Roles of the Functional Interaction between Brain Cholinergic and Dopaminergic Systems in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Schizophrenia and Parkinson’s Disease

Most physiologic processes in the brain and related diseases involve more than one neurotransmitter system. Thus, elucidation of the interaction between different neurotransmitter systems could allow for better therapeutic approaches to the treatments of related diseases. Dopaminergic (DAergic) and cholinergic neurotransmitter system regulate various brain functions that include cognition, movement, emotion, etc. This review focuses on the interaction between the brain DAergic and cholinergic systems with respect to the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease (PD). We first discussed the selection of motor plans at the level of basal ganglia, the major DAergic and cholinergic pathways in the brain, and the receptor subtypes involved in the interaction between the two signaling systems. Next, the roles of each signaling system were discussed in the context of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, with a focus on the α7 nicotinic cholinergic receptor and the dopamine D₁ receptor in the prefrontal cortex. In addition, the roles of the nicotinic and dopamine receptors were discussed in the context of regulation of striatal cholinergic interneurons, which play crucial roles in the degeneration of nigrostriatal DAergic neurons and the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in PD patients. Finally, we discussed the general mechanisms of nicotine-induced protection of DAergic neurons.     

Pharmaco-Magnetic Resonance as a Tool for Monitoring the Medication-Related Effects in the Brain May Provide Potential Biomarkers for Psychotic Disorders

The neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental hypotheses represent the basic etiological framework for the origin of schizophrenia. Additionally, the dopamine hypothesis, adopted more than two decades ago, has repeatedly asserted the position of dopamine as a pathobiochemical substrate through the action of psychostimulants and neuroleptics on the mesolimbic and mesocortical systems, giving insight into the origin of positive and negative schizophrenic symptoms. Meanwhile, cognitive impairments in schizophrenia remain incompletely understood but are thought to be present during all stages of the disease, as well as in the prodromal, interictal and residual phases. On the other hand, observations on the effects of NMDA antagonists, such as ketamine and phencyclidine, reveal that hypoglutamatergic neurotransmission causes not only positive and negative but also cognitive schizophrenic symptoms. This review aims to summarize the different hypotheses about the origin of psychoses and to identify the optimal neuroimaging method that can serve to unite them in an integral etiological framework. We systematically searched Google scholar (with no concern to the date published) to identify studies investigating the etiology of schizophrenia, with a focus on impaired central neurotransmission. The complex interaction between the dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitter systems provides the long-needed etiological concept, which combines the neurodegenerative hypothesis with the hypothesis of impaired neurodevelopment in schizophrenia. Pharmaco-magnetic resonance imaging is a neuroimaging method that can provide a translation of scientific knowledge about the neural networks and the disruptions in and between different brain regions, into clinically applicable and effective therapeutic results in the management of severe psychotic disorders.     

Exploiting the Thiobarbituric Acid Scaffold for Antibacterial Activity

Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) has been considered a privileged structure for developing antimicrobial agents. Diversity was obtained at positions N and at C5 through acylation, Schiff base formation, Knoevenagel condensation, and thioamide and enamine formation. The present work describes the synthesis of small libraries based on the TBA moiety and above‐mentioned reactions. Preliminary antimicrobial activity screening of the prepared compounds against selected bacteria (both Gram‐positive and ‐negative) showed the best results for the Boc‐Phe‐TBA derivative. These results could be useful for designing and building libraries based on other amino acids with distinct protecting groups.     

Cerebroventricular Injection of Pgk1 Attenuates MPTP-Induced Neuronal Toxicity in Dopaminergic Cells in Zebrafish Brain in a Glycolysis-Independent Manner

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. While extracellular Pgk1 (ePgk1) is reported to promote neurite outgrowth, it remains unclear if it can affect the survival of dopaminergic cells. To address this, we employed cerebroventricular microinjection (CVMI) to deliver Pgk1 into the brain of larvae and adult zebrafish treated with methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) as a PD-like model. The number of dopamine-producing cells in ventral diencephalon clusters of Pgk1-injected, MPTP-treated embryos increased over that of MPTP-treated embryos. Swimming distances of Pgk1-injected, MPTP-treated larvae and adult zebrafish were much longer compared to MPTP-treated samples. The effect of injected Pgk1 on both dopamine-producing cells and locomotion was time- and dose-dependent. Indeed, injected Pgk1 could be detected, located on dopamine neurons. When the glycolytic mutant Pgk1, Pgk1-T378P, was injected into the brain of MPTP-treated zebrafish groups, the protective ability of dopaminergic neurons did not differ from that of normal Pgk1. Therefore, ePgk1 is functionally independent from intracellular Pgk1 serving as an energy supplier. Furthermore, when Pgk1 was added to the culture medium for culturing dopamine-like SH-SY5Y cells, it could reduce the ROS pathway and apoptosis caused by the neurotoxin MPP⁺. These results show that ePgk1 benefits the survival of dopamine-producing cells and decreases neurotoxin damage.     

