Role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in Alzheimer's disease and neuroprotective effects of pegylated self-assembled nanoscaffolds

The influence of time-restricted eating/feeding on Alzheimer's biomarkers and gut microbiota

OBJECTIVES

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 55 million individuals globally. Diagnosis typically occurs in advanced stages, and there are limited options for reversing symptoms. Preventive strategies are, therefore, crucial. Time Restricted Eating (TRE) or Time Restricted Feeding (TRF) is one such strategy. Here we review recent research on AD and TRE/TRF in addition to AD biomarkers and gut microbiota.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of recent studies was conducted to assess the impact of TRE/TRF on AD-related outcomes. This includes the analysis of how TRE/TRF influences circadian rhythms, beta-amyloid 42 (Aß42), pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and gut microbiota composition.

RESULTS

TRE/TRF impacts circadian rhythms and can influence cognitive performance as observed in AD. It lowers beta-amyloid 42 deposition in the brain, a key AD biomarker, and reduces pro-ininflammatory cytokines. The gut microbiome has emerged as a modifiable factor in AD treatment. TRE/TRF changes the structure and composition of the gut microbiota, leading to increased diversity and a decrease in harmful bacteria.

DISCUSSION

These findings underscore the potential of TRE/TRF as a preventive strategy for AD. By reducing Aß42 plaques, modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and altering gut microbiota composition, TRE/TRF may slow the progression of AD. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and to understand the mechanisms involved. This review highlights TRE/TRF as a promising non-pharmacological intervention in the fight against AD.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation by Cannabidiol (CBD): Promising Targets for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common form of dementia globally. Although the direct cause of AD remains under debate, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are critical components in its pathogenesis and progression. As a result, compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) are being increasingly investigated for their ability to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory neuroprotection. CBD is the primary non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa. It has been found to provide beneficial outcomes in a variety of medical conditions and is gaining increasing attention for its potential therapeutic application in AD. CBD is not psychoactive and its lipophilic nature allows its rapid distribution throughout the body, including across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). CBD also possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, making it a viable candidate for AD treatment. This review outlines CBD's mechanism of action, the role of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in AD, and the effectiveness and limitations of CBD in preclinical models of AD.

Tailored quinoline hybrids as promising COX-2/15-LOX dual inhibitors endowed with diverse safety profile: Design, synthesis, SAR, and histopathological study

Complications of the worldwide use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) sparked scientists to design novel harmless alternatives as an urgent need. So, a unique hybridization tactic of quinoline/pyrazole/thioamide (4a-c) has been rationalized and synthesized as potential COX-2/15-LOX dual inhibitors, utilizing relevant reported studies on these pharmacophores. Moreover, we extended these preceding hybrids into more varied functionality, bearing crucial thiazole scaffolds(5a-l). All the synthesized hybrids were evaluatedin vitroas COX-2/15-LOX dual inhibitors. Initially, series4a-cexhibited significant potency towards 15-LOX inhibition (IC50 = 5.454-4.509 μM) compared to meclofenamate sodium (IC50 = 3.837 μM). Moreover, they revealed reasonable inhibitory activities against the COX-2 enzyme in comparison to celecoxib.Otherwise, conjugates 5a-ldisclosed marked inhibitory activity against 15-LOX and strong inhibitory to COX-2. In particular, hybrids5d(IC50 = 0.239 μM, SI = 8.95), 5h(IC50 = 0.234 μM, SI = 20.35) and 5l (IC50 = 0.201 μM, SI = 14.42) revealed more potency and selectivity outperforming celecoxib (IC50 = 0.512 μM, SI = 4.28). In addition, the most potentcompounds, 4a, 5d, 5h, and 5l have been elected for further in vivoevaluation and displayed potent inhibition of edema in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test that surpassed indomethacin. Further, compounds5d, 5h, and 5l decreased serum inflammatory markers including oxidative biomarkersiNO, and pro-inflammatory mediators cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and PGE. Ulcerogenic liability for tested compounds demonstrated obvious gastric mucosal safety. Furthermore, a histopathological study for compound 5l suggested a confirmatory comprehensive safety profile for stomach, kidney, and heart tissues. Docking and drug-likeness studies offered a good convention with the obtained biological investigation.

