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Balistreri CR, Di Giorgi L, Monastero R. Focus of endothelial glycocalyx dysfunction in ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease: Possible intervention strategies. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102362. [PMID: 38830545 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102362] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The integrity of the endothelial glycocalyx (eGCX), a mixture of carbohydrates attached to proteins expressed on the surface of blood vessel endothelial cells (EC), is critical for the maintenance of homeostasis of the cardiovascular system and all systems of the human body, the endothelium being the critical component of the stroma of all tissues. Consequently, dysfunction of eGCX results in a dysfunctional cardiovascular wall and severe downstream cardiovascular events, which contribute to the onset of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as other age-related diseases (ARDs). The key role of eGCX dysfunction in the onset of ARDs is examined here, with a focus on the most prevalent neurological diseases: ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the advantages and limitations of some treatment strategies for anti-eGCX dysfunction are described, ranging from experimental drug therapies, which need to be better tested and explored not only in animal models but also in humans, as well as reprogramming, the use of nutraceuticals, which are emerging as regenerative and new approaches. The promotion of these strategies is essential to keep eGCX and endothelium healthy, as is the development of intravital (e.g., intravascular) tools to estimate eGCX health status and treatment efficacy, which could lead to advanced solutions to address ARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo 90134, Italy.
| | - Lucia Di Giorgi
- Memory and Parkinson's disease Center Policlinico "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, and Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Via La Loggia 1, Palermo 90129, Italy
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Memory and Parkinson's disease Center Policlinico "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, and Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Via La Loggia 1, Palermo 90129, Italy.
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Angelini G, Malvaso A, Schirripa A, Campione F, D'Addario SL, Toschi N, Caligiore D. Unraveling sex differences in Parkinson's disease through explainable machine learning. J Neurol Sci 2024; 462:123091. [PMID: 38870732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123091] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences affect Parkinson's disease (PD) development and manifestation. Yet, current PD identification and treatments underuse these distinctions. Sex-focused PD literature often prioritizes prevalence rates over feature importance analysis. However, underlying aspects could make a feature significant for predicting PD, despite its score. Interactions between features require consideration, as do distinctions between scoring disparities and actual feature importance. For instance, a higher score in males for a certain feature doesn't necessarily mean it's less important for characterizing PD in females. This article proposes an explainable Machine Learning (ML) model to elucidate these underlying factors, emphasizing the importance of features. This insight could be critical for personalized medicine, suggesting the need to tailor data collection and analysis for males and females. The model identifies sex-specific differences in PD, aiding in predicting outcomes as "Healthy" or "Pathological". It adopts a system-level approach, integrating heterogeneous data - clinical, imaging, genetics, and demographics - to study new biomarkers for diagnosis. The explainable ML approach aids non-ML experts in understanding model decisions, fostering trust and facilitating interpretation of complex ML outcomes, thus enhancing usability and translational research. The ML model identifies muscle rigidity, autonomic and cognitive assessments, and family history as key contributors to PD diagnosis, with sex differences noted. The genetic variant SNCA-rs356181 may be more significant in characterizing PD in males. Interaction analysis reveals a greater occurrence of feature interplay among males compared to females. These disparities offer insights into PD pathophysiology and could guide the development of sex-specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfrancesco Angelini
- Medical Physics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Malvaso
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, National Neurological Institute, University of Pavia, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via Gian Domenico Romagnosi, 18A, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelia Schirripa
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via Gian Domenico Romagnosi, 18A, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Campione
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via Gian Domenico Romagnosi, 18A, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via Gian Domenico Romagnosi, 18A, 00196 Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Medical Physics Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniele Caligiore
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via Gian Domenico Romagnosi, 18A, 00196 Rome, Italy; AI2Life s.r.l., Innovative Start-Up, ISTC-CNR Spin-Off, Via Sebino 32, 00199 Rome, Italy.
