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Ravizza T, Scheper M, Di Sapia R, Gorter J, Aronica E, Vezzani A. mTOR and neuroinflammation in epilepsy: implications for disease progression and treatment. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:334-350. [PMID: 38531962 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy remains a major health concern as anti-seizure medications frequently fail, and there is currently no treatment to stop or prevent epileptogenesis, the process underlying the onset and progression of epilepsy. The identification of the pathological processes underlying epileptogenesis is instrumental to the development of drugs that may prevent the generation of seizures or control pharmaco-resistant seizures, which affect about 30% of patients. mTOR signalling and neuroinflammation have been recognized as critical pathways that are activated in brain cells in epilepsy. They represent a potential node of biological convergence in structural epilepsies with either a genetic or an acquired aetiology. Interventional studies in animal models and clinical studies give strong support to the involvement of each pathway in epilepsy. In this Review, we focus on available knowledge about the pathophysiological features of mTOR signalling and the neuroinflammatory brain response, and their interactions, in epilepsy. We discuss mitigation strategies for each pathway that display therapeutic effects in experimental and clinical epilepsy. A deeper understanding of these interconnected molecular cascades could enhance our strategies for managing epilepsy. This could pave the way for new treatments to fill the gaps in the development of preventative or disease-modifying drugs, thus overcoming the limitations of current symptomatic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Ravizza
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rossella Di Sapia
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Jan Gorter
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands.
| | - Annamaria Vezzani
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
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2
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Curatolo P, Scheper M, Emberti Gialloreti L, Specchio N, Aronica E. Is tuberous sclerosis complex-associated autism a preventable and treatable disorder? World J Pediatr 2024; 20:40-53. [PMID: 37878130 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00762-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder caused by inactivating mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes, causing overactivation of the mechanistic (previously referred to as mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in fetal life. The mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in several brain processes leading to TSC-related epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pre-natal or early post-natal diagnosis of TSC is now possible in a growing number of pre-symptomatic infants. DATA SOURCES We searched PubMed for peer-reviewed publications published between January 2010 and April 2023 with the terms "tuberous sclerosis", "autism", or "autism spectrum disorder"," animal models", "preclinical studies", "neurobiology", and "treatment". RESULTS Prospective studies have highlighted that developmental trajectories in TSC infants who were later diagnosed with ASD already show motor, visual and social communication skills in the first year of life delays. Reliable genetic, cellular, electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers can identify pre-symptomatic TSC infants at high risk for having autism and epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Preventing epilepsy or improving therapy for seizures associated with prompt and tailored treatment strategies for autism in a sensitive developmental time window could have the potential to mitigate autistic symptoms in infants with TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Orticello M, Cavallaro RA, Antinori D, Raia T, Lucarelli M, Fuso A. Amyloidogenic and Neuroinflammatory Molecular Pathways Are Contrasted Using Menaquinone 4 (MK4) and Reduced Menaquinone 7 (MK7R) in Association with Increased DNA Methylation in SK-N-BE Neuroblastoma Cell Line. Cells 2023; 13:58. [PMID: 38201262 PMCID: PMC10778373 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010058] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Besides its role in coagulation, vitamin K seems to be involved in various other mechanisms, including inflammation and age-related diseases, also at the level of gene expression. This work examined the roles of two vitamin K2 (menaquinones) vitamers, namely, menaquinone-4 (MK4) and reduced menaquinone-7 (MK7R), as gene modulator compounds, as well as their potential role in the epigenetic regulation of genes involved in amyloidogenesis and neuroinflammation. The SK-N-BE human neuroblastoma cells provided a "first-line" model for screening the neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative molecular pathways. MK7R, being a new vitamin K form, was first tested in terms of solubilization, uptake and cell viability, together with MK4 as an endogenous control. We assessed the expression of key factors in amyloidogenesis and neuroinflammation, observing that the MK7R treatment was associated with the downregulation of neurodegeneration- (PSEN1 and BACE1) and neuroinflammation- (IL-1β and IL-6) associated genes, whereas genes retaining protective roles toward amiloidogenesis were upregulated (ADAM10 and ADAM17). By profiling the DNA methylation patterns of genes known to be epigenetically regulated, we observed a correlation between hypermethylation and the downregulation of PSEN1, IL-1β and IL-6. These results suggest a possible role of MK7R in the treatment of cognitive impairment, giving a possible base for further preclinical experiments in animal models of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Orticello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy (D.A.); (T.R.); (M.L.)
| | | | - Daniele Antinori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy (D.A.); (T.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Tiziana Raia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy (D.A.); (T.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy (D.A.); (T.R.); (M.L.)
