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Shen Y, Zhang G, Wei C, Zhao P, Wang Y, Li M, Sun L. Potential role and therapeutic implications of glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:613-631. [PMID: 38886929 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with a complex and incompletely understood pathogenesis. Despite extensive research, a cure for Alzheimer's disease has not yet been found. Oxidative stress mediates excessive oxidative responses, and its involvement in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis as a primary or secondary pathological event is widely accepted. As a member of the selenium-containing antioxidant enzyme family, glutathione peroxidase 4 reduces esterified phospholipid hydroperoxides to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. With the discovery of ferroptosis, the central role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in anti-lipid peroxidation in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, has received widespread attention. Increasing evidence suggests that glutathione peroxidase 4 expression is inhibited in the Alzheimer's disease brain, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, ferroptosis, and apoptosis, which are closely associated with pathological damage in Alzheimer's disease. Several therapeutic approaches, such as small molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological treatments, ameliorate pathological damage and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease by promoting glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and enhancing glutathione peroxidase 4 activity. Therefore, glutathione peroxidase 4 upregulation may be a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review provides an overview of the gene structure, biological functions, and regulatory mechanisms of glutathione peroxidase 4, a discussion on the important role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in pathological events closely related to Alzheimer's disease, and a summary of the advances in small-molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological therapies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Most prior studies on this subject used animal models, and relevant clinical studies are lacking. Future clinical trials are required to validate the therapeutic effects of strategies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Shen
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guimei Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Chunxiao Wei
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yongchun Wang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Mingxi Li
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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Faraji P, Kühn H, Ahmadian S. Multiple Roles of Apolipoprotein E4 in Oxidative Lipid Metabolism and Ferroptosis During the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:62. [PMID: 38958788 PMCID: PMC11222241 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02224-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide and has a great socio-economic impact. Modified oxidative lipid metabolism and dysregulated iron homeostasis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder, but the detailed pathophysiological mechanisms still remain unclear. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a lipid-binding protein that occurs in large quantities in human blood plasma, and a polymorphism of the APOE gene locus has been identified as risk factors for AD. The human genome involves three major APOE alleles (APOE2, APOE3, APOE4), which encode for three subtly distinct apolipoprotein E isoforms (APOE2, APOE3, APOE4). The canonic function of these apolipoproteins is lipid transport in blood and brain, but APOE4 allele carriers have a much higher risk for AD. In fact, about 60% of clinically diagnosed AD patients carry at least one APOE4 allele in their genomes. Although the APOE4 protein has been implicated in pathophysiological key processes of AD, such as extracellular beta-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, formation of neurofibrillary tangles, modified oxidative lipid metabolism, and ferroptotic cell death, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not well understood. As for all mammalian cells, iron plays a crucial role in neuronal functions and dysregulation of iron homeostasis has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. Imbalances in iron homeostasis and impairment of the hydroperoxy lipid-reducing capacity induce cellular dysfunction leading to neuronal ferroptosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on APOE4-related oxidative lipid metabolism and the potential role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD. Pharmacological interference with these processes might offer innovative strategies for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Faraji
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hartmut Kühn
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Shahin Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Choi Y, Lee WS, Lee J, Park SH, Kim S, Kim KH, Park S, Kim EH, Kim JK. Capacitive Electrode-Based Electric Field Treatments on Redox-Toxic Iron Deposits in Transgenic AD Mouse Models: The Electroceutical Targeting of Alzheimer's Disease Feasibility Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119552. [PMID: 37298502 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron accumulation in the brain accelerates Alzheimer's disease progression. To cure iron toxicity, we assessed the therapeutic effects of noncontact transcranial electric field stimulation to the brain on toxic iron deposits in either the Aβ fibril structure or the Aβ plaque in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a pilot study. A capacitive electrode-based alternating electric field (AEF) was applied to a suspension of magnetite (Fe3O4) to measure field-sensitized reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The increase in ROS generation compared to the untreated control was both exposure-time and AEF-frequency dependent. The frequency-specific exposure of AEF to 0.7-1.4 V/cm on a magnetite-bound Aβ-fibril or a transgenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model revealed the degradation of the Aβ fibril or the removal of the Aβ-plaque burden and ferrous magnetite compared to the untreated control. The results of the behavioral tests show an improvement in impaired cognitive function following AEF treatment on the AD mouse model. Tissue clearing and 3D-imaging analysis revealed no induced damage to the neuronal structures of normal brain tissue following AEF treatment. In conclusion, our results suggest that the effective degradation of magnetite-bound amyloid fibrils or plaques in the AD brain by the electro-Fenton effect from electric field-sensitized magnetite offers a potential electroceutical treatment option for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younshick Choi
