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Zhang L, Wei J, Liu X, Li D, Pang X, Chen F, Cao H, Lei P. Gut microbiota-astrocyte axis: new insights into age-related cognitive decline. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:990-1008. [PMID: 38989933 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
With the rapidly aging human population, age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and the functions of astrocytes. The microbiota-gut-brain axis has been the focus of multiple studies and is closely associated with cognitive function. This article provides a comprehensive review of the specific changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in older individuals and discusses how the aging of astrocytes and reactive astrocytosis are closely related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. This article also summarizes the gut microbiota components that affect astrocyte function, mainly through the vagus nerve, immune responses, circadian rhythms, and microbial metabolites. Finally, this article summarizes the mechanism by which the gut microbiota-astrocyte axis plays a role in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Our findings have revealed the critical role of the microbiota-astrocyte axis in age-related cognitive decline, aiding in a deeper understanding of potential gut microbiome-based adjuvant therapy strategies for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingge Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Xilei Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dai Li
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqi Pang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Fanglian Chen
- Tianjin Neurological Institution, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Sobhi N, Abdollahi M, Arman A, Mahmoodpoor A, Jafarizadeh A. Methanol Induced Optic Neuropathy: Molecular Mysteries, Public Health Perspective, Clinical Insights and Treatment Strategies. Semin Ophthalmol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38804878 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2024.2358310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Methanol-induced optic neuropathy (MION) represents a critical public health issue, particularly prevalent in lower socioeconomic populations and regions with restricted alcohol access. MION, characterized by irreversible visual impairment, arises from the toxic metabolization of methanol into formaldehyde and formic acid, leading to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation inhibition, oxidative stress, and subsequent neurotoxicity. The pathogenesis involves axonal and glial cell degeneration within the optic nerve and potential retinal damage. Despite advancements in therapeutic interventions, a significant proportion of affected individuals endure persistent visual sequelae. The study comprehensively investigates the pathophysiology of MION, encompassing the absorption and metabolism of methanol, subsequent systemic effects, and ocular impacts. Histopathological changes, including alterations in retinal layers and proteins, Müller cell dysfunction, and visual symptoms, are meticulously examined to provide insights into the disease mechanism. Furthermore, preventive measures and public health perspectives are discussed to highlight the importance of awareness and intervention strategies. Therapeutic approaches, such as decontamination procedures, ethanol and fomepizole administration, hemodialysis, intravenous fluids, electrolyte balance management, nutritional therapy, corticosteroid therapy, and erythropoietin (EPO) treatment, are evaluated for their efficacy in managing MION. This comprehensive review underscores the need for increased awareness, improved diagnostic strategies, and more effective treatments to mitigate the impact of MION on global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Sobhi
- Nikookari Eye Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mirsaeed Abdollahi
- Nikookari Eye Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Arman
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ata Mahmoodpoor
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive care, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Jafarizadeh
- Nikookari Eye Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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3
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Yamamoto M, Sakai M, Yu Z, Nakanishi M, Yoshii H. Glial Markers of Suicidal Behavior in the Human Brain-A Systematic Review of Postmortem Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5750. [PMID: 38891940 PMCID: PMC11171620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a major public health priority, and its molecular mechanisms appear to be related to glial abnormalities and specific transcriptional changes. This study aimed to identify and synthesize evidence of the relationship between glial dysfunction and suicidal behavior to understand the neurobiology of suicide. As of 26 January 2024, 46 articles that met the inclusion criteria were identified by searching PubMed and ISI Web of Science. Most postmortem studies, including 30 brain regions, have determined no density or number of total Nissl-glial cell changes in suicidal patients with major psychiatric disorders. There were 17 astrocytic, 14 microglial, and 9 oligodendroglial studies using specific markers of each glial cell and further on their specific gene expression. Those studies suggest that astrocytic and oligodendroglial cells lost but activated microglia in suicides with affective disorder, bipolar disorders, major depression disorders, or schizophrenia in comparison with non-suicided patients and non-psychiatric controls. Although the data from previous studies remain complex and cannot fully explain the effects of glial cell dysfunction related to suicidal behaviors, they provide risk directions potentially leading to suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Yamamoto
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Mai Sakai
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Zhiqian Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Miharu Nakanishi
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hatsumi Yoshii
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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4
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Lahoud E, Moynier F, Luu TH, Mahan B, Borgne ML. Impact of aging on copper isotopic composition in the murine brain. Metallomics 2024; 16:mfae008. [PMID: 38289854 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is linked to alterations in metal homeostasis and changes in stable metal isotopic composition can occur, possibly allowing the latter to serve as relevant biomarkers for potential AD diagnosis. Copper stable isotopes are used to investigate changes in Cu homeostasis associated with various diseases. Prior work has shown that in AD mouse models, the accumulation of 63Cu in the brain is associated with the disease's progression. However, our understanding of how the normal aging process influences the brain's isotopic composition of copper remains limited. In order to determine the utility and predictive power of Cu isotopes in AD diagnostics, we aim-in this study-to develop a baseline trajectory of Cu isotopic composition in the normally aging mouse brain. We determined the copper concentration and isotopic composition in brains of 30 healthy mice (WT) ranging in age from 6 to 12 mo, and further incorporate prior data obtained for 3-mo-old healthy mice; this range approximately equates to 20-50 yr in human equivalency. A significant 65Cu enrichment has been observed in the 12-mo-old mice compared to the youngest group, concomitant with an increase in Cu concentration with age. Meanwhile, literature data for brains of AD mice display an enrichment in 63Cu isotope compared to WT. It is acutely important that this baseline enrichment in 65Cu is fully constrained and normalized against if any coherent diagnostic observations regarding 63Cu enrichment as a biomarker for AD are to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Lahoud
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, 1 rue Jussieu 75005, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Moynier
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, 1 rue Jussieu 75005, Paris, France
| | - Tu-Han Luu
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, 1 rue Jussieu 75005, Paris, France
| | - Brandon Mahan
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marie Le Borgne
- Université Paris Cité, LVTS, Inserm U1148, F-75018, Paris, France
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Bile A, Tari H, Pepino R, Nabizada A, Fazio E. Photorefraction Simulates Well the Plasticity of Neural Synaptic Connections. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:231. [PMID: 38667243 PMCID: PMC11047923 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9040231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the need for systems capable of achieving the dynamic learning and information storage efficiency of the biological brain has led to the emergence of neuromorphic research. In particular, neuromorphic optics was born with the idea of reproducing the functional and structural properties of the biological brain. In this context, solitonic neuromorphic research has demonstrated the ability to reproduce dynamic and plastic structures capable of learning and storing through conformational changes in the network. In this paper, we demonstrate that solitonic neural networks are capable of mimicking the functional behaviour of biological neural tissue, in terms of synaptic formation procedures and dynamic reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bile
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza Università di Roma, Via Scarpa 16, 00161 Roma, Italy; (H.T.); (R.P.); (A.N.); (E.F.)
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Sharma M, Aggarwal N, Mishra J, Panda JJ. Neuroglia targeting nano-therapeutic approaches to rescue aging and neurodegenerating brain. Int J Pharm 2024; 654:123950. [PMID: 38430951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite intense efforts at the bench, the development of successful brain-targeting therapeutics to relieve malicious neural diseases remains primitive. The brain, being a beautifully intricate organ, consists of heterogeneous arrays of neuronal and glial cells. Primarily acting as the support system for neuronal functioning and maturation, glial cells have been observed to be engaged more apparently in the progression and worsening of various neural pathologies. The diseased state is often related to metabolic alterations in glial cells, thereby modulating their physiological homeostasis in conjunction with neuronal dysfunction. A plethora of data indicates the effect of oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and DNA damage in neuroglia impairments. Still, a deeper insight is needed to gain a conflict-free understanding in this arena. As a consequence, glial cells hold the potential to be identified as promising targets for novel therapeutic approaches aimed at brain protection. In this review, we describe the recent strides taken in the direction of understanding the impact of oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and DNA damage on neuroglia impairment and neuroglia-directed nanotherapeutic approaches to mitigate the burden of various neural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sharma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Nidhi Aggarwal
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Jibanananda Mishra
- School of Biosciences, RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab 147301, India.
| | - Jiban Jyoti Panda
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India.
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Sočan V, Dolinar K, Kržan M. Transporters involved in adult rat cortical astrocyte dopamine uptake: Kinetics, expression and pharmacological modulation. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1296-1310. [PMID: 38054361 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, glial cells in the central nervous system, perform a multitude of homeostatic functions and are in constant bidirectional communication with neuronal cells, a concept named the tripartite synapse; however, their role in the dopamine homeostasis remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to clarify the pharmacological and molecular characteristics of dopamine transport in cultured cortical astrocytes of adult rats. In addition, we were interested in the expression of mRNA of dopamine transporters as well as dopamine receptors D1 and D2 and in the effect of dopaminergic drugs on the expression of these transporters and receptors. We have found that astrocytes possess both Na+-dependent and Na+-independent transporters. Uptake of radiolabelled dopamine was time-, temperature- and concentration-dependent and was inhibited by decynium-22, a plasma membrane monoamine transporter inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressants desipramine and nortriptyline, both inhibitors of the norepinephrine transporter. Results of transporter mRNA expression indicate that the main transporters involved in cortical astrocyte dopamine uptake are the norepinephrine transporter and plasma membrane monoamine transporter. Both dopamine receptor subtypes were identified in cortical astrocyte cultures. Twenty-four-hour treatment of astrocyte cultures with apomorphine, a D1/D2 agonist, induced upregulation of D1 receptor, norepinephrine transporter and plasma membrane monoamine transporter, whereas the latter was downregulated by haloperidol and L-DOPA. Astrocytes take up dopamine by multiple transporters and express dopamine receptors, which are sensitive to dopaminergic drugs. The findings of this study could open a promising area of research for the fine-tuning of existing therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Sočan
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Klemen Dolinar
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Kržan
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Ban XX, Wan H, Wan XX, Tan YT, Hu XM, Ban HX, Chen XY, Huang K, Zhang Q, Xiong K. Copper Metabolism and Cuproptosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:28-50. [PMID: 38336987 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-024-2832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace element, and plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes within the human body. During normal metabolism, the human body maintains copper homeostasis. Copper deficiency or excess can adversely affect cellular function. Therefore, copper homeostasis is stringently regulated. Recent studies suggest that copper can trigger a specific form of cell death, namely, cuproptosis, which is triggered by excessive levels of intracellular copper. Cuproptosis induces the aggregation of mitochondrial lipoylated proteins, and the loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins. In neurodegenerative diseases, the pathogenesis and progression of neurological disorders are linked to copper homeostasis. This review summarizes the advances in copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in the nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases. This offers research perspectives that provide new insights into the targeted treatment of neurodegenerative diseases based on cuproptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xia Ban
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 430013, China
| | - Hao Wan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 430013, China
| | - Xin-Xing Wan
- Department of Endocrinology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 430013, China
| | - Ya-Ting Tan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 430013, China
| | - Xi-Min Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 430013, China
| | - Hong-Xia Ban
- Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Xin-Yu Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 430013, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 430013, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 430013, China.
