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Imbimbo BP, Lista S, Imbimbo C, Nisticò R. Are we close to using Alzheimer blood biomarkers in clinical practice? Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2583-2585. [PMID: 38808992 PMCID: PMC11168525 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P. Imbimbo
- Department of Research & Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy
| | - Simone Lista
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Camillo Imbimbo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Robert Nisticò
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome, Italy
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2
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Solé-Guardia G, Luijten M, Janssen E, Visch R, Geenen B, Küsters B, Claassen JAHR, Litjens G, de Leeuw FE, Wiesmann M, Kiliaan AJ. Deep learning-based segmentation in MRI-(immuno)histological examination of myelin and axonal damage in normal-appearing white matter and white matter hyperintensities. Brain Pathol 2024:e13301. [PMID: 39175459 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13301] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The major vascular cause of dementia is cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Its diagnosis relies on imaging hallmarks, such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH). WMH present a heterogenous pathology, including myelin and axonal loss. Yet, these might be only the "tip of the iceberg." Imaging modalities imply that microstructural alterations underlie still normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), preceding the conversion to WMH. Unfortunately, direct pathological characterization of these microstructural alterations affecting myelinated axonal fibers in WMH, and especially NAWM, is still missing. Given that there are no treatments to significantly reduce WMH progression, it is important to extend our knowledge on pathological processes that might already be occurring within NAWM. Staining of myelin with Luxol Fast Blue, while valuable, fails to assess subtle alterations in white matter microstructure. Therefore, we aimed to quantify myelin surrounding axonal fibers and axonal- and microstructural damage in detail by combining (immuno)histochemistry with polarized light imaging (PLI). To study the extent (of early) microstructural damage from periventricular NAWM to the center of WMH, we refined current analysis techniques by using deep learning to define smaller segments of white matter, capturing increasing fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal. Integration of (immuno)histochemistry and PLI with post-mortem imaging of the brains of individuals with hypertension and normotensive controls enables voxel-wise assessment of the pathology throughout periventricular WMH and NAWM. Myelin loss, axonal integrity, and white matter microstructural damage are not limited to WMH but already occur within NAWM. Notably, we found that axonal damage is higher in individuals with hypertension, particularly in NAWM. These findings highlight the added value of advanced segmentation techniques to visualize subtle changes occurring already in NAWM preceding WMH. By using quantitative MRI and advanced diffusion MRI, future studies may elucidate these very early mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration, which ultimately contribute to the conversion of NAWM to WMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Solé-Guardia
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Luijten
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Janssen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben Visch
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Geenen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Benno Küsters
- Department of Pathology, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen A H R Claassen
- Department of Geriatrics, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Radboud Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Geert Litjens
- Department of Pathology, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Computational Pathology Group, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank-Erik de Leeuw
- Department of Neurology, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maximilian Wiesmann
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda J Kiliaan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behavior, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Radboud Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Zhao Z, Zhang J, Wu Y, Xie M, Tao S, Lv Q, Wang Q. Plasma IL-6 levels and their association with brain health and dementia risk: A population-based cohort study. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:430-438. [PMID: 38897328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have associated immune abnormalities with dementia. IL-6 is a crucial cytokine in inflammatory responses, and recent evidence has linked elevated IL-6 levels to changes in brain structure and cognitive decline. However, the connection between IL-6 levels, cognition, brain volumes, and dementia risk requires exploration in large prospective cohorts. METHODS This study utilized a longitudinal cohort from the UK Biobank to analyze the correlation between IL-6 expression levels, cognitive performance, and cortical and subcortical brain volumes through linear regression. Additionally, we assessed the association between IL-6 levels and long-term dementia risk using Cox regression analysis. We also used one-sample Mendelian randomization to analyze the impact of genetic predisposition of dementia on elevated IL-6 