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Syvänen V, Koistinaho J, Lehtonen Š. Identification of the abnormalities in astrocytic functions as potential drug targets for neurodegenerative disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:603-616. [PMID: 38409817 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2322988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Historically, astrocytes were seen primarily as a supportive cell population within the brain; with neurodegenerative disease research focusing exclusively on malfunctioning neurons. However, astrocytes perform numerous tasks that are essential for maintenance of the central nervous system`s complex processes. Disruption of these functions can have negative consequences; hence, it is unsurprising to observe a growing amount of evidence for the essential role of astrocytes in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting astrocytic functions may serve as a potential disease-modifying drug therapy in the future. AREAS COVERED The present review emphasizes the key astrocytic functions associated with neurodegenerative diseases and explores the possibility of pharmaceutical interventions to modify these processes. In addition, the authors provide an overview of current advancement in this field by including studies of possible drug candidates. EXPERT OPINION Glial research has experienced a significant renaissance in the last quarter-century. Understanding how disease pathologies modify or are caused by astrocyte functions is crucial when developing treatments for brain diseases. Future research will focus on building advanced models that can more precisely correlate to the state in the human brain, with the goal of routinely testing therapies in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valtteri Syvänen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, and Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Kim S, Kubelka NK, LaPorte HM, Krishnamoorthy VR, Singh M. Estradiol and 3β-diol protect female cortical astrocytes by regulating connexin 43 Gap Junctions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112045. [PMID: 37595662 PMCID: PMC10592012 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
While estrogens have been described to protect or preserve neuronal function in the face of insults such as oxidative stress, the prevailing mechanistic model would suggest that these steroids exert direct effects on the neurons. However, there is growing evidence that glial cells, such as astrocytes, are key cellular mediators of protection. Noting that connexin 43 (Cx43), a protein highly expressed in astrocytes, plays a key role in mediating inter-cellular communication, we hypothesized that Cx43 is a target of estradiol (E2), and the estrogenic metabolite of DHT, 3β-diol. Additionally, we sought to determine if either or both of these hormones attenuate oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity by eliciting a reduction in Cx43 expression or inhibition of Cx43 channel permeability. Using primary cortical astrocytes, we found that E2 and 3β-diol were each protective against the mixed metabolic/oxidative insult, iodoacetic acid (IAA). Moreover, these effects were blocked by estrogen receptor antagonists. However, E2 and 3β-diol did not alter Cx43 mRNA levels in astrocytes but did inhibit IAA-induced Cx43 gap junction opening/permeability. Taken together, these data implicate astrocyte Cx43 gap junction as an understudied mediator of the cytoprotective effects of estrogens in the brain. Given the wide breadth of disease states associated with Cx43 function/dysfunction, further understanding the relationship between gonadal steroids and Cx43 channels may contribute to a better understanding of the biological basis for sex differences in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongcheol Kim
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, United States
| | - Nicholas Knesek Kubelka
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, United States
| | - Heather M LaPorte
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, United States
| | - Vignesh R Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, United States
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, United States.