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 430013, China.
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 430013, China.
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Méndez-Flores OG, Hernández-Kelly LC, Olivares-Bañuelos TN, López-Ramírez G, Ortega A. Brain energetics and glucose transport in metabolic diseases: role in neurodegeneration. Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38294500 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2306427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurons and glial cells are the main functional and structural elements of the brain, and the former depends on the latter for their nutritional, functional and structural organization, as well as for their energy maintenance. METHODS Glucose is the main metabolic source that fulfills energetic demands, either by direct anaplerosis or through its conversion to metabolic intermediates. Development of some neurodegenerative diseases have been related with modifications in the expression and/or function of glial glucose transporters, which might cause physiological and/or pathological disturbances of brain metabolism. In the present contribution, we summarized the experimental findings that describe the exquisite adjustment in expression and function of glial glucose transporters from physiologic to pathologic metabolism, and its relevance to neurodegenerative diseases. RESULTS A exhaustive literature review was done in order to gain insight into the role of brain energetics in neurodegenerative disease. This study made evident a critical involvement of glucose transporters and thus brain energetics in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. DISCUSSION An exquisite adjustment in the expression and function of glial glucose transporters from physiologic to pathologic metabolism is a biochemical signature of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orquídea G Méndez-Flores
- División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), Villahermosa, México
| | - Luisa C Hernández-Kelly
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Gabriel López-Ramírez
- División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), Villahermosa, México
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
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Fernández-Albarral JA, Ramírez AI, de Hoz R, Matamoros JA, Salobrar-García E, Elvira-Hurtado L, López-Cuenca I, Sánchez-Puebla L, Salazar JJ, Ramírez JM. Glaucoma: from pathogenic mechanisms to retinal glial cell response to damage. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1354569. [PMID: 38333055 PMCID: PMC10850296 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1354569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of the retina characterized by the irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leading to visual loss. Degeneration of RGCs and loss of their axons, as well as damage and remodeling of the lamina cribrosa are the main events in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Different molecular pathways are involved in RGC death, which are triggered and exacerbated as a consequence of a number of risk factors such as elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), age, ocular biomechanics, or low ocular perfusion pressure. Increased IOP is one of the most important risk factors associated with this pathology and the only one for which treatment is currently available, nevertheless, on many cases the progression of the disease continues, despite IOP control. Thus, the IOP elevation is not the only trigger of glaucomatous damage, showing the evidence that other factors can induce RGCs death in this pathology, would be involved in the advance of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. The underlying mechanisms driving the neurodegenerative process in glaucoma include ischemia/hypoxia, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In glaucoma, like as other neurodegenerative disorders, the immune system is involved and immunoregulation is conducted mainly by glial cells, microglia, astrocytes, and Müller cells. The increase in IOP produces the activation of glial cells in the retinal tissue. Chronic activation of glial cells in glaucoma may provoke a proinflammatory state at the retinal level inducing blood retinal barrier disruption and RGCs death. The modulation of the immune response in glaucoma as well as the activation of glial cells constitute an interesting new approach in the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A. Fernández-Albarral
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I. Ramírez
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Matamoros
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Elvira-Hurtado
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Sánchez-Puebla
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J. Salazar
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Ramírez
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Livne-Bar I, Maurya S, Gronert K, Sivak JM. Lipoxins A 4 and B 4 inhibit glial cell activation via CXCR3 signaling in acute retinal neuroinflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:18. [PMID: 38212822 PMCID: PMC10782675 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03010-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipoxins are small lipids that are potent endogenous mediators of systemic inflammation resolution in a variety of diseases. We previously reported that Lipoxins A4 and B4 (LXA4 and LXB4) have protective activities against neurodegenerative injury. Yet, lipoxin activities and downstream signaling in neuroinflammatory processes are not well understood. Here, we utilized a model of posterior uveitis induced by lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS), which results in rapid retinal neuroinflammation primarily characterized by activation of resident macroglia (astrocytes and Müller glia), and microglia. Using this model, we observed that each lipoxin reduces acute inner retinal inflammation by affecting endogenous glial responses in a cascading sequence beginning with astrocytes and then microglia, depending on the timing of exposure; prophylactic or therapeutic. Subsequent analyses of retinal cytokines and chemokines revealed inhibition of both CXCL9 (MIG) and CXCL10 (IP10) by each lipoxin, compared to controls, following LPS injection. CXCL9 and CXCL10 are common ligands for the CXCR3 chemokine receptor, which is prominently expressed in inner retinal astrocytes and ganglion cells. We found that CXCR3 inhibition reduces LPS-induced neuroinflammation, while CXCR3 agonism alone induces astrocyte reactivity. Together, these data uncover a novel lipoxin-CXCR3 pathway to promote distinct anti-inflammatory and proresolution cascades in endogenous retinal glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izhar Livne-Bar
- Department of Vision Sciences, Donald K Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shubham Maurya
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Karsten Gronert
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Vision Science Program, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Infectious Disease and Immunity Program, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy M Sivak
- Department of Vision Sciences, Donald K Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Krembil Discovery Tower, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Canada.
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12
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Le YP, Saito K, Parajuli B, Sakai K, Kubota Y, Miyakawa M, Shinozaki Y, Shigetomi E, Koizumi S. Severity of Peripheral Infection Differentially Affects Brain Functions in Mice via Microglia-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17597. [PMID: 38139424 PMCID: PMC10743593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral infection induces inflammation in peripheral tissues and the brain, impacting brain function. Glial cells are key players in this process. However, the effects of peripheral infection on glial activation and brain function remain unknown. Here, we showed that varying degrees of peripheral infection had different effects on the regulation of brain functions by microglia-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Acute mild infection (one-day LPS challenge: 1LPS) exacerbated middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) injury, and severe infection (four-day LPS challenge: 4LPS) for one week suppressed it. MCAO injury was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. We observed early activation of microglia in the 1LPS and 4LPS groups. Depleting microglia with a colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) antagonist had no effect on 1LPS-induced brain injury exacerbation but abolished 4LPS-induced protection, indicating microglial independence and dependence, respectively. Microglia-independent exacerbation caused by 1LPS involved peripheral immune cells including macrophages. RNA sequencing analysis of 4LPS-treated microglia revealed increased factors related to anti-inflammatory and neuronal tissue repair, suggesting their association with the protective effect. In conclusion, varying degrees of peripheral inflammation had contradictory effects (exacerbation vs. protection) on MCAO, which may be attributed to microglial dependence. Our findings highlight the significant impact of peripheral infection on brain function, particularly in relation to glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Phung Le
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Y.-P.L.); (K.S.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (Y.K.); (M.M.); (Y.S.); (E.S.)
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kozo Saito
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Y.-P.L.); (K.S.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (Y.K.); (M.M.); (Y.S.); (E.S.)
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan
| | - Bijay Parajuli
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Y.-P.L.); (K.S.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (Y.K.); (M.M.); (Y.S.); (E.S.)
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kent Sakai
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Y.-P.L.); (K.S.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (Y.K.); (M.M.); (Y.S.); (E.S.)
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan
| | - Yuto Kubota
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Y.-P.L.); (K.S.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (Y.K.); (M.M.); (Y.S.); (E.S.)
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan
| | - Miho Miyakawa
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Y.-P.L.); (K.S.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (Y.K.); (M.M.); (Y.S.); (E.S.)
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan
| | - Youichi Shinozaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Y.-P.L.); (K.S.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (Y.K.); (M.M.); (Y.S.); (E.S.)
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan
| | - Eiji Shigetomi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Y.-P.L.); (K.S.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (Y.K.); (M.M.); (Y.S.); (E.S.)
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Y.-P.L.); (K.S.); (B.P.); (K.S.); (Y.K.); (M.M.); (Y.S.); (E.S.)
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan
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13
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Salikhova DI, Timofeeva AV, Golovicheva VV, Fatkhudinov TK, Shevtsova YA, Soboleva AG, Fedorov IS, Goryunov KV, Dyakonov AS, Mokrousova VO, Shedenkova MO, Elchaninov AV, Makhnach OV, Kutsev SI, Chekhonin VP, Silachev DN, Goldshtein DV. Extracellular vesicles of human glial cells exert neuroprotective effects via brain miRNA modulation in a rat model of traumatic brain injury. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20388. [PMID: 37989873 PMCID: PMC10663567 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47627-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders are widely studied. Paracrine factors secreted by stem cells in vitro and delivered intranasally might allow bypassing the disadvantages associated with a surgical cell delivery procedure with likely immune rejection of a transplant. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of the extracellular vesicles secreted by glial progenitor cells (GPC-EV) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cell in a traumatic brain injury model. Intranasal administration of GPC-EV to Wistar rats for 6 days improved sensorimotor functions assessed over a 14-day observation period. Beside, deep sequencing of microRNA transcriptome of GPC-EV was estimate, and was revealed 203 microRNA species that might be implicated in prevention of various brain pathologies. Modulation of microRNA pools might contribute to the observed decrease in the number of astrocytes that inhibit neurorecovery processes while enhancing neuroplasticity by decreasing phosphorylated Tau forms, preventing inflammation and apoptosis associated with secondary damage to brain tissue. The course of GPC-EV administration was promoted the increasing protein levels of NF-κB in studied areas of the rat brain, indicating NF-κB dependent mechanisms as a plausible route of neuroprotection within the damaged area. This investigation showed that GPC-EV may be representing a therapeutic approach in traumatic brain injury, though its translation into the clinic would require an additional research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana I Salikhova
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Medical Institute, RUDN University, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117198.