Alzheimer's disease current therapies, novel drug delivery systems and future directions for better disease management

Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a neurodegenerative disorder that escalates with time, exerting a significant impact on physical and mental health and leading to death. The prevalence of AD is progressively rising along with its associated economic burden and necessitates effective therapeutic approaches in the near future. This review paper aims to offer an insightful overview of disease pathogenesis, current FDA-approved drugs, and drugs in different clinical phases. It also explores innovative formulations and drug delivery strategies, focusing on nanocarriers and long-acting medications (LAMs) to enhance treatment efficacy and patient adherence. The review also emphasizes preclinical evidence related to nanocarriers and their potential to improve drug bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics parameters, while also highlighting their ability to minimize systemic side effects. By providing a comprehensive analysis, this review furnishes valuable insights into different pathophysiological mechanisms for future drug development. It aims to inform the development of treatment strategies and innovative formulation approaches for delivering existing molecules in Alzheimer's disease, ultimately striving to improve patient compliance.

Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 Regulates Cellular Stress Responses and Inflammatory Pathways in Chronic Neuroinflammatory Conditions

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and is one of the neurodegenerative diseases that are caused by neuronal death due to various triggers. Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the development of AD. The neuroinflammatory response is manifested by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α; various chemokines; nitrous oxide; and reactive oxygen species. In this study, we evaluated the relevance of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), which is expressed in the brain cells during the induction of neuroinflammation. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chronic neuroinflammation model and Pgrmc1 knockdown cells were used to assess the inflammatory cytokine levels, AD-related factors, inflammation-related signaling, and cell death. Pgrmc1 knockout (KO) mice had higher IL-1β levels after treatment with LPS compared with those of wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, Pgrmc1 KO mice had higher levels of inflammatory factors, endoplasmic reticulum stress indicators, and AD-associated markers compared with those of WT mice who underwent LPS treatment or not. Finally, these indicators were observed in vitro using U373-MG astrocytes. In conclusion, the loss of PGRMC1 may promote neuroinflammation and lead to AD.

miRNA-211-5p inhibition enhances the protective effect of hucMSC-derived exosome in Aβ1-40 -induced SH-SY5Y cells by increasing NEP expression

Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) could alleviate Alzheimer's disease (AD) defects. Additionally, engineered exosomes are more effective in treating diseases. In this study, we established an in vitro model of AD by treating SH-SY5Y cells with Aβ1-40 . We observed that incubation with hucMSC-derived exosomes effectively protected SH-S5Y5 cells from Aβ1-40 -induced damage. Since NEP plays a central role in suppressing AD development, we screened NEP-targeting miRNAs that are differentially expressed in control and AD patients. We identified miR-211-5p as a potent repressor of NEP expression. Exosomes purified from hucMSCs overexpressing miR-211-5p inhibitor exhibited significantly greater efficiency than control exosomes in mitigating the injury caused by Aβ1-40 treatment. However, this enhanced protective effect was nullified by the knockdown of NEP. These observations demonstrate that inhibition of miR-211-5p has the potential to improve the efficacy of hucMSC-derived exosomes in AD treatment by increasing NEP expression.