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Radiology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Seok Lee
- Departments of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemeun Lee
- Korea R&D Center for Advanced Pharmaceuticals & Evaluation, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hyun Park
- Korea R&D Center for Advanced Pharmaceuticals & Evaluation, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoung Kim
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Radiology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hong Kim
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Daegu Catholic University, Kyungsan 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Sua Park
- Department of Neurology, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Koyang 10380, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ho Kim
- Departments of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ki Kim
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Radiology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
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Uddin MS, Ashraf GM. Dysregulation of Neuronal Iron in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2247-2250. [PMID: 34970955 PMCID: PMC10556378 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666211231163544] [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: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Yang L, Nao J. Ferroptosis: a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. Rev Neurosci 2022:revneuro-2022-0121. [PMID: 36514247 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0121] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The most prevalent dementia-causing neurodegenerative condition is Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aberrant buildup of amyloid β and tau hyperphosphorylation are the two most well-known theories about the mechanisms underlying AD development. However, a significant number of pharmacological clinical studies conducted around the world based on the two aforementioned theories have not shown promising outcomes, and AD is still not effectively treated. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic programmed cell death defined by the buildup of deadly amounts of iron-dependent lipid peroxides, has received more attention in recent years. A wealth of data is emerging to support the role of iron in the pathophysiology of AD. Cell line and animal studies applying ferroptosis modulators to the treatment of AD have shown encouraging results. Based on these studies, we describe in this review the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis; the role that ferroptosis plays in AD pathology; and summarise some of the research advances in the treatment of AD with ferroptosis modulators. We hope to contribute to the clinical management of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jianfei Nao
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
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Gombos J, Balejcikova L, Kopcansky P, Batkova M, Siposova K, Kovac J, Zolochevska K, Safarik I, Lokajova A, Garamus VM, Dobrota D, Strbak O. Destruction of Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrils Induced by Magnetoferritin and Reconstructed Ferritin. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213926. [PMID: 36430405 PMCID: PMC9696235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), or systemic amyloidosis, are characterized by the specific protein transformation from the native state to stable insoluble deposits, e.g., amyloid plaques. The design of potential therapeutic agents and drugs focuses on the destabilization of the bonds in their beta-rich structures. Surprisingly, ferritin derivatives have recently been proposed to destabilize fibril structures. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence spectrophotometry, we confirmed the destructive effect of reconstructed ferritin (RF) and magnetoferritin (MF) on lysosome amyloid fibrils (LAF). The presence of iron was shown to be the main factor responsible for the destruction of LAF. Moreover, we found that the interaction of RF and MF with LAF caused a significant increase in the release of potentially harmful ferrous ions. Zeta potential and UV spectroscopic measurements of LAF and ferritin derivative mixtures revealed a considerable difference in RF compared to MF. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of fibril destabilization by ferritin-like proteins. From this point of view, ferritin derivatives seem to have a dual effect: therapeutic (fibril destruction) and adverse (oxidative stress initiated by increased Fe2+ release). Thus, ferritins may play a significant role in various future biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gombos
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (O.S.)
| | - Lucia Balejcikova
- Institute of Hydrology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 841 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kopcansky
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Marianna Batkova
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Siposova
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Kovac
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Zolochevska
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Ivo Safarik
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Biology Centre, ISBB, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Alica Lokajova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Vasil M. Garamus
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Dusan Dobrota
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Oliver Strbak
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
- Correspondence: (J.G.); (O.S.)