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russian Federation, 115522.
| | - Angelika V Timofeeva
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997
| | - Victoria V Golovicheva
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, 119992
| | - Timur Kh Fatkhudinov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Medical Institute, RUDN University, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117198
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery", Moscow, Russian Federation, 117418
| | - Yulia A Shevtsova
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, 119234
| | - Anna G Soboleva
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Medical Institute, RUDN University, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117198
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery", Moscow, Russian Federation, 117418
| | - Ivan S Fedorov
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997
| | - Kirill V Goryunov
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997
| | | | | | - Margarita O Shedenkova
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Medical Institute, RUDN University, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117198
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russian Federation, 115522
| | - Andrey V Elchaninov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery", Moscow, Russian Federation, 117418
| | - Oleg V Makhnach
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russian Federation, 115522
| | - Sergey I Kutsev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russian Federation, 115522
| | - Vladimir P Chekhonin
- The Serbsky State Scientific Center for Social and Forensic Psychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation, 119034
| | - Denis N Silachev
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, 119992.
| | - Dmitry V Goldshtein
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Medical Institute, RUDN University, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117198
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russian Federation, 115522
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14
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Zou Y, Li L, Guan L, Ma C, Yu S, Ma X, Mao C, Gao J, Qiu L. Research trends and hotspots of glial fibrillary acidic protein within the area of Alzheimer's disease: a bibliometric analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1196272. [PMID: 37829140 PMCID: PMC10565806 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1196272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Our aim was to analyze the trends and hotspots on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) within the area of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by using a bibliometric method, which is currently missing. Methods All articles and reviews on GFAP within the area of AD from inception to December 31, 2022, were searched from the Web of Science Core Collection. Full records were derived, imported into Microsoft Excel, and analyzed by BIBLIOMETRC, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Results In total, 2,269 publications, including 2,166 articles, were ultimately included. The number of publications from 81 countries/regions and 527 academic journals increased annually. The top three prolific countries and institutions were the USA, China, and England, the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), Universidade Federal Rio Grande do Sul (Brasilia), and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (England). Henrik Zetterberg from the University of Gothenburg, Kaj Blennow from the University of Gothenburg, and Alexei Verkhratsky from the University of Manchester were the top three prolific and cited authors; Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Brain Research, and Neuroscience contributed the most publications. The top key areas of research included "molecular, biology, and genetics" and "molecular, biology, and immunology," and the top published and linked meaningful keywords included oxidative stress, inflammation/neuroinflammation, microglia, hippocampus, amyloid, cognitive impairment, tau, and dysfunction. Conclusion Based on the bibliometric analysis, the number of publications on GFAP within the area of AD has been rapidly increasing, especially in the past several years. Oxidative stress and inflammation are research hotspots, and GFAP in body fluids, especially blood, could be used for large-scale screening for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Guan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Chaochao Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Songlin Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- Medical Science Research Center (MRC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenhui Mao
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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15
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MohanKumar SMJ, Murugan A, Palaniyappan A, MohanKumar PS. Role of cytokines and reactive oxygen species in brain aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 214:111855. [PMID: 37541628 PMCID: PMC10528856 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a complex process that produces profound effects on the brain. Although a number of external factors can promote the initiation and progression of brain aging, peripheral and central changes in the immune cells with time, also play an important role. Immunosenescence, which is an age-associated decline in immune function and Inflammaging, a low-grade inflammatory state in the aging brain contribute to an elevation in cytokine and reactive oxygen species production. In this review, we focus on the pro-inflammatory state that is established in the brain as a consequence of these two phenomena and the resulting detrimental changes in brain structure, function and repair that lead to a decline in central and neuroendocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheba M J MohanKumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Abarna Murugan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Arunkumar Palaniyappan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Puliyur S MohanKumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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16
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Pramitasuri TI, Susilawathi NM, Tarini NMA, Sudewi AAR, Evans MC. Cholesterol dependent cytolysins and the brain: Revealing a potential therapeutic avenue for bacterial meningitis. AIMS Microbiol 2023; 9:647-667. [PMID: 38173970 PMCID: PMC10758573 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2023033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis is a catastrophic nervous system disorder with high mortality and wide range of morbidities. Some of the meningitis-causing bacteria occupy cholesterol dependent cytolysins (CDCs) to increase their pathogenicity and arrange immune-evasion strategy. Studies have observed that the relationship between CDCs and pathogenicity in these meningitides is complex and involves interactions between CDC, blood-brain barrier (BBB), glial cells and neurons. In BBB, these CDCs acts on capillary endothelium, tight junction (TJ) proteins and neurovascular unit (NVU). CDCs also observed to elicit intriguing effects on brain inflammation which involves microglia and astrocyte activations, along with neuronal damage as the end-point of pathological pathways in bacterial meningitis. As some studies mentioned potential advantage of CDC-targeted therapeutic mechanisms to combat CNS infections, it might be a fruitful avenue to deepen our understanding of CDC as a candidate for adjuvant therapy to combat bacterial meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjokorda Istri Pramitasuri
- Doctoral Program in Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia
- Postgraduate Research Student, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Ni Made Susilawathi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Ni Made Adi Tarini
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana-Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Prof Dr dr IGNG Ngoerah, Bali, Indonesia
| | - AA Raka Sudewi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Matthew C Evans
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- Department of Brain Sciences, Care Research and Technology Centre, UK Dementia Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Gebicke-Haerter PJ. The computational power of the human brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1220030. [PMID: 37608987 PMCID: PMC10441807 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1220030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
At the end of the 20th century, analog systems in computer science have been widely replaced by digital systems due to their higher computing power. Nevertheless, the question keeps being intriguing until now: is the brain analog or digital? Initially, the latter has been favored, considering it as a Turing machine that works like a digital computer. However, more recently, digital and analog processes have been combined to implant human behavior in robots, endowing them with artificial intelligence (AI). Therefore, we think it is timely to compare mathematical models with the biology of computation in the brain. To this end, digital and analog processes clearly identified in cellular and molecular interactions in the Central Nervous System are highlighted. But above that, we try to pinpoint reasons distinguishing in silico computation from salient features of biological computation. First, genuinely analog information processing has been observed in electrical synapses and through gap junctions, the latter both in neurons and astrocytes. Apparently opposed to that, neuronal action potentials (APs) or spikes represent clearly digital events, like the yes/no or 1/0 of a Turing machine. However, spikes are rarely uniform, but can vary in amplitude and widths, which has significant, differential effects on transmitter release at the presynaptic terminal, where notwithstanding the quantal (vesicular) release itself is digital. Conversely, at the dendritic site of the postsynaptic neuron, there are numerous analog events of computation. Moreover, synaptic transmission of information is not only neuronal, but heavily influenced by astrocytes tightly ensheathing the majority of synapses in brain (tripartite synapse). At least at this point, LTP and LTD modifying synaptic plasticity and believed to induce short and long-term memory processes including consolidation (equivalent to RAM and ROM in electronic devices) have to be discussed. The present knowledge of how the brain stores and retrieves memories includes a variety of options (e.g., neuronal network oscillations, engram cells, astrocytic syncytium). Also epigenetic features play crucial roles in memory formation and its consolidation, which necessarily guides to molecular events like gene transcription and translation. In conclusion, brain computation is not only digital or analog, or a combination of both, but encompasses features in parallel, and of higher orders of complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Gebicke-Haerter
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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18
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Teramoto H, Hirashima N, Tanaka M. Calcineurin B1 Deficiency Reduces Proliferation, Increases Apoptosis, and Alters Secretion in Enteric Glial Cells of Mouse Small Intestine in Culture. Cells 2023; 12:1867. [PMID: 37508531 PMCID: PMC10378349 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the roles of calcineurin (CN) in glial cells, we previously generated conditional knockout (CKO) mice lacking CNB1 in glial cells. Because these CKO mice showed dysfunction and inflammation of the small intestine in addition to growth impairment and postweaning death, we have focused on enteric glial cells (EGCs) in the small intestine. In this study, we examined the effects of CNB1 deficiency on the proliferation and survival of EGCs and the expression and secretion of EGC-derived substances in culture to reveal the mechanisms of how CNB1 deficiency leads to dysfunction and inflammation of the small intestine. In primary myenteric cultures of the small intestine, EGCs from the CKO mice showed reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis compared with EGCs from control mice. In purified EGC cultures from the CKO mice, Western blot analysis showed increased expression of S100B, iNOS, GFAP, and GDNF, and increased phosphorylation of NF-κB p65. In the supernatants of purified EGC cultures from the CKO mice, ELISA showed reduced secretion of TGF-β1. In contrast, GDNF secretion was not altered in purified EGC cultures from the CKO mice. Furthermore, treatment with an S100B inhibitor partially rescued the CKO mice from growth impairment and postweaning death in vivo. In conclusion, CNB1 deficiency leads to reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of EGCs and abnormal expression and secretion of EGC-derived substances, which may contribute to dysfunction and inflammation of the small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Teramoto
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Naohide Hirashima
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Masahiko Tanaka
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
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19
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Milicevic KD, Bataveljic DB, Bogdanovic Pristov JJ, Andjus PR, Nikolic LM. Astroglial Cell-to-Cell Interaction with Autoreactive Immune Cells in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Involves P2X7 Receptor, β 3-Integrin, and Connexin-43. Cells 2023; 12:1786. [PMID: 37443820 PMCID: PMC10340259 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis (MS), glial cells astrocytes interact with the autoreactive immune cells that attack the central nervous system (CNS), which causes and sustains neuroinflammation. However, little is known about the direct interaction between these cells when they are in close proximity in the inflamed CNS. By using an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, we previously found that in the proximity of autoreactive CNS-infiltrated immune cells (CNS-IICs), astrocytes respond with a rapid calcium increase that is mediated by the autocrine P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) activation. We now reveal that the mechanisms regulating this direct interaction of astrocytes and CNS-IICs involve the coupling between P2X7R, connexin-43, and β3-integrin. We found that P2X7R and astroglial connexin-43 interact and concentrate in the immediate proximity of the CNS-IICs in EAE. P2X7R also interacts with β3-integrin, and the block of astroglial αvβ3-integrin reduces the P2X7R-dependent calcium response of astrocytes upon encountering CNS-IICs. This interaction was dependent on astroglial mitochondrial activity, which regulated the ATP-driven P2X7R activation and facilitated the termination of the astrocytic calcium response evoked by CNS-IICs. By further defining the interactions between the CNS and the immune system, our findings provide a novel perspective toward expanding integrin-targeting therapeutic approaches for MS treatment by controlling the cell-cell interactions between astrocytes and CNS-IICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina D. Milicevic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Jean Giaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela B. Bataveljic
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Jean Giaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena J. Bogdanovic Pristov
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Pavle R. Andjus
- Center for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Jean Giaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana M. Nikolic
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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20
