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Zahr NM. Alcohol Use Disorder and Dementia: A Review. Alcohol Res 2024; 44:03. [PMID: 38812709 PMCID: PMC11135165 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v44.1.03] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE By 2040, 21.6% of Americans will be over age 65, and the population of those older than age 85 is estimated to reach 14.4 million. Although not causative, older age is a risk factor for dementia: every 5 years beyond age 65, the risk doubles; approximately one-third of those older than age 85 are diagnosed with dementia. As current alcohol consumption among older adults is significantly higher compared to previous generations, a pressing question is whether drinking alcohol increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. SEARCH METHODS Databases explored included PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. To accomplish this narrative review on the effects of alcohol consumption on dementia risk, the literature covered included clinical diagnoses, epidemiology, neuropsychology, postmortem pathology, neuroimaging and other biomarkers, and translational studies. Searches conducted between January 12 and August 1, 2023, included the following terms and combinations: "aging," "alcoholism," "alcohol use disorder (AUD)," "brain," "CNS," "dementia," "Wernicke," "Korsakoff," "Alzheimer," "vascular," "frontotemporal," "Lewy body," "clinical," "diagnosis," "epidemiology," "pathology," "autopsy," "postmortem," "histology," "cognitive," "motor," "neuropsychological," "magnetic resonance," "imaging," "PET," "ligand," "degeneration," "atrophy," "translational," "rodent," "rat," "mouse," "model," "amyloid," "neurofibrillary tangles," "α-synuclein," or "presenilin." When relevant, "species" (i.e., "humans" or "other animals") was selected as an additional filter. Review articles were avoided when possible. SEARCH RESULTS The two terms "alcoholism" and "aging" retrieved about 1,350 papers; adding phrases-for example, "postmortem" or "magnetic resonance"-limited the number to fewer than 100 papers. Using the traditional term, "alcoholism" with "dementia" resulted in 876 citations, but using the currently accepted term "alcohol use disorder (AUD)" with "dementia" produced only 87 papers. Similarly, whereas the terms "Alzheimer's" and "alcoholism" yielded 318 results, "Alzheimer's" and "alcohol use disorder (AUD)" returned only 40 citations. As pertinent postmortem pathology papers were published in the 1950s and recent animal models of Alzheimer's disease were created in the early 2000s, articles referenced span the years 1957 to 2024. In total, more than 5,000 articles were considered; about 400 are herein referenced. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Chronic alcohol misuse accelerates brain aging and contributes to cognitive impairments, including those in the mnemonic domain. The consensus among studies from multiple disciplines, however, is that alcohol misuse can increase the risk for dementia, but not necessarily Alzheimer's disease. Key issues to consider include the reversibility of brain damage following abstinence from chronic alcohol misuse compared to the degenerative and progressive course of Alzheimer's disease, and the characteristic presence of protein inclusions in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, which are absent in the brains of those with AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Zahr
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California. Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, California
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Adams C, Perry N, Conigrave J, Hurzeler T, Stevens J, Yacou Dunbar KP, Sweeney A, Lee K, Sutherland G, Haber P, Morley KC. Central markers of neuroinflammation in alcohol use disorder: A meta-analysis of neuroimaging, cerebral spinal fluid, and postmortem studies. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2023; 47:197-208. [PMID: 36852781 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS There is emerging evidence that heavy long-term alcohol consumption may alter the neuroimmune profile. We conducted a meta-analysis of the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the extent of neuroinflammation using cerebrospinal (CSF), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), and postmortem studies. DESIGN AND METHODS A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) for AUD-related terms in combination with neuroinflammatory markers and cytokine- and chemokine-related terms for CSF, PET, and postmortem studies. Participants had to meet established criteria for AUD and/or heavy alcohol consumption with dependence features and be compared with healthy controls. Papers retrieved were assessed for inclusion criteria and a critical appraisal was completed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was conducted on postmortem and PET studies. RESULTS Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria with CSF, PET, and postmortem studies included in the final analysis. Postmortem studies demonstrate significant heterogeneity (𝑄 (14) = 62.02, 𝑝 < 0.001), with the alcohol group showing higher levels of neuroimmune markers than controls (𝑑 = 1.50 [95% CI 0.56, 2.45]). PET studies demonstrated a lower [11 C] PBR28 total volume of distribution (V T ) for translocator protein in the hippocampus (g = -1.95 [95% CI -2.72, -1.18], p < 0.001) of the alcohol group compared to controls. CONCLUSION There is emerging evidence across multiple diagnostic modalities that alcohol impacts neuroimmune signaling in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Adams
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Drug Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nina Perry
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James Conigrave
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Drug Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tristan Hurzeler
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Drug Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia Stevens
- NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristiane P Yacou Dunbar
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alicia Sweeney
- NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kylie Lee
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Drug Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Greg Sutherland
- NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Haber
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Drug Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsten C Morley
