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Wei J, Wang M, Li S, Han R, Xu W, Zhao A, Yu Q, Li H, Li M, Chi G. Reprogramming of astrocytes and glioma cells into neurons for central nervous system repair and glioblastoma therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116806. [PMID: 38796971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116806] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) damage is usually irreversible owing to the limited regenerative capability of neurons. Following CNS injury, astrocytes are reactively activated and are the key cells involved in post-injury repair mechanisms. Consequently, research on the reprogramming of reactive astrocytes into neurons could provide new directions for the restoration of neural function after CNS injury and in the promotion of recovery in various neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the means through which reactive astrocytes around lesions can be reprogrammed into neurons, to elucidate the intrinsic connection between the two cell types from a neurogenesis perspective, and to summarize what is known about the neurotranscription factors, small-molecule compounds and MicroRNA that play major roles in astrocyte reprogramming. As the malignant proliferation of astrocytes promotes the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), this review also examines the research advances on and the theoretical basis for the reprogramming of GBM cells into neurons and discusses the advantages of such approaches over traditional treatment modalities. This comprehensive review provides new insights into the field of GBM therapy and theoretical insights into the mechanisms of neurological recovery following neurological injury and in GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Shilin Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, 1xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, China.
| | - Wenhong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Anqi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Qi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Haokun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Tang J, Huang H, Muirhead RCJ, Zhou Y, Li J, DeFelice J, Kopanitsa MV, Serneels L, Davey K, Tilley BS, Gentleman S, Matthews PM. Associations of amyloid-β oligomers and plaques with neuropathology in the App NL-G-F mouse. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae218. [PMID: 39035420 PMCID: PMC11258573 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae218] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β pathology and neurofibrillary tangles lead to glial activation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the levels of amyloid-β oligomers, amyloid-β plaques, glial activation and markers related to neurodegeneration in the App NL-G-F triple mutation mouse line and in a knock-in line homozygous for the common human amyloid precursor protein (App hu mouse). The relationships between neuropathological features were characterized with immunohistochemistry and imaging mass cytometry. Markers assessing human amyloid-β proteins, microglial and astrocytic activation and neuronal and synaptic densities were used in mice between 2.5 and 12 months of age. We found that amyloid-β oligomers were abundant in the brains of App hu mice in the absence of classical amyloid-β plaques. These brains showed morphological changes consistent with astrocyte activation but no evidence of microglial activation or synaptic or neuronal pathology. In contrast, both high levels of amyloid-β oligomers and numerous plaques accumulated in App NL-G-F mice in association with substantial astrocytic and microglial activation. The increase in amyloid-β oligomers over time was more strongly correlated with astrocytic than with microglia activation. Spatial analyses suggested that activated microglia were more closely associated with amyloid-β oligomers than with amyloid-β plaques in App NL-G-F mice, which also showed age-dependent decreases in neuronal and synaptic density markers. A comparative study of the two models highlighted the dependence of glial and neuronal pathology on the nature and aggregation state of the amyloid-β peptide. Astrocyte activation and neuronal pathology appeared to be more strongly associated with amyloid-β oligomers than with amyloid-β plaques, although amyloid-β plaques were associated with microglia activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Tang
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Uren Building, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 11106, USA
| | - Helen Huang
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Robert C J Muirhead
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Uren Building, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Kings College London, London SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Roberts Engineering Building, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Junheng Li
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Uren Building, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - John DeFelice
- Department of Brain Sciences, Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Maksym V Kopanitsa
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Uren Building, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Lutgarde Serneels
- Centre for Brain and Disease Research, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Karen Davey
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Uren Building, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Kings College London, Denmark Hill Campus, London SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Bension S Tilley
- Department of Brain Sciences, Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Steve Gentleman
- Department of Brain Sciences, Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Paul M Matthews
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Uren Building, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
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3
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Martens N, Zhan N, Yam SC, Leijten FPJ, Palumbo M, Caspers M, Tiane A, Friedrichs S, Li Y, van Vark-van der Zee L, Voortman G, Zimetti F, Jaarsma D, Verschuren L, Jonker JW, Kuipers F, Lütjohann D, Vanmierlo T, Mulder MT. Supplementation of Seaweed Extracts to the Diet Reduces Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease in the APPswePS1ΔE9 Mouse Model. Nutrients 2024; 16:1614. [PMID: 38892548 PMCID: PMC11174572 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that diet supplementation with seaweed Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme) prevented AD-related pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Here, we tested a lipid extract of seaweed Himanthalia elongata (H. elongata) and a supercritical fluid (SCF) extract of S. fusiforme that is free of excess inorganic arsenic. Diet supplementation with H. elongata extract prevented cognitive deterioration in APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. Similar trends were observed for the S. fusiforme SCF extract. The cerebral amyloid-β plaque load remained unaffected. However, IHC analysis revealed that both extracts lowered glial markers in the brains of APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. While cerebellar cholesterol concentrations remained unaffected, both extracts increased desmosterol, an endogenous LXR agonist with anti-inflammatory properties. Both extracts increased cholesterol efflux, and particularly, H. elongata extract decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. Additionally, our findings suggest a reduction of AD-associated phosphorylated tau and promotion of early oligodendrocyte differentiation by H. elongata. RNA sequencing on the hippocampus of one-week-treated APPswePS1ΔE9 mice revealed effects of H. elongata on, amongst others, acetylcholine and synaptogenesis signaling pathways. In conclusion, extracts of H. elongata and S. fusiforme show potential to reduce AD-related pathology in APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. Increasing desmosterol concentrations may contribute to these effects by dampening neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Martens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Y.L.); (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, B-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Na Zhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Y.L.); (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Sammie C. Yam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Y.L.); (G.V.); (T.V.)
| | - Frank P. J. Leijten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Y.L.); (G.V.); (T.V.)
| | - Marcella Palumbo
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.P.)
| | - Martien Caspers
- Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Assia Tiane
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, B-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Division Translational Neuroscience, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Friedrichs
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, D-53127 Bonn, Germany (D.L.)
| | - Yanlin Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Y.L.); (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie van Vark-van der Zee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Y.L.); (G.V.); (T.V.)
| | - Gardi Voortman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Y.L.); (G.V.); (T.V.)
| | - Francesca Zimetti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (M.P.)
| | - Dick Jaarsma
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Verschuren
- Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johan W. Jonker
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (J.W.J.)
| | - Folkert Kuipers
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (J.W.J.)
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dieter Lütjohann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, D-53127 Bonn, Germany (D.L.)
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Y.L.); (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, B-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Division Translational Neuroscience, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Monique T. Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Y.L.); (G.V.); (T.V.)
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Müller L, Di Benedetto S. Aging brain: exploring the interplay between bone marrow aging, immunosenescence, and neuroinflammation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1393324. [PMID: 38638424 PMCID: PMC11024322 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1393324] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex process characterized by a myriad of physiological changes, including alterations in the immune system termed immunosenescence. It exerts profound effects on both the bone marrow and the central nervous system, with significant implications for immunosenescence in neurological contexts. Our mini-review explores the complex relationship between bone marrow aging and its impact on immunosenescence, specifically within the context of neurological diseases. The bone marrow serves as a crucial hub for hematopoiesis and immune cell production, yet with age, it undergoes significant alterations, including alterations in hematopoietic stem cell function, niche composition, and inflammatory signaling. These age-related shifts in the bone marrow microenvironment contribute to dysregulation of immune cell homeostasis and function, impacting neuroinflammatory processes and neuronal health. In our review, we aim to explore the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms that link bone marrow aging to immunosenescence, inflammaging, and neuroinflammation, with a specific focus on their relevance to the pathophysiology of age-related neurological disorders. By exploring this interplay, we strive to provide a comprehensive understanding of how bone marrow aging impacts immune function and contributes to the progression of neurological diseases in aging individuals. Ultimately, this knowledge can hold substantial promise for the development of innovative therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving immune function and mitigating the progression of neurological disorders in the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Müller
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Center for Lifespan Psychology, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Rodríguez JJ, Zallo F, Gardenal E, Cabot J, Busquets X. Entorhinal cortex astrocytic atrophy in human frontotemporal dementia. Brain Struct Funct 2024:10.1007/s00429-024-02763-x. [PMID: 38308043 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02763-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of Fronto Temporal Dementia (FTD) remains poorly understood, specifically the role of astroglia. Our aim was to explore the hypothesis of astrocytic alterations as a component for FTD pathophysiology. We performed an in-depth tri-dimensional (3-D) anatomical and morphometric study of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive and glutamine synthetase (GS)-positive astrocytes in the human entorhinal cortex (EC) of FTD patients. The studies at this level in the different types of human dementia are scarce. We observed a prominent astrocyte atrophy of GFAP-positive astrocytes and co-expressing GFAP/GS astrocytes, characterised by a decrease in area and volume, whilst minor changes in GS-positive astrocytes in FTD compared to non-dementia controls (ND) samples. This study evidences the importance of astrocyte atrophy and dysfunction in human EC. We hypothesise that FTD is not only a neuropathological disease, but also a gliopathological disease having a major relevance in the understanding the astrocyte role in FTD pathological processes and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Rodríguez
- Functional Neuroanatomy Group; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009, Bilbao, Spain.