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by the pathological hyper-synchronization of neuronal discharges. The fundamental research of epilepsy mechanisms and the targets of drug design options for its treatment have focused on neurons. However, approximately 30% of patients suffering from epilepsy show resistance to standard anti-epileptic chemotherapeutic agents while the symptoms of the remaining 70% of patients can be alleviated but not completely removed by the current medications. Thus, new strategies for the treatment of epilepsy are in urgent demand. Over the past decades, with the increase in knowledge on the role of glia in the genesis and development of epilepsy, glial cells are receiving renewed attention. In a normal brain, glial cells maintain neuronal health and in partnership with neurons regulate virtually every aspect of brain function. In epilepsy, however, the supportive roles of glial cells are compromised, and their interaction with neurons is altered, which disrupts brain function. In this review, we will focus on the role of glia-related processes in epileptogenesis and their contribution to abnormal neuronal activity, with the major focus on the dysfunction of astroglial potassium channels, water channels, gap junctions, glutamate transporters, purinergic signaling, synaptogenesis, on the roles of microglial inflammatory cytokines, microglia-astrocyte interactions in epilepsy, and on the oligodendroglial potassium channels and myelin abnormalities in the epileptic brain. These recent findings suggest that glia should be considered as the promising next-generation targets for designing anti-epileptic drugs that may improve epilepsy and drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weida Shen
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jelena Bogdanović Pristov
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Belgrade, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Paola Nobili
- Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF), University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Ljiljana Nikolić
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research Siniša Stanković, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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21
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Nascimento GC, Santos BM, Pedrazzi JF, Silva-Amaral D, Bortolanza M, Harris GT, Del Bel E, Branco LG. Effects of hydrogen gas inhalation on L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100623. [PMID: 37096172 PMCID: PMC10121822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)-induced dyskinesia is a side effect of Parkinson's disease treatment and it is characterized by atypical involuntary movements. A link between neuroinflammation and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia has been documented. Hydrogen gas (H2) has neuroprotective effects in Parkinson's disease models and has a major anti-inflammatory effect. Our objective is to test the hypothesis that H2 inhalation reduces L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. 15 days after 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of dopaminergic neurons were made (microinjection into the medial forebrain bundle), chronic L-DOPA treatment (15 days) was performed. Rats were exposed to H2 (2% gas mixture, 1 h) or air (controls) before L-DOPA injection. Abnormal involuntary movements and locomotor activity were conducted. Striatal microglia and astrocyte was analyzed and striatal and plasma samples for cytokines evaluation were collected after the abnormal involuntary movements analysis. H2 inhalation attenuated L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. The gas therapy did not impair the improvement of locomotor activity achieved by L-DOPA treatment. H2 inhalation reduced activated microglia in the lesioned striatum, which is consistent with the observed reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Display of abnormal involuntary movements was positively correlated with plasma IL-1β and striatal TNF-α levels and negatively correlated with striatal IL-10 levels. Prophylactic H2 inhalation decreases abnormal involuntary movements in a preclinical L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia model. The H2 antidyskinetic effect was associated with decreased striatal and peripheral inflammation. This finding has a translational importance to L-DOPA-treated parkinsonian patients' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glauce C. Nascimento
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry Faculty, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna M. Santos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Thermoregulation and Systemic Inflammation Laboratory (FeverLab), St. Josephs' Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - João F. Pedrazzi
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Danyelle Silva-Amaral
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariza Bortolanza
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry Faculty, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Grant T. Harris
- Thermoregulation and Systemic Inflammation Laboratory (FeverLab), St. Josephs' Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Elaine Del Bel
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry Faculty, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Corresponding author. Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Dental School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil.
| | - Luiz G.S. Branco
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry Faculty, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Corresponding author. Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Dental School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil.
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22
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Franklin ME, Bennett C, Arboite M, Alvarez-Ciara A, Corrales N, Verdelus J, Dietrich WD, Keane RW, de Rivero Vaccari JP, Prasad A. Activation of inflammasomes and their effects on neuroinflammation at the microelectrode-tissue interface in intracortical implants. Biomaterials 2023; 297:122102. [PMID: 37015177 PMCID: PMC10614166 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Invasive neuroprosthetics rely on microelectrodes (MEs) to record or stimulate the activity of large neuron assemblies. However, MEs are subjected to tissue reactivity in the central nervous system (CNS) due to the foreign body response (FBR) that contribute to chronic neuroinflammation and ultimately result in ME failure. An endogenous, acute set of mechanisms responsible for the recognition and targeting of foreign objects, called the innate immune response, immediately follows the ME implant-induced trauma. Inflammasomes are multiprotein structures that play a critical role in the initiation of an innate immune response following CNS injuries. The activation of inflammasomes facilitates a range of innate immune response cascades and results in neuroinflammation and programmed cell death. Despite our current understanding of inflammasomes, their roles in the context of neural device implantation remain unknown. In this study, we implanted a non-functional Utah electrode array (UEA) into the rat somatosensory cortex and studied the inflammasome signaling and the corresponding downstream effects on inflammatory cytokine expression and the inflammasome-mediated cell death mechanism of pyroptosis. Our results not only demonstrate the continuous activation of inflammasomes and their contribution to neuroinflammation at the electrode-tissue interface but also reveal the therapeutic potential of targeting inflammasomes to attenuate the FBR in invasive neuroprosthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa E Franklin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cassie Bennett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Maelle Arboite
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Natalie Corrales
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Verdelus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - W Dalton Dietrich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Robert W Keane
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Juan Pablo de Rivero Vaccari
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Abhishek Prasad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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23
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Ratan Y, Rajput A, Maleysm S, Pareek A, Jain V, Pareek A, Kaur R, Singh G. An Insight into Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051398. [PMID: 37239068 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prominent neurodegenerative disorder in the aging population. It is characterized by cognitive decline, gradual neurodegeneration, and the development of amyloid-β (Aβ)-plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which constitute hyperphosphorylated tau. The early stages of neurodegeneration in AD include the loss of neurons, followed by synaptic impairment. Since the discovery of AD, substantial factual research has surfaced that outlines the disease's causes, molecular mechanisms, and prospective therapeutics, but a successful cure for the disease has not yet been discovered. This may be attributed to the complicated pathogenesis of AD, the absence of a well-defined molecular mechanism, and the constrained diagnostic resources and treatment options. To address the aforementioned challenges, extensive disease modeling is essential to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms of AD, making it easier to design and develop effective treatment strategies. Emerging evidence over the past few decades supports the critical role of Aβ and tau in AD pathogenesis and the participation of glial cells in different molecular and cellular pathways. This review extensively discusses the current understanding concerning Aβ- and tau-associated molecular mechanisms and glial dysfunction in AD. Moreover, the critical risk factors associated with AD including genetics, aging, environmental variables, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, viral/bacterial infections, and psychiatric factors have been summarized. The present study will entice researchers to more thoroughly comprehend and explore the current status of the molecular mechanism of AD, which may assist in AD drug development in the forthcoming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashumati Ratan
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aishwarya Rajput
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sushmita Maleysm
- Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aaushi Pareek
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vivek Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ashutosh Pareek
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ranjeet Kaur
- Adesh Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Bathinda 151101, Punjab, India
| | - Gurjit Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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24
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Pérez-Sala D, Pajares MA. Appraising the Role of Astrocytes as Suppliers of Neuronal Glutathione Precursors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098059. [PMID: 37175763 PMCID: PMC10179008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolism and intercellular transfer of glutathione or its precursors may play an important role in cellular defense against oxidative stress, a common hallmark of neurodegeneration. In the 1990s, several studies in the Neurobiology field led to the widely accepted notion that astrocytes produce large amounts of glutathione that serve to feed neurons with precursors for glutathione synthesis. This assumption has important implications for health and disease since a reduction in this supply from astrocytes could compromise the capacity of neurons to cope with oxidative stress. However, at first glance, this shuttling would imply a large energy expenditure to get to the same point in a nearby cell. Thus, are there additional underlying reasons for this expensive mechanism? Are neurons unable to import and/or synthesize the three non-essential amino acids that are the glutathione building blocks? The rather oxidizing extracellular environment favors the presence of cysteine (Cys) as cystine (Cis), less favorable for neuronal import. Therefore, it has also been proposed that astrocytic GSH efflux could induce a change in the redox status of the extracellular space nearby the neurons, locally lowering the Cis/Cys ratio. This astrocytic glutathione release would also increase their demand for precursors, stimulating Cis uptake, which these cells can import, further impacting the local decline of the Cis/Cys ratio, in turn, contributing to a more reduced extracellular environment and subsequently favoring neuronal Cys import. Here, we revisit the experimental evidence that led to the accepted hypothesis of astrocytes acting as suppliers of neuronal glutathione precursors, considering recent data from the Human Protein Atlas. In addition, we highlight some potential drawbacks of this hypothesis, mainly supported by heterogeneous cellular models. Finally, we outline additional and more cost-efficient possibilities by which astrocytes could support neuronal glutathione levels, including its shuttling in extracellular vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Pérez-Sala
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María A Pajares
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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25
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Fabbri R, Spennato D, Conte G, Konstantoulaki A, Lazzarini C, Saracino E, Nicchia GP, Frigeri A, Zamboni R, Spray DC, Benfenati V. The emerging science of Glioception: Contribution of glia in sensing, transduction, circuit integration of interoception. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 245:108403. [PMID: 37024060 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Interoception is the process by which the nervous system regulates internal functions to achieve homeostasis. The role of neurons in interoception has received considerable recent attention, but glial cells also contribute. Glial cells can sense and transduce signals including osmotic, chemical, and mechanical status of extracellular milieu. Their ability to dynamically communicate "listening" and "talking" to neurons is necessary to monitor and regulate homeostasis and information integration in the nervous system. This review introduces the concept of "Glioception" and focuses on the process by which glial cells sense, interpret and integrate information about the inner state of the organism. Glial cells are ideally positioned to act as sensors and integrators of diverse interoceptive signals and can trigger regulatory responses via modulation of the activity of neuronal networks, both in physiological and pathological conditions. We believe that understanding and manipulating glioceptive processes and underlying molecular mechanisms provide a key path to develop new therapies for the prevention and alleviation of devastating interoceptive dysfunctions, among which pain is emphasized here with more focused details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Fabbri
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy; Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Diletta Spennato
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy; Department of Bioscience, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Giorgia Conte
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Aikaterini Konstantoulaki
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Chiara Lazzarini
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saracino
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Grazia Paola Nicchia
- School of Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, BA, Italy; Department of Bioscience, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Antonio Frigeri
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Bioscience, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - David C Spray
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy.
