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D'Egidio F, Castelli V, Lombardozzi G, Ammannito F, Cimini A, d'Angelo M. Therapeutic advances in neural regeneration for Huntington's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1991-1997. [PMID: 38227527 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion mutation of a cytosine-adenine-guanine triplet in the exon 1 of the HTT gene which is responsible for the production of the huntingtin (Htt) protein. In physiological conditions, Htt is involved in many cellular processes such as cell signaling, transcriptional regulation, energy metabolism regulation, DNA maintenance, axonal trafficking, and antiapoptotic activity. When the genetic alteration is present, the production of a mutant version of Htt (mHtt) occurs, which is characterized by a plethora of pathogenic activities that, finally, lead to cell death. Among all the cells in which mHtt exerts its dangerous activity, the GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons seem to be the most affected by the mHtt-induced excitotoxicity both in the cortex and in the striatum. However, as the neurodegeneration proceeds ahead the neuronal loss grows also in other brain areas such as the cerebellum, hypothalamus, thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra, determining the variety of symptoms that characterize Huntington's disease. From a clinical point of view, Huntington's disease is characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms spanning from motor impairment to cognitive disorders and dementia. Huntington's disease shows a prevalence of around 3.92 cases every 100,000 worldwide and an incidence of 0.48 new cases every 100,000/year. To date, there is no available cure for Huntington's disease. Several treatments have been developed so far, aiming to reduce the severity of one or more symptoms to slow down the inexorable decline caused by the disease. In this context, the search for reliable strategies to target the different aspects of Huntington's disease become of the utmost interest. In recent years, a variety of studies demonstrated the detrimental role of neuronal loss in Huntington's disease condition highlighting how the replacement of lost cells would be a reasonable strategy to overcome the neurodegeneration. In this view, numerous have been the attempts in several preclinical models of Huntington's disease to evaluate the feasibility of invasive and non-invasive approaches. Thus, the aim of this review is to offer an overview of the most appealing approaches spanning from stem cell-based cell therapy to extracellular vesicles such as exosomes in light of promoting neurogenesis, discussing the results obtained so far, their limits and the future perspectives regarding the neural regeneration in the context of Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco D'Egidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Dell’Angelica D, Singh K, Colwell CS, Ghiani CA. Circadian Interventions in Preclinical Models of Huntington's Disease: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1777. [PMID: 39200241 PMCID: PMC11351982 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081777] [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: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an autosomal-dominant mutation in the huntingtin gene, which manifests with a triad of motor, cognitive and psychiatric declines. Individuals with HD often present with disturbed sleep/wake cycles, but it is still debated whether altered circadian rhythms are intrinsic to its aetiopathology or a consequence. Conversely, it is well established that sleep/wake disturbances, perhaps acting in concert with other pathophysiological mechanisms, worsen the impact of the disease on cognitive and motor functions and are a burden to the patients and their caretakers. Currently, there is no cure to stop the progression of HD, however, preclinical research is providing cementing evidence that restoring the fluctuation of the circadian rhythms can assist in delaying the onset and slowing progression of HD. Here we highlight the application of circadian-based interventions in preclinical models and provide insights into their potential translation in clinical practice. Interventions aimed at improving sleep/wake cycles' synchronization have shown to improve motor and cognitive deficits in HD models. Therefore, a strong support for their suitability to ameliorate HD symptoms in humans emerges from the literature, albeit with gaps in our knowledge on the underlying mechanisms and possible risks associated with their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Dell’Angelica
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (D.D.); (K.S.); (C.S.C.)
| | - Karan Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (D.D.); (K.S.); (C.S.C.)
| | - Christopher S. Colwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (D.D.); (K.S.); (C.S.C.)
| | - Cristina A. Ghiani
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (D.D.); (K.S.); (C.S.C.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
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3
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Ortiz-Valladares M, Pedraza-Medina R, Rosales-Herrera S, Guzmán-Muñiz J. Maternal aerobic exercise decreases the effects of a perinatal Western diet on the short and long-term memory of CD1 mouse progeny. Neurosci Lett 2024; 824:137669. [PMID: 38360145 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137669] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Maternal nutrition and physical activity during pregnancy and lactation can modify offspring development. Here, we investigated the effects of maternal aerobic exercise (AE) and Western diet (WD) on brain development, cognitive flexibility, and memory of progenies. Sixteen adult female mice were assigned to AE or sedentary groups (SED) and fed a balanced diet (BD) or WD. Offspring were categorized into four groups: WD + AE, WD + SED, BD + AE, and BD + SED. The AE group showed enhanced spontaneous alternation in the T-maze test, suggesting an improvement in working memory and tasks related to cognitive flexibility. The novel object recognition (NOR) test showed that the BD + AE pups improved their absolute discrimination and discrimination index at 24 h, which suggests a delay in memory consolidation without affecting evocation. WD + SED showed poorer discrimination and recognition memory. The pups of AE mothers had better efficiency in short-term memory, whereas WD offspring showed low performance in long-term memory. Interestingly, exercise improved tasks related to cognitive flexibility, regardless of the diet. These findings indicate that maternal diet and physical activity modify offspring development and suggest that maternal AE during pregnancy could be a beneficial intervention to counteract the adverse effects of WD by improving spatial memory and cognitive flexibility in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo Pedraza-Medina
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Salma Rosales-Herrera
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Jorge Guzmán-Muñiz
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
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4
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Du W, Wang T, Hu S, Luan J, Tian F, Ma G, Xue J. Engineering of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for repairing brain injury. ENGINEERED REGENERATION 2023; 4:289-303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
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5
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Grigoryan GA. The systemic effects of the enriched environment on the conditioned fear reaction. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1227575. [PMID: 37674611 PMCID: PMC10477375 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1227575] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, a hypothesis is proposed to explain the beneficial effect of an enriched environment (EE) on the conditioned fear reaction (CFR) from the perspective of a functional system of behavioral control. According to the hypothesis, the EE affects all behavioral act components, including the processing of sensory information, memory, motivational and reinforcing systems, and motor activities, which weakens the CFR. Animals raised in the EE have effects that are comparable to those of context (CTX) and CS pre-exposures at latent inhibition. An abundance of stimuli in the EE and constant contact with them provide the formation of CS-noUS and CTX-noUS connections that later, during CFR learning, slow down and diminish fear. The EE also contributes to faster processing of information and habituation to it. As a result, many stimuli in the context lose their significance, and subjects simply ignore them. And finally, the EE affects the motivational and reinforcing brain mechanisms, induces an impairment of search activity, and worsens memory consolidation, which leads to a reduction of CFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigory A. Grigoryan
- The Laboratory of Conditioned Reflexes and Physiology of Emotions, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Speidell A, Bin Abid N, Yano H. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Dysregulation as an Essential Pathological Feature in Huntington's Disease: Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2275. [PMID: 37626771 PMCID: PMC10452871 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082275] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major neurotrophin whose loss or interruption is well established to have numerous intersections with the pathogenesis of progressive neurological disorders. There is perhaps no greater example of disease pathogenesis resulting from the dysregulation of BDNF signaling than Huntington's disease (HD)-an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive impairments associated with basal ganglia dysfunction and the ultimate death of striatal projection neurons. Investigation of the collection of mechanisms leading to BDNF loss in HD highlights this neurotrophin's importance to neuronal viability and calls attention to opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Using electronic database searches of existing and forthcoming research, we constructed a literature review with the overarching goal of exploring the diverse set of molecular events that trigger BDNF dysregulation within HD. We highlighted research that investigated these major mechanisms in preclinical models of HD and connected these studies to those evaluating similar endpoints in human HD subjects. We also included a special focus on the growing body of literature detailing key transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations that affect BDNF abundance in HD. Finally, we offer critical evaluation of proposed neurotrophin-directed therapies and assessed clinical trials seeking to correct BDNF expression in HD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Speidell
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.S.); (N.B.A.)
| | - Noman Bin Abid
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.S.); (N.B.A.)
| | - Hiroko Yano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.S.); (N.B.A.)
