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Naive extrapolations, overhyped claims and empty promises in ageing research and interventions need avoidance. Biogerontology 2019; 21:415-421. [PMID: 31773357 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-019-09851-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Most proclamations about another wonder breakthrough and another imminent miracle treatment of ageing are usually overhyped claims and empty promises. It is not that the experimental science behind those claims is totally wrong or fake. But it is often a case of being ahistorical and ignoring the cumulated knowledge and understanding of the evolutionary and biological principles of ageing and longevity. Furthermore, remaining stuck to the body-as-a-machine viewpoint reduces ageing and its associated health challenges to a mere problem of engineering and design. However, highly dynamic nature of the living systems with properties of interaction, interdependence, tolerance, adaptation and constant remodelling requires wholistic and interactive modes of understanding and maintaining health. The physiological relevance and significance of progressively accumulating molecular damage remains to be fully understood. As for ageing interventions, the three pillars of health-food, physical activity, and social and mental engagement-which actually show health-promoting effect, cannot simply be reduced to a single or a limited number of molecular targets with hopes of creating an exercise pill, a fasting pill, a happiness pill and so on. If we want to increase the credibility and socio-political-economic support of ageing research and interventions, we need to resist the temptation to overhype the claims or to make far-fetched promises, which undermine the theoretical and practical significance of new discoveries in biogerontology.
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Landen JW, Andreasen N, Cronenberger CL, Schwartz PF, Börjesson-Hanson A, Östlund H, Sattler CA, Binneman B, Bednar MM. Ponezumab in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: Randomized phase II PET-PIB study. ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS 2017; 3:393-401. [PMID: 29067345 PMCID: PMC5651442 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effect on peripheral and central amyloid β (Aβ) of multiple doses of ponezumab, an anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody, were characterized in subjects with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease treated for 1 year. METHODS Subjects were aged ≥50 years with Mini-Mental State Examination scores 16 to 26. Cohort Q was randomized to ponezumab 10 mg/kg (n = 12) or placebo (n = 6) quarterly. Cohort M was randomized to a loading dose of ponezumab 10 mg/kg or placebo, followed by monthly ponezumab 7.5 mg/kg (n = 12) or placebo (n = 6), respectively. RESULTS Ponezumab was generally well tolerated. Plasma concentrations increased dose dependently, but cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) penetration was low. Plasma Aβ increased dose dependently with ponezumab, but CSF biomarkers, brain amyloid burden, cognition, and function were not affected. CONCLUSIONS Both ponezumab dosing schedules were generally safe and well tolerated but did not alter CSF biomarkers, brain amyloid burden, or clinical outcomes.
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Veloso AJ, Chow AM, Ganesh HVS, Li N, Dhar D, Wu DCH, Mikhaylichenko S, Brown IR, Kerman K. Electrochemical Immunosensors for Effective Evaluation of Amyloid-Beta Modulators on Oligomeric and Fibrillar Aggregation Processes. Anal Chem 2014; 86:4901-9. [DOI: 10.1021/ac500424t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ari M. Chow
- Centre
for the Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Hashwin V. S. Ganesh
- Centre
for the Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Nan Li
- Department
of Physical and Environmental Sciences and
| | - Devjani Dhar
- Department
of Physical and Environmental Sciences and
| | | | | | - Ian R. Brown
- Centre
for the Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Kagan Kerman
- Department
of Physical and Environmental Sciences and
- Centre
for the Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
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Miri R, Firuzi O, Razzaghi-Asl N, Javidnia K, Edraki N. Inhibitors of Alzheimer's BACE-1 with 3,5-bis-N-(aryl/heteroaryl) carbamoyl-4-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridine structure. Arch Pharm Res 2014; 38:456-69. [PMID: 24771353 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-014-0401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE-1) is a validated target for Alzheimer therapy due to its distinctive role in pathogenesis of AD. In the present contribution, a series of new 3,5-bis-N-(aryl/heteroaryl) carbamoyl-4-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridine structures were synthesized as BACE-1 inhibitors (6a-6n). In vitro BACE-1 inhibitory activities were determined by enzymatic fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. Synthesized dihydropyridine (DHP) analogues exhibited weak to good inhibitory activities while 6i, 6n and 6a were found to be the most potent molecules with 83.76, 79.45 and 72.47 % BACE-1 inhibition at 10 μM, respectively. Structure binding/activity relationship elucidations revealed that superior BACE-1 inhibitory activities were observed for DHP derivatives bearing fused/non-fused thiazole groups and particularly 3,5-bis-N-(6-ethoxy-2-benzothiazolyl) moiety. Binding maps showed that enhanced activity may be attributed to the additional H-bond and hydrophobic interactions with S2-S3 subpockets of BACE-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Miri
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 3288-71345, Shiraz, Iran
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Design and synthesis of novel 3,5-bis-N-(aryl/heteroaryl) carbamoyl-4-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridines as small molecule BACE-1 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:6893-909. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Han HY, Zhang JP, Ji SQ, Liang QM, Kang HC, Tang RH, Zhu SQ, Xue Z. αν and β1 Integrins mediate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neurons via the FAK signaling pathway. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64839. [PMID: 23755149 PMCID: PMC3670848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