levels. RESULTS A total of 50,864 participants were included in this study, with 1,391 new cases of all-cause dementia identified. Higher plasma IL-6 levels are associated with cortical and subcortical atrophy in regions such as the fusiform, thalamus proper, hippocampus, and larger ventricle volumes. IL-6 levels are negatively associated with cognitive performance in pair matching, numeric memory, prospective memory, and reaction time tests. Furthermore, elevated IL-6 levels are linked to a 23-35 % increased risk of all-cause dementia over an average follow-up period of 13.2 years. The one-sample Mendelian randomization analysis did not show associations between the genetic predisposition of dementia and elevated IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS Increased IL-6 levels are associated with worse cognition, brain atrophy, and a heightened risk of all-cause dementia. Our study highlights the need to focus on the role of peripheral IL-6 levels in managing brain health and dementia risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyang Zhao
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiashuo Zhang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yulu Wu
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Xie
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiwan Tao
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiuyue Lv
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Lista S, Imbimbo BP, Grasso M, Fidilio A, Emanuele E, Minoretti P, López-Ortiz S, Martín-Hernández J, Gabelle A, Caruso G, Malaguti M, Melchiorri D, Santos-Lozano A, Imbimbo C, Heneka MT, Caraci F. Tracking neuroinflammatory biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease: a strategy for individualized therapeutic approaches? J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:187. [PMID: 39080712 PMCID: PMC11289964 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03163-y] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent trials of anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) monoclonal antibodies, including lecanemab and donanemab, in early Alzheimer disease (AD) showed that these drugs have limited clinical benefits and their use comes with a significant risk of serious adverse events. Thus, it seems crucial to explore complementary therapeutic approaches. Genome-wide association studies identified robust associations between AD and several AD risk genes related to immune response, including but not restricted to CD33 and TREM2. Here, we critically reviewed the current knowledge on candidate neuroinflammatory biomarkers and their role in characterizing the pathophysiology of AD. MAIN BODY Neuroinflammation is recognized to be a crucial and contributing component of AD pathogenesis. The fact that neuroinflammation is most likely present from earliest pre-stages of AD and co-occurs with the deposition of Aβ reinforces the need to precisely define the sequence and nature of neuroinflammatory events. Numerous clinical trials involving anti-inflammatory drugs previously yielded unfavorable outcomes in early and mild-to-moderate AD. Although the reasons behind these failures remain unclear, these may include the time and the target selected for intervention. Indeed, in our review, we observed a stage-dependent neuroinflammatory process in the AD brain. While the initial activation of glial cells counteracts early brain Aβ deposition, the downregulation in the functional state of microglia occurs at more advanced disease stages. To address this issue, personalized neuroinflammatory modulation therapy is required. The emergence of reliable blood-based neuroinflammatory biomarkers, particularly glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker of reactive astrocytes, may facilitate the classification of AD patients based on the ATI(N) biomarker framework. This expands upon the traditional classification of Aβ ("A"), tau ("T"), and neurodegeneration ("N"), by incorporating a novel inflammatory component ("I"). CONCLUSIONS The present review outlines the current knowledge on potential neuroinflammatory biomarkers and, importantly, emphasizes the role of longitudinal analyses, which are needed to accurately monitor the dynamics of cerebral inflammation. Such a precise information on time and place will be required before anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions can be considered for clinical evaluation. We propose that an effective anti-neuroinflammatory therapy should specifically target microglia and astrocytes, while considering the individual ATI(N) status of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lista
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Bruno P Imbimbo
- Department of Research and Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, 43122, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Susana López-Ortiz
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Martín-Hernández
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Audrey Gabelle
- CMRR, Memory Resources and Research Center, Montpellier University of Excellence i-site, 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018, Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Malaguti
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Melchiorri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012, Valladolid, Spain
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of the Hospital, 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Camillo Imbimbo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 4367, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018, Troina, Italy.
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.