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Schellino R, Besusso D, Parolisi R, Gómez-González GB, Dallere S, Scaramuzza L, Ribodino M, Campus I, Conforti P, Parmar M, Boido M, Cattaneo E, Buffo A. hESC-derived striatal progenitors grafted into a Huntington's disease rat model support long-term functional motor recovery by differentiating, self-organizing and connecting into the lesioned striatum. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:189. [PMID: 37507794 PMCID: PMC10386300 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03422-4] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a motor and cognitive neurodegenerative disorder due to prominent loss of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Cell replacement using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derivatives may offer new therapeutic opportunities to replace degenerated neurons and repair damaged circuits. METHODS With the aim to develop effective cell replacement for HD, we assessed the long-term therapeutic value of hESC-derived striatal progenitors by grafting the cells into the striatum of a preclinical model of HD [i.e., adult immunodeficient rats in which the striatum was lesioned by monolateral injection of quinolinic acid (QA)]. We examined the survival, maturation, self-organization and integration of the graft as well as its impact on lesion-dependent motor alterations up to 6 months post-graft. Moreover, we tested whether exposing a cohort of QA-lesioned animals to environmental enrichment (EE) could improve graft integration and function. RESULTS Human striatal progenitors survived up to 6 months after transplantation and showed morphological and neurochemical features typical of human MSNs. Donor-derived interneurons were also detected. Grafts wired in both local and long-range striatal circuits, formed domains suggestive of distinct ganglionic eminence territories and displayed emerging striosome features. Moreover, over time grafts improved complex motor performances affected by QA. EE selectively increased cell differentiation into MSN phenotype and promoted host-to-graft connectivity. However, when combined to the graft, the EE paradigm used in this study was insufficient to produce an additive effect on task execution. CONCLUSIONS The data support the long-term therapeutic potential of ESC-derived human striatal progenitor grafts for the replacement of degenerated striatal neurons in HD and suggest that EE can effectively accelerate the maturation and promote the integration of human striatal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Schellino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Dario Besusso
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Parolisi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Gabriela B Gómez-González
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Sveva Dallere
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Linda Scaramuzza
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Ribodino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Campus
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Conforti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Malin Parmar
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
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Baker K, Dalley JW. Desert Island Papers. Brain Neurosci Adv 2023; 7:23982128231199006. [PMID: 37736162 PMCID: PMC10510345 DOI: 10.1177/23982128231199006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This article presents edited highlights from a special session at the BNA International Festival of Neuroscience held in Brighton in April 2023. The session involved Desert Island Disc-style interviews between early career researchers and established investigators, discussing papers that influenced their neuroscience careers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Baker
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jeffrey W. Dalley
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Herchel Smith Building for Brain and Mind Sciences, Cambridge, UK
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Morton AJ. Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Dysfunction in Animal Models of Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2023; 12:133-148. [PMID: 37334613 PMCID: PMC10473141 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-230574] [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] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Sleep and circadian disruption affects most individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) at some stage in their lives. Sleep and circadian dysregulation are also present in many mouse and the sheep models of HD. Here I review evidence for sleep and/or circadian dysfunction in HD transgenic animal models and discuss two key questions: 1) How relevant are such findings to people with HD, and 2) Whether or not therapeutic interventions that ameliorate deficits in animal models of HD might translate to meaningful therapies for people with HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Fetit R. Celebrating the life and research of BNA Past-President Colin Blakemore. Brain Neurosci Adv 2023; 7:23982128231195514. [PMID: 37641631 PMCID: PMC10460290 DOI: 10.1177/23982128231195514] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Professor Sir Colin Blakemore was a remarkable neuroscientist, persuasive communicator, and brave advocate for animal research who, sadly, passed away in June 2022 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. His work helped establish the concept of neuronal plasticity, which was fundamental to our understanding of the postnatal brain and continues to impact our outlook on neurodegenerative disorders. The BNA2023 Festival of Neuroscience dedicated its last plenary session in his honour, bringing together five prominent neuroscientists whose careers were shaped by Professor Blakemore. Here, we summarise the speakers' reflections on how Colin's support, generosity, and foresight influenced their academic paths, inspired their research, and changed their outlook on life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Fetit
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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11
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The Molecular Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:7095-7118. [PMID: 36083518 PMCID: PMC9616781 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03016-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is an environmental paradigm encompassing sensory, cognitive, and physical stimulation at a heightened level. Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of EE in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. EE improves cognitive function as well as ameliorates depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, making it a potentially effective neuroprotective strategy against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we summarize the current evidence for EE as a neuroprotective strategy as well as the potential molecular pathways that can explain the effects of EE from a biochemical perspective using animal models. The effectiveness of EE in enhancing brain activity against neurodegeneration is explored with a view to differences present in early and late life EE exposure, with its potential application in human being discussed. We discuss EE as one of the non pharmacological approaches in preventing or delaying the onset of AD for future research.
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12
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Dun L, Mei-Jing C, Si-Ting H, Xin-Yuan Y, Yu-Xuan W. Effects of different environmental intervention durations on the intestinal mucosal barrier and the brain-gut axis in rats with colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20442. [PMID: 36443338 PMCID: PMC9705392 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24861-8] [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: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
An enriched environment (EE) is a promising strategy for protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier and regulating the brain-gut axis, but the optimal EE intervention duration is unknown. Here, different EE intervention durations were applied to assess the optimal intervention duration in rats with colorectal cancer. We used a rat model of 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colorectal cancer. The rats were housed in an EE for 0, 2, 4, 8 weeks and 8-week blank group. The intestinal mucosa and serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, ATP, CRF, and occludin levels and bacterial translocation (BT) were measured, and the intestinal mucosa morphology was evaluated. In 8 weeks, the effect of tumor on intestinal mucosal barrier was not obvious and the EE had a greater impact on it. Eight weeks of EE was more beneficial to the intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier than 2 or 4 weeks of intervention. A significant difference in BT was found between the 4- and 8-week groups. Overall, the analysis of inflammatory factor regulation revealed that the two blank groups exhibited the worst effect, and the intervention effect at 8 weeks was better than that at 2 and 4 weeks. CRF at 4 weeks was higher than that at 8-week blank group. The effect of 8-week intervention duration on the intestinal mucosal barrier was generally better than that of 2- and 4-week durations and intervention within 4 weeks can help to stabilize and promote the secretion of brain gut peptide, but the effect of different intervention durations on the brain-gut peptide levels was not obvious. In the future, we can further explore the molecular biological mechanism of the effect of different EE intervention durations on the intestinal mucosal barrier and analyze the effect of an EE on other brain-gut peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Dun
- grid.256112.30000 0004 1797 9307The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122 Fujian China
| | - Chen Mei-Jing
- grid.256112.30000 0004 1797 9307The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122 Fujian China
| | - Huang Si-Ting
- grid.256112.30000 0004 1797 9307The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122 Fujian China
| | - Yu Xin-Yuan
- grid.256112.30000 0004 1797 9307The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122 Fujian China
| | - Wu Yu-Xuan
- grid.256112.30000 0004 1797 9307The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122 Fujian China
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13
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Hannan AJ. Use it or lose it: gene-environment interactions at the nexus of expanding genes and shrinking brains in Huntington's disease and other experience-dependent disorders of ageing. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac308. [PMID: 36519152 PMCID: PMC9732842 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This scientific commentary refers to 'Intellectual enrichment and genetic modifiers of cognition and brain volume in Huntington's disease' by Papoutsi et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcac279).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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14
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Mees I, Li S, Tran H, Ang CS, Williamson NA, Hannan AJ, Renoir T. Phosphoproteomic dysregulation in Huntington's disease mice is rescued by environmental enrichment. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac305. [PMID: 36523271 PMCID: PMC9746689 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a fatal autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by neuronal cell dysfunction and loss, primarily in the striatum, cortex and hippocampus, causing motor, cognitive and psychiatric impairments. Unfortunately, no treatments are yet available to modify the progression of the disease. Recent evidence from Huntington's disease mouse models suggests that protein phosphorylation (catalysed by kinases and hydrolysed by phosphatases) might be dysregulated, making this major post-translational modification a potential area of interest to find novel therapeutic targets. Furthermore, environmental enrichment, used to model an active lifestyle in preclinical models, has been shown to alleviate Huntington's disease-related motor and cognitive symptoms. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to these therapeutic effects are still largely unknown. In this study, we applied a phosphoproteomics approach combined with proteomic analyses on brain samples from pre-motor symptomatic R6/1 Huntington's disease male mice and their wild-type littermates, after being housed either in environmental enrichment conditions, or in standard housing conditions from 4 to 8 weeks of age (n = 6 per group). We hypothesized that protein phosphorylation dysregulations occur prior to motor onset in this mouse model, in two highly affected brain regions, the striatum and hippocampus. Furthermore, we hypothesized that these phosphoproteome alterations are rescued by environmental enrichment. When comparing 8-week-old Huntington's disease mice and wild-type mice in standard housing conditions, our analysis revealed 229 differentially phosphorylated peptides in the striatum, compared with only 15 differentially phosphorylated peptides in the hippocampus (statistical thresholds fold discovery rate 0.05, fold change 1.5). At the same disease stage, minor differences were found in protein levels, with 24 and 22 proteins dysregulated in the striatum and hippocampus, respectively. Notably, we found no differences in striatal protein phosphorylation and protein expression when comparing Huntington's disease mice and their wild-type littermates in environmentally enriched conditions. In the hippocampus, only four peptides were differentially phosphorylated between the two genotypes under environmentally enriched conditions, and 22 proteins were differentially expressed. Together, our data indicates that protein phosphorylation dysregulations occur in the striatum of Huntington's disease mice, prior to motor symptoms, and that the kinases and phosphatases leading to these changes in protein phosphorylation might be viable drug targets to consider for this disorder. Furthermore, we show that an early environmental intervention was able to rescue the changes observed in protein expression and phosphorylation in the striatum of Huntington's disease mice and might underlie the beneficial effects of environmental enrichment, thus identifying novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaline Mees