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26
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Agnati LF, Guidolin D, Cervetto C, Maura G, Marcoli M. Brain Structure and Function: Insights from Chemical Neuroanatomy. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040940. [PMID: 37109469 PMCID: PMC10142941 DOI: 10.3390/life13040940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a brief historical and epistemological outline of investigations on the brain’s structure and functions. These investigations have mainly been based on the intermingling of chemical anatomy, new techniques in the field of microscopy and computer-assisted morphometric methods. This intermingling has enabled extraordinary investigations to be carried out on brain circuits, leading to the development of a new discipline: “brain connectomics”. This new approach has led to the characterization of the brain’s structure and function in physiological and pathological conditions, and to the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this context, the conceptual model of the brain as a hyper-network with a hierarchical, nested architecture, arranged in a “Russian doll” pattern, has been proposed. Our investigations focused on the main characteristics of the modes of communication between nodes at the various miniaturization levels, in order to describe the brain’s integrative actions. Special attention was paid to the nano-level, i.e., to the allosteric interactions among G protein-coupled receptors organized in receptor mosaics, as a promising field in which to obtain a new view of synaptic plasticity and to develop new, more selective drugs. The brain’s multi-level organization and the multi-faceted aspects of communication modes point to an emerging picture of the brain as a very peculiar system, in which continuous self-organization and remodeling take place under the action of external stimuli from the environment, from peripheral organs and from ongoing integrative actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi F. Agnati
- Department of Biochemical, Metabolic Sciences and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Center for Promotion of 3Rs in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Center for Promotion of 3Rs in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
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27
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Nordberg A, Semyanov A, Parpura V, Zorec R. Alexei Verkhratsky, the Philosopher of Neuroglia. Preface for the Honorary Issue of Neurochemical Research. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1009-1014. [PMID: 36899208 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03894-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Nordberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, Jiaxing, 314033, Zhejiang, China
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- International Translational Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Robert Zorec
- Medical Faculty & Celica Biomedical, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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28
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Nishii K, Satoh Y, Higashi T, Matsui T, Ishizuka T, Kashitani M, Saitoh D, Kobayashi Y. Evans Blue and Fluorescein Isothiocyanate-Dextran Double Labeling Reveals Precise Sequence of Vascular Leakage and Glial Responses after Exposure to Mild-Level Blast-Associated Shock Waves. J Neurotrauma 2023. [PMID: 36680750 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Blast-induced shock waves (BSWs) are responsible for several aspects of psychiatric disorders that are collectively termed mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The pathophysiology of mTBI includes vascular leakage resulting from blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. In this study, the precise sequence of BBB breakdown was examined using an Evans blue and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran double labeling technique. Evans blue solution was injected into the tail vein of male C57BL6/J mice just before and 4 h, 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days after a single BSW exposure at as low as 25-kPa peak overpressure. In contrast, the FITC-dextran solution was transcardially injected just before perfusion fixation. Differences in the labeling time-point revealed that BBB breakdown was initiated after approximately 3 h, with significant remodeling by 1 day, and continued until 7 days after BSW exposure. BBB breakdown was upregulated in three distinct regions, namely the brain surface and subsurface areas facing the skull, regions closely associated with capillaries, and the circumventricular organ and choroid plexus. These regions showed distinct responses to BSW; moreover, clusters of reactive astrocytes were closely associated with the sites of BBB breakdown. In severe cases, these reactive astrocytes recruited activated microglia. Our findings provide important insights into the pathogenesis underlying mTBI and indicate that even mild BSW exposure affects the whole brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyomasa Nishii
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Research Institute, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasushi Satoh
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Institute, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takahito Higashi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Research Institute, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Matsui
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Research Institute, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ishizuka
- Department of Pharmacology, Research Institute, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masashi Kashitani
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, National Defense Academy, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Daizoh Saitoh
- Division of Traumatology, Research Institute, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kobayashi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Research Institute, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
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29
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Stulczewski D, Zgorzynska E, Dziedzic B, Wieczorek-Szukala K, Szafraniec K, Walczewska A. EPA stronger than DHA increases the mitochondrial membrane potential and cardiolipin levels but does not change the ATP level in astrocytes. Exp Cell Res 2023; 424:113491. [PMID: 36708860 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly energy-consuming glial cells critical for metabolic support to neurons. A growing body of evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction in astrocytes is involved in age-related neurodegenerative disorders and that fish oil, rich in docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) fatty acids, may alleviate cognition impairment in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The present study examines the effect of DHA and EPA on mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis activation and ATP levels in astrocytes cultured in medium containing glucose or galactose, which limits oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). MMP, expressed as the ratio of red to green JC-10 and MitoTracker fluorescence, increased in EPA-incubated cells in a dose dependent manner and was higher than in DHA-incubated astrocytes, also after uncoupling of OXPHOS by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). In cells cultured in glucose and galactose medium mitochondrial hyperpolarization had no impact on intracellular ATP level. Furthermore, both EPA and DHA elevated mitochondrial cardiolipin content, however only EPA did so in a dose-dependent manner and reduced apoptosis which was analyzed by flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Stulczewski
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Emilia Zgorzynska
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Barbara Dziedzic
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Kacper Szafraniec
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Walczewska
- Department of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
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30
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Immune Functions of Astrocytes in Viral Neuroinfections. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043514. [PMID: 36834929 PMCID: PMC9960577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinfections of the central nervous system (CNS) can be triggered by various pathogens. Viruses are the most widespread and have the potential to induce long-term neurologic symptoms with potentially lethal outcomes. In addition to directly affecting their host cells and inducing immediate changes in a plethora of cellular processes, viral infections of the CNS also trigger an intense immune response. Regulation of the innate immune response in the CNS depends not only on microglia, which are fundamental immune cells of the CNS, but also on astrocytes. These cells align blood vessels and ventricle cavities, and consequently, they are one of the first cell types to become infected after the virus breaches the CNS. Moreover, astrocytes are increasingly recognized as a potential viral reservoir in the CNS; therefore, the immune response initiated by the presence of intracellular virus particles may have a profound effect on cellular and tissue physiology and morphology. These changes should be addressed in terms of persisting infections because they may contribute to recurring neurologic sequelae. To date, infections of astrocytes with different viruses originating from genetically distinct families, including Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Retroviridae, Togaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Picomaviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Herpesviridae, have been confirmed. Astrocytes express a plethora of receptors that detect viral particles and trigger signaling cascades, leading to an innate immune response. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on virus receptors that initiate the release of inflammatory cytokines from astrocytes and depict the involvement of astrocytes in immune functions of the CNS.