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Valletta M, Vetrano DL, Rizzuto D, Winblad B, Canevelli M, Andersson S, Dale M, Fredolini C, Fratiglioni L, Grande G. Blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in the community: Variation by chronic diseases and inflammatory status. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:4115-4125. [PMID: 38717935 PMCID: PMC11180869 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13860] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We explored the variations of blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by chronic diseases and systemic inflammation. METHODS We explored the association of AD blood biomarkers with chronic diseases and systemic inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6]), in 2366 dementia-free participants of the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care-in Kungsholmen, using quantile regression models. RESULTS A greater number of co-occurring chronic diseases was associated with higher concentrations of phosphorylated-tau 181 (p-tau181), total-tau (t-tau), neurofilament light chain (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (p < 0.01). Anemia, kidney, cerebrovascular, and heart diseases were associated with variations in the levels of AD blood biomarkers. Participants in the highest (vs. lowest) interleukin-6 (IL-6) tertile had higher NfL concentration. Systemic inflammation amplified the associations between several chronic diseases and p-tau181, t-tau, NfL, and GFAP. DISCUSSION In the community, the concentration of AD blood biomarkers varies in relation to medical conditions and systemic inflammation. Recognizing these influences is crucial for the accurate interpretation and clinical implementation of blood biomarkers. HIGHLIGHTS Participants with a complex clinical profile (i.e., multiple co-occurring diseases or specific disease combinations) display elevated levels of AD blood-biomarkers. Anemia, heart, cerebrovascular, and kidney diseases are associated with variations is the levels of AD blood biomarkers in cognitively intact older adults. Systemic inflammation amplifies the association between several chronic diseases and AD blood biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Valletta
- Aging Research CenterDepartment of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska Institutet and Stockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Davide Liborio Vetrano
- Aging Research CenterDepartment of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska Institutet and Stockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research CenterStockholmSweden
| | - Debora Rizzuto
- Aging Research CenterDepartment of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska Institutet and Stockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research CenterStockholmSweden
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University HospitalHuddingeSweden
| | - Marco Canevelli
- Aging Research CenterDepartment of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska Institutet and Stockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- Department of Human NeuroscienceSapienza UniversityRomeItaly
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health PromotionItalian National Institute of HealthRomeItaly
| | - Sarah Andersson
- Affinity Proteomics Stockholm, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH)Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)SolnaSweden
| | - Matilda Dale
- Affinity Proteomics Stockholm, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH)Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)SolnaSweden
| | - Claudia Fredolini
- Affinity Proteomics Stockholm, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH)Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)SolnaSweden
| | - Laura Fratiglioni
- Aging Research CenterDepartment of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska Institutet and Stockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research CenterStockholmSweden
| | - Giulia Grande
- Aging Research CenterDepartment of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska Institutet and Stockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research CenterStockholmSweden
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Maity S, Huang Y, Kilgore MD, Thurmon AN, Vaasjo LO, Galazo MJ, Xu X, Cao J, Wang X, Ning B, Liu N, Fan J. Mapping dynamic molecular changes in hippocampal subregions after traumatic brain injury through spatial proteomics. Clin Proteomics 2024; 21:32. [PMID: 38735925 PMCID: PMC11089002 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-024-09485-6] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in diverse molecular responses, challenging traditional proteomic studies that measure average changes at tissue levels and fail to capture the complexity and heterogeneity of the affected tissues. Spatial proteomics offers a solution by providing insights into sub-region-specific alterations within tissues. This study focuses on the hippocampal sub-regions, analyzing proteomic expression profiles in mice at the acute (1 day) and subacute (7 days) phases of post-TBI to understand subregion-specific vulnerabilities and long-term consequences. METHODS Three mice brains were collected from each group, including Sham, 1-day post-TBI and 7-day post-TBI. Hippocampal subregions were extracted using Laser Microdissection (LMD) and subsequently analyzed by label-free quantitative proteomics. RESULTS The spatial analysis reveals region-specific protein abundance changes, highlighting the elevation of FN1, LGALS3BP, HP, and MUG-1 in the stratum moleculare (SM), suggesting potential immune cell enrichment post-TBI. Notably, established markers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, IGHM and B2M, exhibit specific upregulation in the dentate gyrus bottom (DG2) independent of direct mechanical injury. Metabolic pathway analysis identifies disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism, coupled with activated cholesterol synthesis pathways enriched in SM at 7-Day post-TBI and subsequently in deeper DG1 and DG2 suggesting a role in neurogenesis and the onset of recovery. Coordinated activation of neuroglia and microtubule dynamics in DG2 suggest recovery mechanisms in less affected regions. Cluster analysis revealed spatial variations post-TBI, indicative of dysregulated neuronal plasticity and neurogenesis and further predisposition to neurological disorders. TBI-induced protein upregulation (MUG-1, PZP, GFAP, TJP, STAT-1, and CD44) across hippocampal sub-regions indicates shared molecular responses and links to neurological disorders. Spatial variations were demonstrated by proteins dysregulated in both or either of the time-points exclusively in each subregion (ELAVL2, CLIC1 in PL, CD44 and MUG-1 in SM, and SHOC2, LGALS3 in DG). CONCLUSIONS Utilizing advanced spatial proteomics techniques, the study unveils the dynamic molecular responses in distinct hippocampal subregions post-TBI. It uncovers region-specific vulnerabilities and dysregulated neuronal processes, and potential recovery-related pathways that contribute to our understanding of TBI's neurological consequences and provides valuable insights for biomarker discovery and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipa Maity
