lives for both the aldehyde and alcohol under laboratory conditions. These dispensers were also significantly more effective in attracting
D. pini
males to the traps than the rubber cylinders in the field experiment. The cross-vane and bucket traps were the most effective among the tested traps. The height of trap placement had a significant effect on catches, with more males caught in traps that were hung at 5–6 m above the ground than those hung in the tree crowns. Our results may be useful for developing a monitoring system for
D. pini
in Europe and other regions where it occurs.
Wyniki badań opublikowanych w ostatnich latach wskazują, że indukcja stanów zapalnych w ośrodkowym układzie nerwowym może stanowić podstawę patofizjologiczną wielu chorób, w tym udaru niedokrwiennego ...mózgu. Istotną rolę w tych procesach przypisuje się sygnalizacji purynergicznej i cytokinom. Receptory purynergiczne P1 i P2 oraz enzymy uczestniczące w degradacji nukleotydów są szeroko rozpowszechnione na komórkach ośrodkowego układu nerwowego. Puryny i pirymidyny wykazują dwojakie działanie w udarze niedokrwiennym mózgu: pozytywne (neuroprotekcyjne) nukleozydów oraz negatywne (prozapalne i proapoptotyczne) nukleotydów. W przebiegu udaru niedokrwiennego mózgu udowodniono udział w indukcji procesów zapalnych trzech cytokin: czynnika martwicy nowotworów α (TNF-α), interleukiny 1 (IL-1) i interleukiny 6 (IL-6). Cytokiny prozapalne wywołują procesy zapalne i prozakrzepowe, przez co zwiększają obszar zawału, a w konsekwencji stopień deficytu neurologicznego. Cytokiny i ATP sprzyjają migracji leukocytów do miejsca niedokrwienia mózgu, natomiast adenozyna działa przeciwstawnie. Leukocyty, przylegając do śródbłonka, upośledzają przepływ mózgowy krwi, w wyniku czego nasilają uszkodzenie tkanki nerwowej. Na uwalnianie cytokin prozapalnych, głównie interleukiny 1β, wpływa aktywacja receptora P2X7. Przypuszcza się, że w procesach zapalnych ośrodkowego układu nerwowego mogą uczestniczyć także receptory: P2Y2, P2Y6, P2Y11, P2Y12. Wydaje się, że degradacja nukleotydów z powstaniem adenozyny może być skutecznym sposobem obniżenia stężenia w przestrzeni pozakomórkowej nukleotydów, jak również cytokin prozapalnych i wygaszania procesów zapalnych. Inną metodą osłabienia intensywności procesów zapalnych jest zastosowanie antagonistów receptora P2X7 oraz inhibitora receptora IL-1 (IL-1Ra). Obecnie prowadzone są badania zarówno nad potencjalnymi antagonistami receptora P2X7, jak i inhibitorem receptora IL-1 (IL-1Ra).
Adenine nucleotides and adenosine are signaling molecules that activate purinergic receptors P1 and P2. Activation of A1 adenosine receptors has an anticonvulsant action, whereas activation of A2A ...receptors might initiate seizures. Therefore, a significant limitation to the use of A1 receptor agonists as drugs in the CNS might be their peripheral side effects. The anti-epileptic activity of adenosine is related to its increased concentration outside the cell. This increase might result from the inhibition of the equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs). Moreover, the implantation of implants or stem cells into the brain might cause slow and persistent increases in adenosine concentrations in the extracellular spaces of the brain. The role of adenosine in seizure inhibition has been confirmed by results demonstrating that in patients with epilepsy, the adenosine kinase (ADK) present in astrocytes is the only purine-metabolizing enzyme that exhibits increased expression. Increased ADK activity causes intensified phosphorylation of adenosine to 5'-AMP, which therefore lowers the adenosine level in the extracellular spaces. These changes might initiate astrogliosis and epileptogenesis, which are the manifestations of epilepsy. Seizures might induce inflammatory processes and vice versa. Activation of P2X7 receptors causes intensified release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and activates metabolic pathways that induce inflammatory processes in the CNS. Therefore, antagonists of P2X7 and the interleukin 1β receptor might be efficient drugs for recurring seizures and prolonged status epilepticus. Inhibitors of ADK would simultaneously inhibit the seizures, prevent the astrogliosis and epileptogenesis processes and prevent the formation of new epileptogenic foci. Therefore, these drugs might become beneficial seizure-suppressing drugs.
New method of qualitative and quantitative analysis of nucleotides in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), based on the combination of extraction of purines and pyrimidines to the solid phase (SPE) and ...high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was proposed. Use of SPE and lyophilization of samples allowed for the first time to detect the presence of di- and triphosphonucleotides in human CSF. Concentration of those compounds varied from 0.003 to 5.0
μM. Differences in the nucleotide mixture composition in human CSF detected with the new method are coupled with the neurological disorders and might be a basis for an efficient diagnostic tool.
