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Jiang Z, Sun Y, Liu S. Association between human blood metabolites and cerebral cortex architecture: evidence from a Mendelian randomization study. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1386844. [PMID: 38784905 PMCID: PMC11111910 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1386844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulation of circulating metabolites may affect brain function and cognition, associated with alterations in the cerebral cortex architecture. However, the exact cause remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the causal effect of circulating metabolites on the cerebral cortex architecture. Methods This study utilized retrieved data from genome-wide association studies to investigate the relationship between blood metabolites and cortical architecture. A total of 1,091 metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios were used for exposure. The brain cortex surface area and cortex thickness were selected as the primary outcomes in this study. In this study, the inverse variance weighting method was used as the main analytical method, complemented by sensitivity analyses that were more robust to pleiotropy. Furthermore, metabolic pathway analysis was performed via MetaboAnalyst 6.0. Finally, reverse Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to assess the potential for reverse causation. Results After correcting for the false discovery rate (FDR), we identified 37 metabolites and 9 metabolite ratios that showed significant causal associations with cortical structures. Among these, Oxalate was found to be most strongly associated with cortical surface area (β: 2387.532, 95% CI 756.570-4018.495, p = 0.037), while Tyrosine was most correlated with cortical thickness (β: -0.015, 95% CI -0.005 to -0.025, p = 0.025). Furthermore, pathway analysis based on metabolites identified six significant metabolic pathways associated with cortical structures and 13 significant metabolic pathways based on metabolite ratios. Conclusion The identified metabolites and relevant metabolic pathways reveal potential therapeutic pathways for reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. These findings will help guide health policies and clinical practice in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongzhi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yining Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Songyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Kovalchuk A, Mychasiuk R, Muhammad A, Hossain S, Ghose A, Kirkby C, Ghasroddashti E, Kovalchuk O, Kolb B. Complex housing partially mitigates low dose radiation-induced changes in brain and behavior in rats. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2022; 40:109-124. [DOI: 10.3233/rnn-211216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: In recent years, much effort has been focused on developing new strategies for the prevention and mitigation of adverse radiation effects on healthy tissues and organs, including the brain. The brain is very sensitive to radiation effects, albeit as it is highly plastic. Hence, deleterious radiation effects may be potentially reversible. Because radiation exposure affects dendritic space, reduces the brain’s ability to produce new neurons, and alters behavior, mitigation efforts should focus on restoring these parameters. To that effect, environmental enrichment through complex housing (CH) and exercise may provide a plausible avenue for exploration of protection from brain irradiation. CH is a much broader concept than exercise alone, and constitutes exposure of animals to positive physical and social stimulation that is superior to their routine housing and care conditions. We hypothesized that CHs may lessen harmful neuroanatomical and behavioural effects of low dose radiation exposure. Methods: We analyzed and compared cerebral morphology in animals exposed to low dose head, bystander (liver), and scatter irradiation on rats housed in either the environmental enrichment condos or standard housing. Results: Enriched condo conditions ameliorated radiation-induced neuroanatomical changes. Moreover, irradiated animals that were kept in enriched CH condos displayed fewer radiation-induced behavioural deficits than those housed in standard conditions. Conclusions: Animal model-based environmental enrichment strategies, such as CH, are excellent surrogate models for occupational and exercise therapy in humans, and consequently have significant translational possibility. Our study may thus serve as a roadmap for the development of new, easy, safe and cost-effective methods to prevent and mitigate low-dose radiation effects on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna. Kovalchuk
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | | | - Arif. Muhammad
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Shakhawat. Hossain
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Abhijit. Ghose
- Jack Ady Cancer Center, Alberta Health Services, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Charles. Kirkby
- Jack Ady Cancer Center, Alberta Health Services, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Esmaeel. Ghasroddashti
- Jack Ady Cancer Center, Alberta Health Services, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Olga. Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Bryan. Kolb
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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Pucci G, Forte GI, Cavalieri V. Evaluation of Epigenetic and Radiomodifying Effects during Radiotherapy Treatments in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169053. [PMID: 34445758 PMCID: PMC8396651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is still a long way from personalizing cancer treatment plans, and its effectiveness depends on the radiosensitivity of tumor cells. Indeed, therapies that are efficient and successful for some patients may be relatively ineffective for others. Based on this, radiobiological research is focusing on the ability of some reagents to make cancer cells more responsive to ionizing radiation, as well as to protect the surrounding healthy tissues from possible side effects. In this scenario, zebrafish emerged as an effective model system to test for radiation modifiers that can potentially be used for radiotherapeutic purposes in humans. The adoption of this experimental organism is fully justified and supported by the high similarity between fish and humans in both their genome sequences and the effects provoked in them by ionizing radiation. This review aims to provide the literature state of the art of zebrafish in vivo model for radiobiological studies, particularly focusing on the epigenetic and radiomodifying effects produced during fish embryos’ and larvae’s exposure to radiotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Pucci
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STeBiCeF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Giusi Irma Forte
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.I.F.); (V.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STeBiCeF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
- Zebrafish Laboratory, Advanced Technologies Network (ATeN) Center, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.I.F.); (V.C.)