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Coria-Lucero C, Castro A, Ledezma C, Leporatti J, Ramirez D, Ghersi M, Delgado SM, Anzulovich AC, Navigatore-Fonzo L. An intracerebroventricular injection of AΒ (1-42) modifies temporal profiles of spatial memory performance and oxidative status in the temporal cortex rat. Brain Res 2023; 1804:148242. [PMID: 36646367 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss and dementia in older adults. Intracellular accumulation of Aβ causes an imbalance in the oxidative status and cognitive dysfunctions. Besides oxidative stress and loss of memory, Alzheimer's patients show dysfunction of the circadian rhythms. The objective of this work was to evaluate the consequences of an intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ (1-42) on temporal patterns of cognitive performance, as well as on lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and total antioxidant capacity levels, in the rat temporal cortex. Holtzman male rats from control and Aβ-injected groups were used in this study. We found that MDA, protein carbonyls and total antioxidant capacity levels displayed day-night oscillations in the rat temporal cortex and spatial memory performance also varied rhythmically. An intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ (1-42) modified temporal patterns of cognitive performance as well as daily profiles of parameters of oxidative stress. Thus, elevated levels of Aβ aggregates induces alterations in daily rhythmicity of parameters of oxidative stress and, consequently, would affect cellular clock activity, affecting the spatial memory performance in the AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia Coria-Lucero
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis. Multidisciplinary Institute of Biological Research of San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina
| | - Andrea Castro
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis. Multidisciplinary Institute of Biological Research of San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina
| | - Carina Ledezma
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis. Multidisciplinary Institute of Biological Research of San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina
| | - Jorge Leporatti
- Faculty of Economic, Legal and Social Sciences, National University of San Luis, Campus Universitario, Ruta Prov. N° 55 (Ex. 148) Extremo Norte, D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina
| | - Darío Ramirez
- Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Medicine (LME&T), Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis. Multidisciplinary Institute of Biological Research of San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina
| | - Marisa Ghersi
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology of Córdoba, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba (IFEC), CONICET, Haya De La Torre y Medina Allende S/N, CP D5000HHW Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Silvia Marcela Delgado
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis. Multidisciplinary Institute of Biological Research of San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina.
| | - Ana Cecilia Anzulovich
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis. Multidisciplinary Institute of Biological Research of San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina.
| | - Lorena Navigatore-Fonzo
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis. Multidisciplinary Institute of Biological Research of San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW San Luis, Argentina.
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Anwar MM, Özkan E, Shomalizadeh N, Sapancı S, Özler C, Kesibi J, Gürsoy-Özdemir Y. Assessing the role of primary healthy microglia and gap junction blocker in hindering Alzheimer's disease neuroinflammatory type: Early approaches for therapeutic intervention. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1041461. [PMID: 36704003 PMCID: PMC9871931 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1041461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a predominantly heterogeneous disease with a highly complex pathobiology. The presence of amyloid-beta (Aβ) depositions and the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein remain the characteristic hallmarks of AD. These hallmarks can be detected throughout the brain and other regions, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the spinal cord. Microglia cells, the brain-resident macrophage type of the brain, are implicated in maintaining healthy brain homeostasis. The localized administration of primary healthy microglia (PHM) is suggested to play a role in mitigating AD hallmark depositions and associated cognitive dysfunction. Carbenoxolone (CBX) is the most common gap junction blocker. It cannot effectively cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) under systemic administration. Therefore, localized administration of CBX may be a recommended intervention against AD by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This study aims to determine whether the localized intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of PHM and CBX may act as an effective therapeutic intervention for AD neuroinflammatory type. In addition, this study also aims to reveal whether detecting AD hallmarks in the spinal cord and CSF can be considered functional and effective during AD early diagnosis. Male albino rats were divided into four groups: control (group 1), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AD neuroinflammatory type (group 2), ICV injection of LPS + isolated PHM (group 3), and ICV injection of LPS + CBX (group 4). Morris water maze (MWM) was conducted to evaluate spatial working memory. The brain and spinal cord were isolated from each rat with the collection of CSF. Our findings demonstrate that the localized administration of PHM and CBX can act as promising therapeutic approaches against AD. Additionally, Aβ and tau toxic aggregates were detected in the spinal cord and the CSF of the induced AD model concomitant with the brain tissues. Overall, it is suggested that the ICV administration of PHM and CBX can restore normal brain functions and alleviate AD hallmark depositions. Detecting these depositions in the spinal cord and CSF may be considered in AD early diagnosis. As such, conducting clinical research is recommended to reveal the benefits of related therapeutic approaches compared with preclinical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai M. Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, National Organization for Drug Control and Research/Egyptian Drug Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esra Özkan