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain.
| | - F Zallo
- Functional Neuroanatomy Group; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009, Bilbao, Spain
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - E Gardenal
- Functional Neuroanatomy Group; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009, Bilbao, Spain
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - J Cabot
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - X Busquets
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain
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LoBue C, Stopschinski BE, Calveras NS, Douglas PM, Huebinger R, Cullum CM, Hart J, Gonzales MM. Blood Markers in Relation to a History of Traumatic Brain Injury Across Stages of Cognitive Impairment in a Diverse Cohort. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:345-358. [PMID: 38143366 PMCID: PMC10947497 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been linked to multiple pathophysiological processes that could increase risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, the impact of prior TBI on blood biomarkers for ADRD remains unknown. OBJECTIVE Using cross-sectional data, we assessed whether a history of TBI influences serum biomarkers in a diverse cohort (approximately 50% Hispanic) with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. METHODS Levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light (NFL), total tau (T-tau), and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCHL1) were measured for participants across the cognitive spectrum. Participants were categorized based on presence and absence of a history of TBI with loss of consciousness, and study samples were derived through case-control matching. Multivariable general linear models compared concentrations of biomarkers in relation to a history of TBI and smoothing splines modelled biomarkers non-linearly in the cognitively impaired groups as a function of time since symptom onset. RESULTS Each biomarker was higher across stages of cognitive impairment, characterized by clinical diagnosis and Mini-Mental State Examination performance, but these associations were not influenced by a history of TBI. However, modelling biomarkers in relation to duration of cognitive symptoms for ADRD showed differences by history of TBI, with only GFAP and UCHL1 being elevated. CONCLUSIONS Serum GFAP, NFL, T-tau, and UCHL1 were higher across stages of cognitive impairment in this diverse clinical cohort, regardless of TBI history, though longitudinal investigation of the timing, order, and trajectory of the biomarkers in relation to prior TBI is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian LoBue
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas,TX
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Barbara E. Stopschinski
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Nil Saez Calveras
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Peter M. Douglas
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Ryan Huebinger
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - C. Munro Cullum
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas,TX
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - John Hart
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas,TX
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Mitzi M. Gonzales
- Department of Neurology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Antonio, TX
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Rodríguez JJ, Zallo F, Gardenal E, Cabot J, Busquets X. Prominent and conspicuous astrocyte atrophy in human sporadic and familial Alzheimer's disease. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:2103-2113. [PMID: 37730895 PMCID: PMC10587264 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02707-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Pathophysiology of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD) and familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) remains poorly known, including the exact role of neuroglia and specifically astroglia, in part because studies of astrocytes in human Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain samples are scarce. As far as we know, this is the first study of a 3-D immunohistochemical and microstructural analysis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)- and glutamine synthetase (GS)-positive astrocytes performed in the entorhinal cortex (EC) of human SAD and FAD samples. In this study, we report prominent atrophic changes in GFAP and GS astrocytes in the EC of both SAD and FAD characterised by a decrease in area and volume when compared with non-demented control samples (ND). Furthermore, we did not find neither astrocytic loss nor astrocyte proliferation or hypertrophy (gliosis). In contrast with the astrogliosis classically accepted hypothesis, our results show a highly marked astrocyte atrophy that could have a major relevance in AD pathological processes being fundamental and key for AD mnesic and cognitive alterations equivalent in both SAD and FAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Rodríguez
- Functional Neuroanatomy Group; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Department of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48009/48940, Bilbao/Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain.
| | - F Zallo
- Functional Neuroanatomy Group; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Department of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48009/48940, Bilbao/Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - E Gardenal
- Functional Neuroanatomy Group; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Department of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48009/48940, Bilbao/Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Joan Cabot
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - X Busquets
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain
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8
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Kamrani-Sharif R, Hayes AW, Gholami M, Salehirad M, Allahverdikhani M, Motaghinejad M, Emanuele E. Oxytocin as neuro-hormone and neuro-regulator exert neuroprotective properties: A mechanistic graphical review. Neuropeptides 2023; 101:102352. [PMID: 37354708 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegeneration is progressive cell loss in specific neuronal populations, often resulting in clinical consequences with significant medical, societal, and economic implications. Because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, oxytocin has been proposed as a potential neuroprotective and neurobehavioral therapeutic agent, including modulating mood disturbances and cognitive enchantment. METHODS Literature searches were conducted using the following databases Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, Google Scholar, the Core Collection, and Cochrane from January 2000 to February 2023 for articles dealing with oxytocin neuroprotective properties in preventing or treating neurodegenerative disorders and diseases with a focus on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis/cell death. RESULTS The neuroprotective effects of oxytocin appears to be mediated by its anti-inflammatory properties, inhibition of neuro inflammation, activation of several antioxidant enzymes, inhibition of oxidative stress and free radical formation, activation of free radical scavengers, prevent of mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibition of apoptosis. CONCLUSION Oxytocin acts as a neuroprotective agent by preventing neuro-apoptosis, neuro-inflammation, and neuronal oxidative stress, and by restoring mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Kamrani-Sharif
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mina Gholami
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Salehirad
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Allahverdikhani
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Motaghinejad
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Leppert HG, Anderson JT, Timm KJ, Davoli C, Pratt MA, Booth CD, White KA, Rechtzigel MJ, Meyerink BL, Johnson TB, Brudvig JJ, Weimer JM. Sortilin inhibition treats multiple neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.22.559064. [PMID: 37790379 PMCID: PMC10543011 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.22.559064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a genetically and clinically diverse group of diseases characterized by lysosomal dysfunction. Batten disease is a family of severe LSDs primarily impacting the central nervous system. Here we show that AF38469, a small molecule inhibitor of sortilin, improves lysosomal and glial pathology across multiple LSD models. Live-cell imaging and comparative transcriptomics demonstrates that the transcription factor EB (TFEB), an upstream regulator of lysosomal biogenesis, is activated upon treatment with AF38469. Utilizing CLN2 and CLN3 Batten disease mouse models, we performed a short-term efficacy study and show that treatment with AF38469 prevents the accumulation of lysosomal storage material and the development of neuroinflammation, key disease associated pathologies. Tremor phenotypes, an early behavioral phenotype in the CLN2 disease model, were also completely rescued. These findings reveal sortilin inhibition as a novel and highly efficacious therapeutic modality for the treatment of multiple forms of Batten disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G. Leppert
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
| | | | - Kaylie J. Timm
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
| | - Cristina Davoli
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
| | - Melissa A. Pratt
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
| | - Clarissa D. Booth
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
| | | | | | | | - Tyler B. Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
| | - Jon J. Brudvig
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
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10
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Lana D, Magni G, Landucci E, Wenk GL, Pellegrini-Giampietro DE, Giovannini MG. Phenomic Microglia Diversity as a Druggable Target in the Hippocampus in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13668. [PMID: 37761971 PMCID: PMC10531074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenomics, the complexity of microglia phenotypes and their related functions compels the continuous study of microglia in disease animal models to find druggable targets for neurodegenerative disorders. Activation of microglia was long considered detrimental for neuron survival, but more recently it has become apparent that the real scenario of microglia morphofunctional diversity is far more complex. In this review, we discuss the recent literature on the alterations in microglia phenomics in the hippocampus of animal models of normal brain aging, acute neuroinflammation, ischemia, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD. Microglia undergo phenomic changes consisting of transcriptional, functional, and morphological changes that transform them into cells with different properties and functions. The classical subdivision of microglia into M1 and M2, two different, all-or-nothing states is too simplistic, and does not correspond to the variety of phenotypes recently discovered in the brain. We will discuss the phenomic modifications of microglia focusing not only on the differences in microglia reactivity in the diverse models of neurodegenerative disorders, but also among different areas of the brain. For instance, in contiguous and highly interconnected regions of the rat hippocampus, microglia show a differential, finely regulated, and region-specific reactivity, demonstrating that microglia responses are not uniform, but vary significantly from area to area in response to insults. It is of great interest to verify whether the differences in microglia reactivity may explain the differential susceptibility of different brain areas to insults, and particularly the higher sensitivity of CA1 pyramidal neurons to inflammatory stimuli. Understanding the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of microglia phenomics in health and disease is of paramount importance to find new druggable targets for the development of novel microglia-targeted therapies in different CNS disorders. This will allow interventions in three different ways: (i) by suppressing the pro-inflammatory properties of microglia to limit the deleterious effect of their activation; (ii) by modulating microglia phenotypic change to favor anti-inflammatory properties; (iii) by influencing microglia priming early in the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (D.E.P.-G.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Giada Magni
- Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”, National Research Council (IFAC-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy;
| | - Elisa Landucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (D.E.P.-G.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Gary L. Wenk
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Domenico Edoardo Pellegrini-Giampietro
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (D.E.P.-G.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (D.E.P.-G.); (M.G.G.)