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Harvey Tran
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Williamson
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Thibault Renoir
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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15
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Drinkwater E, Davies C, Spires-Jones TL. Potential neurobiological links between social isolation and Alzheimer's disease risk. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:5397-5412. [PMID: 34184343 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that 40% of dementia cases could be prevented by modification of lifestyle factors that associate with disease risk. One of these potentially modifiable lifestyle factors is social isolation. In this review, we discuss what is known about associations between social isolation and Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia. This is particularly relevant in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when social isolation has been enforced with potential emerging negative impacts on cognition. While there are neurobiological mechanisms emerging that may account for the observed epidemiological associations between social isolation and Alzheimer's disease, more fundamental research is needed to fully understand the brain changes induced by isolation that may make people vulnerable to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin Davies
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tara L Spires-Jones
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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16
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Papoutsi M, Flower M, Hensman Moss DJ, Holmans P, Estevez-Fraga C, Johnson EB, Scahill RI, Rees G, Langbehn D, Tabrizi SJ. Intellectual enrichment and genetic modifiers of cognition and brain volume in Huntington's disease. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac279. [PMID: 36519153 PMCID: PMC9732861 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An important step towards the development of treatments for cognitive impairment in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases is to identify genetic and environmental modifiers of cognitive function and understand the mechanism by which they exert an effect. In Huntington's disease, the most common autosomal dominant dementia, a small number of studies have identified intellectual enrichment, i.e. a cognitively stimulating lifestyle and genetic polymorphisms as potential modifiers of cognitive function. The aim of our study was to further investigate the relationship and interaction between genetic factors and intellectual enrichment on cognitive function and brain atrophy in Huntington's disease. For this purpose, we analysed data from Track-HD, a multi-centre longitudinal study in Huntington's disease gene carriers and focused on the role of intellectual enrichment (estimated at baseline) and the genes FAN1, MSH3, BDNF, COMT and MAPT in predicting cognitive decline and brain atrophy. We found that carrying the 3a allele in the MSH3 gene had a positive effect on global cognitive function and brain atrophy in multiple cortical regions, such that 3a allele carriers had a slower rate of cognitive decline and atrophy compared with non-carriers, in agreement with its role in somatic instability. No other genetic predictor had a significant effect on cognitive function and the effect of MSH3 was independent of intellectual enrichment. Intellectual enrichment also had a positive effect on cognitive function; participants with higher intellectual enrichment, i.e. those who were better educated, had higher verbal intelligence and performed an occupation that was intellectually engaging, had better cognitive function overall, in agreement with previous studies in Huntington's disease and other dementias. We also found that intellectual enrichment interacted with the BDNF gene, such that the positive effect of intellectual enrichment was greater in Met66 allele carriers than non-carriers. A similar relationship was also identified for changes in whole brain and caudate volume; the positive effect of intellectual enrichment was greater for Met66 allele carriers, rather than for non-carriers. In summary, our study provides additional evidence for the beneficial role of intellectual enrichment and carrying the 3a allele in MSH3 in cognitive function in Huntington's disease and their effect on brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Papoutsi
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Ixico plc, London, UK
| | - Michael Flower
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Davina J Hensman Moss
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Holmans
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Carlos Estevez-Fraga
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eileanoir B Johnson
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachael I Scahill
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Geraint Rees
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Douglas Langbehn
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, UK
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17
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Gubert C, Choo JM, Love CJ, Kodikara S, Masson BA, Liew JJM, Wang Y, Kong G, Narayana VK, Renoir T, Lê Cao KA, Rogers GB, Hannan AJ. Faecal microbiota transplant ameliorates gut dysbiosis and cognitive deficits in Huntington’s disease mice. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac205. [PMID: 36035436 PMCID: PMC9400176 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder involving psychiatric, cognitive and motor symptoms. Huntington’s disease is caused by a tandem-repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, which is widely expressed throughout the brain and body, including the gastrointestinal system. There are currently no effective disease-modifying treatments available for this fatal disorder. Despite recent evidence of gut microbiome disruption in preclinical and clinical Huntington’s disease, its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions has not been explored. The microbiota–gut–brain axis provides a potential pathway through which changes in the gut could modulate brain function, including cognition. We now show that faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from wild-type into Huntington’s disease mice positively modulates cognitive outcomes, particularly in females. In Huntington’s disease male mice, we revealed an inefficiency of FMT engraftment, which is potentially due to the more pronounced changes in the structure, composition and instability of the gut microbial community, and the imbalance in acetate and gut immune profiles found in these mice. This study demonstrates a role for gut microbiome modulation in ameliorating cognitive deficits modelling dementia in Huntington’s disease. Our findings pave the way for the development of future therapeutic approaches, including FMT and other forms of gut microbiome modulation, as potential clinical interventions for Huntington’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Gubert
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Jocelyn M Choo
- Microbiome and Host Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , Adelaide, SA 5001 , Australia
- Infection and Immunity, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University , Bedford Park, SA 5042 , Australia
| | - Chloe J Love
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Saritha Kodikara
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Bethany A Masson
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Jamie J M Liew
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Yiwen Wang
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Geraldine Kong
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Vinod K Narayana
- Bio21 Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Thibault Renoir
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Kim Anh Lê Cao
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
| | - Geraint B Rogers
- Microbiome and Host Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , Adelaide, SA 5001 , Australia
- Infection and Immunity, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University , Bedford Park, SA 5042 , Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia
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18
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Jahanshahi A, Boonstra JT, Alosaimi F, Ozsoy O, Michielse S, Temel Y. Hidden brain atrophy in ultra-high-field MR images in a transgenic rat model of Huntington's disease. BRAIN DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dscb.2022.100039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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19
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Environmental stimulation in Huntington disease patients and animal models. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105725. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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20
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Berlet R, Galang Cabantan DA, Gonzales-Portillo D, Borlongan CV. Enriched Environment and Exercise Enhance Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and Huntington’s Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:798826. [PMID: 35309929 PMCID: PMC8927702 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.798826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells, specifically embryonic stem cells (ESCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), and neural progenitor stem cells (NSCs), are a possible treatment for stroke, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Current preclinical data suggest stem cell transplantation is a potential treatment for these chronic conditions that lack effective long-term treatment options. Finding treatments with a wider therapeutic window and harnessing a disease-modifying approach will likely improve clinical outcomes. The overarching concept of stem cell therapy entails the use of immature cells, while key in recapitulating brain development and presents the challenge of young grafted cells forming neural circuitry with the mature host brain cells. To this end, exploring strategies designed to nurture graft-host integration will likely enhance the reconstruction of the elusive neural circuitry. Enriched environment (EE) and exercise facilitate stem cell graft-host reconstruction of neural circuitry. It may involve at least a two-pronged mechanism whereby EE and exercise create a conducive microenvironment in the host brain, allowing the newly transplanted cells to survive, proliferate, and differentiate into neural cells; vice versa, EE and exercise may also train the transplanted immature cells to learn the neurochemical, physiological, and anatomical signals in the brain towards better functional graft-host connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed Berlet
- Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Cesar V. Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Cesar V. Borlongan,
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21
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Gene-environment-gut interactions in Huntington's disease mice are associated with environmental modulation of the gut microbiome. iScience 2022; 25:103687. [PMID: 35059604 PMCID: PMC8760441 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut dysbiosis in Huntington's disease (HD) has recently been reported using microbiome profiling in R6/1 HD mice and replicated in clinical HD. In HD mice, environmental enrichment (EE) and exercise (EX) were shown to have therapeutic impacts on the brain and associated symptoms. We hypothesize that these housing interventions modulate the gut microbiome, configuring one of the mechanisms that mediate their therapeutic effects observed in HD. We exposed R6/1 mice to a protocol of either EE or EX, relative to standard-housed control conditions, before the onset of gut dysbiosis and motor deficits. We characterized gut structure and function, as well as gut microbiome profiling using 16S rRNA sequencing. Multivariate analysis identified specific orders, namely Bacteroidales, Lachnospirales and Oscillospirales, as the main bacterial signatures that discriminate between housing conditions. Our findings suggest a promising role for the gut microbiome in mediating the effects of EE and EX exposures, and possibly other environmental interventions, in HD mice. Gastrointestinal structure and motility are intact at an early stage in a HD mouse model There is sexual dimorphism in the presentation of the HD gut dysbiosis phenotype Bacteroidales, Lachnospirales and Oscillospirales bacteria are affected by experience Environmental enrichment and exercise may modulate HD via the microbiota-gut-brain axis
