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Nystuen KL, McNamee SM, Akula M, Holton KM, DeAngelis MM, Haider NB. Alzheimer's Disease: Models and Molecular Mechanisms Informing Disease and Treatments. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:45. [PMID: 38247923 PMCID: PMC10813760 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11010045] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease resulting in progressive loss of memory, language and motor abilities caused by cortical and hippocampal degeneration. This review captures the landscape of understanding of AD pathology, diagnostics, and current therapies. Two major mechanisms direct AD pathology: (1) accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) plaque and (2) tau-derived neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). The most common variants in the Aβ pathway in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 are largely responsible for early-onset AD (EOAD), while MAPT, APOE, TREM2 and ABCA7 have a modifying effect on late-onset AD (LOAD). More recent studies implicate chaperone proteins and Aβ degrading proteins in AD. Several tests, such as cognitive function, brain imaging, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and blood tests, are used for AD diagnosis. Additionally, several biomarkers seem to have a unique AD specific combination of expression and could potentially be used in improved, less invasive diagnostics. In addition to genetic perturbations, environmental influences, such as altered gut microbiome signatures, affect AD. Effective AD treatments have been challenging to develop. Currently, there are several FDA approved drugs (cholinesterase inhibitors, Aß-targeting antibodies and an NMDA antagonist) that could mitigate AD rate of decline and symptoms of distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaden L. Nystuen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Shannon M. McNamee
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Monica Akula
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kristina M. Holton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Margaret M. DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Neena B. Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Ban YH, Park D, Choi EK, Kim TM, Joo SS, Kim YB. Effectiveness of Combinational Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease with Human Neural Stem Cells and Microglial Cells Over-Expressing Functional Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119561. [PMID: 37298510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. In AD patients, amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide-mediated degeneration of the cholinergic system utilizing acetylcholine (ACh) for memory acquisition is observed. Since AD therapy using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are only palliative for memory deficits without reversing disease progress, there is a need for effective therapies, and cell-based therapeutic approaches should fulfil this requirement. We established F3.ChAT human neural stem cells (NSCs) encoding the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) gene, an ACh-synthesizing enzyme, HMO6.NEP human microglial cells encoding the neprilysin (NEP) gene, an Aβ-degrading enzyme, and HMO6.SRA cells encoding the scavenger receptor A (SRA) gene, an Aβ-uptaking receptor. For the efficacy evaluation of the cells, first, we established an appropriate animal model based on Aβ accumulation and cognitive dysfunction. Among various AD models, intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of ethylcholine mustard azirinium ion (AF64A) induced the most severe Aβ accumulation and memory dysfunction. Established NSCs and HMO6 cells were transplanted ICV to mice showing memory loss induced by AF64A challenge, and brain Aβ accumulation, ACh concentration and cognitive function were analyzed. All the transplanted F3.ChAT, HMO6.NEP and HMO6.SRA cells were found to survive up to 4 weeks in the mouse brain and expressed their functional genes. Combinational treatment with the NSCs (F3.ChAT) and microglial cells encoding each functional gene (HMO6.NEP or HMO6.SRA) synergistically restored the learning and memory function of AF64A-challenged mice by eliminating Aβ deposits and recovering ACh level. The cells also attenuated inflammatory astrocytic (glial fibrillary acidic protein) response by reducing Aβ accumulation. Taken together, it is expected that NSCs and microglial cells over-expressing ChAT, NEP or SRA genes could be strategies for replacement cell therapy of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Hwan Ban
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongsun Park
- Department of Biology Education, Korea National University of Education, Cheongju 28173, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Ehn-Kyoung Choi
- Central Research Institute, Designed Cells Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28576, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Myoung Kim
- Central Research Institute, Designed Cells Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28576, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo Joo
- College of Life Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Bae Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biology Education, Korea National University of Education, Cheongju 28173, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