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11
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Calvo N, Einstein G. Steroid hormones: risk and resilience in women's Alzheimer disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1159435. [PMID: 37396653 PMCID: PMC10313425 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1159435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
More women have Alzheimer disease (AD) than men, but the reasons for this phenomenon are still unknown. Including women in clinical research and studying their biology is key to understand not just their increased risk but also their resilience against the disease. In this sense, women are more affected by AD than men, but their reserve or resilience mechanisms might delay symptom onset. The aim of this review was to explore what is known about mechanisms underlying women's risk and resilience in AD and identify emerging themes in this area that merit further research. We conducted a review of studies analyzing molecular mechanisms that may induce neuroplasticity in women, as well as cognitive and brain reserve. We also analyzed how the loss of steroid hormones in aging may be linked to AD. We included empirical studies with human and animal models, literature reviews as well as meta-analyses. Our search identified the importance of 17-b-estradiol (E2) as a mechanism driving cognitive and brain reserve in women. More broadly, our analysis revealed the following emerging perspectives: (1) the importance of steroid hormones and their effects on both neurons and glia for the study of risk and resilience in AD, (2) E2's crucial role in women's brain reserve, (3) women's verbal memory advantage as a cognitive reserve factor, and (4) E2's potential role in linguistic experiences such as multilingualism and hearing loss. Future directions for research include analyzing the reserve mechanisms of steroid hormones on neuronal and glial plasticity, as well as identifying the links between steroid hormone loss in aging and risk for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Calvo
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gillian Einstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tema Genus, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Women’s College Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Life Course and Aging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Dias CM, Issac B, Sun L, Lukowicz A, Talukdar M, Akula SK, Miller MB, Walsh K, Rockowitz S, Walsh CA. Glial dysregulation in the human brain in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300052120. [PMID: 37252957 PMCID: PMC10265985 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300052120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Short trinucleotide expansions at the FMR1 locus are associated with the late-onset condition fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), which shows very different clinical and pathological features from fragile X syndrome (associated with longer expansions), with no clear molecular explanation for these marked differences. One prevailing theory posits that the shorter, premutation expansion uniquely causes extreme neurotoxic increases in FMR1 mRNA (i.e., four to eightfold increases), but evidence to support this hypothesis is largely derived from analysis of peripheral blood. We applied single-nucleus RNA sequencing to postmortem frontal cortex and cerebellum from 7 individuals with premutation and matched controls (n = 6) to assess cell type-specific molecular neuropathology. We found only modest upregulation (~1.3-fold) of FMR1 in some glial populations associated with premutation expansions. In premutation cases, we also identified decreased astrocyte proportions in the cortex. Differential expression and gene ontology analysis demonstrated altered neuroregulatory roles of glia. Using network analyses, we identified cell type-specific and region-specific patterns of FMR1 protein target gene dysregulation unique to premutation cases, with notable network dysregulation in the cortical oligodendrocyte lineage. We used pseudotime trajectory analysis to determine how oligodendrocyte development was altered and identified differences in early gene expression in oligodendrocyte trajectories in premutation cases specifically, implicating early cortical glial developmental perturbations. These findings challenge dogma regarding extremely elevated FMR1 increases in FXTAS and implicate glial dysregulation as a critical facet of premutation pathophysiology, representing potential unique therapeutic targets directly derived from the human condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Dias
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Pediatrics, Section of Genetics and Metabolism, and Denver Fragile X Clinic and Research Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO80045
| | - Biju Issac
- Research Computing, Department of Information Technology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
| | - Liang Sun
- Research Computing, Department of Information Technology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
| | - Abigail Lukowicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Pediatrics, Section of Genetics and Metabolism, and Denver Fragile X Clinic and Research Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO80045
| | - Maya Talukdar
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology MD/PhD Program, Program in Bioinformatics & Integrative Genomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Shyam K. Akula
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology MD/PhD Program, Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Michael B. Miller
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
| | - Katherine Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
| | - Shira Rockowitz
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Research Computing, Department of Information Technology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
| | - Christopher A. Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
- HHMI, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
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13
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Kim KY, Shin KY, Chang KA. GFAP as a Potential Biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091309. [PMID: 37174709 PMCID: PMC10177296 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood biomarkers have been considered tools for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and tau are primarily blood biomarkers, recent studies have identified other reliable candidates that can serve as measurable indicators of pathological conditions. One such candidate is the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocytic cytoskeletal protein that can be detected in blood samples. Increasing evidence suggests that blood GFAP levels can be used to detect early-stage AD. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate GFAP in peripheral blood as a biomarker for AD and provide an overview of the evidence regarding its utility. Our analysis revealed that the GFAP level in the blood was higher in the Aβ-positive group than in the negative groups, and in individuals with AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to the healthy controls. Therefore, we believe that the clinical use of blood GFAP measurements has the potential to accelerate the diagnosis and improve the prognosis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Young Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Young Shin
- Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-A Chang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
- Bio-Medical Sciences, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
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14
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Canet G, Zussy C, Hernandez C, Maurice T, Desrumaux C, Givalois L. The pathomimetic oAβ25–35 model of Alzheimer's disease: Potential for screening of new therapeutic agents. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 245:108398. [PMID: 37001735 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly, currently affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. The two main histopathological hallmarks of AD were identified in the 1980s: senile plaques (composed of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides) and neurofibrillary tangles (composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein). In the human brain, both Aβ and tau show aggregation into soluble and insoluble oligomers. Soluble oligomers of Aβ include their most predominant forms - Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 - as well as shorter peptides such as Aβ25-35 or Aβ25-35/40. Most animal models of AD have been developed using transgenesis, based on identified human mutations. However, these familial forms of AD represent less than 1% of AD cases. In this context, the idea emerged in the 1990s to directly inject the Aβ25-35 fragment into the rodent brain to develop an acute model of AD that could mimic the disease's sporadic forms (99% of all cases). This review aims to: (1) summarize the biological activity of Aβ25-35, focusing on its impact on the main structural and functional alterations observed in AD (cognitive deficits, APP misprocessing, tau system dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, cholinergic and glutamatergic alterations, HPA axis dysregulation, synaptic deficits and cell death); and (2) confirm the interest of this pathomimetic model in AD research, as it has helped identify and characterize many molecules (marketed, in clinical development, and in preclinical testing), and to the development of alternative approaches for AD prevention and therapy. Today, the Aβ25-35 model appears as a first-intent choice model to rapidly screen the symptomatic or neuroprotective potencies of new compounds, chemical series, or innovative therapeutic strategies.
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15
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Gu L, Ju Y, Hu M, Zheng M, Li Q, Zhang X. Research progress of PPARγ regulation of cholesterol and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:839-854. [PMID: 36723831 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01139-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Peroxidase proliferator receptors (PPARs) are defined as key sensors and regulators of cell metabolism, transcription factors activated by ligands, involved in lipid, glucose and amino acid metabolism, participating in the processes of cell differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation regulation, and acute and chronic nerve damage. Among them, PPARγ is expressed in different brain regions and can regulate lipid metabolism, mitochondrial disorders, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. It has anti-inflammatory activity and shows neuroprotection. The regulation of Aβ levels in Alzheimer's disease involves cholesterol metabolism and inflammation, so this article first analyzes the biological functions of PPARγ, then mainly focuses on the relationship between cholesterol and inflammation and Aβ, and elaborates on the regulation of PPARγ on key proteins and the corresponding molecules, which provides new ideas for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Yue Ju
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Min Hu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Miao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Qin Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
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16
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Munger EL, Edler MK, Hopkins WD, Hof PR, Sherwood CC, Raghanti MA. Comparative analysis of astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex of primates: Insights into the evolution of human brain energetics. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:3106-3125. [PMID: 35859531 PMCID: PMC9588662 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the main homeostatic cell of the brain involved in many processes related to cognition, immune response, and energy expenditure. It has been suggested that the distribution of astrocytes is associated with brain size, and that they are specialized in humans. To evaluate these, we quantified astrocyte density, soma volume, and total glia density in layer I and white matter in Brodmann's area 9 of humans, chimpanzees, baboons, and macaques. We found that layer I astrocyte density, soma volume, and ratio of astrocytes to total glia cells were highest in humans and increased with brain size. Overall glia density in layer I and white matter were relatively invariant across brain sizes, potentially due to their important metabolic functions on a per volume basis. We also quantified two transporters involved in metabolism through the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle, excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). We expected these transporters would be increased in human brains due to their high rate of metabolic consumption and associated gene activity. While humans have higher EAAT2 cell density, GLUT1 vessel volume, and GLUT1 area fraction compared to baboons and chimpanzees, they did not differ from macaques. Therefore, EAAT2 and GLUT1 are not related to increased energetic demands of the human brain. Taken together, these data provide evidence that astrocytes play a unique role in both brain expansion and evolution among primates, with an emphasis on layer I astrocytes having a potentially significant role in human-specific metabolic processing and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Munger
- Department of Anthropology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH
| | - Melissa K. Edler
- Department of Anthropology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH
| | - William D. Hopkins
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chet C. Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH
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17
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Differential biochemical-inflammatory patterns in the astrocyte-neuron axis of the hippocampus and frontal cortex in Wistar rats with metabolic syndrome induced by high fat or carbohydrate diets. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 126:102186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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18