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Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13062091. [PMID: 34207484 PMCID: PMC8235064 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062091] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (αGPC) is a precursor of acetylcholine and can increase acetylcholine concentration in the brain. In addition, αGPC has a role in cholinergic function as well as monoaminergic transmission, including dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. These monoaminergic systems are related to feelings and emotions, including motivation, reward processing, anxiety, and depression. However, the precise effects of αGPC on human feelings and emotions remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated changes in the subjective feelings of healthy volunteers using the KOKORO scale before and after administering αGPC. Thirty-nine volunteers participated in a single-blind, placebo-controlled design. Participants completed a KOKORO scale test to quantify self-reported emotional states, three times each day for two weeks preceding treatment and then for a further two weeks while self-administering treatment. αGPC treatment show a tendency to increase motivation during the intervention period. Furthermore, motivation at night was significantly higher in the αGPC group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). However, αGPC did not show any effects on anxiety. These data suggest that αGPC can be used to increase motivation in healthy individuals.
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Pazzaglia S, Briganti G, Mancuso M, Saran A. Neurocognitive Decline Following Radiotherapy: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010146. [PMID: 31936195 PMCID: PMC7017115 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain undergoes ionizing radiation (IR) exposure in many clinical situations, particularly during radiotherapy for malignant brain tumors. Cranial radiation therapy is related with the hazard of long-term neurocognitive decline. The detrimental ionizing radiation effects on the brain closely correlate with age at treatment, and younger age associates with harsher deficiencies. Radiation has been shown to induce damage in several cell populations of the mouse brain. Indeed, brain exposure causes a dysfunction of the neurogenic niche due to alterations in the neuronal and supporting cell progenitor signaling environment, particularly in the hippocampus—a region of the brain critical to memory and cognition. Consequent deficiencies in rates of generation of new neurons, neural differentiation and apoptotic cell death, lead to neuronal deterioration and lasting repercussions on neurocognitive functions. Besides neural stem cells, mature neural cells and glial cells are recognized IR targets. We will review the current knowledge about radiation-induced damage in stem cells of the brain and discuss potential treatment interventions and therapy methods to prevent and mitigate radiation related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Pazzaglia
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, ENEA CR-Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Briganti
- Department of Radiation Physics Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mariateresa Mancuso
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, ENEA CR-Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Saran
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, ENEA CR-Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Radiation Physics Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.S.)
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Patyar RR, Patyar S. Role of drugs in the prevention and amelioration of radiation induced toxic effects. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 819:207-216. [PMID: 29221951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
As the use of radiation technology for nuclear warfare or for the benefits of mankind (e.g. in radiotherapy or radio-diagnosis) is increasing tremendously, the risk of associated side effects is becoming a cause of concern. These effects, ranging from nausea/vomiting to death, may result from accidental or deliberate exposure and begin in seconds. Through this review paper, efforts have been done to critically review different compounds which have been investigated as radioprotectors and radiation mitigators. Radioprotectors are compounds which are administered just before or at the time of irradiation so as to minimize the radiation induced damage to normal tissues. And radiation mitigators are the compounds which can even minimize or ameliorate post irradiaion-toxicity provided they are administered before the onset of toxic symptoms. A variety of agents have been investigated for their preventive and ameliorative potential against radiation induced toxic effects. This review article has focused on various aspects of the promising representative agents belonging to different classes of radioprotectors and mitigators. Many compounds have shown promising results, but till date only amifostine and palifermin are clinically approved by FDA. To fill this void in pharmacological armamentarium, focus should be shifted towards novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sazal Patyar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India.
