Cauda equina neuroendocrine tumors (CENETs) are neoplasms of uncertain histogenesis with overlapping features between those of paragangliomas (PGs) and visceral neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). We have explored their biological relationship to both subsets of neuroendocrine neoplasms. The clinical and radiological features of a cohort of 23 CENETs were analyzed. A total of 21 cases were included in tissue microarrays, along with a control group of 38 PGs and 83 NETs. An extensive panel of antibodies was used to assess epithelial phenotype (cytokeratins, E-cadherin, EpCAM, Claudin-4, EMA, CD138), neuronal and neuroendocrine features (synaptophysin, chromogranin A, INSM1, neurofilaments, NeuN, internexin-α, calretinin), chromaffin differentiation (GATA3, Phox2b, tyrosine hydroxylase), and possible histogenesis (Sox2, T-brachyury, Oct3/4, Sox10). The cohort included 5 women (22%) and 18 men (78%). The average age at the time of surgery was 48.3 years (range from 21 to 80 years). The average diameter of the tumors was 39.27 mm, and invasion of surrounding structures was observed in 6/21 (29%) tumors. Follow-up was available in 16 patients (median 46.5 months). One tumor recurred after 19 months. No metastatic behavior and no endocrine activity were observed. Compared to control groups, CENETs lacked expression of epithelial adhesion molecules (EpCAM, CD138, E-cadherin, Claudin-4), and at the same time, they lacked features of chromaffin differentiation (GATA3, Phox2b, tyrosine hydroxylase). We observed no loss of SDHB. Cytokeratin expression was present in all CENETs. All the CENETs showed variable cytoplasmic expression of T-brachyury and limited nuclear expression of Sox2. These findings support the unique nature of the neoplasm with respect to NETs and PGs.

• MeSH
• adhezní molekula epiteliálních buněk MeSH
• cauda equina * metabolismus   patologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• claudin-4 MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lokální recidiva nádoru patologie   MeSH
• nádory centrálního nervového systému * patologie   MeSH
• neuroendokrinní nádory * patologie   MeSH
• paragangliom * MeSH
• represorové proteiny MeSH
• transkripční faktory MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The 14-3-3 proteins constitute a family of adaptor proteins with many binding partners and biological functions, and they are considered promising drug targets in cancer and neuropsychiatry. By screening 1280 small-molecule drugs using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), we found 15 compounds that decreased the thermal stability of 14-3-3ζ Among these compounds, ebselen was identified as a covalent, destabilizing ligand of 14-3-3 isoforms ζ, ε, γ, and η Ebselen bonding decreased 14-3-3ζ binding to its partner Ser19-phosphorylated tyrosine hydroxylase. Characterization of site-directed mutants at cysteine residues in 14-3-3ζ (C25, C94, and C189) by DSF and mass spectroscopy revealed covalent modification by ebselen of all cysteines through a selenylsulfide bond. C25 appeared to be the preferential site of ebselen interaction in vitro, whereas modification of C94 was the main determinant for protein destabilization. At therapeutically relevant concentrations, ebselen and ebselen oxide caused decreased 14-3-3 levels in SH-SY5Y cells, accompanied with an increased degradation, most probably by the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome pathway. Moreover, ebselen-treated zebrafish displayed decreased brain 14-3-3 content, a freezing phenotype, and reduced mobility, resembling the effects of lithium, consistent with its proposed action as a safer lithium-mimetic drug. Ebselen has recently emerged as a promising drug candidate in several medical areas, such as cancer, neuropsychiatric disorders, and infectious diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019. Its pleiotropic actions are attributed to antioxidant effects and formation of selenosulfides with critical cysteine residues in proteins. Our work indicates that a destabilization of 14-3-3 may affect the protein interaction networks of this protein family, contributing to the therapeutic potential of ebselen. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: There is currently great interest in the repurposing of established drugs for new indications and therapeutic targets. This study shows that ebselen, which is a promising drug candidate against cancer, bipolar disorder, and the viral infection coronavirus disease 2019, covalently bonds to cysteine residues in 14-3-3 adaptor proteins, triggering destabilization and increased degradation in cells and intact brain tissue when used in therapeutic concentrations, potentially explaining the behavioral, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic effects of this drug.

• MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• cirkulární dichroismus MeSH
• cystein genetika   MeSH
• dánio pruhované MeSH
• down regulace MeSH
• isoindoly farmakologie   MeSH
• konformace proteinů MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• mozek metabolismus   MeSH
• mutageneze cílená MeSH
• organoselenové sloučeniny farmakologie   MeSH
• proteiny 14-3-3 chemie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• proteiny dánia pruhovaného chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• stabilita proteinů účinky léků   MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa metabolismus   MeSH
• vazba proteinů účinky léků   MeSH
• vazebná místa účinky léků   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Alterations of sympathoadrenal and sympathoneural systems have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). To evaluate the ontogenetic changes of these systems, mRNA and protein expressions of catecholaminergic system genes were measured in adrenal glands and sympathetic ganglia, and the catecholamine levels were determined in adrenal glands, sympathetic ganglia and plasma of prehypertensive (4-week-old) and hypertensive (24-week-old) SHR. Vascular sympathetic innervation was visualized in the femoral artery by glyoxylic acid. In the adrenal glands of prehypertensive SHR, the expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes Ddc, Dbh and Pnmt was lower than in aged-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats. In contrast, the adrenal content of dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline was higher in prehypertensive SHR (141%, 123% and 120% of Wistar-Kyoto rats, respectively, p < 0.01). In the adrenal glands of adult SHR, the expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes Th, Ddc, Dbh and Pnmt was decreased along the amounts of dopamine and noradrenaline (50% and 38%, respectively, p < 0.001). The expression levels of Ddc and Dbh enzymes were also downregulated in the sympathetic ganglia of both prehypertensive and adult SHR. At both ages, the density of sympathetic innervation was twofold higher in SHR compared to Wistar-Kyoto rats (p < 0.001). In conclusion, adrenal catecholamine content was increased in prehypertensive SHR, whereas it was reduced in SHR with established hypertension. Surprisingly, downregulation of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes was observed in both the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia of SHR at both ages. Thus, this downregulation might be a compensatory mechanism that counteracts the vascular sympathetic hyperinnervation seen in SHR of both ages.

• MeSH
• adrenalin metabolismus   MeSH
• autonomní nervový systém patofyziologie   MeSH
• dopamin metabolismus   MeSH
• hypertenze metabolismus   patofyziologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• nadledviny metabolismus   MeSH
• noradrenalin metabolismus   MeSH
• potkani inbrední SHR MeSH
• potkani inbrední WKY MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether levels of neuroblastoma mRNAs in bone marrow and peripheral blood from stage M infants (≤12 months of age at diagnosis, MYCN amplified) and toddlers (between 12 and 18 months, any MYCN status) predict event-free survival (EFS). METHODS: Bone marrow aspirates and peripheral blood samples from 97 infants/toddlers enrolled in the European High-Risk Neuroblastoma trial were collected at diagnosis in PAXgene™ blood RNA tubes. Samples were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction according to standardized procedures. RESULTS: Bone marrow tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or paired-like homeobox 2b (PHOX2B) levels in the highest tertile were associated with worse EFS; hazard ratios, adjusted for age and MYCN status, were 1.5 and 1.8 respectively. Expression of both TH and PHOX2B in the highest tertile predicted worse outcome (p = 0.015), and identified 20 (23%) infants/toddlers with 5-year EFS of 20% (95%CI: 4%-44%). Prognostic significance was maintained after adjusting for over-fitting bias (p = 0.038), age and MYCN status. In peripheral blood, PHOX2B levels in the highest tertile predicted a two-fold increased risk of an event (p = 0.032), and identified 23 (34%) infants/toddlers with 5-year EFS of 29% (95%CI: 12%-48%). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed the prognostic value of combined TH and PHOX2B in bone marrow and of PHOX2B in peripheral blood during the first year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of bone marrow TH and PHOX2B and of peripheral blood PHOX2B at diagnosis allow early identification of a group of high-risk infant and toddlers with neuroblastoma who may be candidates for alternative treatments. Integration with additional biomarkers, as well as validation in additional international trials is warranted.

• MeSH
• doba přežití bez progrese choroby MeSH
• homeodoménové proteiny analýza   biosyntéza   MeSH
• Kaplanův-Meierův odhad MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• messenger RNA analýza   MeSH
• nádorové biomarkery analýza   MeSH
• neuroblastom metabolismus   mortalita   MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• plocha pod křivkou MeSH
• prognóza MeSH
• proporcionální rizikové modely MeSH
• ROC křivka MeSH
• senzitivita a specificita MeSH
• transkripční faktory analýza   biosyntéza   MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa analýza   biosyntéza   MeSH
• Check Tag
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• klinické zkoušky MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Liver cirrhosis is associated with impairment of cardiovascular function including alterations of the heart innervation, humoral and nervous dysregulation, changes in systemic circulation and electrophysiological abnormalities. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), enzyme forming acetylcholine, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH), enzymes participating in noradrenaline synthesis, are responsible for the production of classical neurotransmitters, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is produced by cardiomyocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of experimentally induced hepatic dysfunction on the expression of proANP, ChAT, TH, and DBH in the heart. Hepatic dysfunction was induced by application of thioacetamide (TAA) or by ligation of bile duct. Biochemical parameters of hepatic injury and levels of peroxidation in the liver and heart were measured. Liver enzymes measured in the plasma were significantly elevated. Cardiac level of peroxidation was increased in operated but not TAA group animals. In the left atrium of operated rats, the expression of TH and DBH was lower, while expression of ChAT remained unchanged. In TAA group, no significant differences in the expression of the genes compared to controls were observed. Liver injury induced by ligation leads to an imbalance in the intracardiac innervation, which might impair nervous control of the heart.