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Griffiths B, Xu L, Sun X, Greer M, Murray I, Stary C. Inhibition of microRNA-200c preserves astrocyte sirtuin-1 and mitofusin-2, and protects against hippocampal neurodegeneration following global cerebral ischemia in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1014751. [PMID: 36466801 PMCID: PMC9710226 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1014751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory impairment remains a leading disability in survivors of global cerebral ischemia, occurring secondary to delayed neurodegeneration of hippocampal cornu ammonis-1 (CA1) neurons. MicroRNA-200c (miR-200c) is induced following ischemic stress and we have previously demonstrated that pre-treatment with anti-miR-200c is protective against embolic stroke in mice. In the present study we assessed the role of miR-200c on CA1 neurodegeneration, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), and mitochondrial dynamic protein expression in a mouse model of transient global cerebral ischemia and in vitro in primary mouse astrocyte cultures after simulated ischemia. Mice were subjected to 10 min bilateral common carotid artery occlusion plus hypotension with 5% isoflurane. After 2 h recovery mice were treated with intravenous injection of either anti-miR-200c or mismatch control. Memory function was assessed by Barnes maze at post-injury days 3 and 7. Mice were sacrificed at post-injury day 7 for assessment of brain cell-type specific expression of miR-200c, SIRT1, and the mitochondrial fusion proteins mitofusin-2 (MFN2) and OPA1 via complexed fluorescent in situ hybridization and fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Global cerebral ischemia induced significant loss of CA1 neurons, impaired memory performance and decreased expression of CA1 SIRT1, MFN2, and OPA1. Post-injury treatment with anti-miR-200c significantly improved survival, prevented CA1 neuronal loss, improved post-injury performance in Barnes maze, and was associated with increased post-injury expression of CA1 SIRT1 and MFN2 in astrocytes. In vitro, primary mouse astrocyte cultures pre-treated with miR-200c inhibitor prior to oxygen/glucose deprivation preserved expression of SIRT1 and MFN2, and decreased reactive oxygen species generation, whereas pre-treatment with miR-200c mimic had opposite effects that could be reversed by co-treatment with SIRT1 activator. These results suggest that miR-200c regulates astrocyte mitochondrial homeostasis via targeting SIRT1, and that CA1 astrocyte mitochondria and SIRT1 represent potential post-injury therapeutic targets to preserve cognitive function in survivors of global cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Griffiths
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Lijun Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Xiaoyun Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Majesty Greer
- Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Isabella Murray
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Creed Stary
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Creed Stary,
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19
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Naoi M, Maruyama W, Shamoto-Nagai M. Neuroprotective Function of Rasagiline and Selegiline, Inhibitors of Type B Monoamine Oxidase, and Role of Monoamine Oxidases in Synucleinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911059. [PMID: 36232361 PMCID: PMC9570229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by the accumulation of toxic species of α-synuclein. The common clinical features are chronic progressive decline of motor, cognitive, behavioral, and autonomic functions. They include Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy body, and multiple system atrophy. Their etiology has not been clarified and multiple pathogenic factors include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired protein degradation systems, and neuroinflammation. Current available therapy cannot prevent progressive neurodegeneration and “disease-modifying or neuroprotective” therapy has been proposed. This paper presents the molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection by the inhibitors of type B monoamine oxidase, rasagiline and selegiline. They prevent mitochondrial apoptosis, induce anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein family, and pro-survival brain- and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors. They also prevent toxic oligomerization and aggregation of α-synuclein. Monoamine oxidase is involved in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection, independently of the catalytic activity. Type A monoamine oxidases mediates rasagiline-activated signaling pathways to induce neuroprotective genes in neuronal cells. Multi-targeting propargylamine derivatives have been developed for therapy in various neurodegenerative diseases. Preclinical studies have presented neuroprotection of rasagiline and selegiline, but beneficial effects have been scarcely presented. Strategy to improve clinical trials is discussed to achieve disease-modification in synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Naoi
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-05-6173-1111 (ext. 3494); Fax: +81-561-731-142
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20
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Andersen JV, Schousboe A, Verkhratsky A. Astrocyte energy and neurotransmitter metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: integration of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102331. [PMID: 35872221 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to the complex cellular pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurons and astrocytes function in close collaboration through neurotransmitter recycling, collectively known as the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, which is essential to sustain neurotransmission. Neurotransmitter recycling is intimately linked to astrocyte energy metabolism. In the course of AD, astrocytes undergo extensive metabolic remodeling, which may profoundly affect the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. The consequences of altered astrocyte function and metabolism in relation to neurotransmitter recycling are yet to be comprehended. Metabolic alterations of astrocytes in AD deprive neurons of metabolic support, thereby contributing to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. In addition, several astrocyte-specific components of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, including glutamine synthesis and synaptic neurotransmitter uptake, are perturbed in AD. Integration of the complex astrocyte biology within the context of AD is essential for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the disease, while restoring astrocyte metabolism may serve as an approach to arrest or even revert clinical progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Arne Schousboe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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21
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Bilateral intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin induces AD-like behavioral impairments and neuropathological features in mice: Involved with the fundamental role of neuroinflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113375. [PMID: 35834993 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish an Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model, investigate the behavioral performance changes and intracerebral molecular changes induced by bilateral intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (STZ/I.C.V), and explore the potential pathogenesis of AD. METHODS An AD mouse model was established by STZ/I.C.V. The behavioral performance was observed via the open field test (OFT), novel object recognition test (NOR), and tail suspension test (TST). The mRNA and protein expressions of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the hippocampus were measured via qPCR and Western blot. The expression of β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42), phosphorylated Tau protein (p-Tau (Ser396)), Tau5, β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme (BACE), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Copine6, synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1), synapsin-1, phosphoinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine kinase (Akt), phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase (p-Akt (Ser473)), triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1/2 (TREM1/2) were detected using Western blot, and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1), Aβ1-42, p-Tau(Ser396), Syt-1, BDNF were measured via immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS STZ/I.C.V induced AD-like neuropsychiatric behaviors in mice, as indicated by the impairment of learning and memory, together with the reduced spontaneous movement and exploratory behavior. The expression of BACE, Aβ1-42, p-Tau(Ser396), and TREM2 were significantly increased in the hippocampus of model mice, while the expression of IRS1, BDNF, Copine6, Syt-1, synapsin-1, PI3K, p-Akt(Ser473), and TREM1 were decreased as compared with that of the controls. Furthermore, the model mice presented a hyperactivation of astrocytes and microglia in the hippocampus, accompanied by the increased mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. CONCLUSION STZ/I.C.V is an effective way to induce AD mice model, with not only AD-like neuropsychiatric behaviors, but also typic AD-like neuropathological features including neurofibrillary tangles, deposit of β-amyloid (Aβ), neuroinflammation, and imbalanced synaptic plasticity.
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Xiong XY, Tang Y, Yang QW. Metabolic changes favor the activity and heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:390-400. [PMID: 35396164 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes undergo morphological, molecular, metabolic, and functional remodeling in response to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, we still know very little about how the metabolic switching of astrocytes influences, or is influenced by, reactive astrocytes in response to neurological diseases. In this review, we initially cover a brief introduction into reactive astrocyte function under pathological conditions. Subsequently, we summarize the emerging roles of glucose and lipid metabolism in reactive astrocytes in the context of CNS injury to provide a new insight into metabolic mechanisms of reactive astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection or damage. Finally, we propose that deciphering the mechanistic link between astrocyte heterogeneity metabolism and improved methods is an emerging frontier for the therapeutic investigation of CNS injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yi Xiong
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China; International Collaborative Centre on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signaling, Chengdu, China; Acupuncture & Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yong Tang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China; International Collaborative Centre on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signaling, Chengdu, China; Acupuncture & Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing-Wu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing 400064, China.
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Teplyashina EA, Gorina YV, Khilazheva ED, Boytsova EB, Mosyagina AI, Malinovskaya NA, Komleva YK, Morgun AV, Uspenskaya YA, Shuvaev AN, Salmina AB. Cells of Cerebrovascular Endothelium and Perivascular Astroglia in the Regulation of Neurogenesis. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093022030097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Owada R, Mitsui S, Nakamura K. Exogenous polyserine and polyleucine are toxic to recipient cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1685. [PMID: 35102230 PMCID: PMC8803884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05720-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of mRNAs/transcripts responsible for polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases may generate peptides containing different mono amino acid tracts such as polyserine (polyS) and polyleucine (polyL). The propagation of aggregated polyQ from one cell to another is also an intriguing feature of polyQ proteins. However, whether the RAN translation-related polyS and polyL have the ability to propagate remains unclear, and if they do, whether the exogenous polyS and polyL exert toxicity on the recipient cells is also not known yet. In the present study, we found that aggregated polyS and polyL peptides spontaneously enter neuron-like cells and astrocytes in vitro. Aggregated polyS led to the degeneration of the differentiated neuron-like cultured cells. Likewise, the two types of aggregates taken up by astrocytes induced aberrant differentiation and cell death in vitro. Furthermore, injection of each of the two types of aggregates into the ventricles of adult mice resulted in their behavioral changes. The polyS-injected mice showed extensive vacuolar degeneration in the brain. Thus, the RAN translation-related proteins containing polyS and polyL have the potential to propagate and the proteins generated by all polyQ diseases might exert universal toxicity in the recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Owada
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shinichi Mitsui
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.
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Landucci E, Mazzantini C, Lana D, Giovannini MG, Pellegrini-Giampietro DE. Neuronal and Astrocytic Morphological Alterations Driven by Prolonged Exposure with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol but Not Cannabidiol. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10020048. [PMID: 35202235 PMCID: PMC8879505 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis derivatives are largely used in the general population for recreational and medical purposes, with the highest prevalence among adolescents, but chronic use and abuse has raised medical concerns. We investigated the prolonged effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in organotypic hippocampal slices from P7 rats cultured for 2 weeks. Cell death in the CA1 subregion of slices was quantified by propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence, pre-synaptic and post-synaptic marker proteins were analysed by Western blotting and neurodegeneration and astrocytic alterations by NeuN and GFAP by immunofluorescence and confocal laser microscopy. The statistical significance of differences was analysed using ANOVA with a post hoc Dunnett w-test (PI fluorescence intensities and Western blots) or Newman–Keuls (immunohistochemistry data) for multiple comparisons. A probability value (P) of < 0.05 was considered significant. Prolonged (72 h) THC or CBD incubation did not induce cell death but caused modifications in the expression of synaptic proteins and morphological alterations in neurons and astrocytes. In particular, the expression of PSD95 was reduced following incubation for 72 h with THC and was increased following incubation with CBD. THC for 72 h caused disorganisation of CA1 stratum pyramidalis (SP) and complex morphological modifications in a significant number of pyramidal neurons and in astrocytes. Our results suggest that THC or CBD prolonged exposure induce different effects in the hippocampus. In particular, 72 h of THC exposure induced neuronal and glia alterations that must draw our attention to the effects that relatively prolonged use might cause, especially in adolescents.
