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Wang X, Wu Y, Tian Y, Hu H, Zhao Y, Xue B, Sun Z, Wei A, Xie F, Qian LJ. GLUT1-mediated microglial proinflammatory activation contributes to the development of stress-induced spatial learning and memory dysfunction in mice. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:48. [PMID: 38627830 PMCID: PMC11020476 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a recognized risk factor for cognitive decline, which triggers neuroinflammation involving microglial activation. However, the specific mechanism for microglial activation under stress and affects learning and memory remains unclear. METHODS The chronic stress mouse model was utilized to explore the relationship between microglial activation and spatial memory impairment. The effect of hippocampal hyperglycemia on microglial activation was evaluated through hippocampal glucose-infusion and the incubation of BV2 cells with high glucose. The gain-and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to investigate the role of GLUT1 in microglial proinflammatory activation. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) was employed to specifically knockdown of GLUT1 in hippocampal microglia to assess its impact on stressed-mice. RESULTS Herein, we found that chronic stress induced remarkable hippocampal microglial proinflammatory activation and neuroinflammation, which were involved in the development of stress-related spatial learning and memory impairment. Mechanistically, elevated hippocampal glucose level post-stress was revealed to be a key regulator of proinflammatory microglial activation via specifically increasing the expression of microglial GLUT1. GLUT1 overexpression promoted microglial proinflammatory phenotype while inhibiting GLUT1 function mitigated this effect under high glucose. Furthermore, specific downregulation of hippocampal microglial GLUT1 in stressed-mice relieved microglial proinflammatory activation, neuroinflammation, and spatial learning and memory injury. Finally, the NF-κB signaling pathway was demonstrated to be involved in the regulatory effect of GLUT1 on microglia. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that elevated glucose and GLUT1 expression induce microglia proinflammatory activation, contributing to stress-associated spatial memory dysfunction. These findings highlight significant interplay between metabolism and inflammation, presenting a possible therapeutic target for stress-related cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yuhan Wu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yingrui Tian
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, 400050, China
| | - Hui Hu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Binghua Xue
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Zhaowei Sun
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Aijun Wei
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Fang Xie
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Ling-Jia Qian
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China.
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Ünal GÖ, Erkılınç G, Öztürk KH, Doguç DK, Özmen Ö. The beneficial effects of vortioxetine on BDNF, CREB, S100B, β amyloid, and glutamate NR2b receptors in chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2499-2513. [PMID: 37555927 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06445-0] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression, one of the most significant mental disorders, is still poorly understood in terms of its pathogenetic mechanisms despite its well-recognized association with stress. OBJECTIVES The current study's goal was to ascertain how the novel antidepressant drug vortioxetine (VOR) affected the BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), S100, amyloid β (Aβ), CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein), and NR2B, as well as its impact on depression-like behaviors, and tissue damage in an experimental rodent model of depression caused by chronic unpredictable stress. METHODS We employed twenty-eight Wistar albino male rats, and we randomly divided them into four groups, each consisting of 7 rats: control, CUMS (chronic unpredictable mild stress), CUMS+vortioxetine (CUMS+VOR), and CUMS+fluoxetine (CUMS+FLU). Sucrose preference and forced swimming tests (SPT and FST, respectively), PCR, ELISA, and histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation were made on brains. RESULTS The behaviors of reduced immobility in the FST and increased sucrose preference were observed in the CUMS group and they improved in the groups treated with VOR and FLU. Compared with the control group, the group exposed to CUMS showed increased Aβ and decreased BDNF, CREB, and S-100 expressions, as well as neuronal degeneration (p<0.001). VOR and FLU treatment ameliorate the findings. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated significant ameliorative effects of VOR in an experimental model of chronic unpredictable depression to reduce brain tissue damage and depression-like behaviors in rats. Effects of CUMS on the brain and possible effects of VOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülin Özdamar Ünal
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Gamze Erkılınç
- Department of Pathology, Urla State Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Kuyaş Hekimler Öztürk
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Duygu Kumbul Doguç
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özmen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey.
