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Bojja SL, Anand S, Minz RW, Medhi B. Metformin alleviates reactive gliosis and neurodegeneration, improving cognitive deficit in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Brain Res 2024; 1844:149138. [PMID: 39134259 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149138] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a prevalent co-morbidity associated with epilepsy. Emerging studies indicate that neuroinflammation could be a possible link between epilepsy and its comorbidities, including cognitive impairment. In this context, the roles of glial activation, proinflammatory mediators, and neuronal death have been well studied and correlated with epilepsy-associated cognitive impairment in animal studies. While recent reports have demonstrated the anti-epileptogenic and anti-convulsant actions of metformin, its effect on epilepsy associated cognitive deficit remains unknown. Therefore, the current study investigated the effect of metformin treatment on neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive deficits after inducing status epilepticus (SE) with lithium-pilocarpine in rats. Metformin treatment improved the hippocampal-dependent spatial and recognition memory in Morris water maze and Novel object recognition tasks, respectively. Further, metformin treatment attenuated microglial and astroglial activation, accompanied by reduced IL-1β, COX-2 and NF-ĸβ gene expression. Additionally, metformin conferred neuroprotection by inhibiting the neuronal death as assessed by Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy. These findings suggest that metformin holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for cognitive impairment associated with epilepsy, possibly through its modulation of glial activation and neuronal survival. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and to assess the long-term effect of metformin in epilepsy-associated cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sree Lalitha Bojja
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Shashi Anand
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ranjana W Minz
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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2
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Paidlewar M, Kumari S, Dhapola R, Sharma P, HariKrishnaReddy D. Unveiling the role of astrogliosis in Alzheimer's disease Pathology: Insights into mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 141:112940. [PMID: 39154532 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most debilitating age-related disorders that affect people globally. It impacts social and cognitive behavior of the individual and is characterized by phosphorylated tau and Aβ accumulation. Astrocytesmaintain a quiescent, anti-inflammatory state on anatomical level, expressing few cytokines and exhibit phagocytic activity to remove misfolded proteins. But in AD, in response to specific stimuli, astrocytes overstimulate their phagocytic character with overexpressing cytokine gene modules. Upon interaction with generated Aβ and neurofibrillary tangle, astrocytes that are continuously activated release a large number of inflammatory cytokines. This cytokine storm leads to neuroinflammation which is also one of the recognizable features of AD. Astrogliosis eventually promotes cholinergic dysfunction, calcium imbalance, oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Furthermore, C5aR1, Lcn2/, BDNF/TrkB and PPARα/TFEB signaling dysregulation has a major impact on the disease progression. This review clarifies numerous ways that lead to astrogliosis, which is stimulated by a variety of processes that exacerbate AD pathology and make it a suitable target for AD treatment. Drugs under clinical and preclinical investigations that target several pathways managing astrogliosis and are efficacious in ameliorating the pathology of the disease are also included in this study. D-ALA2GIP, TRAM-34, Genistein, L-serine, MW150 and XPro1595 are examples of few drugs targeting astrogliosis. Therefore, this study may aid in the development of a potent therapeutic agent for ameliorating astrogliosis mediated AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Paidlewar
- Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda-151401, Punjab, India
| | - Sneha Kumari
- Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda-151401, Punjab, India
| | - Rishika Dhapola
- Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda-151401, Punjab, India
| | - Prajjwal Sharma
- Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda-151401, Punjab, India
| | - Dibbanti HariKrishnaReddy
- Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda-151401, Punjab, India.
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Papini N, Giussani P, Tringali C. Metformin Lysosomal Targeting: A Novel Aspect to Be Investigated for Metformin Repurposing in Neurodegenerative Diseases? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8884. [PMID: 39201569 PMCID: PMC11354325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168884] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a widely employed drug in type 2 diabetes. In addition to warranting good short- and long-term glycemic control, metformin displays many intriguing properties as protection against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, anti-tumorigenic and longevity promotion. In addition to being a low-cost drug, metformin is generally well tolerated. However, despite the enthusiastic drive to aliment these novel studies, many contradictory results suggest the importance of better elucidating the complexity of metformin action in different tissues/cells to establish its possible employment in neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarises recent data identifying lysosomal-dependent processes and lysosomal targets, such as endosomal Na+/H+ exchangers, presenilin enhancer 2 (PEN2), the lysosomal pathway leading to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, and the transcription factor EB (TFEB), modulated by metformin. Lysosomal dysfunctions resulting in autophagic and lysosomal acidification and biogenesis impairment appear to be hallmarks of many inherited and acquired neurodegenerative diseases. Lysosomes are not yet seen as a sort of cellular dump but are crucial in determining key signalling paths and processes involved in the clearance of aggregated proteins. Thus, the possibility of pharmacologically modulating them deserves great interest. Despite the potentiality of metformin in this context, many additional important issues, such as dosing, should be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Tringali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, LITA Segrate, 20054 Segrate, MI, Italy; (N.P.); (P.G.)