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Yavorsky VA, Rozumna NM, Lukyanetz EA. Influence of amyloid beta on impulse spiking of isolated hippocampal neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1132092. [PMID: 37124394 PMCID: PMC10133472 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1132092] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the formation of β-amyloid plaques, which ultimately lead to the dysfunction of neurons with subsequent neurodegeneration. Although extensive researches have been conducted on the effects of different amyloid conformations such as oligomers and fibrils on neuronal function in isolated cells and circuits, the exact contribution of extracellular beta-amyloid on neurons remains incompletely comprehended. In our experiments, we studied the effect of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ1-42) on the action potential (APs) generation in isolated CA1 hippocampal neurons in perforated patch clamp conditions. Our findings demonstrate that Aβ1-42 affects the generation of APs differently in various hippocampal neurons, albeit with a shared effect of enhancing the firing response of the neurons within a minute of the start of Aβ1-42 application. In the first response type, there was a shift of 20-65% toward smaller values in the firing threshold of action potentials in response to inward current. Conversely, the firing threshold of action potentials was not affected in the second type of response to the application of Aβ1-42. In these neurons, Aβ1-42 caused a moderate increase in the frequency of spiking, up to 15%, with a relatively uniform increase in the frequency of action potentials generation regardless of the level of input current. Obtained data prove the absence of direct short-term negative effect of the Aβ1-42 on APs generation in neurons. Even with increasing the APs generation frequency and lowering the neurons' activation threshold, neurons were functional. Obtained data can suggest that only the long-acting presence of the Aβ1-42 in the cell environment can cause neuronal dysfunction due to a prolonged increase of APs firing and predisposition to this process.
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Chen B, Marquez-Nostra B, Belitzky E, Toyonaga T, Tong J, Huang Y, Cai Z. PET Imaging in Animal Models of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:872509. [PMID: 35685772 PMCID: PMC9171374 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.872509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful development and translation of PET imaging agents targeting β-amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles have allowed for in vivo detection of these hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) antemortem. Amyloid and tau PET have been incorporated into the A/T/N scheme for AD characterization and have become an integral part of ongoing clinical trials to screen patients for enrollment, prove drug action mechanisms, and monitor therapeutic effects. Meanwhile, preclinical PET imaging in animal models of AD can provide supportive information for mechanistic studies. With the recent advancement of gene editing technologies and AD animal model development, preclinical PET imaging in AD models will further facilitate our understanding of AD pathogenesis/progression and the development of novel treatments. In this study, we review the current state-of-the-art in preclinical PET imaging using animal models of AD and suggest future research directions.
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Liu M, Zhang X, Wang Y. Curcumin Alleviates Aβ 42-Induced Neuronal Metabolic Dysfunction via the Thrb/SIRT3 Axis and Improves Cognition in APP TG Mice. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:3166-3178. [PMID: 34401962 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03414-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin has been reported to have a therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the specific mechanism remains to be elucidated. In the present research, we aimed to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of curcumin on AD. Mouse primary hippocampal neuron cells were treated with various concentrations of beta-amyloid 42 (Aβ42) and the results found that Aβ42 inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with 50 ng/mL Aβ42, 500 ng/mL Aβ42 could further promote cell apoptosis, reduce the ratio of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+))/Nicotinamide adenine diphosphate hydride (NADH) and Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) level, and inhibit Sirtuins 3 (SIRT3) deacetylation activity and protein expression of Thyroid hormone receptor beta (Thrb) and SIRT3. Hence, 500 ng/mL Aβ42 was used to establish a cell model of AD. Curcumin significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of Aβ42 on cell viability, SIRT3 deacetylation activity, the ratio of NAD+/NADH, ATP level and the protein expression of Thrb and SIRT3, and the promotive effect on apoptosis. ChIPBase was used to predict the binding region of Thrb and SIRT3. Dual luciferase reporter gene and Chromatin immune precipitation (ChIP) assays were employed to verify the relationship between Thrb and promoter of SIRT3 mRNA. Overexpression of Thrb recovered Aβ42 induced metabolic dysfunction, while Thrb silence aggravated Aβ42 induced metabolic dysfunction. Moreover, Thrb silence or 3-TYP (a selective inhibitor of SIRT3) treatment abolished the amelioration of curcumin on Aβ42 induced metabolic dysfunction. Additionally, curcumin attenuated memory deficits in Amyloid precursor protein transgenic (APPTG) mice. Collectively, curcumin alleviated Aβ42-induced neuronal metabolic dysfunction through increasing Thrb expression and SIRT3 activity and improved cognition in APPTG mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Basic Disciplines, Jiangxi Health Vocational College, Nanchang, 330052, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhang
- Department of Basic Disciplines, Jiangxi Health Vocational College, Nanchang, 330052, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Recuperation No.1, Dalian Rehabilitation and Recuperation Center, Dalian, 116016, China.