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22
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Cutuli D, Landolfo E, Petrosini L, Gelfo F. Environmental Enrichment Effects on the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Healthy Condition, Alzheimer's Disease, and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:975-992. [PMID: 34897089 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein belonging to the neurotrophin family, is known to be heavily involved in synaptic plasticity processes that support brain development, post-lesion regeneration, and cognitive performances, such as learning and memory. Evidence indicates that BDNF expression can be epigenetically regulated by environmental stimuli and thus can mediate the experience-dependent brain plasticity. Environmental enrichment (EE), an experimental paradigm based on the exposure to complex stimulations, constitutes an efficient means to investigate the effects of high-level experience on behavior, cognitive processes, and neurobiological correlates, as the BDNF expression. In fact, BDNF exerts a key role in mediating and promoting EE-induced plastic changes and functional improvements in healthy and pathological conditions. This review is specifically aimed at providing an updated framework of the available evidence on the EE effects on brain and serum BDNF levels, by taking into account both changes in protein expression and regulation of gene expression. A further purpose of the present review is analyzing the potential of BDNF regulation in coping with neurodegenerative processes characterizing Alzheimer's disease (AD), given BDNF expression alterations are described in AD patients. Moreover, attention is also paid to EE effects on BDNF expression in other neurodegenerative disease. To investigate such a topic, evidence provided by experimental studies is considered. A deeper understanding of environmental ability in modulating BDNF expression in the brain may be fundamental in designing more tuned and effective applications of complex environmental stimulations as managing approaches to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Cutuli
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Landolfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
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23
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Leite ADOF, Bento Torres Neto J, dos Reis RR, Sobral LL, de Souza ACP, Trévia N, de Oliveira RB, Lins NADA, Diniz DG, Diniz JAP, Vasconcelos PFDC, Anthony DC, Brites D, Picanço Diniz CW. Unwanted Exacerbation of the Immune Response in Neurodegenerative Disease: A Time to Review the Impact. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:749595. [PMID: 34744633 PMCID: PMC8570167 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.749595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a series of behavioral changes that resulted in increased social isolation and a more sedentary life for many across all age groups, but, above all, for the elderly population who are the most vulnerable to infections and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Systemic inflammatory responses are known to accelerate neurodegenerative disease progression, which leads to permanent damage, loss of brain function, and the loss of autonomy for many aged people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a spectrum of inflammatory responses was generated in affected individuals, and it is expected that the elderly patients with chronic neurodegenerative diseases who survived SARSCoV-2 infection, it will be found, sooner or later, that there is a worsening of their neurodegenerative conditions. Using mouse prion disease as a model for chronic neurodegeneration, we review the effects of social isolation, sedentary living, and viral infection on the disease progression with a focus on sickness behavior and on the responses of microglia and astrocytes. Focusing on aging, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to immunosenescence in chronic neurodegenerative diseases and how infections may accelerate their progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda de Oliveira Ferreira Leite
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - João Bento Torres Neto
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Renata Rodrigues dos Reis
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Luciane Lobato Sobral
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Aline Cristine Passos de Souza
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Nonata Trévia
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Roseane Borner de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Nara Alves de Almeida Lins
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Daniel Guerreiro Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristovam Wanderley Picanço Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
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24
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Story D, Gallien J, Al-Gharaibeh A, Sandstrom M, Rossignol J, Dunbar GL. Housing R6/2 Mice with Wild-Type Littermates Increases Lifespan. J Huntingtons Dis 2021; 10:455-458. [PMID: 34511507 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-210474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The R6/2 murine model of Huntington's disease (HD) is extensively used in HD research. The current study replicates and extends previous work assessing the impact of housing R6/2 mice with healthy wild-type (WT) littermates on disease progression. The current study extends the previous finding by including male cohorts and the use of a standard diet and water regimen, as opposed to the enhanced diet used in the previous study. This study found that the inclusion of healthy wild-type (WT) littermates, alone, improved survivabilty in R6/2 mice, but did not have a significant impact on weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Story
- Field Neurosciences Institute for Restorative Neurology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.,Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - John Gallien
- Field Neurosciences Institute for Restorative Neurology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Abeer Al-Gharaibeh
- Field Neurosciences Institute for Restorative Neurology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Michael Sandstrom
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.,Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Julien Rossignol
- Field Neurosciences Institute for Restorative Neurology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.,College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Gary L Dunbar
- Field Neurosciences Institute for Restorative Neurology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.,Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.,Field Neurosciences Institute, St. Mary's of Michigan, Saginaw, MI, USA
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25
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Kim A, Lalonde K, Truesdell A, Gomes Welter P, Brocardo PS, Rosenstock TR, Gil-Mohapel J. New Avenues for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168363. [PMID: 34445070 PMCID: PMC8394361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the HD gene. The disease is characterized by neurodegeneration, particularly in the striatum and cortex. The first symptoms usually appear in mid-life and include cognitive deficits and motor disturbances that progress over time. Despite being a genetic disorder with a known cause, several mechanisms are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in HD, and numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted and are currently underway to test the efficacy of therapeutic approaches targeting some of these mechanisms with varying degrees of success. Although current clinical trials may lead to the identification or refinement of treatments that are likely to improve the quality of life of those living with HD, major efforts continue to be invested at the pre-clinical level, with numerous studies testing novel approaches that show promise as disease-modifying strategies. This review offers a detailed overview of the currently approved treatment options for HD and the clinical trials for this neurodegenerative disorder that are underway and concludes by discussing potential disease-modifying treatments that have shown promise in pre-clinical studies, including increasing neurotropic support, modulating autophagy, epigenetic and genetic manipulations, and the use of nanocarriers and stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kim
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Kathryn Lalonde
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Aaron Truesdell
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Priscilla Gomes Welter
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Tatiana R. Rosenstock
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-250-472-4597; Fax: +1-250-472-5505
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26
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Zia A, Pourbagher-Shahri AM, Farkhondeh T, Samarghandian S. Molecular and cellular pathways contributing to brain aging. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2021; 17:6. [PMID: 34118939 PMCID: PMC8199306 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-021-00179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging is the leading risk factor for several age-associated diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the biology of aging mechanisms is essential to the pursuit of brain health. In this regard, brain aging is defined by a gradual decrease in neurophysiological functions, impaired adaptive neuroplasticity, dysregulation of neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis, neuroinflammation, and oxidatively modified molecules and organelles. Numerous pathways lead to brain aging, including increased oxidative stress, inflammation, disturbances in energy metabolism such as deregulated autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and IGF-1, mTOR, ROS, AMPK, SIRTs, and p53 as central modulators of the metabolic control, connecting aging to the pathways, which lead to neurodegenerative disorders. Also, calorie restriction (CR), physical exercise, and mental activities can extend lifespan and increase nervous system resistance to age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. The neuroprotective effect of CR involves increased protection against ROS generation, maintenance of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and inhibition of apoptosis. The recent evidence about the modem molecular and cellular methods in neurobiology to brain aging is exhibiting a significant potential in brain cells for adaptation to aging and resistance to neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliabbas Zia
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Pourbagher-Shahri
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), 9717853577 Birjand, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
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Natural antioxidants enhance the power of physical and mental activities versus risk factors inducing progression of Alzheimer's disease in rats. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107729. [PMID: 33971493 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is exacerbated by social isolation (SI) and protein malnutrition (PM). Antioxidants, physical and mental activities (Ph&M) can maintain cognitive functions and protect against dementia. OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), Vitamin E (VE), Vitamin C (VC), and Selenium (Se), in enhancing the potential effect of Ph&M versus SI&PM as risk factors in the progression of AD in rats. METHODS Aluminum chloride (70 mg/kg, I.P for 5 weeks) was used to induce AD in rats that either normally fed or socially isolated and protein malnourished (SI&PM). Simultaneously, rats were weekly exposed to Ph&M either alone or in combination with EGCG (10 mg/kg, I.P), VC (400 mg/kg, P.O), VE (100 mg/kg, P.O), and Se (1 mg/kg, P.O). RESULTS The combination protocol of EGCG, VE, VC, and Se together with Ph&M significantly increased brain monoamines, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in AD, SI&PM and SI&PM/AD groups. Additionally, this regimen significantly mitigated brain acetylcholine esterase (ACHE), β-amyloid (Aβ), Tau protein, β-secretase, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) as well as DNA fragmentation. These biochemical findings were supported by the histopathological examinations of brain tissue. CONCLUSION The combination protocol of antioxidants with Ph&M activities mitigated SI&PM-induced progressive risk of AD.