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol Drugs and Toxicology), Drug Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Nallapu BT, Petersen KK, Lipton RB, Grober E, Sperling RA, Ezzati A. Association of Alcohol Consumption with Cognition in Older Population: The A4 Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 93:1381-1393. [PMID: 37182868 PMCID: PMC10392870 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221079] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorders have been categorized as a 'strongly modifiable' risk factor for dementia. OBJECTIVE To investigate the cross-sectional association between alcohol consumption and cognition in older adults and if it is different across sexes or depends on amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the brain. METHODS Cognitively unimpaired older adults (N = 4387) with objective and subjective cognitive assessments and amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging were classified into four categories based on their average daily alcohol use. Multivariable linear regression was then used to test the main effects and interactions with sex and Aβ levels. RESULTS Individuals who reported no alcohol consumption had lower scores on the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC) compared to those consuming one or two drinks/day. In sex-stratified analysis, the association between alcohol consumption and cognition was more prominent in females. Female participants who consumed two drinks/day had better performance on PACC and Cognitive Function Index (CFI) than those who reported no alcohol consumption. In an Aβ-stratified sample, the association between alcohol consumption and cognition was present only in the Aβ- subgroup. The interaction between Aβ status and alcohol consumption on cognition was not significant. CONCLUSION Low or moderate consumption of alcohol was associated with better objective cognitive performance and better subjective report of daily functioning in cognitively unimpaired individuals. The association was present only in Aβ- individuals, suggesting that the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying the effect of alcohol on cognition is independent of Aβ pathology. Further investigation is required with larger samples consuming three or more drinks/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhargav T. Nallapu
- Saul B. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Kellen K. Petersen
- Saul B. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Richard B. Lipton
- Saul B. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Grober
- Saul B. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Reisa A. Sperling
- Harvard Aging Brain Study, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Ezzati
- Saul B. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
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Alcohol induced impairment/abnormalities in brain: Role of MicroRNAs. Neurotoxicology 2021; 87:11-23. [PMID: 34478768 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol is a highly toxic substance and has teratogenic properties that can lead to a wide range of developmental disorders. Excessive use of alcohol can change the structural and functional aspects of developed brain and other organs. Which can further lead to significant health, social and economic implications in many countries of the world. Convincing evidence support the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) as important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in neurodevelopment and maintenance. They also show differential expression following an injury. MiRNAs are the special class of small non coding RNAs that can modify the gene by targeting the mRNA and fine tune the development of cells to organs. Numerous pieces of evidences have shown the relationship between miRNA, alcohol and brain damage. These studies also show how miRNA controls different cellular mechanisms involved in the development of alcohol use disorder. With the increasing number of research studies, the roles of miRNAs following alcohol-induced injury could help researchers to recognize alternative therapeutic methods to treat/cure alcohol-induced brain damage. The present review summarizes the available data and brings together the important miRNAs, that play a crucial role in alcohol-induced brain damage, which will help in better understanding complex mechanisms. Identifying these miRNAs will not only expand the current knowledge but can lead to the identification of better targets for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Koch M, Costanzo S, Fitzpatrick AL, Lopez OL, DeKosky S, Kuller LH, Price J, Mackey RH, Jensen MK, Mukamal KJ. Alcohol Consumption, Brain Amyloid-β Deposition, and Brain Structural Integrity Among Older Adults Free of Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 74:509-519. [PMID: 32039843 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Light to moderate alcohol consumption has been variably associated with lower or higher risk of dementia, but effects on Alzheimer's disease pathology are less clear. OBJECTIVE We determined whether late-life alcohol consumption was associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology among older adults. METHODS We assessed the associations of alcohol consumption self-reported in 2000-2002 with brain amyloid-β deposition on PET scans, and white matter lesion and hippocampal volume on MRIs measured 7-9 years later in 189 participants of the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study (age 75-87 years at baseline) who were free of clinical dementia, using multivariable-adjusted and inverse probability-weighted robust linear regression models. RESULTS Alcohol consumption was not statistically significantly associated with amyloid-β deposition (standardized uptake value ratio difference per drink: -0.013 [95% CI: -0.027, 0.002]). Both non-drinkers and participants consuming ≥1 drink(s)/week had higher white matter lesion volume (% intracranial volume) than did the reference group of those consuming <1 drink/week (differences: 0.25 % [95% CI: 0.01, 0.50]; 0.26 % [95% CI: 0.02, 0.50]). The association of alcohol consumption and hippocampal volume was modified by age (p = 0.02). Among participants younger than 77 years, participants consuming 1-7 drinks/week had larger hippocampal volume compared with participants consuming <1 drink/week. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol consumption was not statistically significantly associated with amyloid-β deposition 7-9 years later. Non-drinking and greater alcohol consumption were associated with higher white matter lesion volume compared with drinking <1 drink/week. Moderate drinking was associated with higher hippocampal volume in younger individuals. Given the selective nature of this population and adverse health effects of excessive alcohol consumption, these findings warrant further investigation, but cannot be translated into clinical recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manja Koch
- Department of NutritionHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simona Costanzo
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Annette L Fitzpatrick