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Wang Y, Hu H, Wu Y, Zhao Y, Xie F, Sun Z, Wang X, Qian L. Norepinephrine promotes neuronal apoptosis of hippocampal HT22 cells by up-regulating the expression of long non-coding RNA MALAT1. Stress 2023; 26:2252905. [PMID: 37632346 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2023.2252905] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is ever present in our modern, performance-oriented and demanding society, which causes adverse stress reactions of the body and affects health seriously. Chronic stress has been recognized as a significant risk factor leading to cognitive impairment, but the underlying mechanism is far from fully understood. Norepinephrine (NE), a pivotal stress-induced hormone, has been found to induce cell apoptosis. However, the function and the key downstream mediator of NE on the regulation of hippocampal neurons still need further exploration. In this study, we explored the role of NE in neuronal apoptosis and its association with MALAT1. Flow cytometry assay and automated western bot assay were carried out to evaluate the cell apoptosis. The data showed that the rate of apoptosis rate and the levels of apoptotic proteins (cleaved-Caspase3 and cleaved-PARP) were significantly increased in HT22 cells after a high dose of NE treatment, suggesting a facilitative role of NE on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Besides, a high level of NE up-regulated the expression of MALAT1 in HT22 cells. Then, a lentivirus expressing MALAT1 shRNA was constructed to investigate the role of MALAT1 in cell apoptosis and the results revealed that MALAT1 depletion decreased the cell apoptosis. Moreover, the knockdown of MALAT1 abolished the discrepancy in apoptosis between NE-treated cells and control cells. In conclusion, a high level of the stress-induced hormone NE promoted apoptosis of hippocampal neurons by elevating the expression of MALAT1. Our findings provide new experimental data supporting the epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of stress response and may provide a potential therapeutic target for stress-related cognition dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hui Hu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuhan Wu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fang Xie
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhaowei Sun
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xue Wang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lingjia Qian
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
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Wei MD, Huang YY, Zeng Y, Lan YX, Lu K, Wang Y, Chen WY. Homocysteine Modulates Social Isolation-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors Through BDNF in Aged Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:4924-4934. [PMID: 37198386 PMCID: PMC10191402 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03377-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation is an unpleasant experience associated with an increased risk of mental disorders. Exploring whether these experiences affect behaviors in aged people is particularly important, as the elderly is very likely to suffer from periods of social isolation during their late-life. In this study, we analyzed the depressive-like behaviors, plasma concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy), and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels in aged mice undergoing social isolation. Results showed that depressive-like behavioral performance and decreased BDNF level were correlated with increased Hcy levels that were detected in 2-month isolated mice. Elevated Hcy induced by high methionine diet mimicked the depressive-like behaviors and BDNF downregulation in the same manner as social isolation, while administration of vitamin B complex supplements to reduce Hcy alleviated the depressive-like behaviors and BDNF reduction in socially isolated mice. Altogether, our results indicated that Hcy played a critical role in social isolation-induced depressive-like behaviors and BDNF reduction, suggesting the possibility of Hcy as a potential therapeutic target and vitamin B intake as a potential value in the prevention of stress-induced depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Dan Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ya-Yan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Xian Lan
- Department of Pharmacy, Minzu Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530001, Guangxi, China
| | - Kun Lu
- Department of Pediatric Orthopaedic, Zhengzhou Orthopaedics Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Ying Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
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Li JM, Hu T, Zhou XN, Zhang T, Guo JH, Wang MY, Wu YL, Su WJ, Jiang CL. The involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome in CUMS-induced AD-like pathological changes and related cognitive decline in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:112. [PMID: 37165444 PMCID: PMC10173607 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02791-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have found that inhibiting the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome can significantly improve depressive-like behaviors in mice, but the research on its effect on cognitive decline in depression and its mechanism is still lacking. This study aimed to elucidate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in cognitive decline in depression and explore the common neuro-immunological mechanisms of depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 