51
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Madeira MH, Ambrósio AF, Santiago AR. Glia-Mediated Retinal Neuroinflammation as a Biomarker in Alzheimer's Disease. Ophthalmic Res 2015; 54:204-11. [PMID: 26517861 DOI: 10.1159/000440887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia worldwide; it is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive functions and memory, resulting from synaptic and cell loss, and accompanied by a strong neuroinflammatory response. Besides the vast progress in the understanding of the pathophysiology of AD in the past decades, there is still no effective treatment. Moreover, the diagnosis occurs usually at an advanced stage of the disease, where the neurological damage has already occurred. The identification of biomarkers that would allow an early diagnosis of this disease is a major goal that would also help managing AD progression. Due to its cellular and physiological resemblances with the brain, the retina has long been regarded as a window to the brain. Several brain manifestations have been associated with retinal alterations. In AD patients, some structural and functional alterations in the retina can be associated with disease onset. However, only a few studies have focused on the alterations in retinal glial cells associated with AD. This review aims at giving an overview of the AD-associated retinal alterations, particularly in glial cells. The documented alterations in retinal glia will be discussed concerning their potential to predict the brain alterations occurring in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Helena Madeira
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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52
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Patil R, Koronyo Y, Ljubimov AV, Salumbides B, Mamelak A, Gangalum PR, Ding H, Portilla-Arias J, Holler E, Butte P, Koronyo-Hamaoui M, Ljubimova JY, Black KL. Advances in Imaging: Brain Tumors to Alzheimer's Disease. THE BANGKOK MEDICAL JOURNAL 2015; 10:83-97. [PMID: 29142857 PMCID: PMC5683733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Professor Black and colleagues have been working to improve the quality and sensitivity of imaging in the early detection of conditions from brain tumors to Alzheimer's disease to enhance treatment protocols and patient management. Professor Black et al introduced nanoparticles to improve MRI imaging. These nanoparticles consist of poly (b-L- malic acid (PMLA)) conjugates with monoclonal antibodies ((mAbs)) and Gd-DOTA. These are known as MRI nano-imaging agents (NIA). Most importantly, they can penetrate the endothelial blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach brain tumors (primary or metastasis). This is effective in cases of brain tumors or breast cancer or other cancers such as lung cancer and gastric cancer having HER2 and/or EGFR positive crossing BBB. By the covalent conjugation of MR contrast (NIA), the MRI virtual biopsy can differentiate brain tumors from infections or other brain pathological conditions. The brain's intrinsic natural fluorescence such as NADH, FAD, lipopigments and porphyrin in the brain tissue can be identified by using time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFS) which is operated through the use of ultra-short laser. TRFS produces various color bands to differentiate the tumor from normal brain tissue in real time and registers the data on a 3D map. This is significant, as this will provide a greatly improved assessment methodology of tissue type. Consequently, this will potentially result in shorter operation times as well as more satisfactory tumor removal. In the detection of Alzheimer disease, amyloid plaque is deposited in retina tissue (including the RGC, RNFL and inner plexiform layer) which can produce a fluorescence effect by using curcumin as a contrast. This is then shown by human retina amyloid imaging device. Immunotherapies with glatiramer acetate (GA) have been shown to reduce amyloid deposits in brain and retinal AB deposits in mice. The study of advanced imaging technology and techniques including NIA, TRFS and the detection of amyloid plaque in Alzheimer disease are very important approaches to create a new era for diagnostic and therapeutic management of brain tumors and other cancers (HER2 and/or EGFR positive). This pioneering work by Professor Black, and colleagues, gives rise to a new hope for cancer patients for targeted therapy and for immunotherapies in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameshwar Patil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexander V. Ljubimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brenda Salumbides
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adam Mamelak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pallavi R. Gangalum
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jose Portilla-Arias
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Eggehard Holler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pramod Butte
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Julia Y. Ljubimova
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Keith L. Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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53
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Zhao Y, Bhattacharjee S, Jones BM, Hill JM, Clement C, Sambamurti K, Dua P, Lukiw WJ. Beta-Amyloid Precursor Protein (βAPP) Processing in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Mol Neurobiol 2015; 52:533-44. [PMID: 25204496 PMCID: PMC4362880 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8886-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid is a generic term for insoluble, often intensely hydrophobic, fibrous protein aggregates that arise from inappropriately folded versions of naturally-occurring polypeptides. The abnormal generation and accumulation of amyloid, often referred to as amyloidogenesis, has been associated with the immune and pro-inflammatory pathology of several progressive age-related diseases of the human central nervous system (CNS) including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This 'research perspective' paper reviews some of the research history, biophysics, molecular-genetics and environmental factors concerning the contribution of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, derived from beta-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP), to AD and AMD that suggests an extensive similarity in immune and inflammatory degenerative mechanisms between these two CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhai Zhao
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
| | - Surjyadipta Bhattacharjee
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
| | - Brandon M. Jones
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
| | - James M. Hill
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Microbiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