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Fuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy (D.A.); (T.R.); (M.L.)
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4
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Schaffner SL, Kobor MS. DNA methylation as a mediator of genetic and environmental influences on Parkinson's disease susceptibility: Impacts of alpha-Synuclein, physical activity, and pesticide exposure on the epigenome. Front Genet 2022; 13:971298. [PMID: 36061205 PMCID: PMC9437223 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.971298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a complex etiology and increasing prevalence worldwide. As PD is influenced by a combination of genetic and environment/lifestyle factors in approximately 90% of cases, there is increasing interest in identification of the interindividual mechanisms underlying the development of PD as well as actionable lifestyle factors that can influence risk. This narrative review presents an outline of the genetic and environmental factors contributing to PD risk and explores the possible roles of cytosine methylation and hydroxymethylation in the etiology and/or as early-stage biomarkers of PD, with an emphasis on epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of PD conducted over the past decade. Specifically, we focused on variants in the SNCA gene, exposure to pesticides, and physical activity as key contributors to PD risk. Current research indicates that these factors individually impact the epigenome, particularly at the level of CpG methylation. There is also emerging evidence for interaction effects between genetic and environmental contributions to PD risk, possibly acting across multiple omics layers. We speculated that this may be one reason for the poor replicability of the results of EWAS for PD reported to date. Our goal is to provide direction for future epigenetics studies of PD to build upon existing foundations and leverage large datasets, new technologies, and relevant statistical approaches to further elucidate the etiology of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Schaffner
- Edwin S. H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Edwin S. H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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5
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Unexpected Effect of IL-1β on the Function of GABA A Receptors in Pediatric Focal Cortical Dysplasia. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060807. [PMID: 35741692 PMCID: PMC9220988 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II is an epileptogenic malformation of the neocortex, as well as a leading cause of drug-resistant focal epilepsy in children and young adults. The synaptic dysfunctions leading to intractable seizures in this disease appear to have a tight relationship with the immaturity of GABAergic neurotransmission. The likely outcome would include hyperpolarizing responses upon activation of GABAARs. In addition, it is well-established that neuroinflammation plays a relevant role in the pathogenesis of FCD type II. Here, we investigated whether IL-1β, a prototypical pro-inflammatory cytokine, can influence GABAergic neurotransmission in FCD brain tissues. To this purpose, we carried out electrophysiological recordings on Xenopus oocytes transplanted with human tissues and performed a transcriptomics analysis. We found that IL-1β decreases the GABA currents amplitude in tissue samples from adult individuals, while it potentiates GABA responses in samples from pediatric cases. Interestingly, these cases of pediatric FCD were characterized by a more depolarized EGABA and an altered transcriptomics profile, that revealed an up-regulation of chloride cotransporter NKCC1 and IL-1β. Altogether, these results suggest that the neuroinflammatory processes and altered chloride homeostasis can contribute together to increase the brain excitability underlying the occurrence of seizures in these children.
