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Liang J, Wang Y, Liu B, Dong X, Cai W, Zhang N, Zhang H. Deciphering the intricate linkage between the gut microbiota and Alzheimer's disease: Elucidating mechanistic pathways promising therapeutic strategies. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14704. [PMID: 38584341 PMCID: PMC10999574 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14704] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiome is composed of various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, and constitutes an important part of the human gut. Its composition is closely related to human health and disease. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease whose underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Recent research has shown that there are significant differences in the gut microbiota between AD patients and healthy individuals. Changes in the composition of gut microbiota may lead to the development of harmful factors associated with AD. In addition, the gut microbiota may play a role in the development and progression of AD through the gut-brain axis. However, the exact nature of this relationship has not been fully understood. AIMS This review will elucidate the types and functions of gut microbiota and their relationship with AD and explore in depth the potential mechanisms of gut microbiota in the occurrence of AD and the prospects for treatment strategies. METHODS Reviewed literature from PubMed and Web of Science using key terminologies related to AD and the gut microbiome. RESULTS Research indicates that the gut microbiota can directly or indirectly influence the occurrence and progression of AD through metabolites, endotoxins, and the vagus nerve. DISCUSSION This review discusses the future challenges and research directions regarding the gut microbiota in AD. CONCLUSION While many unresolved issues remain regarding the gut microbiota and AD, the feasibility and immense potential of treating AD by modulating the gut microbiota are evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Liang
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbinHeilongjiang ProvinceChina
| | - Yueyang Wang
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbinHeilongjiang ProvinceChina
| | - Bin Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbinHeilongjiang ProvinceChina
| | - Xiaohong Dong
- Jiamusi CollegeHeilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJiamusiHeilongjiang ProvinceChina
| | - Wenhui Cai
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbinHeilongjiang ProvinceChina
| | - Ning Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese MedicineHarbinHeilongjiang ProvinceChina
| | - Hong Zhang
- Heilongjiang Jiamusi Central HospitalJiamusiHeilongjiang ProvinceChina
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Lane HY, Wang SH, Lin CH. Differential relationships of NMDAR hypofunction and oxidative stress with cognitive decline. Psychiatry Res 2023; 326:115288. [PMID: 37343463 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
NMDAR hypofunction and oxidative stress are implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) regulates NMDAR function. Glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase are three first-line endogenous antioxidants. This study explored the associations of these potential biomarkers with mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive function and blood levels of DAO, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were measured in 63 mild cognitive impairment patients and 24 healthy individuals every 6 months for 2 years. Among the patients, DAO and glutathione levels at baseline contributed to the cognitive decline 2 years later. Among the healthy individuals, only glutathione levels were associated with cognitive change. The four biomarkers differed in change directions (upward vs. downward) in the patients and in the healthy individuals. Among patients, glutathione levels were negatively correlated with superoxide dismutase and positively correlated with catalase, and DAO levels were negatively correlated with superoxide dismutase. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the differential associations of NMDAR hypofunction and oxidative stress with cognitive change between the mild cognitive impairment patients and healthy people. Glutathione may be regarded as an aging marker for both mild cognitive impairment and normal aging; and DAO, a biomarker exclusively for mild cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Yuan Lane
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry & Brain Disease Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Heng Wang
- National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research, National Health Research Institutes, Yunlin, Taiwan; College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Hsin Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Yang T, Zhang Y, Chen L, Thomas ER, Yu W, Cheng B, Li X. The potential roles of ATF family in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114544. [PMID: 36934558 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating transcription factors, ATFs, is a family of transcription factors that activate gene expression and transcription by recognizing and combining the cAMP response element binding proteins (CREB). It is present in various viruses as a cellular gene promoter. ATFs is involved in regulating the mammalian gene expression that is associated with various cell physiological processes. Therefore, ATFs play an important role in maintaining the intracellular homeostasis. ATF2 and ATF3 is mostly involved in mediating stress responses. ATF4 regulates the oxidative metabolism, which is associated with the survival of cells. ATF5 is presumed to regulate apoptosis, and ATF6 is involved in the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). ATFs is actively studied in oncology. At present, there has been an increasing amount of research on ATFs for the treatment of neurological diseases. Here, we have focused on the different types of ATFs and their association with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The level of expression of different ATFs have a significant difference in AD patients when compared to healthy control. Recent studies have suggested that ATFs are implicated in the pathogenesis of AD, such as neuronal repair, maintenance of synaptic activity, maintenance of cell survival, inhibition of apoptosis, and regulation of stress responses. In this review, the potential role of ATFs for the treatment of AD has been highlighted. In addition, we have systematically reviewed the progress of research on ATFs in AD. This review will provide a basic and innovative understanding on the pathogenesis and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Lixuan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | | | - Wenjing Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou 646000, China.