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Strifler G, Tuboly E, Görbe A, Boros M, Pécz D, Hartmann P. Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction with L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166682. [PMID: 27861548 PMCID: PMC5115775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We hypothesized that L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC), a deacylatedphosphatidylcholine derivative, can influence the mitochondrial respiratory activity and in this way, may exert tissue protective effects. METHODS Rat liver mitochondria were examined with high-resolution respirometry to analyze the effects of GPC on the electron transport chain in normoxic and anoxic conditions. Besides, Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to sham operation or standardized liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR), with or without GPC administration. The reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSSG), the tissue myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidoreductase and NADPH oxidases activities were measured. Tissue malondialdehyde and nitrite/nitrate formation, together with blood superoxide and hydrogen-peroxide production were assessed. RESULTS GPC increased the efficacy of complex I-linked mitochondrial oxygen consumption, with significantly lower in vitro leak respiration. Mechanistically, liver IR injury was accompanied by deteriorated mitochondrial respiration and enhanced ROS production and, as a consequence, by significantly increased inflammatory enzyme activities. GPC administration decreased the inflammatory activation in line with the reduced oxidative and nitrosative stress markers. CONCLUSION GPC, by preserving the mitochondrial complex I function respiration, reduced the biochemical signs of oxidative stress after an IR episode. This suggests that GPC is a mitochondria-targeted compound that indirectly suppresses the activity of major intracellular superoxide-generating enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerda Strifler
- Institute of Surgical Research, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eszter Tuboly
- Institute of Surgical Research, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anikó Görbe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mihály Boros
- Institute of Surgical Research, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Daniella Pécz
- Institute of Surgical Research, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Petra Hartmann
- Institute of Surgical Research, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Szabó ER, Plangár I, Tőkés T, Mán I, Polanek R, Kovács R, Fekete G, Szabó Z, Csenki Z, Baska F, Hideghéty K. l-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine as a Potential Radioprotective Agent in Zebrafish Embryo Model. Zebrafish 2016; 13:481-488. [PMID: 27486826 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2016.1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This work establishes the zebrafish embryo model for ionizing radiation (IR) modifier research and also evaluates the protective effect of l-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC). Embryos were exposed to a single-fraction whole-body gamma irradiation (5, 10, 15, and 20 Gy) at different postfertilization time points and were serially assessed for viability and macro- and micromorphologic abnormalities. After toxicity evaluation, 194 μM of GPC was added for certain groups with 3-h incubation before the radiation. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression changes were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A higher sensitivity could be observed at earlier stages of the embryogenesis. The lethal dose (LD50) for 6 hours postfertilization (hpf) embryos was 15 Gy and for 24 hpf was 20 Gy on day 7, respectively. GPC administration resulted in a significant improvement in both the distortion rate and survival of the 24 hpf embryos. Qualitative evaluation of the histological changes confirmed the protective effect of GPC. IL-1β and NF-κB overexpression due to 10 Gy irradiation was also reduced by GPC. GPC exhibited promising radioprotective effects in our zebrafish embryo model, decreasing the irradiation-induced morphological damage and lethality with significant reduction of IR-caused pro-inflammatory activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emília Rita Szabó
- 1 Attosecond Light Pulse Source, ELI-HU Nonprofit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imola Plangár
- 2 MTA-SE NAP B Cognitive Translational Behavioural Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University , Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tünde Tőkés
- 1 Attosecond Light Pulse Source, ELI-HU Nonprofit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary .,3 Institute of Surgical Research, University of Szeged , Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imola Mán
- 4 Department of Oncotherapy, University of Szeged , Szeged, Hungary
| | - Róbert Polanek
- 1 Attosecond Light Pulse Source, ELI-HU Nonprofit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Róbert Kovács
- 5 Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Szent István University of Gödöllő , Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Gábor Fekete
- 4 Department of Oncotherapy, University of Szeged , Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- 1 Attosecond Light Pulse Source, ELI-HU Nonprofit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary .,4 Department of Oncotherapy, University of Szeged , Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Csenki
- 5 Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Szent István University of Gödöllő , Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Baska
- 6 Department of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Szent István University , Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Hideghéty
- 1 Attosecond Light Pulse Source, ELI-HU Nonprofit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary .,4 Department of Oncotherapy, University of Szeged , Szeged, Hungary
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