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Biomedical subjects

Eva L Feldman

Publications and source records attributed to Eva L Feldman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Receptor for advanced glycation end products activation injures primary sensory neurons via oxidative stress.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) may promote diabetic vascular and renal disease through the activation of intracellular signaling pathways that promote oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a mediator of hyperglycemia-induced cell injury and a unifying theme for all mechanisms of diabetic complications, but there are few studies on the expression and potential contribution of RAGE in diabetic neuropathy. The current study demonstrates that dorsal root ganglia neurons express functional RAGE and respond to the RAGE ligand S100 with similar downstream signaling, oxidative stress, and cellular injury as other diabetic complication-prone tissues. RAGE-induced phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activity is associated with formation of reactive oxygen species, caspase-3 activation, and nuclear DNA degradation. These events are prevented by treatment with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Our data indicate that therapies aimed at decreasing RAGE ligands, blocking RAGE signaling, or preventing oxidative stress could significantly decrease the development of neuropathy in diabetic patients.

Animals↗

Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor expression regulates neuroblastoma metastasis to bone.

Neuroblastoma is a pediatric tumor that preferentially metastasizes to bone. Patients with bone metastases have a mortality rate >93%, indicating a need for novel treatment targets. Our laboratory has shown that type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) expression and activation regulate neuroblastoma cell proliferation, motility, invasion, and survival, and that expression of the IGF-IR correlates with neuroblastoma tumorigenicity. Bone expresses large amounts of IGF ligands, and the IGF system is required for normal bone physiology. The current study addresses the role of the IGF system in neuroblastoma metastasis to bone. Upon reaching the bone marrow through the circulation, neuroblastoma cells must dock at the bone marrow endothelium, extravasate into the bone microenvironment, and destroy bone tissue to allow for tumor growth. This report examines the effects of high IGF-IR expression on neuroblastoma cell interaction with bone. The current data show that neuroblastoma cells with high IGF-IR expression, either endogenously or through transfection, adhere to human bone marrow endothelial cells and subsequently migrate toward both IGF-I and human bone stromal cells. High IGF-IR-expressing neuroblastoma cells adhere tightly to bone stromal cells, flatten, and extend processes. When neuroblastoma cells are injected directly into the tibiae of mice, those cells with increased IGF-IR form both osteolytic lesions within the tibiae and secondary tumors within other sites. These results support the hypothesis that IGF-IR expression in neuroblastoma cells increases tumor cell interaction with the bone microenvironment, resulting in greater formation of metastases.

Animals↗

Mitochondria in DRG neurons undergo hyperglycemic mediated injury through Bim, Bax and the fission protein Drp1.

Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons degenerate in diabetic neuropathy (DN) and exhibit mitochondrial damage. We studied mitochondria of cultured DRG neurons exposed to high glucose as an in vitro model of DN. High glucose sequentially increases the expression, activation and localization of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bim and Bax and the mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-regulated protein 1 (Drp1). High glucose causes association of Drp1/Bax, similar to other apoptotic stimuli. Collectively, these events promote mitochondrial fragmentation and reduce mitochondrial number, suggestive of apoptotic mitochondrial fission. Drp1 is also upregulated in DRG from experimentally diabetic rats, suggesting a role for mitochondrial fission in DN. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) protects high glucose-treated DRG neurons by preventing mitochondrial accumulation of Bim and Bax but does not modulate Drp1 expression or localization. We propose that mitochondria are compromised by convergence of Bim/Bax proteins with Drp1, which contributes to high glucose-induced injury in DRG neurons.

Animals↗

Longitudinal assessment of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation adjustments in ALS patients.

The absence of data guiding optimal titration of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) over time in ALS patients may contribute to the under-prescribing of NIPPV. We conducted a retrospective, single-center, chart review assessment of NIPPV pressure settings used for symptomatic treatment of ALS patients to determine NIPPV adjustments, and to compare survival between those who were tolerant and intolerant to NIPPV. All subjects were started on nocturnal NIPPV at 8 and 3 cm H2O inspiratory and expiratory pressure, respectively. Of the 18 tolerant subjects identified, 4 (22%) had no NIPPV pressure changes before death; 8 (44%), 1 change; 4 (22%), 2 changes; 1 (6%), 3 changes; and 1 (6%), 5 changes. Most pressure changes occurred during the first year of NIPPV initiation. The maximum pressure needed for comfort by any patient in this study was 19/5 cm H2O, while 4 (22%) found the original 8/3 cm H2O settings to be sufficient until death. Subjects in the tolerant group had better survival, when adjusting for age and site of symptom onset (bulbar versus limb), with a hazard ratio of 0.23 [95% confidence interval: 0.10, 0.54]. The current data suggest that ALS patients who are tolerant to NIPPV typically need at least one upward change in pressure settings. Tolerance to relatively low NIPPV inspiratory pressures is associated with improved survival.