αν and β1 integrins mediate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in primary hippocampal neurons. We treated hippocampal neurons with 2.5 µg/mL 17E6 and 5 µg/mL ab58524, which are specific αν and β1 integrin antagonists, respectively, for 42 h prior to 10 µM Aβ treatment. Next, we employed small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a downstream target gene of integrins. The siRNAs were designed with a target sequence, an MOI of 10 and the addition of 5 µg/mL polybrene. Under these conditions, the neurons were transfected and the apoptosis of different cell types was detected. Moreover, we used real-time PCR and Western blotting analyses to detect the expression of FAK and ρFAK genes in different cell types and investigated the underlying mechanism and signal pathway by which αν and β1 integrins mediate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neurons. An MTT assay showed that both 17E6 and ab58524 significantly increased cell viability compared with the Aβ-treated neurons (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). However, this protective effect was markedly attenuated after transfection with silencing FAK (siFAK). Moreover, TUNEL immunostaining and flow cytometry indicated that both 17E6 and ab58524 significantly protected hippocampal neurons against apoptosis induced by Aβ (P<0.05) compared with the Aβ-treated cells. However, this protective effect was reversed with siFAK treatment. Both the gene and protein expression of FAK increased after Aβ treatment. Interestingly, as the gene and protein levels of FAK decreased, the ρFAK protein expression markedly increased. Furthermore, both the gene and protein expression of FAK and ρFAK were significantly diminished. Thus, we concluded that both αν and β1 integrins interfered with Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neurons and that this mechanism partially contributes to the activation of the Integrin-FAK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yan Han
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jin-Ping Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qianfoshan Hospital, Shan Dong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Su-Qiong Ji
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qi-Ming Liang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hui-Cong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Rong-Hua Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Sui-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zheng Xue
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
RAGE is a key molecule in the onset and sustainment of the inflammatory response. New studies indicate that RAGE might represent a new link between the innate and adaptive immune system. RAGE belongs to the superfamily of Ig cell-surface receptors and is expressed on all types of leukocytes promoting activation, migration, or maturation of the different cells. RAGE expression is prominent on the activated endothelium, where it mediates leukocyte adhesion and transmigration. Moreover, proinflammatory molecules released from the inflamed or injured vascular system induce migration and proliferation of SMCs. RAGE binds a large number of different ligands and is therefore considered as a PRR, recognizing a structural motif rather than a specific ligand. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the signaling pathways activated in the different cell types and discuss a potential activation mechanism of RAGE, as well as putative options for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Kierdorf
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Gleichmann M, Chow VW, Mattson MP. Homeostatic disinhibition in the aging brain and Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 24:15-24. [PMID: 21187584 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2010-101674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we propose that impaired efficiency of glutamatergic synaptic transmission and a compensatory reduction in inhibitory neurotransmission, a process called homeostatic disinhibition, occurs in the aging brain and more dramatically in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Homeostatic disinhibition may help understand certain features of the aging brain and AD, including: 1) the increased risk for epileptic seizures, especially in the early phase of the disease; 2) the reduced ability to generate γ-oscillations; and 3) the increase in neuronal activity as measured by functional MRI. Homeostatic disinhibition may be the major mechanism that activates cognitive reserve. Modulating neuronal activity may therefore be a viable therapeutic strategy in AD that can complement existing anti-amyloid strategies. Specifically, enhancing endogenous glutamatergic synaptic transmission through increased co-agonist signaling or through positive allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamatergic receptors appears as an attractive strategy. Alternatively, further reduction of GABAergic signaling may work as well, although care has to be taken to prevent epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Gleichmann
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Samaroo HD, Opsahl AC, Schreiber J, O'Neill SM, Marconi M, Qian J, Carvajal-Gonzalez S, Tate B, Milici AJ, Bales KR, Stephenson DT. High throughput object-based image analysis of β-amyloid plaques in human and transgenic mouse brain. J Neurosci Methods 2011; 204:179-188. [PMID: 22019329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Revised: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Advances in imaging technology have enabled automated approaches for quantitative image analysis. In this study, a high content object based image analysis method was developed for quantification of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in postmortem brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) subjects and in transgenic mice over overexpressing Aβ. Digital images acquired from immunohistochemically stained sections of the superior frontal gyrus were analyzed for Aβ plaque burden using a Definiens object-based segmentation approach. Blinded evaluation of Aβ stained sections from AD and aged matched human subjects accurately identified AD cases with one exception. Brains from transgenic mice overexpressing Aβ (PS1APP mice) were also evaluated by our Definiens object based image analysis approach. We observed an age-dependent increase in the amount of Aβ plaque load that we quantified in both the hippocampus and cortex. From the contralateral hemisphere, we measured the amount of Aβ in brain homogenates biochemically and observed a significant correlation between our biochemical measurements and those that we measured by our object based Definiens system in the hippocampus. Assessment of Aβ plaque load in PS1APP mice using a manual segmentation technique (Image-Pro Plus) confirmed the results of our object-based image analysis approach. Image acquisition and analysis of 32 stained human slides and 100 mouse slides were executed in 8 h and 22 h, respectively supporting the relatively high throughput features of the Definiens platform. The data show that digital imaging combined with object based image analysis is a reliable and efficient approach to quantifying Aβ plaques in human and mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry D Samaroo
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Alan C Opsahl
- Investigative Pathology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, USA
| | - Jan Schreiber
- Definiens AG, Trappentreustrasse 1, 80339 München, Germany
| | - Sharon M O'Neill
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Michael Marconi
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Jessie Qian
- Investigative Pathology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, USA
| | - Santos Carvajal-Gonzalez
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Barbara Tate
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Anthony J Milici
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Kelly R Bales
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| | - Diane T Stephenson
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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