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31
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Nor Nazli NA, Muthuraju S, Ahmad F, Mohamed Yusoff AA, Jaafar H, Shamsuddin S, Abdullah JM. Characterisation of Primary Human Hippocampal Astrocyte Cell Culture Following Exposure to Hypoxia. Malays J Med Sci 2023; 30:92-106. [PMID: 36875187 PMCID: PMC9984107 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The present study aimed to understand the characterisation of human hippocampal astrocyte following hypoxia exposure. Based on the preliminary screening, 15 min was chosen as the time point and the cells were exposed to different oxygen percentages. Methods The Trypan blue viability assay used to examine cell death. Immunofluorescence assay, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was used to portray the morphology of astrocytes. The hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) staining was performed to confirm hypoxia induced cell death and there was a dramatic expression of HIF-1α displayed in exposed astrocyte cells compared to the control. In molecular level, genes were chosen, such as glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), GFAP, HIF-1α and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and ran the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Microscope revealed a filamentous and clear nucleus appearance in a control whereas the rupture nuclei with no rigid structure of the cell were found in the 3% oxygen. The control and hypoxia cells were also stained with the annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (annexin V-FITC). Fluorescence microscope reveals astrocyte cells after hypoxia showed higher expression of nuclei but not in control. Merging PI and FITC showed the differences of nuclei expression between the control and hypoxia. In the molecular analysis, there were significant changes of GFAP, HIF-1α and Bcl-2 in hypoxia exposed cells when compared to the control group. Conclusion Cells that were exposed to hypoxia (3% oxygen for 15 min) clearly showed damage. General view of human hippocampal astrocyte genomic response to hypoxia was obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Atikah Nor Nazli
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Sangu Muthuraju
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Farizan Ahmad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Aziz Mohamed Yusoff
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hasnan Jaafar
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Shaharum Shamsuddin
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Jafri Malin Abdullah
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Myers AJ, Brahimi A, Jenkins IJ, Koob AO. The Synucleins and the Astrocyte. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020155. [PMID: 36829434 PMCID: PMC9952504 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Synucleins consist of three proteins exclusively expressed in vertebrates. α-Synuclein (αS) has been identified as the main proteinaceous aggregate in Lewy bodies, a pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. Less is understood about β-synuclein (βS) and γ-synuclein (γS), although it is known βS can interact with αS in vivo to inhibit aggregation. Likewise, both γS and βS can inhibit αS's propensity to aggregate in vitro. In the central nervous system, βS and αS, and to a lesser extent γS, are highly expressed in the neural presynaptic terminal, although they are not strictly located there, and emerging data have shown a more complex expression profile. Synapse loss and astrocyte atrophy are early aspects of degenerative diseases of the brain and correlate with disease progression. Synucleins appear to be involved in synaptic transmission, and astrocytes coordinate and organize synaptic function, with excess αS degraded by astrocytes and microglia adjacent to the synapse. βS and γS have also been observed in the astrocyte and may provide beneficial roles. The astrocytic responsibility for degradation of αS as well as emerging evidence on possible astrocytic functions of βS and γS, warrant closer inspection on astrocyte-synuclein interactions at the synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail J. Myers
- Neuroscience Program, Health Science Research Facility, University of Vermont, 149 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Ayat Brahimi
- Biology Department, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
| | - Imani J. Jenkins
- Biology Department, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
| | - Andrew O. Koob
- Biology Department, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-860-768-5780
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Wartchow KM, Scaini G, Quevedo J. Glial-Neuronal Interaction in Synapses: A Possible Mechanism of the Pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1411:191-208. [PMID: 36949311 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7376-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and chronic psychiatric disorder that affects approximately 1-4% of the world population and is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. BD is also associated with illnesses marked by immune activation, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, a connection has been suggested between neuroinflammation and peripheral inflammatory markers in the pathophysiology of BD, which can be associated with the modulation of many dysfunctional processes, including synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission, neurogenesis, neuronal survival, apoptosis, and even cognitive/behavioral functioning. Rising evidence suggests that synaptic dysregulations, especially glutamatergic system dysfunction, are directly involved in mood disorders. It is becoming clear that dysregulations in connection and structural changes of glial cells play a central role in the BD pathophysiology. This book chapter highlighted the latest findings that support the theory of synaptic dysfunction in BD, providing an overview of the alterations in neurotransmitters release, astrocytic uptake, and receptor signaling, as well as the role of inflammation on glial cells in mood disorders. Particular emphasis is given to the alterations in presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons and glial cells, all cellular elements of the "tripartite synapse," compromising the neurotransmitters system, excitatory-inhibitory balance, and neurotrophic states of local networks in mood disorders. Together, these studies provide a foundation of knowledge about the exact role of the glial-neuronal interaction in mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Wartchow
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giselli Scaini
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - João Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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Kruyer A, Kalivas PW, Scofield MD. Astrocyte regulation of synaptic signaling in psychiatric disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:21-36. [PMID: 35577914 PMCID: PMC9700696 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01338-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 15 years, the field of neuroscience has evolved toward recognizing the critical role of astroglia in shaping neuronal synaptic activity and along with the pre- and postsynapse is now considered an equal partner in tripartite synaptic transmission and plasticity. The relative youth of this recognition and a corresponding deficit in reagents and technologies for quantifying and manipulating astroglia relative to neurons continues to hamper advances in understanding tripartite synaptic physiology. Nonetheless, substantial advances have been made and are reviewed herein. We review the role of astroglia in synaptic function and regulation of behavior with an eye on how tripartite synapses figure into brain pathologies underlying behavioral impairments in psychiatric disorders, both from the perspective of measures in postmortem human brains and more subtle influences on tripartite synaptic regulation of behavior in animal models of psychiatric symptoms. Our goal is to provide the reader a well-referenced state-of-the-art understanding of current knowledge and predict what we may discover with deeper investigation of tripartite synapses using reagents and technologies not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Michael D Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Leonard EM, Nurse CA. The Carotid Body "Tripartite Synapse": Role of Gliotransmission. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1427:185-194. [PMID: 37322349 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32371-3_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, cardiorespiratory reflexes originating in the carotid body (CB) help maintain homeostasis by matching oxygen supply to oxygen demand. CB output to the brainstem is shaped by synaptic interactions at a "tripartite synapse" consisting of chemosensory (type I) cells, abutting glial-like (type II) cells, and sensory (petrosal) nerve terminals. Type I cells are stimulated by several blood-borne metabolic stimuli, including the novel chemoexcitant lactate. During chemotransduction, type I cells depolarize and release a multitude of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters/neuromodulators including ATP, dopamine (DA), histamine, and angiotensin II (ANG II). However, there is a growing appreciation that the type II cells may not be silent partners. Thus, similar to astrocytes at "tripartite synapses" in the CNS, type II cells may contribute to the afferent output by releasing "gliotransmitters" such as ATP. Here, we first consider whether type II cells can also sense lactate. Next, we review and update the evidence supporting the roles of ATP, DA, histamine, and ANG II in cross talk among the three main CB cellular elements. Importantly, we consider how conventional excitatory and inhibitory pathways, together with gliotransmission, help to coordinate activity within this network and thereby modulate afferent firing frequency during chemotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Leonard
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Colin A Nurse
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Effect of Renal Ischemia Reperfusion on Brain Neuroinflammation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112993. [PMID: 36428560 PMCID: PMC9687457 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an inflammatory sequence. It can lead to distant organ injury, including damage to the central nervous system (CNS), mediated by increased circulating cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. It can also lead to increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. However, the effect of AKI on the inflammatory response of the brain has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we observed the effect of AKI on BBB permeability, microglia and astrocyte activation, and neuronal toxicity in the brain. The striatum and ventral midbrain, known to control overall movement, secrete the neurotransmitter dopamine. The activation of microglia and astrocytes present in this area causes neuro-degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The activation of astrocytes and microglia in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, which are responsible for important functions, including memory, learning, concentration, and language, can trigger nerve cell apoptosis. The activation of astrocytes and microglia at this site is also involved in the inflammatory response associated with the accumulation of beta-amyloid. In the situation of kidney ischemia reperfusion (IR)-induced AKI, activation of microglia and astrocytes were observed in the striatum, ventral midbrain, hippocampus, and cortex. However, neuronal cell death was not observed until 48 h.
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Toledano-Díaz A, Álvarez MI, Toledano A. The relationships between neuroglial and neuronal changes in Alzheimer's disease, and the related controversies II: gliotherapies and multimodal therapy. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2022; 14:11795735221123896. [PMID: 36407561 PMCID: PMC9666878 DOI: 10.1177/11795735221123896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the original description of Alzheimer´s disease (AD), research into this condition has mainly focused on assessing the alterations to neurons associated with dementia, and those to the circuits in which they are involved. In most of the studies on human brains and in many models of AD, the glial cells accompanying these neurons undergo concomitant alterations that aggravate the course of neurodegeneration. As a result, these changes to neuroglial cells are now included in all the "pathogenic cascades" described in AD. Accordingly, astrogliosis and microgliosis, the main components of neuroinflammation, have been integrated into all the pathogenic theories of this disease, as discussed in this part of the two-part monograph that follows an accompanying article on gliopathogenesis and glioprotection. This initial reflection verified the implication of alterations to the neuroglia in AD, suggesting that these cells may also represent therapeutic targets to prevent neurodegeneration. In this second part of the monograph, we will analyze the possibilities of acting on glial cells to prevent or treat the neurodegeneration that is the hallmark of AD and other pathologies. Evidence of the potential of different pharmacological, non-pharmacological, cell and gene therapies (widely treated) to prevent or treat this disease is now forthcoming, in most cases as adjuncts to other therapies. A comprehensive AD multimodal therapy is proposed in which neuronal and neuroglial pharmacological treatments are jointly considered, as well as the use of new cell and gene therapies and non-pharmacological therapies that tend to slow down the progress of dementia.