Aged↗

Mechanisms of disease: mitochondria as new therapeutic targets in diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus, and it imposes a considerable burden on a patient's quality of life and the health-care system. Despite the prevalence and severity of DN, there are no effective treatments. Pathogenetic evidence suggests that DN is marked by degeneration of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in peripheral nerves, and that DRG mitochondria are particularly affected. DRG mitochondria are especially vulnerable because they are the origin of reactive oxygen species production in the hyperglycemic neuron. Accumulating evidence indicates that neuronal mitochondria are subject to damage at the level of their DNA, and their outer and inner membranes, and also via deregulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins that control mitochondrial shape and number. This Review will survey the mechanisms of mitochondrial degeneration in the pathogenesis of DN, highlighting potential mitochondrial sites for therapeutic intervention.

Animals↗

Evaluation of sham non-invasive ventilation for randomized, controlled trials in ALS.

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIV) treatment of advanced respiratory insufficiency prolongs survival in ALS. To investigate the critical question of whether earlier initiation of NIV might provide additional benefit, a randomized trial with an appropriate placebo is needed. This study evaluated sub-therapeutic (sham) continuous positive airway pressure as a potential placebo. In a single-blind design, 40 ALS patients with forced vital capacity>50% were randomized to receive 30 seconds (s) of either active NIV, with 8 cm H2O inspiratory and 4 cm H2O expiratory pressure, or sham NIV with<1 cm of H2O continuous positive airway pressure at the mask. A questionnaire was then used to assess whether subjects thought that they had received a "real" or "pretend" treatment trial. The subjects' median age was 60.5 years, and 38% were female. Twelve of 20 subjects (60%) who received active NIV and 7 (35%) of the 20 subjects who received sham thought that they had tried the active treatment (p = 0.11). Only 8 (20%) of all subjects were confident about their determination that they had received "real" or "pretend" NIV. Thus, sub-therapeutic (sham) continuous positive airway pressure is a promising placebo control for NIV trials in ALS.

Aged↗

Lifestyle intervention for pre-diabetic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) as a sensitive measure of neuropathy change in patients with neuropathy associated with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) receiving lifestyle intervention based on that used in the Diabetes Prevention Program. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed 3-mm skin biopsies with measurement of IENFD at the distal leg and proximal thigh at baseline and after 1 year in 32 subjects with IGT. Each received individualized diet and exercise counseling as a standard of care. Nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing, quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing, and the Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy score were performed, and a visual analog pain scale was completed. Two-hour oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) following the American Diabetes Association guidelines were performed, and serum lipid levels were measured at baseline and 1 year later. RESULTS: Baseline distal IENFD was 0.9 +/- 1.2 fibers/mm and proximal IENFD was 4.8 +/- 2.3 fibers/mm. Baseline distal IENFD correlated with fasting glucose (P < 0.001) and OGTT (P < 0.01). After 1 year of treatment, there was a 0.3 +/- 1.1-fiber/mm improvement in distal IENFD and a 1.4 +/- 2.3-fiber/mm improvement in proximal IENFD (P < 0.004). The change in proximal IENFD correlated with decreased neuropathic pain (P < 0.05) and a change in sural sensory amplitude (P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that diet and exercise counseling for IGT results in cutaneous reinnervation and improved pain. Skin biopsy was the most sensitive measure of neuropathy change over 1 year. IENFD should be included as an end point in future neuropathy trials.