Molecular and functional characteristics of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and its therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease

Inflammation and cell death processes positively control the organ homeostasis of an organism. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a member of the RIPK family, is a crucial regulator of cell death and inflammation, and control homeostasis at the cellular and tissue level. Necroptosis, a programmed form of necrosis-mediated cell death and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced necrotic cell death, is mostly regulated by RIPK1 kinase activity. Thus, RIPK1 has recently emerged as an upstream kinase that controls multiple cellular pathways and participates in regulating inflammation and cell death. All the major cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) have been found to express RIPK1. Selective inhibition of RIPK1 has been shown to prevent neuronal cell death, which could ultimately lead to a significant reduction of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. In addition, the kinase structure of RIPK1 is highly conducive to the development of specific pharmacological small-molecule inhibitors. These factors have led to the emergence of RIPK1 as an important therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

The Major Hypotheses of Alzheimer's Disease: Related Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Its Diagnosis and Treatment

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a well-known chronic neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the progressive death of brain cells, resulting in memory loss and the loss of other critical body functions. In March 2019, one of the major pharmaceutical companies and its partners announced that currently, there is no drug to cure AD, and all clinical trials of the new ones have been cancelled, leaving many people without hope. However, despite the clear message and startling reality, the research continued. Finally, in the last two years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first-ever medications to treat Alzheimer's, aducanumab and lecanemab. Despite researchers' support of this decision, there are serious concerns about their effectiveness and safety. The validation of aducanumab by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is still pending, and lecanemab was authorized without considering data from the phase III trials. Furthermore, numerous reports suggest that patients have died when undergoing extended treatment. While there is evidence that aducanumab and lecanemab may provide some relief to those suffering from AD, their impact remains a topic of ongoing research and debate within the medical community. The fact is that even though there are considerable efforts regarding pharmacological treatment, no definitive cure for AD has been found yet. Nevertheless, it is strongly believed that modern nanotechnology holds promising solutions and effective clinical strategies for the development of diagnostic tools and treatments for AD. This review summarizes the major hallmarks of AD, its etiological mechanisms, and challenges. It explores existing diagnostic and therapeutic methods and the potential of nanotechnology-based approaches for recognizing and monitoring patients at risk of irreversible neuronal degeneration. Overall, it provides a broad overview for those interested in the evolving areas of clinical neuroscience, AD, and related nanotechnology. With further research and development, nanotechnology-based approaches may offer new solutions and hope for millions of people affected by this devastating disease.

Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Neurological Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from Cannabis sativa, has gained remarkable attention for its potential therapeutic applications. This thorough analysis explores the increasing significance of CBD in treating neurological conditions including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, which present major healthcare concerns on a worldwide scale. Despite the lack of available therapies, CBD has been shown to possess a variety of pharmacological effects in preclinical and clinical studies, making it an intriguing competitor. This review brings together the most recent findings on the endocannabinoid and neurotransmitter systems, as well as anti-inflammatory pathways, that underlie CBD's modes of action. Synthesized efficacy and safety assessments for a range of neurological illnesses are included, covering human trials, in vitro studies, and animal models. The investigation includes how CBD could protect neurons, control neuroinflammation, fend off oxidative stress, and manage neuronal excitability. This study emphasizes existing clinical studies and future possibilities in CBD research, addressing research issues such as regulatory complications and contradicting results, and advocates for further investigation of therapeutic efficacy and ideal dose methodologies. By emphasizing CBD's potential to improve patient well-being, this investigation presents a revised viewpoint on its suitability as a therapeutic intervention for neurological illnesses.

Alzheimer's disease and its associated risk of bone fractures: a narrative review

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is the major cause of dementia in the aged population. Recent researches indicate that patients with AD have a significantly increased fracture risk, but the pathological mechanisms are still unclear.

Objective

We systematically reviewed studies regarding bone fracture risk in AD to uncover links between the pathologies of osteoporosis and AD.

Methods

We searched the literature using the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they evaluated bone fracture risk in AD patients and if they explored the pathogenesis and prevention of bone fractures in these patients.

Results

AD patients had a significantly higher risk of bone fractures than age-matched controls. Multiple factors contributed to the increased risk of bone fractures in AD patients, including the direct effects of amyloid pathology on bone cells, abnormal brain-bone interconnection, Wnt/β-catenin signalling deficits, reduced activity, high risk of falls and frailty, and chronic immune activity. Exercise, prevention of falls and fortified nutrition were beneficial for reducing the fracture risk in AD patients. However, the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic agents in preventing bone fractures should be further evaluated in AD patients as corresponding clinical studies are very scarce.