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, KUTTAM, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Narges Shomalizadeh
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, KUTTAM, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selin Sapancı
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, KUTTAM, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceyda Özler
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, KUTTAM, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Judy Kesibi
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, KUTTAM, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Gürsoy-Özdemir
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, KUTTAM, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Ochneva A, Zorkina Y, Abramova O, Pavlova O, Ushakova V, Morozova A, Zubkov E, Pavlov K, Gurina O, Chekhonin V. Protein Misfolding and Aggregation in the Brain: Common Pathogenetic Pathways in Neurodegenerative and Mental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214498. [PMID: 36430976 PMCID: PMC9695177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental disorders represent common brain diseases characterized by substantial impairments of social and cognitive functions. The neurobiological causes and mechanisms of psychopathologies still have not been definitively determined. Various forms of brain proteinopathies, which include a disruption of protein conformations and the formation of protein aggregates in brain tissues, may be a possible cause behind the development of psychiatric disorders. Proteinopathies are known to be the main cause of neurodegeneration, but much less attention is given to the role of protein impairments in psychiatric disorders' pathogenesis, such as depression and schizophrenia. For this reason, the aim of this review was to discuss the potential contribution of protein illnesses in the development of psychopathologies. The first part of the review describes the possible mechanisms of disruption to protein folding and aggregation in the cell: endoplasmic reticulum stress, dysfunction of chaperone proteins, altered mitochondrial function, and impaired autophagy processes. The second part of the review addresses the known proteins whose aggregation in brain tissue has been observed in psychiatric disorders (amyloid, tau protein, α-synuclein, DISC-1, disbindin-1, CRMP1, SNAP25, TRIOBP, NPAS3, GluA1, FABP, and ankyrin-G).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Ochneva
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Healthcare Department, Mental-Health Clinic No. 1 Named after N.A. Alexeev of Moscow, 117152 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-915-670-39-35
| | - Yana Zorkina
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Healthcare Department, Mental-Health Clinic No. 1 Named after N.A. Alexeev of Moscow, 117152 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Abramova
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Healthcare Department, Mental-Health Clinic No. 1 Named after N.A. Alexeev of Moscow, 117152 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Pavlova
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
| | - Valeriya Ushakova
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Healthcare Department, Mental-Health Clinic No. 1 Named after N.A. Alexeev of Moscow, 117152 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Morozova
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Healthcare Department, Mental-Health Clinic No. 1 Named after N.A. Alexeev of Moscow, 117152 Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugene Zubkov
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Pavlov
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Healthcare Department, Mental-Health Clinic No. 1 Named after N.A. Alexeev of Moscow, 117152 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Gurina
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chekhonin
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- National University of Science and Technology “MISiS”, Leninskiy Avenue 4, 119049 Moscow, Russia
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Proteinopathies: Deciphering Physiology and Mechanisms to Develop Effective Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:7513-7540. [PMID: 36205914 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03042-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a cluster of diseases marked by progressive neuronal loss, axonal transport blockage, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and aggregation of misfolded proteins. NDs are more prevalent beyond the age of 50, and their symptoms often include motor and cognitive impairment. Even though various proteins are involved in different NDs, the mechanisms of protein misfolding and aggregation are very similar. Recently, several studies have discovered that, like prions, these misfolded proteins have the inherent capability of translocation from one neuron to another, thus having far-reaching implications for understanding the processes involved in the onset and progression of NDs, as well as the development of innovative therapy and diagnostic options. These misfolded proteins can also influence the transcription of other proteins and form aggregates, tangles, plaques, and inclusion bodies, which then accumulate in the CNS, leading to neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. This review demonstrates protein misfolding and aggregation in NDs, and similarities and differences between different protein aggregates have been discussed. Furthermore, we have also reviewed the disposal of protein aggregates, the various molecular machinery involved in the process, their regulation, and how these molecular mechanisms are targeted to build innovative therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In addition, the landscape of various therapeutic interventions for targeting protein aggregation for the effective prevention or treatment of NDs has also been discussed.
