New insights into brain health

Microglia are the brain’s immune cells known to play a vital role in maintaining neural function and responding to potential threats. However, when the brain is subjected to hyperosmotic stress—a condition characterized by elevated extracellular sodium levels, the microglial response can become exaggerated, leading to potentially harmful effects. Understanding the mechanisms behind this heightened response is crucial for the treatment of hypernatremia-induced neurological dysfunctions.

To address this issue, a research team led by Professor Yoshihisa Sugimura from the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Fujita Health University, Japan explored the effects of hyperosmotic stress on microglial cells. The study was co-authored by Sachiho Fuse, Haruki Fujisawa, and Atsushi Suzuki from the same department and the findings were published in the journal Peptides on June 20, 2024.

In this study, the researchers focused on the role of NFAT5, a transcription factor known for regulating cellular responses to osmotic stress. Despite NFAT5’s well-established role in other cell types, its function in microglia was not well understood. Hence, the researchers aimed to determine whether NFAT5 influences the expression of NOS2, an enzyme involved in NO production, under hyperosmotic conditions. Additionally, the researchers evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of minocycline, an anti-inflammatory drug, on microglial responses to hyperosmotic stress.

First, the researchers subjected the BV-2 microglial cells to hyperosmotic stress by increasing extracellular sodium concentrations by 20 and 40 mM above normal levels. They measured changes in NFAT5 expression, NOS2 expression, and NO production. Additionally, they explored the role of the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger, NCX in this process and investigated the effects of minocycline.

Elaborating on the findings, Prof. Sugimura says, “The results revealed that acute and chronic hyperosmotic stress significantly increased NFAT5 expression in BV-2 microglial cells. This upregulation of NFAT5 was associated with enhanced NOS2 expression and increased NO production, indicating that NFAT5 plays a crucial role in modulating microglial responses to hyperosmotic stress.” The study also highlighted the role of the NCX in this process.

Adding further, Prof. Sugimura says, “Hyperosmotic stress triggered Ca²⁺ efflux through NCX, contributing to elevated NOS2 expression and NO production.” This finding aligns with previous research on macrophages revealing unique aspects of microglial physiology. Interestingly, this process seemed to operate independently of NFAT5, suggesting multiple activation pathways are involved in the microglial response to hyperosmotic stress.

Additionally, the researchers found that minocycline effectively inhibited NOS2 expression and NO production induced by hyperosmotic stress, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for managing conditions associated with elevated sodium levels. However, the inhibitory effect of minocycline appeared to be independent of NFAT5, indicating other underlying mechanisms.

Moving forward, the researchers recommend undertaking future investigations into the differences in microglial behavior under acute versus chronic hyperosmotic stress and the precise role of NFAT5 in these processes. Validating these findings with animal models will provide a deeper understanding of hyperosmotic stress’s impact on microglial function in more complex biological contexts.

Additionally, investigating other potential therapeutic agents and further examining how minocycline acts on microglia could lead to the development of more targeted and effective strategies to address electrolyte imbalances and their effects on neurological health.

In conclusion, these findings shed light on the cellular mechanisms of microglial activation in response to hyperosmotic stress, highlighting the roles of NFAT5 and NCX, and supporting the therapeutic potential of minocycline. The study provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians tackling the challenges of neurological dysfunctions linked to hypernatremia.