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Babusikova E, Dobrota D, Turner AJ, Nalivaeva NN. Effect of Global Brain Ischemia on Amyloid Precursor Protein Metabolism and Expression of Amyloid-Degrading Enzymes in Rat Cortex: Role in Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:680-692. [PMID: 34225591 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921060067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases significantly following chronic stress and brain ischemia which, over the years, cause accumulation of toxic amyloid species and brain damage. The effects of global 15-min ischemia and 120-min reperfusion on the levels of expression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its processing were investigated in the brain cortex (Cx) of male Wistar rats. Additionally, the levels of expression of the amyloid-degrading enzymes neprilysin (NEP), endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), and insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), as well as of some markers of oxidative damage were assessed. It was shown that the APP mRNA and protein levels in the rat Cx were significantly increased after the ischemic insult. Protein levels of the soluble APP fragments, especially of sAPPβ produced by β-secretase, (BACE-1) and the levels of BACE-1 mRNA and protein expression itself were also increased after ischemia. The protein levels of APP and BACE-1 in the Cx returned to the control values after 120-min reperfusion. The levels of NEP and ECE-1 mRNA also decreased after ischemia, which correlated with the decreased protein levels of these enzymes. However, we have not observed any changes in the protein levels of insulin-degrading enzyme. Contents of the markers of oxidative damage (di-tyrosine and lysine conjugates with lipid peroxidation products) were also increased after ischemia. The obtained data suggest that ischemia shifts APP processing towards the amyloidogenic β-secretase pathway and accumulation of the neurotoxic Aβ peptide as well as triggers oxidative stress in the cells. These results are discussed in the context of the role of stress and ischemia in initiation and progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Babusikova
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Martin, 036 01, Slovakia.
| | - Dusan Dobrota
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Martin, 036 01, Slovakia.
| | - Anthony J Turner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
| | - Natalia N Nalivaeva
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom. .,Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 194223, Russia
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Nalivaeva NN, Zhuravin IA, Turner AJ. Neprilysin expression and functions in development, ageing and disease. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 192:111363. [PMID: 32987038 PMCID: PMC7519013 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neprilysin (NEP) is an integral membrane-bound metallopeptidase with a wide spectrum of substrates and physiological functions. It plays an important role in proteolytic processes in the kidney, cardiovascular regulation, immune response, cell proliferation, foetal development etc. It is an important neuropeptidase and amyloid-degrading enzyme which makes NEP a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, it plays a preventive role in development of cancer, obesity and type-2 diabetes. Recently a role of NEP in COVID-19 pathogenesis has also been suggested. Despite intensive research into NEP structure and functions in different organisms, changes in its expression and regulation during brain development and ageing, especially in age-related pathologies, is still not fully understood. This prevents development of pharmacological treatments from various diseases in which NEP is implicated although recently a dual-acting drug sacubitril-valsartan (LCZ696) combining a NEP inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker has been approved for treatment of heart failure. Also, various natural compounds capable of upregulating NEP expression, including green tea (EGCG), have been proposed as a preventive medicine in prostate cancer and AD. This review summarizes the existing literature and our own research on the expression and activity of NEP in normal brain development, ageing and under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N N Nalivaeva
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
| | - I A Zhuravin
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A J Turner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Zhang J, Chen B, Lu J, Wu Y, Wang S, Yao Z, Zhu L, Qiao Y, Sun Q, Qin W, Zhao Q, Jia J, Wei C. Brains of rhesus monkeys display Aβ deposits and glial pathology while lacking Aβ dimers and other Alzheimer's pathologies. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12978. [PMID: 31165579 PMCID: PMC6612634 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits are the main early pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, abundant Aβ deposits also occur spontaneously in the brains of many healthy people who are free of AD with advancing aging. A crucial unanswered question in AD prevention is why AD does not develop in some elderly people, despite the presence of Aβ deposits. The answer may lie in the composition of Aβ oligomer isoforms in the Aβ deposits of healthy brains, which are different from AD brains. However, which Aβ oligomer triggers the transformation from aging to AD pathogenesis is still under debate. Some researchers insist that the Aβ 12‐mer causes AD pathology, while others suggest that the Aβ dimer is the crucial molecule in AD pathology. Aged rhesus monkeys spontaneously develop Aβ deposits in the brain with striking similarities to those of aged humans. Thus, rhesus monkeys are an ideal natural model to study the composition of Aβ oligomer isoforms and their downstream effects on AD pathology. In this study, we found that Aβ deposits in aged monkey brains included 3‐mer, 5‐mer, 9‐mer, 10‐mer, and 12‐mer oligomers, but not 2‐mer oligomers. The Aβ deposits, which were devoid of Aβ dimers, induced glial pathology (microgliosis, abnormal microglia morphology, and astrocytosis), but not the subsequent downstream pathologies of AD, including Tau pathology, neurodegeneration, and synapse loss. Our results indicate that the Aβ dimer plays an important role in AD pathogenesis. Thus, targeting the Aβ dimer is a promising strategy for preventing AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Baian Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Shubo Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Zitong Yao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Liming Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Yanhua Qiao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Quan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Wei Qin
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Department of Neurology Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Qiao Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Laboratory Animal Center Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Department of Neurology Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Cuibai Wei
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Department of Neurology Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
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Zhang L, Chen C, Mak MSH, Lu J, Wu Z, Chen Q, Han Y, Li Y, Pi R. Advance of sporadic Alzheimer's disease animal models. Med Res Rev 2019; 40:431-458. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou China
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou China
| | - Marvin SH Mak
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese MedicineThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom Hong Kong
| | - Junfeng Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou China
| | - Zeqing Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou China
| | - Qiuhe Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou China
| | - Yifan Han
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Institute of Modern Chinese MedicineThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom Hong Kong
- International Joint Laboratory<SYSU‐PolyU HK>of Novel Anti‐Dementia Drugs of GuangzhouGuangzhou China
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation)The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research InstituteShenzhen China
| | - Yuefeng Li
- Guangdong Landau Biotechnology Co LtdGuangzhou China
| | - Rongbiao Pi
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou China
- International Joint Laboratory<SYSU‐PolyU HK>of Novel Anti‐Dementia Drugs of GuangzhouGuangzhou China
- National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs EvaluationSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou China
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Van Dam D, De Deyn PP. Non human primate models for Alzheimer’s disease-related research and drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 12:187-200. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1271320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Van Dam
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Paul De Deyn
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology and Memory Clinic, Hospital Network Antwerp (ZNA) Middelheim and Hoge Beuken, Antwerp, Belgium
- Biobank, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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11
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Hanbury DB, Peiffer AM, Dugan G, Andrews RN, Cline JM. Long-Term Cognitive Functioning in Single-Dose Total-Body Gamma-Irradiated Rhesus Monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ). Radiat Res 2016; 186:447-454. [PMID: 27740889 DOI: 10.1667/rr14430.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the effects of a potentially lethal radiation exposure on the brain for long-term cognitive sequelae were investigated using Rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ) adopted from other facilities after analysis of acute radiation response via the Centers for Medical Countermeasures against Radiation (CMCR) network. Fifty-nine animals were given the opportunity to participate in cognitive cage-side testing. The animals that received single-dose gamma irradiation were significantly less likely to engage in cognitive testing than the controls, suggesting that irradiated animals may have differences in cognitive ability. Five irradiated (6.75-8.05 Gy) and three naïve control animals self-selected, were extensively trained and administered a simple visual discrimination with reversal (SVD+R) task 2-3 times per week for 11-18 months. Each session consisted of 30 trials in which the animals were required to choose the correct visual stimulus for a food reward. After the initial presentation, the stimulus that signaled the presence of food was twice reversed once the animal reached criterion (90% accuracy across four consecutive sessions). While the limited sample size precluded definitive statistical analysis, irradiated animals took longer to reach the criterion subsequent to reversal than did control animals, suggesting a relative deficiency in cognitive flexibility. These results provide preliminary data supporting the potential use of a nonhuman primate model to study radiation-induced, late-delayed cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Hanbury