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Khan-Mohammadi-Khorrami MK, Asle-Rousta M, Rahnema M, Amini R. Neuroprotective effect of alpha-pinene is mediated by suppression of the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway in Alzheimer's disease rat model. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2022; 36:e23006. [PMID: 35174932 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Monoterpene alpha-pinene possesses antioxidant, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. We evaluated the effect of alpha-pinene on oxidative/nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and molecular and behavioral changes induced by beta-amyloid (Aβ)1-42 in rats and investigated the possible mechanisms of these outcomes. Male Wistar rats received alpha-pinene (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally) for 14 consecutive days after intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 . Alpha-pinene decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, increased glutathione content, and enhanced catalase activity in Aβ-injected rats. Also, messenger RNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, nuclear factor κB, and N-methyl- d-aspartate receptor subunits 2A and 2B reduced in the hippocampus of these animals. Besides this, alpha-pinene repressed the Aβ1-42 -induced reduction of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. Treatment with alpha-pinene caused Aβ-receiving rats to spend more time in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze test and led to an increase in percentages of open arm entrance and time spent in the open arm in the elevated plus-maze test. We concluded that alpha-pinene strengthens the antioxidant system and prevents neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of rats receiving Aβ. It improves spatial learning and memory and reduces anxiety-like behavior in these animals. Consequently, alpha-pinene alleviates Aβ-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and behavioral deficits. It is probably a suitable candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mehdi Rahnema
- Department of Physiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Rahim Amini
- Department of Biology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
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Multidrug resistance crisis during COVID-19 pandemic: Role of anti-microbial peptides as next-generation therapeutics. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 211:112303. [PMID: 34952285 PMCID: PMC8685351 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.112303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The decreasing effectiveness of conventional drugs due to multidrug-resistance is a major challenge for the scientific community, necessitating development of novel antimicrobial agents. In the present era of coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients are being widely exposed to antimicrobial drugs and hence the problem of multidrug-resistance shall be aggravated in the days to come. Consequently, revisiting the phenomena of multidrug resistance leading to formulation of effective antimicrobial agents is the need of the hour. As a result, this review sheds light on the looming crisis of multidrug resistance in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the problem, significance and approaches for tackling microbial resistance with special emphasis on anti-microbial peptides as next-generation therapeutics against multidrug resistance associated diseases. Antimicrobial peptides exhibit exceptional mechanism of action enabling rapid killing of microbes at low concentration, antibiofilm activity, immunomodulatory properties along with a low tendency for resistance development providing them an edge over conventional antibiotics. The review is unique as it discusses the mode of action, pharmacodynamic properties and application of antimicrobial peptides in areas ranging from therapeutics to agriculture.
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Malkov A, Popova I, Ivanov A, Jang SS, Yoon SY, Osypov A, Huang Y, Zilberter Y, Zilberter M. Aβ initiates brain hypometabolism, network dysfunction and behavioral abnormalities via NOX2-induced oxidative stress in mice. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1054. [PMID: 34504272 PMCID: PMC8429759 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02551-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A predominant trigger and driver of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the synergy of brain oxidative stress and glucose hypometabolism starting at early preclinical stages. Oxidative stress damages macromolecules, while glucose hypometabolism impairs cellular energy supply and antioxidant defense. However, the exact cause of AD-associated glucose hypometabolism and its network consequences have remained unknown. Here we report NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) activation as the main initiating mechanism behind Aβ1-42-related glucose hypometabolism and network dysfunction. We utilize a combination of electrophysiology with real-time recordings of metabolic transients both ex- and in-vivo to show that Aβ1-42 induces oxidative stress and acutely reduces cellular glucose consumption followed by long-lasting network hyperactivity and abnormalities in the animal behavioral profile. Critically, all of these pathological changes were prevented by the novel bioavailable NOX2 antagonist GSK2795039. Our data provide direct experimental evidence for causes and consequences of AD-related brain glucose hypometabolism, and suggest that targeting NOX2-mediated oxidative stress is a promising approach to both the prevention and treatment of AD. Anton Malkov, Irina Popova et al. demonstrate that beta-amyloid application induces oxidative stress and reduces glucose consumption in the mouse brain, leading to network hyperactivity and behavioral changes—pathologies similar to those observed early on in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) rescued these phenotypes, suggesting that NOX2 may represent an important therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Malkov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Irina Popova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Anton Ivanov
- Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, Marseille, France
| | - Sung-Soo Jang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Seo Yeon Yoon
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Osypov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia.,Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yadong Huang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Misha Zilberter
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Tramontin NDS, Silveira PCL, Tietbohl LTW, Pereira BDC, Simon K, Muller AP. Effects of Low-Intensity Transcranial Pulsed Ultrasound Treatment in a Model of Alzheimer's Disease. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:2646-2656. [PMID: 34130881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease. One of the main pathology markers of AD is the beta-amyloid plaques (βA1-42) created from residues of the badly processed amyloid precursor protein. The accumulation of these plaques can induce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and impair antioxidant mechanisms, culminating in cognitive and memory deficits. New therapies are necessary to treat AD as the approved drugs do not treat the progress of the disease. Transcranial low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) affects brain metabolism and could be tested as a treatment for AD. This study was aimed at evaluating the LIPUS treatment in a model of AD induced by βA1-42 intracerebroventricularly (ICV) and its effects on learning memory, neurotrophins, neuroinflammation and oxidative status. βA1-42 was administered ICV 24 h before the start of a 5-wk LIPUS treatment. The treatment with LIPUS improved recognition memory, as well as increasing nerve growth factor β and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the hippocampus and cortex. There was a decrease in protein damage in the hippocampus treated with LIPUS. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress were not present in the AD model used. The results indicated that LIPUS is a novel and promising adjuvant strategy for treatment of the late stage of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bárbara Da Costa Pereira
- Laboratory of Biomedicine Translational, University of Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Kellen Simon
- Laboratory of Biomedicine Translational, University of Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
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Watermeyer T, Robb C, Gregory S, Udeh-Momoh C. Therapeutic implications of hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal-axis modulation in Alzheimer's disease: A narrative review of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100877. [PMID: 33045258 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
With disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) still elusive, the search for alternative intervention strategies has intensified. Growing evidence suggests that dysfunction in hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal-axis (HPAA) activity may contribute to the development of AD pathology. The HPAA, may therefore offer a novel target for therapeutic action. This review summarises and critically evaluates animal and human studies investigating the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention on HPAA modulation alongside cognitive performance. The interventions discussed include glucocorticoid receptor antagonists and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors as well as lifestyle treatments such as physical activity, diet, sleep and contemplative practices. Pharmacological HPAA modulators improve pathology and cognitive deficit in animal AD models, but human pharmacological trials are yet to provide definitive support for such benefits. Lifestyle interventions may offer promising strategies for HPAA modification and cognitive health, but several methodological caveats across these studies were identified. Directions for future research in AD studies are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamlyn Watermeyer
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK; Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catherine Robb
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Gregory
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chinedu Udeh-Momoh
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK; Translational Health Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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12
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Mesnil M, Defamie N, Naus C, Sarrouilhe D. Brain Disorders and Chemical Pollutants: A Gap Junction Link? Biomolecules 2020; 11:biom11010051. [PMID: 33396565 PMCID: PMC7824109 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of brain pathologies has increased during last decades. Better diagnosis (autism spectrum disorders) and longer life expectancy (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) partly explain this increase, while emerging data suggest pollutant exposures as a possible but still underestimated cause of major brain disorders. Taking into account that the brain parenchyma is rich in gap junctions and that most pollutants inhibit their function; brain disorders might be the consequence of gap-junctional alterations due to long-term exposures to pollutants. In this article, this hypothesis is addressed through three complementary aspects: (1) the gap-junctional organization and connexin expression in brain parenchyma and their function; (2) the effect of major pollutants (pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, heavy metals, airborne particles, etc.) on gap-junctional and connexin functions; (3) a description of the major brain disorders categorized as neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy), neurobehavioral (migraines, major depressive disorders), neurodegenerative (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) and cancers (glioma), in which both connexin dysfunction and pollutant involvement have been described. Based on these different aspects, the possible involvement of pollutant-inhibited gap junctions in brain disorders is discussed for prenatal and postnatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mesnil