It is widely accepted that purinergic signaling is involved in the regulation of functions of all known tissues and organs. Extracellular purines activate two classes of receptors, P1-adenosine ...receptors and P2-nucleotide receptors, in a concentration-dependent manner. Ecto-enzymes metabolizing nucleotides outside the cell are involved in the termination of the nucleotide signaling pathway through the release of ligands from their receptors. The pancreas is a central organ in nutrient and energy homeostasis with endocrine, exocrine and immunoreactive functions. The disturbances in cellular metabolism in diabetes mellitus lead also to changes in concentrations of intra- and extracellular nucleotides. Purinergic receptors P1 and P2 are present on the pancreatic islet cells as well as on hepatocytes, adipocytes, pancreatic blood vessels and nerves. The ATP-dependent P2X receptor activation on pancreatic β-cells results in a positive autocrine signal and subsequent insulin secretion. Ecto-NTPDases play the key role in regulation of extracellular ATP concentration. These enzymes, in cooperation with 5'-nucleotidase can significantly increase ecto-adenosine concentration. It has been demonstrated that adenosine, through activation of P1 receptors present on adipocytes and pancreatic islets cells, inhibits the release of insulin. Even though we know for 50 years about the regulatory role of nucleotides in the secretion of insulin, an integrated understanding of the involvement of purinergic signaling in pancreas function is still required. This comprehensive review presents our current knowledge about purinergic signaling in physiology and pathology of the pancreas as well as its potential therapeutic relevance in diabetes.
Latest results on the action of adenosine A
2A
receptor antagonists indicate their potential therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Basal ganglia possess high levels of ...adenosine A
2A
receptors, mainly on the external surfaces of neurons located at the indirect tracts between the striatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra. Experiments with animal models of Parkinson’s disease indicate that adenosine A
2A
receptors are strongly involved in the regulation of the central nervous system. Co-localization of adenosine A
2A
and dopaminergic D2 receptors in striatum creates a milieu for antagonistic interaction between adenosine and dopamine. The experimental data prove that the best improvement of mobility in patients with Parkinson’s disease could be achieved with simultaneous activation of dopaminergic D2 receptors and inhibition of adenosine A
2A
receptors. In animal models of Parkinson’s disease, the use of selective antagonists of adenosine A
2A
receptors, such as istradefylline, led to the reversibility of movement dysfunction. These compounds might improve mobility during both monotherapy and co-administration with L-DOPA and dopamine receptor agonists. The use of adenosine A
2A
receptor antagonists in combination therapy enables the reduction of the L-DOPA doses, as well as a reduction of side effects. In combination therapy, the adenosine A
2A
receptor antagonists might be used in both moderate and advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease. The long-lasting administration of adenosine A
2A
receptor antagonists does not decrease the patient response and does not cause side effects typical of L-DOPA therapy. It was demonstrated in various animal models that inhibition of adenosine A
2A
receptors not only decreases the movement disturbance, but also reveals a neuroprotective activity, which might impede or stop the progression of the disease. Recently, clinical trials were completed on the use of istradefylline (KW-6002), an inhibitor of adenosine A
2A
receptors, as an anti-Parkinson drug.
Latest results on the action of adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists indicate their potential therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Basal ganglia possess high levels of ...adenosine A(2A) receptors, mainly on the external surfaces of neurons located at the indirect tracts between the striatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra. Experiments with animal models of Parkinson's disease indicate that adenosine A(2A) receptors are strongly involved in the regulation of the central nervous system. Co-localization of adenosine A(2A) and dopaminergic D2 receptors in striatum creates a milieu for antagonistic interaction between adenosine and dopamine. The experimental data prove that the best improvement of mobility in patients with Parkinson's disease could be achieved with simultaneous activation of dopaminergic D2 receptors and inhibition of adenosine A(2A) receptors. In animal models of Parkinson's disease, the use of selective antagonists of adenosine A(2A) receptors, such as istradefylline, led to the reversibility of movement dysfunction. These compounds might improve mobility during both monotherapy and co-administration with L-DOPA and dopamine receptor agonists. The use of adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists in combination therapy enables the reduction of the L-DOPA doses, as well as a reduction of side effects. In combination therapy, the adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists might be used in both moderate and advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. The long-lasting administration of adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists does not decrease the patient response and does not cause side effects typical of L-DOPA therapy. It was demonstrated in various animal models that inhibition of adenosine A(2A) receptors not only decreases the movement disturbance, but also reveals a neuroprotective activity, which might impede or stop the progression of the disease. Recently, clinical trials were completed on the use of istradefylline (KW-6002), an inhibitor of adenosine A(2A) receptors, as an anti-Parkinson drug.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines participate in the induction of ischemic stroke. So far, their participation in the cerebral ischemia was proven for the tumor necrosis factor TNF-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), ...and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines into the extracellular space causes the enlargement of the brain damage region, and consequently increases the neurological deficit and negatively affects the survival rate prognoses. That is confirmed by the increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in blood and the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with brain stroke, as well as by the research on the induced/experimental cerebral ischemia in animals. The pro-inflammatory cytokines participate in the migration of the reactive T lymphocytes to the regions of brain ischemia where they enhance the nerve tissue damage by down-regulation of microcirculation, induce the pro-thrombotic processes and release other neurotoxic cytokines. Also, in the early stage of cerebral ischemia, cytokines activate the axis hypothalamus-pituitary gland-adrenal cortex and increase the cortisol concentration in blood, what results in the decreased resistance to infectious diseases. Administration of the inhibitor of the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1Ra) inhibits the inflammatory processes in the region of brain ischemia, and subsequently improves the prognosis for the size of the neurological deficit and the survival rate, as well as resistance to infectious diseases.
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