| | - Christian Clement
- Department of Natural Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Experimental Therapeutics and Human Toxicology Lab, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70126 USA
| | | | - Prerna Dua
- Department of Health Information Management, Louisiana State University, Ruston, LA 71272 USA
| | - Walter J. Lukiw
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Microbiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Experimental Therapeutics and Human Toxicology Lab, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70126 USA
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54
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Dehabadi MH, Davis BM, Wong TK, Cordeiro MF. Retinal manifestations of Alzheimer's disease. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2015; 4:241-52. [PMID: 25095818 DOI: 10.2217/nmt.14.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is neurodegenerative condition and most common cause of dementia worldwide. Current criteria for its diagnosis and monitoring rely on subjective, expensive or invasive methods that lack sufficient sensitivity, such that a concrete diagnosis of AD can only be made postmortem. Given the structural similarities of the neuro-retina and central nervous system, researchers have shown many manifestations of AD to be detectible in the retinae of humans and transgenic models of AD. Due to the eye's unique optical properties allowing noninvasive in vivo imaging, the retina could provide a window for the early diagnosis and monitoring of AD long before symptom manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Dehabadi
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Visual Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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55
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Contribution of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation to retinal degenerative diseases. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:673090. [PMID: 25873768 PMCID: PMC4385698 DOI: 10.1155/2015/673090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are major causes of vision loss and blindness worldwide and are characterized by chronic and progressive neuronal loss. One common feature of retinal degenerative diseases and brain neurodegenerative diseases is chronic neuroinflammation. There is growing evidence that retinal microglia, as in the brain, become activated in the course of retinal degenerative diseases, having a pivotal role in the initiation and propagation of the neurodegenerative process. A better understanding of the events elicited and mediated by retinal microglia will contribute to the clarification of disease etiology and might open new avenues for potential therapeutic interventions. This review aims at giving an overview of the roles of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in major retinal degenerative diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
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56
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Ho WL, Leung Y, Cheng SSY, Lok CKM, Ho YS, Baum L, Yang X, Chiu K, Chang RCC. Investigating degeneration of the retina in young and aged tau P301L mice. Life Sci 2015; 124:16-23. [PMID: 25592136 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Tau is a microtubule-binding protein facilitating the stability of the cytoskeleton. It is important for neurons as several neurodegenerative diseases involve hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau. It is known that mutated tau P301L results in aggregation of tau proteins, leading to neuronal loss in the brain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tau mutation on the retina using a transgenic tau P301L mouse model. MAIN METHODS Morphometric analysis was utilized to quantify the neurodegenerative changes, including the thickness of the inner nuclear layer (INL), and the density and size of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Sections of retina tissue stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry were analyzed. Comparisons were made between the tau P301L mice and control mice, as well as between different age groups. KEY FINDINGS A significant decrease in the thickness of the INL in tau P301L mice was found when compared with that of control mice. The effect was more pronounced in the peripheral area, and the effect increased with age. Regarding density of RGCs, tau P301L mice showed a similar age-related decline as in control mice. Furthermore, the RGCs from tau P301L mice increased in size with age, and the RGCs from control mice decreased in size with age. SIGNIFICANCE Tau may be an age-independent factor of accelerated neurodegeneration, with effects differing by types of neurons and regions of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Lau Ho
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yen Leung
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sally Shuk Yee Cheng
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carmen Ka Ming Lok
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuen-Shan Ho
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Larry Baum
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xifei Yang
- Shenzhen Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kin Chiu
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Ophthalmology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
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57
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At the interface of sensory and motor dysfunctions and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2015; 11:70-98. [PMID: 25022540 PMCID: PMC4287457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2014.04.514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that sensory and motor changes may precede the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by several years and may signify increased risk of developing AD. Traditionally, sensory and motor dysfunctions in aging and AD have been studied separately. To ascertain the evidence supporting the relationship between age-related changes in sensory and motor systems and the development of AD and to facilitate communication between several disciplines, the National Institute on Aging held an exploratory workshop titled "Sensory and Motor Dysfunctions in Aging and AD." The scientific sessions of the workshop focused on age-related and neuropathologic changes in the olfactory, visual, auditory, and motor systems, followed by extensive discussion and hypothesis generation related to the possible links among sensory, cognitive, and motor domains in aging and AD. Based on the data presented and discussed at this workshop, it is clear that sensory and motor regions of the central nervous system are affected by AD pathology and that interventions targeting amelioration of sensory-motor deficits in AD may enhance patient function as AD progresses.