Conclusion

Alzheimer's disease patients have increased bone fracture risk and decreased bone mineral density owing to multiple factors. Assessment of anti-osteoporotic agents' efficacy in preventing bone fractures of AD patients is urgently needed.

Qi-fu-yin attenuated cognitive disorders in 5xFAD mice of Alzheimer's disease animal model by regulating immunity

Introduction

Cognitive impairment is the main symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Accumulating evidence implicate that immunity plays an important role in AD. Here, we investigated the effect of Qi-fu-yin (QFY) on cognitive impairment and cytokine secretion of 5xFAD mice.

Methods

We used 2.5-month-old 5xFAD transgenic mice for behavioral tests to observe the changes in cognitive function after QFY treatment. After the behavioral experiment, the whole brain, cortex and plasma of each mouse were collected for soluble Aβ analysis, immunohistochemical experiment and cytokine analysis.

Results

Here we found that the treatment of QFY ameliorated the ability of object recognition, passive avoidance responses and the ability of spatial learning and memory in 5xFAD mice. The deposits of β_{1 - 42} and Aβ_{1 - 40} were alleviated and the ration of Aβ_{1 - 42}/Aβ_{1 - 40} was decrease in the plasma and brain of 5xFAD mice administrated with QFY. The administration of QFY promoted the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-5, IL-10 and G-CSF, and reduced the content of proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ in plasma of 5xFAD mice. Notably, we found that the treatment of QFY decreased the concentration of CCL11 in the brain and plasma of 5xFAD mice.

Conclusion

This suggested that QFY improved cognition and reduced Aβ deposits in 5xFAD mice by regulating abnormal immunity in 5xFAD mice. QFY may be as a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

In-vivo anticancer efficacy of self-targeted methotrexate-loaded polymeric nanoparticles in solid tumor-bearing rat

Here, cytotoxicity and antitumor efficacy against a chemically (N-methyl-N-nitrosourea) generated mammary tumor in rats were assessed using methotrexate-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Meth-Cs-NPs). Meth-Cs-NPs intravenous administrated resulted in noticeably decreased tumor incidence, multiplicity, and weight. Further, kidney function tests for the treated groups resulted in noticeably decreased ALP (Meth-Cs-NPs; 244 ± 15, diseases control; 403 ± 14 U/L), Creatinine (Meth-Cs-NPs; 0.81 ± 0.05, diseases control; 2 ± 0.05 mg/dl), and Urea (Meth-Cs-NPs; 56.62 ± 5, diseases control; 113 ± 6 mg/dl) levels, close to a normal control group. Similarly, liver function tests showed significantly decreased serum biomarkers, SGPT (Meth-Cs-NPs; 40 ± 1.8, diseases control; 84 ± 1.9 U/L) and SGOT (Meth-Cs-NPs; 15 ± 2, diseases control; 55 ± 4 U/L) levels in treated groups as compared to the untreated group (diseases control). From the results, pro-inflammatory cytokines were also markedly reduced in the treated group such as, TNF-α (Meth-Cs-NPs; 17.31 ± 1.15, diseases control; 36.9 ± 5 pg/mL), IL-1β (Meth-Cs-NPs; 433.3 ± 66.5, diseases control; 1540 ± 131.1 pg/mL), and IL-6 (Meth-Cs-NPs; 1515 ± 53, diseases control; 2200.6 ± 69 pg/mL) levels. Whereas Meth-Cs-NPs not only helped in lowering tumor multiplicity rates but also decrease inflammation. The studies could be successfully performed in chemically induced mammary tumors due to their easy, quick tumor growth and low mortality rates in rat models. According to the current study, Meth-Cs-NPs have high treatment potency and represent a possible therapeutic alternative for breast cancer treatment.