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Singhal G, Morgan J, Corrigan F, Toben C, Jawahar MC, Jaehne EJ, Manavis J, Hannan AJ, Baune BT. Short-Term Environmental Enrichment is a Stronger Modulator of Brain Glial Cells and Cervical Lymph Node T Cell Subtypes than Exercise or Combined Exercise and Enrichment. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:469-486. [PMID: 32451728 PMCID: PMC7920895 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00862-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Physical exercise (PE) and environmental enrichment (EE) can modulate immunity. However, the differential effects of short-term PE, EE, and PE + EE on neuroimmune mechanisms during normal aging has not been elucidated. Hence, a cohort of 3-, 8-, and 13-month-old immunologically unchallenged C57BL/6 wild-type mice were randomly assigned to either Control, PE, EE, or PE + EE groups and provided with either no treatment, a running wheel, a variety of plastic and wooden objects alone or in combination with a running wheel for seven weeks, respectively. Immunohistochemistry and 8-color flow cytometry were used to determine the numbers of dentate gyrus glial cells, and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers and their subsets from cervical lymph nodes, respectively. An increase in the number of IBA1+ microglia in the dentate gyrus at 5 and 10 months was observed after EE, while PE and PE + EE increased it only at 10 months. No change in astroglia number in comparison to controls were observed in any of the treatment groups. Also, all treatments induced significant differences in the proportion of specific T cell subsets, i.e., CD4+ and CD8+ T naïve (TN), central memory (TCM), and effector memory (TEM) cells. Our results suggest that in the short-term, EE is a stronger modulator of microglial and peripheral T cell subset numbers than PE and PE + EE, and the combination of short-term PE and EE has no additive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Singhal
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Julie Morgan
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Frances Corrigan
- Division of Health Sciences, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Catherine Toben
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Magdalene C. Jawahar
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emily J. Jaehne
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jim Manavis
- Centre for Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anthony J. Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bernhard T. Baune
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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29
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Molecular Factors Mediating Neural Cell Plasticity Changes in Dementia Brain Diseases. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:8834645. [PMID: 33854544 PMCID: PMC8021472 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8834645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural plasticity-the ability to alter a neuronal response to environmental stimuli-is an important factor in learning and memory. Short-term synaptic plasticity and long-term synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation and long-term depression, are the most-characterized models of learning and memory at the molecular and cellular level. These processes are often disrupted by neurodegeneration-induced dementias. Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for 50% of cases of dementia. Vascular dementia (VaD), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) constitute much of the remaining cases. While vascular lesions are the principal cause of VaD, neurodegenerative processes have been established as etiological agents of many dementia diseases. Chief among such processes is the deposition of pathological protein aggregates in vivo including β-amyloid deposition in AD, the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in AD and FTD, and the accumulation of Lewy bodies composed of α-synuclein aggregates in DLB and PDD. The main symptoms of dementia are cognitive decline and memory and learning impairment. Nonetheless, accurate diagnoses of neurodegenerative diseases can be difficult due to overlapping clinical symptoms and the diverse locations of cortical lesions. Still, new neuroimaging and molecular biomarkers have improved clinicians' diagnostic capabilities in the context of dementia and may lead to the development of more effective treatments. Both genetic and environmental factors may lead to the aggregation of pathological proteins and altered levels of cytokines, such that can trigger the formation of proinflammatory immunological phenotypes. This cascade of pathological changes provides fertile ground for the development of neural plasticity disorders and dementias. Available pharmacotherapy and disease-modifying therapies currently in clinical trials may modulate synaptic plasticity to mitigate the effects neuropathological changes have on cognitive function, memory, and learning. In this article, we review the neural plasticity changes seen in common neurodegenerative diseases from pathophysiological and clinical points of view and highlight potential molecular targets of disease-modifying therapies.
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Soeda F, Toda A, Masuzaki K, Miki R, Koga T, Fujii Y, Takahama K. Effects of enriched environment on micturition activity in freely moving C57BL/6J mice. Low Urin Tract Symptoms 2021; 13:400-409. [PMID: 33648020 DOI: 10.1111/luts.12376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An enriched environment (EE) has been known to promote structural changes in the brain and enhance learning and emotional performance. However, little is known about the effect of an EE on brain stem functions, such as the micturition function. In this study, we examined whether an EE affects micturition activity in mice. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were used. We assessed the micturition activity of freely moving mice using a novel system developed in-house. RESULTS During the dark period, but not light, the EE significantly increased voiding frequency, total voided volume, mean voided volume, voiding duration, mean flow rate, and maximum flow rate compared with the control environment. This EE effect on micturition function was associated with habituation to novel environments in the open-field test, but not with amelioration of motor coordination in the rotarod test. Interestingly, even after the mice were withdrawn from the EE, the improvements in micturition function persisted, while other behavioral changes were abolished. The relative value of voiding frequency and total voided volume during the light period, expressed as a percentage of 24 hours, increased with age when mice were reared in a standard environment. However, this age-related change was not observed in mice reared in an EE. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that an EE may promote micturition activity during the active phase of C57BL/6J mice, and its effects persist even after withdrawal from the EE. Furthermore, an EE may mitigate dysfunctions in micturition activity, such as polyuria, during the resting phase in aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumio Soeda
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Environmental and Molecular Health Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Akihisa Toda
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuya Masuzaki
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Health Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Risa Miki
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Health Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Koga
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yukiko Fujii
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuo Takahama
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Health Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Bálentová S, Adamkov M. Pathological changes in the central nervous system following exposure to ionizing radiation. Physiol Res 2020; 69:389-404. [PMID: 32469226 PMCID: PMC8648310 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies in animals provide relevant knowledge about pathogenesis of radiation-induced injury to the central nervous system. Radiation-induced injury can alter neuronal, glial cell population, brain vasculature and may lead to molecular, cellular and functional consequences. Regarding to its fundamental role in the formation of new memories, spatial navigation and adult neurogenesis, the majority of studies have focused on the hippocampus. Most recent findings in cranial radiotherapy revealed that hippocampal avoidance prevents radiation-induced cognitive impairment of patients with brain primary tumors and metastases. However, numerous preclinical studies have shown that this problem is more complex. Regarding the fact, that the radiation-induced cognitive impairment reflects hippocampal and non-hippocampal compartments, it is highly important to investigate molecular, cellular and functional changes in different brain regions and their integration at clinically relevant doses and schedules. Here, we provide a literature review in order support the translation of preclinical findings to clinical practice and improve the physical and mental status of patients with brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bálentová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
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32
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Queen NJ, Hassan QN, Cao L. Improvements to Healthspan Through Environmental Enrichment and Lifestyle Interventions: Where Are We Now? Front Neurosci 2020; 14:605. [PMID: 32655354 PMCID: PMC7325954 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is an experimental paradigm that is used to explore how a complex, stimulating environment can impact overall health. In laboratory animal experiments, EE housing conditions typically include larger-than-standard cages, abundant bedding, running wheels, mazes, toys, and shelters which are rearranged regularly to further increase stimulation. EE has been shown to improve multiple aspects of health, including but not limited to metabolism, learning and cognition, anxiety and depression, and immunocompetence. Recent advances in lifespan have led some researchers to consider aging as a risk factor for disease. As such, there is a pressing need to understand the processes by which healthspan can be increased. The natural and predictable changes during aging can be reversed or decreased through EE and its underlying mechanisms. Here, we review the use of EE in laboratory animals to understand mechanisms involved in aging, and comment on relative areas of strength and weakness in the current literature. We additionally address current efforts toward applying EE-like lifestyle interventions to human health to extend healthspan. Although increasing lifespan is a clear goal of medical research, improving the quality of this added time also deserves significant attention. Despite hurdles in translating experimental results toward clinical application, we argue there is great potential in using features of EE toward improving human healthy life expectancy or healthspan, especially in the context of increased global longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Queen
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Quais N. Hassan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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33
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Gubert C, Renoir T, Hannan AJ. Why Woody got the blues: The neurobiology of depression in Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 142:104958. [PMID: 32526274 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an extraordinary disorder that usually strikes when individuals are in the prime of their lives, as was the case for the influential 20th century musician Woody Guthrie. HD demonstrates the exceptionally fine line between life and death in such 'genetic diseases', as the only difference between those who suffer horribly and die slowly of this disease is often just a handful of extra tandem repeats (beyond the normal polymorphic range) in a genome that constitutes over 3 billion paired nucleotides of DNA. Furthermore, HD presents as a complex and heterogenous combination of psychiatric, cognitive and motor symptoms, so can appear as an unholy trinity of 'three disorders in one'. The autosomal dominant nature of the disorder is also extremely challenging for affected families, as a 'flip of a coin' dictates which children inherit the mutation from their affected parent, and the gene-negative family members bear the burden of caring for the other half of the family that is affected. In this review, we will focus on one of the earliest, and most devastating, symptoms associated with HD, depression, which has been reported to affect approximately half of gene-positive HD family members. We will discuss the pathogenesis of HD, and depressive symptoms in particular, including molecular and cellular mechanisms, and potential genetic and environmental modifiers. This expanding understanding of HD pathogenesis may not only lead to novel therapeutic options for HD families, but may also provide insights into depression in the wider population, which has the greatest burden of disease of any disorder and an enormous unmet need for new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Gubert