Hop Bitter Acids Increase Hippocampal Dopaminergic Activity in a Mouse Model of Social Defeat Stress

As daily lifestyle is closely associated with mental illnesses, diet-based preventive approaches are receiving attention. Supplementation with hop bitter acids such as iso-α-acids (IAA) and mature hop bitter acids (MHBA) improves mood states in healthy older adults. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Since acute oral consumption with IAA increases dopamine levels in hippocampus and improves memory impairment via vagal nerve activation, here we investigated the effects of chronic administration of hop bitter acids on the dopaminergic activity associated with emotional disturbance in a mouse model of repeated social defeat stress (R-SDS). Chronic administration of IAA and MHBA significantly increased dopaminergic activity based on the dopamine metabolite to dopamine ratio in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex following R-SDS. Hippocampal dopaminergic activity was inversely correlated with the level of R-SDS-induced social avoidance with or without IAA administration. Therefore, chronic treatment with hop bitter acids enhances stress resilience-related hippocampal dopaminergic activity.     

Antiepileptic Potential of Matrine via Regulation the Levels of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Glutamic Acid in the Brain

Our present study aimed to determine the antiepileptic activity of matrine, and explore the possible molecular mechanism. To evaluate the antiepileptic activity of matrine, seizures in mice induced by PTZ and MES were established, then the pentobarbital sodium-induced anaesthetizing time and locomotor activity tests in mice were also carried out. For the molecular mechanism investigations, contents of aspartic acid (Asp), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly) in seizures mice were determined; then, the chronic seizures rats induced by PTZ were prepared, and western blotting was used to determine the expressions of GAD 65, GABA_A and GABA_B in the brains. In the results, matrine showed significant antiepileptic effects on seizures mice induced by MES and PTZ. Moreover, the pentobarbital sodium-induced anaesthetizing time and locomotor activity tests were also demonstrated that matrine had obvious antiepileptic effects. Additionally, our results revealed that after treatment with matrine, contents of GABA can be elevated, and the contents of Glu were obviously decreased. Furthermore, western blotting revealed that the mechanism regarding the antiepileptic effect of may be related to the up-regulations of GAD 65 and GABA_A in the brain. Collectively, we suggested that matrine can be developed as an effective antiseptic drug.     

Development of the Periventricular Nucleus as a Brain Center,Containing Dopaminergic Neurons and Neurons Expressing Individual Enzymes of Dopamine Synthesis

We have recently shown that the periventricular nucleus (PeVN) of adult rats is a “mixed dopaminergic (DAergic) center” containing three thousand neurons: DAergic neurons and those expressing one of the dopamine (DA)-synthesizing enzymes. This study aims to evaluate the development of the PeVN as a mixed DAergic center in rats in the perinatal period, critical for brain morphogenesis. During this period, the PeVN contains DAergic neurons and monoenzymatic neurons expressing individual enzymes of DA synthesis: tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). In the perinatal period, the total number of such neurons triples, mainly due to monoenzymatic neurons; the content of L-DOPA, the end product of monoenzymatic TH neurons, doubles; and the content of DA, the end product of monoenzymatic AADC neurons and DAergic neurons, increases sixfold. Confocal microscopy has shown that, in the PeVN, all types of neurons and their processes are in close relationships, which suggests their mutual regulation by L-DOPA and DA. In addition, monoenzymatic and DAergic fibers are close to the third cerebral ventricle, located in the subependymal zone, between ependymal cells and in the supraependymal zone. These observations suggest that these fibers deliver L-DOPA and DA to the cerebrospinal fluid, participating in the neuroendocrine regulation of the brain.     

