Hyperexcitability-related diseases include epilepsies, pain syndromes, neuromuscular disorders, and cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium channel inhibitors can be used to treat these conditions, however, their applicability is limited by their nonspecific effect on physiological function. They act by channel block (obstructing ion conduction, since the binding site is within the channel pore), and by modulation (delaying recovery from the non-conducting inactivated state). Channel block inhibits healthy and pathological tissue equally, while modulation can preferentially inhibit pathological activity. Therefore, an ideal sodium channel inhibitor drug would act by modulation alone. Unfortunately, thus far no such drug has been known to exist. Here we present evidence that riluzole acts by this “ideal” mechanism, “non-blocking modulation” (NBM). We propose that, being a relatively small molecule, riluzole is able to stay bound to the binding site, but nonetheless stay off the conduction pathway, by residing in one of the “fenestrations” (cavities connecting the central cavity to the membrane phase). Using precisely timed UV pulses to photolabel specific conformations of the channel, we show that association to the local anesthetic binding site requires prior inactivation. We discuss why kinetics of binding is crucial for selective inhibition of pathological activity, and how the NBM mechanism can be recognized using a special voltage- and drug application-protocol. Our results identify riluzole as the prototype of this new class of sodium channel inhibitors. Drugs of this class are expected to selectively prevent hyperexcitability, while having minimal effect on cells firing at a normal rate from a normal resting potential.

Background and purpose: Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (CHRNA7) suppress inflammation through diverse pathways in immune cells, so is potentially involved in a number of inflammatory diseases. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying CHRNA7’s anti-inflammatory effects remain elusive. Experimental approach: The anti-inflammatory effects of CHRNA7 agonists in both murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) stimulated with LPS were examined. The role of adenylyl cyclase 6 (AC6) in Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) degradation was explored via overexpression and knockdown. A mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was used to confirm key findings. Key results: Anti-inflammatory effects of CHRNA7 were largely dependent on AC6 activation, as knockdown of AC6 considerably abnegated the effects of CHRNA7 agonists while AC6 overexpression promoted them. We found that CHRNA7 and AC6 are co-localized in lipid rafts of macrophages and directly interact. Activation of AC6 led to the promotion of TLR4 degradation. Administration of CHRNA7 agonist PNU282987 attenuated pathological and inflammatory end points in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conclusion and implications: CHRNA7 inhibit inflammation through activating AC6 and promoting degradation of TLR4. The use of CHRNA7 agonists might represent a novel therapeutic approach for treating COPD and likely other inflammatory diseases.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignancy in men, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the first-line therapy. However, most cases will eventually develop into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after ADT treatment. Enzalutamide (Enz) is a second-generation androgen receptor inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat patients with CRPC. Unfortunately, patients receiving Enz treatment will ultimately develop resistance via various complicated mechanisms. In this review, we introduce the emerging information on resistance mechanisms, including androgen receptor-related signalling pathways, glucocorticoid receptor-related pathways, and metabolic mechanisms. Notably, lineage plasticity and phenotype switching, gene polymorphisms, and the relationship between microRNAs and drug resistance are addressed. Furthermore, potential therapeutic strategies for Enz-resistant CRPC treatment are suggested, which can help in the discovery of more effective and specific regimens to overcome Enz resistance.