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Reich N, Hölscher C. The neuroprotective effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: An in-depth review. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:970925. [PMID: 36117625 PMCID: PMC9475012 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.970925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is no disease-modifying treatment available for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (AD and PD) and that includes the highly controversial approval of the Aβ-targeting antibody aducanumab for the treatment of AD. Hence, there is still an unmet need for a neuroprotective drug treatment in both AD and PD. Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for both AD and PD. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone and growth factor that has shown neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies, and the success of GLP-1 mimetics in phase II clinical trials in AD and PD has raised new hope. GLP-1 mimetics are currently on the market as treatments for type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 analogs are safe, well tolerated, resistant to desensitization and well characterized in the clinic. Herein, we review the existing evidence and illustrate the neuroprotective pathways that are induced following GLP-1R activation in neurons, microglia and astrocytes. The latter include synaptic protection, improvements in cognition, learning and motor function, amyloid pathology-ameliorating properties (Aβ, Tau, and α-synuclein), the suppression of Ca2+ deregulation and ER stress, potent anti-inflammatory effects, the blockage of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis pathways, enhancements in the neuronal insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism, functional improvements in autophagy and mitophagy, elevated BDNF and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) synthesis as well as neurogenesis. The many beneficial features of GLP-1R and GLP-1/GIPR dual agonists encourage the development of novel drug treatments for AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Reich
- Biomedical and Life Sciences Division, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Niklas Reich,
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Neurology Department, Second Associated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhengzhou, China
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Jakaria M, Belaidi AA, Bush AI, Ayton S. Ferroptosis as a mechanism of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2021; 159:804-825. [PMID: 34553778 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, with complex pathophysiology that is not fully understood. While β-amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles define the pathology of the disease, the mechanism of neurodegeneration is uncertain. Ferroptosis is an iron-mediated programmed cell death mechanism characterised by phospholipid peroxidation that has been observed in clinical AD samples. This review will outline the growing molecular and clinical evidence implicating ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD, with implications for disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jakaria
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abdel Ali Belaidi
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Gleason A, Bush AI. Iron and Ferroptosis as Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer's Disease. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:252-264. [PMID: 33111259 PMCID: PMC8116360 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00954-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, has a devastating personal, familial, and societal impact. In spite of profound investment and effort, numerous clinical trials targeting amyloid-β, which is thought to have a causative role in the disease, have not yielded any clinically meaningful success to date. Iron is an essential cofactor in many physiological processes in the brain. An extensive body of work links iron dyshomeostasis with multiple aspects of the pathophysiology of AD. In particular, regional iron load appears to be a risk factor for more rapid cognitive decline. Existing iron-chelating agents have been in use for decades for other indications, and there are preliminary data that some of these could be effective in AD. Many novel iron-chelating compounds are under development, some with in vivo data showing potential Alzheimer's disease-modifying properties. This heretofore underexplored therapeutic class has considerable promise and could yield much-needed agents that slow neurodegeneration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gleason
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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D’Mello SR, Kindy MC. Overdosing on iron: Elevated iron and degenerative brain disorders. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1444-1473. [PMID: 32878460 PMCID: PMC7553095 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220953065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Brain degenerative disorders, which include some neurodevelopmental disorders and age-associated diseases, cause debilitating neurological deficits and are generally fatal. A large body of emerging evidence indicates that iron accumulation in neurons within specific regions of the brain plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many of these disorders. Iron homeostasis is a highly complex and incompletely understood process involving a large number of regulatory molecules. Our review provides a description of what is known about how iron is obtained by the body and brain and how defects in the homeostatic processes could contribute to the development of brain diseases, focusing on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease as well as four other disorders belonging to a class of inherited conditions referred to as neurodegeneration based on iron accumulation (NBIA) disorders. A description of potential therapeutic approaches being tested for each of these different disorders is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark C Kindy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A. Haley Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Everett J, Brooks J, Lermyte F, O'Connor PB, Sadler PJ, Dobson J, Collingwood JF, Telling ND. Iron stored in ferritin is chemically reduced in the presence of aggregating Aβ(1-42). Sci Rep 2020; 10:10332. [PMID: 32587293 PMCID: PMC7316746 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67117-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical low-oxidation-state iron phases in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology are implicated in disease pathogenesis, as they may promote elevated redox activity and convey toxicity. However, the origin of low-oxidation-state iron and the pathways responsible for its formation and evolution remain unresolved. Here we investigate the interaction of the AD peptide β-amyloid (Aβ) with the iron storage protein ferritin, to establish whether interactions between these two species are a potential source of low-oxidation-state iron in AD. Using X-ray spectromicroscopy and electron microscopy we found that the co-aggregation of Aβ and ferritin resulted in the conversion of ferritin's inert ferric core into more reactive low-oxidation-states. Such findings strongly implicate Aβ in the altered iron handling and increased oxidative stress observed in AD pathogenesis. These amyloid-associated iron phases have biomarker potential to assist with disease diagnosis and staging, and may act as targets for therapies designed to lower oxidative stress in AD tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Everett
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, United Kingdom.