The Periventricular Nucleus as a Brain Center Containing Dopaminergic Neurons and Neurons Expressing Individual Enzymes of Dopamine Synthesis

Since the 1980s, the concept of dopamine-rich brain centers as clusters of only dopaminergic neurons has been fundamentally revised. It has been shown that, in addition to dopaminergic neurons, most of these centers contain neurons expressing one of the enzymes of dopamine synthesis: tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). We have obtained convincing evidence that in rats, the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus (PeVN) is one of the largest dopamine-rich centers, containing dopaminergic and monoenzymatic neurons. Indeed, using double immunostaining for TH and AADC, the PeVN was shown to contain almost three thousand dopaminergic and monoenzymatic neurons. According to high-performance liquid chromatography, PeVN contains L-DOPA and dopamine, which, apparently, are synthesized in monoenzymatic TH neurons and bienzymatic neurons, respectively. According to confocal microscopy, neurons (cell bodies, fibers), which were immunopositive only to TH, only to AADC, or both, are in close topographic relationships with each other and with the 3rd ventricle. These data suggest the mutual regulation of the neurons, as well as the delivery of dopamine and L-DOPA to the third ventricle, which is confirmed by their detection in the cerebrospinal fluid. Thus, evidence has been obtained that PeVN is one of the largest dopamine-rich centers of the brain, containing dopaminergic and monoenzymatic neurons.     

68Ga-Labelled Tropane Analogues for the Visualization of the Dopaminergic System

The development of radiometal-labelled pharmaceuticals for neuroimaging could offer great potential due to easier handling during labelling and availability through radionuclide generator systems. Nonetheless, to date, no such tracers are available for positron emission tomography, primarily owing to the challenge of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and loss of affinity through chelator attachment. We have prepared a variety of ⁶⁸Ga-labelled phenyltropanes showing that, through a simple hydrocarbon-linker, it is possible to introduce a chelator onto the lead structure while maintaining its high affinity for hDAT (human dopamine transporter) and simultaneously achieving adequate lipophilicity. One of the candidates, [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-HBED-hexadiyne-tropane, showed an IC₅₀ value of 66 nM, together with a log D_7.4 of 0.96. A μPET study in a hemi-parkinsonian rat model showed a fast wash-out of the tracer, and no specific uptake in the brain, thus implying an inability to penetrate the BBB.     

Stress and the Role of the Gut–Brain Axis in the Pathogenesis of Schizophrenia: A Literature Review

Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder, and its etiology remains largely unknown. Environmental factors have been reported to play roles in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, and one of the major environmental factors identified for this disorder is psychosocial stress. Several studies have suggested that stressful life events, as well as the chronic social stress associated with city life, may lead to the development of schizophrenia. The other factor is the gut–brain axis. The composition of the gut microbiome and alterations thereof may affect the brain and may lead to schizophrenia. The main interest of this review article is in overviewing the major recent findings on the effects of stress and the gut–brain axis, as well as their possible bidirectional effects, in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.     

一种制备唾液酸磁性表面分子印迹聚合物的新方法

一锅法合成氨基化磁性纳米颗粒Fe₃O₄@NH₂,与对甲酰基苯硼酸(FPBA)反应嫁接硼酸官能团,通过硼酸基与模板唾液酸Neu5Ac分子上的顺式二醇共价反应,将Neu5Ac定向固定于磁性纳米颗粒。以多巴胺(DA)及3-氨基苯硼酸(3-APBA)为功能单体,自聚合反应形成共聚壳层包覆在磁性纳米颗粒的表面,制备得Neu5Ac磁性分子印迹聚合物(Neu5Ac-MMIPs)。通过透射电镜、红外光谱对其形态及结构进行表征,并评价其吸附性能。结果表明,Neu5Ac磁性分子印迹聚合物对Neu5Ac具有较好的吸附量、印迹效率、特异性等优点。通过对Neu5Ac至少5次吸附-洗脱的循环实验表明,MMIPs具有较好的重复再利用能力。     

多壁碳纳米管/磷钼酸修饰电极对抗坏血酸的电催化作用

制备了GC/MWNTs/PMo12O340-修饰电极,研究了其在硫酸溶液中的电化学行为,采用循环伏安法研究了修饰电极对抗坏血酸的电催化特性。结果表明,该修饰电极在硫酸溶液中的电化学行为是表面控制过程。抗坏血酸的浓度在3×10-3～1×10-2mol/L范围内,催化电流与抗坏血酸的浓度呈现良好的线性关系,该修饰电极具有较好的稳定性。     

Emerging Role of Phospholipids and Lysophospholipids for Improving Brain Docosahexaenoic Acid as Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Strategies for Neurological Diseases

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) essential for neural development, learning, and vision. Although DHA can be provided to humans through nutrition and synthesized in vivo from its precursor alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), deficiencies in cerebral DHA level were associated with neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The aim of this review was to develop a complete understanding of previous and current approaches and suggest future approaches to target the brain with DHA in different lipids’ forms for potential prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Since glycerophospholipids (GPs) play a crucial role in DHA transport to the brain, we explored their biosynthesis and remodeling pathways with a focus on cerebral PUFA remodeling. Following this, we discussed the brain content and biological properties of phospholipids (PLs) and Lyso-PLs with omega-3 PUFA focusing on DHA’s beneficial effects in healthy conditions and brain disorders. We emphasized the cerebral accretion of DHA when esterified at sn-2 position of PLs and Lyso-PLs. Finally, we highlighted the importance of DHA-rich Lyso-PLs’ development for pharmaceutical applications since most commercially available DHA formulations are in the form of PLs or triglycerides, which are not the preferred transporter of DHA to the brain.     