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Molecular Mechanism of Tetramethylpyrazine Ameliorating Neuroexcitotoxicity through Activating the PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2812839. [PMID: 35097116 PMCID: PMC8794663 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2812839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Excitotoxicity plays a key role in nervous system disease and can trigger a critical cascade of reaction which affects cell viability and promotes neuronal death. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) reveals its effect in the treatment of neurovascular diseases by antiapoptosis. Recently, there were several studies that demonstrated that the PKA/CREB signaling pathway played a role in neural disease because of excitotoxicity, such as stroke, AD, and Parkinson's disease. In this study, we wanted to focus on the protective effect of tetramethylpyrazine against excitotoxicity through the PKA/CREB signaling pathway. Methods In order to verify whether tetramethylpyrazine can attenuate excitotoxicity through the PKA/CREB signaling pathway, we first used molecular docking technology to predict the combinational strength and mode of tetramethylpyrazine with the proteins in the PKA/CREB signaling pathway. Then, we determined the optimal concentration and time according to the model effect of glutamate (Glu) with different concentration gradients and action times in PC12 cells. After the determination of concentration and time of glutamate in the previous step as the model way, tetramethylpyrazine was added to determine its influence on the cell viability under different doses and times. The TUNEL assay and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptosis. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, PKA, and 5CREB genes, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of these factors. Result Tetramethylpyrazine had a good docking score (-5.312) with PKA and had a moderately docking score (-3.838) with CREB. The CCK-8 cell activity assay showed that the activity of PC12 cells decreased gradually with the increase in glutamate concentration and time, and PC12 cells were treated with 10 mM/L glutamate (the half of the inhibitory concentration (IC50)) for 12 hours. Then, the cell viability increased gradually following the increased concentration of tetramethylpyrazine. When PC12 cells were treated with 0.1 mM/L tetramethylpyrazine, the cell viability was increased significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The TUNEL assay and flow cytometry also showed that tetramethylpyrazine could decrease the apoptosis induced by glutamate. In the result of RT-PCR, the transcriptional levels of Bcl-2, PKA, and CREB were increased and Bax was decreased. Meanwhile, Western blot showed that expression levels of Bcl-2, PKA, CREB, and p-CREB were increased and Bax was decreased. Conclusions This study provided evidence that tetramethylpyrazine can protect against apoptosis caused by neuroexcitotoxicity and the protective mechanism is closely related to the activation of the PKA/CREB signaling pathway.
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Katsenos AP, Davri AS, Simos YV, Nikas IP, Bekiari C, Paschou SA, Peschos D, Konitsiotis S, Vezyraki P, Tsamis KI. New treatment approaches for Alzheimer's disease: preclinical studies and clinical trials centered on antidiabetic drugs. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:105-123. [PMID: 34941464 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2022122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent two major chronic diseases that affect a large percentage of the population and share common pathogenetic mechanisms, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Considering their common mechanistic aspects, and given the current lack of effective therapies for AD, accumulating research has focused on the therapeutic potential of antidiabetic drugs in the treatment or prevention of AD. AREAS COVERED This review examines the latest preclinical and clinical evidence on the potential of antidiabetic drugs as candidates for AD treatment. Numerous approved drugs for T2DM, including insulin, metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), are in the spotlight and may constitute novel approaches for AD treatment. EXPERT OPINION Among other pharmacologic agents, GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i have so far exhibited promising results as novel treatment approaches for AD, while current research has centered on deciphering their action on the central nervous system (CNS). Further investigation is crucial to reveal the most effective pharmacological agents and their optimal combinations, maximize their beneficial effects on neurons, and find ways to increase their distribution to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas P Katsenos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology Research Group, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athena S Davri
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Yannis V Simos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology Research Group, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ilias P Nikas
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chryssa Bekiari
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Histology, school of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavroula A Paschou
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Centre, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology Research Group, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Patra Vezyraki
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Tsamis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology Research Group, University of Ioannina, Greece.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Fan X, Wang X, Liu XR, Li KX, Liu Y. Effects of ferulic acid on regulating the neurovascular unit: Implications for ischemic stroke treatment. WORLD JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_76_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Abstract
In the twentieth century, neuropsychiatric disorders have been perceived solely from a neurone-centric point of view, which considers neurones as the key cellular elements of pathological processes. This dogma has been challenged thanks to the better comprehension of the brain functioning, which, even if far from being complete, has revealed the complexity of interactions that exist between neurones and neuroglia. Glial cells represent a highly heterogeneous population of cells of neural (astroglia and oligodendroglia) and non-neural (microglia) origin populating the central nervous system. The variety of glia reflects the innumerable functions that glial cells perform to support functions of the nervous system. Aberrant execution of glial functions contributes to the development of neuropsychiatric pathologies. Arguably, all types of glial cells are implicated in the neuropathology; however, astrocytes have received particular attention in recent years because of their pleiotropic functions that make them decisive in maintaining cerebral homeostasis. This chapter describes the multiple roles of astrocytes in the healthy central nervous system and discusses the diversity of astroglial responses in neuropsychiatric disorders suggesting that targeting astrocytes may represent an effective therapeutic strategy.
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30
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Verkhratsky A, Li B, Scuderi C, Parpura V. Principles of Astrogliopathology. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:55-73. [PMID: 34888830 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The role of astrocytes in the nervous system pathology was early on embraced by neuroscientists at end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century, only to be pushed aside by neurone-centric dogmas during most of the twentieth century. However, the last decade of the twentieth century and the twenty-first century have brought the astroglial "renaissance", which has put astroglial cells as key players in pathophysiology of most if not all disorders of the nervous system and has regarded astroglia as a fertile ground for therapeutic intervention.Astrocytic contribution to neuropathology can be primary, whereby cell-autonomous changes, such as mutations in gene encoding for glial fibrillary acidic protein, can drive the pathologic progression, in this example, Alexander disease. They can also be secondary, when astrocytes respond to a variety of insults to the nervous tissue. Regardless of their origin, being cell-autonomous or not, changes in astroglia that occur in pathology, that is, astrogliopathology, can be contemporary and arbitrary classified into four forms: (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astrocytic atrophy with loss of function, (iii) pathological remodelling of astrocytes and (iv) astrodegeneration morphologically manifested as clasmatodendrosis. Inevitably, as with any other classification, this classification of astrogliopathology awaits its revision that shall be rooted in new discoveries and concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Baoman Li
- Practical Teaching Center, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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31
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Kim J, Choi H, Kang EK, Ji GY, Kim Y, Choi IS. In Vitro Studies on Therapeutic Effects of Cannabidiol in Neural Cells: Neurons, Glia, and Neural Stem Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26196077. [PMID: 34641624 PMCID: PMC8512311 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26196077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
(‒)-Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major phytocannabinoids extracted from the Cannabis genus. Its non-psychoactiveness and therapeutic potential, partly along with some anecdotal—if not scientific or clinical—evidence on the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, have led researchers to investigate the biochemical actions of CBD on neural cells. This review summarizes the previously reported mechanistic studies of the CBD actions on primary neural cells at the in vitro cell-culture level. The neural cells are classified into neurons, microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neural stem cells, and the CBD effects on each cell type are described. After brief introduction on CBD and in vitro studies of CBD actions on neural cells, the neuroprotective capability of CBD on primary neurons with the suggested operating actions is discussed, followed by the reported CBD actions on glia and the CBD-induced regeneration from neural stem cells. A summary section gives a general overview of the biochemical actions of CBD on neural cells, with a future perspective. This review will provide a basic and fundamental, but crucial, insight on the mechanistic understanding of CBD actions on neural cells in the brain, at the molecular level, and the therapeutic potential of CBD in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, although to date, there seem to have been relatively limited research activities and reports on the cell culture-level, in vitro studies of CBD effects on primary neural cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungnam Kim
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.); (E.K.K.)
| | - Hyunwoo Choi
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.); (E.K.K.)
| | - Eunhye K. Kang
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.); (E.K.K.)
| | - Gil Yong Ji
- Cannabis Medical, Inc., Sandong-ro 433-31, Eumbong-myeon, Asan-si 31418, Korea; (G.Y.J.); (Y.K.)
| | - Youjeong Kim
- Cannabis Medical, Inc., Sandong-ro 433-31, Eumbong-myeon, Asan-si 31418, Korea; (G.Y.J.); (Y.K.)