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Maki T, Sawahata M, Akutsu I, Amaike S, Hiramatsu G, Uta D, Izuo N, Shimizu T, Irie K, Kume T. APP Knock-In Mice Produce E22P-Aβ Exhibiting an Alzheimer's Disease-like Phenotype with Dysregulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13259. [PMID: 36362046 PMCID: PMC9654501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that requires further pathological elucidation to establish effective treatment strategies. We previously showed that amyloid β (Aβ) toxic conformer with a turn at positions 22-23 is essential for forming highly toxic oligomers. In the present study, we evaluated phenotypic changes with aging in AD model AppNL-P-F/NL-P-F (NL-P-F) mice with Swedish mutation (NL), Iberian mutation (F), and mutation (P) overproducing E22P-Aβ, a mimic of toxic conformer utilizing the knock-in technique. Furthermore, the role of the toxic conformer in AD pathology was investigated. NL-P-F mice produced soluble toxic conformers from an early age. They showed impaired synaptic plasticity, glial cell activation, and cognitive decline, followed by the accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau hyperphosphorylation. In addition, the protein expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α was increased, and gene expression of HIF-3α was decreased in NL-P-F mice. HIF dysregulation due to the production of soluble toxic conformers may be involved in AD pathology in NL-P-F mice. This study could reveal the role of a highly toxic Aβ on AD pathogenesis, thereby contributing to the development of a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the toxic conformer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Maki
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Masahito Sawahata
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ichiro Akutsu
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shohei Amaike
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Genki Hiramatsu
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Daisuke Uta
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Naotaka Izuo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Takahiko Shimizu
- Aging Stress Response Research Project Team, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu 474-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Irie
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-Cho, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Kume
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Badia-Soteras A, Heistek TS, Kater MSJ, Mak A, Negrean A, van den Oever MC, Mansvelder HD, Khakh BS, Min R, Smit AB, Verheijen MHG. Retraction of Astrocyte Leaflets From the Synapse Enhances Fear Memory. Biol Psychiatry 2022:S0006-3223(22)01705-X. [PMID: 36702661 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The formation and retrieval of fear memories depends on orchestrated synaptic activity of neuronal ensembles within the hippocampus, and it is becoming increasingly evident that astrocytes residing in the environment of these synapses play a central role in shaping cellular memory representations. Astrocyte distal processes, known as leaflets, fine-tune synaptic activity by clearing neurotransmitters and limiting glutamate diffusion. However, how astroglial synaptic coverage contributes to mnemonic processing of fearful experiences remains largely unknown. METHODS We used electron microscopy to observe changes in astroglial coverage of hippocampal synapses during consolidation of fear memory in mice. To manipulate astroglial synaptic coverage, we depleted ezrin, an integral leaflet-structural protein, from hippocampal astrocytes using CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 gene editing. Next, a combination of Föster resonance energy transfer analysis, genetically encoded glutamate sensors, and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings was used to determine whether the proximity of astrocyte leaflets to the synapse is critical for synaptic integrity and function. RESULTS We found that consolidation of a recent fear memory is accompanied by a transient retraction of astrocyte leaflets from hippocampal synapses and increased activation of NMDA receptors. Accordingly, astrocyte-specific depletion of ezrin resulted in shorter astrocyte leaflets and reduced astrocyte contact with the synaptic cleft, which consequently boosted extrasynaptic glutamate diffusion and NMDA receptor activation. Importantly, after fear conditioning, these cellular phenotypes translated to increased retrieval-evoked activation of CA1 pyramidal neurons and enhanced fear memory expression. CONCLUSIONS Together, our data show that withdrawal of astrocyte leaflets from the synaptic cleft is an experience-induced, temporally regulated process that gates the strength of fear memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Badia-Soteras
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tim S Heistek
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mandy S J Kater
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aline Mak
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adrian Negrean
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michel C van den Oever
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rogier Min
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark H G Verheijen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Toledano-Díaz A, Álvarez MI, Toledano A. The relationships between neuroglial alterations and neuronal changes in Alzheimer's disease, and the related controversies I: Gliopathogenesis and glioprotection. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2022; 14:11795735221128703. [PMID: 36238130 PMCID: PMC9551335 DOI: 10.1177/11795735221128703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Since Alois Alzheimer described the pathology of Alzheimer's disease in 1907, an increasing number of studies have attempted to discover its causes and possible ways to treat it. For decades, research has focused on neuronal degeneration and the disruption to the neural circuits that occurs during disease progression, undervaluing in some extent the alterations to glial cells even though these alterations were described in the very first studies of this disease. In recent years, it has been recognized that different families of neuroglia are not merely support cells for neurons but rather key and active elements in the physiology and pathology of the nervous system. Alterations to different types of neuroglia (especially astroglia and microglia but also mature oligodendroglia and oligodendroglial progenitors) have been identified in the initial neuropathological changes that lead to dementia, suggesting that they may represent therapeutic targets to prevent neurodegeneration. In this review, based on our own studies and on the relevant scientific literature, we argue that a careful and in-depth study of glial cells will be fundamental to understanding the origin and progression of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we analyze the main issues regarding the neuroprotective and neurotoxic role of neuroglial changes, reactions and/or involutions in both humans with Alzheimer's disease and in experimental models of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adolfo Toledano
- Instituto
Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain,Adolfo Toledano, CSIC, Avenida Dr Arce 37,
Madrid 28002, Spain.
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Cordaro M, Modafferi S, D’Amico R, Fusco R, Genovese T, Peritore AF, Gugliandolo E, Crupi R, Interdonato L, Di Paola D, Impellizzeri D, Cuzzocrea S, Calabrese V, Di Paola R, Siracusa R. Natural Compounds Such as Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor Modulate Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress and Lipoxin A4 Expression in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102505. [PMID: 36289766 PMCID: PMC9599271 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of research suggests that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are early pathogenic features of neurodegenerative disorders. In recent years, the vitagene system has emerged as a potential target, as it has been shown to have a high neuroprotective power. Therefore, the discovery of molecules capable of activating this system may represent a new therapeutic target to limit the deleterious consequences induced by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, such as neurodegeneration. Lipoxins are derived from arachidonic acid, and their role in the resolution of systemic inflammation is well established; however, they have become increasingly involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. Our study aimed at activating the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) redox system and increasing lipoxin A4 for the modulation of antioxidant stress and neuroinflammation through the action of two fungi in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's model. METHODS During the experiment, mice received Hericium erinaceus, Coriolus versicolor or a combination of the two (200 mg/kg, orally) concomitantly with rotenone (5 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days. RESULTS The results obtained highlighted the ability of these two fungi and, in particular, their ability through their association to act on neuroinflammation through the nuclear factor-kB pathway and on oxidative stress through the Nrf2 pathway. This prevented dopaminergic neurons from undergoing apoptosis and prevented the alteration of typical Parkinson's disease (PD) markers and α-synuclein accumulation. The action of Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor was also able to limit the motor and non-motor alterations characteristic of PD. CONCLUSIONS Since these two mushrooms are subject to fewer regulations than traditional drugs, they could represent a promising nutraceutical choice for preventing PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sergio Modafferi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Tiziana Genovese
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Filippo Peritore
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Enrico Gugliandolo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalia Crupi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Livia Interdonato
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Di Paola
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (S.C.); (V.C.); Tel.: +39-090-676-5208 (D.I. & S.C.)
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (S.C.); (V.C.); Tel.: +39-090-676-5208 (D.I. & S.C.)
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (S.C.); (V.C.); Tel.: +39-090-676-5208 (D.I. & S.C.)
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Emerging Role of Neuron-Glia in Neurological Disorders: At a Glance. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3201644. [PMID: 36046684 PMCID: PMC9423989 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3201644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Based on the diverse physiological influence, the impact of glial cells has become much more evident on neurological illnesses, resulting in the origins of many diseases appearing to be more convoluted than previously happened. Since neurological disorders are often random and unknown, hence the construction of animal models is difficult to build, representing a small fraction of people with a gene mutation. As a result, an immediate necessity is grown to work within in vitro techniques for examining these illnesses. As the scientific community recognizes cell-autonomous contributions to a variety of central nervous system illnesses, therapeutic techniques involving stem cells for treating neurological diseases are gaining traction. The use of stem cells derived from a variety of sources is increasingly being used to replace both neuronal and glial tissue. The brain's energy demands necessitate the reliance of neurons on glial cells in order for it to function properly. Furthermore, glial cells have diverse functions in terms of regulating their own metabolic activities, as well as collaborating with neurons via secreted signaling or guidance molecules, forming a complex network of neuron-glial connections in health and sickness. Emerging data reveals that metabolic changes in glial cells can cause morphological and functional changes in conjunction with neuronal dysfunction under disease situations, highlighting the importance of neuron-glia interactions in the pathophysiology of neurological illnesses. In this context, it is required to improve our understanding of disease mechanisms and create potential novel therapeutics. According to research, synaptic malfunction is one of the features of various mental diseases, and glial cells are acting as key ingredients not only in synapse formation, growth, and plasticity but also in neuroinflammation and synaptic homeostasis which creates critical physiological capacity in the focused sensory system. The goal of this review article is to elaborate state-of-the-art information on a few glial cell types situated in the central nervous system (CNS) and highlight their role in the onset and progression of neurological disorders.
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Micheli L, Toti A, Lucarini E, Ferrara V, Ciampi C, Olivero G, Pittaluga A, Mattoli L, Pelucchini C, Burico M, Lucci J, Carrino D, Pacini A, Pallanti S, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C. Efficacy of a vegetal mixture composed of Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica in a mouse model of neuroinflammation: In vivo and ex vivo analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:887378. [PMID: 36118773 PMCID: PMC9472218 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.887378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence suggests that neuroinflammation is a key pathological event of many diseases affecting the nervous system. It has been well recognized that these devastating illnesses (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and chronic pain) are multifactorial, involving many pathogenic mechanisms, reason why pharmacological treatments are unsatisfactory. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a vegetal mixture capable of offering a multiple approach required to manage the multifactoriality of neuroinflammation. A mixture composed of Zingiber officinale (150 mg kg−1), Echinacea purpurea (20 mg kg−1), and Centella asiatica (200 mg kg−1) was tested in a mouse model of systemic neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg kg−1). Repeated treatment with the vegetal mixture was able to completely counteract thermal and mechanical allodynia as reported by the Cold plate and von Frey tests, respectively, and to reduce the motor impairments as demonstrated by the Rota rod test. Moreover, the mixture was capable of neutralizing the memory loss in the Passive avoidance test and reducing depressive-like behavior in the Porsolt test, while no efficacy was shown in decreasing anhedonia as demonstrated by the Sucrose preference test. Finally, LPS stimulation caused a significant increase in the activation of glial cells, of the central complement proteins and of inflammatory cytokines in selected regions of the central nervous system (CNS), which were rebalanced in animals treated with the vegetal mixture. In conclusion, the vegetal mixture tested thwarted the plethora of symptoms evoked by LPS, thus being a potential candidate for future investigations in the context of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Micheli
- Neurofarba—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Laura Micheli,
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Neurofarba—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lucarini
- Neurofarba—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Ferrara
- Neurofarba—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Clara Ciampi
- Neurofarba—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Guendalina Olivero
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luisa Mattoli
- Innovation and Medical Science Division, Aboca SpA Società Agricola, Sansepolcro, Italy
| | - Caroline Pelucchini
- Innovation and Medical Science Division, Aboca SpA Società Agricola, Sansepolcro, Italy
| | - Michela Burico
- Innovation and Medical Science Division, Aboca SpA Società Agricola, Sansepolcro, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lucci
- Innovation and Medical Science Division, Aboca SpA Società Agricola, Sansepolcro, Italy
| | - Donatello Carrino
- Anatomy and Histology Section, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pacini
- Anatomy and Histology Section, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Pallanti
- Psychiatry Section, Department of Neurofarba, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Institute of Neuroscience, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Neurofarba—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Neurofarba—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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44
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Connexins Signatures of the Neurovascular Unit and Their Physio-Pathological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179510. [PMID: 36076908 PMCID: PMC9455936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis is closely linked to the delicate balance of the microenvironment in which different cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) coexist. Intercellular communication plays a pivotal role in exchanges of signaling molecules and mediators essential for survival functions, as well as in the removal of disturbing elements that can lead to related pathologies. The specific signatures of connexins (Cxs), proteins which form either gap junctions (GJs) or hemichannels (HCs), represent the biological substrate of the pathophysiological balance. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is undoubtedly one of the most important factors in glia–neuro–vascular crosstalk. Herein, Cxs signatures of every NVU component are highlighted and their critical influence on functional processes in healthy and pathological conditions of nervous microenvironment is reviewed.