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58
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Nucci C, Martucci A, Cesareo M, Garaci F, Morrone LA, Russo R, Corasaniti MT, Bagetta G, Mancino R. Links among glaucoma, neurodegenerative, and vascular diseases of the central nervous system. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2015; 221:49-65. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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59
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The role of glial cells and the complement system in retinal diseases and Alzheimer’s disease: common neural degeneration mechanisms. Exp Brain Res 2014; 232:3363-77. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-014-4078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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60
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Evaluation of traditional medicines for neurodegenerative diseases using Drosophila models. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:967462. [PMID: 24790636 PMCID: PMC3984789 DOI: 10.1155/2014/967462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila is one of the oldest and most powerful genetic models and has led to novel insights into a variety of biological processes. Recently, Drosophila has emerged as a model system to study human diseases, including several important neurodegenerative diseases. Because of the genomic similarity between Drosophila and humans, Drosophila neurodegenerative disease models exhibit a variety of human-disease-like phenotypes, facilitating fast and cost-effective in vivo genetic modifier screening and drug evaluation. Using these models, many disease-associated genetic factors have been identified, leading to the identification of compelling drug candidates. Recently, the safety and efficacy of traditional medicines for human diseases have been evaluated in various animal disease models. Despite the advantages of the Drosophila model, its usage in the evaluation of traditional medicines is only nascent. Here, we introduce the Drosophila model for neurodegenerative diseases and some examples demonstrating the successful application of Drosophila models in the evaluation of traditional medicines.
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61
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Cheng XR, Zhou WX, Zhang YX. The behavioral, pathological and therapeutic features of the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 strain as an Alzheimer's disease animal model. Ageing Res Rev 2014; 13:13-37. [PMID: 24269312 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread and devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease. Disease-modifying treatments remain beyond reach, and the etiology of the disease is uncertain. Animal model are essential for identifying disease mechanisms and developing effective therapeutic strategies. Research on AD is currently being carried out in rodent models. The most common transgenic mouse model mimics familial AD, which accounts for a small percentage of cases. The senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) strain is a spontaneous animal model of accelerated aging. Many studies indicate that SAMP8 mice harbor the behavioral and histopathological signatures of AD, namely AD-like cognitive and behavioral alterations, neuropathological phenotypes (neuron and dendrite spine loss, spongiosis, gliosis and cholinergic deficits in the forebrain), β-amyloid deposits resembling senile plaques, and aberrant hyperphosphorylation of Tau-like neurofibrillary tangles. SAMP8 mice are useful in the development of novel therapies, and many pharmacological agents and approaches are effective in SAMP8 mice. SAMP8 mice are considered a robust model for exploring the etiopathogenesis of sporadic AD and a plausible experimental model for developing preventative and therapeutic treatments for late-onset/age-related AD, which accounts for the vast majority of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-rui Cheng
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Wen-xia Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Yong-xiang Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
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62
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Kozhevnikova OS, Korbolina EE, Stefanova NA, Muraleva NA, Orlov YL, Kolosova NG. Association of AMD-like retinopathy development with an Alzheimer’s disease metabolic pathway in OXYS rats. Biogerontology 2013; 14:753-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-013-9439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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63