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
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Kiris I, Kukula-Koch W, Karayel-Basar M, Gurel B, Coskun J, Baykal AT. Proteomic alterations in the cerebellum and hippocampus in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model: Alleviating effect of palmatine. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114111. [PMID: 36502756 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent diseases that lead to memory deficiencies, severe behavioral abnormalities, and ultimately death. The need for more appropriate treatment of AD continues, and remains a sought-after goal. Previous studies showed palmatine (PAL), an isoquinoline alkaloid, might have the potential for combating AD because of its in vitro and in vivo activities. In this study, we aimed to assess PAL's therapeutic potential and gain insights into the working mechanism on protein level in the AD mouse model brain, for the first time. To this end, PAL was administered to 12-month-old 5xFAD mice at two doses after its successful isolation from the Siberian barberry shrub. PAL (10 mg/kg) showed statistically significant improvement in the memory and learning phase on the Morris water maze test. The PAL's ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier was verified via Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM). Label-free proteomics analysis revealed PAL administration led to changes most prominently in the cerebellum, followed by the hippocampus, but none in the cortex. Most of the differentially expressed proteins in PAL compared to the 5xFAD control group (ALZ) were the opposite of those in ALZ in comparison to healthy Alzheimer's littermates (ALM) group. HS105, HS12A, and RL12 were detected as hub proteins in the cerebellum. Collectively, here we present PAL as a potential therapeutic candidate owing to its alleviating effect in 5xFAD mice on not only cognitive impairment but also proteomes in the cerebellum and hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irem Kiris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Merve Karayel-Basar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Busra Gurel
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, SUNUM, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Julide Coskun
- Acibadem Labmed Clinical Laboratories, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Tarik Baykal
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Promising Application of D-Amino Acids toward Clinical Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810794. [PMID: 36142706 PMCID: PMC9503604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The versatile roles of D-amino acids (D-AAs) in foods, diseases, and organisms, etc., have been widely reported. They have been regarded, not only as biomarkers of diseases but also as regulators of the physiological function of organisms. Over the past few decades, increasing data has revealed that D-AAs have great potential in treating disease. D-AAs also showed overwhelming success in disengaging biofilm, which might provide promise to inhibit microbial infection. Moreover, it can effectively restrain the growth of cancer cells. Herein, we reviewed recent reports on the potential of D-AAs as therapeutic agents for treating neurological disease or tissue/organ injury, ameliorating reproduction function, preventing biofilm infection, and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Additionally, we also reviewed the potential application of D-AAs in drug modification, such as improving biostability and efficiency, which has a better effect on therapy or diagnosis.
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Ni X, Mori H. Complex Processes Underlying the Dynamic Changes of D-serine Levels in AD Brains. Curr Alzheimer Res 2022; 19:485-493. [PMID: 35346007 DOI: 10.2174/1567205019666220328123048] [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: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and cognitive impairments. D-Serine, produced by the enzyme serine racemase (SR) in the brain, functions as an endogenous co-agonist at the glycine-binding site of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), has been implicated in the pathophysiological progression of AD. OBJECTIVES Evidence regarding the understanding of the role and dynamic modulation of D-serine during AD progression remains controversial. This literature review aims to offer novel research directions for studying the functions and metabolisms of D-serine in AD brains. METHODS We searched PubMed, using D-serine/SR and AD as keywords. Studies related to NMDAR dysfunction, neuronal excitotoxicity, D-serine dynamic changes and inflammatory response were included. RESULTS This review primarily discusses: (i) Aβ oligomers' role in NMDAR dysregulation, and the subsequent synaptic dysfunction and neuronal damage in AD, (ii) D-serine's role in NMDAR-elicited excitotoxicity, and (iii) the involvement of D-serine and SR in AD-related inflammatory pathological progression. CONCLUSION We also presented supposed metabolism and dynamic changes of D-serine during AD progression and hypothesized that: (i) the possible modulation of D-serine levels or SR expression as an effective method of alleviating neurotoxicity during AD pathophysiological progression, and (ii) the dynamic changes of D-serine levels in AD brains possibly resulting from complex processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiance Ni
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hisashi Mori