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Food Reward Alterations during Obesity Are Associated with Inflammation in the Striatum in Mice: Beneficial Effects of Akkermansia muciniphila. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162534. [PMID: 36010611 PMCID: PMC9406832 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The reward system involved in hedonic food intake presents neuronal and behavioral dysregulations during obesity. Moreover, gut microbiota dysbiosis during obesity promotes low-grade inflammation in peripheral organs and in the brain contributing to metabolic alterations. The mechanisms underlying reward dysregulations during obesity remain unclear. We investigated if inflammation affects the striatum during obesity using a cohort of control-fed or diet-induced obese (DIO) male mice. We tested the potential effects of specific gut bacteria on the reward system during obesity by administrating Akkermansia muciniphila daily or a placebo to DIO male mice. We showed that dysregulations of the food reward are associated with inflammation and alterations in the blood–brain barrier in the striatum of obese mice. We identified Akkermansia muciniphila as a novel actor able to improve the dysregulated reward behaviors associated with obesity, potentially through a decreased activation of inflammatory pathways and lipid-sensing ability in the striatum. These results open a new field of research and suggest that gut microbes can be considered as an innovative therapeutic approach to attenuate reward alterations in obesity. This study provides substance for further investigations of Akkermansia muciniphila-mediated behavioral improvements in other inflammatory neuropsychiatric disorders.
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46
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Mafi A, Rahmati A, Babaei Aghdam Z, Salami R, Salami M, Vakili O, Aghadavod E. Recent insights into the microRNA-dependent modulation of gliomas from pathogenesis to diagnosis and treatment. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:65. [PMID: 35922753 PMCID: PMC9347108 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most lethal primary brain tumors in adults. These highly invasive tumors have poor 5-year survival for patients. Gliomas are principally characterized by rapid diffusion as well as high levels of cellular heterogeneity. However, to date, the exact pathogenic mechanisms, contributing to gliomas remain ambiguous. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as small noncoding RNAs of about 20 nucleotides in length, are known as chief modulators of different biological processes at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. More recently, it has been revealed that these noncoding RNA molecules have essential roles in tumorigenesis and progression of multiple cancers, including gliomas. Interestingly, miRNAs are able to modulate diverse cancer-related processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis, invasion and migration, differentiation and stemness, angiogenesis, and drug resistance; thus, impaired miRNAs may result in deterioration of gliomas. Additionally, miRNAs can be secreted into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as well as the bloodstream, and transported between normal and tumor cells freely or by exosomes, converting them into potential diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers for gliomas. They would also be great therapeutic agents, especially if they could cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Accordingly, in the current review, the contribution of miRNAs to glioma pathogenesis is first discussed, then their glioma-related diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutic potential is highlighted briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mafi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefe Rahmati
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Basic Science, Neyshabur University of Medical Science, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei Aghdam
- Imaging Sciences Research Group, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Raziyeh Salami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Salami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Omid Vakili
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Esmat Aghadavod
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. .,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Dias L, Madeira D, Dias R, Tomé ÂR, Cunha RA, Agostinho P. Aβ 1-42 peptides blunt the adenosine A 2A receptor-mediated control of the interplay between P 2X 7 and P 2Y 1 receptors mediated calcium responses in astrocytes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:457. [PMID: 35907034 PMCID: PMC11071907 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of astrocytes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still ill defined. AD involves an abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) and increased production of danger signals such as ATP. ATP can direct or indirectly, through its metabolism into adenosine, trigger adaptive astrocytic responses resulting from intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. AD also triggers an upregulation of astrocytic adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR), which blockade prevents memory dysfunction in AD. We now investigated how Aβ peptides affect ATP-mediated Ca2+ responses in astrocytes measured by fluorescence live-cell imaging and whether A2AR control astrocytic Ca2+ responses mediated by ATP receptors, mainly P2X7R and P2Y1R. In primary cultures of rat astrocytes exposed to Aβ1-42, ATP-evoked Ca2+ responses had a lower amplitude but a longer duration than in control astrocytes and involved P2X7R and P2Y1R, the former potentiating the later. Moreover, Aβ1-42 exposure increased protein levels of P2Y1R in astrocytes. A2AR antagonism with SCH58261 controlled in a protein kinase A-dependent manner both P2X7R- and P2Y1R-mediated Ca2+ responses in astrocytes. The interplay between these purinoceptors in astrocytes was blunted upon exposure to Aβ1-42. These findings uncover the ability of A2AR to regulate the inter-twinned P2X7R- and P2Y1R-mediated Ca2+ dynamics in astrocytes, which is disrupted in conditions of early AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dias
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Madeira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rafael Dias
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ângelo R Tomé
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, 1st Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Inhibition of Monoacylglycerol Lipase by NSD1819 as an Effective Strategy for the Endocannabinoid System Modulation against Neuroinflammation-Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158428. [PMID: 35955562 PMCID: PMC9369272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a key pathological event shared by different diseases affecting the nervous system. Since the underlying mechanism of neuroinflammation is a complex and multifaceted process, current pharmacological treatments are unsatisfactory—a reason why new therapeutic approaches are mandatory. In this context, the endocannabinoid system has proven to possess neuroprotective and immunomodulatory actions under neuroinflammatory status, and its modulation could represent a valuable approach to address different inflammatory processes. To this aim, we evaluated the efficacy of a repeated treatment with NSD1819, a potent β-lactam-based monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor in a mouse model of neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS 1 mg/kg for five consecutive days to induce systemic inflammation. Concurrently, NSD1819 (3 mg/kg) was daily per os administered from day 1 until the end of the experiment (day 11). Starting from day 8, behavioral measurements were performed to evaluate the effect of the treatment on cognitive impairments, allodynia, motor alterations, anhedonia, and depressive-like behaviors evoked by LPS. Histologically, glial analysis of the spinal cord was also performed. The administration of NSD1819 was able to completely counteract thermal and mechanical allodynia as highlighted by the Cold plate and von Frey tests, respectively, and to reduce motor impairments as demonstrated by the Rota rod test. Moreover, the compound was capable of neutralizing the memory loss in the Passive avoidance test, and reducing depressive-like behavior in the Porsolt test. Finally, LPS stimulation caused a significant glial cells activation in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord that was significantly recovered by NSD1819 repeated treatment. In conclusion, NSD1819 was able to thwart the plethora of symptoms evoked by LPS, thus representing a promising candidate for future applications in the context of neuroinflammation and related diseases.
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The Involvement of Polyamines Catabolism in the Crosstalk between Neurons and Astrocytes in Neurodegeneration. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071756. [PMID: 35885061 PMCID: PMC9312548 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian cells, the content of polyamines is tightly regulated. Polyamines, including spermine, spermidine and putrescine, are involved in many cellular processes. Spermine oxidase specifically oxidizes spermine, and its deregulated activity has been reported to be linked to brain pathologies involving neuron damage. Spermine is a neuromodulator of a number of ionotropic glutamate receptors and types of ion channels. In this respect, the Dach-SMOX mouse model overexpressing spermine oxidase in the neocortex neurons was revealed to be a model of chronic oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and neuronal damage. Reactive astrocytosis, chronic oxidative and excitotoxic stress, neuron loss and the susceptibility to seizure in the Dach-SMOX are discussed here. This genetic model would help researchers understand the linkage between polyamine dysregulation and neurodegeneration and unveil the roles of polyamines in the crosstalk between astrocytes and neurons in neuroprotection or neurodegeneration.
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50
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Causal biological network models for reactive astrogliosis: a systems approach to neuroinflammation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4205. [PMID: 35273209 PMCID: PMC8913664 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07651-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a central role in the neuroimmune response by responding to CNS pathologies with diverse molecular and morphological changes during the process of reactive astrogliosis. Here, we used a computational biological network model and mathematical algorithms that allow the interpretation of high-throughput transcriptomic datasets in the context of known biology to study reactive astrogliosis. We gathered available mechanistic information from the literature into a comprehensive causal biological network (CBN) model of astrocyte reactivity. The CBN model was built in the Biological Expression Language, which is both human-readable and computable. We characterized the CBN with a network analysis of highly connected nodes and demonstrated that the CBN captures relevant astrocyte biology. Subsequently, we used the CBN and transcriptomic data to identify key molecular pathways driving the astrocyte phenotype in four CNS pathologies: samples from mouse models of lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and samples from multiple sclerosis patients. The astrocyte CBN provides a new tool to identify causal mechanisms and quantify astrogliosis based on transcriptomic data.
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