- Department of a Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,d Department of Psychology, Averett University, Danville, Virginia 24541
| | - Ann M Peiffer
- b Department ofRadiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,c Department of Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157.,e Department of Psychology, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754
| | - Greg Dugan
- Department of a Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Rachel N Andrews
- Department of a Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - J Mark Cline
- Department of a Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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12
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Webster CI, Burrell M, Olsson LL, Fowler SB, Digby S, Sandercock A, Snijder A, Tebbe J, Haupts U, Grudzinska J, Jermutus L, Andersson C. Engineering neprilysin activity and specificity to create a novel therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104001. [PMID: 25089527 PMCID: PMC4121237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neprilysin is a transmembrane zinc metallopeptidase that degrades a wide range of peptide substrates. It has received attention as a potential therapy for Alzheimer’s disease due to its ability to degrade the peptide amyloid beta. However, its broad range of peptide substrates has the potential to limit its therapeutic use due to degradation of additional peptides substrates that tightly regulate many physiological processes. We sought to generate a soluble version of the ectodomain of neprilysin with improved activity and specificity towards amyloid beta as a potential therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease. Extensive amino acid substitutions were performed at positions surrounding the active site and inner surface of the enzyme and variants screened for activity on amyloid beta 1–40, 1–42 and a variety of other physiologically relevant peptides. We identified several mutations that modulated and improved both enzyme selectivity and intrinsic activity. Neprilysin variant G399V/G714K displayed an approximately 20-fold improved activity on amyloid beta 1–40 and up to a 3,200-fold reduction in activity on other peptides. Along with the altered peptide substrate specificity, the mutant enzyme produced a markedly altered series of amyloid beta cleavage products compared to the wild-type enzyme. Crystallisation of the mutant enzyme revealed that the amino acid substitutions result in alteration of the shape and size of the pocket containing the active site compared to the wild-type enzyme. The mutant enzyme offers the potential for the more efficient degradation of amyloid beta in vivo as a therapeutic for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl I. Webster
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Matthew Burrell
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Susan B. Fowler
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Digby
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Sandercock
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Arjan Snijder
- Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca R & D, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jan Tebbe
- Global Drug Discovery, Global Biologics, Bayer HealthCare AG, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrich Haupts
- Global Drug Discovery, Global Biologics, Bayer HealthCare AG, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joanna Grudzinska
- Global Drug Discovery, Global Biologics, Bayer HealthCare AG, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lutz Jermutus
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Deng Y, Lu X, Wang L, Li T, Ding Y, Cao H, Zhang Y, Guo X, Yu G. Curcumin inhibits the AKT/NF-κB signaling via CpG demethylation of the promoter and restoration of NEP in the N2a cell line. AAPS JOURNAL 2014; 16:649-57. [PMID: 24756894 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-014-9605-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin (CUR), a non-toxic polyphenol from Curcuma longa, has been investigated as a potential therapy with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which depicts features of chronic inflammatory environment resulting in cellular death. However, it remains largely unknown whether the anti-inflammatory effect of CUR in AD is associated with its property of CpG demethylation, which is another function of CUR with the most research interest during recent years. Neprilysin (NEP, EP24.11), a zinc-dependent