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
| | - Jake Brooks
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Frederik Lermyte
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Peter B O'Connor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Sadler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Dobson
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
| | | | - Neil D Telling
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, United Kingdom
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Chen P, Totten M, Zhang Z, Bucinca H, Erikson K, Santamaría A, Bowma AB, Aschner M. Iron and manganese-related CNS toxicity: mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:243-260. [PMID: 30759034 PMCID: PMC6422746 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1581608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are essential nutrients for humans. They act as cofactors for a variety of enzymes. In the central nervous system (CNS), these two metals are involved in diverse neurological activities. Dyshomeostasis may interfere with the critical enzymatic activities, hence altering the neurophysiological status and resulting in neurological diseases. Areas covered: In this review, the authors cover the molecular mechanisms of Fe/Mn-induced toxicity and neurological diseases, as well as the diagnosis and potential treatment. Given that both Fe and Mn are abundant in the earth crust, nutritional deficiency is rare. In this review the authors focus on the neurological disorders associated with Mn and Fe overload. Expert commentary: Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are the primary molecular mechanism that mediates Fe/Mn-induced neurotoxicity. Although increased Fe or Mn concentrations have been found in brain of patients, it remains controversial whether the elevated metal amounts are the primary cause or secondary consequence of neurological diseases. Currently, treatments are far from satisfactory, although chelation therapy can significantly decrease brain Fe and Mn levels. Studies to determine the primary cause and establish the molecular mechanism of toxicity may help to adapt more comprehensive and satisfactory treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Totten
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hana Bucinca
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Keith Erikson
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Abel Santamaría
- Laboratory of Excitatory Amino Acids, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aaron B. Bowma
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Svobodová H, Kosnáč D, Balázsiová Z, Tanila H, Miettinen P, Sierra A, Vitovič P, Wagner A, Polák Š, Kopáni M. Elevated age-related cortical iron, ferritin and amyloid plaques in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Physiol Res 2019; 68:S445-S451. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is very important element for functioning of the brain. Its concentration changes with aging the brain or during disease. The aim of our work was the histological examination of content of ferritin and free iron (unbound) in brain cortex in association with Aβ plaques from their earliest stages of accumulation in amyloid plaque forming APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Light microscopy revealed the onset of plaques formation at 8-monthage. Detectable traces of free iron and no ferritin were found around plaques at this age, while the rate of their accumulation in and around Aβ plaques was elevated at 13 months of age. Ferritin accumulated mainly on the edge of Aβ plaques, while the smaller amount of free iron was observed in the plaque-free tissue, as well as in and around Aβ plaques. We conclude that free iron and ferritin accumulation follows the amyloid plaques formation. Quantification of cortical iron and ferritin content can be an important marker in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Svobodová
- Institute of Medical Physics, Biophysics, Informatics and Telemedicine and Department of simulation and virtual medical education, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Liu JL, Fan YG, Yang ZS, Wang ZY, Guo C. Iron and Alzheimer's Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Implications. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:632. [PMID: 30250423 PMCID: PMC6139360 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As people age, iron deposits in different areas of the brain may impair normal cognitive function and behavior. Abnormal iron metabolism generates hydroxyl radicals through the Fenton reaction, triggers oxidative stress reactions, damages cell lipids, protein and DNA structure and function, and ultimately leads to cell death. There is an imbalance in iron homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Excessive iron contributes to the deposition of β-amyloid and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which in turn, promotes the development of AD. Therefore, iron-targeted therapeutic strategies have become a new direction. Iron chelators, such as desferoxamine, deferiprone, deferasirox, and clioquinol, have received a great deal of attention and have obtained good results in scientific experiments and some clinical trials. Given the limitations and side effects of the long-term application of traditional iron chelators, alpha-lipoic acid and lactoferrin, as self-synthesized naturally small molecules, have shown very intriguing biological activities in blocking Aβ-aggregation, tauopathy and neuronal damage. Despite a lack of evidence for any clinical benefits, the conjecture that therapeutic chelation, with a special focus on iron ions, is a valuable approach for treating AD remains widespread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Lin Liu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong-Gang Fan
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zheng-Sheng Yang
- Department of Dermatology, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Zhan-You Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chuang Guo
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
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