5 weeks, treatment group was administered with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 (10 mg/kg, i.p.), fluoxetine served as positive control. Then, the mice were assessed for cognitive behaviors and depression-like behaviors, and changes of microglia and neurons in hippocampus and levels of Aβ metabolic pathway and tau protein were measured. To explore the mechanism of NLRP3 activation on neurons, we performed in vitro studies using BV2 microglia and mouse primary neurons. Furthermore, we focused on the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the function of neurons and the expression of AD pathological indicators. RESULTS CUMS induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive decline in mice, which could be reversed by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome. MCC950, a specific NLRP3 inhibitor, alleviated CUMS-induced neuron injury and AD-like pathological changes, including the abnormal expression of Aβ metabolic pathway and the hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein. LPS (1 μg/mL) + ATP (1 mM) treatment activated the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β in vitro. In vitro experiment also proved that inhibiting the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia can restore the Aβ metabolic pathway to normal, decrease neuronal tau protein phosphorylation and protect neurons. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome effectively alleviated CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive decline in mice, and inhibited the activation of AD physiological indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Mei Li
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Xiangyin Road 800, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Neurology, Navy 971st Hospital of PLA, Minjiang Road 22, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ting Hu
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Xiangyin Road 800, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhou
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Xiangyin Road 800, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Xiangyin Road 800, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jia-Hui Guo
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Xiangyin Road 800, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Min-Yuan Wang
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Xiangyin Road 800, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yi-Lin Wu
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Xiangyin Road 800, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Wen-Jun Su
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Xiangyin Road 800, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Chun-Lei Jiang
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Xiangyin Road 800, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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6
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Wang SD, Wang X, Zhao Y, Xue BH, Wang XT, Chen YX, Zhang ZQ, Tian YR, Xie F, Qian LJ. Homocysteine-Induced Disturbances in DNA Methylation Contribute to Development of Stress-Associated Cognitive Decline in Rats. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:887-900. [PMID: 35435568 PMCID: PMC9352847 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00852-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is generally accepted as the main risk factor in the development of cognitive decline; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous data have demonstrated that the levels of homocysteine (Hcy) are significantly elevated in the plasma of stressed animals, which suggests that Hcy is associated with stress and cognitive decline. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the cognitive function, plasma concentrations of Hcy, and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels in rats undergoing chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS). The results showed that decreased cognitive behavioral performance and decreased BDNF transcription and protein expression were correlated with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) levels in stressed rats. Diet-induced HHcy mimicked the cognitive decline and BDNF downregulation in the same manner as CUMS, while Hcy reduction (by means of vitamin B complex supplements) alleviated the cognitive deficits and BDNF reduction in CUMS rats. Furthermore, we also found that both stress and HHcy disturbed the DNA methylation process in the brain and induced DNA hypermethylation in the BDNF promoter. In contrast, control of Hcy blocked BDNF promoter methylation and upregulated BDNF levels in the brain. These results imply the possibility of a causal role of Hcy in stress-induced cognitive decline. We also used ten-eleven translocation (TET1), an enzyme that induces DNA demethylation, to verify the involvement of Hcy and DNA methylation in the regulation of BDNF expression and the development of stress-related cognitive decline. The data showed that TET1-expressing viral injection into the hippocampus inhibited BDNF promoter methylation and significantly mitigated the cognitive decline in HHcy rats. Taken together, novel evidence from the present study suggests that Hcy is likely involved in chronic stress-induced BDNF reduction and related cognitive deficits. In addition, the negative side-effects of HHcy may be associated with Hcy-induced DNA hypermethylation in the BDNF promoter. The results also suggest the possibility of Hcy as a target for therapy and the potential value of vitamin B intake in preventing stress-induced cognitive decline.