Background and Purpose: Mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) are implicated in the stress response. The present study investigated the role of GRs and MRs in the PVN in regulating depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. Experimental Approach: To model chronic stress, rats were exposed to chronic corticosterone treatment via drinking water for 21 days, and the GR antagonist RU486 and MR antagonist spironolactone, alone and combined, were directly injected in the PVN daily for 7 days before the behavioral tests. Depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated in forced swim test, sucrose preference test, novelty-suppressed feeding test and social interaction test. The expression of GRs, MRs and CRF were detected by Western-Blot. Key Results: The rats exposed to corticosterone exhibited depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. The expression of GRs and MRs decreased, and CRF levels increased in the PVN. The intra-PVN administration of RU486 increased the levels of GRs and CRF without influencing depressive- or anxiety-like behaviors. The spironolactone-treated group exhibited an increase in MRs without influencing GRs and CRF in the PVN, and improved anxiety-like behaviors. Interestingly, the intra-PVN administration of RU486 and spironolactone combined restored the expression of GRs, MRs, and CRF and improved depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. Conclusion and Implications: These results suggest that the simultaneous restoration of GRs, MRs, and CRF in the PVN in this rat model of stress might play an important role in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Background and Purpose Coordinated endothelial control of cardiovascular function is proposed to occur by endothelial cell communication via gap junctions and connexins. To study intercellular communication, the pharmacological agents carbenoxolone (CBX) and 18β glycyrrhetinic acid (18βGA) are used widely as connexin inhibitors and gap junction blockers. Experimental Approach We investigated the effects of CBX and 18βGA on IP3-evoked intercellular Ca2+ waves in the endothelium of intact mesenteric resistance arteries. Key Results Acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked IP3-mediated Ca2+ release and propagated waves were inhibited by CBX (100µM) and 18βGA (40µM). Unexpectedly, the Ca2+ signals were inhibited uniformly in all cells, suggesting that CBX and 18βGA reduced Ca2+ release. Localised photolysis of caged IP3 (cIP3) was used to provide precise spatiotemporal control of site of cell activation. Local cIP3 photolysis generated reproducible Ca2+ increases and Ca2+ waves that propagated across cells distant to the photolysis site. CBX and 18βGA each blocked Ca2+ waves in a time dependent manner by inhibiting the initiating IP3-evoked Ca2+ release event rather than block of gap junctions. This effect was reversed on drug washout, and was unaffected by small or intermediate K+-channel blockers. Furthermore, CBX and 18βGA each rapidly and reversibly collapsed the mitochondrial membrane potential. Conclusion and Implications CBX and 18βGA inhibit IP3-mediated Ca2+ release and depolarise the mitochondrial membrane potential. These results suggest that CBX and 18βGA block cell-cell communication by acting at sites that are unrelated to gap junctions.

COVID-19, the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, has a wide-ranging clinical spectrum that, in the worst-case scenario, involves a rapid progression to severe acute respiratory syndrome and even death. Epidemiological data show that “diabesity”, the association of obesity and diabetes, is among the main risk factors associated with high morbidity and mortality. The increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection documented in diabesity argues for initial defects in defense mechanisms, most likely due to an elevated systemic metabolic inflammation (“metaflammation”). The NLRP3 inflammasome is a master regulator of metaflammation and has a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of diabesity. Here we discuss the most recent findings suggesting contribution of NLRP3 inflammasome to the increase in complications in COVID-19 patients with diabesity. We also review current pharmacological strategies for COVID-19, focusing on treatments whose efficacy could be due, at least in part, to interference with the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Infertility rates for both females and males have increased continuously in recent years. Currently, effective treatments for male infertility with defined mechanisms or targets are still lacking. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of drug targets, but their functions and the implications on therapeutic development for male infertility largely remain elusive. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that several members of the GPCR superfamily play crucial roles in the maintenance of ion-water homeostasis of the epididymis, development of the efferent ductules, formation of the blood-epididymal barrier, and maturation of sperm. Knowledge of the functions, genetic variations, and working mechanisms of such GPCRs, along with the drugs and ligands relevant to their specific functions, provide future directions and elicit great arsenal for potential therapy development for treating male infertility.