| | - Insung S. Choi
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.); (E.K.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Yin X, Qiu Y, Zhao C, Zhou Z, Bao J, Qian W. The Role of Amyloid-Beta and Tau in the Early Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e933084. [PMID: 34471085 PMCID: PMC8422899 DOI: 10.12659/msm.933084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The abnormal accumulation of amyloid-b (Ab) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) containing phosphorylated tau proteins are the main histopathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Synaptic damage and loss are earlier events than amyloid plaques and NFTs in AD progress and best correlate with cognitive deficits in AD patients. Soluble oligomeric Aß initiates the progression of AD and tau mediates the subsequent synaptic impairments at an early stage of AD. In this review we discuss how Ab or/and tau causes synaptic dysfunction. Ab oligomers gather at synapses and give rise to synaptic death in a variety of ways such as regulating receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases, unbalancing calcium homeostasis, and activating caspases and calcineurin. A large amount of hyperphosphorylated tau exists in the synapse of the AD brain. Aß-triggered synaptic deficits are dependent on tau. Soluble, hyperphosphorylated tau is much more correlated to cognitive decline in AD patients. Tau-targeted therapies have received more attention because the treatments targeting Aß failed in AD. Here, we also review the therapy strategies used to intervene in the very early stages of AD. Soluble hyperphosphorylated tau forms a complex with cell surface receptors, scaffold proteins, or intracellular signaling molecules to damage synaptic function. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting synaptic tau at the early stage of AD may ameliorating pathology in AD. This review aims to provide an update on the role of oligomeric Ab and soluble hyperphosphorylated tau in the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and to develop a new treatment strategy based on this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland).,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland).,NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Yanyan Qiu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Chenhao Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Junze Bao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland).,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland).,NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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Role of Satb1 and Satb2 Transcription Factors in the Glutamate Receptors Expression and Ca 2+ Signaling in the Cortical Neurons In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115968. [PMID: 34073140 PMCID: PMC8198236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors Satb1 and Satb2 are involved in the processes of cortex development and maturation of neurons. Alterations in the expression of their target genes can lead to neurodegenerative processes. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of regulation of neurotransmission by these transcription factors remain poorly understood. In this study, we have shown that transcription factors Satb1 and Satb2 participate in the regulation of genes encoding the NMDA-, AMPA-, and KA- receptor subunits and the inhibitory GABA(A) receptor. Deletion of gene for either Satb1 or Satb2 homologous factors induces the expression of genes encoding the NMDA receptor subunits, thereby leading to higher amplitudes of Ca2+-signals in neurons derived from the Satb1-deficient (Satb1fl/+ * NexCre/+) and Satb1-null mice (Satb1fl/fl * NexCre/+) in response to the selective agonist reducing the EC50 for the NMDA receptor. Simultaneously, there is an increase in the expression of the Gria2 gene, encoding the AMPA receptor subunit, thus decreasing the Ca2+-signals of neurons in response to the treatment with a selective agonist (5-Fluorowillardiine (FW)). The Satb1 deletion increases the sensitivity of the KA receptor to the agonist (domoic acid), in the cortical neurons of the Satb1-deficient mice but decreases it in the Satb1-null mice. At the same time, the Satb2 deletion decreases Ca2+-signals and the sensitivity of the KA receptor to the agonist in neurons from the Satb1-null and the Satb1-deficient mice. The Satb1 deletion affects the development of the inhibitory system of neurotransmission resulting in the suppression of the neuron maturation process and switching the GABAergic responses from excitatory to inhibitory, while the Satb2 deletion has a similar effect only in the Satb1-null mice. We show that the Satb1 and Satb2 transcription factors are involved in the regulation of the transmission of excitatory signals and inhibition of the neuronal network in the cortical cell culture.
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The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Alzheimer Disease. From Dysbiosis to Neurodegeneration: Focus on the Central Nervous System Glial Cells. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112358. [PMID: 34072107 PMCID: PMC8199461 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiota-gut system can be thought of as a single unit that interacts with the brain via the "two-way" microbiota-gut-brain axis. Through this axis, a constant interplay mediated by the several products originating from the microbiota guarantees the physiological development and shaping of the gut and the brain. In the present review will be described the modalities through which the microbiota and gut control each other, and the main microbiota products conditioning both local and brain homeostasis. Much evidence has accumulated over the past decade in favor of a significant association between dysbiosis, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Presently, the pathogenetic mechanisms triggered by molecules produced by the altered microbiota, also responsible for the onset and evolution of Alzheimer disease, will be described. Our attention will be focused on the role of astrocytes and microglia. Numerous studies have progressively demonstrated how these glial cells are important to ensure an adequate environment for neuronal activity in healthy conditions. Furthermore, it is becoming evident how both cell types can mediate the onset of neuroinflammation and lead to neurodegeneration when subjected to pathological stimuli. Based on this information, the role of the major microbiota products in shifting the activation profiles of astrocytes and microglia from a healthy to a diseased state will be discussed, focusing on Alzheimer disease pathogenesis.
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Lana D, Ugolini F, Nosi D, Wenk GL, Giovannini MG. The Emerging Role of the Interplay Among Astrocytes, Microglia, and Neurons in the Hippocampus in Health and Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:651973. [PMID: 33889084 PMCID: PMC8055856 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.651973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
For over a century, neurons have been considered the basic functional units of the brain while glia only elements of support. Activation of glia has been long regarded detrimental for survival of neurons but more it appears that this is not the case in all circumstances. In this review, we report and discuss the recent literature on the alterations of astrocytes and microglia during inflammaging, the low-grade, slow, chronic inflammatory response that characterizes normal brain aging, and in acute inflammation. Becoming reactive, astrocytes and microglia undergo transcriptional, functional, and morphological changes that transform them into cells with different properties and functions, such as A1 and A2 astrocytes, and M1 and M2 microglia. This classification of microglia and astrocytes in two different, all-or-none states seems too simplistic, and does not correspond to the diverse variety of phenotypes so far found in the brain. Different interactions occur among the many cell populations of the central nervous system in health and disease conditions. Such interactions give rise to networks of morphological and functional reciprocal reliance and dependency. Alterations affecting one cell population reverberate to the others, favoring or dysregulating their activities. In the last part of this review, we present the modifications of the interplay between neurons and glia in rat models of brain aging and acute inflammation, focusing on the differences between CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus, one of the brain regions most susceptible to different insults. With triple labeling fluorescent immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy (TIC), it is possible to evaluate and compare quantitatively the morphological and functional alterations of the components of the neuron-astrocyte-microglia triad. In the contiguous and interconnected regions of rat hippocampus, CA1 and CA3 Stratum Radiatum, astrocytes and microglia show a different, finely regulated, and region-specific reactivity, demonstrating that glia responses vary in a significant manner from area to area. It will be of great interest to verify whether these differential reactivities of glia explain the diverse vulnerability of the hippocampal areas to aging or to different damaging insults, and particularly the higher sensitivity of CA1 pyramidal neurons to inflammatory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Ugolini
- Section of Anatomopatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Nosi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gary L Wenk
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Cyrino LAR, Delwing-de Lima D, Ullmann OM, Maia TP. Concepts of Neuroinflammation and Their Relationship With Impaired Mitochondrial Functions in Bipolar Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:609487. [PMID: 33732117 PMCID: PMC7959852 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.609487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric disease, characterized by frequent behavioral episodes of depression and mania, and neurologically by dysregulated neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, growth factor signaling, and metabolism, as well as oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis, contributing to chronic neuroinflammation. These abnormalities result from complex interactions between multiple susceptibility genes and environmental factors such as stress. The neurocellular abnormalities of BD can result in gross morphological changes, such as reduced prefrontal and hippocampal volume, and circuit reorganization resulting in cognitive and emotional deficits. The term "neuroprogression" is used to denote the progressive changes from early to late stages, as BD severity and loss of treatment response correlate with the number of past episodes. In addition to circuit and cellular abnormalities, BD is associated with dysfunctional mitochondria, leading to severe metabolic disruption in high energy-demanding neurons and glia. Indeed, mitochondrial dysfunction involving electron transport chain (ETC) disruption is considered the primary cause of chronic oxidative stress in BD. The ensuing damage to membrane lipids, proteins, and DNA further perpetuates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, creating a perpetuating pathogenic cycle. A deeper understanding of BD pathophysiology and identification of associated biomarkers of neuroinflammation are needed to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Arthur Rangel Cyrino
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Meio Ambiente, Laboratório de Práticas Farmacêuticas of Department of Pharmacy, University of Joinville Region—UNIVILLE, Joinville, Brazil
- Department of Psychology, University of Joinville—UNIVILLE, Joinville, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Joinville—UNIVILLE, Joinville, Brazil
| | - Daniela Delwing-de Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Meio Ambiente, Laboratório de Práticas Farmacêuticas of Department of Pharmacy, University of Joinville Region—UNIVILLE, Joinville, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Joinville—UNIVILLE, Joinville, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, University of Joinville—UNIVILLE, Joinville, Brazil
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Li B, Xia M, Zorec R, Parpura V, Verkhratsky A. Astrocytes in heavy metal neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Brain Res 2021; 1752:147234. [PMID: 33412145 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the industrial development and progressive increase in environmental pollution, the mankind overexposure to heavy metals emerges as a pressing public health issue. Excessive intake of heavy metals, such as arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), aluminium (Al), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), bismuth (Bi), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), is neurotoxic and it promotes neurodegeneration. Astrocytes are primary homeostatic cells in the central nervous system. They protect neurons against all types of insults, in particular by accumulating heavy metals. However, this makes astrocytes the main target for heavy metals neurotoxicity. Intake of heavy metals affects astroglial homeostatic and neuroprotective cascades including glutamate/GABA-glutamine shuttle, antioxidative machinery and energy metabolism. Deficits in these astroglial pathways facilitate or even instigate neurodegeneration. In this review, we provide a concise outlook on heavy metal-induced astrogliopathies and their association with major neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, we focus on astroglial mechanisms of iron-induced neurotoxicity. Iron deposits in the brain are detected in main neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Accumulation of iron in the brain is associated with motor and cognitive impairments and iron-induced histopathological manifestations may be considered as the potential diagnostic biomarker of neurodegenerative diseases. Effective management of heavy metal neurotoxicity can be regarded as a potential strategy to prevent or retard neurodegenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoman Li
- Practical Teaching Centre, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Maosheng Xia
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Practical Teaching Centre, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain.
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Astroglial tracer BU99008 detects multiple binding sites in Alzheimer's disease brain. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:5833-5847. [PMID: 33888872 PMCID: PMC8758481 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01101-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
With reactive astrogliosis being established as one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is high interest in developing novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracers to detect early astrocyte reactivity. BU99008, a novel astrocytic PET ligand targeting imidazoline-2 binding sites (I2BS) on astrocytes, might be a suitable candidate. Here we demonstrate for the first time that BU99008 could visualise reactive astrogliosis in postmortem AD brains and propose a multiple binding site [Super-high-affinity (SH), High-affinity (HA) and Low-affinity (LA)] model for BU99008, I2BS specific ligands (2-BFI and BU224) and deprenyl in AD and control (CN) brains. The proportion (%) and affinities of these sites varied significantly between the BU99008, 2-BFI, BU224 and deprenyl in AD and CN brains. Regional binding studies demonstrated significantly higher 3H-BU99008 binding in AD brain regions compared to CN. Comparative autoradiography studies reinforced these findings, showing higher specific binding for 3H-BU99008 than 3H-Deprenyl in sporadic AD brain compared to CN, implying that they might have different targets. The data clearly shows that BU99008 could detect I2BS expressing reactive astrocytes with good selectivity and specificity and hence be a potential attractive clinical astrocytic PET tracer for gaining further insight into the role of reactive astrogliosis in AD.