- Departments of Family Medicine, Epidemiology, and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Oscar L Lopez
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven DeKosky
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lewis H Kuller
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Julie Price
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel H Mackey
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Majken K Jensen
- Department of NutritionHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Mukamal
- Department of NutritionHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Flanigan MR, Royse SK, Cenkner DP, Kozinski KM, Stoughton CJ, Himes ML, Minhas DS, Lopresti B, Butters MA, Narendran R. Imaging beta-amyloid (Aβ) burden in the brains of middle-aged individuals with alcohol-use disorders: a [ 11C]PIB PET study. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:257. [PMID: 33934110 PMCID: PMC8088438 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01374-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
No in vivo human studies have examined the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology in individuals with alcohol-use disorder (AUD), although recent research suggests that a relationship between the two exists. Therefore, this study used Pittsburgh Compound-B ([11C]PiB) PET imaging to test the hypothesis that AUD is associated with greater brain amyloid (Aβ) burden in middle-aged adults compared to healthy controls. Twenty healthy participants (14M and 6F) and 19 individuals with AUD (15M and 4F), all aged 40-65 years, underwent clinical assessment, MRI, neurocognitive testing, and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Global [11C]PiB standard uptake value ratios (SUVRs), cortical thickness, gray matter volumes (GMVs), and neurocognitive function in subjects with AUD were compared to healthy controls. These measures were selected because they are considered markers of risk for future AD and other types of neurocognitive dysfunction. The results of this study showed no significant differences in % global Aβ positivity or subthreshold Aβ loads between AUD and controls. However, relative to controls, we observed a significant 6.1% lower cortical thickness in both AD-signature regions and in regions not typically associated with AD, lower GMV in the hippocampus, and lower performance on tests of attention as well as immediate and delayed memory in individuals with AUD. This suggest that Aβ accumulation is not greater in middle-aged individuals with AUD. However, other markers of neurodegeneration, such as impaired memory, cortical thinning, and reduced hippocampal GMV, are present. Further studies are needed to elucidate the patterns and temporal staging of AUD-related pathophysiology and cognitive impairment. Imaging β-amyloid in middle age alcoholics as a mechanism that increases their risk for Alzheimer's disease; Registration Number: NCT03746366 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R. Flanigan
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Sarah K. Royse
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - David P. Cenkner
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Katelyn M. Kozinski
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Clara J. Stoughton
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Michael L. Himes
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Davneet S. Minhas
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Brian Lopresti
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Meryl A. Butters
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Rajesh Narendran
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Categorising a problem: alcohol and dementia. Acta Neurol Belg 2021; 121:1-10. [PMID: 33052532 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-020-01515-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disorder that can include extended periods of abstinence followed by relapse to heavy drinking. Decades of evidence have clearly shown that long-term, chronic ethanol exposure produces brain damage in humans. The article aims to review the relationship between alcohol use and dementia. Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters and books published until 2019. Search terms used included alcohol consumption, alcohol-related dementia, alcohol use disorders, chronic alcoholism, dementia. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Alcohol acts on the central nervous system via both direct and indirect effects, frequently a combination of the two. There is consensus that alcohol contributes to the acquisition of cognitive deficits in late life. However, there are doubts regarding the aetiopathogenesis, nosological status and prevalence of alcohol-related dementia and still, there is much debate over how much alcohol consumption will lead to alcohol-related dementia.
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Matloff WJ, Zhao L, Ning K, Conti DV, Toga AW. Interaction effect of alcohol consumption and Alzheimer disease polygenic risk score on the brain cortical thickness of cognitively normal subjects. Alcohol 2020; 85:1-12. [PMID: 31734309 PMCID: PMC7220836 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption and genetic risk for Alzheimer disease (AD) are among many factors known to be associated with brain structure in cognitively healthy adults. It is unclear, however, whether the effect of alcohol consumption on brain structure varies depending on a person's level of genetic risk for AD. We hypothesized that there is an interaction effect of alcohol consumption and a 33-SNP AD polygenic risk score (PRS) on the cortical thickness of brain regions known to be affected early in the course of AD. Studying 6,213 cognitively healthy subjects from the UK Biobank, we found a significant interaction effect of the 33-SNP AD PRS and alcohol consumption on this AD Cortical Thickness Signature. Stratified, among those who consume 12-24 g/day of alcohol, the 33-SNP AD PRS had a significant, positive association with AD Cortical Thickness Signature, with high-risk subjects having the greatest AD Cortical Thickness Signature. There were no significant associations of the 33-SNP AD PRS with AD Cortical Thickness Signature among the nondrinker or <1, 1-6, 6-12, 24-48, or >48 g/day groups. It is unclear whether this interaction is due to a detrimental or beneficial effect of moderate alcohol consumption in those with the highest genetic risk for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Matloff
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, United States
| | - Lu Zhao
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, United States
| | - Kaida Ning
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, United States
| | - David V Conti
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, United States
| | - Arthur W Toga
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, United States.
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Kim JW, Byun MS, Yi D, Lee JH, Ko K, Jeon SY, Sohn BK, Lee JY, Kim YK, Shin SA, Sohn CH, Lee DY. Association of moderate alcohol intake with in vivo amyloid-beta deposition in human brain: A cross-sectional study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003022. [PMID: 32097439 PMCID: PMC7041799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An emerging body of literature has indicated that moderate alcohol intake may be protective against Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia. However, little information is available regarding whether moderate alcohol intake is related to reductions in amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, or is protective via amyloid-independent mechanisms in the living human brain. Here we examined the associations of moderate alcohol intake with in vivo AD pathologies, including cerebral Aβ deposition, neurodegeneration of AD-signature regions, and cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in the living human brain. METHODS AND FINDINGS The present study was part of the Korean Brain Aging Study for Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Alzheimer's Disease (KBASE), an ongoing prospective cohort study that started in 2014. As of November 2016, 414 community-dwelling individuals with neither dementia nor alcohol-related disorders (280 cognitively normal [CN] individuals and 134 individuals with mild cognitive impairment [MCI]) between 56 and 90 years of age (mean age 70.9 years ± standard deviation 7.8; male, n [%] = 180 [43.5]) were recruited from 4 sites (i.e., 2 university hospitals and 2 public centers for dementia prevention and management) around Seoul, South Korea. All the participants underwent comprehensive clinical assessments comprising lifetime and current histories of alcohol intake and multimodal brain imaging, including [11C] Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography (PET), [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Lifetime and current alcohol intake were categorized as follows: no drinking, <1 standard drink (SD)/week, 1-13 SDs/week, and 14+ SDs/week. A moderate lifetime alcohol intake (1-13 SDs/week) was significantly associated with a lower Aβ positivity rate compared to the no drinking group, even after controlling for potential confounders (odds ratio 0.341, 95% confidence interval 0.163-0.714, p = 0.004). In contrast, current alcohol intake was not associated with amyloid deposition. Additionally, alcohol intake was not related to neurodegeneration of AD-signature regions or cerebral WMH volume. The present study had some limitations in that it had a cross-sectional design and depended on retrospective recall for alcohol drinking history. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we observed in middle- and old-aged individuals with neither dementia nor alcohol-related disorders that moderate lifetime alcohol intake was associated with lower cerebral Aβ deposition compared to a lifetime history of not drinking. Moderate lifetime alcohol intake may have a beneficial influence on AD by reducing pathological amyloid deposition rather than amyloid-independent neurodegeneration or cerebrovascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Wook Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Soo Byun
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahyun Yi
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Ho Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Ko
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Kyung Sohn
- Department of Psychiatry, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Young Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Kyeong Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong A Shin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Sohn
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Young Lee
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Charlton AJ, May C, Luikinga SJ, Burrows EL, Hyun Kim J, Lawrence AJ, Perry CJ. Chronic voluntary alcohol consumption causes persistent cognitive deficits and cortical cell loss in a rodent model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18651. [PMID: 31819151 PMCID: PMC6901469 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55095-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic alcohol use is associated with cognitive decline that impedes behavioral change during rehabilitation. Despite this, addiction therapy does not address cognitive deficits, and there is poor understanding regarding the mechanisms that underlie this decline. We established a rodent model of chronic voluntary alcohol use to measure ensuing cognitive effects and underlying pathology. Rats had intermittent access to alcohol or an isocaloric solution in their home cage under voluntary 2-bottle choice conditions. In Experiments 1 and 2 cognition was assessed using operant touchscreen chambers. We examined performance in a visual discrimination and reversal task (Experiment 1), and a 5-choice serial reaction time task (Experiment 2). For Experiment 3, rats were perfused immediately after cessation of alcohol access period, and volume, cell density and microglial populations were assessed in the prefrontal cortex and striatum. Volume was assessed using the Cavalieri probe, while cell and microglial counts were estimated using unbiased stereology with an optical fractionator. Alcohol-exposed and control rats showed comparable acquisition of pairwise discrimination; however, performance was impaired when contingencies were reversed indicating reduced behavioral flexibility. When tested in a 5-choice serial reaction time task alcohol-exposed rats showed increased compulsivity and increased attentional bias towards a reward associated cue. Consistent with these changes, we observed decreased cell density in the prefrontal cortex. These findings confirm a detrimental effect of chronic alcohol and establish a model of alcohol-induced cognitive decline following long-term voluntary intake that may be used for future intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annai J Charlton
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Carlos May
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Sophia J Luikinga
- Mental Health Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Emma L Burrows
- Mental Health Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Mental Health Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Mental Health Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Christina J Perry
- Mental Health Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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11
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Sullivan EV, Pfefferbaum A. Brain-behavior relations and effects of aging and common comorbidities in alcohol use disorder: A review. Neuropsychology 2019; 33:760-780. [PMID: 31448945 PMCID: PMC7461729 DOI: 10.1037/neu0000557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex, dynamic condition that waxes and wanes with unhealthy drinking episodes and varies in drinking patterns and effects on brain structure and function with age. Its excessive use renders chronically heavy drinkers vulnerable to direct alcohol toxicity and a variety of comorbidities attributable to nonalcohol drug misuse, viral infections, and accelerated or premature aging. AUD affects widespread brain systems, commonly, frontolimbic, frontostriatal, and frontocerebellar networks. METHOD AND RESULTS Multimodal assessment using selective neuropsychological testing and whole-brain neuroimaging provides evidence for AUD-related specific brain structure-function relations established with double dissociations. Longitudinal study using noninvasive imaging provides evidence for brain structural and functional improvement with sustained sobriety and further decline with relapse. Functional imaging suggests the possibility that some alcoholics in recovery can compensate for impairment by invoking brain systems typically not used for a target task but that can enable normal-level performance. CONCLUSIONS Evidence for AUD-aging interactions, indicative of accelerated aging, together with increasing alcohol consumption in middle-age and older adults, put aging drinkers at special risk for developing cognitive decline and possibly dementia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith V. Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Adolf Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
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12
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Heymann D, Stern Y, Cosentino S, Tatarina-Nulman O, Dorrejo JN, Gu Y. The Association Between Alcohol Use and the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2017; 13:1356-1362. [PMID: 27628432 DOI: 10.2174/1567205013666160603005035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between alcohol, both the amount and type, and cognitive decline in a cohort of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. METHODS A cohort of 360 patients with early AD in New York, Boston, Baltimore and Paris were followed-up biannually for up to 19.28 years. At each visit, the cognitive profile of the patients was assessed using the modified Mini-Mental State Examination (mMMSE), and patients' alcohol intake, including beverage type, was reported by patients' primary caregivers. General estimating equation analysis was used to determine whether baseline alcohol use was associated with the rate of cognitive decline. RESULTS Heavy drinkers (8 or more alcoholic drinks/week) had a faster cognitive decline, deteriorating 1.849 more points on their mMMSE score annually compared to abstainers (P = 0.001), or 2.444 more points compared to mild-moderate drinkers (1-7 alcoholic drinks/week) (P = 0.008). There was no significant difference when comparing mild-moderate drinkers to abstainers. Increasing standard drinks of hard liquor, but not beer or wine, was also associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline (β = -0.117 P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Heavy alcohol consumption and more hard liquor are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in AD patients, suggesting that they may hasten progression of AD. Our results suggest that alcohol drinking habits might alter the course of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yian Gu
- The Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Venkataraman A, Kalk N, Sewell G, Ritchie CW, Lingford-Hughes A. Alcohol and Alzheimer's Disease-Does Alcohol Dependence Contribute to Beta-Amyloid Deposition, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease? Alcohol Alcohol 2017; 52:151-158. [PMID: 27915236 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agw092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims To investigate the underlying neurobiology between alcohol use, misuse and dependence and cognitive impairment, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods Review of the literature using searches of Medline, Pubmed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and meeting abstracts and presentations. Results The role of alcohol as a risk factor and contributor for cognitive decline associated with AD has received little attention. This is despite the high prevalence of alcohol use, the potential reversibility of a degree of cognitive impairment and the global burden of AD. Until now the focus has largely been on the toxic effects of alcohol, neuronal loss and the role of thiamine. Conclusion We propose alcohol adds to the cognitive burden seen in dementia through additional mechanisms to neurodegenerative processes or may contribute at various mechanistic points in the genesis and sustenance of AD pathology via neuroinflammation. We describe the common underlying neurobiology in alcohol and AD, and examine ways alcohol likely contributes to neuroinflammation directly via stimulation of Toll-like receptors and indirectly from small bowel changes, hepatic changes, withdrawal and traumatic brain injury to the pathogenesis of AD. Short Summary Alcohol use, misuse and dependence cause cognitive impairment. We propose alcohol adds to the cognitive burden seen in dementia through additional mechanisms to neurodegenerative processes or may contribute at various mechanistic points in the genesis and sustenance of AD pathology via neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Venkataraman
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, 5th Floor Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, LondonW12 0NN, UK
| | - Nicola Kalk
- Department of Oncology, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Rd, LondonW6 8RF, UK
| | - Gavin Sewell
- Department of Oncology, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Rd, LondonW6 8RF, UK
| | - Craig W Ritchie
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The Chancellor's Building, 49 Chancellor's Building, Little France, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Anne Lingford-Hughes
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, 5th Floor Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, LondonW12 0NN, UK
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14
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Ethanol Alters APP Processing and Aggravates Alzheimer-Associated Phenotypes. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:5006-5018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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15
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Noy S, Krawitz S, Del Bigio MR. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy-Like Abnormalities in a Routine Neuropathology Service. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2016; 75:1145-1154. [DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlw092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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16
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Kok EH, Karppinen TT, Luoto T, Alafuzoff I, Karhunen PJ. Beer Drinking Associates with Lower Burden of Amyloid Beta Aggregation in the Brain: Helsinki Sudden Death Series. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:1473-8. [PMID: 27218874 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy surrounds the effect of alcohol consumption on the development of dementia and cognitive impairment. We investigated the association between consumption of different alcoholic beverages and β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation in the brain, 1 of the neuropathological lesions of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS In total, 125 males of the Helsinki Sudden Death autopsy Series were included with an age range at death 35 to 70 years. The consumption of alcohol, Aβ aggregation in the brain, and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype were assessed. Relatives answered a questionnaire to gather alcohol consumption history, and Aβ was visualized by implementing immunohistochemical staining of brain sections. Aβ immunoreactivity (IR) was assessed in a dichotomized (yes/no) fashion and as a stained area fraction (%). APOE genotype was assessed in DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded cardiac muscle samples. RESULTS Increased age (p = 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, confidence interval [CI] = 1.04 to 1.15) was associated with higher prevalence of Aβ-IR. Beer drinking decreased (p = 0.024; OR = 0.35, CI = 0.14 to 0.87) the prevalence of Aβ-IR and was associated with a significantly lower extent of Aβ-IR (p = 0.022). The amount of alcohol consumed was not linked with Aβ aggregation and neither was spirit nor wine consumption. CONCLUSIONS Beer consumption may protect against Aβ aggregation in brain. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the effects of alcohol on Aβ pathology seen in brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise H Kok
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Toni T Karppinen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Teemu Luoto
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Irina Alafuzoff
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.,Unit of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pekka J Karhunen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
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17
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Elobeid A, Libard S, Leino M, Popova SN, Alafuzoff I. Altered Proteins in the Aging Brain. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2016; 75:316-25. [PMID: 26979082 PMCID: PMC4793886 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlw002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the prevalence of common altered brain proteins in 296 cognitively unimpaired subjects ranging from age 50 to 102 years. The incidence and the stage of hyperphosphorylated-τ (HPτ), β-amyloid, α-synuclein (αS), and transactive response DNA (TDP) binding protein 43 (TDP43)-immunoreactivity (-IR) increased with age. HPτ-IR was observed in 98% of the subjects; the locus coeruleus was solely affected in 46%, and 79% of the subjects were in Braak stages a to II. β-Amyloid was seen in 47% of subjects and the Thal phase correlated with the HPτ Braak stage and age. Intermediate Alzheimer disease-related pathology (ADRP) was seen in 12%; 52% of the subjects with HPτ-IR fulfilled criteria for definite primary age-related tauopathy (PART). The incidence of concomitant pathology (αS, TDP43) did not differ between those with PART and those with ADRP but the former were younger. TDP43-IR was observed in 36%; the most frequently affected region was the medulla; αS-IR was observed in 19% of subjects. In 41% of the subjects from 80 to 89 years at death, 3 altered proteins were seen in the brain. Thus, altered proteins are common in the brains of cognitively unimpaired aged subjects; this should be considered while developing diagnostic biomarkers, particularly for identifying subjects at early stages of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adila Elobeid
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, IA); and Department of Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, ML, SNP, IA)
| | - Sylwia Libard
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, IA); and Department of Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, ML, SNP, IA)
| | - Marina Leino
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, IA); and Department of Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, ML, SNP, IA)
| | - Svetlana N Popova
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, IA); and Department of Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, ML, SNP, IA)
| | - Irina Alafuzoff
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, IA); and Department of Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden (AE, SL, ML, SNP, IA).
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18
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Mamdani M, Williamson V, McMichael GO, Blevins T, Aliev F, Adkins A, Hack L, Bigdeli T, D. van der Vaart A, Web BT, Bacanu SA, Kalsi G, Kendler KS, Miles MF, Dick D, Riley BP, Dumur C, Vladimirov VI. Integrating mRNA and miRNA Weighted Gene Co-Expression Networks with eQTLs in the Nucleus Accumbens of Subjects with Alcohol Dependence. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137671. [PMID: 26381263 PMCID: PMC4575063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is known to lead to gene expression changes in the brain. After performing weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA) on genome-wide mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression in Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) of subjects with alcohol dependence (AD; N = 18) and of matched controls (N = 18), six mRNA and three miRNA modules significantly correlated with AD were identified (Bonferoni-adj. p≤ 0.05). Cell-type-specific transcriptome analyses revealed two of the mRNA modules to be enriched for neuronal specific marker genes and downregulated in AD, whereas the remaining four mRNA modules were enriched for astrocyte and microglial specific marker genes and upregulated in AD. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that neuronal specific modules were enriched for genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction and MAPK signaling. Glial-specific modules were predominantly enriched for genes involved in processes related to immune functions, i.e. cytokine signaling (all adj. p≤ 0.05). In mRNA and miRNA modules, 461 and 25 candidate hub genes were identified, respectively. In contrast to the expected biological functions of miRNAs, correlation analyses between mRNA and miRNA hub genes revealed a higher number of positive than negative correlations (χ2 test p≤ 0.0001). Integration of hub gene expression with genome-wide genotypic data resulted in 591 mRNA cis-eQTLs and 62 miRNA cis-eQTLs. mRNA cis-eQTLs were significantly enriched for AD diagnosis and AD symptom counts (adj. p = 0.014 and p = 0.024, respectively) in AD GWAS signals in a large, independent genetic sample from the Collaborative Study on Genetics of Alcohol (COGA). In conclusion, our study identified putative gene network hubs coordinating mRNA and miRNA co-expression changes in the NAc of AD subjects, and our genetic (cis-eQTL) analysis provides novel insights into the etiological mechanisms of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Mamdani
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Vernell Williamson
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Gowon O. McMichael
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Tana Blevins
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Fazil Aliev
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Amy Adkins
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Laura Hack
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Tim Bigdeli
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. van der Vaart
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Bradley Todd Web
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Silviu-Alin Bacanu
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Gursharan Kalsi
- Department of Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kenneth S. Kendler
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Human & Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Miles
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Danielle Dick
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Human & Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Brien P. Riley
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Human & Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Catherine Dumur
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Vladimir I. Vladimirov
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Center for Biomarker Research and Personalized Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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19
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Daulatzai MA. “Boomerang Neuropathology” of Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease is Shrouded in Harmful “BDDS”: Breathing, Diet, Drinking, and Sleep During Aging. Neurotox Res 2015; 28:55-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Ehrlich D, Pirchl M, Humpel C. Ethanol transiently suppresses choline-acetyltransferase in basal nucleus of Meynert slices. Brain Res 2012; 1459:35-42. [PMID: 22560095 PMCID: PMC3370645 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The cholinergic system plays a major role in learning and cognition and cholinergic neurons appear to be particularly vulnerable to ethanol (EtOH) exposure. There are conflicting results if EtOH directly damages cholinergic neurons. Thus, the aims of the present study were (1) to investigate the effect of different EtOH concentrations on cholinergic neurons in organotypic brain slices of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) and (2) to study if the most potent cholinotrophic substance nerve growth factor (NGF) or inhibitors of mitogen activated kinase (MAPK) p38- and nitric-oxide synthase (NOS)-pathways may counteract any EtOH effect. Two-week old organotypic rat brain slices of the nbM were exposed to 1–100 mM EtOH for 7 days with or without drugs and the number of choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive neurons was counted. Our data show that EtOH significantly reduced the number of ChAT-positive neurons with the most potent effect at a concentration of 50 mM EtOH (54 ± 5 neurons per slice, p < 0.001), compared to control slices (120 ± 13 neurons per slice). Inhibition of MAPK p38 (SB 203580, 10 μM) and NOS (L-thiocitrulline, 10 μM) counteracted the EtOH-induced decline of cholinergic neurons and NGF protected cholinergic neurons against the EtOH-induced effect. Withdrawal of EtOH resulted in a reversal of cholinergic neurons to nearly controls. In conclusion, EtOH caused a transient decline of cholinergic neurons, possibly involving MAPK p38- and NOS-pathways suggesting that EtOH does not induce direct cell death, but causes a transient downregulation of the cholinergic key enzyme, possibly reflecting a form of EtOH-associated plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ehrlich
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Exp. Alzheimer's Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Anichstr.35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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21
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Nunez YO, Mayfield RD. Understanding Alcoholism Through microRNA Signatures in Brains of Human Alcoholics. Front Genet 2012; 3:43. [PMID: 22514554 PMCID: PMC3322338 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the fields of genomics and genetics in the last decade have identified a large number of genes that can potentially influence alcohol-drinking behavior in humans as well as animal models. Consequently, the task of identifying efficient molecular targets that could be used to develop effective therapeutics against the disease has become increasingly daunting. One of the reasons for this is the fact that each of the many alcohol-responsive genes only contributes a small effect to the overall mechanism and disease phenotype, as is characteristic of complex traits. Current research trends are hence shifting toward the analysis of gene networks rather than emphasizing individual genes. The discovery of microRNAs and their mechanisms of action on regulation of transcript level and protein translation have made evident the utility of these small non-coding RNA molecules that act as central coordinators of multiple cross-communicating cellular pathways. Cells exploit the fact that a single microRNA can target hundreds of mRNA transcripts and that a single mRNA transcript can be simultaneously targeted by distinct microRNAs, to ensure fine-tuned and/or redundant control over a large number of cellular functions. By the same token, we can use these properties of microRNAs to develop novel, targeted strategies to combat complex disorders. In this review, we will focus on recent discoveries of microRNA signatures in brain of human alcoholics supporting the hypothesis that changes in gene expression and regulation by microRNAs are responsible for long-term neuroadaptations occurring during development of alcoholism. We also discuss insights into the potential modulation of epigenetic regulators by a subset of microRNAs. Taken together, microRNA activity may be controlling many of the cellular mechanisms already known to be involved in the development of alcoholism, and suggests potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury O Nunez
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX, USA
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22
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Ehrlich D, Pirchl M, Humpel C. Effects of long-term moderate ethanol and cholesterol on cognition, cholinergic neurons, inflammation, and vascular impairment in rats. Neuroscience 2012; 205:154-66. [PMID: 22244974 PMCID: PMC3314917 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is strong evidence that vascular risk factors play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) or vascular dementia (vaD). Ethanol (EtOH) and cholesterol are such vascular risk factors, and we recently showed that hypercholesterolemia causes pathologies similar to AD [Ullrich et al. (2010) Mol Cell Neurosci 45, 408–417]. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term (12 months) EtOH treatment (20% v/v in drinking water) alone or long-term 5% cholesterol diet alone or a combination (mix) in adult Sprague–Dawley rats. Long-term EtOH treatment (plasma EtOH levels 58±23 mg/dl) caused significant impairment of spatial memory, reduced the number of choline acetyltransferase- and p75 neurotrophin receptor-positive nucleus basalis of Meynert neurons, decreased cortical acetylcholine, elevated cortical monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tissue-type plasminogen activator, enhanced microglia, and markedly induced anti-rat immunoglobulin G-positive blood–brain barrier leakage. The effect of long-term hypercholesterolemia was similar. Combined long-term treatment of rats with 20% EtOH and 5% cholesterol (mix) did not potentiate treatment with EtOH alone, but instead counteracted some of the EtOH-associated effects. In conclusion, our data show that vascular risk factors EtOH and cholesterol play a role in cognitive impairment and possibly vaD.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ehrlich
- Laboratory for Psychiatry and Exp. Alzheimer's Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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23
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Olgiati P, Politis AM, Papadimitriou GN, De Ronchi D, Serretti A. Genetics of late-onset Alzheimer's disease: update from the alzgene database and analysis of shared pathways. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2011; 2011:832379. [PMID: 22191060 PMCID: PMC3235576 DOI: 10.4061/2011/832379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetics of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) has taken impressive steps forwards in the last few years. To date, more than six-hundred genes have been linked to the disorder. However, only a minority of them are supported by a sufficient level of evidence. This review focused on such genes and analyzed shared biological pathways. Genetic markers were selected from a web-based collection (Alzgene). For each SNP in the database, it was possible to perform a meta-analysis. The quality of studies was assessed using criteria such as size of research samples, heterogeneity across studies, and protection from publication bias. This produced a list of 15 top-rated genes: APOE, CLU, PICALM, EXOC3L2, BIN1, CR1, SORL1, TNK1, IL8, LDLR, CST3, CHRNB2, SORCS1, TNF, and CCR2. A systematic analysis of gene ontology terms associated with each marker showed that most genes were implicated in cholesterol metabolism, intracellular transport of beta-amyloid precursor, and autophagy of damaged organelles. Moreover, the impact of these genes on complement cascade and cytokine production highlights the role of inflammatory response in AD pathogenesis. Gene-gene and gene-environment interactions are prominent issues in AD genetics, but they are not specifically featured in the Alzgene database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Olgiati
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Viale Carlo Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy
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Alcohol-related dementia and Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. DEMENTIA 2010. [DOI: 10.1201/b13196-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Imam
- Neurology Department, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon TQ2 7AA
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Ceylan-Isik AF, McBride SM, Ren J. Sex difference in alcoholism: who is at a greater risk for development of alcoholic complication? Life Sci 2010; 87:133-8. [PMID: 20598716 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2010.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2010] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are among the major medical problems afflicting both men and women. While men display a higher prevalence for alcoholism, it is women who suffer a much greater risk for alcoholism-associated bodily damage. Although women generally consume less alcohol compared to men, females usually suffer more severe brain and other organ damage following binge or chronic alcohol abuse. MAIN METHODS AND KEY FINDINGS Although many biological (i.e., genetic risk and neurological abnormalities) and psychosocial (i.e., impact of positive drinking expectancies, personality characteristics and deviance proneness) factors appear to impact men and women equally. These factors especially social and environmental, physiological, genetic and neurobiological ones have been demonstrated to contribute to the sex difference in response to alcohol intake, as well as the development of alcoholic complications. A number of neurotransmitters and growth factors may be partially involved in these differences between men and women. The mesolimbic dopamine system is implicated in the development of addictive behaviors. Differences in dopamine receptor density are found between sexes where gonadal steroid hormones may play a role. Inhibitory GABAergic and stimulatory glutamatergic systems also act as neuromodulators in the brain and differences in their specific receptors have been identified between men and women (particularly GABA(A) receptors and NMDA receptors). SIGNIFICANCE Given the variety of factors contributing to the sex difference in response to alcohol intake, alcoholism treatment should take sex dimorphism into consideration. Furthermore, future research needs to be directed towards a better understanding of the mechanism of action of alcohol in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli F Ceylan-Isik
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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