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Norah Defamie
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Christian Naus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada;
| | - Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, 6 rue de La Milétrie, bât D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-5-49-45-43-58
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Ma L, Yang C, Zheng J, Chen Y, Xiao Y, Huang K. Non-polyphenolic natural inhibitors of amyloid aggregation. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 192:112197. [PMID: 32172082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein misfolding diseases (PMDs) are chronic and progressive, with no effective therapy so far. Aggregation and misfolding of amyloidogenic proteins are closely associated with the onset and progression of PMDs, such as amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease, α-Synuclein (α-Syn) in Parkinson's disease and human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) in type 2 diabetes. Inhibiting toxic aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is regarded as a promising therapeutic approach in PMDs. The past decade has witnessed the rapid progresses of this field, dozens of inhibitors have been screened and verified in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating inhibitory effects against the aggregation and misfolding of amyloidogenic proteins, together with beneficial effects. Natural products are major sources of small molecule amyloid inhibitors, a number of natural derived compounds have been identified with great bioactivities and translational prospects. Here, we review the non-polyphenolic natural inhibitors that potentially applicable for PMDs treatment, along with their working mechanisms. Future directions are proposed for the development and clinical applications of these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zheng
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yushuo Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430035, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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14
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He JT, LI XY, Yang L, Zhao X. Astroglial connexins and cognition: memory formation or deterioration? Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20193510. [PMID: 31868207 PMCID: PMC6954363 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20193510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are the membrane proteins that form high-conductance plasma membrane channels and are the important constituents of gap junctions and hemichannels. Among different types of connexins, connexin 43 is the most widely expressed and studied gap junction proteins in astrocytes. Due to the key involvement of astrocytes in memory impairment and abundant expression of connexins in astrocytes, astroglial connexins have been projected as key therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, the role of connexin gap junctions and hemichannels in memory formation and consolidation has also been reported. Moreover, deletion of these proteins and loss of gap junction communication result in loss of short-term spatial memory. Accordingly, both memory formation and memory deteriorating functions of astrocytes-located connexins have been documented. Physiologically expressed connexins may be involved in the memory formation, while pathologically increased expression of connexins with consequent excessive activation of astrocytes may induce neuronal injury and cognitive decline. The present review describes the memory formation as well as memory deteriorating functions of astroglial connexins in memory disorders of different etiology with possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ting He
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yan LI
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The People’s Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun 130031, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Paediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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15
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Kumari A, Sharma R, Shrivastava N, Somvanshi P, Grover A. Bleomycin modulates amyloid aggregation in β-amyloid and hIAPP. RSC Adv 2020; 10:25929-25946. [PMID: 35518630 PMCID: PMC9055351 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra04949b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant misfolding and amyloid aggregation, which result in amyloid fibrils, are frequent and critical pathological incidents in various neurodegenerative disorders. Multiple drugs or inhibitors have been investigated to avert amyloid aggregation in individual peptides, exhibiting sequence-dependent inhibition mechanisms. Establishing or inventing inhibitors capable of preventing amyloid aggregation in a wide variety of amyloid peptides is quite a daunting task. Bleomycin (BLM), a complex glycopeptide, has been widely used as an antibiotic and antitumor drug due to its ability to inhibit DNA metabolism, and as an antineoplastic, especially for solid tumors. In this study, we investigated the dual inhibitory effects of BLM on Aβ aggregation, associated with Alzheimer's disease and hIAPP, which is linked to type 2 diabetes, using both computational and experimental techniques. Combined results from drug repurposing and replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that BLM binds to the β-sheet region considered a hotspot for amyloid fibrils of Aβ and hIAPP. BLM was also found to be involved in β-sheet destabilization and, ultimately, in its reduction. Further, experimental validation through in vitro amyloid aggregation assays was obtained wherein the fibrillar load was decreased for the BLM-treated Aβ and hIAPP peptides in comparison to controls. For the first time, this study shows that BLM is a dual inhibitor of Aβ and hIAPP amyloid aggregation. In the future, the conformational optimization and processing of BLM may help develop various efficient sequence-dependent inhibitors against amyloid aggregation in various amyloid peptides. Bleomycin acts as a dual inhibitor against both amyloid β and human islet amyloid polypeptide by binding to the β-sheet grooves considered as the amyloids hotspot.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Anchala Kumari