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Prokai-Tatrai K, Xin H, Nguyen V, Szarka S, Blazics B, Prokai L, Koulen P. 17β-estradiol eye drops protect the retinal ganglion cell layer and preserve visual function in an in vivo model of glaucoma. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:3253-61. [PMID: 23841874 DOI: 10.1021/mp400313u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuroprotection in glaucoma as a curative strategy complementary to current therapies to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) is highly desirable. This study was designed to investigate neuroprotection by 17β-estradiol (E2) to prevent retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in a glaucoma model of surgically elevated IOP in rats. We found that daily treatment with E2-containing eye drops resulted in significant E2 concentration in the retina with concomitant profound neuroprotective therapeutic benefits, even in the presence of continually elevated IOP. The number of apoptotic cells in the RGC layer was significantly decreased in the E2-treated group, when compared to the vehicle-treated controls. Deterioration in visual acuity in these animals was also markedly prevented. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, beneficial changes in the expression of several proteins implicated in the maintenance of retinal health were also found in the retina of E2-treated animals. On the other hand, systemic side effects could not be avoided with the eye drops, as confirmed by the measured high circulating estrogen levels and through the assessment of the uterus representing a typical hormone-sensitive peripheral organ. Collectively, the demonstrated significant neuroprotective effect of topical E2 in the selected animal model of glaucoma provides a clear rationale for further studies aiming at targeting E2 into the eye while avoiding systemic E2 exposure to diminish undesirable off-target side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Prokai-Tatrai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center , 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
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64
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Zhao H, Chang R, Che H, Wang J, Yang L, Fang W, Xia Y, Li N, Ma Q, Wang X. Hyperphosphorylation of tau protein by calpain regulation in retina of Alzheimer's disease transgenic mouse. Neurosci Lett 2013; 551:12-6. [PMID: 23810804 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 06/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Aim to investigate phosphorylated tau expression and its pathogenic mechanism in eye of Alzheimer's disease (AD) transgenic mice. Levels of tau, phosphorylated tau and other related factors (p35/p25, Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), calpain) were observed by western blot. β-Amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neuron-fibrillary tangles (NFTs) in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were detected by immuno-histochemistry. We found that hyper-expression of phosphorylated tau was detected in retina, and only a few or no expressed in optic nerve, cornea and lens of transgenic mice. Increased senile plaques (Aβ) and NFTs were observed in transgenic mice accompanying with increased tau phosphorylation. The increased tau phosphorylation was associated with a significant increase in production of p35 and p25, and up-regulation of calpain. In conclusion, phosphorylated tau level was highly expressed in retina of AD transgenic mice. The pathogenic mechanism of AD was triggered by accelerating tau pathology via calpain-mediated tau hyper-phosphorylation in retina of an AD mice model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
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65
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Antes R, Ezra-Elia R, Weinberger D, Solomon A, Ofri R, Michaelson DM. ApoE4 induces synaptic and ERG impairments in the retina of young targeted replacement apoE4 mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64949. [PMID: 23741431 PMCID: PMC3669199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate retina, which is part of the central nervous system, is a window into the brain. The present study investigated the extent to which the retina can be used as a model for studying the pathological effects of apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4), the most prevalent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Immunohistochemical studies of retinas from young (4 months old) apoE4-targeted replacement mice and from corresponding mice which express the AD benign apoE3 allele, revealed that the density of the perikarya of the different classes of retinal neurons was not affected by apoE4. In contrast, the synaptic density of the retinal synaptic layers, which was assessed immunohistochemically and by immunoblot experiments, was significantly lower in the apoE4 than in the apoE3 mice. This was associated with reduced levels of the presynaptic vesicular glutamatergic transporter, VGluT1, but not of either the GABAergic vesicular transporter, VGaT, or the cholinergic vesicular transporter, VAChT, suggesting that the glutamatergic nerve terminals are preferentially affected by apoE4. In contrast, the post synaptic scaffold proteins PSD-95 and Gephyrin, which reside in excitatory and inhibitory synapses, respectively, were both elevated, and their ratio was not affected by apoE4. Electroretinogram (ERG) recordings revealed significant attenuation of mixed rod-cone responses in dark-adapted eyes of apoE4 mice. These findings suggest that the reduced ERG response in the apoE4 mice may be related to the observed decrease in the retinal nerve terminals and that the retina could be used as a novel model for non-invasive monitoring of the effects of apoE4 on the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Antes
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Isreal
| | - Raaya Ezra-Elia
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dov Weinberger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Arie Solomon
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Tel Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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66