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6
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Khalil BA, Shakartalla SB, Goel S, Madkhana B, Halwani R, Maghazachi AA, AlSafar H, Al-Omari B, Al Bataineh MT. Immune Profiling of COVID-19 in Correlation with SARS and MERS. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010164. [PMID: 35062368 PMCID: PMC8778004 DOI: 10.3390/v14010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major complication of the respiratory illness coronavirus disease 2019, with a death rate reaching up to 40%. The main underlying cause of ARDS is a cytokine storm that results in a dysregulated immune response. This review discusses the role of cytokines and chemokines in SARS-CoV-2 and its predecessors SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, with particular emphasis on the elevated levels of inflammatory mediators that are shown to be correlated with disease severity. For this purpose, we reviewed and analyzed clinical studies, research articles, and reviews published on PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. This review illustrates the role of the innate and adaptive immune responses in SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 and identifies the general cytokine and chemokine profile in each of the three infections, focusing on the most prominent inflammatory mediators primarily responsible for the COVID-19 pathogenesis. The current treatment protocols or medications in clinical trials were reviewed while focusing on those targeting cytokines and chemokines. Altogether, the identified cytokines and chemokines profiles in SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 provide important information to better understand SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and highlight the importance of using prominent inflammatory mediators as markers for disease diagnosis and management. Our findings recommend that the use of immunosuppression cocktails provided to patients should be closely monitored and continuously assessed to maintain the desirable effects of cytokines and chemokines needed to fight the SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. The current gap in evidence is the lack of large clinical trials to determine the optimal and effective dosage and timing for a therapeutic regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bariaa A. Khalil
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.K.); (S.B.S.); (S.G.); (B.M.); (R.H.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Sarra B. Shakartalla
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.K.); (S.B.S.); (S.G.); (B.M.); (R.H.); (A.A.M.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Wad Medani 2667, Sudan
| | - Swati Goel
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.K.); (S.B.S.); (S.G.); (B.M.); (R.H.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Bushra Madkhana
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.K.); (S.B.S.); (S.G.); (B.M.); (R.H.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.K.); (S.B.S.); (S.G.); (B.M.); (R.H.); (A.A.M.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Azzam A. Maghazachi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.K.); (S.B.S.); (S.G.); (B.M.); (R.H.); (A.A.M.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba AlSafar
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates; or
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Emirates Bio-Research Center, Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 389, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basem Al-Omari
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates; or
- KU Research and Data Intelligence Support Center (RDISC) AW 8474000331, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (B.A.-O.); (M.T.A.B.)
| | - Mohammad T. Al Bataineh
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates; or
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (B.A.-O.); (M.T.A.B.)
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7
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Zimmer TS, Korotkov A, Zwakenberg S, Jansen FE, Zwartkruis FJT, Rensing NR, Wong M, Mühlebner A, van Vliet EA, Aronica E, Mills JD. Upregulation of the pathogenic transcription factor SPI1/PU.1 in tuberous sclerosis complex and focal cortical dysplasia by oxidative stress. Brain Pathol 2021; 31:e12949. [PMID: 33786950 PMCID: PMC8412124 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a congenital disorder characterized by cortical malformations and concomitant epilepsy caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the mTOR suppressors TSC1 or TSC2. While the underlying molecular changes caused by mTOR activation in TSC have previously been investigated, the drivers of these transcriptional change have not been fully elucidated. A better understanding of the perturbed transcriptional regulation could lead to the identification of novel pathways for therapeutic intervention not only in TSC, but other genetic epilepsies in which mTOR activation plays a key role, such as focal cortical dysplasia 2b (FCD). Here, we analyzed RNA sequencing data from cortical tubers and a tsc2−/− zebrafish. We identified differential expression of the transcription factors (TFs) SPI1/PU.1, IRF8, GBX2, and IKZF1 of which SPI1/PU.1 and IRF8 targets were enriched among the differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, for SPI1/PU.1 these findings were conserved in TSC zebrafish model. Next, we confirmed overexpression of SPI1/PU.1 on the RNA and protein level in a separate cohort of surgically resected TSC tubers and FCD tissue, in fetal TSC tissue, and a Tsc1GFAP−/− mouse model of TSC. Subsequently, we validated the expression of SPI1/PU.1 in dysmorphic cells with mTOR activation in TSC tubers. In fetal TSC, we detected SPI1/PU.1 expression prenatally and elevated RNA Spi1 expression in Tsc1GFAP−/− mice before the development of seizures. Finally, in vitro, we identified that in astrocytes and neurons SPI1 transcription was driven by H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, independent of mTOR. We identified SPI1/PU.1 as a novel TF involved in the pro‐inflammatory gene expression of malformed cells in TSC and FCD 2b. This transcriptional program is activated in response to oxidative stress and already present prenatally. Importantly, SPI1/PU.1 protein appears to be strictly limited to malformed cells, as we did not find SPI1/PU.1 protein expression in mice nor in our in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till S Zimmer
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anatoly Korotkov
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Zwakenberg