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mitchell D Kilgore
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Abbigail N Thurmon
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Maria J Galazo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Bo Ning
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Tulane University Translational Sciences Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Jia Fan
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Moseholm KF, Horn JW, Fitzpatrick AL, Djoussé L, Longstreth WT, Lopez OL, Hoofnagle AN, Jensen MK, Lemaitre RN, Mukamal KJ. Circulating sphingolipids and subclinical brain pathology: the cardiovascular health study. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1385623. [PMID: 38765262 PMCID: PMC11099203 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1385623] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sphingolipids are implicated in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. We assessed the potential role of circulating ceramides and sphingomyelins in subclinical brain pathology by investigating their association with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures and circulating biomarkers of brain injury, neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), a large and intensively phenotyped cohort of older adults. Methods Brain MRI was offered twice to CHS participants with a mean of 5 years between scans, and results were available from both time points in 2,116 participants (mean age 76 years; 40% male; and 25% APOE ε4 allele carriers). We measured 8 ceramide and sphingomyelin species in plasma samples and examined the associations with several MRI, including worsening grades of white matter hyperintensities and ventricular size, number of brain infarcts, and measures of brain atrophy in a subset with quantitative measures. We also investigated the sphingolipid associations with serum NfL and GFAP. Results In the fully adjusted model, higher plasma levels of ceramides and sphingomyelins with a long (16-carbon) saturated fatty acid were associated with higher blood levels of NfL [β = 0.05, false-discovery rate corrected P (PFDR) = 0.004 and β = 0.06, PFDR = < 0.001, respectively]. In contrast, sphingomyelins with very long (20- and 22-carbon) saturated fatty acids tended to have an inverse association with levels of circulating NfL. In secondary analyses, we found an interaction between ceramide d18:1/20:0 and sex (P for interaction = <0.001), such that ceramide d18:1/20:0 associated with higher odds for infarcts in women [OR = 1.26 (95%CI: 1.07, 1.49), PFDR = 0.03]. We did not observe any associations with GFAP blood levels, white matter grade, ventricular grade, mean bilateral hippocampal volume, or total brain volume. Conclusion Overall, our comprehensive investigation supports the evidence that ceramides and sphingomyelins are associated with increased aging brain pathology and that the direction of association depends on the fatty acid attached to the sphingosine backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine F. Moseholm
- Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens W. Horn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Levanger Hospital, Health Trust Nord-Trøndelag, Levanger, Norway
| | - Annette L. Fitzpatrick
- Departments of Family Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Luc Djoussé
- Division of Aging, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - W. T. Longstreth
- Departments of Family Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Oscar L. Lopez
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andrew N. Hoofnagle
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Majken K. Jensen
- Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rozenn N. Lemaitre
- Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kenneth J. Mukamal
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Gu Y, Honig LS, Kang MS, Bahl A, Sanchez D, Reyes‐Dumeyer D, Manly JJ, Dage JL, Lantigua RA, Brickman AM, Vardarajan BN, Mayeux R. Risk of Alzheimer's disease is associated with longitudinal changes in plasma biomarkers in the multi-ethnic Washington Heights-Hamilton Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP) cohort. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1988-1999. [PMID: 38183363 PMCID: PMC10984426 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers can help differentiate cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The role of AD biomarkers in predicting cognitive impairment and AD needs examination. METHODS In 628 CU individuals from a multi-ethnic cohort, amyloid beta (Aβ)42, Aβ40, phosphorylated tau-181 (p-tau181), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured in plasma. RESULTS Higher baseline levels of p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio were associated with an increased risk of incident dementia. A biomarker pattern (with elevated Aβ42/Aβ40 but low p-tau181/Aβ42) was associated with decreased dementia risk. Compared to CU, participants who developed MCI or dementia had a rapid decrease in this protective biomarker pattern reflecting AD-specific pathological change. DISCUSSION Elevated levels of AD biomarker p-tau181/Aβ42, by itself or combined with a low Aβ42/Aβ40 level, predicts clinically diagnosed AD. Individuals with a rapid change in these biomarkers may need close monitoring for the potential downward trajectory of cognition. HIGHLIGHTS We discuss a multi-ethnic, urban community study of elderly individuals. The study consisted of a longitudinal assessment over 6 years with repeated clinical assessments. The study used blood-based biomarkers as predictors of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yian Gu
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurologyVagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia Universityand the New York Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyMailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Lawrence S. Honig
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurologyVagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia Universityand the New York Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Min Suk Kang
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurologyVagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia Universityand the New York Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Aanya Bahl
- Department of EpidemiologyMailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Danurys Sanchez
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Dolly Reyes‐Dumeyer
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jennifer J. Manly
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurologyVagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia Universityand the New York Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jeffrey L. Dage