metallopeptidase expressed relatively low in the brain, is emerging as a potent inhibitor of AKT/Protein Kinase B. In addition, hypermethylated promoter of NEP has been reported to be associated with decreases in NEP expression. In the present study, using bisulfite-sequencing PCR (BSP) assay, we showed that the CpG sites in NEP gene were hypermethylated both in wild-type mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells (N2a/wt) and N2a cells stably expressing human Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) (N2a/APPswe) associated with familial early onset AD. CUR treatment induced restoration of NEP gene via CpG demethylation. This CUR-mediated upregulation of NEP expression was also concomitant with the inhibition of AKT, subsequent suppression of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) and its downstream pro-inflammatory targets including COX-2, iNOS in N2a/APPswe cells. This study represents the first evidence on a link between CpG demethylation effect on NEP and anti-inflammation ability of CUR that may provide a novel mechanistic insight into the anti-inflammatory actions of CUR as well as new basis for using CUR as a therapeutic intervention for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushuang Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
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Laurijssens B, Aujard F, Rahman A. Animal models of Alzheimer's disease and drug development. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2014; 10:e319-27. [PMID: 24050129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Animal disease models are considered important in the development of drugs for Alzheimer's disease. This brief review will discuss possible reasons why their success in identifying efficacious treatments has been limited, and will provide some thoughts on the role of animal experimentation in drug development. Specifically, none of the current models of Alzheimer's disease have either construct or predictive validity, and no model probably ever will. Clearly, specific animal experiments contribute to our understanding of the disease and generate hypotheses. Ultimately, however, the hypothesis can only be tested in human patients and only with the proper tools. These tools are a pharmacologically active intervention (in humans) and a clinical trial suited to evaluate the mechanism of action. Integration of knowledge in quantitative (sub) models is considered important if not essential in this process.
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Toledano A, Álvarez M, López-Rodríguez A, Toledano-Díaz A, Fernández-Verdecia C. Does Alzheimer disease exist in all primates? Alzheimer pathology in non-human primates and its pathophysiological implications (II). NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2011.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Kaushal A, Wani WY, Anand R, Gill KD. Spontaneous and induced nontransgenic animal models of AD: modeling AD using combinatorial approach. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2013; 28:318-26. [PMID: 23687185 PMCID: PMC10852793 DOI: 10.1177/1533317513488914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative and dementing disorder, is characterized by extracellular amyloid deposition, intracellular neurofibrillary tangle formation, and neuronal loss. We are still behind in AD research in terms of knowledge regarding understanding its pathophysiology and designing therapeutics because of the lack of an accurate animal model for AD. A complete animal model of AD should imitate all the cognitive, behavioral, and neuropathological features of the disease. Partial models are currently in use, which only mimic specific and not all of the components of AD pathology. Currently the transgenic animals are the popular models for AD research, but different genetic backgrounds of these transgenic animals remain a major confounding factor. This review attempts to summarize the current literature on nontransgenic animal models of AD and to highlight the potential of exploiting spontaneous and induced animal models for neuropathological, neurochemical, neurobehavioral, and neuroprotective studies of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Kaushal
- Department of Biochemistry,Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Willayat Yousuf Wani
- Department of Biochemistry,Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - R. Anand
- Department of Biochemistry,Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kiran Dip Gill
- Department of Biochemistry,Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Park SJ, Kim YH, Lee Y, Kim KM, Kim HS, Lee SR, Kim SU, Kim SH, Kim JS, Jeong KJ, Lee KM, Huh JW, Chang KT. Selection of appropriate reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in a streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease model of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). PLoS One 2013; 8:e56034. [PMID: 23457495 PMCID: PMC3573079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) has been widely used to quantify relative gene expression because of the specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of this technique. In order to obtain reliable gene expression data from RT-qPCR experiments, it is important to utilize optimal reference genes for the normalization of target