Publications by authors named "Babes A"

Background: Transient receptor potential channels (TRP) are overexpressed in some pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients and cell lines, settling them as putative therapeutic targets in this disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), with levels increased in PDAC, modulate some members of the TRP family renamed "redox channels". Here, we investigate the direct effects of 4-hydroxinonenal (4-HNE) on TRPA1, natively expressed in PDAC cell lines and in association with cell migration and cell cycle progression.

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Background: Allergies often present challenges in managing itch and the effects of histamine. Cooling agents that act via transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) agonism have shown potential in itch management. However, animal studies on itch have limitations, as animals cannot communicate subjective events and their fur-coated skin differs from that of humans.

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Removing water from wet fur or feathers is important for thermoregulation in warm-blooded animals. The "wet dog shake" (WDS) behavior has been largely characterized in mammals but to a much lesser extent in birds. Although it is known that TRPM8 is the main molecular transducer of low temperature in mammals, it is not clear if wetness-induced shaking in furred and feathered animals is dependent on TRPM8.

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Background And Purpose: The TRPM8 ion channel is involved in innocuous cold sensing and has a potent anti-inflammatory action. Its activation by lower temperature or chemical agonists such as menthol and icilin induces analgesic effects, reversing hypersensitivity and reducing chronic pain. On the other hand, prostacyclin (PGI) enhances pain and inflammation by activating the IP receptors.

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The study examined soil and honey samples from the Maramureș region, assessing potentially toxic elements and their concentrations. The highest concentrations were found for (Cu), (Zn), (Pb), (Cr), (Ni), (Cd), (Co), and (As), while (Hg) remained below the detection limit. Samples near anthropogenic sources displayed elevated metal levels, with the Aurul settling pond and Herja mine being major contamination sources.

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Background: Diabetic metabolism causes changes of the chemical milieu including accumulation of reactive carbonyl species, for example, methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO activates chemosensitive TRPA1 on nociceptors, but the contribution to neuronal pathophysiology causing pain and hyperalgesia in diabetic neuropathy is not fully understood.

Methods: We employed single-nerve-fiber recordings in type 2 diabetes patients with (spDN) and without cutaneous pain (DN) and in streptozotocin-diabetic and healthy mice.

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Artemisinin and its derivatives are the main therapeutic drugs against Plasmodium protists, the causative agents of malaria. While several putative mechanisms of action have been proposed, the precise molecular targets of these compounds have not been fully elucidated. In addition to their antimalarial properties, artemisinins have been reported to act as anti-tumour agents and certain antinociceptive effects have also been proposed.

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The most widely used formalin test to screen antinociceptive drug candidates is still apostrophized as targeting inflammatory pain, in spite of strong opposing evidence published. In our rat skin-nerve preparation ex vivo, recording from all classes of sensory single-fibers (n = 32), 30 units were transiently excited by formaldehyde concentrations 1-100 mM applied to receptive fields (RFs) for 3 min, C and Aδ-fibers being more sensitive (1-30 mM) than Aβ-fibers. From 30 mM on, ~1% of the concentration usually injected in vivo, all RFs were defunctionalized and conduction in an isolated sciatic nerve preparation was irreversibly blocked.

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Over the last 17 years since its cloning in 2003, the receptor-channel TRPA1 has received increasing attention due to its polymodal features and prominent role in pain signaling in a variety of human disease states. While evidence has been accumulating for non-neuronal TRPA1 expression, it is the presence of this channel in nociceptive nerve endings which has taken centre stage, due to its potential clinical ramifications. As a consequence, we shall focus in this review on the sensory functions of TRPA1 related to its expression in the peripheral nervous system.

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The transient receptor potential ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) channel belongs to the TRP superfamily of ion channels. TRPA1 is a membrane protein with multiple functions able to respond to noxious stimuli, reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines or pungent substances, and it participates in pain signalling, taste, inflammation and various steps of the tumorigenic process. To date, no reports have addressed the expression and function of TRPA1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells.

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Background: PUVA (psoralen UVA) therapy is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as vitiligo psoriasis, eczema and mycosis fungoides, but it is frequently accompanied by phototoxicity leading to burning pain, itch and erythema.

Methods: We used a combination of calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging, patch clamp and neuropeptide release measurement to investigate whether certain ion channels involved in pain and itch signalling could be responsible for these adverese effects of PUVA.

Results: Clinically used psoralen derivatives 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and 5-methoxypsoralen at physiologically relevant concentrations were able to activate and photosensitize two recombinant thermoTRP (temperature-gated Transient Receptor Potential) ion channels, TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin type 1) and TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type 1).