Background and Purpose L-DOPA induced dyskinesia is a debilitating side effect of treating Parkinson’s disease with L-DOPA. There is a need to discover a treatment that has the same benefits as L-DOPA treatment without the associated side effects. Here, we demonstrate the anti-dyskinetic potential of doxycycline and the analog compound COL-3 (without antimicrobial activity) in hemiparkinsonian rats presenting L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Experimental Approach Wistar adult male rats received a unilateral medial forebrain bundle injection of 6-hydroxydopamine and were then orally administered L-DOPA once a day for 14 days. This resulted in dyskinetic-like behavior. Key Results A single injection of doxycycline (intraperitoneal) or COL-3 (intracerebroventricular) together with L-DOPA attenuated the dyskinesia. Co-treatment with doxycycline from the first day of L-DOPA suppressed the onset of dyskinesia. The improved motor responses to L-DOPA remained intact in the presence of doxycycline or COL-3, indicating the preservation of the L-DOPA benefits. Doxycycline treatment was associated with decreased expression of FosB, cyclooxygenase-2, astrocytes, and microglia, which had previously been found to be elevated in the basal ganglia of rats exhibiting dyskinesia. In addition, metalloproteinase-2/-9 activity, metalloproteinase-3 expression, and production of reactive oxygen species in the basal ganglia of dyskinetic rats showed a significant positive correlation with the intensity of dyskinesia, which was decreased with the doxycycline treatment. Conclusion and Implications Given the long-established and safe use of doxycycline and the similar effect of COL-3 (without antimicrobial activity), this study indicates that both drugs should undergo testing for their ability to reduce signs of dyskinesia induced by L-DOPA in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Background and Purpose: Quercetin is a prominent neuroprotective compound from flavonoids. Previous studies found it may relieve psychiatric disorders, cognition deficits, and memory dysfunction through anti-oxidation and/or radical scavenging mechanisms. In addition, Quercetin also was found to modulate the physiological function of a few types of ion channels. However, the detailed ionic mechanisms of quercetin’s bioeffect remain unknown. Experimental Approach: We examined the effect neuronal activities changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its ionic mechanisms upon quercetin application by using GCaMP calcium imaging and patch clamp in acute brain slices. Then we explored the potential ionic mechanism of quercetin on D-amphetamine induced manic-like using c-fos staining and the open field behavior test. Key Results: Quercetin reduced calcium influx triggered by PFC pyramidal neuronal activity. This effect was caused by increasing the rheobase of neuronal firing through decreasing membrane resistance upon quercetin treatment. Spadin, a TREK-1 potassium channel (a two-pore-domain background potassium channel) inhibitor, could block the effect of quercetin on the membrane resistance and neuronal firing. And also, Spadin can block the neural protective effects of quercetin. In addtion, intraperitoneal injection of quercetin could relieve the manic hyperlocomotion of the mice induced by D-amphetamine, which can be partially alleviated by Spadin. Conclusion and Implications: Our results demonstrated that TREK-1 channel is a novel target on quercetin treatment, which could contribute to both the neuroprotection and anti-manic-like effects.

Intense effort is underway to evaluate potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of COVID-19. In order to respond quickly to the crisis, the repurposing of existing drugs is the primary pharmacological strategy. Despite the urgent clinical need for these therapies, it is imperative to consider potential safety issues. This is important due to the harm-benefit ratios that may be encountered when treating COVID-19, which can depend on the stage of the disease, when therapy is administered and underlying clinical factors in individual patients. Treatments are currently being trialled for a range of scenarios from prophylaxis (where benefit must greatly exceed risk) to severe life-threatening disease (where a degree of potential risk may be tolerated if it is exceeded by the potential benefit). In this perspective, we have reviewed some of the most widely-researched repurposed agents in order to identify potential safety considerations using existing information in the context of COVID-19.