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Shen D, Yang X, He D, Zhang K, Liu S, Sun X, Li J, Cai Z, Liu M, Zhang X, Liu Q, Cui L. Clinical and genetic characteristics of 1672 cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in China: a single-center retrospective study. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12513-y. [PMID: 38896262 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12513-y] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, continuous discoveries of new ALS-causing genes have enhanced the understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship in ALS, aiding in disease progression prediction and providing a more comprehensive basis for genetic diagnosis. METHODS A total of 1672 ALS patients who visited the Neurology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2014 and December 2022 and met the revised El Escorial diagnostic criteria were included. Clinical data were collected, whole exome sequencing and dynamic mutation screening of the C9ORF72 gene were performed, and the clinical phenotypes and genotypes of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS The average age of onset for the 1672 ALS patients was 52.6 ± 11.2 years (range 17-85 years), with a median disease duration of 14 months at the time of visit (interquartile range 9-24 months, range 2-204 months). The male to female ratio was 833:839. The patients included 297 (17.8%) with bulbar onset, 198 (11.8%) with flail arm/leg syndrome, 89 (5.3%) with familial ALS, and 52 (3.1%) with concomitant frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Pathogenic variants associated with ALS were detected in 175 patients (10.5% of the cohort), with the most common mutations being SOD1, FUS, and ANXA11. Among patients with familial ALS, 56.2% (50/89) had genetic mutations, compared to 7.9% (125/1583) in sporadic ALS cases. From the perspective of phenotype-genotype correlation, (1) In ALS-FTD patients, the most common genetic mutations were ANXA11 and C9ORF72 repeat expansions. Patients with flail arm/leg syndrome more frequently carried mutations in SOD1, ANXA11, and hnRNPA1; (2) Despite genetic heterogeneity, it was observed that mutations in FUS and NEK1 were more common in males, and patients with FUS mutations had a younger age of onset; mutations in SOD1 and SQSTM1 were more likely to present with lower limb onset. CONCLUSION This study provides comprehensive data on the genetic characteristics of ALS patients in China through large-scale clinical data and genetic analysis of 1672 cases. Differences in age of onset, onset site, and clinical phenotype among ALS patients with different genotypes can help clinicians better predict disease progression and provide a basis for precise diagnosis and individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchao Shen
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xunzhe Yang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Di He
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shuangwu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jinyue Li
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhengyi Cai
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Mingsheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China.
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Mincuzzi A, Lodeserto P, Zollino J, Sardone R, Bisceglia L, Addabbo F, Minerba S, Colacicco VG, Giannico OV. Sex, environment, and death rate in a dementia cohort: a seven-years Bayesian survival analysis using medications data from a contaminated area in Italy. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1380609. [PMID: 38952726 PMCID: PMC11216074 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1380609] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies have analyzed the effects of industrial installations on the environment and human health in Taranto, Southern Italy. Literature documented associations between different variables and dementia mortality among both women and men. The present study aims to investigate the associations between sex, environment, age, disease duration, pandemic years, anti-dementia drugs, and death rate. Methods Data from the regional medication registry were used. All women and men with an anti-dementia medication between 2015 and 2021 were included and followed-up to 2021. Bayesian mixed effects logistic and Cox regression models with time varying exposures were fitted using integrated nested Laplace approximations and adjusting for patients and therapy characteristics. Results A total of 7,961 person-years were observed. Variables associated with lower prevalence of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) medication were male sex (OR 0.63, 95% CrI 0.42-0.96), age 70-79 years (OR 0.17, 95% CrI 0.06-0.47) and ≥ 80 years (OR 0.08, 95% CrI 0.03-0.23), disease duration of 2-3 years (OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.32-0.56) and 4-6 years (OR 0.21, 95% CrI 0.13-0.33), and pandemic years 2020 (OR 0.50, 95% CrI 0.37-0.67) and 2021 (OR 0.47, 95% CrI 0.33-0.65). Variables associated with higher mortality were male sex (HR 2.14, 95% CrI 1.75-2.62), residence in the contaminated site of national interest (SIN) (HR 1.25, 95% CrI 1.02-1.53), age ≥ 80 years (HR 6.06, 95% CrI 1.94-18.95), disease duration of 1 year (HR 1.50, 95% CrI 1.12-2.01), 2-3 years (HR 1.90, 95% CrI 1.45-2.48) and 4-6 years (HR 2.21, 95% CrI 1.60-3.07), and pandemic years 2020 (HR 1.38, 95% CrI 1.06-1.80) and 2021 (HR 1.56, 95% CrI 1.21-2.02). Variables associated with lower mortality were therapy with AChEIs alone (HR 0.69, 95% CrI 0.56-0.86) and in combination with memantine (HR 0.54, 95% CrI 0.37-0.81). Discussion Male sex, age, disease duration, and pandemic years appeared to be associated with lower AChEIs medications. Male sex, residence in the SIN of Taranto, age, disease duration, and pandemic years seemed to be associated with an increased death rate, while AChEIs medication seemed to be associated with improved survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Mincuzzi