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Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) released by platelets, mast cells, and immunocytes is a potent inflammatory mediator which modulates pain and itch sensing in the peripheral nervous system. The serotonergic receptors expressed by primary afferent neurons involved in these sensory functions are not fully identified and appear to be to a large extent species dependent. Moreover, the mechanisms through which 5-HT receptor activation is coupled to changes in neuronal excitability have not been completely revealed.

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The TREK family of leak potassium channels has been found to play critical roles in nociception, sensitivity to general anaesthetics, neuroprotection, and memory. The three members of the family, TREK1, TREK2 and TRAAK establish the resting potential and modify the duration, frequency and amplitude of action potentials. Despite their apparent importance, the repertoire of regulatory interactions utilized by cells to control their expression is poorly understood.

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The transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 (TRPM8) receptor channel is expressed in primary afferent neurons where it is the main transducer of innocuous cold temperatures and also in a variety of tumors, where it is involved in progression and metastasis. Modulation of this channel by intracellular signaling pathways has therefore important clinical implications. We investigated the modulation of recombinant and natively expressed TRPM8 by the Src kinase, which is known to be involved in cancer pathophysiology and inflammation.

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Background: The α -adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine, is used at high concentrations as a mydriatic agent and for the treatment of nasal congestion. Among its adverse side-effects transient burning sensations are reported indicating activation of the trigeminal nociceptive system.

Methods: Neuropeptide release, calcium imaging and meningeal blood flow recordings were applied in rodent models of meningeal nociception to clarify possible receptor mechanisms underlying these pain phenomena.

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The aminosteroid U73122 is frequently used as a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor and as such was used to investigate PLC-dependent activation and modulation of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) receptor channel. However, U73122 was recently shown to activate recombinant TRPA1 directly, albeit this interaction was not further explored. Our aim was to perform a detailed characterization of this agonistic action of U73122 on TRPA1.

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Praziquantel is the most effective anthelminthic drug for the treatment of schistosomiasis, an infectious disease caused by the platyhelminth Schistosoma mansoni. While praziquantel is known to trigger calcium influx into schisostomes, followed by spastic paralysis of the worms and tegumental disruption, the mechanism of action of the drug is not completely understood. Although relatively well tolerated, praziquantel has been reported to cause mild adverse effects, including nausea, abdominal pain and headaches.

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Loss-of-function mutations in the enzyme 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase are responsible for the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, in which 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) levels are markedly increased in the plasma and tissues of patients. This increase in 7-DHC is probably associated with the painful and itchy photosensitivity reported by the majority of patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. To identify the molecular targets involved in the activation and photosensitization of primary afferents by 7-DHC, we focused on TRPA1 and TRPV1, two ion channels expressed in nociceptive nerve endings and previously shown to respond to ultraviolet and visible light under pathophysiological circumstances.

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We demonstrate a novel dual strategy against inflammation and pain through body-wide desensitization of nociceptors via TRPA1. Attenuation of experimental colitis by capsazepine (CPZ) has long been attributed to its antagonistic action on TRPV1 and associated inhibition of neurogenic inflammation. In contrast, we found that CPZ exerts its anti-inflammatory effects via profound desensitization of TRPA1.

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Unlabelled: Photosensitization, an exaggerated sensitivity to harmless light, occurs genetically in rare diseases, such as porphyrias, and in photodynamic therapy where short-term toxicity is intended. A common feature is the experience of pain from bright light. In human subjects, skin exposure to 405 nm light induced moderate pain, which was intensified by pretreatment with aminolevulinic acid.

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The transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family is well characterized in sensory neurons; however, little is known about its role in the immune system. Here we show that the cold-sensing TRPM8 has an unexpected role in innate immunity. TRPM8 expression and function in macrophages were demonstrated in vitro using molecular techniques and calcium imaging.

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Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound involved in protein modifications linked to diabetes mellitus. The plasma level of MG is elevated in diabetic patients, particularly those with painful diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is often associated with spontaneous pain and altered thermal perception.

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Nitroxyl (HNO) is a redox sibling of nitric oxide (NO) that targets distinct signalling pathways with pharmacological endpoints of high significance in the treatment of heart failure. Beneficial HNO effects depend, in part, on its ability to release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) through an unidentified mechanism. Here we propose that HNO is generated as a result of the reaction of the two gasotransmitters NO and H2S.

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Objective: Recently, the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel has emerged as a putative biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). This study aimed to evaluate the expression of TRPM8 and its modulation by specific agonists and antagonists in PDA cells.

Methods: We examined the protein expression of TRPM8 in 3 different PDA cell lines and compared it with a nontumoral epithelial cell line of human pancreatic origin using Western blotting and immunocytochemical analysis.

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