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Rafael A. Lantigua
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of MedicineVagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia Universityand the New York Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Adam M. Brickman
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurologyVagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia Universityand the New York Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Badri N. Vardarajan
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurologyVagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia Universityand the New York Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Richard Mayeux
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurologyVagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia Universityand the New York Presbyterian HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyMailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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9
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Liu X, Chen J, Meng C, Zhou L, Liu Y. Serum neurofilament light chain and cognition decline in US elderly: A cross-sectional study. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:17-29. [PMID: 37902309 PMCID: PMC10791034 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early identification of cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial. Neurofilament, a potential biomarker for neurological disorders, has gained attention. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between serum neurofilament light (sNfL) levels and cognitive function in elderly individuals in the United States. METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed data from participants aged 60 and above in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2014). We collected sNfL levels, cognitive function tests, sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and other variables. Weighted multiple linear regression models examined the relationship between ln(sNfL) and cognitive scores. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) visualization explored nonlinear relationships. The stratified analysis examined subgroups' ln(sNfL) and cognitive function association. RESULTS The study included 446 participants (47.73% male). Participants with ln(sNfL) levels between 2.58 and 2.81 pg/mL (second quintile) performed relatively well in cognitive tests. After adjusting for multiple factors, ln(sNfL) levels were negatively correlated with cognitive function, with adjusted β (95% CI) as follows: immediate recall test (IRT): -0.763 (-1.301 to -0.224), delayed recall test (DRT): -0.308 (-0.576 to -0.04), animal fluency test (AFT): -1.616 (-2.639 to -0.594), and digit symbol substitution test (DSST): -2.790 (-4.369 to -1.21). RCS curves showed nonlinear relationships between ln(sNfL) and DRT, AFT, with inflection points around 2.7 pg/mL. The stratified analysis revealed a negative correlation between ln(sNfL) and cognition in specific subgroups with distinct features, with an interaction between diabetes and ln(sNfL). INTERPRETATION Higher sNfL levels are associated with poorer cognitive function in the elderly population of the United States. sNfL shows promise as a potential biomarker for early identification of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Taihe HospitalHubei University of MedicineShiyanChina
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Taihe HospitalHubei University of MedicineShiyanChina
| | - Chen Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taihe HospitalHubei University of MedicineShiyanHubeiChina
| | - Lan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Taihe HospitalHubei University of MedicineShiyanChina
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Taihe HospitalHubei University of MedicineShiyanChina
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10
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Gu Y, Honig LS, Kang MS, Bahl A, Sanchez D, Reyes-Dumeyer D, Manly JJ, Lantigua RA, Dage JL, Brickman AM, Vardarajan BN, Mayeux R. Risk of Alzheimer's Disease is Associated with Longitudinal Changes in Plasma Biomarkers in the Multiethnic Washington Heights, Inwood Columbia Aging Project Cohort. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.08.11.23293967. [PMID: 37645764 PMCID: PMC10462222 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.11.23293967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers can help differentiate cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The role of AD biomarkers in predicting cognitive impairment and AD needs examination. METHODS In 628 CU individuals from a multi-ethnic cohort, Aβ42, Aβ40, phosphorylated tau-181 (P-tau181), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured in plasma. RESULTS Higher baseline levels of P-tau181/Aβ42 ratio were associated with increased risk of incident dementia. A biomarker pattern (with elevated Aβ42/Aβ40 but low P-tau181/Aβ42) was associated with decreased dementia risk. Compared to CU, participants who developed MCI or dementia had a rapid decrease in the biomarker pattern reflecting AD-specific pathological change. DISCUSSION Elevated levels of AD biomarker P-tau181/Aβ42, by itself or combined with a low Aβ42/Aβ40 level, predicts clinically diagnosed AD. Individuals with a rapid change in these biomarkers may need close monitoring for the potential downward trajectory of cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yian Gu
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New, York, New York, USA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lawrence S. Honig
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New, York, New York, USA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Min Suk Kang
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New, York, New York, USA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aanya Bahl
- Department of Epidemiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Danurys Sanchez
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New, York, New York, USA
| | - Dolly Reyes-Dumeyer
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New, York, New York, USA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer J. Manly
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New, York, New York, USA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rafael A. Lantigua
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York,New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Dage
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Adam M. Brickman
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New, York, New York, USA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Badri N Vardarajan
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New, York, New York, USA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard Mayeux
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New, York, New York, USA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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