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thibault Renoir
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Rojas-Carvajal M, Sequeira-Cordero A, Brenes JC. Neurobehavioral Effects of Restricted and Unpredictable Environmental Enrichment in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:674. [PMID: 32477137 PMCID: PMC7235364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To study how motivational factors modulate experience-dependent neurobehavioral plasticity, we modify a protocol of environmental enrichment (EE) in rats. We assumed that the benefits derived from EE might vary according to the level of incentive salience attributed to it. To enhance the rewarding properties of EE, access to the EE cage varied randomly from 2 to 48 h for 30 days (REE). The REE group was enriched only 50% of the time and was compared to standard housing and continuous EE (CEE) groups. As behavioral readout, we analyzed the spontaneous activity and the ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) within the EE cage weekly, and in the open field test at the end of the experiment. In the cage, REE increased the utilization of materials, physical activity, and the rate of appetitive USVs. In the OF, the CEE-induced enhancements in novelty habituation and social signaling were equaled by the REE. At the neural level, we measured the expression of genes related to neural plasticity and epigenetic regulations in different brain regions. In the dorsal striatum and hippocampus, REE upregulated the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, its tropomyosin kinase B receptor, and the DNA methyltransferase 3A. Altogether, our results suggest that the higher activity within the cage and the augmented incentive motivation provoked by the REE boosted its neurobehavioral effects equaling or surpassing those observed in the CEE condition. As constant exposures to treatments or stimulating environments are virtually impossible for humans, restricted EE protocols would have greater translational value than traditional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijail Rojas-Carvajal
- Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Institute for Psychological Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
| | - Andrey Sequeira-Cordero
- Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Institute for Health Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
| | - Juan C Brenes
- Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Institute for Psychological Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
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Singhal G, Morgan J, Jawahar MC, Corrigan F, Jaehne EJ, Toben C, Manavis J, Hannan AJ, Baune BT. Duration of Environmental Enrichment Determines Astrocyte Number and Cervical Lymph Node T Lymphocyte Proportions but Not the Microglial Number in Middle-Aged C57BL/6 Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:57. [PMID: 32256319 PMCID: PMC7094170 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) has been shown to modulate behavior and immunity. We recently reported that both short and long-term EE enhance baseline locomotion and alleviate depressive-like behavior, but only long-term EE affects locomotion adversely in a threatening environment and enhances anxiety-like behavior in middle-age mice. We have now investigated whether the observed changes in behavior after short- and long-term EE were associated with underlying immune changes. Hence, at the end of behavioral testing, mice were sacrificed, and brains and cervical lymph nodes were collected to investigate the differential effects of the duration of EE (short- and long-term) on the number of immunopositive glial cells in the dentate gyrus, CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions of the hippocampus and proportions of T cell subsets in the cervical lymph nodes using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, respectively. EE, regardless of duration, caused an increase in microglia number within the dentate gyrus, CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions, but only long-term EE increased astrocytes number within the dentate gyrus and CA3 hippocampal regions. A significantly higher proportion of CD8+ naive T cells was observed after long-term EE vs. short-term EE. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of central memory and effector memory T cells or early activated CD25+ cells between any of the test groups. Our results suggest that EE, irrespective of duration, enhances the numbers of microglia, but long-term EE is required to modify astrocyte number and peripheral T cell proportions in middle-aged mice. Our findings provide new insights into the therapeutic effects of EE on various brain disorders, which may be at least partly mediated by glial and neuroimmune modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Singhal
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Julie Morgan
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Magdalene C Jawahar
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Frances Corrigan
- Division of Health Sciences, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Emily J Jaehne
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine Toben
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Lab, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jim Manavis
- Faculty of Health, Centre for Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bernhard T Baune
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Blumenstock S, Dudanova I. Cortical and Striatal Circuits in Huntington's Disease. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:82. [PMID: 32116525 PMCID: PMC7025546 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that typically manifests in midlife with motor, cognitive, and/or psychiatric symptoms. The disease is caused by a CAG triplet expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin gene and leads to a severe neurodegeneration in the striatum and cortex. Classical electrophysiological studies in genetic HD mouse models provided important insights into the disbalance of excitatory, inhibitory and neuromodulatory inputs, as well as progressive disconnection between the cortex and striatum. However, the involvement of local cortical and striatal microcircuits still remains largely unexplored. Here we review the progress in understanding HD-related impairments in the cortical and basal ganglia circuits, and outline new opportunities that have opened with the development of modern circuit analysis methods. In particular, in vivo imaging studies in mouse HD models have demonstrated early structural and functional disturbances within the cortical network, and optogenetic manipulations of striatal cell types have started uncovering the causal roles of certain neuronal populations in disease pathogenesis. In addition, the important contribution of astrocytes to HD-related circuit defects has recently been recognized. In parallel, unbiased systems biology studies are providing insights into the possible molecular underpinnings of these functional defects at the level of synaptic signaling and neurotransmitter metabolism. With these approaches, we can now reach a deeper understanding of circuit-based HD mechanisms, which will be crucial for the development of effective and targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Blumenstock
- Department of Molecules – Signaling – Development, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Irina Dudanova
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
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Abstract
Environmental enrichment is known to be beneficial for cognitive improvement. In many animal models of neurological disorders and brain injury, EE has also demonstrated neuroprotective benefits in neurodegenerative diseases and in improving recovery after stroke or traumatic brain injury. The exact underlying mechanism for these phenomena has been unclear. Recent findings have now indicated that neuronal activity elicited by environmental enrichment induces Ca2+ influx in dorsal root ganglion neurons results in lasting enhancement of CREB-binding protein-mediated histone acetylation. This, in turn, increases the expression of pro-regeneration genes and promotes axonal regeneration. This mechanism associated with neuronal activity elicited by environmental enrichment-mediated pathway is one of several epigenetic mechanisms which modulate axon regeneration upon injury that has recently come to light. The other prominent mechanisms, albeit not yet directly associated with environmental enrichment, include DNA methylation/demethylation and N6-methyladenosine modification of transcripts. In this brief review, I highlight recent work that has shed light on the epigenetic basis of environmental enrichment-based axon regeneration, and discuss the mechanism and pathways involved. I further speculate on the implications of the findings, in conjunction with the other epigenetic mechanisms, that could be harness to promote axon regeneration upon injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Luen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Environmental Enrichment Partially Repairs Subcortical Mapping Errors in Ten-m3 Knock-Out Mice during an Early Critical Period. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0478-18.2019. [PMID: 31767573 PMCID: PMC6901682 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0478-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) has been shown to improve neural function via the regulation of cortical plasticity. Its capacity to induce functional and/or anatomical repair of miswired circuits is unknown. Ten-m3 knock-out (KO) mice exhibit a highly stereotyped and profound miswiring of ipsilateral retinogeniculate axons and associated deficits in binocularly-mediated visual behavior. We determined whether, and when, EE can drive the repair of subcortical wiring deficits by analyzing Ten-m3 KO and wild-type (WT) mice that were enriched for six weeks from adulthood, weaning or birth in comparison to standard-housed (SE) controls. Six weeks of EE initiated from birth, but not later, induced a significant reduction in the area occupied by ipsilateral retinogeniculate terminals in KOs. No EE-induced correction of mistargeted axons was observed at postnatal day (P)7, indicating that this intervention impacts pruning rather than initial targeting of axons. This reduction was most prominent in the ventrolateral region of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), suggesting a preferential pruning of the most profoundly mistargeted axons. EE can thus partially repair a specific, subcortical axonal wiring deficit, but only during an early, developmentally-restricted time window.
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Therapeutic efficacy of environmental enrichment for substance use disorders. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 188:172829. [PMID: 31778722 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to drug and alcohol is regarded as a major health problem worldwide for which available treatments show limited effectiveness. The biggest challenge remains to enhance the capacities of interventions to reduce craving, prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. New strategies to meet these challenges are being explored. Findings from preclinical work suggest that environmental enrichment (EE) holds therapeutic potential for the treatment of substance use disorders, as demonstrated in a number of animal models of drug abuse. The EE intervention introduced after drug exposure leads to attenuation of compulsive drug taking, attenuation of the rewarding (and reinforcing) effects of drugs, reductions in control of behavior by drug cues, and, very importantly, relapse prevention. Clinical work also suggests that multidimensional EE interventions (involving physical activity, social interaction, vocational training, recreational and community involvement) might produce similar therapeutic effects, if implemented continuously and rigorously. In this review we survey preclinical and clinical studies assessing the efficacy of EE as a behavioral intervention for substance use disorders and address related challenges. We also review work providing empirical evidence for EE-induced neuroplasticity within the mesocorticolimbic system that is believed to contribute to the seemingly therapeutic effects of EE on drug and alcohol-related behaviors.