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Kim HY, Sengupta U, Shao P, Guerrero-Muñoz MJ, Kayed R, Bai M. Alzheimer's disease imaging with a novel Tau targeted near infrared ratiometric probe. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2013; 3:102-117. [PMID: 23526074 PMCID: PMC3601471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) have long been recognized as one of the pathological hallmarks in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies, however, showed that soluble aggregated Tau species, especially hyperphosphorylated Tau oligomers, which are formed at early stage of AD prior to the formation of NFT, disrupted neural system integration. Unfortunately, little is known about Tau aggregates, and few Tau targeted imaging probe has been reported. Successful development of new imaging methods that can visualize early stages of Tau aggregation specifically will obviously be important for AD imaging, as well as understanding Tau-associated neuropathology of AD. Here, we report the first NIR ratiometric probe, CyDPA2, that targets Tau aggregates. The specificity of CyPDA2 to aggregated Tau was evaluated with in vitro hyperphosphorylated Tau proteins (pTau), as well as ex vivo Tau samples from AD human brain samples and the tauopathy transgenic mouse model, P301L. The characteristic enhancements of absorption ratio and fluorescence intensity in CyDPA2 were observed in a pTau concentration-dependent manner. In addition, fluorescence microscopy and gel staining studies demonstrated CyDPA2-labeled Tau aggregates. These data indicate that CyDPA2 is a promising imaging probe for studying Tau pathology and diagnosing AD at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Yeong Kim
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience & Cell Biology, George and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical BranchGalveston, Texas 77555-1045, USA
| | - Pin Shao
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Marcos J Guerrero-Muñoz
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience & Cell Biology, George and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical BranchGalveston, Texas 77555-1045, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience & Cell Biology, George and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical BranchGalveston, Texas 77555-1045, USA
| | - Mingfeng Bai
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer InstitutePittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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London A, Benhar I, Schwartz M. The retina as a window to the brain-from eye research to CNS disorders. NATURE REVIEWS. NEUROLOGY 2013. [PMID: 23165340 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2012.227)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Philosophers defined the eye as a window to the soul long before scientists addressed this cliché to determine its scientific basis and clinical relevance. Anatomically and developmentally, the retina is known as an extension of the CNS; it consists of retinal ganglion cells, the axons of which form the optic nerve, whose fibres are, in effect, CNS axons. The eye has unique physical structures and a local array of surface molecules and cytokines, and is host to specialized immune responses similar to those in the brain and spinal cord. Several well-defined neurodegenerative conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord have manifestations in the eye, and ocular symptoms often precede conventional diagnosis of such CNS disorders. Furthermore, various eye-specific pathologies share characteristics of other CNS pathologies. In this Review, we summarize data that support examination of the eye as a noninvasive approach to the diagnosis of select CNS diseases, and the use of the eye as a valuable model to study the CNS. Translation of eye research to CNS disease, and deciphering the role of immune cells in these two systems, could improve our understanding and, potentially, the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat London
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Ho WL, Leung Y, Tsang AWT, So KF, Chiu K, Chang RCC. Review: tauopathy in the retina and optic nerve: does it shadow pathological changes in the brain? Mol Vis 2012; 18:2700-10. [PMID: 23170062 PMCID: PMC3501278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau protein's versatility lies in its functions within the central nervous system, including protein scaffolding and intracellular signaling. Tauopathy has been one of the most extensively studied neuropathologies among the neurodegenerative diseases. Because the retina and optic nerve are parts of the central nervous system, we hypothesize that tauopathy also plays a role in various eye diseases. However, little is known about tauopathy in the retina and optic nerve. Here, we summarize the findings from histopathological studies on animal models and human specimens with distinct neurodegenerative diseases. Similar pathological changes of tau protein can be found in Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobe dementia, and glaucoma. In view of the important roles of tauopathy in the brain, it is hoped that this review can stimulate research on eye diseases of the retina and optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Lau Ho
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yen Leung
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Andrea Wing-Ting Tsang