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Floor E Jansen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Fried J T Zwartkruis
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Michael Wong
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin A van Vliet
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - James D Mills
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL, London, UK.,Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
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8
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Monti N, Cavallaro RA, Stoccoro A, Nicolia V, Scarpa S, Kovacs GG, Fiorenza MT, Lucarelli M, Aronica E, Ferrer I, Coppedè F, Troen AM, Fuso A. CpG and non-CpG Presenilin1 methylation pattern in course of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration is associated with gene expression in human and murine brain. Epigenetics 2020; 15:781-799. [PMID: 32019393 PMCID: PMC7518704 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1722917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Presenilin1 (PSEN1) gene encodes the catalytic peptide of the γ-secretase complex, a key enzyme that cleaves the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), to generate the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, involved in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Other substrates of the γ-secretase, such as E-cadherin and Notch1, are involved in neurodevelopment and haematopoiesis. Gene-specific DNA methylation influences PSEN1 expression in AD animal models. Here we evaluated canonical and non-canonical cytosine methylation patterns of the PSEN1 5'-flanking during brain development and AD progression, in DNA extracted from the frontal cortex of AD transgenic mice (TgCRND8) and post-mortem human brain. Mapping CpG and non-CpG methylation revealed different methylation profiles in mice and humans. PSEN1 expression only correlated with DNA methylation in adult female mice. However, in post-mortem human brain, lower methylation, both at CpG and non-CpG sites, correlated closely with higher PSEN1 expression during brain development and in disease progression. PSEN1 methylation in blood DNA was significantly lower in AD patients than in controls. The present study is the first to demonstrate a temporal correlation between dynamic changes in PSEN1 CpG and non-CpG methylation patterns and mRNA expression during neurodevelopment and AD neurodegeneration. These observations were made possible by the use of an improved bisulphite methylation assay employing primers that are not biased towards non-CpG methylation. Our findings deepen the understanding of γ-secretase regulation and support the hypothesis that epigenetic changes can promote the pathophysiology of AD. Moreover, they suggest that PSEN1 DNA methylation in peripheral blood may provide a biomarker for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Monti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Surgery “P. Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzina Nicolia
- Department of Surgery “P. Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sigfrido Scarpa
- Department of Surgery “P. Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabor G. Kovacs
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorenza
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Neuropathology, Service of Pathology, Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Hospitalet De Llobregat, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Aron M. Troen
- Nutrition and Brain Health Laboratory, the Institute of Biochemistry Food and Nutrition Science, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture Food and the Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andrea Fuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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9
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Liu A, Sun Y, Wang X, Ihsan A, Tao Y, Chen D, Peng D, Wu Q, Wang X, Yuan Z. DNA methylation is involved in pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in T-2 toxin-induced liver injury. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 132:110661. [PMID: 31279042 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Currently, T-2 toxin has been reported to cause liver toxicity with the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation; however, the underlying mechanism of T-2 toxin-induced liver injury is not fully understood. Increasing lines of evidence show that DNA methylation affects the expression of inflammatory cytokine, and plays a crucial role in autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, the potential role of DNA methylation in the hepatotoxicity of T-2 toxin has not been explored. In this study, female Wistar rats were given a single dose of T-2 toxin at 2 mg/kg b.w. and were sacrificed at 1, 3 and 7 days post-exposure. In vitro, a normal rat liver cell line (BRL) was exposed to different concentrations of T-2 toxin. Histopathological analysis was used to investigate damage to the liver, which was detected at the molecular level by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical assays, methylation-specific PCR (MSP), bisulfite sequencing (BSP), and flow cytometry. The results showed that T-2 toxin significantly increased the levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A), which were mainly concentrated at the site of liver injury. The 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) level of genomic DNA was also raised in T-2 toxin-treated rat livers. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-11, IL-1α, and TNF-α) increased both in vivo and in vitro under T-2 toxin treatment. Notably, DNA demethylation directly increased the expression of cytokines IL-11, IL-6, IL-α, and TNF-α under T-2 toxin exposure. DNA methylation inhibitors combined with T-2 toxin directly or indirectly induced the production of inflammatory cytokines and aggravate cell apoptosis. Our study uncovered for the first time that DNA methylation is related to the expression of inflammatory cytokines in T-2 toxin-induced liver injury. These findings suggested that DNA methylation is a potential mechanism of T-2 toxin-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimei Liu
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yaqi Sun
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Awais Ihsan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus, Pakistan
| | - Yanfei Tao
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongmei Chen
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Dapeng Peng
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 50003, Czech Republic.