• MeSH
• akční potenciály MeSH
• atriální natriuretický faktor krev   metabolismus   MeSH
• dopamin-beta-hydroxylasa krev   metabolismus   MeSH
• jaterní cirhóza enzymologie   metabolismus   patofyziologie   MeSH
• játra enzymologie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• myokard enzymologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• oxidační stres MeSH
• peroxidace lipidů MeSH
• regulace genové exprese * MeSH
• srdce fyziologie   MeSH
• svalová kontrakce MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa krev   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: The de novo biosynthesis of fatty acids (DNL) through fatty acid synthase (FASN) in adipocytes is exquisitely regulated by nutrients, hormones, fasting, and obesity in mice and humans. However, the functions of DNL in adipocyte biology and in the regulation of systemic glucose homeostasis are not fully understood. METHODS & RESULTS: Here we show adipocyte DNL controls crosstalk to localized sympathetic neurons that mediate expansion of beige/brite adipocytes within inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT). Induced deletion of FASN in white and brown adipocytes of mature mice (iAdFASNKO mice) enhanced glucose tolerance, UCP1 expression, and cAMP signaling in iWAT. Consistent with induction of adipose sympathetic nerve activity, iAdFASNKO mice displayed markedly increased neuronal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) content in iWAT. In contrast, brown adipose tissue (BAT) of iAdFASNKO mice showed no increase in TH or NPY, nor did FASN deletion selectively in brown adipocytes (UCP1-FASNKO mice) cause these effects in iWAT. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that downregulation of fatty acid synthesis via FASN depletion in white adipocytes of mature mice can stimulate neuronal signaling to control thermogenic programming in iWAT.

• MeSH
• AMP cyklický metabolismus   MeSH
• krevní glukóza metabolismus   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lipogeneze * MeSH
• mastné kyseliny biosyntéza   MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• neurony metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• neuropeptid Y metabolismus   MeSH
• sympatický nervový systém cytologie   fyziologie   MeSH
• syntázy mastných kyselin metabolismus   MeSH
• termogeneze * MeSH
• tukové buňky metabolismus   MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa metabolismus   MeSH
• uncoupling protein 1 metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH

Human tyrosine hydroxylase 1 (hTH1) activity is regulated by phosphorylation of its regulatory domain (RD-hTH1) and by an interaction with the 14-3-3 protein. The RD-hTH1 is composed of a structured region (66-169) preceded by an intrinsically disordered protein region (IDP, hTH1_65) containing two phosphorylation sites (S19 and S40) which are highly relevant for its increase in activity. The NMR signals of the IDP region in the non-phosphorylated, singly phosphorylated (pS40) and doubly phosphorylated states (pS19_pS40) were assigned by non-uniformly sampled spectra with increased dimensionality (5D). The structural changes induced by phosphorylation were analyzed by means of secondary structure propensities. The phosphorylation kinetics of the S40 and S19 by kinases PKA and PRAK respectively were monitored by non-uniformly sampled time-resolved NMR spectroscopy followed by their quantitative analysis.

• MeSH
• fosforylace MeSH
• intracelulární signální peptidy a proteiny metabolismus   MeSH
• kinetika MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• protein-serin-threoninkinasy metabolismus   MeSH
• proteinkinasy závislé na cyklickém AMP metabolismus   MeSH
• proteinové domény MeSH
• sekundární struktura proteinů MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins regulate many aspects of cellular physiology from growth and differentiations to immune responses. Using immunohistochemistry, we show the daily rhythm of STAT3 protein in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), with low but significant amplitude peaking in the morning. We also reveal the strong expression of STAT5A in astrocytes of the SCN and the STAT5B signal in nonastrocytic cells. Administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) acutely induced phosphorylation of STAT3 on Tyr705 during both the day and the night and induced phosphorylation on Ser727 but only after the daytime application. The LPS-induced phospho-STAT3 (Tyr705) remained elevated for 24 hr after the daytime application but declined within 8 hr when LPS was applied at night.