gene expression under varied experimental conditions. Previously, we developed and validated a novel icv-STZ cynomolgus monkey model for Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. However, in order to enhance the reliability of this disease model, appropriate reference genes must be selected to allow meaningful analysis of the gene expression levels in the icv-STZ cynomolgus monkey brain. In this study, we assessed the expression stability of 9 candidate reference genes in 2 matched-pair brain samples (5 regions) of control cynomolgus monkeys and those who had received intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (icv-STZ). Three well-known analytical programs geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper were used to choose the suitable reference genes from the total sample group, control group, and icv-STZ group. Combination analysis of the 3 different programs clearly indicated that the ideal reference genes are RPS19 and YWHAZ in the total sample group, GAPDH and RPS19 in the control group, and ACTB and GAPDH in the icv-STZ group. Additionally, we validated the normalization accuracy of the most appropriate reference genes (RPS19 and YWHAZ) by comparison with the least stable gene (TBP) using quantification of the APP and MAPT genes in the total sample group. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first study to identify and validate the appropriate reference genes in cynomolgus monkey brains. These findings provide useful information for future studies involving the expression of target genes in the cynomolgus monkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Je Park
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hyun Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- University of Science & Technology, National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjeon Lee
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Science in Interdisciplinary PhD Program, Graduate School of Inje University, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Min Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- University of Science & Technology, National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Heui-Soo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Rae Lee
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Uk Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Su Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Jin Jeong
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Min Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Won Huh
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- University of Science & Technology, National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (JWH); (KTC)
| | - Kyu-Tae Chang
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- University of Science & Technology, National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (JWH); (KTC)
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Toledano A, Álvarez MI, López-Rodríguez AB, Toledano-Díaz A, Fernández-Verdecia CI. [Does Alzheimer's disease exist in all primates? Alzheimer pathology in non-human primates and its pathophysiological implications (II)]. Neurologia 2011; 29:42-55. [PMID: 21871692 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 05/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the ageing process there are some species of non-human primates which can show some of the defining characteristics of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) of man, both in neuropathological changes and cognitive-behavioural symptoms. The study of these species is of prime importance to understand AD and develop therapies to combat this neurodegenerative disease. DEVELOPMENT In this second part of the study, these AD features are discussed in the most important non-experimental AD models (Mouse Lemur -Microcebus murinus, Caribbean vervet -Chlorocebus aethiops, and the Rhesus and stump-tailed macaque -Macaca mulatta and M. arctoides) and experimental models (lesional, neurotoxic, pharmacological, immunological, etc.) non-human primates. In all these models cerebral amyloid neuropathology can occur in senility, although with different levels of incidence (100% in vervets;<30% in macaques). The differences between normal and pathological (Alzheimer's) senility in these species are difficult to establish due to the lack of cognitive-behavioural studies in the many groups analysed, as well as the controversy in the results of these studies when they were carried out. However, in some macaques, a correlation between a high degree of functional brain impairment and a large number of neuropathological changes ("possible AD") has been found. CONCLUSIONS In some non-human primates, such as the macaque, the existence of a possible continuum between "normal" ageing process, "normal" ageing with no deep neuropathological and cognitive-behavioural changes, and "pathological ageing" (or "Alzheimer type ageing"), may be considered. In other cases, such as the Caribbean vervet, neuropathological changes are constant and quite marked, but its impact on cognition and behaviour does not seem to be very important. This does assume the possible existence in the human senile physiological regression of a stable phase without dementia even if neuropathological changes appeared.
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