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei, 430070, China.
| | - Zonghui Yuan
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Hubei, 430070, China; Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, Wuhan, China
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10
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Neuroinflammatory pathways as treatment targets and biomarkers in epilepsy. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15:459-472. [DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0217-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Fuso A, Lucarelli M. CpG and Non-CpG Methylation in the Diet–Epigenetics–Neurodegeneration Connection. Curr Nutr Rep 2019; 8:74-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s13668-019-0266-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Abstract
Textbook and scientific papers addressing DNA methylation usually still cite “DNA methylation occurs at CpG cytosines”. Methylation at cytosines outside the CpG nucleotide, the so-called “non-CpG methylation”, is usually considered a minor and not biologically relevant process. However, the technical improvements and additional studies in epigenetics have demonstrated that non-CpG methylation is present with frequency higher than previously thought and retains biological activity, potentially relevant to the understanding and the treatment of human diseases.
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Ravizza T, Vezzani A. Pharmacological targeting of brain inflammation in epilepsy: Therapeutic perspectives from experimental and clinical studies. Epilepsia Open 2018; 3:133-142. [PMID: 30564772 PMCID: PMC6293065 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports a pathogenic role of unabated neuroinflammation in various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including epilepsy. Neuroinflammation is not a bystander phenomenon of the diseased brain tissue, but it may contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability underlying seizure generation, cell loss, and neurologic comorbidities. Several molecules, which constitute the inflammatory milieu in the epileptogenic area, activate signaling pathways in neurons and glia resulting in pathologic modifications of cell function, which ultimately lead to alterations in synaptic transmission and plasticity. Herein we report the up-to-date experimental and clinical evidence that supports the neuromodulatory role of inflammatory mediators, their related signaling pathways, and involvement in epilepsy. We discuss how these mechanisms can be harnessed to discover and validate targets for novel therapeutics, which may prevent or control pharmacoresistant epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Ravizza
- Department of NeuroscienceIRCCS – Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological ResearchMilanoItaly
| | - Annamaria Vezzani
- Department of NeuroscienceIRCCS – Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological ResearchMilanoItaly
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Abstract
A rapidly growing body of evidence supports the premise that neuroinflammation plays an important role in initiating and sustaining seizures in a range of pediatric epilepsies. Clinical and experimental evidence indicate that neuroinflammation is both an outcome and a contributor to seizures. In this manner, seizures that arise from an initial insult (e.g. infection, trauma, genetic mutation) contribute to an inflammatory response that subsequently promotes recurrent seizures. This cyclical relationship between seizures and neuroinflammation has been described as a 'vicious cycle.' Studies of human tissue resected for surgical treatment of refractory epilepsy have reported activated inflammatory and immune signaling pathways, while animal models have been used to demonstrate that key inflammatory mediators lead to increased seizure susceptibility. Further characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in this cycle may ultimately enable the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of epilepsy. In this brief review we focus on key inflammatory mediators that have become prominent in recent literature of epilepsy, including newly characterized microRNAs and their potential role in neuroinflammatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Bagla
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Room 3L22, Children's Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Alan A Dombkowski
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pediatrics, Room 3L22, Children's Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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15
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van Vliet EA, Aronica E, Vezzani A, Ravizza T. Review: Neuroinflammatory pathways as treatment targets and biomarker candidates in epilepsy: emerging evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2018; 44:91-111. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. A. van Vliet
- Department of (Neuro)pathology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - E. Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)pathology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences; Center for Neuroscience; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN); Cruquius The Netherlands
| | - A. Vezzani
- Department of Neuroscience; IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri; Milano Italy
| | - T. Ravizza