Background and Purpose: The promotion of hair regeneration and growth heavily depends on the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the hair follicle including dermal papilla (DP). KY19382, one of the newly synthesized analogs of indirubin-3’-monoxime (I3O) was identified as a Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator via inhibition of the interaction between CXXC-type zinc finger protein 5 (CXXC5) and Dishevelled (Dvl) interaction. Given the close relationship between the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and hair regeneration, we investigated the effect of KY19382 on hair re-growth and hair follicle neogenesis. Experimental Approach: In vitro hair induction effects of KY19382 was performed in human dermal papilla cells. The hair elongation effects of KY19382 was confirmed through the vibrissa culture system. In vivo hair regeneration abilities of KY19382 was identified in three models: hair regrowth, wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis (WIHN), and hair patch assays using C57BL/6 mice. The hair regeneration abilities were analyzed by immunoblotting, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and immunohistochemical staining. Key results: KY19382 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and elevated the expression of ALP and proliferation marker PCNA in DP cells. KY19382 also increased hair length in ex vivo cultured mouse vibrissa follicles and induced hair regrowth in mice. Moreover, KY19382 significantly promoted the generation of de novo hair follicles as shown by WIHN and hair patch assays. Conclusion and Implications: These results indicate that KY19382 is a potential therapeutic drug that exhibits effective hair regeneration ability via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling for alopecia treatments.

In the search to rapidly identify effective therapies that will mitigate the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, attention has been directed towards the repurposing of existing drugs. Candidates for repurposing include drugs that target COVID-19 pathobiology, including agents that alter angiotensin signaling. Recent data indicate that key findings in COVID-19 patients include thrombosis and endothelitis Activation of PAR1 (protease activated receptor 1), in particular by the protease thrombin, is a critical element in platelet aggregation and coagulation. PAR1 activation also impacts on the actions of other cell types involved in COVID-19 pathobiology, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts and pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells. Vorapaxar is an approved inhibitor of PAR1, used for treatment of patients with myocardial infarction or peripheral arterial disease. Here, we discuss evidence implying a possible beneficial role for vorapaxar in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and in addition, other as-yet non-approved antagonists of PAR1 and PAR4.

Thrombosis contributes to one in four deaths worldwide and is the cause of a large proportion of mortality and morbidity. A reliable and rapid diagnosis of thrombosis will allow for immediate therapy, thereby providing significant benefits to patients. Molecular imaging is a fast-growing and captivating area of research, in both preclinical and clinical applications. Major advances have been achieved by improvements in three central areas of molecular imaging: 1) Better markers for diseases, with increased sensitivity and selectivity; 2) Optimised contrast agents with improved signal to noise ratio; 3) Progress in scanner technologies with higher sensitivity and resolution. Clinically available imaging modalities used for molecular imaging include, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, as well as nuclear imaging, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In the preclinical imaging field, optical (fluorescence and bioluminescent) molecular imaging has provided new mechanistic insights in the pathology of thrombembolic diseases. Overall, the advances in molecular imaging, driven by the collaboration of various scientific disciplines, have substantially contributed to an improved understanding of thrombotic disease, and raises the exciting prospect of earlier diagnosis and individualised therapy for cardiovascular diseases. As such, these advances hold significant promise to be translated to clinical practice and ultimately to reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with thromboembolic diseases.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) together with polysulfides (H2Sn, n>2) are signaling molecules like nitric oxide (NO) with various physiological roles including regulation of neuronal transmission, vascular tone, inflammation, oxygen sensing etc. H2S and H2Sn diffuse to the target proteins to S-sulfurate their cysteine residues to induce the conformational changes to alter the activity. On the other hand, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase transfers sulfur from a substrate 3-mercaptopyruvate to the cysteine residues of acceptor proteins. A similar mechanism has also been identified in S-nitrosylation. S-sulfuration and S-nitrosylation by enzymes proceed only inside the cell, while reactions induced by H2S, H2Sn and NO even extend to the surrounding cells. Disturbance of signaling by these molecules as well as S-sulfuration and S-nitrosylation causes many neuronal diseases. This review focuses on the signaling by H2S and H2Sn with S-sulfuration compared with those of NO and S-nitrosynation, and discuss on their roles in physiology and pathophysiology.