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7
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Li F, Wang Y, Wang X, Zhao Y, Xie F, Qian LJ. Dynamic effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress on the hippocampal transcriptome in rats. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:110. [PMID: 35119083 PMCID: PMC8845063 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress causes extensive changes in hippocampal genomic expression, leading to changes in hippocampal structure and function. The dynamic changes in hippocampal gene expression caused by stress of different durations are still unknown. mRNA sequencing was used to analyze the hippocampal transcriptome of rats subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) of different durations. Compared with the control, 501, 442 and 235 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the hippocampus of rats subjected to CUMS for 3 days and 2 and 6 weeks, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was used to determine the potential mechanism underlying the dynamic harmful effects of stress on the hippocampus; Certain GO terms of the down‑regulated DEGs in CUMS (3 days) rats were also found in the up‑regulated DEGs in CUMS (6 weeks) rats. These results showed opposing regulation patterns of DEGs between CUMS at 3 days and 6 weeks, which suggested a functional change from adaptation to damage in during the early and late stages of chronic stress. GO analysis for upregulated genes in rats subjected to CUMS for 3 days and 2 weeks suggested significant changes in 'extracellular matrix' and 'wound healing'. Upregulated genes in rats subjected to CUMS for 2 weeks were involved in changes associated with visual function. GO analysis of DEGs in rats subjected to CUMS for 6 weeks revealed increased expression of genes associated with 'apoptotic process' and 'aging' and decreased expression of those associated with inhibition of cell proliferation and cell structure. These results suggest that the early and middle stages of chronic stress primarily promote adaptive regulation and damage repair in the organism, while the late stage of chronic stress leads to damage in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Fang Xie
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Jia Qian
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
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8
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Rosas-Rodríguez JA, Valenzuela-Soto EM. The glycine betaine role in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal diseases: Insights into disease and dysfunction networks. Life Sci 2021; 285:119943. [PMID: 34516992 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glycine betaine (N, N, N-trimethyl amine) is an osmolyte accumulated in cells that is key for cell volume and turgor regulation, is the principal methyl donor in the methionine cycle and is a DNA and proteins stabilizer. In humans, glycine betaine is synthesized from choline and can be obtained from some foods. Glycine betaine (GB) roles are illustrated in chemical, metabolic, agriculture, and clinical medical studies due to its chemical and physiological properties. Several studies have extensively described GB role and accumulation related to specific pathologies, focusing mainly on analyzing its positive and negative role in these pathologies. However, it is necessary to explain the relationship between glycine betaine and different pathologies concerning its role as an antioxidant, ability to methylate DNA, interact with transcription factors and cell receptors, and participate in the control of homocysteine concentration in liver, kidney and brain. This review summarizes the most important findings and integrates GB role in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal diseases. Furthermore, we discuss GB impact on other dysfunctions as inflammation, oxidative stress, and glucose metabolism, to understand their cross-talks and provide reliable data to establish a base for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús A Rosas-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Sonora, Unidad Regional Sur, Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Elisa M Valenzuela-Soto
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Hermosillo 83304, Sonora, Mexico.
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Nieraad H, Pannwitz N, de Bruin N, Geisslinger G, Till U. Hyperhomocysteinemia: Metabolic Role and Animal Studies with a Focus on Cognitive Performance and Decline-A Review. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1546. [PMID: 34680179 PMCID: PMC8533891 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the one-carbon metabolism are often indicated by altered levels of the endogenous amino acid homocysteine (HCys), which is additionally discussed to causally contribute to diverse pathologies. In the first part of the present review, we profoundly and critically discuss the metabolic role and pathomechanisms of HCys, as well as its potential impact on different human disorders. The use of adequate animal models can aid in unravelling the complex pathological processes underlying the role of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCys). Therefore, in the second part, we systematically searched PubMed/Medline for animal studies regarding HHCys and focused on the potential impact on cognitive performance and decline. The majority of reviewed studies reported a significant effect of HHCys on the investigated behavioral outcomes. Despite of persistent controversial discussions about equivocal findings, especially in clinical studies, the present evaluation of preclinical evidence indicates a causal link between HHCys and cognition-related- especially dementia-like disorders, and points out the further urge for large-scale, well-designed clinical studies in order to elucidate the normalization of HCys levels as a potential preventative or therapeutic approach in human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Nieraad
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Nina Pannwitz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Natasja de Bruin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Uwe Till
- Former Institute of Pathobiochemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Nonnenplan 2, 07743 Jena, Germany;