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O'Connor AM, Burton TJ, Mansuri H, Hand GR, Leamey CA, Sawatari A. Environmental Enrichment From Birth Impacts Parvalbumin Expressing Cells and Wisteria Floribunda Agglutinin Labelled Peri-Neuronal Nets Within the Developing Murine Striatum. Front Neuroanat 2019; 13:90. [PMID: 31708753 PMCID: PMC6821641 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment can dramatically affect both the development and function of neural circuits. This is accomplished, at least in part, by the regulation of inhibitory cellular networks and related extracellular matrix glycoprotein structures known as perineuronal nets. The degree to which enhanced housing can influence brain areas involved in the planning and execution of actions is not well known. We examined the effect of enriching mice from birth on parvalbumin expression and perineuronal net formation in developing and adult striatum. This input nucleus of the basal ganglia consists of topographically discernible regions that serve different functions, providing a means of simultaneously examining the influence of environmental factors on discrete, but related networks. Greater densities of striatal parvalbumin positive cells and wisteria floribunda agglutinin labelled perineuronal nets were present in enriched pups during the second postnatal week, primarily within the lateral portion of the nucleus. Housing conditions continued to have an impact into adulthood, with enriched mice exhibiting higher parvalbumin positive cell densities in both medial and lateral striatum. Curiously, no differences due to housing conditions were detected in striatal perineuronal net densities of mature animals. The degree of overlap between striatal parvalbumin expression and perineuronal net formation was also increased, suggesting that heightened neural activity associated with enrichment may have contributed to greater engagement of networks affiliated with cells that express the calcium binding protein. Brain derived neurotrophic factor, an important regulator of inhibitory network maturation, is also subtly, but significantly affected within the striatum of enriched cohorts. Together, these findings suggest that environmental enrichment can exert cell specific effects within different divisions of an area vital for the regulation of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela May O'Connor
- Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and the Bosch Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Joseph Burton
- Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and the Bosch Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannan Mansuri
- Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and the Bosch Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gabriel Rhys Hand
- Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and the Bosch Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine Anne Leamey
- Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and the Bosch Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Atomu Sawatari
- Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and the Bosch Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Bartlett DM, Dominguez D JF, Lazar AS, Kordsachia CC, Rankin TJ, Lo J, Govus AD, Power BD, Lampit A, Eastwood PR, Ziman MR, Cruickshank TM. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation reduces hypothalamic grey matter volume loss in individuals with preclinical Huntington's disease: A nine-month pilot study. J Neurol Sci 2019; 408:116522. [PMID: 31665619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypothalamic pathology is a well-documented feature of Huntington's disease (HD) and is believed to contribute to circadian rhythm and habitual sleep disturbances. Currently, no therapies exist to combat hypothalamic changes, nor circadian rhythm and habitual sleep disturbances in HD. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of multidisciplinary rehabilitation on hypothalamic volume, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), circadian rhythm and habitual sleep in individuals with preclinical HD. METHODS Eighteen individuals with HD (ten premanifest and eight prodromal) undertook a nine-month multidisciplinary rehabilitation intervention (intervention group), which included exercise, cognitive and dual task training and social events, and were compared to a community sample of eleven individuals with premanifest HD receiving no intervention (control group). Hypothalamic volume, serum BDNF, salivary cortisol and melatonin concentrations, subjective sleep quality, daytime somnolence, habitual sleep-wake patterns, stress and anxiety and depression symptomatology were evaluated. RESULTS Hypothalamus grey matter volume loss was significantly attenuated in the intervention group compared to the control group after controlling for age, gender, Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale-Total Motor Score and number of cytosine-adenine-guanine repeats. Serum BDNF levels were maintained in the intervention group, but decreased in the control group following the study period. Both groups exhibited decreases in cortisol and melatonin concentrations. No changes were observed in sleep or mood outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study provides evidence that multidisciplinary rehabilitation can reduce hypothalamic volume loss and maintain peripheral BDNF levels in individuals with preclinical HD but may not impact on circadian rhythm. Larger, randomised controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Bartlett
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Juan F Dominguez D
- Cognition and Emotion Research Centre & Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alpar S Lazar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Catarina C Kordsachia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tim J Rankin
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Johnny Lo
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew D Govus
- School of Allied Health, Department of Human Services, Nutrition and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian D Power
- School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amit Lampit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter R Eastwood
- Centre for Sleep Science, School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mel R Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia; School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Travis M Cruickshank
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Short-term environmental enrichment, and not physical exercise, alleviate cognitive decline and anxiety from middle age onwards without affecting hippocampal gene expression. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 19:1143-1169. [DOI: 10.3758/s13415-019-00743-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Singhal G, Morgan J, Jawahar MC, Corrigan F, Jaehne EJ, Toben C, Breen J, Pederson SM, Hannan AJ, Baune BT. The effects of short-term and long-term environmental enrichment on locomotion, mood-like behavior, cognition and hippocampal gene expression. Behav Brain Res 2019; 368:111917. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Yu-Taeger L, Stricker-Shaver J, Arnold K, Bambynek-Dziuk P, Novati A, Singer E, Lourhmati A, Fabian C, Magg J, Riess O, Schwab M, Stolzing A, Danielyan L, Nguyen HHP. Intranasal Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorates the Abnormal Dopamine Transmission System and Inflammatory Reaction in the R6/2 Mouse Model of Huntington Disease. Cells 2019; 8:E595. [PMID: 31208073 PMCID: PMC6628278 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrastriatal administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown beneficial effects in rodent models of Huntington disease (HD). However, the invasive nature of surgical procedure and its potential to trigger the host immune response may limit its clinical use. Hence, we sought to evaluate the non-invasive intranasal administration (INA) of MSC delivery as an effective alternative route in HD. GFP-expressing MSCs derived from bone marrow were intranasally administered to 4-week-old R6/2 HD transgenic mice. MSCs were detected in the olfactory bulb, midbrain and striatum five days post-delivery. Compared to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated littermates, MSC-treated R6/2 mice showed an increased survival rate and attenuated circadian activity disruption assessed by locomotor activity. MSCs increased the protein expression of DARPP-32 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and downregulated gene expression of inflammatory modulators in the brain 7.5 weeks after INA. While vehicle treated R6/2 mice displayed decreased Iba1 expression and altered microglial morphology in comparison to the wild type littermates, MSCs restored both, Iba1 level and the thickness of microglial processes in the striatum of R6/2 mice. Our results demonstrate significantly ameliorated phenotypes of R6/2 mice after MSCs administration via INA, suggesting this method as an effective delivering route of cells to the brain for HD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Yu-Taeger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Janice Stricker-Shaver
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Katrin Arnold
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Patrycja Bambynek-Dziuk
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Arianna Novati
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Singer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Ali Lourhmati
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Claire Fabian
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Janine Magg
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, D-70376 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Alexandra Stolzing
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
- Centre for Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Hoa Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University of Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany.