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kin Chiu
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Huang JF, Shang L, Liu P, Zhang MQ, Chen S, Chen D, Fan CL, Wang H, Xiong K. Timosaponin-BII inhibits the up-regulation of BACE1 induced by ferric chloride in rat retina. Altern Ther Health Med 2012; 12:189. [PMID: 23082924 PMCID: PMC3519506 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUND Our previous studies indicated that oxidative stress up-regulated the expression of β-amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme-1 (BACE1) in rat retina. Pharmacological reports have shown Timosaponin-BII, a purified extract originating from Chinese medical herb Rhizoma Anemarrhenae, is characterized as an antioxidant. Our present study aimed to determine whether Timosaponin-BII affected the expression of BACE1, β-amyloid precursor protein cleavage production of Aβ1-40 and β-C-terminal fragment (β-CTF) in rat retina, which were pre-treated with the oxidizing agent (solution of FeCl₃). RESULTS Few distinctions of BACE1 distribution were observed among all groups (normal control group, model group, Timosaponin-BII treated and vehicle control groups). Rat retinas in model group and vehicle control group manifested an apparent up-regulation of BACE1 expression. Meanwhile, the level of malonaldehyde (MDA), Aβ1-40 and β-CTF were increased. However, when comparing with the vehicle control group, the retinas in Timosaponin-BII treated group showed significantly less BACE1 (p<0.05) and accumulated less Aβ1-40 or β-CTF (p<0.05). It also showed significantly decreased level of MDA (p<0.05) and prolonged partial thromboplastin time (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Our data suggested that Timosaponin-BII remarkably inhibited the up-regulation of BACE1 and reduced the over-production of β-CTF and Aβ in rat retina, which was induced by FeCl₃. The mechanism of Timosaponin-BII on BACE1 expression may be related to its antioxidant property.
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Kur J, Newman EA, Chan-Ling T. Cellular and physiological mechanisms underlying blood flow regulation in the retina and choroid in health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2012; 31:377-406. [PMID: 22580107 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 448] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We review the cellular and physiological mechanisms responsible for the regulation of blood flow in the retina and choroid in health and disease. Due to the intrinsic light sensitivity of the retina and the direct visual accessibility of fundus blood vessels, the eye offers unique opportunities for the non-invasive investigation of mechanisms of blood flow regulation. The ability of the retinal vasculature to regulate its blood flow is contrasted with the far more restricted ability of the choroidal circulation to regulate its blood flow by virtue of the absence of glial cells, the markedly reduced pericyte ensheathment of the choroidal vasculature, and the lack of intermediate filaments in choroidal pericytes. We review the cellular and molecular components of the neurovascular unit in the retina and choroid, techniques for monitoring retinal and choroidal blood flow, responses of the retinal and choroidal circulation to light stimulation, the role of capillaries, astrocytes and pericytes in regulating blood flow, putative signaling mechanisms mediating neurovascular coupling in the retina, and changes that occur in the retinal and choroidal circulation during diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease. We close by discussing issues that remain to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kur
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Lukiw WJ, Surjyadipta B, Dua P, Alexandrov PN. Common micro RNAs (miRNAs) target complement factor H (CFH) regulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 3:105-16. [PMID: 22509485 PMCID: PMC3325769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are complex and progressive inflammatory degenerations of the human neocortex and retina. Recent molecular, genetic and epigenetic evidence indicate that at least 4 micro RNAs (miRNAs) - including the NF-кB-regulated miRNA-9, miRNA-125b, miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 - are progressively up-regulated in both AD and AMD. This quartet of up-regulated miRNAs in turn down-regulate a small brain- and retinal-cell-relevant family of target mRNAs, including that encoding complement factor H (CFH), a major negative regulator of the innate immune and inflammatory response. Together miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 recognize an overlapping miRNA regulatory control (MiRC) region in the CFH 3'-untranslated region (3'- UTR; 5'-TTTAGTATTAA-3') to which either of these miRNAs may interact. Progressive, pathogenic increases in specific miRNA binding to the entire 232 nucleotide CFH 3'-UTR appears to be a major regulator of CFH expression down-regulation, and the inflammatory pathology that characterizes both AMD and AD. The data presented in this report provides evidence that up-regulation of brain- and retinal- abundant miRNAs, including miRNA-9, miRNA-125b, miRNA-146a and miRNA-155, are common to the pathogenetic mechanism of CFH deficiency that drives inflammatory neurodegeneration, and for the first time indicates multiple, independent miRNA-mediated regulation of the CFH mRNA 3'-UTR.
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