Aged↗

Neuropathy among the diabetes control and complications trial cohort 8 years after trial completion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of prior intensive diabetes therapy on neuropathy among former Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) participants. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: At the conclusion of the DCCT, subjects in the intensive group were encouraged to maintain intensive therapy, and subjects in the conventional group were encouraged to begin intensive therapy. Thereafter, we annually assessed neuropathy as part of the Epidemiology of Diabetes Intervention and Complications (EDIC) study. Neuropathy was defined using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). We recorded potential adverse consequences of neuropathy. RESULTS: At the first EDIC examination, 1,257 subjects participated in the neuropathy assessment. Consistent with DCCT results, the former intensive group showed a lower prevalence of neuropathy than the conventional group based on positive questionnaire (1.8 vs. 4.7%; P = 0.003) or examination (17.8 vs. 28.0%; P < 0.0001) results. Despite similar levels of glycemic control, symptoms and signs of neuropathy remained less prevalent among the former intensive group compared with the conventional group. At the beginning of the EDIC study, prior intensive therapy reduced the odds of having symptoms and signs of neuropathy using MNSI criteria by 64% (P = 0.0044) and 45% (P < 0.0001), respectively, with similar odds reductions observed for both neuropathic symptoms (51%, P < 0.0001) and neuropathic signs (43%, P < 0.0001) across 8 years of EDIC follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of 6.5 years of intensive therapy on neuropathy status extended for at least 8 years beyond the end of the DCCT, similar to the findings described for diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1↗

Insulin-like growth factor I induces preferential degradation of insulin receptor substrate-2 through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in human neuroblastoma cells.

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) signaling is regulated through serine/threonine phosphorylation, with subsequent IRS degradation. This study examines the differences in IRS-1 and IRS-2 degradation in human neuroblastoma cells. SH-EP cells are glial-like, express low levels of the type I IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and IRS-2 and high levels of IRS-1. SH-SY5Y cells are neuroblast-like, with high levels of IGF-IR and IRS-2 but virtually no IRS-1. When stimulated with IGF-I, IRS-1 expression remains constant in SH-EP cells; however, IRS-2 in SH-SY5Y cells shows time- and concentration-dependent degradation, which requires IGF-IR activation. SH-EP cells transfected with IRS-2 and SH-SY5Y cells transfected with IRS-1 show that only IRS-2 is degraded by IGF-I treatment. When SH-EP cells are transfected with IGF-IR or suppressor of cytokine signaling, IRS-1 is degraded by IGF-I treatment. IRS-1 and -2 degradation are almost completely blocked by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors and partially by proteasome inhibitors. In summary, 1) IRS-2 is more sensitive to IGF-I-mediated degradation; 2) IRS degradation is mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and proteasome sensitive pathways; and 3) high levels of IGF-IR, and possibly the subsequent increase in Akt phosphorylation, are required for efficient IRS degradation.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Short-term hyperglycemia produces oxidative damage and apoptosis in neurons.

Dorsal root ganglia neurons in culture die through programmed cell death when exposed to elevated glucose, providing an in vitro model system for the investigation of the mechanisms leading to diabetic neuropathy. This study examines the time course of programmed cell death induction, regulation of cellular antioxidant capacity, and the protective effects of antioxidants in neurons exposed to hyperglycemia. We demonstrate that the first 2 h of hyperglycemia are sufficient to induce oxidative stress and programmed cell death. Using fluorimetric analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, in vitro assays of antioxidant enzymes, and immunocytochemical assays of cell death, we demonstrate superoxide formation, inhibition of aconitase, and lipid peroxidation within 1 h of hyperglycemia. These are followed by caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Antioxidant potential increases by 3-6 h but is insufficient to protect these neurons. Application of the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid potently prevents glucose-induced oxidative stress and cell death. This study identifies cellular therapeutic targets to prevent diabetic neuropathy. Since oxidative stress is a common feature of the micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes, the present findings have broad application to the treatment of diabetic patients.

Aconitate Hydratase↗

Integrin-linked kinase complexes with caveolin-1 in human neuroblastoma cells.

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and caveolin-1 (cav-1) are implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. Overexpression of ILK leads to altered expression of cell cycle regulators, a decreased level of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, a decreased level of apoptosis, in vitro phosphorylation of Akt, and tumor formation in nude mice. Conversely, cav-1 expression is frequently downregulated in many forms of cancer. We examined whether ILK and cav-1 interact in SHEP human neuroblastoma cells because ILK is present in caveolae-enriched membranes and contains a putative cav-binding domain. SHEP cells were stably transfected with vector, wild-type ILK (ILK-wt), kinase-deficient ILK (ILK-kd), or mutant cav-binding domain ILK (ILK-mutCavbd). Control SHEP cells and ILK transfectants express high levels of ILK and cav-1. Immunoprecipitation with anti-cav-1 co-immunoprecipitates a 59 kDa protein that is immunoreactive with the anti-ILK antibody, and this interaction is partially prevented in cells expressing ILK-mutCavbd. Cav-1 and ILK partially colocalize in SHEP cells, also supporting these data. Last, affinity chromatography with a biotinylated cav-scaffolding domain peptide precipitates ILK-wt but not ILK-mutCavbd. These data suggest that the cav-binding domain of ILK and the cav-scaffolding domain of cav-1 mediate complex formation in human neuroblastoma cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Polyneuropathy with Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapy.