• MeSH
• analýza rozptylu MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• cirkadiánní rytmus účinky léků   MeSH
• fosforylace účinky léků   MeSH
• gliový fibrilární kyselý protein metabolismus   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lipopolysacharidy farmakologie   MeSH
• nucleus suprachiasmaticus cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• potkani Wistar MeSH
• regulace genové exprese účinky léků   MeSH
• transkripční faktor STAT3 metabolismus   MeSH
• transkripční faktor STAT5 metabolismus   MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Preclinical studies have shown that melatonin exercised antidepressant-like and anxiolyticlike effects in animal models of anxiety. The aim of the present study was to correlate the changes in behaviour induced by melatonin treatment with the activity of the dopaminergic system in the hippocampus of Wistar rats exposed to chronic, unpredictable, mild stress (CUMS). Male Wistar rats, 11 weeks old, were subjected to chronic stress for 28 successive days. Separate groups of control and stressed rats were intraperitoneally injected daily either with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or placebo (5% ethanol). The open-field and elevated plus-maze tests were used to assess locomotor activities and anxiety levels. The content of dopamine (DA) in the hippocampal tissues was determined using radioenzymatic assay, while changes in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus were determined using real-time RT-PCR and Western immunoblotting. Chronic stress led to reduction in the hippocampal dopaminergic content without affecting the levels of TH protein. These changes were accompanied by increased locomotor activity and higher anxiety levels in the open-field test. Administration of melatonin for 28 days resulted in an increase in the hippocampal DA content as a result of elevated TH protein levels. Melatonin showed an improvement in anxiety-like behaviour along with significantly reduced exploration. We could conclude that melatonin may stimulate dopaminergic synthesis in the hippocampus in order to suppress stress-induced behaviour.

• MeSH
• bludiště - učení účinky léků   MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• chronická nemoc MeSH
• dopamin metabolismus   MeSH
• hipokampus účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• lokomoce * účinky léků   MeSH
• melatonin farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• péče o zevnějšek u zvířat účinky léků   MeSH
• potkani Wistar MeSH
• psychický stres komplikace   farmakoterapie   genetika   patofyziologie   MeSH
• regulace genové exprese enzymů účinky léků   MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• úzkost komplikace   farmakoterapie   genetika   patofyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Currently, there are no reliably effective therapeutic options for metastatic pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma. Moreover, there are no therapies that may prevent the onset or progression of tumors in patients with succinate dehydrogenase type B mutations, which are associated with very aggressive tumors. Therefore, we tested the approved and well-tolerated drugs lovastatin and 13-cis-retinoic acid (13cRA) in vitro in an aggressive PCC mouse cell line, mouse tumor tissue-derived (MTT) cells, and in vivo in a PCC allograft nude mouse model, in therapeutically relevant doses. Treatment was started 24 hours before sc tumor cell injection and continued for 30 more days. Tumor sizes were measured from outside by caliper and sizes of viable tumor mass by bioluminescence imaging. Lovastatin showed antiproliferative effects in vitro and led to significantly smaller tumor sizes in vivo compared with vehicle treatment. 13cRA promoted tumor cell growth in vitro and led to significantly larger viable tumor mass and significantly faster increase of viable tumor mass in vivo over time compared with vehicle, lovastatin, and combination treatment. However, when combined with lovastatin, 13cRA enhanced the antiproliferative effect of lovastatin in vivo. The combination-treated mice showed slowest tumor growth of all groups with significantly slower tumor growth compared with the vehicle-treated mice and significantly smaller tumor sizes. Moreover, the combination-treated group displayed the smallest size of viable tumor mass and the slowest increase in viable tumor mass over time of all groups, with a significant difference compared with the vehicle- and 13cRA-treated group. The combination-treated tumors showed highest extent of necrosis, lowest median microvessel density and highest expression of α-smooth muscle actin. The combination of high microvessel density and low α-smooth muscle actin is a predictor of poor prognosis in other tumor entities. Therefore, this drug combination may be a well-tolerated novel therapeutic or preventive option for malignant PCC.

• MeSH
• aktiny metabolismus   MeSH
• antigeny CD34 metabolismus   MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• chromogranin A metabolismus   MeSH
• feochromocytom farmakoterapie   metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• hladké svalstvo chemie   MeSH
• homologní transplantace MeSH
• imunohistochemie MeSH
• isotretinoin aplikace a dávkování   farmakologie   MeSH
• lovastatin aplikace a dávkování   farmakologie   MeSH
• myši nahé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• nádory nadledvin farmakoterapie   metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• nádory plic metabolismus   prevence a kontrola   sekundární   MeSH
• protokoly protinádorové kombinované chemoterapie terapeutické užití   MeSH
• tumor burden účinky léků   MeSH
• tyrosin-3-monooxygenasa metabolismus   MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH