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Richardson B, Goedert T, Quraishe S, Deinhardt K, Mudher A. How do neurons age? A focused review on the aging of the microtubular cytoskeleton. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1899-1907. [PMID: 38227514 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is the leading risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. We now understand that a breakdown in the neuronal cytoskeleton, mainly underpinned by protein modifications leading to the destabilization of microtubules, is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. This is accompanied by morphological defects across the somatodendritic compartment, axon, and synapse. However, knowledge of what occurs to the microtubule cytoskeleton and morphology of the neuron during physiological aging is comparatively poor. Several recent studies have suggested that there is an age-related increase in the phosphorylation of the key microtubule stabilizing protein tau, a modification, which is known to destabilize the cytoskeleton in Alzheimer's disease. This indicates that the cytoskeleton and potentially other neuronal structures reliant on the cytoskeleton become functionally compromised during normal physiological aging. The current literature shows age-related reductions in synaptic spine density and shifts in synaptic spine conformation which might explain age-related synaptic functional deficits. However, knowledge of what occurs to the microtubular and actin cytoskeleton, with increasing age is extremely limited. When considering the somatodendritic compartment, a regression in dendrites and loss of dendritic length and volume is reported whilst a reduction in soma volume/size is often seen. However, research into cytoskeletal change is limited to a handful of studies demonstrating reductions in and mislocalizations of microtubule-associated proteins with just one study directly exploring the integrity of the microtubules. In the axon, an increase in axonal diameter and age-related appearance of swellings is reported but like the dendrites, just one study investigates the microtubules directly with others reporting loss or mislocalization of microtubule-associated proteins. Though these are the general trends reported, there are clear disparities between model organisms and brain regions that are worthy of further investigation. Additionally, longitudinal studies of neuronal/cytoskeletal aging should also investigate whether these age-related changes contribute not just to vulnerability to disease but also to the decline in nervous system function and behavioral output that all organisms experience. This will highlight the utility, if any, of cytoskeletal fortification for the promotion of healthy neuronal aging and potential protection against age-related neurodegenerative disease. This review seeks to summarize what is currently known about the physiological aging of the neuron and microtubular cytoskeleton in the hope of uncovering mechanisms underpinning age-related risk to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Thomas Goedert
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shmma Quraishe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Katrin Deinhardt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Amritpal Mudher
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Yu X, Przybelski SA, Reid RI, Lesnick TG, Raghavan S, Graff‐Radford J, Lowe VJ, Kantarci K, Knopman DS, Petersen RC, Jack CR, Vemuri P. NODDI in gray matter is a sensitive marker of aging and early AD changes. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 16:e12627. [PMID: 39077685 PMCID: PMC11284641 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Age-related and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia-related neurodegeneration impact brain health. While morphometric measures from T1-weighted scans are established biomarkers, they may be less sensitive to earlier changes. Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), offering biologically meaningful interpretation of tissue microstructure, may be an advanced brain health biomarker. METHODS We contrasted regional gray matter NODDI and morphometric evaluations concerning their correlation with (1) age, (2) clinical diagnosis stage, and (3) tau pathology as assessed by AV1451 positron emission tomography. RESULTS Our study hypothesizes that NODDI measures are more sensitive to aging and early AD changes than morphometric measures. One NODDI output, free water fraction (FWF), showed higher sensitivity to age-related changes, generally better effect sizes in separating mild cognitively impaired from cognitively unimpaired participants, and stronger associations with regional tau deposition than morphometric measures. DISCUSSION These findings underscore NODDI's utility in capturing early neurodegenerative changes and enhancing our understanding of aging and AD. Highlights Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging can serve as an effective brain health biomarker for aging and early Alzheimer's disease (AD).Free water fraction has higher sensitivity to normal brain aging.Free water fraction has stronger associations with early AD and regional tau deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yu
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical EngineeringMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Scott A. Przybelski
- Department of Health Sciences ResearchDivision of Biomedical Statistics and InformaticsMayo Clinic‐RochesterRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Robert I. Reid
- Department of Health Sciences ResearchDivision of Biomedical Statistics and InformaticsMayo Clinic‐RochesterRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Department of RadiologyMayo Clinic‐RochesterRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Timothy G. Lesnick
- Department of Health Sciences ResearchDivision of Biomedical Statistics and InformaticsMayo Clinic‐RochesterRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | | | | | - Val J. Lowe
- Department of RadiologyMayo Clinic‐RochesterRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Kejal Kantarci
- Department of RadiologyMayo Clinic‐RochesterRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - David S. Knopman
- Department of NeurologyMayo Clinic‐RochesterRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | | | - Clifford R. Jack
- Department of RadiologyMayo Clinic‐RochesterRochesterMinnesotaUSA
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Burmistrov DE, Gudkov SV, Franceschi C, Vedunova MV. Sex as a Determinant of Age-Related Changes in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7122. [PMID: 39000227 PMCID: PMC11241365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The notion of notable anatomical, biochemical, and behavioral distinctions within male and female brains has been a contentious topic of interest within the scientific community over several decades. Advancements in neuroimaging and molecular biological techniques have increasingly elucidated common mechanisms characterizing brain aging while also revealing disparities between sexes in these processes. Variations in cognitive functions; susceptibility to and progression of neurodegenerative conditions, notably Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases; and notable disparities in life expectancy between sexes, underscore the significance of evaluating aging within the framework of gender differences. This comprehensive review surveys contemporary literature on the restructuring of brain structures and fundamental processes unfolding in the aging brain at cellular and molecular levels, with a focus on gender distinctions. Additionally, the review delves into age-related cognitive alterations, exploring factors influencing the acceleration or deceleration of aging, with particular attention to estrogen's hormonal support of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy E. Burmistrov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilova St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey V. Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilova St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria V. Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Beckers E, Van Egroo M, Ashton NJ, Blennow K, Vandewalle G, Zetterberg H, Poser BA, Jacobs HIL. Microstructural associations between locus coeruleus, cortical, and subcortical regions are modulated by astrocyte reactivity: a 7T MRI adult lifespan study. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae261. [PMID: 38904081 PMCID: PMC11190376 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae261] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system plays a key role in supporting brain health along the lifespan, notably through its modulatory effects on neuroinflammation. Using ultra-high field diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, we examined whether microstructural properties (neurite density index and orientation dispersion index) in the locus coeruleus were related to those in cortical and subcortical regions, and whether this was modulated by plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein levels, as a proxy of astrocyte reactivity. In our cohort of 60 healthy individuals (30 to 85 yr, 50% female), higher glial fibrillary acidic protein correlated with lower neurite density index in frontal cortical regions, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. Furthermore, under higher levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (above ~ 150 pg/mL for cortical and ~ 145 pg/mL for subcortical regions), lower locus coeruleus orientation dispersion index was associated with lower orientation dispersion index in frontotemporal cortical regions and in subcortical regions. Interestingly, individuals with higher locus coeruleus orientation dispersion index exhibited higher orientation dispersion index in these (sub)cortical regions, despite having higher glial fibrillary acidic protein levels. Together, these results suggest that the interaction between locus coeruleus-norepinephrine cells and astrocytes can signal a detrimental or neuroprotective pathway for brain integrity and support the importance of maintaining locus coeruleus neuronal health in aging and in the prevention of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Beckers
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GIGA-CRC Human Imaging, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Maxime Van Egroo
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Institute Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RT, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health and Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80 Mölndal, Sweden
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, 75013 Paris, France
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, University of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei 230036, China
| | | | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80 Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London W1T 7NF, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Benedikt A Poser
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi I L Jacobs
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Graïc JM, Corain L, Finos L, Vadori V, Grisan E, Gerussi T, Orekhova K, Centelleghe C, Cozzi B, Peruffo A. Age-related changes in the primary auditory cortex of newborn, adults and aging bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) are located in the upper cortical layers. Front Neuroanat 2024; 17:1330384. [PMID: 38250022 PMCID: PMC10796513 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1330384] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The auditory system of dolphins and whales allows them to dive in dark waters, hunt for prey well below the limit of solar light absorption, and to communicate with their conspecific. These complex behaviors require specific and sufficient functional circuitry in the neocortex, and vicarious learning capacities. Dolphins are also precocious animals that can hold their breath and swim within minutes after birth. However, diving and hunting behaviors are likely not innate and need to be learned. Our hypothesis is that the organization of the auditory cortex of dolphins grows and mature not only in the early phases of life, but also in adults and aging individuals. These changes may be subtle and involve sub-populations of cells specificall linked to some circuits. Methods In the primary auditory cortex of 11 bottlenose dolphins belonging to three age groups (calves, adults, and old animals), neuronal cell shapes were analyzed separately and by cortical layer using custom computer vision and multivariate statistical analysis, to determine potential minute morphological differences across these age groups. Results The results show definite changes in interneurons, characterized by round and ellipsoid shapes predominantly located in upper cortical layers. Notably, neonates interneurons exhibited a pattern of being closer together and smaller, developing into a more dispersed and diverse set of shapes in adulthood. Discussion This trend persisted in older animals, suggesting a continuous development of connections throughout the life of these marine animals. Our findings further support the proposition that thalamic input reach upper layers in cetaceans, at least within a cortical area critical for their survival. Moreover, our results indicate the likelihood of changes in cell populations occurring in adult animals, prompting the need for characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marie Graïc
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Livio Corain
- Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Livio Finos
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Vadori
- Department of Computer Science and Informatics, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Grisan
- Department of Computer Science and Informatics, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tommaso Gerussi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Ksenia Orekhova
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Centelleghe
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Antonella Peruffo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
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6
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Anderson JA, Rashidi-Ranjbar N, Nazeri A, Chad JA, Zhukovsky P, Mulsant BH, Herrmann N, Mah L, Flint AJ, Fischer CE, Pollock BG, Rajji TK, Voineskos AN. Age-Related Alterations in Gray Matter Microstructure in Older People With Remitted Major Depression at Risk for Dementia. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:374-384. [PMID: 38298786 PMCID: PMC10829634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) in late life is a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease. However, studies of gray matter changes have produced varied estimates of which structures are implicated in MDD and dementia. Changes in gray matter volume and cortical thickness are macrostructural measures for the microstructural processes of free water accumulation and dendritic spine loss. Methods We conducted multishell diffusion imaging to assess gray matter microstructure in 244 older adults with remitted MDD (n = 44), MCI (n = 115), remitted MDD+MCI (n = 61), or without psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment (healthy control participants; n = 24). We estimated measures related to neurite density, orientation dispersion, and free water (isotropic volume fraction) using a biophysically plausible model (neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging). Results Results showed that increasing age was correlated with an increase in isotropic volume fraction and a decrease in orientation dispersion index, which is consistent with neuropathology dendritic loss. In addition, this relationship between age and increased isotropic volume fraction was more disrupted in the MCI group than in the remitted MDD or healthy control groups. However, the association between age and orientation dispersion index was similar for all 3 groups. Conclusions The findings suggest that the neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging measures could be used to identify biological risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, signifying both conventional neurodegeneration observed with MCI and dendritic loss seen in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A.E. Anderson
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neda Rashidi-Ranjbar
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arash Nazeri
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (AN)
| | - Jordan A. Chad
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Zhukovsky
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benoit H. Mulsant
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda Mah
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alastair J. Flint
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Corinne E. Fischer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bruce G. Pollock
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tarek K. Rajji
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aristotle N. Voineskos
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - PACt-MD Study Group
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (AN)
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zueva MV, Neroeva NV, Zhuravleva AN, Bogolepova AN, Kotelin VV, Fadeev DV, Tsapenko IV. Fractal Phototherapy in Maximizing Retina and Brain Plasticity. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 36:585-637. [PMID: 38468055 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-47606-8_31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The neuroplasticity potential is reduced with aging and impairs during neurodegenerative diseases and brain and visual system injuries. This limits the brain's capacity to repair the structure and dynamics of its activity after lesions. Maximization of neuroplasticity is necessary to provide the maximal CNS response to therapeutic intervention and adaptive reorganization of neuronal networks in patients with degenerative pathology and traumatic injury to restore the functional activity of the brain and retina.Considering the fractal geometry and dynamics of the healthy brain and the loss of fractality in neurodegenerative pathology, we suggest that the application of self-similar visual signals with a fractal temporal structure in the stimulation therapy can reactivate the adaptive neuroplasticity and enhance the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation. This proposition was tested in the recent studies. Patients with glaucoma had a statistically significant positive effect of fractal photic therapy on light sensitivity and the perimetric MD index, which shows that methods of fractal stimulation can be a novel nonpharmacological approach to neuroprotective therapy and neurorehabilitation. In healthy rabbits, it was demonstrated that a long-term course of photostimulation with fractal signals does not harm the electroretinogram (ERG) and retina structure. Rabbits with modeled retinal atrophy showed better dynamics of the ERG restoration during daily stimulation therapy for a week in comparison with the controls. Positive changes in the retinal function can indirectly suggest the activation of its adaptive plasticity and the high potential of stimulation therapy with fractal visual stimuli in a nonpharmacological neurorehabilitation, which requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V Zueva
- Department of Clinical Physiology of Vision, Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia V Neroeva
- Department of Pathology of the Retina and Optic Nerve, Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia N Zhuravleva
- Department of Glaucoma, Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna N Bogolepova
- Department of neurology, neurosurgery and medical genetics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav V Kotelin
- Department of Clinical Physiology of Vision, Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis V Fadeev
- Scientific Experimental Center Department, Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V Tsapenko
- Department of Clinical Physiology of Vision, Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
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Ramos AA, Galiano-Castillo N, Machado L. Cognitive Functioning of Unaffected First-degree Relatives of Individuals With Late-onset Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis. Neuropsychol Rev 2023; 33:659-674. [PMID: 36057684 PMCID: PMC10770217 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09555-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
First-degree relatives of individuals with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) are at increased risk for developing dementia, yet the associations between family history of LOAD and cognitive dysfunction remain unclear. In this quantitative review, we provide the first meta-analysis on the cognitive profile of unaffected first-degree blood relatives of LOAD-affected individuals compared to controls without a family history of LOAD. A systematic literature search was conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed /MEDLINE, and Scopus. We fitted a three-level structural equation modeling meta-analysis to control for non-independent effect sizes. Heterogeneity and risk of publication bias were also investigated. Thirty-four studies enabled us to estimate 218 effect sizes across several cognitive domains. Overall, first-degree relatives (n = 4,086, mean age = 57.40, SD = 4.71) showed significantly inferior cognitive performance (Hedges' g = -0.16; 95% CI, -0.25 to -0.08; p < .001) compared to controls (n = 2,388, mean age = 58.43, SD = 5.69). Specifically, controls outperformed first-degree relatives in language, visuospatial and verbal long-term memory, executive functions, verbal short-term memory, and verbal IQ. Among the first-degree relatives, APOE ɛ4 carriership was associated with more significant dysfunction in cognition (g = -0.24; 95% CI, -0.38 to -0.11; p < .001) compared to non-carriers (g = -0.14; 95% CI, -0.28 to -0.01; p = .04). Cognitive test type was significantly associated with between-group differences, accounting for 65% (R23 = .6499) of the effect size heterogeneity in the fitted regression model. No evidence of publication bias was found. The current findings provide support for mild but robust cognitive dysfunction in first-degree relatives of LOAD-affected individuals that appears to be moderated by cognitive domain, cognitive test type, and APOE ɛ4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Alex Ramos
- Department of Psychology and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Brain Research New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição, 1155, Curitiba, CEP 80.215-901, Brazil.
| | - Noelia Galiano-Castillo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Health Sciences Faculty, "Cuidate" from Biomedical Group (BIO277), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), and Sport and Health Research Center (IMUDs), Granada, Spain, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Liana Machado
- Department of Psychology and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
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Zhang Y, Wang X, Li W, Yang Y, Wu Z, Lyu Y, Yue C. Intestinal microbiota: a new perspective on delaying aging? Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1268142. [PMID: 38098677 PMCID: PMC10720643 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1268142] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The global aging situation is severe, and the medical pressures associated with aging issues should not be underestimated. The need and feasibility of studying aging and intervening in aging have been confirmed. Aging is a complex natural physiological progression, which involves the irreversible deterioration of body cells, tissues, and organs with age, leading to enhanced risk of disease and ultimately death. The intestinal microbiota has a significant role in sustaining host dynamic balance, and the study of bidirectional communication networks such as the brain-gut axis provides important directions for human disease research. Moreover, the intestinal microbiota is intimately linked to aging. This review describes the intestinal microbiota changes in human aging and analyzes the causal controversy between gut microbiota changes and aging, which are believed to be mutually causal, mutually reinforcing, and inextricably linked. Finally, from an anti-aging perspective, this study summarizes how to achieve delayed aging by targeting the intestinal microbiota. Accordingly, the study aims to provide guidance for further research on the intestinal microbiota and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemeng Zhang
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Yan’an University of Physical Education, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wujuan Li
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Wu
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuhong Lyu
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Changwu Yue
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
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10
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Eugenín J, Eugenín-von Bernhardi L, von Bernhardi R. Age-dependent changes on fractalkine forms and their contribution to neurodegenerative diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1249320. [PMID: 37818457 PMCID: PMC10561274 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1249320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemokine fractalkine (FKN, CX3CL1), a member of the CX3C subfamily, contributes to neuron-glia interaction and the regulation of microglial cell activation. Fractalkine is expressed by neurons as a membrane-bound protein (mCX3CL1) that can be cleaved by extracellular proteases generating several sCX3CL1 forms. sCX3CL1, containing the chemokine domain, and mCX3CL1 have high affinity by their unique receptor (CX3CR1) which, physiologically, is only found in microglia, a resident immune cell of the CNS. The activation of CX3CR1contributes to survival and maturation of the neural network during development, glutamatergic synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, cognition, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory regulation in the adult brain. Indeed, the various CX3CL1 forms appear in some cases to serve an anti-inflammatory role of microglia, whereas in others, they have a pro-inflammatory role, aggravating neurological disorders. In the last decade, evidence points to the fact that sCX3CL1 and mCX3CL1 exhibit selective and differential effects on their targets. Thus, the balance in their level and activity will impact on neuron-microglia interaction. This review is focused on the description of factors determining the emergence of distinct fractalkine forms, their age-dependent changes, and how they contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Changes in the balance among various fractalkine forms may be one of the mechanisms on which converge aging, chronic CNS inflammation, and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Eugenín
- Facultad de Química y Biología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Rommy von Bernhardi
- Facultad de Ciencias para el Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
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11
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Elmers J, Colzato LS, Akgün K, Ziemssen T, Beste C. Neurofilaments - Small proteins of physiological significance and predictive power for future neurodegeneration and cognitive decline across the life span. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102037. [PMID: 37619618 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Neurofilaments (NFs) are not only important for axonal integrity and nerve conduction in large myelinated axons but they are also thought to be crucial for receptor and synaptic functioning. Therefore, NFs may play a critical role in cognitive functions, as cognitive processes are known to depend on synaptic integrity and are modulated by dopaminergic signaling. Here, we present a theory-driven interdisciplinary approach that NFs may link inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive functions. We base our hypothesis on a wealth of evidence suggesting a causal link between inflammation and neurodegeneration and between these two and cognitive decline (see Fig. 1), also taking dopaminergic signaling into account. We conclude that NFs may not only serve as biomarkers for inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and cognitive processes but also represent a potential mechanical hinge between them, moreover, they may even have predictive power regarding future cognitive decline. In addition, we advocate the use of both NFs and MRI parameters, as their synthesis offers the opportunity to individualize medical treatment by providing a comprehensive view of underlying disease activity in neurological diseases. Since our society will become significantly older in the upcoming years and decades, maintaining cognitive functions and healthy aging will play an important role. Thanks to technological advances in recent decades, NFs could serve as a rapid, noninvasive, and relatively inexpensive early warning system to identify individuals at increased risk for cognitive decline and could facilitate the management of cognitive dysfunctions across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Elmers
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Lorenza S Colzato
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Cognitive Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
| | - Katja Akgün
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Cognitive Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
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12
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Merenstein JL, Zhao J, Mullin HA, Rudolph MD, Song AW, Madden DJ. High-resolution multi-shot diffusion imaging of structural networks in healthy neurocognitive aging. Neuroimage 2023; 275:120191. [PMID: 37244322 PMCID: PMC10482115 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120191] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthy neurocognitive aging has been associated with the microstructural degradation of white matter pathways that connect distributed gray matter regions, assessed by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). However, the relatively low spatial resolution of standard DWI has limited the examination of age-related differences in the properties of smaller, tightly curved white matter fibers, as well as the relatively more complex microstructure of gray matter. Here, we capitalize on high-resolution multi-shot DWI, which allows spatial resolutions < 1 mm3 to be achieved on clinical 3T MRI scanners. We assessed whether traditional diffusion tensor-based measures of gray matter microstructure and graph theoretical measures of white matter structural connectivity assessed by standard (1.5 mm3 voxels, 3.375 μl volume) and high-resolution (1 mm3 voxels, 1μl volume) DWI were differentially related to age and cognitive performance in 61 healthy adults 18-78 years of age. Cognitive performance was assessed using an extensive battery comprising 12 separate tests of fluid (speed-dependent) cognition. Results indicated that the high-resolution data had larger correlations between age and gray matter mean diffusivity, but smaller correlations between age and structural connectivity. Moreover, parallel mediation models including both standard and high-resolution measures revealed that only the high-resolution measures mediated age-related differences in fluid cognition. These results lay the groundwork for future studies planning to apply high-resolution DWI methodology to further assess the mechanisms of both healthy aging and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Merenstein
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Jiayi Zhao
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Hollie A Mullin
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Marc D Rudolph
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
| | - Allen W Song
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - David J Madden
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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13
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Mizutani R, Saiga R, Yamamoto Y, Uesugi M, Takeuchi A, Uesugi K, Terada Y, Suzuki Y, De Andrade V, De Carlo F, Takekoshi S, Inomoto C, Nakamura N, Torii Y, Kushima I, Iritani S, Ozaki N, Oshima K, Itokawa M, Arai M. Structural aging of human neurons is opposite of the changes in schizophrenia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287646. [PMID: 37352288 PMCID: PMC10289376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human mentality develops with age and is altered in psychiatric disorders, though their underlying mechanism is unknown. In this study, we analyzed nanometer-scale three-dimensional structures of brain tissues of the anterior cingulate cortex from eight schizophrenia and eight control cases. The distribution profiles of neurite curvature of the control cases showed a trend depending on their age, resulting in an age-correlated decrease in the standard deviation of neurite curvature (Pearson's r = -0.80, p = 0.018). In contrast to the control cases, the schizophrenia cases deviate upward from this correlation, exhibiting a 60% higher neurite curvature compared with the controls (p = 7.8 × 10-4). The neurite curvature also showed a correlation with a hallucination score (Pearson's r = 0.80, p = 1.8 × 10-4), indicating that neurite structure is relevant to brain function. This report is based on our 3D analysis of human brain tissues over a decade and is unprecedented in terms of the number of cases. We suggest that neurite curvature plays a pivotal role in brain aging and can be used as a hallmark to exploit a novel treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuta Mizutani
- Department of Bioengineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Rino Saiga
- Department of Bioengineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Yamamoto
- Department of Mathematics, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masayuki Uesugi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI/SPring-8), Sayo, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Takeuchi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI/SPring-8), Sayo, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Uesugi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI/SPring-8), Sayo, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yasuko Terada
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI/SPring-8), Sayo, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yoshio Suzuki
- Photon Factory, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization KEK, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Vincent De Andrade
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, United States of America
| | - Francesco De Carlo
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, United States of America
| | - Susumu Takekoshi
- Department of Cell Biology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Chie Inomoto
- Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naoya Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Youta Torii
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shuji Iritani
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenichi Oshima
- Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanari Itokawa
- Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Arai
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Zhou X, Cao J, Zhu L, Farrell K, Wang M, Guo L, Yang J, McKenzie A, Crary JF, Cai D, Tu Z, Zhang B. Molecular differences in brain regional vulnerability to aging between males and females. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1153251. [PMID: 37284017 PMCID: PMC10239962 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1153251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aging-related cognitive decline is associated with brain structural changes and synaptic loss. However, the molecular mechanisms of cognitive decline during normal aging remain elusive. Results Using the GTEx transcriptomic data from 13 brain regions, we identified aging-associated molecular alterations and cell-type compositions in males and females. We further constructed gene co-expression networks and identified aging-associated modules and key regulators shared by both sexes or specific to males or females. A few brain regions such as the hippocampus and the hypothalamus show specific vulnerability in males, while the cerebellar hemisphere and the anterior cingulate cortex regions manifest greater vulnerability in females than in males. Immune response genes are positively correlated with age, whereas those involved in neurogenesis are negatively correlated with age. Aging-associated genes identified in the hippocampus and the frontal cortex are significantly enriched for gene signatures implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. In the hippocampus, a male-specific co-expression module is driven by key synaptic signaling regulators including VSNL1, INA, CHN1 and KCNH1; while in the cortex, a female-specific module is associated with neuron projection morphogenesis, which is driven by key regulators including SRPK2, REPS2 and FXYD1. In the cerebellar hemisphere, a myelination-associated module shared by males and females is driven by key regulators such as MOG, ENPP2, MYRF, ANLN, MAG and PLP1, which have been implicated in the development of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions This integrative network biology study systematically identifies molecular signatures and networks underlying brain regional vulnerability to aging in males and females. The findings pave the way for understanding the molecular mechanisms of gender differences in developing neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxiao Zhou
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jiqing Cao
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Research & Development, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Research & Development, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Kurt Farrell
- Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research CoRE, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jialiang Yang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andrew McKenzie
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - John F. Crary
- Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research CoRE, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dongming Cai
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Research & Development, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zhidong Tu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Das S, Ramanan N. Region-specific heterogeneity in neuronal nuclear morphology in young, aged and in Alzheimer's disease mouse brains. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1032504. [PMID: 36819109 PMCID: PMC9929567 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1032504] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the mammalian brain exhibit enormous structural and functional diversity across different brain regions. Compared to our understanding of the morphological diversity of neurons, very little is known about the heterogeneity of neuronal nuclear morphology and how nuclear size changes in aging and diseased brains. Here, we report that the neuronal cell nucleus displays differences in area, perimeter, and circularity across different anatomical regions in the mouse brain. The pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal CA3 region exhibited the largest area whereas the striatal neuronal nuclei were the smallest. These nuclear size parameters also exhibited dichotomous changes with age across brain regions-while the neocortical and striatal neurons showed a decrease in nuclear area and perimeter, the CA3 neurons showed an increase with age. The nucleus of parvalbumin- and calbindin-positive interneurons had comparable morphological features but exhibited differences between brain regions. In the context of activity-dependent transcription in response to a novel environment, there was a decrease in nuclear size and circularity in c-Fos expressing neurons in the somatosensory cortex and hippocampal CA1 and CA3. In an APP/PS1 mutant mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the neuronal nuclear morphology varies with plaque size and with increasing distance from the plaque. The neuronal nuclear morphology in the immediate vicinity of the plaque was independent of the plaque size and the morphology tends to change away from the plaque. These changes in the neuronal nuclear size and shape at different ages and in AD may be attributed to changes in transcriptional activity. This study provides a detailed report on the differences that exist between neurons in nuclear morphology and can serve as a basis for future studies.
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16
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Troyano-Rodriguez E, Blankenship HE, Handa K, Branch SY, Beckstead MJ. Preservation of dendritic D2 receptor transmission in substantia nigra dopamine neurons with age. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1025. [PMID: 36658269 PMCID: PMC9852430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28174-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopamine neurons are required for voluntary movement and reward learning, and advanced age is associated with motor and cognitive decline. In the midbrain, D2-type dopamine receptors located at dendrodendritic synapses between dopamine neurons control cell firing through G protein-activated potassium (GIRK) channels. We previously showed that aging disrupts dopamine neuron pacemaker firing in mice, but only in males. Here we show that the amplitude of D2-receptor inhibitory postsynaptic currents (D2-IPSCs) are moderately reduced in aged male mice. Local application of dopamine revealed a reduction in the amplitude of the D2-receptor currents in old males compared to young, pointing to a postsynaptic mechanism. Further experiments indicated that reduced D2 receptor signaling was not due to a general reduction in GIRK channel currents or degeneration of the dendritic arbor. Kinetic analysis showed no differences in D2-IPSC shape in old versus young mice or between sexes. Potentiation of D2-IPSCs by corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) was also not affected by age, indicating preservation of one mechanism of plasticity. These findings have implications for understanding dopamine transmission in aging, and reduced D2 receptor inhibition could contribute to increased susceptibility of males to SNc dopamine neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Troyano-Rodriguez
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Harris E Blankenship
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kylie Handa
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sarah Y Branch
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Michael J Beckstead
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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17
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Rawji KS, Neumann B, Franklin RJM. Glial aging and its impact on central nervous system myelin regeneration. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1519:34-45. [PMID: 36398864 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor for several neurodegenerative diseases and is associated with cognitive decline. In addition to affecting neuronal function, the aging process significantly affects the functional phenotype of the glial cell compartment, comprising oligodendrocyte lineage cells, astrocytes, and microglia. These changes result in a more inflammatory microenvironment, resulting in a condition that is favorable for neuron and synapse loss. In addition to facilitating neurodegeneration, the aging glial cell population has negative implications for central nervous system remyelination, a regenerative process that is of particular importance to the chronic demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis. This review will discuss the changes that occur with aging in the three main glial populations and provide an overview of the studies documenting the impact these changes have on remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil S Rawji
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Björn Neumann
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Kanishka, Jha SK. Compensatory cognition in neurological diseases and aging: A review of animal and human studies. AGING BRAIN 2023; 3:100061. [PMID: 36911258 PMCID: PMC9997140 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbas.2022.100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Specialized individual circuits in the brain are recruited for specific functions. Interestingly, multiple neural circuitries continuously compete with each other to acquire the specialized function. However, the dominant among them compete and become the central neural network for that particular function. For example, the hippocampal principal neural circuitries are the dominant networks among many which are involved in learning processes. But, in the event of damage to the principal circuitry, many times, less dominant networks compensate for the primary network. This review highlights the psychopathologies of functional loss and the aspects of functional recuperation in the absence of the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanishka
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sushil K Jha
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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19
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Niu R, Liu J. Circular RNA Involvement in Aging and Longevity. Curr Genomics 2022; 23:318-325. [PMID: 36778190 PMCID: PMC9878857 DOI: 10.2174/1389202923666220927110258] [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: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are transcribed by RNA polymerase II and are mostly generated by the back-splicing of exons in the protein-coding gene. Massive circRNAs are reported to be differentially expressed in different species, implicating their prospects as aging biomarkers or regulators in the aging progression. Methods The possible role of circRNAs in aging and longevity was reviewed by the query of circRNAs from literature reports related to tissue, organ or cellular senescence, and individual longevity. Results A number of circRNAs have been found to positively and negatively modulate aging and longevity through canonical aging pathways in the invertebrates Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. Recent studies have also shown that circRNAs regulate age-related processes and pathologies such various mammalian tissues, as the brain, serum, heart, and muscle. Besides, three identified representative circRNAs (circSfl, circGRIA1, and circNF1-419) were elucidated to correlate with aging and longevity. Conclusion This review outlined the current studies of circRNAs in aging and longevity, highlighting the role of circRNAs as a biomarker of aging and as a regulator of longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruize Niu
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China,Address correspondence to this author at the Laboratory Zoology Department, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China; Tel: 15288361011; E-mail:
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20
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Alzar-Teruel M, Aibar-Almazán A, Hita-Contreras F, Carcelén-Fraile MDC, Martínez-Amat A, Jiménez-García JD, Fábrega-Cuadros R, Castellote-Caballero Y. High-intensity interval training among middle-aged and older adults for body composition and muscle strength: A systematic review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:992706. [PMID: 36249241 PMCID: PMC9557068 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.992706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aging of population is leading to the investigation of new options to achieve healthy aging. One of these options is high-intensity interval training (HIIT), although its effects on body composition and muscle strength are currently unclear. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the scientific publications on the effects of HIIT on the body composition and muscle strength of middle-aged and older adults. Methods The search was carried out in the PubMed, Cochrane Plus, Web of Science, CINAHL and SciELO databases without limitation of publication dates. The literature search, data extraction and systematic review were performed following the PRISMA standards and the risk of bias of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk-of-Bias. Results Initially 520 publications were identified, out of which a total of 8 articles were finally selected to be included in this systematic review. Improvements in body composition were seen in six of the selected items and an increase in muscle strength in seven of the eight. Regarding physical function, improvements were found in both gait speed and balance. Conclusions This systematic review found that HIIT is effective in improving body composition and increasing muscle strength. However, when comparing HIIT to moderate-intensity continuous training, it is not clear that HIIT is more beneficial; a firm conclusion cannot be drawn due to the scarcity of published studies, their variety in methodology and the ambiguity of their results, so it is suggested to carry out more research in this area.
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21
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Pullin AN, Farrar VS, Loxterkamp JW, Jones CT, Calisi RM, Horback K, Lein PJ, Makagon MM. Providing height to pullets does not influence hippocampal dendritic morphology or brain-derived neurotrophic factor at the end of the rearing period. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102161. [PMID: 36252500 PMCID: PMC9579382 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pullets reared with diverse behavioral experiences are faster to learn spatial cognition tasks and acclimate more successfully to laying environments with elevated structures. However, the neural underpinnings of the improved spatial abilities are unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether providing structural height in the rearing environment affected the development of the hippocampus and whether hippocampal neural metrics correlated with individual behavior on spatial cognition tasks. Female Dekalb White pullets were reared in a floor pen (FL), single-tiered aviary (ST), or two-tiered aviary (TT; 5 pens/treatment). Pullets completed floor-based Y-maze and elevated visual cliff tasks to evaluate depth perception at 15 and 16 wk, respectively. At 16 wk, brains were removed for Golgi-Cox staining (n = 12 for FL, 13 for ST, 13 total pullets for TT; 2 to 3 pullets/pen) and qPCR to measure gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; n = 10 for FL, 11 for ST, and 9 pullets for TT). Rearing environment did not affect various morphometric outcomes of dendritic arborization, including Sholl profiles; mean dendritic length; sum dendritic length; number of dendrites, terminal tips, or nodes; soma size; or BDNF mRNA expression (P > 0.05). Hippocampal subregion did affect dendritic morphology, with multipolar neurons from the ventral subregion differing in several characteristics from multipolar neurons in the dorsomedial or dorsolateral subregions (P < 0.05). Neural metrics did not correlate with individual differences in behavior during the spatial cognition tasks. Overall, providing height during rearing did not affect dendritic morphology or BDNF at 16 wk of age, but other metrics in the hippocampus or other brain regions warrant further investigation. Additionally, other structural or social components or the role of animal personality are areas of future interest for how rearing environments influence pullet behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison N. Pullin
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA,Animal Behavior Graduate Group, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA,Corresponding author:
| | - Victoria S. Farrar
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA,Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jason W. Loxterkamp
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Claire T. Jones
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA,Animal Behavior Graduate Group, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Calisi
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA,Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kristina Horback
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA,Animal Behavior Graduate Group, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Maja M. Makagon
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA,Animal Behavior Graduate Group, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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22
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Age-dependent changes in Wnt signaling components and synapse number are differentially affected between brain regions. Exp Gerontol 2022; 165:111854. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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23
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Dobri S, Chen JJ, Ross B. Insights from auditory cortex for GABA+ magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of aging. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4425-4444. [PMID: 35781900 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Changes in levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) may underlie aging-related changes in brain function. GABA and co-edited macromolecules (GABA+) can be measured with MEGA-PRESS magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The current study investigated how changes in the aging brain impact the interpretation of GABA+ measures in bilateral auditory cortices of healthy young and older adults. Structural changes during aging appeared as decreasing proportion of grey matter in the MRS volume of interest and corresponding increase in cerebrospinal fluid. GABA+ referenced to H2 O without tissue correction declined in aging. This decline persisted after correcting for tissue differences in MR-visible H2 O and relaxation times but vanished after considering the different abundance of GABA+ in grey and white matter. However, GABA+ referenced to creatine and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), which showed no dependence on tissue composition, decreased in aging. All GABA+ measures showed hemispheric asymmetry in young but not older adults. The study also considered aging-related effects on tissue segmentation and the impact of co-edited macromolecules. Tissue segmentation differed significantly between commonly used algorithms, but aging-related effects on tissue-corrected GABA+ were consistent across methods. Auditory cortex macromolecule concentration did not change with age, indicating that a decline in GABA caused the decrease in the compound GABA+ measure. Most likely, the macromolecule contribution to GABA+ leads to underestimating an aging-related decrease in GABA. Overall, considering multiple GABA+ measures using different reference signals strengthened the support for an aging-related decline in auditory cortex GABA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Dobri
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Jean Chen
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernhard Ross
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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24
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Lee J, Kim HJ. Normal Aging Induces Changes in the Brain and Neurodegeneration Progress: Review of the Structural, Biochemical, Metabolic, Cellular, and Molecular Changes. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:931536. [PMID: 35847660 PMCID: PMC9281621 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.931536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by many changes in brain and contributes to progressive cognitive decline. In contrast to pathological changes in brain, normal aging brain changes have relatively mild but important changes in structural, biochemical and molecular level. Representatively, aging associated brain changes include atrophy of tissues, alteration in neurotransmitters and damage accumulation in cellular environment. These effects have causative link with age associated changes which ultimately results in cognitive decline. Although several evidences were found in normal aging changes of brain, it is not clearly integrated. Figuring out aging related changes in brain is important as aging is the process that everyone goes through, and comprehensive understanding may help to progress further studies. This review clarifies normal aging brain changes in an asymptotic and comprehensive manner, from a gross level to a microscopic and molecular level, and discusses potential approaches to seek the changes with cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiseon Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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25
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Oudbier SJ, Goh J, Looijaard SMLM, Reijnierse EM, Meskers CGM, Maier AB. Pathophysiological mechanisms explaining the association between low skeletal muscle mass and cognitive function. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:1959-1968. [PMID: 35661882 PMCID: PMC9536455 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. This review describes the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms: systemic inflammation, insulin metabolism, protein metabolism, and mitochondrial function. We hypothesize that the central tenet in this pathophysiology is the dysfunctional myokine secretion consequent to minimal physical activity. Myokines, such as fibronectin type III domain containing 5/irisin and cathepsin B, are released by physically active muscle and cross the blood–brain barrier. These myokines upregulate local neurotrophin expression such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain microenvironment. BDNF exerts anti-inflammatory effects that may be responsible for neuroprotection. Altered myokine secretion due to physical inactivity exacerbates inflammation and impairs muscle glucose metabolism, potentially affecting the transport of insulin across the blood–brain barrier. Our working model also suggests other underlying mechanisms. A negative systemic protein balance, commonly observed in older adults, contributes to low skeletal muscle mass and may also reflect deficient protein metabolism in brain tissues. As a result of age-related loss in skeletal muscle mass, decrease in the abundance of mitochondria and detriments in their function lead to a decrease in tissue oxidative capacity. Dysfunctional mitochondria in skeletal muscle and brain result in the excessive production of reactive oxygen species, which drives tissue oxidative stress and further perpetuates the dysfunction in mitochondria. Both oxidative stress and accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations due to aging drive cellular senescence. A targeted approach in the pathophysiology of low muscle mass and cognition could be to restore myokine balance by physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Janette Oudbier
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Outpatient Clinics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jorming Goh
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program and Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Centre for Healthy Longevity, @AgeSingapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | | | - Esmee Mariëlle Reijnierse
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Rehabilitation Medicine, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Ageing & Vitality, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medicine and Aged Care, @AgeMelbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carolus Gerardus Maria Meskers
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Rehabilitation Medicine, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Ageing & Vitality, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Britta Maier
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program and Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicine and Aged Care, @AgeMelbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Human Movement Sciences, @AgeAmsterdam, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Pratt J, De Vito G, Segurado R, Pessanha L, Dolan J, Narici M, Boreham C. Plasma neurofilament light levels associate with muscle mass and strength in middle-aged and older adults: findings from GenoFit. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022; 13:1811-1820. [PMID: 35415973 PMCID: PMC9178157 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efforts to enhance diagnostic measures for sarcopenia have led to an increased focus on the screening utility of blood-based biomarkers. In this regard, circulating neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels are a potent indicator of axonal damage and have been linked with several neurological disorders. However, despite the strong neurogenic contribution to skeletal muscle health, no studies have explored the relevance of NfL concentrations to sarcopenia. With that in mind, this study aimed to examine the association between plasma NfL concentration and sarcopenic domains. METHODS Three hundred adults aged between 50 and 83 years participated to this study (male participants, n = 150; mean age: 64.2 ± 8.7 years and female participants, n = 150; mean age: 63.9 ± 8.3 years). Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and a skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated. Muscle strength was assessed with hand dynamometry. Sarcopenia was classified using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Plasma NfL concentration was determined using a highly sensitive, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Neurofilament light chain levels were associated with grip strength and SMI (P = 0.005 and P = 0.045, respectively) and were significantly elevated in sarcopenic individuals, compared with non-sarcopenic participants (P < 0.001). Individuals with pre-sarcopenia (either low grip strength or low SMI) had significantly higher NfL levels, compared with healthy controls (P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Male participants with either low grip strength or low SMI had significantly raised NfL levels (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002, respectively), while in female participants, NfL concentrations were significantly elevated only in those with low grip strength (P = 0.049). NfL concentration displayed acceptable diagnostic accuracy for sarcopenia (area under the curve = 0.726, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study clearly demonstrates the indicative pertinence of circulating NfL levels to sarcopenic domains, supporting its potential use as a biomarker of sarcopenia. More studies are needed, however, to further illuminate the diagnostic value of circulating NfL. Future research should explore whether NfL levels are more powerfully linked with muscle strength than mass and whether sex mediates the relevance of NfL concentrations to sarcopenic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jedd Pratt
- Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Genuity Science, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Giuseppe De Vito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CIR-Myo Myology Centre, Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Ricardo Segurado
- Centre for Support and Training in Analysis and Research, and School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ludmilla Pessanha
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Marco Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CIR-Myo Myology Centre, Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Colin Boreham
- Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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27
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Wang Z, Zheng P, Chen X, Xie Y, Weston-Green K, Solowij N, Chew YL, Huang XF. Cannabidiol induces autophagy and improves neuronal health associated with SIRT1 mediated longevity. GeroScience 2022; 44:1505-1524. [PMID: 35445360 PMCID: PMC9213613 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process to eliminate defective cellular molecules via lysosome-mediated degradation. Dysfunctional autophagy is associated with accelerated aging, whereas stimulation of autophagy could have potent anti-aging effects. We report that cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound from Cannabis sativa, extends lifespan and rescues age-associated physiological declines in C. elegans. CBD promoted autophagic flux in nerve-ring neurons visualized by a tandem-tagged LGG-1 reporter during aging in C. elegans. Similarly, CBD activated autophagic flux in hippocampal and SH-SY5Y neurons. Furthermore, CBD-mediated lifespan extension was dependent on autophagy genes (bec-1, vps-34, and sqst-1) confirmed by RNAi knockdown experiments. C. elegans neurons have previously been shown to accumulate aberrant morphologies, such as beading and blebbing, with increasing age. Interestingly, CBD treatment slowed the development of these features in anterior and posterior touch receptor neurons (TRN) during aging. RNAi knockdown experiments indicated that CBD-mediated age-associated morphological changes in TRNs require bec-1 and sqst-1, not vps-34. Further investigation demonstrated that CBD-induced lifespan extension and increased neuronal health require sir-2.1/SIRT1. These findings collectively indicate the anti-aging benefits of CBD treatment, in both in vitro and in vivo models, and its potential to improve neuronal health and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhen Wang
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Peng Zheng
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Xi Chen
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Yuanyi Xie
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Katrina Weston-Green
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. .,Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. .,Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute and College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia. .,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia. .,Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
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28
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Dragic M, Stekic A, Zeljkovic M, Zaric Kontic M, Mihajlovic K, Adzic M, Grkovic I, Nedeljkovic N. Altered Topographic Distribution and Enhanced Neuronal Expression of Adenosine-Metabolizing Enzymes in Rat Hippocampus and Cortex from Early to late Adulthood. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1637-1650. [PMID: 35320461 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The present study demonstrates altered topographic distribution and enhanced neuronal expression of major adenosine-metabolizing enzymes, i.e. ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eN) and tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), as well as adenosine receptor subtype A2A in the hippocampus and cortex of male rats from early to late adulthood (3, 6, 12 and 15 months old males). The significant effect of age was demonstrated for the increase in the activity and the protein expression of eN and TNAP. At 15-m, enzyme histochemistry demonstrated enhanced expression of eN in synapse-rich hippocampal and cortical layers, whereas the upsurge of TNAP was observed in the hippocampal and cortical neuropil, rather than in cells and layers where two enzymes mostly reside in 3-m old brain. Furthermore, a dichotomy in A1R and A2AR expression was demonstrated in the cortex and hippocampus from early to late adulthood. Specifically, a decrease in A1R and enhancement of A2AR expression were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, the latter being almost exclusively localized in hippocampal pyramidal and cortical superficial cell layers. We did not observe any glial upregulation of A2AR, which was common for both advanced age and chronic neurodegeneration. Taken together, the results imply that the adaptative changes in adenosine signaling occurring in neuronal elements early in life may be responsible for the later prominent glial enhancement in A2AR-mediated adenosine signaling, and neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, which are the hallmarks of both advanced age and age-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milorad Dragic
- Department of General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andjela Stekic
- Department of General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Zeljkovic
- Department of General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Zaric Kontic
- Department for Molecular biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Mihajlovic
- Department of General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Adzic
- Department of General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Grkovic
- Department for Molecular biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nadezda Nedeljkovic
- Department of General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia.
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29
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Kiely M, Triebswetter C, Cortina LE, Gong Z, Alsameen MH, Spencer RG, Bouhrara M. Insights into human cerebral white matter maturation and degeneration across the adult lifespan. Neuroimage 2022; 247:118727. [PMID: 34813969 PMCID: PMC8792239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
White matter (WM) microstructural properties change across the adult lifespan and with neuronal diseases. Understanding microstructural changes due to aging is paramount to distinguish them from neuropathological changes. Conducted on a large cohort of 147 cognitively unimpaired subjects, spanning a wide age range of 21 to 94 years, our study evaluated sex- and age-related differences in WM microstructure. Specifically, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indices, sensitive measures of myelin and axonal density in WM, and myelin water fraction (MWF), a measure of the fraction of the signal of water trapped within the myelin sheets, to probe these differences. Furthermore, we examined regional correlations between MWF and DTI indices to evaluate whether the DTI metrics provide information complementary to MWF. While sexual dimorphism was, overall, nonsignificant, we observed region-dependent differences in MWF, that is, myelin content, and axonal density with age and found that both exhibit nonlinear, but distinct, associations with age. Furthermore, DTI indices were moderately correlated with MWF, indicating their good sensitivity to myelin content as well as to other constituents of WM tissue such as axonal density. The microstructural differences captured by our MRI metrics, along with their weak to moderate associations with MWF, strongly indicate the potential value of combining these outcome measures in a multiparametric approach. Furthermore, our results support the last-in-first-out and the gain-predicts-loss hypotheses of WM maturation and degeneration. Indeed, our results indicate that the posterior WM regions are spared from neurodegeneration as compared to anterior regions, while WM myelination follows a temporally symmetric time course across the adult life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kiely
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224 MD, USA
| | - Curtis Triebswetter
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224 MD, USA
| | - Luis E Cortina
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224 MD, USA
| | - Zhaoyuan Gong
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224 MD, USA
| | - Maryam H Alsameen
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224 MD, USA
| | - Richard G Spencer
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224 MD, USA
| | - Mustapha Bouhrara
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224 MD, USA.
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30
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Ramos RXA, Dominguez JC, Bantang JY. Young and Aged Neuronal Tissue Dynamics With a Simplified Neuronal Patch Cellular Automata Model. Front Neuroinform 2022; 15:763560. [PMID: 35069165 PMCID: PMC8777299 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2021.763560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Realistic single-cell neuronal dynamics are typically obtained by solving models that involve solving a set of differential equations similar to the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) system. However, realistic simulations of neuronal tissue dynamics —especially at the organ level, the brain— can become intractable due to an explosion in the number of equations to be solved simultaneously. Consequently, such efforts of modeling tissue- or organ-level systems require a lot of computational time and the need for large computational resources. Here, we propose to utilize a cellular automata (CA) model as an efficient way of modeling a large number of neurons reducing both the computational time and memory requirement. First, a first-order approximation of the response function of each HH neuron is obtained and used as the response-curve automaton rule. We then considered a system where an external input is in a few cells. We utilize a Moore neighborhood (both totalistic and outer-totalistic rules) for the CA system used. The resulting steady-state dynamics of a two-dimensional (2D) neuronal patch of size 1, 024 × 1, 024 cells can be classified into three classes: (1) Class 0–inactive, (2) Class 1–spiking, and (3) Class 2–oscillatory. We also present results for different quasi-3D configurations starting from the 2D lattice and show that this classification is robust. The numerical modeling approach can find applications in the analysis of neuronal dynamics in mesoscopic scales in the brain (patch or regional). The method is applied to compare the dynamical properties of the young and aged population of neurons. The resulting dynamics of the aged population shows higher average steady-state activity 〈a(t → ∞)〉 than the younger population. The average steady-state activity 〈a(t → ∞)〉 is significantly simplified when the aged population is subjected to external input. The result conforms to the empirical data with aged neurons exhibiting higher firing rates as well as the presence of firing activity for aged neurons stimulated with lower external current.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinier Xander A. Ramos
- Instrumentation Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Physics, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Jacqueline C. Dominguez
- Institute for Neurosciences, St Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City, Philippines
- Elderly and Dementia Care, Institute for Dementia Care Asia, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Johnrob Y. Bantang
- Instrumentation Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Physics, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
- Computational Science Research Center, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
- *Correspondence: Johnrob Y. Bantang
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31
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Cruz T, García L, Álvarez MA, Manzanero AL. Sleep quality and memory function in healthy ageing. Neurologia 2022; 37:31-37. [PMID: 30982545 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between sleep quality and memory in healthy ageing. METHODS The study included 99 people older than 50 years (69 women and 30 men; mean age, 68.74±7.18 years) with no associated diseases. Patients completed digital versions of the Word Learning and Visual Paired Associates tests and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire to assess the quality of sleep. RESULTS Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was negatively correlated with Visual Paired Associates and Word Learning test performance. Performance in these 2 memory tests decreased in line with sleep quality. In addition, performance in Visual Paired Associates test was negatively correlated with subjective sleep quality, duration, and sleep disturbances. Performance on the Word Learning test was negatively correlated with subjective sleep quality and efficiency. Participants' sex showed a weak effect on Visual Paired Associates performance and sleep latency. CONCLUSIONS Medical professionals working with elderly patients should take into consideration the effect of poor sleep quality on memory. Cognitive impairment in these patients may be a manifestation of a neuroendocrine imbalance due to a disrupted circadian rhythm. More research is needed to prove this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Cruz
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - L García
- Instituto de Neurología y Neurocirugía, La Habana, Cuba
| | - M A Álvarez
- Instituto de Neurología y Neurocirugía, La Habana, Cuba; Universidad de La Habana, La Habana, Cuba
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Biophysical and synaptic properties of regular spiking interneurons in hippocampal area CA3 of aged rats. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 112:27-38. [PMID: 35041997 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal processing from the dentate gyrus to the hippocampus is critical for storage and recovery of new memory traces. In area CA3, GABAergic interneurons form a strong barrage of inhibition that modulates pyramidal cells. A well-established feature of aging is decreased GABAergic inhibition, a phenomenon that contributes to the exacerbated excitability of aged pyramidal cells. In hippocampal slices of aged rats (22-28 months old) we examined the properties of regular spiking CA3 interneurons with patch-clamp whole-cell recordings. We found enhanced firing discharge without altering the maximal firing rate of aged regular spiking interneurons. In the mossy fibers (MF) to interneurons synapse, a switch in the AMPA receptor subunit composition was found in aged interneurons. Young regular spiking interneurons predominantly express CP AMPA receptors and MF LTD. By contrast, aged regular spiking interneurons contain a higher proportion of CI AMPA receptors and respond with MF LTP. We show for the first time that the specialized MF terminals contacting interneurons, retain synaptic capabilities and provide a novel insight of the interneuron's function during aging.
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Mantle D, Heaton RA, Hargreaves IP. Coenzyme Q10, Ageing and the Nervous System: An Overview. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:2. [PMID: 35052506 PMCID: PMC8773271 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The ageing brain is characterised by changes at the physical, histological, biochemical and physiological levels. This ageing process is associated with an increased risk of developing a number of neurological disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. There is evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play a key role in the pathogenesis of such disorders. In this article, we review the potential therapeutic role in these age-related neurological disorders of supplementary coenzyme Q10, a vitamin-like substance of vital importance for normal mitochondrial function and as an antioxidant. This review is concerned primarily with studies in humans rather than in vitro studies or studies in animal models of neurological disease. In particular, the reasons why the outcomes of clinical trials supplementing coenzyme Q10 in these neurological disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert A. Heaton
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (R.A.H.); (I.P.H.)
| | - Iain P. Hargreaves
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK; (R.A.H.); (I.P.H.)
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Kluever V, Fornasiero EF. Principles of brain aging: Status and challenges of modeling human molecular changes in mice. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 72:101465. [PMID: 34555542 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101465] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Due to the extension of human life expectancy, the prevalence of cognitive impairment is rising in the older portion of society. Developing new strategies to delay or attenuate cognitive decline is vital. For this purpose, it is imperative to understand the cellular and molecular events at the basis of brain aging. While several organs are directly accessible to molecular analysis through biopsies, the brain constitutes a notable exception. Most of the molecular studies are performed on postmortem tissues, where cell death and tissue damage have already occurred. Hence, the study of the molecular aspects of cognitive decline largely relies on animal models and in particular on small mammals such as mice. What have we learned from these models? Do these animals recapitulate the changes observed in humans? What should we expect from future mouse studies? In this review we answer these questions by summarizing the state of the research that has addressed cognitive decline in mice from several perspectives, including genetic manipulation and omics strategies. We conclude that, while extremely valuable, mouse models have limitations that can be addressed by the optimal design of future studies and by ensuring that results are cross-validated in the human context.
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Orssatto LBR, Borg DN, Blazevich AJ, Sakugawa RL, Shield AJ, Trajano GS. Intrinsic motoneuron excitability is reduced in soleus and tibialis anterior of older adults. GeroScience 2021; 43:2719-2735. [PMID: 34716899 PMCID: PMC8556797 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00478-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related deterioration within both motoneuron and monoaminergic systems should theoretically reduce neuromodulation by weakening motoneuronal persistent inward current (PIC) amplitude. However, this assumption remains untested. Surface electromyographic signals were collected using two 32-channel electrode matrices placed on soleus and tibialis anterior of 25 older adults (70 ± 4 years) and 17 young adults (29 ± 5 years) to investigate motor unit discharge behaviors. Participants performed triangular-shaped plantar and dorsiflexion contractions to 20% of maximum torque at a rise-decline rate of 2%/s of each participant's maximal torque. Pairwise and composite paired-motor unit analyses were adopted to calculate delta frequency (ΔF), which has been used to differentiate between the effects of synaptic excitation and intrinsic motoneuronal properties and is assumed to be proportional to PIC amplitude. Soleus and tibialis anterior motor units in older adults had lower ΔFs calculated with either the pairwise [-0.99 and -1.46 pps; -35.4 and -33.5%, respectively] or composite (-1.18 and -2.28 pps; -32.1 and -45.2%, respectively) methods. Their motor units also had lower peak discharge rates (-2.14 and -2.03 pps; -19.7 and -13.9%, respectively) and recruitment thresholds (-1.50 and -2.06% of maximum, respectively) than young adults. These results demonstrate reduced intrinsic motoneuron excitability during low-force contractions in older adults, likely mediated by decreases in the amplitude of persistent inward currents. Our findings might be explained by deterioration in the motoneuron or monoaminergic systems and could contribute to the decline in motor function during aging; these assumptions should be explicitly tested in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas B. R. Orssatto
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - David N. Borg
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Raphael L. Sakugawa
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Anthony J. Shield
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gabriel S. Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
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Zhao Y, Liu X, Zheng Y, Liu W, Ding C. Aronia melanocarpa polysaccharide ameliorates inflammation and aging in mice by modulating the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway and gut microbiota. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20558. [PMID: 34663844 PMCID: PMC8523697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aronia melanocarpa is a natural medicinal plant that has a variety of biological activities, its fruit is often used for food and medicine. Aronia melanocarpa polysaccharide (AMP) is the main component of the Aronia melanocarpa fruit. This research evaluated the delay and protection of AMP obtained from Aronia melanocarpa fruit on aging mice by D-Galactose (D-Gal) induction and explored the effect of supplementing AMP on the metabolism of the intestinal flora of aging mice. The aging model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-Gal (200 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg) once per 3 days for 12 weeks. AMP (100 and 200 mg/kg) was given daily by oral gavage after 6 weeks of D-Gal-induced. The results showed that AMP treatment significantly improved the spatial learning and memory impairment of aging mice determined by the eight-arm maze test. H&E staining showed that AMP significantly reversed brain tissue pathological damage and structural disorders. AMP alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress injury in aging brain tissue by regulating the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Particularly, AMP reduced brain cell apoptosis and neurological deficits by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and its downstream apoptotic protein family. Importantly, 16S rDNA analysis indicated the AMP treatment significantly retarded the aging process by improving the composition of intestinal flora and abundance of beneficial bacteria. In summary, this study found that AMP delayed brain aging in mice by inhibiting inflammation and regulating intestinal microbes, which providing the possibility for the amelioration and treatment of aging and related metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Zhao
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xinglong Liu
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Yinan Zheng
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Wencong Liu
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ginseng Breeding and Development, Changchun, 130118, China.
| | - Chuanbo Ding
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
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Vicencio-Jimenez S, Weinberg MM, Bucci-Mansilla G, Lauer AM. Olivocochlear Changes Associated With Aging Predominantly Affect the Medial Olivocochlear System. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:704805. [PMID: 34539335 PMCID: PMC8446540 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.704805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a public health problem that has been associated with negative health outcomes ranging from increased frailty to an elevated risk of developing dementia. Significant gaps remain in our knowledge of the underlying central neural mechanisms, especially those related to the efferent auditory pathways. Thus, the aim of this study was to quantify and compare age-related alterations in the cholinergic olivocochlear efferent auditory neurons. We assessed, in young-adult and aged CBA mice, the number of cholinergic olivocochlear neurons, auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds in silence and in presence of background noise, and the expression of excitatory and inhibitory proteins in the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) and in the lateral superior olive (LSO). In association with aging, we found a significant decrease in the number of medial olivocochlear (MOC) cholinergic neurons together with changes in the ratio of excitatory and inhibitory proteins in the VNTB. Furthermore, in old mice we identified a correlation between the number of MOC neurons and ABR thresholds in the presence of background noise. In contrast, the alterations observed in the lateral olivocochlear (LOC) system were less significant. The decrease in the number of LOC cells associated with aging was 2.7-fold lower than in MOC and in the absence of changes in the expression of excitatory and inhibitory proteins in the LSO. These differences suggest that aging alters the medial and lateral olivocochlear efferent pathways in a differential manner and that the changes observed may account for some of the symptoms seen in ARHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Vicencio-Jimenez
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Madison M Weinberg
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Giuliana Bucci-Mansilla
- Laboratorio de Neurosistemas, Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Amanda M Lauer
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Sleep quality and memory function in healthy ageing. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2021; 37:31-37. [PMID: 34518120 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2018.10.024] [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: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between sleep quality and memory in healthy ageing. METHODS The study included 99 people older than 50 years (69 women and 30 men; mean age, 68.74 ± 7.18 years) with no associated diseases. Patients completed digital versions of the Word Learning (WL) and Visual Paired Associates (VPA) tests and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire to assess the quality of sleep. RESULTS PSQI score was negatively correlated with VPA and WL test performance. Performance in these 2 memory tests decreased in line with sleep quality. In addition, performance in VPA test was negatively correlated with subjective sleep quality, duration, and sleep disturbances. Performance on the WL test was negatively correlated with subjective sleep quality and efficiency. Participants' sex showed a weak effect on VPA performance and sleep latency. CONCLUSIONS Medical professionals working with elderly patients should take into consideration the effect of poor sleep quality on memory. Cognitive impairment in these patients may be a manifestation of a neuroendocrine imbalance due to a disrupted circadian rhythm. More research is needed to prove this hypothesis.
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Drulis-Fajdasz D, Gostomska-Pampuch K, Duda P, Wiśniewski JR, Rakus D. Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Significant Differences between Mouse Brain Formations in Expression of Proteins Involved in Neuronal Plasticity during Aging. Cells 2021; 10:2021. [PMID: 34440790 PMCID: PMC8393337 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with a general decline in cognitive functions, which appears to be due to alterations in the amounts of proteins involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity. Here, we present a quantitative analysis of proteins involved in neurotransmission in three brain regions, namely, the hippocampus, the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum, in mice aged 1 and 22 months, using the total protein approach technique. We demonstrate that although the titer of some proteins involved in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity is affected by aging in a similar manner in all the studied brain formations, in fact, each of the formations represents its own mode of aging. Generally, the hippocampal and cortical proteomes are much more unstable during the lifetime than the cerebellar proteome. The data presented here provide a general picture of the effect of physiological aging on synaptic plasticity and might suggest potential drug targets for anti-aging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Drulis-Fajdasz
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland; (D.D.-F.); (P.D.)
| | - Kinga Gostomska-Pampuch
- Biochemical Proteomics Group, Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (K.G.-P.); (J.R.W.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wrocław Medical University, Chałubińskiego 10, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Przemysław Duda
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland; (D.D.-F.); (P.D.)
| | - Jacek Roman Wiśniewski
- Biochemical Proteomics Group, Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (K.G.-P.); (J.R.W.)
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland; (D.D.-F.); (P.D.)
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Chylinski D, Berthomier C, Lambot E, Frenette S, Brandewinder M, Carrier J, Vandewalle G, Muto V. Variability of sleep stage scoring in late midlife and early old age. J Sleep Res 2021; 31:e13424. [PMID: 34169604 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sleep stage scoring can lead to important inter-expert variability. Although likely, whether this issue is amplified in older populations, which show alterations of sleep electrophysiology, has not been thoroughly assessed. Algorithms for automatic sleep stage scoring may appear ideal to eliminate inter-expert variability. Yet, variability between human experts and algorithm sleep stage scoring in healthy older individuals has not been investigated. Here, we aimed to compare stage scoring of older individuals and hypothesized that variability, whether between experts or considering the algorithm, would be higher than usually reported in the literature. Twenty cognitively normal and healthy late midlife individuals' (61 ± 5 years; 10 women) night-time sleep recordings were scored by two experts from different research centres and one algorithm. We computed agreements for the entire night (percentage and Cohen's κ) and each sleep stage. Whole-night pairwise agreements were relatively low and ranged from 67% to 78% (κ, 0.54-0.67). Sensitivity across pairs of scorers proved lowest for stages N1 (8.2%-63.4%) and N3 (44.8%-99.3%). Significant differences between experts and/or algorithm were found for total sleep time, sleep efficiency, time spent in N1/N2/N3 and wake after sleep onset (p ≤ 0.005), but not for sleep onset latency, rapid eye movement (REM) and slow-wave sleep (SWS) duration (N2 + N3). Our results confirm high inter-expert variability in healthy aging. Consensus appears good for REM and SWS, considered as a whole. It seems more difficult for N3, potentially because human raters adapt their interpretation according to overall changes in sleep characteristics. Although the algorithm does not substantially reduce variability, it would favour time-efficient standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Chylinski
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging (CRC-IVI), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Eric Lambot
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging (CRC-IVI), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Sonia Frenette
- Centre for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine (CARSM), CIUSSS of Nord-de l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Julie Carrier
- Centre for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine (CARSM), CIUSSS of Nord-de l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Vandewalle
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging (CRC-IVI), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincenzo Muto
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging (CRC-IVI), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Malekpour A, Rahmanifar F. Conventional histomorphometry and fast free of acrylamide clearing tissue (FACT) visualization of sciatic nerve in chicken ( Gallus domesticus). VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2021; 12:167-173. [PMID: 34345382 PMCID: PMC8328249 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2019.98930.2361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Histomorphometry and use of the fast free of acrylamide clearing tissue (FACT) protocol were studied on the sciatic nerve in chicken (Gallus domesticus). In the first part of the study, the sciatic nerves of 20 chickens of four age groups (7, 14, 26 and 40 days) were studied (n=5 birds per age class). Their sciatic nerve samples were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's trichrome and were histomorphometrically evaluated. In the second part of the study, FACT protocol was applied on the sciatic nerve of a 26 days old chicken. After clearing of 1.00 mm-thick sciatic nerve sections, they were immunolabelled using Hoechst for nuclei staining and recorded by a Z-stack motorized fluorescent microscope. In the conventional histo-morphometry, the epineurium, perineurium and endoneurium were thicker and the nerve bundle diameter was bigger in the left sciatic nerve of chicken of all age groups compared to the right sciatic nerve. On the contrary, the axon diameter and the myelinated nerve fiber diameter were bigger, the myelin sheath was thicker, the nodes of Ranvier intervals were higher and the density of myelinated nerve fibers was also higher in the right sciatic nerve compared to the left one. In conclusion, histomorphometric parameters in the left and right sciatic nerve during chicken growth were significantly different. Furthermore, the FACT protocol could be used for the 3D imaging of the chicken sciatic nerve and its immunostained evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolrasoul Malekpour
- DVM Graduate, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.,Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Rahmanifar
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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42
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Abstract
An aging-related reduction in the brain's functional reserve may explain why delirium is more frequent in the elderly than in younger people insofar as the reserve becomes inadequate to cover the metabolic requirements that are critically increased by stressors. The aim of this paper is to review the normal aging-related changes that theoretically compromise complex mental activities, neuronal and synaptic densities, and the neurocomputational flexibility of the functional reserve. A pivotal factor is diminished connectivity, which is substantially due to the loss of synapses and should specifically affect association systems and cholinergic fibres in delirious patients. However, micro-angiopathy with impaired blood flow autoregulation, increased blood/brain barrier permeability, changes in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, weakened mitochondrial performance, and a pro-inflammatory involution of the immune system may also jointly affect neurons and their synaptic assets, and even cause the progression of delirium to dementia regardless of the presence of co-existing plaques, tangles, or other pathological markers. On the other hand, the developmental growth in functional reserve during childhood and adolescence makes the brain increasingly resistant to delirium, and residual reserve can allow the elderly to recover. These data support the view that functional reserve is the variable that confronts stressors and governs the risk and intensity of and recovery from delirium. Although people of any age are at risk of delirium, the elderly are at greater risk because aging and age-dependent structural changes inevitably affect the brain's functional reserve.
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Schmidt D, Carpes FP, Milani TL, Germano AMC. Different visual manipulations have similar effects on quasi-static and dynamic balance responses of young and older people. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11221. [PMID: 34026347 PMCID: PMC8121054 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies demonstrated that the older adults can be more susceptible to balance instability after acute visual manipulation. There are different manipulation approaches used to investigate the importance of visual inputs on balance, e.g., eyes closed and blackout glasses. However, there is evidence that eyes open versus eyes closed results in a different organization of human brain functional networks. It is, however, unclear how different visual manipulations affect balance, and whether such effects differ between young and elderly persons. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether different visual manipulation approaches affect quasi-static and dynamic balance responses differently, and to investigate whether balance responses of young and older adults are affected differently by these various visual conditions. Methods Thirty-six healthy participants (20 young and 16 older adults) performed balance tests (quasi-static and unexpected perturbations) under four visual conditions: Eyes Open, Eyes Closed, Blackout Glasses, and Dark Room. Center of pressure (CoP) and muscle activation (EMG) were quantified. Results As expected, visual deprivation resulted in larger CoP excursions and higher muscle activations during balance tests for all participants. Surprisingly, the visual manipulation approach did not influence balance control in either group. Furthermore, quasi-static and dynamic balance control did not differ between young or older adults. The visual system plays an important role in balance control, however, similarly for both young and older adults. Different visual deprivation approaches did not influence balance results, meaning our results are comparable between participants of different ages. Further studies should investigate whether a critical illumination level may elicit different postural responses between young and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schmidt
- Department of Human Locomotion, Institute of Human Movement Science & Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Felipe P Carpes
- Applied Neuromechanics Research Group, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Thomas L Milani
- Department of Human Locomotion, Institute of Human Movement Science & Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Andresa M C Germano
- Department of Human Locomotion, Institute of Human Movement Science & Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
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44
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Hong H, Yu X, Zhang R, Jiaerken Y, Wang S, Luo X, Lou M, Huang P, Zhang M. Cortical degeneration detected by neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging in chronic lacunar infarcts. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:2114-2124. [PMID: 33936992 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Although lacunar infarcts are focal lesions, they may also have more widespread effects. A reduction in cortical thickness in the remote cortex after lacunar infarcts has been detected by structural imaging; however, its underlying microstructural changes are yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lacunar infarcts on the microstructural abnormalities associated with cortical thickness reduction in the remote cortex. Methods Thirty-seven patients with chronic lacunar infarcts were included. Brain structural magnetic resonance images (MRIs) and diffusion tensor images were acquired. We constructed the white matter tracts connecting with the lacunar infarcts and identified the connected cortical area based on a standard brain atlas warped into the subject space. Cortical thickness and microstructural neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) metrics of the ipsilesional and contralesional cortices were compared, and correlations between cortical thickness and NODDI metrics were also investigated. Results We found decreased cortical thickness and reduced neurite orientation dispersion index (ODI) in the ipsilesional cortex (2.47 vs. 2.50 mm, P=0.008; 0.451 vs. 0.456, P=0.035, respectively). In patients with precentral gyrus involvement (n=23), we found that ODI in the ipsilesional cortex was correlated with cortical thickness (r=0.437, P=0.037), and ODI in the contralesional cortex was also correlated with contralesional cortical thickness (r=0.440, P=0.036). Conclusions NODDI metrics could reflect cortical microstructural changes following lacunar infarcts. The correlation between decreased ODI and reduced cortical thickness suggests that dendrites' loss might contribute to lacunar infarct-related cortical atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hong
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinfeng Yu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruiting Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yeerfan Jiaerken
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuyue Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Lou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peiyu Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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45
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Koch SC, Nelson A, Hartenstein V. Structural aspects of the aging invertebrate brain. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:931-947. [PMID: 33409654 PMCID: PMC7965346 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by a decline in neuronal function in all animal species investigated so far. Functional changes are accompanied by and may be in part caused by, structurally visible degenerative changes in neurons. In the mammalian brain, normal aging shows abnormalities in dendrites and axons, as well as ultrastructural changes in synapses, rather than global neuron loss. The analysis of the structural features of aging neurons, as well as their causal link to molecular mechanisms on the one hand, and the functional decline on the other hand is crucial in order to understand the aging process in the brain. Invertebrate model organisms like Drosophila and C. elegans offer the opportunity to apply a forward genetic approach to the analysis of aging. In the present review, we aim to summarize findings concerning abnormalities in morphology and ultrastructure in invertebrate brains during normal aging and compare them to what is known for the mammalian brain. It becomes clear that despite of their considerably shorter life span, invertebrates display several age-related changes very similar to the mammalian condition, including the retraction of dendritic and axonal branches at specific locations, changes in synaptic density and increased accumulation of presynaptic protein complexes. We anticipate that continued research efforts in invertebrate systems will significantly contribute to reveal (and possibly manipulate) the molecular/cellular pathways leading to neuronal aging in the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra C Koch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Annie Nelson
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Volker Hartenstein
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA.
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46
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Orock A, Logan S, Deak F. Age-Related Cognitive Impairment: Role of Reduced Synaptobrevin-2 Levels in Deficits of Memory and Synaptic Plasticity. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 75:1624-1632. [PMID: 30649208 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment in the aging population is quickly becoming a health care priority, for which currently no disease-modifying treatment is available. Multiple domains of cognition decline with age even in the absence of neurodegenerative diseases. The cellular and molecular changes leading to cognitive decline with age remain elusive. Synaptobrevin-2 (Syb2), the major vesicular SNAP receptor protein, highly expressed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, is essential for synaptic transmission. We have analyzed Syb2 protein levels in mice and found a decrease with age. To investigate the functional consequences of lower Syb2 expression, we have used adult Syb2 heterozygous mice (Syb2+/-) with reduced Syb2 levels. This allowed us to mimic the age-related decrease of Syb2 in the brain in order to selectively test its effects on learning and memory. Our results show that Syb2+/- animals have impaired learning and memory skills and they perform worse with age in the radial arm water maze assay. Syb2+/- hippocampal neurons have reduced synaptic plasticity with reduced release probability and impaired long-term potentiation in the CA1 region. Syb2+/- neurons also have lower vesicular release rates when compared to WT controls. These results indicate that reduced Syb2 expression with age is sufficient to cause cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Orock
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Sreemathi Logan
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Ferenc Deak
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City.,Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City.,Department of Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
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47
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Reas ET, Hagler DJ, Zhong AJ, Lee RR, Dale AM, McEvoy LK. Brain microstructure mediates sex-specific patterns of cognitive aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:3218-3238. [PMID: 33510046 PMCID: PMC7906181 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Normal brain aging is characterized by declining neuronal integrity, yet it remains unclear how microstructural injury influences cognitive aging and whether such mechanisms differ between sexes. Using restriction spectrum imaging (RSI), we examined sex differences in associations between brain microstructure and cognitive function in 147 community-dwelling older men and women (56-99 years). Gray and white matter microstructure correlated with global cognition, executive function, visuospatial memory, episodic memory, and logical memory, with the strongest associations for restricted, hindered and free isotropic diffusion. Associations were stronger for women than for men, a difference likely due to greater age-related variability in cognitive scores and microstructure in women. Isotropic diffusion mediated effects of age on cognition for both sexes, though distinct mediation patterns were present for women and men. For women, hippocampal and corpus callosum microstructure mediated age effects on verbal and visuospatial memory, respectively, whereas for men fiber microstructure (mainly fornix and corpus callosum) mediated age effects on executive function and visuospatial memory. These findings implicate sex-specific pathways by which changing brain cytoarchitecture contributes to cognitive aging, and suggest that RSI may be useful for evaluating risk for cognitive decline or monitoring efficacy of interventions to preserve brain health in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie T Reas
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Donald J Hagler
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Roland R Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Radiology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Anders M Dale
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Linda K McEvoy
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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48
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Tolea MI, Chrisphonte S, Galvin JE. The Effect of Sociodemographics, Physical Function, and Mood on Dementia Screening in a Multicultural Cohort. Clin Interv Aging 2020; 15:2249-2263. [PMID: 33293802 PMCID: PMC7719316 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s257809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess age, sex, race and ethnicity disparities in cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults and identify factors that contribute to these disparities. PATIENTS AND METHODS Cognitive performance (global and domain-specific) and self-reported cognitive function were compared among Black (N=57), Hispanic (N=139), and White (N=108) older adults. The impact of socioeconomic status (SES), physical functionality, and mood indicators was assessed with a combination of hierarchical general linear models and mediation analysis. RESULTS Poorer cognitive performance and higher levels of impairment were found in older adults from racial and ethnic backgrounds. The contribution of lower SES to the observed racial and ethnic disparities in objective cognitive performance was 33% in Hispanics and about 20% in Blacks, while poorer physical functionality explained over half of the differences between Black and White participants. Higher self-reported cognitive impairment in minorities was explained by lower SES and higher depressive symptoms in Hispanics but not in Blacks. CONCLUSION Performance on objective memory testing and self-reported cognition are greatly influenced by relevant biological, sociodemographic and medical variables. Dementia screening programs should be tailored to individual sociodemographic groups based on contributors that are specific to each group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena I Tolea
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stephanie Chrisphonte
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James E Galvin
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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49
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Qian W, Khattar N, Cortina LE, Spencer RG, Bouhrara M. Nonlinear associations of neurite density and myelin content with age revealed using multicomponent diffusion and relaxometry magnetic resonance imaging. Neuroimage 2020; 223:117369. [PMID: 32931942 PMCID: PMC7775614 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies investigating the relationship between regional brain myelination or axonal density and aging have relied upon nonspecific methods to probe myelin and axonal content, including diffusion tensor imaging and relaxation time mapping. While these studies have provided pivotal insights into changes in cerebral architecture with aging and pathology, details of the underlying microstructural alterations have not been fully elucidated. In the current study, we used the BMC-mcDESPOT analysis, a direct and specific multicomponent relaxometry method for imaging of myelin water fraction (MWF), a marker of myelin content, and NODDI, an emerging multicomponent diffusion technique, for neurite density index (NDI) imaging, a proxy of axonal density. We investigated age-related differences in MWF and NDI in several white matter brain regions in a cohort of cognitively unimpaired participants over a wide age range. Our results indicate a quadratic, inverted U-shape, relationship between MWF and age in all brain regions investigated, suggesting that myelination continues until middle age followed by a decrease at older ages, in agreement with previous work. We found a similarly complex regional association between NDI and age, with several cerebral structures also exhibiting a quadratic, inverted U-shape, relationship. This novel observation suggests an increase in axonal density until the fourth decade of age followed by a rapid loss at older ages. We also observed that these age-related differences in MWF and NDI vary across different brain regions, as expected. Finally, our study indicates no significant association between MWF and NDI in most cerebral structures investigated, although this association approached significance in a limited number of brain regions, indicating the complementary nature of their information and encouraging further investigation. Overall, we find evidence of nonlinear associations between age and myelin or axonal density in a sample of well-characterized adults, using direct myelin and axonal content imaging methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshu Qian
- Magnetic Resonance Physics of Aging and Dementia Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigations, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIA, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Nikkita Khattar
- Magnetic Resonance Physics of Aging and Dementia Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigations, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIA, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Luis E Cortina
- Magnetic Resonance Physics of Aging and Dementia Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigations, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIA, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Richard G Spencer
- Magnetic Resonance Physics of Aging and Dementia Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigations, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIA, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Mustapha Bouhrara
- Magnetic Resonance Physics of Aging and Dementia Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigations, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIA, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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50
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Age-Dependent Decline in Synaptic Mitochondrial Function Is Exacerbated in Vulnerable Brain Regions of Female 3xTg-AD Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228727. [PMID: 33227902 PMCID: PMC7699171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic aging has been associated with neuronal circuit dysfunction and cognitive decline. Reduced mitochondrial function may be an early event that compromises synaptic integrity and neurotransmission in vulnerable brain regions during physiological and pathological aging. Thus, we aimed to measure mitochondrial function in synapses from three brain regions at two different ages in the 3xTg-AD mouse model and in wild mice. We found that aging is the main factor associated with the decline in synaptic mitochondrial function, particularly in synapses isolated from the cerebellum. Accumulation of toxic compounds, such as tau and Aβ, that occurred in the 3xTg-AD mouse model seemed to participate in the worsening of this decline in the hippocampus. The changes in synaptic bioenergetics were also associated with increased activation of the mitochondrial fission protein Drp1. These results suggest the presence of altered mechanisms of synaptic mitochondrial dynamics and their quality control during aging and in the 3xTg-AD mouse model; they also point to bioenergetic restoration as a useful therapeutic strategy to preserve synaptic function during aging and at the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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