Prediabetes is associated with a length-dependent polyneuropathy that typically is sensory predominant and painful. A diagnosis of prediabetes should be sought in patients with otherwise idiopathic sensory-predominant neuropathy by doing a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Fasting plasma glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL or 2-hour glucose 140 to 199 mg/dL (impaired glucose tolerance) constitutes prediabetes. Most patients with neuropathy associated with prediabetes (NAP) are obese and show metabolic manifestations of insulin resistance, including hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Appropriate treatment addresses hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and neuropathic pain. Professionally administered individualized diet and exercise counseling (modeled on the Diabetes Prevention Program) has been shown to be more effective than glucose-lowering medications in preventing progression from impaired glucose tolerance to diabetes, and is the mainstay of treatment for all patients with NAP. The goals of this therapy should be a 5% to 7% reduction in weight and an increase to 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times weekly. Patients with prediabetes are at increased risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Therefore, risk reduction with control of hypertension and hyperlipidemia is essential. Neuropathic pain troubles nearly every patient with NAP, and often limits aerobic exercise. No trials have specifically addressed the patient population with NAP, and neuropathic pain treatment closely follows recommendations for diabetic neuropathy. Gabapentin, lamotrigine, and tricyclic antidepressants are well-validated first-line therapies. Adjunctive therapy with opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often are necessary. Diet and exercise seem to reduce neuropathic pain in patients with NAP.

Journal Article↗

Identification of candidate drugs for the treatment of ALS.

A consortium of investigators interested in neurodegenerative diseases collaborated to screen 1040 drugs in multiple neurodegenerative disease assays. One model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis in particular incorporated glutamate exposure in enriched primary rat motor neuron cultures. In this model 78 compounds decreased motor neuron death caused by 100 microM glutamate. Almost all these pharmacological agents act at one or more of the following cellular targets: 1) protein synthesis inhibition; 2) Cox inhibition; 3) regulation of anion flux; 4) modulation of GABA receptors; 5) antioxidant, and 6) cell cycle inhibition. The most prevalent mode of action was the regulation of intracellular calcium. These data extend the understanding of motor neuron degeneration and identify a number of cellular targets for the improvement of combined therapies for neurodegenerative disease.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

New developments in diabetic neuropathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetic neuropathy is a debilitating consequence of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia disrupts the normal function of neurons and their supporting glia at multiple levels. The complexity of this complication, combined with difficulties of delivering therapy to sensory, sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons, contributes to the intractability of this serious diabetic complication. This review summarizes recent reviews examining the state of research on and treatment of diabetic neuropathy and highlights areas of clinical and basic research that may yield new diagnostic and treatment options. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent reviews summarize the effects of hyperglycemia on the peripheral nervous system as well as diagnosis and treatment of patients with diabetic neuropathy. Advances in the analysis of intraepidermal fiber densities could shorten the time course of clinical trials and extend data analyses to include sympathetic as well as sensory information. Unchecked glucose-mediated oxidative stress and advanced glycation endproduct signaling through receptors for advanced glycation endproducts are implicated in diabetic neuropathy and may serve as new therapeutic targets. SUMMARY: The best efforts of countless investigators have yet to find effective treatments either to stop the progression of axonal degeneration and cell death or regrow damaged axons. Basic research into the prevention of oxidative stress caused by excess glucose as well as the prevention of advanced glycation endproduct/receptor for advanced glycation endproduct signaling may offer new therapeutic targets. The use of skin biopsies may aid in early detection of both sensory and autonomic neuropathy, and perhaps in the case of patients with type 2 diabetes, diagnose neuropathy prior to the onset of symptoms.

Animals↗

Insulin-like growth factors in the treatment of neurological disease.

Although the functional deficits of neurological diseases vary, they are all pathologically marked by neuronal degeneration. The ability of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to support both sensory and motor neuron regeneration has suggested its potential in treatment of neurological diseases. IGF-I is pleiotrophic, stimulating survival, neurite outgrowth and motility in neurons, as well as myelination of neurons by glia. Understanding the intracellular signaling pathways that mediate these pleiotrophic responses to IGF-I is important for tailoring IGF-I treatment to the appropriate neurological deficit. This review surveys the current understanding of IGF-I pleiotrophism, the underlying signaling conferring these effects, and the status of IGF-I in treatment of human neurological disorders.

Animals↗