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10
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Poumeaud F, Mircher C, Smith PJ, Faye PA, Sturtz FG. Deciphering the links between psychological stress, depression, and neurocognitive decline in patients with Down syndrome. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100305. [PMID: 33614867 PMCID: PMC7879042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationships between psychological stress and cognitive functions are still to be defined despite some recent progress. Clinically, we noticed that patients with Down syndrome (DS) may develop rapid neurocognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD) earlier than expected, often shortly after a traumatic life event (bereavement over the leave of a primary caregiver, an assault, modification of lifestyle, or the loss of parents). Of course, individuals with DS are naturally prone to develop AD, given the triplication of chromosome 21. However, the relatively weak intensity of the stressful event and the rapid pace of cognitive decline after stress in these patients have to be noticed. It seems DS patients react to stress in a similar manner normal persons react to a very intense stress, and thereafter develop a state very much alike post-traumatic stress disorders. Unfortunately, only a few studies have studied stress-induced regression in patients with DS. Thus, we reviewed the biochemical events involved in psychological stress and found some possible links with cognitive impairment and AD. Interestingly, these links could probably be also applied to non-DS persons submitted to an intense stress. We believe these links should be further explored as a better understanding of the relationships between stress and cognition could help in many situations including individuals of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Poumeaud
- Univ. Limoges, Peripheral Neuropathies, EA6309, F-87000, Limoges, France
| | - Clotilde Mircher
- Institut Jérôme Lejeune, 37 Rue des Volontaires, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Peter J. Smith
- University of Chicago, 950 E. 61st Street, SSC Suite 207, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Pierre-Antoine Faye
- Univ. Limoges, Peripheral Neuropathies, EA6309, F-87000, Limoges, France
- CHU Limoges, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, F-87000, Limoges, France
| | - Franck G. Sturtz
- Univ. Limoges, Peripheral Neuropathies, EA6309, F-87000, Limoges, France
- CHU Limoges, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, F-87000, Limoges, France
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Desplats P, Gutierrez AM, Antonelli MC, Frasch MG. Microglial memory of early life stress and inflammation: Susceptibility to neurodegeneration in adulthood. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 117:232-242. [PMID: 31703966 PMCID: PMC7198341 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We review evidence supporting the role of early life programming in the susceptibility for adult neurodegenerative diseases while highlighting questions and proposing avenues for future research to advance our understanding of this fundamental process. The key elements of this phenomenon are chronic stress, neuroinflammation triggering microglial polarization, microglial memory and their connection to neurodegeneration. We review the mediating mechanisms which may function as early biomarkers of increased susceptibility for neurodegeneration. Can we devise novel early life modifying interventions to steer developmental trajectories to their optimum?
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Desplats
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ashley M Gutierrez
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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12
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Montecinos-Oliva C, Arrázola MS, Jara C, Tapia-Rojas C, Inestrosa NC. Hormetic-Like Effects of L-Homocysteine on Synaptic Structure, Function, and Aβ Aggregation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13020024. [PMID: 32024240 PMCID: PMC7168909 DOI: 10.3390/ph13020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia among the elderly population. Elevated plasma levels of homocysteine (HCy), an amino acid derived from methionine metabolism, are considered a risk factor and biomarker of AD and other types of dementia. An increase in HCy is mostly a consequence of high methionine and/or low vitamin B intake in the diet. Here, we studied the effects of physiological and pathophysiological HCy concentrations on oxidative stress, synaptic protein levels, and synaptic activity in mice hippocampal slices. We also studied the in vitro effects of HCy on the aggregation kinetics of Aβ40. We found that physiological cerebrospinal concentrations of HCy (0.5 µM) induce an increase in synaptic proteins, whereas higher doses of HCy (30–100 µM) decrease their levels, thereby increasing oxidative stress and causing excitatory transmission hyperactivity, which are all considered to be neurotoxic effects. We also observed that normal cerebrospinal concentrations of HCy slow the aggregation kinetic of Aβ40, whereas high concentrations accelerate its aggregation. Finally, we studied the effects of HCy and HCy + Aβ42 over long-term potentiation. Altogether, by studying an ample range of effects under different HCy concentrations, we report, for the first time, that HCy can exert beneficial or toxic effects over neurons, evidencing a hormetic-like effect. Therefore, we further encourage the use of HCy as a biomarker and modifiable risk factor with therapeutic use against AD and other types of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Montecinos-Oliva
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE); Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Macarena S Arrázola
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE); Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor de Chile, Santiago 8580745, Chile
| | - Claudia Jara
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7510156, Chile
| | - Cheril Tapia-Rojas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7510156, Chile
| | - Nibaldo C Inestrosa
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE); Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6213515, Chile
