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Fekete M, Major D, Feher A, Fazekas-Pongor V, Lehoczki A. Geroscience and pathology: a new frontier in understanding age-related diseases. Pathol Oncol Res 2024; 30:1611623. [PMID: 38463143 PMCID: PMC10922957 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2024.1611623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Geroscience, a burgeoning discipline at the intersection of aging and disease, aims to unravel the intricate relationship between the aging process and pathogenesis of age-related diseases. This paper explores the pivotal role played by geroscience in reshaping our understanding of pathology, with a particular focus on age-related diseases. These diseases, spanning cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, malignancies, and neurodegenerative conditions, significantly contribute to the morbidity and mortality of older individuals. We delve into the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence, and elucidate their profound implications for the pathogenesis of various age-related diseases. Emphasis is placed on the importance of assessing key biomarkers of aging and biological age within the realm of pathology. We also scrutinize the interplay between cellular senescence and cancer biology as a central area of focus, underscoring its paramount significance in contemporary pathological research. Moreover, we shed light on the integration of anti-aging interventions that target fundamental aging processes, such as senolytics, mitochondria-targeted treatments, and interventions that influence epigenetic regulation within the domain of pathology research. In conclusion, the integration of geroscience concepts into pathological research heralds a transformative paradigm shift in our understanding of disease pathogenesis and promises breakthroughs in disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fekete
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Major
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agnes Feher
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Andrea Lehoczki
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Departments of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, South Pest Central Hospital, National Institute of Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Saint Ladislaus Campus, Budapest, Hungary
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Wu D, Bi X, Chow KHM. Identification of female-enriched and disease-associated microglia (FDAMic) contributes to sexual dimorphism in late-onset Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:1. [PMID: 38178204 PMCID: PMC10765928 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02987-4] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is the most common form of dementia; it disproportionally affects women in terms of both incidence rates and severity of progression. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this clinical phenomenon remain elusive and ill-defined. METHODS In-depth analyses were performed with multiple human LOAD single-nucleus transcriptome datasets to thoroughly characterize cell populations in the cerebral cortex. ROSMAP bulk human brain tissue transcriptome and DNA methylome datasets were also included for validation. Detailed assessments of microglial cell subpopulations and their relevance to sex-biased changes at the tissue level were performed. Clinical trait associations, cell evolutionary trajectories, and transcription regulon analyses were conducted. RESULTS The relative numbers of functionally defective microglia were aberrantly increased uniquely among affected females. Substratification of the microglia into different subtypes according to their transcriptomic signatures identified a group of female-enriched and disease-associated microglia (FDAMic), the numbers of which were positively associated with disease severity. Phenotypically, these cells exhibit transcriptomic signatures that support active proliferation, MHC class II autoantigen presentation and amyloid-β binding, but they are also likely defective in phagocytosis. FDAMic are likely evolved from female activated response microglia (ARMic) with an APOE4 background and compromised estrogen receptor (ER) signaling that is deemed to be active among most subtypes of microglia. CONCLUSION This study offered important insights at both the cellular and molecular levels into how ER signaling affects microglial heterogeneity and function. FDAMic are associated with more advanced pathologies and severe trends of cognitive decline. Their emergence could, at least in part, explain the phenomenon of greater penetrance of the APOE4 genotype found in females. The biases of FDAMic emergence toward female sex and APOE4 status may also explain why hormone replacement therapy is more effective in APOE4 carriers. The pathologic nature of FDAMic suggests that selective modulations of these cells may help to regain brain neuroimmune homeostasis, serving as a new target for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Xiaoman Bi
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Information and Engineering, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Kim Hei-Man Chow
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
- Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
- Nexus of Rare Neurodegenerative Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
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Ungvari A, Gulej R, Csik B, Mukli P, Negri S, Tarantini S, Yabluchanskiy A, Benyo Z, Csiszar A, Ungvari Z. The Role of Methionine-Rich Diet in Unhealthy Cerebrovascular and Brain Aging: Mechanisms and Implications for Cognitive Impairment. Nutrients 2023; 15:4662. [PMID: 37960316 PMCID: PMC10650229 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As aging societies in the western world face a growing prevalence of vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD), understanding their underlying causes and associated risk factors becomes increasingly critical. A salient concern in the western dietary context is the high consumption of methionine-rich foods such as red meat. The present review delves into the impact of this methionine-heavy diet and the resultant hyperhomocysteinemia on accelerated cerebrovascular and brain aging, emphasizing their potential roles in cognitive impairment. Through a comprehensive exploration of existing evidence, a link between high methionine intake and hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and accelerated epigenetic aging is drawn. Moreover, the microvascular determinants of cognitive deterioration, including endothelial dysfunction, reduced cerebral blood flow, microvascular rarefaction, impaired neurovascular coupling, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, are explored. The mechanisms by which excessive methionine consumption and hyperhomocysteinemia might drive cerebromicrovascular and brain aging processes are elucidated. By presenting an intricate understanding of the relationships among methionine-rich diets, hyperhomocysteinemia, cerebrovascular and brain aging, and cognitive impairment, avenues for future research and potential therapeutic interventions are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ungvari
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rafal Gulej
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Boglarka Csik
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Mukli
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sharon Negri
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Zoltan Benyo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary;
- Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Translational Medicine, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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