Metabolic pathways have emerged as cornerstones in carcinogenic deregulation providing new therapeutic strategies for cancer management. This is illustrated by the recent discovery of a cholesterol metabolic branch involving the biochemical transformation of 5,6-epoxycholesterol (5,6-ECs). 5,6-ECs have been shown to be differentially metabolized in breast cancers (BC) compared to normal breast tissue. 5,6-ECs are metabolized into the tumour promoter oncosterone in BC, while they are transformed into the tumour suppressor metabolite dendrogenin A (DDA) in normal breast tissue. Blocking oncosterone’s mitogenic and invasive potential will represent new opportunities for BC treatment. The reactivation of DDA biosynthesis, or its use as a drug, represents promising therapeutic approaches such as DDA-deficiency complementation, activation of BC cell re-differentiation and BC chemoprevention. This review presents current knowledge as to the 5,6-EC metabolic pathway in BC focusing on the 5,6-EC metabolic enzymes ChEH and HSD11B2, and on 5,6-EC metabolite targets LXRβ and GR.

Many Western countries have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. Italy has been particularly hit at the beginning of the pandemic, immediately after China. In Italy and elsewhere women seem to be less affected then men by severe/fatal COVID-19 infection, regardless of their age. Despite the evidence that women and men are different fort this infection, very few studies consider different therapeutic approaches for the two sexes. Undoubtedly, understanding the mechanisms at the bases of these differences may help to find appropriate and sex specific therapies. Here we consider that other mechanisms but estrogen protection are involved. Several X-linked genes (such as ACE2) and Y-linked genes (SRY, SOX9) may explain sex differences. Cardiovascular comorbidities are among the major enhancers of virus lethality. In addition, the number of sex-independent non-genetic factors that can change susceptibility and mortality is enormous, and many other factors are likely to be considered, including gender and cultural habits in different countries.

COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has overwhelmed Healthcare Systems requiring the rapid development of treatments, at least, to reduce COVID-19 severity. Drug repurposing offers a fast track. Here, we discuss the potential beneficial effects of statins in COVID-19 patients based on evidence that they may target virus receptors, replication, degradation and downstream responses in infected cells, addressing both basic research and epidemiological information. Briefly, statins could act modulating virus entry, acting on the SARS-CoV-2 receptors, ACE2 and CD147, and/or lipid rafts engagement. Statins, by inducing autophagy activation, could regulate virus replication or degradation, exerting protective effects. The well-known anti-inflammatory properties of statins, by blocking several molecular mechanisms, including NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome, could limit the “cytokine storm” in severe COVID-19 patients which is linked to fatal outcome. Finally, statin moderation of coagulation response activation may also contribute to improve COVID-19 outcomes.

Background and Purpose: Although human blood flows are redistributed into the mesenteric circulation after meals, it is not well understood how postprandial nutrients induces vasorelaxation of mesenteric micro-arterioles and whether this process is involved in the pathogenesis of colitis.  Experimental Approach: We used an auto dual wire myograph system, fluorescence imaging system and DSS-induced colitis mouse model to investigate the roles and mechanisms of nutrient-induced mesenteric relaxation in health and disease. Key Results: We found that acute application of glucose and sodium induced endothelium-dependent relaxation of human and mouse mesenteric micro-arterioles via a hyperosmotic action, which also stimulated Ca2+ influx through endothelial TRPV1 channels. The nutrient-induced vasorelaxation was almost abolished by selective blockers for TRPV1, IKCa and SKCa channels, but marginally altered by inhibition of nitric oxide production. The nutrient-induced hyperosmosis also activated functional activities of Na+/K+-ATPase and Na+/Ca2+-exchanger to further reduce [Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle cells. Moreover, hyperosmosis-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization was significantly impaired in colitis mouse model. Conclusion and Implications: Our study provides the first evidence that nutrient-induced hyperosmosis stimulates endothelial TRPV1/Ca2+/EDH signaling pathway to eventually evoke vasorelaxation of mesenteric micro-arterioles, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of colitis as well.