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Lana D, Ugolini F, Giovannini MG. Space-Dependent Glia-Neuron Interplay in the Hippocampus of Transgenic Models of β-Amyloid Deposition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9441. [PMID: 33322419 PMCID: PMC7763751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review is focused on the description and discussion of the alterations of astrocytes and microglia interplay in models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is an age-related neurodegenerative pathology with a slowly progressive and irreversible decline of cognitive functions. One of AD's histopathological hallmarks is the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain. Long regarded as a non-specific, mere consequence of AD pathology, activation of microglia and astrocytes is now considered a key factor in both initiation and progression of the disease, and suppression of astrogliosis exacerbates neuropathology. Reactive astrocytes and microglia overexpress many cytokines, chemokines, and signaling molecules that activate or damage neighboring cells and their mutual interplay can result in virtuous/vicious cycles which differ in different brain regions. Heterogeneity of glia, either between or within a particular brain region, is likely to be relevant in healthy conditions and disease processes. Differential crosstalk between astrocytes and microglia in CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus can be responsible for the differential sensitivity of the two areas to insults. Understanding the spatial differences and roles of glia will allow us to assess how these interactions can influence the state and progression of the disease, and will be critical for identifying therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Filippo Ugolini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Anatomopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
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Kang J, Shen J. Cell-autonomous role of Presenilin in age-dependent survival of cortical interneurons. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:72. [PMID: 33302995 PMCID: PMC7731773 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00419-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes are the major cause of familial Alzheimer's disease. Previous studies demonstrated that Presenilin (PS), the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, is required for survival of excitatory neurons in the cerebral cortex during aging. However, the role of PS in inhibitory interneurons had not been explored. METHODS To determine PS function in GABAergic neurons, we generated inhibitory neuron-specific PS conditional double knockout (IN-PS cDKO) mice, in which PS is selectively inactivated by Cre recombinase expressed under the control of the endogenous GAD2 promoter. We then performed behavioral, biochemical, and histological analyses to evaluate the consequences of selective PS inactivation in inhibitory neurons. RESULTS IN-PS cDKO mice exhibit earlier mortality and lower body weight despite normal food intake and basal activity. Western analysis of protein lysates from various brain sub-regions of IN-PS cDKO mice showed significant reduction of PS1 levels and dramatic accumulation of γ-secretase substrates. Interestingly, IN-PS cDKO mice develop age-dependent loss of GABAergic neurons, as shown by normal number of GAD67-immunoreactive interneurons in the cerebral cortex at 2-3 months of age but reduced number of cortical interneurons at 9 months. Moreover, age-dependent reduction of Parvalbumin- and Somatostatin-immunoreactive interneurons is more pronounced in the neocortex and hippocampus of IN-PS cDKO mice. Consistent with these findings, the number of apoptotic cells is elevated in the cerebral cortex of IN-PS cDKO mice, and the enhanced apoptosis is due to dramatic increases of apoptotic interneurons, whereas the number of apoptotic excitatory neurons is unaffected. Furthermore, progressive loss of interneurons in the cerebral cortex of IN-PS cDKO mice is accompanied with astrogliosis and microgliosis. CONCLUSION Our results together support a cell-autonomous role of PS in the survival of cortical interneurons during aging. Together with earlier studies, these findings demonstrate a universal, essential requirement of PS in the survival of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongkyun Kang
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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Lana D, Ugolini F, Giovannini MG. An Overview on the Differential Interplay Among Neurons-Astrocytes-Microglia in CA1 and CA3 Hippocampus in Hypoxia/Ischemia. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:585833. [PMID: 33262692 PMCID: PMC7686560 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.585833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons have been long regarded as the basic functional cells of the brain, whereas astrocytes and microglia have been regarded only as elements of support. However, proper intercommunication among neurons-astrocytes-microglia is of fundamental importance for the functional organization of the brain. Perturbation in the regulation of brain energy metabolism not only in neurons but also in astrocytes and microglia may be one of the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegeneration, especially in hypoxia/ischemia. Glial activation has long been considered detrimental for survival of neurons, but recently it appears that glial responses to an insult are not equal but vary in different brain areas. In this review, we first take into consideration the modifications of the vascular unit of the glymphatic system and glial metabolism in hypoxic conditions. Using the method of triple-labeling fluorescent immunohistochemistry coupled with confocal microscopy (TIC), we recently studied the interplay among neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in chronic brain hypoperfusion. We evaluated the quantitative and morpho-functional alterations of the neuron-astrocyte-microglia triads comparing the hippocampal CA1 area, more vulnerable to ischemia, to the CA3 area, less vulnerable. In these contiguous and interconnected areas, in the same experimental hypoxic conditions, astrocytes and microglia show differential, finely regulated, region-specific reactivities. In both areas, astrocytes and microglia form triad clusters with apoptotic, degenerating neurons. In the neuron-astrocyte-microglia triads, the cell body of a damaged neuron is infiltrated and bisected by branches of astrocyte that create a microscar around it while a microglial cell phagocytoses the damaged neuron. These coordinated actions are consistent with the scavenging and protective activities of microglia. In hypoxia, the neuron-astrocyte-microglia triads are more numerous in CA3 than in CA1, further indicating their protective effects. These data, taken from contiguous and interconnected hippocampal areas, demonstrate that glial response to the same hypoxic insult is not equal but varies significantly. Understanding the differences of glial reactivity is of great interest to explain the differential susceptibility of hippocampal areas to hypoxia/ischemia. Further studies may evidence the differential reactivity of glia in different brain areas, explaining the higher or lower sensitivity of these areas to different insults and whether glia may represent a target for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Ugolini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Anatomopathology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria G Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Salazar AM, Leisgang AM, Ortiz AA, Murtishaw AS, Kinney JW. Alterations of GABA B receptors in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 97:129-143. [PMID: 33232936 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive decline of memory and cognitive function. The disease is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques, tau tangles, altered inflammatory signaling, and alterations in numerous neurotransmitter signaling systems, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Given the extensive role of GABA in regulating neuronal activity, a careful investigation of GABA-related changes is needed. Further, given persistent inflammation has been demonstrated to drive AD pathology, the presence of GABA B receptor expressed on glia that serve a role regulation of the immune response adds to potential implications of altered GABA in AD. There has not previously been a systematic evaluation of GABA-related changes in an amyloid model of AD that specifically focuses on examining changes in GABA B receptors. In the present study, we examined alterations in several GABA-specific targets in the APP/PS1 mouse model at different ages. In the 4-month-old cohort, no significant deficits in spatial learning and memory or alterations in any of the GABAergic targets were observed compared with wild-type controls. However, we identified significant alterations in several GABA-related targets in the 6-month-old cohort that exhibited spatial learning deficits that include changes in glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, GABA transporter type 3, and GABA B receptors protein and mRNA levels. This was the same cohort at which learning and memory deficits and significant amyloid pathology was observed. Overall, our study provides evidence of altered GABAergic signaling in an amyloid model of AD at a time point consistent with AD-related deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold M Salazar
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Amanda M Leisgang
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Andrew A Ortiz
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Andrew S Murtishaw
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jefferson W Kinney
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
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Ünver Saraydin S, Özdenoglu Kutlu B, Saraydın D. Effects of diabetes on apoptosis and mitosis in rat hippocampus. Biotech Histochem 2020; 96:460-467. [PMID: 32938250 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2020.1818827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes contributes to neurological dysfunction including peripheral nerve diseases, stroke and dementia. We investigated the effects of diabetes on apoptosis and mitosis in the hippocampal CA1 region. Rats were given diabetes by injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The mass and blood glucose levels of the rats were measured until day 7 of the experiment. The loss of mass index was approximately 10%, and the diabetogenic index was approximately 330% between nondiabetic and diabetic groups. We investigated caspase-3, caspase-7 and Ki 67 levels immunohistochemically for mitotic activity, the TUNEL method for apoptosis and GFAP for astrocyte cell density in the hippocampal CA1 region. We found that apoptotic cells and the number of astrocytes and mitotic activity in the diabetic group were increased significantly compared to controls. Diabetes stimulates apoptosis and promotes cell proliferation in the hippocampal CA1 region, which may impair its homeostasis and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serpil Ünver Saraydin
- Histology and Embryology Department, Medicine Faculty, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Berna Özdenoglu Kutlu
- Histology and Embryology Department, Medicine Faculty, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Dursun Saraydın
- Chemistry Department, Science Faculty, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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Costa T, Fernandez-Villalba E, Izura V, Lucas-Ochoa AM, Menezes-Filho NJ, Santana RC, de Oliveira MD, Araújo FM, Estrada C, Silva V, Costa SL, Herrero MT. Combined 1-Deoxynojirimycin and Ibuprofen Treatment Decreases Microglial Activation, Phagocytosis and Dopaminergic Degeneration in MPTP-Treated Mice. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 16:390-402. [PMID: 32564332 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09925-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is a predominant aspect of neurodegenerative diseases and experimental studies performed in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) suggesting that a sustained neuroinflammation exacerbates the nigrostriatal degeneration pathway. The central role of microglia in neuroinflammation has been studied as a target for potential neuroprotective drugs for PD, for example nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) inhibitors that regulates microglial activation and migration. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective response of the iminosugar 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) and compare its effect with a combined treatment with ibuprofen. MPTP-treated mice were orally dosed with ibuprofen and/or 1-DNJ 1. Open-field test was used to evaluate behavioral changes. Immunohistochemistry for dopaminergic neurons marker (TH+) and microglia markers (Iba-1+; CD68+) were used to investigate neuronal integrity and microglial activation in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were analysed by qPCR. Treatments with either 1-DNJ or Ibuprofen alone did not reduce the damage induced by MPTP intoxication. However, combined treatment with 1-DNJ and ibuprofen prevents loss of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, decreases the number of CD68+/ Iba-1+ cells, the microglia/neurons interactions, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improves behavioral changes when compared with MPTP-treated animals. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that the combined treatment with a MMPs inhibitor (1-DNJ) plus an anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) has neuroprotective effects open for future therapeutic interventions. Graphical Abstract MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) is a protoxicant that, after crossing the Blood Brain Barrier, is metabolized by astrocytic MAO-B to MPDP+, a pyridinium intermediate, which undergoes further two-electron oxidation to yield the toxic metabolite MPP+ (methyl-phenyltetrahydropyridinium) that is then selectively transported into nigral neurons via the mesencephalic dopamine transporter. In this study, we demonstrated that MPTP induced death of dopaminergic neurons, microgliosis, increase of gliapses, motor impairment and neuroinflammation in mice, which were inhibited by combined 1-deoxynojirimycin and ibuprofen treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tcs Costa
- Clinical & Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE). Institute for Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), Institute for Aging Research (IUIE). School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - E Fernandez-Villalba
- Clinical & Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE). Institute for Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), Institute for Aging Research (IUIE). School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - V Izura
- Clinical & Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE). Institute for Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), Institute for Aging Research (IUIE). School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - A M Lucas-Ochoa
- Clinical & Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE). Institute for Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), Institute for Aging Research (IUIE). School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - N J Menezes-Filho
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - R C Santana
- Department of Bioregulation, Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - M D de Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil.,Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia - UnB, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - F M Araújo
- Clinical & Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE). Institute for Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), Institute for Aging Research (IUIE). School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - C Estrada
- Clinical & Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE). Institute for Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), Institute for Aging Research (IUIE). School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vda Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - S L Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil.