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13
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Peña-Bautista C, Flor L, López-Nogueroles M, García L, Ferrer I, Baquero M, Vento M, Cháfer-Pericás C. Plasma alterations in cholinergic and serotonergic systems in early Alzheimer Disease: Diagnosis utility. Clin Chim Acta 2019; 500:233-240. [PMID: 31678274 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and it involves a high social and economic cost worldwide, and the health system still does not count with an effective treatment. This may be explained by the lack of a reliable early diagnosis and the complex physiological mechanisms involved in the disease development. In this sense, the cholinergic and serotonergic systems may be altered in the disease course. METHODS In this study, metabolites from these pathways were determined in order to develop a non-invasive and early diagnosis model, as well as to advance in the knowledge of the physiopathological mechanisms of the disease. For this, plasma samples from mild cognitive impairment due to AD patients (MCI-AD, n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 25) were analysed. RESULTS choline and tryptophan pathways were deregulated in MCI-AD. Therefore, a model based on betaine, cytidine, uridine, choline, acetylcholine, serotonin and tryptophan was developed, showing an AUC-ROC of 0.862, and sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 72%, respectively. CONCLUSION Alterations in metabolites from these pathways are related to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration, and they could be useful in AD diagnosis. Nevertheless, further research is required in order to validate this diagnosis model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidia Flor
- Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Lorena García
- Division of Neurology, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Inés Ferrer
- Division of Neurology, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Baquero
- Division of Neurology, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Máximo Vento
- Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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14
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Sarker MR, Franks SF. Efficacy of curcumin for age-associated cognitive decline: a narrative review of preclinical and clinical studies. GeroScience 2018; 40:73-95. [PMID: 29679204 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-018-0017-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Processes such as aberrant redox signaling and chronic low-grade systemic inflammation have been reported to modulate age-associated pathologies such as cognitive impairment. Curcumin, the primary therapeutic component of the Indian spice, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), has long been known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity attributable to its unique molecular structure. Recently, an interest in this polyphenol as a cognitive therapeutic for the elderly has emerged. The purpose of this paper is to critically review preclinical and clinical studies that have evaluated the efficacy of curcumin in ameliorating and preventing age-associated cognitive decline and address the translational progress of preclinical to clinical efficacy. PubMed, semantic scholar, and Google scholar searches were used for preclinical studies; and clinicaltrials.gov , the Australian and New Zealand clinical trials registry, and PubMed search were used to select relevant completed clinical studies. Results from preclinical studies consistently demonstrate curcumin and its analogues to be efficacious for various aspects of cognitive impairment and processes that contribute to age-associated cognitive impairment. Results of published clinical studies, while mixed, continue to show promise for curcumin's use as a therapeutic for cognitive decline but overall remain inconclusive at this time. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have found that curcumin can significantly decrease oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and obstruct pathways that activate transcription factors that augment these processes. Future clinical studies would benefit from including evaluation of peripheral and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of dementia and behavioral markers of cognitive decline, as well as targeting the appropriate population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjana Rahman Sarker
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
| | - Susan F Franks
- Department of Family Medicine, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Rakesh G, Szabo ST, Alexopoulos GS, Zannas AS. Strategies for dementia prevention: latest evidence and implications. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2017; 8:121-136. [PMID: 28815009 DOI: 10.1177/2040622317712442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a common and debilitating syndrome with enormous impact on individuals and societies. Preventing disease onset or progression would translate to public health and societal benefits. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence on interventions that may show promise for the prevention of cognitive decline. We appraise existing evidence primarily drawn from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, but also highlight observational studies in humans and relevant work in model organisms. Overall, there is currently limited evidence to support a cause-effect relationship between any preventive strategy and the development or progression of dementia. However, studies to date suggest that a multifactorial intervention comprising regular exercise and healthy diet, along with the amelioration of vascular risk factors, psychosocial stress, and major depressive episodes may be most promising for the prevention of cognitive decline. We discuss the challenges, future directions, and implications of this line of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopalkumar Rakesh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steven T Szabo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - George S Alexopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Anthony S Zannas
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
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