- Department of Biotechnology
- Teri School of Advanced Studies
- New Delhi
- India
- School of Biotechnology
| | - Ritika Sharma
- School of Biotechnology
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- New Delhi
- India
| | | | - Pallavi Somvanshi
- Department of Biotechnology
- Teri School of Advanced Studies
- New Delhi
- India
| | - Abhinav Grover
- School of Biotechnology
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- New Delhi
- India
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Zhang LΖ, Fan ZR, Wang L, Liu LQ, Li XZ, Li L, Si JQ, Ma KT. Carbenoxolone decreases monocrotaline‑induced pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary arteriolar remodeling in rats by decreasing the expression of connexins in T lymphocytes. Int J Mol Med 2019; 45:81-92. [PMID: 31746364 PMCID: PMC6889920 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptive immune response mediated by T lymphocytes is a well-established factor in the pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammation. Changes in the expression of various connexins (Cxs) or disruption of connexin-mediated cellular communication in T lymphocytes contribute to inflammation or tissue remodeling. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential therapeutic value of blocking Cxs in a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary inflammation rat model. Carbenoxolone (CBX) was used to inhibit connexin-mediated cellular communication. An MCT rat model was established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a single dose of MCT (60 mg/kg), and CBX treatment (20 µg/kg/day, i.p.) was initiated on the day following MCT treatment for 28 days. Vehicle-treated male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as the negative control. The MCT rat model was evaluated by measuring the pulmonary artery flow acceleration time and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Histopathological features of the lung tissues and pulmonary arteriolar remodeling were assessed. The proportions of T lymphocyte subtypes, Cx40/cx43 expression in the T cell subtypes and the cytokine levels in the plasma and the lung tissues were also analyzed. Pharmacological inhibition of Cxs using CBX attenuated MCT-induced right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary arteriolar remodeling, lung fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration by decreasing the RVHI, pulmonary arterial wall thickening, collagen deposition and pro-inflammatory cytokines production as well as CD3+ and CD4+ T cell accumulation in lung tissues of MCT-treated rats. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis revealed that CBX may inhibit MCT-induced Cx40 and Cx43 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in lung tissues. The present study provides evidence that pharmacological inhibition of Cxs may attenuate MCT-induced pulmonary arteriolar remodeling and pulmonary inflammatory response, at least in part, by decreasing Cx expression. The results highlight the critical role of Cxs in T lymphocytes in the MCT-induced pulmonary inflammatory response and that targeting of Cxs may be a potential therapeutic method for treating pulmonary inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ζ Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Ru Fan
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Lu-Qian Liu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Zhi Li
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Qiang Si
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Tao Ma
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
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Modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction Ameliorates A β Synaptotoxicity in a Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:8340192. [PMID: 31781354 PMCID: PMC6875425 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8340192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by cognitive dysfunction; however, the therapeutic strategies are not fully understood. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction (HLJDD) is a famous traditional Chinese herbal formula that has been widely used clinically to treat dementia. Recently, according to previous study and our clinical practice, we generate a new modification of HLJDD (named modified-HLJDD). In this study, we indicated that modified-HLJDD attenuated learning and memory deficiencies in Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced AD model, and we confirmed the exact metabolites in modified-HLJDD solution, as compared with HLJDD by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Using GC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics, we identified adenosine as the potential significant metabolite, responsible for modified-HLJDD regulating energy metabolism and synaptic plasticity in AD model. We also revealed that the potential underlying mechanism of modified-HLJDD in AD model may involve NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic transmission and adenosine/ATPase/AMPK cascade. Moreover, we also indicated the differential gut microbiota which mainly involved Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria at the phylum level upon modified-HLJDD treatment in AD model. Based on the correlation of metabolomic analysis with microbiome analysis, we clarified that Dorea is the most affected microbiota with adenosine upon modified-HLJDD treatment in AD model. Thus, our study suggests that modified-HLJDD may serve as a potential therapeutic drug in treating AD.
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