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.,Research Center for Idling Brain Science (RCIBS), University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Lin CH, Lane HY. Blood D-Amino Acid Oxidase Levels Increased With Cognitive Decline Among People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Two-Year Prospective Study. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:660-665. [PMID: 35430632 PMCID: PMC9380713 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) neurotransmission has been reported to be implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). D-amino acid oxidase (DAO), responsible for degradation of NMDAR-related D-amino acids such as D-serine, regulates NMDAR function. A cross-section study found that serum DAO levels were positively related with the severity of cognitive aging among elderly individuals. This 2-year prospective study aimed to explore the role of DAO levels in predicting the outcome of patients with very early-phase AD, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS Fifty-one patients with MCI and 21 healthy individuals were recruited. Serum DAO levels and cognitive function, measured by the AD assessment scale-cognitive subscale and the Mini-Mental Status Examination, were monitored every 6 months. We employed multiple regressions to examine the role of DAO concentration in cognitive decline in the 2-year period. RESULTS From baseline to endpoint (24 months), serum DAO levels increased significantly, and cognitive ability declined according to both cognitive tests in the MCI patients. Among the healthy individuals, DAO concentrations also increased and Mini-Mental Status Examination scores declined; however, AD assessment scale-cognitive subscale scores did not significantly change. Further, DAO levels at both months 12 and 18 were predictive of cognitive impairment at month 24 among the MCI patients. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that blood DAO levels increased with cognitive deterioration among the MCI patients in a prospective manner. If replicated by future studies, blood DAO concentration may be regarded as a biomarker for monitoring cognitive change in the patients with MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Hsin Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan,School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Yuan Lane
- Correspondence: Hsien-Yuan Lane, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 404, Taiwan ()
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O'Leary TP, Brown RE. Visuo-spatial learning and memory impairments in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: Effects of age, sex, albinism, and motor impairments. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12794. [PMID: 35238473 PMCID: PMC9744519 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rapidly develops AD-related neuro-behavioral pathology. Learning and memory impairments in 5xFAD mice, however, are not always replicated and the size of impairments varies considerably across studies. To examine possible sources of this variability, we analyzed the effects of age, sex, albinism due to background genes (Tyrc , Oca2p ) and motor impairment on learning and memory performance of wild type and 5xFAD mice on the Morris water maze, from 3 to 15 months of age. The 5xFAD mice showed impaired learning at 6-9 months of age, but memory impairments were not detected with the test procedure used in this study. Performance of 5xFAD mice was profoundly impaired at 12-15 months of age, but was accompanied by slower swim speeds than wild-type mice and a frequent failure to locate the escape platform. Overall female mice performed worse than males, and reversal learning impairments in 5xFAD mice were more pronounced in females than males. Albino mice performed worse than pigmented mice, confirming that albinism can impair performance of 5xFAD mice independently of AD-related transgenes. Overall, these results show that 5xFAD mice have impaired learning performance at 6-9 months of age, but learning and memory performance at 12-15 months is confounded with motor impairments. Furthermore, sex and albinism should be controlled to provide an accurate assessment of AD-related transgenes on learning and memory. These results will help reduce variability across pre-clinical experiments with 5xFAD mice, and thus enhance the reliability of studies developing new therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P. O'Leary
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Richard E. Brown
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
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Huang Y, Ma M, Zhu X, Li M, Guo M, Liu P, He Z, Fu Q. Effectiveness of idebenone nanorod formulations in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. J Control Release 2021; 336:169-180. [PMID: 34157335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Idebenone (IDB) has demonstrated the potential to treat mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, its therapeutic effects are compromised by poor compliance due to low bioavailability. The objective of this study is to fabricate IDB nanorods (IDBNRs) to improve oral bioavailability and increase concentrations in the brain in order to enhance therapeutic effects of IDB in the treatment of AD. IDBNRs showed desired sizes and rod-shaped morphologies. The release rate and the antioxidant activity of IDBNRs were improved relative to other delivery routes. The plasma and brain concentrations were enhanced due to rapid release into the systemic circulation. In behavioral tests, mice treated orally with IDBNRs showed amelioration of AD-induced impairment of learning and memory. Thus, because of improved efficiency of drug delivery, doses can be reduced, and the compliance and therapeutic experience of patients can be improved. IDBNRs may provide effective and convenient treatments for AD patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Huang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Minchao Ma
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Mo Li
- Liaoning Institute for Drug Control, No. 7 Chongshan West Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Mengran Guo
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Zhonggui He