一种氯乙酸生产中控分析的新方法

以重氮甲烷为酯化剂,用气相色谱法对氯乙酸生产的中控分析进行了研究。反应液酯化处理后,在柱温１５０℃,以１０％ＳＥ－３０／白色硅烷化１０１担体作固定相进行色谱分析。结果与化学法测定值的绝对误差为±０．５１％,各组分测定值的标准偏差≤０．５２。该方法可用于氯乙酸生产过程的中间控制。     

炭基固体酸对芳香酸酯化反应的催化性能研究

通过重氮盐还原反应对活性炭进行磺化处理,制备炭基固体酸催化剂(简称炭催化剂),考察了炭催化剂对苯甲酸、苯乙酸、3-苯丙酸等芳香酸与乙醇的酯化反应的催化活性。结果表明,炭催化剂对苯甲酸的催化活性较低,反应10 h的催化效果仅为硫酸催化剂的6%;炭催化剂对苯乙酸、3-苯丙酸催化活性较高,10 h催化效果达到硫酸的89%。     

一种以乙酸为原料制备丙烯酸的方法

本文介绍了一种以乙酸和甲醛进行羟醛缩合反应制备丙烯酸的方法,该方法以煤为起始原料生产丙烯酸,克服了目前工业丙烯氧化法生产丙烯酸原料来源不足的问题。     

Not Just a Bystander: The Emerging Role of Astrocytes and Research Tools in Studying Cognitive Dysfunctions in Schizophrenia

Cognitive dysfunction is one of the core symptoms in schizophrenia, and it is predictive of functional outcomes and therefore useful for treatment targets. Rather than improving cognitive deficits, currently available antipsychotics mainly focus on positive symptoms, targeting dopaminergic/serotoninergic neurons and receptors in the brain. Apart from investigating the neural mechanisms underlying schizophrenia, emerging evidence indicates the importance of glial cells in brain structure development and their involvement in cognitive functions. Although the etiopathology of astrocytes in schizophrenia remains unclear, accumulated evidence reveals that alterations in gene expression and astrocyte products have been reported in schizophrenic patients. To further investigate the role of astrocytes in schizophrenia, we highlighted recent progress in the investigation of the effect of astrocytes on abnormalities in glutamate transmission and impairments in the blood–brain barrier. Recent advances in animal models and behavioral methods were introduced to examine schizophrenia-related cognitive deficits and negative symptoms. We also highlighted several experimental tools that further elucidate the role of astrocytes. Instead of focusing on schizophrenia as a neuron-specific disorder, an additional astrocytic perspective provides novel and promising insight into its causal mechanisms and treatment. The involvement of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and other brain disorders is worth further investigation.     

湿法磷酸生产中返淡磷酸控制方法的改进

针对湿法磷酸生产工艺中传统返回萃取反应槽淡磷酸的流程存在控制点多、控制参数不易调节稳定、流程复杂等问题,对此段工艺流程进行改造,实现单点调节控制,保证了湿法磷酸装置稳定长周期运行,改进的控制方法在实际运行中收到满意的效果。     

单宁酸磷酸酯的合成及其抗氧化性能评价

以单宁酸为原料、三聚磷酸钠为磷酰化试剂、尿素为催化剂进行磷酸化反应合成单宁酸磷酸酯。通过正交实验优化最佳合成工艺,并利用磷含量计算产率,通过傅里叶红外光谱(FT-IR)、紫外光谱(UV)表征其结构。研究了单宁酸磷酸酯的电导性,并利用其对羟基自由基(·OH)和超氧阴离子自由基(·O_2~-)的清除能力评价了抗氧化性能。结果表明,最佳合成工艺条件为n(单宁酸)∶n(三聚磷酸钠)=1∶1、反应时间为18 h、反应温度为65℃,在此条件下的产率可达86.02%。产物的电导率与其质量浓度呈显著正相关,并在一定浓度下电导率比相应单宁酸高出10~15倍;当质量浓度为1 g/L时,产物与单宁酸对·OH和·O_2~-清除率分别为75%和55%。结果证明,在优化的最佳条件下产率较高,所合成的单宁酸磷酸酯具有较好的抗氧化活性。