- Department of Neuroscience; IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri; Milano Italy
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16
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Curatolo P, Moavero R, van Scheppingen J, Aronica E. mTOR dysregulation and tuberous sclerosis-related epilepsy. Expert Rev Neurother 2018; 18:185-201. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2018.1428562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Moavero
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Child Neurology Unit, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Jackelien van Scheppingen
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), The Netherlands
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17
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Dinicola S, Proietti S, Cucina A, Bizzarri M, Fuso A. Alpha-Lipoic Acid Downregulates IL-1β and IL-6 by DNA Hypermethylation in SK-N-BE Neuroblastoma Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2017; 6:antiox6040074. [PMID: 28954414 PMCID: PMC5745484 DOI: 10.3390/antiox6040074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a pleiotropic molecule with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, of which the effects are exerted through the modulation of NF-kB. This nuclear factor, in fact, modulates different inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1b and IL-6, in different tissues and cell types. We recently showed that IL-1b and IL-6 DNA methylation is modulated in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients, and that IL-1b expression is associated to DNA methylation in the brain of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. These results prompted us to ask whether ALA-induced repression of IL-1b and IL-6 was dependent on DNA methylation. Therefore, we profiled DNA methylation in the 5'-flanking region of the two aforementioned genes in SK-N-BE human neuroblastoma cells cultured in presence of ALA 0.5 mM. Our experimental data pointed out that the two promoters are hypermethylated in cells supplemented with ALA, both at CpG and non-CpG sites. Moreover, the observed hypermethylation is associated with decreased mRNA expression and decreased cytokine release. These results reinforce previous findings indicating that IL-1b and IL-6 undergo DNA methylation-dependent modulation in neural models and pave the road to study the epigenetic mechanisms triggered by ALA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Dinicola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Sara Proietti
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via Antonio Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via Antonio Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Fuso
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Via Antonio Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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19
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Auvin S, Walker L, Gallentine W, Jozwiak S, Tombini M, Sills GJ. Prospective clinical trials to investigate clinical and molecular biomarkers. Epilepsia 2017; 58 Suppl 3:20-26. [PMID: 28675556 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Among clinical studies, randomized studies as well as well-designed observational studies are providing the highest quality data. In addition, these studies represent a good opportunity to examine biomarkers of ictogenesis and epileptogenesis. To date, no validated molecular or cellular biomarker exists for any aspect of epilepsy. We provide an overview of the inflammatory biomarkers under investigation in prospective clinical studies in epilepsy: proinflammatory cytokines in prolonged febrile seizure; High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) as a prognosis biomarker in epilepsy and the interaction between inflammation and metabolism, in particular, iron metabolism, in epilepsy. The designs of the European Union EPISTOP project following prospectively patients with tuberous sclerosis from birth to the start of the epilepsy and of the Standard and New Antiepileptic Drugs-II study illustrate how such studies can be used to find new inflammatory biomarkers of ictogenesis and epileptogenesis. If we want to bridge the current gap between having numerous biomarker candidates from preclinical studies and their selective use in clinical practice, we need to explore multiple biologic systems, not just including inflammation. In addition, it is crucial that those involved in the design and support of relevant clinical studies recognize this gap and act accordingly, and in the interests of improving the diagnosis and prognosis for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Auvin
- Pediatric Neurology Department & INSERM U1141, Robert-Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Lauren Walker
- Department of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - William Gallentine
- Department of Pediatrics (Neurology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A
| | - Sergiusz Jozwiak
- Department of Child Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mario Tombini
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Graeme J Sills
- Department of Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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20