- Departments of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
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Yomtoob J, Yeh C, Bega D. Ancillary Service Utilization and Impact in Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2019; 8:301-310. [PMID: 31177235 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-190349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior Huntington's disease (HD) studies suggest ancillary services improve motor symptoms, cognition, mood, and quality of life but frequency of use and clinicalcharacteristics are unclear. OBJECTIVE Describe ancillary service utilization in a cohort of individuals with HD and determine which participant characteristics are associated with ancillary service utilization. METHODS Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of Enroll-HD database. Participants were grouped by therapy: physical and/or occupational (PT/OT), psychotherapy and/or counseling (PC), speech and/or swallowing (ST). We performed bivariate comparisons analysis of demographic and disease characteristics between those with/without each therapy and to analyze one-year mean change in assessment scores. RESULTS Of 4751 participants, 1537 (32.35%) utilized therapies (11.82% PT/OT, 5.33% PC, 3.01% ST, 1.98% all three, 10.21% two therapies). PT/OT participants had worse motor and functional scores: mean UHDRS motor score (41.17 vs. 38.05, p = 0.002), median total functional capacity score (TFC) (8.00 vs. 9.00, p < 0.001). PC participants had worse mood but better cognitive and functional scores: median depression score (7.00 vs. 2.00, p < 0.001), median MMSE (28.00 vs. 26.00, p < 0.001), median TFC (10.00 vs. 8.00, p < 0.001). ST participants had more dysarthria, and worse cognitive and functional scores: dysarthria (32.2% vs. 20.1% p < 0.001), mean correct Symbol Digit Modality Test (16.79 vs. 23.27, p < 0.001), median TFC (6.00 vs. 9.00, p < 0.001). Over one year, PC participants' depression scores improved compared to untreated (- 1.24 vs. - 0.11, p = 0.040). ST participants' depression scores worsened (1.14 vs. - 0.23, p = 0.044). Mean change in TFC was not significant for any therapies. CONCLUSIONS Only 32% of Enroll-HD site participants received ancillary services. Use correlated with expected clinical characteristics, though impact of use remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Yomtoob
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chen Yeh
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Danny Bega
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Chidambaram SB, Rathipriya AG, Bolla SR, Bhat A, Ray B, Mahalakshmi AM, Manivasagam T, Thenmozhi AJ, Essa MM, Guillemin GJ, Chandra R, Sakharkar MK. Dendritic spines: Revisiting the physiological role. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 92:161-193. [PMID: 30654089 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small, thin, specialized protrusions from neuronal dendrites, primarily localized in the excitatory synapses. Sophisticated imaging techniques revealed that dendritic spines are complex structures consisting of a dense network of cytoskeletal, transmembrane and scaffolding molecules, and numerous surface receptors. Molecular signaling pathways, mainly Rho and Ras family small GTPases pathways that converge on actin cytoskeleton, regulate the spine morphology and dynamics bi-directionally during synaptic activity. During synaptic plasticity the number and shapes of dendritic spines undergo radical reorganizations. Long-term potentiation (LTP) induction promote spine head enlargement and the formation and stabilization of new spines. Long-term depression (LTD) results in their shrinkage and retraction. Reports indicate increased spine density in the pyramidal neurons of autism and Fragile X syndrome patients and reduced density in the temporal gyrus loci of schizophrenic patients. Post-mortem reports of Alzheimer's brains showed reduced spine number in the hippocampus and cortex. This review highlights the spine morphogenesis process, the activity-dependent structural plasticity and mechanisms by which synaptic activity sculpts the dendritic spines, the structural and functional changes in spines during learning and memory using LTP and LTD processes. It also discusses on spine status in neurodegenerative diseases and the impact of nootropics and neuroprotective agents on the functional restoration of dendritic spines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India.
| | - A G Rathipriya
- Food and Brain Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srinivasa Rao Bolla
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Damam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abid Bhat
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India
| | - Bipul Ray
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India
| | - Arehally Marappa Mahalakshmi
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India
| | - Thamilarasan Manivasagam
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Arokiasamy Justin Thenmozhi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Neuropharmacology Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Deb Bailey MND Research Laboratory, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Department of Chemistry, Ambedkar Centre for BioMedical Research, Delhi University, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Meena Kishore Sakharkar
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 107, Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C9, Canada.
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Bengoetxea H, Rico-Barrio I, Ortuzar N, Murueta-Goyena A, Lafuente JV. Environmental Enrichment Reverses Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Mediated Impairment Through BDNF-TrkB Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 55:43-59. [PMID: 28842826 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0716-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to an enriched environment (EE) has neuroprotective benefits and improves recovery from brain injury due to, among other, increased neurotrophic factor expression. Through these neurotrophins, important cortical and hippocampal changes occur. Vandetanib acts as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of cell receptors, among others, the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of EE counteracting cognitive and cellular effects after tyrosine kinase receptor blockade. Animals were reared under standard laboratory condition or EE; both groups received vandetanib or vehicle. Visuospatial learning was tested with Morris water maze. Neuronal, interneuronal, and vascular densities were measured by inmunohistochemistry and histochemistry techniques. Quantifications were performed in the hippocampus and in the visual cortex. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase B receptor (TrkB), Akt, and Erk were measured by Western blot technique. Vandetanib produces a significant decrease in vascular and neuronal densities and reduction in the expression of molecules involved in survival and proliferation processes such as phospho-Akt/Akt and phospho-Erk/Erk. These results correlated to a cognitive impairment in visuospatial test. On the other hand, animals reared in an EE are able to reverse the negative effects, activating PI3K-AKT and MAP kinase pathways mediated by BDNF-TrkB binding. Present results provide novel and consistent evidences about the usefulness of living in EE as a strategy to improve deleterious effects of blocking neurotrophic pathways by vandetanib and the notable role of the BDNF-TrkB pathway to balance the neurovascular unit and cognitive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkaitz Bengoetxea
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (LaNCE), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
| | - Irantzu Rico-Barrio
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena, E-48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Naiara Ortuzar
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (LaNCE), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ane Murueta-Goyena
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (LaNCE), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - José V Lafuente
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience (LaNCE), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.,Nanoneurosurgery Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.,Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
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Franco NH, Olsson IAS. “How Sick Must Your Mouse Be?” — An Analysis of the Use of Animal Models in Huntington's Disease Research. Altern Lab Anim 2019; 40:271-83. [DOI: 10.1177/026119291204000506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nuno H. Franco
- IBMC — Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (Laboratory Animal Science Group), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - I. Anna S. Olsson
- IBMC — Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (Laboratory Animal Science Group), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Modulation of Phospho-CREB by Systemically Administered Recombinant BDNF in the Hippocampus of the R6/2 Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease. NEUROSCIENCE JOURNAL 2019; 2019:8363274. [PMID: 30881980 PMCID: PMC6381568 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8363274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease due to an expansion of a trinucleotide repeats in IT15 gene encoding for the protein huntingtin. Motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disorder are typical clinical signs of HD. In HD, mutated huntingtin causes a major loss of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), causing striatal atrophy. Moreover, a key involvement of BDNF was observed in the synaptic plasticity that controls the acquisition and/or consolidation of certain forms of memory. We studied changes in hippocampal BDNF and in CREB in the R6/2 mouse model of HD. Moreover, we investigated if the beneficial effects of systemically administered recombinant BDNF observed in the striatum and cortex had an effect also on the hippocampus. Osmotic minipumps that chronically released recombinant BDNF or saline solution from 4 weeks of age until euthanasia were implanted into R6/2 and wild type mice. Our data show that BDNF is severely decreased in the hippocampus of R6/2 mice, while BDNF treatment restored its physiological levels. Moreover, the chronic administration of recombinant BDNF promoted the increment of phosphorylated CREB protein. Our study demonstrates the involvement of hippocampus in the pathology of R6/2 model of HD and correlates the beneficial effects of BDNF administration with increased hippocampal levels of BDNF and pCREB.
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Suelves N, Miguez A, López-Benito S, Barriga GGD, Giralt A, Alvarez-Periel E, Arévalo JC, Alberch J, Ginés S, Brito V. Early Downregulation of p75 NTR by Genetic and Pharmacological Approaches Delays the Onset of Motor Deficits and Striatal Dysfunction in Huntington's Disease Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:935-953. [PMID: 29804232 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1126-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in striatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) delivery and/or BDNF/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling may contribute to neurotrophic support reduction and selective early degeneration of striatal medium spiny neurons in Huntington's disease (HD). Furthermore, we and others have demonstrated that TrkB/p75NTR imbalance in vitro increases the vulnerability of striatal neurons to excitotoxic insults and induces corticostriatal synaptic alterations. We have now expanded these studies by analyzing the consequences of BDNF/TrkB/p75NTR imbalance in the onset of motor behavior and striatal neuropathology in HD mice. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that the onset of motor coordination abnormalities, in a full-length knock-in HD mouse model (KI), correlates with the reduction of BDNF and TrkB levels, along with an increase in p75NTR expression. Genetic normalization of p75NTR expression in KI mutant mice delayed the onset of motor deficits and striatal neuropathology, as shown by restored levels of striatal-enriched proteins and dendritic spine density and reduced huntingtin aggregation. We found that the BDNF/TrkB/p75NTR imbalance led to abnormal BDNF signaling, manifested as a diminished activation of TrkB-phospholipase C-gamma pathway but upregulation of c-Jun kinase pathway. Moreover, we confirmed the contribution of the proper balance of BDNF/TrkB/p75NTR on HD pathology by a pharmacological approach using fingolimod. We observed that chronic infusion of fingolimod normalizes p75NTR levels, which is likely to improve motor coordination and striatal neuropathology in HD transgenic mice. We conclude that downregulation of p75NTR expression can delay disease progression suggesting that therapeutic approaches aimed to restore the balance between BDNF, TrkB, and p75NTR could be promising to prevent motor deficits in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Suelves
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés Miguez
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Saray López-Benito
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Gerardo García-Díaz Barriga
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Albert Giralt
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Alvarez-Periel
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Arévalo
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Ginés
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Brito
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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