Given the failure of all clinical trials with cytoprotective therapy in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), new candidate therapy should have a pleiotropic effect which corresponds to the complex profile of ICH pathogenesis. Here, we propose that nuclear factor-erythroid E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a pleiotropic protein that regulates transcription of a battery of key cytoprotective, detoxifying, and phagocytosis-regulating genes represents a promising target for ICH therapy. Preliminary data suggest: (1) Cytoprotection: Activators of Nrf2 after ICH in rodents reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and protect brain cells from damage, while Nrf2 gene deletion has the opposite effect; (2) Hematoma resolution: Activators of Nrf2 promote phagocytosis by brain microglia/macrophages and accelerate hematoma resolution in mice after ICH. This process is linked to Nrf2-mediated CD36 scavenger receptor expression, since blocking Nrf2 and CD36 inhibits phagocytosis by microglia. In addition, Nrf2-mediated clearance of neurotoxic hemoglobin could be through Nrf2- driven haptoglobin (Hp) expression, as Nrf2-activation improves, and severe hypohaptoglobinemia retards hemoglobin clearance after ICH. Thus, the overall hypothesis is that Nrf2 is a viable target in protecting the brain from damage during the both early and late stages of ICH pathology.
Three Specific Aims (SA) are included: (SA1) investigates Nrf2 as a regulator of cytoprotection and inflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage in an ICH-like in vitro model. We will subject primary neurons or microglia to """"""""ICH-like"""""""" environment and establish its consequences: cell death, oxidative stress, inflammatory response (microglia). Next, we will establish the cytoprotective role of Nrf2 (including preservation of phagocytotic functions) by using cells from Nrf2 deficient mice, DNA decoy to inhibit Nrf2, gene transfer to overexpress Nrf2, and pharmacologic agents to activate Nrf2. (SA2) Investigate Nrf2 as a mechanism to promote hematoma resolution after ICH. We will use Nrf2-, CD36-, and Hp-deficient mice (or microglia isolated from these mice) to explore the role of Nrf2 and its downstream targets, as well as CD36 and Hp, in hematoma resolution and their impact on secondary brain damage. (SA3) Investigate the clinical utility of sulforaphane (Nrf2 activator) as a treatment for ICH. We will use blood injection model of ICH in mouse to optimize conditions for the treatment of ICH with SF. We will first establish an optimal therapeutic dose with respect to the highest efficiency, safety, duration of treatment, and longest time window for effective treatment for ICH in mice. Our long term goal is to explore pharmacological and molecular therapies that will reduce ICH pathogenesis and improve functional recovery.

Public Health Relevance

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 10 to 15% of all strokes and has a one-year mortality rate greater than 50-60%. There is no FDA approved effective treatment for ICH. In our study, we will determine if activation of transcription factor Nrf2, which regulates expression of many genes that increase resistance of brain cells to ICH- induced damage, may represent a viable target for ICH treatment. Our goal is to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of Nrf2's beneficial effect, and to establish the initial pharmacologic criteria for therapies using Nrf2-based approach. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS060768-01A1
Application #
7526910
Study Section
Brain Injury and Neurovascular Pathologies Study Section (BINP)
Program Officer
Golanov, Eugene V
Project Start
2008-08-01
Project End
2013-05-31
Budget Start
2008-08-01
Budget End
2009-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$327,852
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800771594
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77225
Zhao, Xiurong; Zhang, Liyan; Ting, Shun-Ming et al. (2016) Phagocytosis Assay of Microglia for Dead Neurons in Primary Rat Brain Cell Cultures. Bio Protoc 6:
Zhao, Xiu-Rong; Gonzales, Nicole; Aronowski, Jaroslaw (2015) Pleiotropic role of PPAR? in intracerebral hemorrhage: an intricate system involving Nrf2, RXR, and NF-?B. CNS Neurosci Ther 21:357-66
Zhao, Xiurong; Sun, Guanghua; Ting, Shun-Ming et al. (2015) Cleaning up after ICH: the role of Nrf2 in modulating microglia function and hematoma clearance. J Neurochem 133:144-52
Zhao, Xiurong; Sun, Guanghua; Zhang, Jie et al. (2015) Dimethyl Fumarate Protects Brain From Damage Produced by Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Mechanism Involving Nrf2. Stroke 46:1923-8
Zhao, Xiurong; Sun, Guanghua; Zhang, Han et al. (2014) Polymorphonuclear neutrophil in brain parenchyma after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage. Transl Stroke Res 5:554-61
Zhao, Xiurong; Aronowski, Jaroslaw (2013) Nrf2 to pre-condition the brain against injury caused by products of hemolysis after ICH. Transl Stroke Res 4:71-75
Zhao, Xiurong; Song, Shen; Sun, Guanghua et al. (2011) Cytoprotective role of haptoglobin in brain after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage. Acta Neurochir Suppl 111:107-12
Aronowski, Jaroslaw; Zhao, Xiurong (2011) Molecular pathophysiology of cerebral hemorrhage: secondary brain injury. Stroke 42:1781-6
Zhao, Xiurong; Grotta, James; Gonzales, Nicole et al. (2009) Hematoma resolution as a therapeutic target: the role of microglia/macrophages. Stroke 40:S92-4
Zhao, Xiurong; Song, Shen; Sun, Guanghua et al. (2009) Neuroprotective role of haptoglobin after intracerebral hemorrhage. J Neurosci 29:15819-27