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Bobermin LD, da Costa DS, de Moraes ADM, da Silva VF, de Oliveira GT, Sesterheim P, Tramontina AC, Basso LA, Leipnitz G, Quincozes-Santos A, Gonçalves CA. Effect of metformin in hypothalamic astrocytes from an immunocompromised mice model. Biochimie 2024; 223:196-205. [PMID: 38642825 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are glial cells that play key roles in neuroinflammation, which is a common feature in diabetic encephalopathy and aging process. Metformin is an antidiabetic compound that shows neuroprotective properties, including in inflammatory models, but astroglial signaling pathways involved are still poorly known. Interferons α/β are cytokines that participate in antiviral responses and the lack of their signaling increases susceptible to viral infections. Here, we investigated the effects of metformin on astrocytes from hypothalamus, a crucial brain region related to inflammatory processes. Astrocyte cultures were derived from interferon α/β receptor knockout (IFNα/βR-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice. Metformin did not change the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein but caused an anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β), as well as increasing gene expression of anti-inflammatory proteins interleukin-10 and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid derived 2 like 2). However, nuclear factor κB p65 and cyclooxygenase 2 were downregulated in WT astrocytes and upregulated in IFNα/βR-/- astrocytes. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a molecular target of metformin, was upregulated only in WT astrocytes, while sirtuin 1 increased in both mice models. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase was decreased in WT astrocytes and heme oxygenase 1 was increased in IFNα/βR-/- astrocytes. Although loss of IFNα/βR-mediated signaling affects some effects of metformin, our results support beneficial roles of this drug in hypothalamic astrocytes. Moreover, paradoxical response of metformin may involve AMPK. Thus, metformin can mediate glioprotection due its effects on age-related disorders in non-diabetic and diabetic encephalopathy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Daniele Bobermin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Daniele Schauren da Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Aline Daniel Moreira de Moraes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Fernanda da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Giancarlo Tomazzoni de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Sesterheim
- Centro de Cardiologia Experimental, Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Tramontina
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul, São Francisco de Paula, RS, Brazil
| | - Luiz Augusto Basso
- Centro de Pesquisas em Biologia Molecular e Funcional (CPBMF), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilhian Leipnitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - André Quincozes-Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos-Alberto Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Aderinto N, Olatunji G, Kokori E, Fawehinmi P, Moradeyo A, Igwe S, Ojabo R, Alabi BO, Okafor EC, Ologbe D, Olafimihan A, Olawade DB. Metformin mitigates dementia risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Clin Diabetes Endocrinol 2024; 10:10. [PMID: 38725077 PMCID: PMC11084076 DOI: 10.1186/s40842-024-00168-7] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This mini-narrative review explores the relationship between diabetes and dementia, focusing on the potential mitigating role of metformin in reducing cognitive decline among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The interplay of factors such as glycemic control, diabetic complications, and lifestyle influences characterises diabetes-related dementia. This review emphasises the significance of comprehensive diabetes management in addressing the heightened risk of dementia in this population. Methodologically, the review synthesises evidence from 23 studies retrieved through searches on PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Current evidence suggests a predominantly positive association between metformin use and a reduced risk of dementia in individuals with diabetes. However, the review shows the complex nature of these outcomes, revealing variations in results in some studies. These discrepancies show the importance of exploring dose-response relationships, long-term effects, and demographic diversity to unravel the complexities of metformin's impact on cognitive health. Limitations in the existing body of research, including methodological disparities and confounding variables, necessitate refined approaches in future studies. Large-scale prospective longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials focusing specifically on cognitive effects are recommended. Propensity score matching and exploration of molecular mechanisms can enhance the validity of findings in clinical practice. From a clinical perspective, metformin can serve as a potential adjunctive therapy for individuals with diabetes at risk of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Aderinto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
| | - Gbolahan Olatunji
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Kokori
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Praise Fawehinmi
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Abdulrahmon Moradeyo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Stephen Igwe
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David B Olawade
- Department of Allied and Public Health, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, UK
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Isop LM, Neculau AE, Necula RD, Kakucs C, Moga MA, Dima L. Metformin: The Winding Path from Understanding Its Molecular Mechanisms to Proving Therapeutic Benefits in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1714. [PMID: 38139841 PMCID: PMC10748332 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a widely prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes, has garnered increasing attention for its potential neuroprotective properties due to the growing demand for treatments for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and motor neuron diseases. This review synthesizes experimental and clinical studies on metformin's mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative disorders. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library, focused on key phrases such as "metformin", "neuroprotection", and "neurodegenerative diseases", with data up to September 2023. Recent research on metformin's glucoregulatory mechanisms reveals new molecular targets, including the activation of the LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway, which is crucial for chronic administration of metformin. The pleiotropic impact may involve other stress kinases that are acutely activated. The precise role of respiratory chain complexes (I and IV), of the mitochondrial targets, or of the lysosomes in metformin effects remains to be established by further research. Research on extrahepatic targets like the gut and microbiota, as well as its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, is crucial for understanding neurodegenerative disorders. Experimental data on animal models shows promising results, but clinical studies are inconclusive. Understanding the molecular targets and mechanisms of its effects could help design clinical trials to explore and, hopefully, prove its therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mihaela Isop
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania; (L.M.I.)
| | - Andrea Elena Neculau
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania; (L.M.I.)
| | - Radu Dan Necula
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
| | - Cristian Kakucs
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
| | - Marius Alexandru Moga
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
| | - Lorena Dima
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania; (L.M.I.)
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