| | - M T Herrero
- Clinical & Experimental Neuroscience (NiCE). Institute for Bio-Health Research of Murcia (IMIB), Institute for Aging Research (IUIE). School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Liu D, Du D. Mulberry Fruit Extract Alleviates Cognitive Impairment by Promoting the Clearance of Amyloid-β and Inhibiting Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease Mice. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:2009-2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03062-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Zhang X, Lao K, Qiu Z, Rahman MS, Zhang Y, Gou X. Potential Astrocytic Receptors and Transporters in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 67:1109-1122. [PMID: 30741675 DOI: 10.3233/jad-181084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by the progressive loss of memory and cognition in the aging population. However, the etiology of and therapies for AD remain far from understood. Astrocytes, the most abundant neuroglia in the brain, have recently aroused substantial concern due to their involvement in synaptotoxicity, amyloidosis, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. In this review, we summarize the candidate molecules of astrocytes, especially receptors and transporters, that may be involved in AD pathogenesis. These molecules include excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), the adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR), the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR), the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), S100β, and cannabinoid receptors. We describe the characteristics of these molecules and the neurological and pharmacological underpinnings of these molecules in AD. Among these molecules, EAATs, A2AR, and mGluR5 are strongly related to glutamate-mediated synaptotoxicity and are involved in glutamate transmission or the clearance of extrasynaptic glutamate in the AD brain. The α7-nAChR, CaSR, and mGluR5 are receptors of Aβ and can induce a plethora of toxic effects, such as the production of excess Aβ, synaptotoxicity, and NO production triggered by changes in intracellular calcium signaling. Antagonists or positive allosteric modulators of these receptors can repair cognitive ability and modify neurobiological changes. Moreover, blocking S100β or activating cannabinoid receptors reduces neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and reactive astrogliosis. Thus, targeting these molecules might provide alternative approaches for treating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Kejing Lao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Zhongying Qiu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China.,Institute of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Yuelin Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xingchun Gou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China
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Vyas Y, Montgomery JM, Cheyne JE. Hippocampal Deficits in Amyloid-β-Related Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:266. [PMID: 32317913 PMCID: PMC7154147 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia. Symptoms of AD include memory loss, disorientation, mood and behavior changes, confusion, unfounded suspicions, and eventually, difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking. These symptoms are caused by neuronal degeneration and cell loss that begins in the hippocampus, and later in disease progression spreading to the rest of the brain. While there are some medications that alleviate initial symptoms, there are currently no treatments that stop disease progression. Hippocampal deficits in amyloid-β-related rodent models of AD have revealed synaptic, behavioral and circuit-level defects. These changes in synaptic function, plasticity, neuronal excitability, brain connectivity, and excitation/inhibition imbalance all have profound effects on circuit function, which in turn could exacerbate disease progression. Despite, the wealth of studies on AD pathology we don't yet have a complete understanding of hippocampal deficits in AD. With the increasing development of in vivo recording techniques in awake and freely moving animals, future studies will extend our current knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning how hippocampal function is altered in AD, and aid in progression of treatment strategies that prevent and/or delay AD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johanna M. Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juliette E. Cheyne
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Vegeto E, Villa A, Della Torre S, Crippa V, Rusmini P, Cristofani R, Galbiati M, Maggi A, Poletti A. The Role of Sex and Sex Hormones in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5572525. [PMID: 31544208 PMCID: PMC7156855 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnz005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a wide class of disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) with unknown etiology. Several factors were hypothesized to be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases, including genetic and environmental factors. Many of these diseases show a sex prevalence and sex steroids were shown to have a role in the progression of specific forms of neurodegeneration. Estrogens were reported to be neuroprotective through their action on cognate nuclear and membrane receptors, while adverse effects of male hormones have been described on neuronal cells, although some data also suggest neuroprotective activities. The response of the CNS to sex steroids is a complex and integrated process that depends on (i) the type and amount of the cognate steroid receptor and (ii) the target cell type-either neurons, glia, or microglia. Moreover, the levels of sex steroids in the CNS fluctuate due to gonadal activities and to local metabolism and synthesis. Importantly, biochemical processes involved in the pathogenesis of NDs are increasingly being recognized as different between the two sexes and as influenced by sex steroids. The aim of this review is to present current state-of-the-art understanding on the potential role of sex steroids and their receptors on the onset and progression of major neurodegenerative disorders, namely, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the peculiar motoneuron disease spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, in which hormonal therapy is potentially useful as disease modifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Vegeto
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche (DiSFarm), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Villa
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute (DiSS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche (DiSFarm), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Rusmini
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cristofani
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Mariarita Galbiati
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Adriana Maggi
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche (DiSFarm), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Eccellenza di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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Anti-neuroinflammatory, protective effects of the synthetic microneurotrophin BNN-20 in the advanced dopaminergic neurodegeneration of "weaver" mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 165:107919. [PMID: 31877321 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BNN-20 is a synthetic microneurotrophin, long-term (P1-P21) administration of which exerts potent neuroprotective effect on the "weaver" mouse, a genetic model of progressive, nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration. The present study complements and expands our previous work, providing evidence that BNN-20 fully protects the dopaminergic neurons even when administration begins at a late stage of dopaminergic degeneration (>40%). Since neuroinflammation plays a critical role in Parkinson's disease, we investigated the possible anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying the pharmacological action of BNN-20. The latter was shown to be microglia-mediated, at least in part. Indeed, BNN-20 induced a partial, but significant, reversal of microglia hyperactivation, observed in the untreated "weaver" mouse. Furthermore, it induced a shift in microglia polarization towards the neuroprotective M2 phenotype, suggesting a possible beneficial shifting of microglia activity. This observation was further supported by morphometric measurements. Moreover, BDNF levels, which were severely reduced in the "weaver" mouse midbrain, were restored to normal even after short-term BNN-20 administration. Experiments in "weaver"/NGL (dual GFP/luciferase-NF-κВ reporter) mice using bioluminescence after a short BNN-20 treatment (P60-P74), have shown that the increase of BDNF production was specifically mediated through the TrkB-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway. Interestingly, long-term BNN-20 treatment (P14-P60) significantly increased dopamine levels in the "weaver" striatum, which seems to be associated with the improved motor activity observed in the treated mutant animals. In conclusion, our findings suggest that BNN-20 may serve as a lead molecule for new therapeutic compounds for Parkinson's disease, combining strong anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective properties, leading to elevated dopamine levels and improved motor activity.
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Liu Y, Wei W, Baazaoui N, Liu F, Iqbal K. Inhibition of AMD-Like Pathology With a Neurotrophic Compound in Aged Rats and 3xTg-AD Mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:309. [PMID: 31803044 PMCID: PMC6877482 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-associated macular degeneration (AMD), which leads to loss of vision at its end stage, is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly. However, to date, no effective drug therapy is available for the prevention of AMD. Here, we report the occurrence of AMD pathology and its prevention by chronic treatment with the neurotrophic peptidergic compound P021, in aged rats and 3xTg-AD mice. We found photoreceptor degeneration, lipofuscin granules, vacuoles, and atrophy in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as well as Bruch’s membrane (BM) thickening; in aged rats, we even found rosette-like structure formation. Microgliosis and astrogliosis were observed in different retinal layers. In addition, we also found that total tau, phosphorylated tau, Aβ/APP, and VEGF were widely distributed in the sub-retina of aged rats and 3xTg mice. Importantly, chronic treatment with P021 for 3 months in rats and for 18 months in 3xTg mice ameliorated the pathological changes above. These findings indicate the therapeutic potential of P021 for prevention and treatment of AMD and retinal changes associated with aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Clinical Pharmacology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, United States.,Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Institute of Brain Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Narjes Baazaoui
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, United States
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