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Bai Y, Su X, Piao L, Jin Z, Jin R. Involvement of Astrocytes and microRNA Dysregulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Potential. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:556215. [PMID: 33815055 PMCID: PMC8010124 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.556215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most widely distributed and abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a class of diseases with a slow onset, progressive progression, and poor prognosis. Common clinical NDDs include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Although these diseases have different etiologies, they are all associated with neuronal loss and pathological dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and toxic metabolites that are produced and released by activated astrocytes affect and regulate the function of neurons at the receptor, ion channel, antigen transfer, and gene transcription levels in the pathogenesis of NDDs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that play a wide range of biological roles by regulating the transcription and post-transcriptional translation of target mRNAs to induce target gene expression and silencing. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of NDDs by regulating astrocyte function through different mechanisms and may be potential targets for the treatment of NDDs. Here, we review studies of the role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of NDDs and discuss possible mechanisms of miRNAs in the regulation of astrocyte function, suggesting that miRNAs may be targeted as a novel approach for the treatment of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xing Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianhua Piao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rihua Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Hewton KG, Johal AS, Parker SJ. Transporters at the Interface between Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Amino Acid Metabolism. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11020112. [PMID: 33669382 PMCID: PMC7920303 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are central organelles that coordinate a vast array of metabolic and biologic functions important for cellular health. Amino acids are intricately linked to the bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and homeostatic function of the mitochondrion and require specific transporters to facilitate their import, export, and exchange across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here we review key cellular metabolic outputs of eukaryotic mitochondrial amino acid metabolism and discuss both known and unknown transporters involved. Furthermore, we discuss how utilization of compartmentalized amino acid metabolism functions in disease and physiological contexts. We examine how improved methods to study mitochondrial metabolism, define organelle metabolite composition, and visualize cellular gradients allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how transporters facilitate compartmentalized metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeley G. Hewton
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
| | - Amritpal S. Johal
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
| | - Seth J. Parker
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-875-3121
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12
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Chang CH, Kuo HL, Ma WF, Tsai HC. Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum d-Serine Levels in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123840. [PMID: 33256147 PMCID: PMC7761499 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex and severe neurodegenerative disease and still lacks effective methods of diagnosis. Dysfunction of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) has been found to be involved in synapse dysfunction and neurotoxicity of AD mechanisms. d-Serine, an NMDAR receptor coagonist, is reported as a potential new biomarker for AD. However, the results of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) d-serine levels are conflicting. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the serum and CSF d-serine levels in patients with AD. Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials, and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews for trials that measured d-serine levels both in patients with AD and in controls. We included controlled trials that analyzed d-serine levels in human samples (e.g., serum and CSF). Studies were pooled using a random-effect model for comparisons between AD and control group. We used effect size (ES; expressed as d-serine levels) in each selected meta-analysis to calculate standardized mean difference (SMD). Positive values indicated increased d-serine levels in AD group. We presented results with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The heterogeneity of the included trials was evaluated through visually inspecting funnel plots and using the I2 statistic. Moderators of effects were explored using metaregression. Results: Seven trials with more than 1186 participants were included in this meta-analysis. d-serine levels in patients with AD were significantly higher than those in controls (SMD = 0.679, 95% CI = 0.335 to 1.022, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that the AD group had significantly higher d-serine levels in serum and CSF compared with the control group (SMD = 0.566 (serum) and 1.008 (CSF); 95% CI = 0.183 to 0.948 (serum) and 0.168 to 1.849 (CSF)). Moreover, a metaregression revealed a significant negative association between ES and mean mini-mental state examination score in AD group (slope = −0.1203, p = 0.0004). Conclusions: Our results revealed higher d-serine levels in the serum and CSF of patients with AD relative to the controls. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up are recommended to clarify this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hung Chang
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry & Brain Disease Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709204, Taiwan;
| | - Hsiao-Lun Kuo
- An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709204, Taiwan;
- School of Nursing, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Fen Ma
- School of Nursing, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Ph.D Program for Health Science and Industry, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Adjunct Supervisor, Department of Nursing, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chi Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970473, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970473, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +88-(60)-3856-1825; Fax: +88-(60)-3857-4049
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