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Nicolia V, Cavallaro RA, López-González I, Maccarrone M, Scarpa S, Ferrer I, Fuso A. DNA Methylation Profiles of Selected Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Alzheimer Disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2017; 76:27-31. [PMID: 28053004 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlw099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
By means of functional genomics analysis, we recently described the mRNA expression profiles of various genes involved in the neuroinflammatory response in the brains of subjects with late-onset Alzheimer Disease (LOAD). Some of these genes, namely interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, showed distinct expression profiles with peak expression during the first stages of the disease and control-like levels at later stages. IL-1β and IL-6 genes are modulated by DNA methylation in different chronic and degenerative diseases; it is also well known that LOAD may have an epigenetic basis. Indeed, we and others have previously reported gene-specific DNA methylation alterations in LOAD and in related animal models. Based on these data, we studied the DNA methylation profiles, at single cytosine resolution, of IL-1β and IL-6 5'-flanking region by bisulphite modification in the cortex of healthy controls and LOAD patients at 2 different disease stages: Braak I-II/A and Braak V-VI/C. Our analysis provides evidence that neuroinflammation in LOAD is associated with (and possibly mediated by) epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irene López-González
- Neuropathology, Service of Pathology, Bellvitge University Hospital; and University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de LLobregat, Spain
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sigfrido Scarpa
- Department of Surgery "P. Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Department of Surgery "P. Valdoni", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.,Neuropathology, Service of Pathology, Bellvitge University Hospital; and University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de LLobregat, Spain
| | - Andrea Fuso
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Samueli S, Abraham K, Dressler A, Gröppel G, Mühlebner-Fahrngruber A, Scholl T, Kasprian G, Laccone F, Feucht M. Efficacy and safety of Everolimus in children with TSC - associated epilepsy - Pilot data from an open single-center prospective study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:145. [PMID: 27809914 PMCID: PMC5094073 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0530-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy occurs in up to 90 % of all individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). In 67 % disease onset is during childhood. In ≥ 50 % seizures are refractory to currently available treatment options. The mTOR-Inhibitor Everolimus (Votubia®) was approved for the treatment of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) and renal angiomyolipoma (AML) in Europe in 2011. It's anticonvulsive/antiepileptic properties are promising, but evidence is still limited. Study aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Everolimus in children and adolescents with TSC-associated epilepsies. METHODS Inclusion-criteria of this investigator-initiated, single-center, open, prospective study were: 1) the ascertained diagnosis of TSC; 2) age ≤ 18 years; 3) treatment indication for Votubia® according to the European Commission guidelines; 4) drug-resistant TSC-associated epilepsy, 5) prospective continuous follow-up for at least 6 months after treatment initiation and 6) informed consent to participate. Votubia® was orally administered once/day, starting with 4.5 mg/m2 and titrated to achieve blood trough concentrations between 5 and 15 ng/ml. Primary endpoint was the reduction in seizure frequency of ≥ 50 % compared to baseline. RESULTS Fifteen patients (nine male) with a median age of six (range; 1-18) years fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 26 % (4/15) had TSC1, 66 % (10/15) had TSC2 mutations. In one patient no mutation was found. Time of observation after treatment initiation was median 22 (range; 6-50) months. At last observation, 80 % (12/15) of the patients were responders, 58 % of them (7/12) were seizure free. The overall reduction in seizure frequency was 60 % in focal seizures, 80 % in generalized tonic clonic seizures and 87 % in drop attacks. The effect of Everolimus was seen already at low doses, early after treatment initiation. Loss of efficacy over time was not observed. Transient side effects were seen in 93 % (14/15) of the patients. In no case the drug had to be withdrawn. CONCLUSION Everolimus seems to be an effective treatment option not only for SEGA and AML, but also for TSC-related epilepsies. Although there are potential serious side effects, treatment was tolerated well by the majority of patients, provided that patients are under close surveillance of epileptologists who are familiar with immunosuppressive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Samueli
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Abraham
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anastasia Dressler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Gröppel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Theresa Scholl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Kasprian
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franco Laccone
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martha Feucht
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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