- Unit of Statistics and Epidemiology, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Paolo Lodeserto
- Unit of Statistics and Epidemiology, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Jennifer Zollino
- Unit of Statistics and Epidemiology, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Sardone
- Unit of Statistics and Epidemiology, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Lucia Bisceglia
- Epidemiology and Care Intelligence Area, Strategic Regional Agency for Health and Social Care of Apulia, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Addabbo
- Unit of Statistics and Epidemiology, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Sante Minerba
- Healthcare Management, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
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Leys F, Eschlböck S, Campese N, Mahlknecht P, Peball M, Goebel G, Sidoroff V, Krismer F, Granata R, Kiechl S, Poewe W, Seppi K, Wenning GK, Fanciulli A. Sex-related differences in the clinical presentation of multiple system atrophy. Clin Auton Res 2024; 34:253-268. [PMID: 38630378 PMCID: PMC11127878 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-024-01028-1] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate sex-related differences in the clinical presentation of multiple system atrophy (MSA) through a literature review and an analysis of a retrospective cohort. METHODS The PubMed database was searched for articles including sex-related information in MSA. In a retrospective Innsbruck cohort, we investigated the baseline to last available follow-up clinical-demographic differences between men and women with MSA in a univariate fashion, followed by multivariable binary regression analysis. RESULTS The literature search yielded 46 publications with sex-related information in MSA. Most studies found comparable survival rates between the sexes, while some recent reports suggested a potential survival benefit for women, possibly due to initial motor onset and overall less severe autonomic failure compared to men. The retrospective Innsbruck MSA cohort comprised 56 female and 60 male individuals with a comparable median follow-up of 27 months. At baseline, female sex was independently associated with depression (odds ratio [OR] 4.7; p = 0.007) and male sex with severe orthostatic hypotension (OR 5.5; p = 0.016). In addition, at last follow-up, female sex was associated with the intake of central nervous system-active drugs (OR 4.1; p = 0.029), whereas male sex was associated with the presence of supine hypertension (OR 3.0; p = 0.020) and the intake of antihypertensive medications (OR 8.7; p = 0.001). Male sex was also associated with initiation of antihypertensive medications over the observation period (OR 12.4; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION The available literature and findings of the present study indicate sex-related differences in the clinical presentation of MSA and its evolution over time, highlighting the importance of considering sex in symptom exploration, therapeutic decision-making, and future clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Leys
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sabine Eschlböck
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl-Natters Hospital, Zirl, Austria
| | - Nicole Campese
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Mahlknecht
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marina Peball
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Goebel
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Victoria Sidoroff
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Krismer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roberta Granata
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Kiechl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Werner Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Seppi
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Provincial Hospital of Kufstein, Kufstein, Austria
| | - Gregor K Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Cottam NC, Harrington MA, Schork PM, Sun J. No significant sex differences in incidence or phenotype for the SMNΔ7 mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 37:13-22. [PMID: 38493520 PMCID: PMC11031329 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.03.002] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease that affects 1 out of every 6,000-10,000 individuals at birth, making it the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. In recent years, reports of sex differences in SMA patients have become noticeable. The SMNΔ7 mouse model is commonly used to investigate pathologies and treatments in SMA. However, studies on sex as a contributing biological variable are few and dated. Here, we rigorously investigated the effect of sex on a series of characteristics in SMA mice of the SMNΔ7 model. Incidence and lifespan of 23 mouse litters were tracked and phenotypic assessments were performed at 2-day intervals starting at postnatal day 6 for every pup until the death of the SMA pup(s) in each litter. Brain weights were also collected post-mortem. We found that male and female SMA incidence does not differ significantly, survival periods are the same across sexes, and there was no phenotypic difference between male and female SMA pups, other than for females exhibiting lesser body weights at early ages. Overall, this study ensures that sex is not a biological variable that contributes to the incidence ratio or disease severity in the SMNΔ7 mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Cottam
- Delaware State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 1200 N Dupont Highway, Dover, DE, USA
| | - Melissa A Harrington
- Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
| | - Pamela M Schork
- Delaware State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 1200 N Dupont Highway, Dover, DE, USA
| | - Jianli Sun
- Delaware State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 1200 N Dupont Highway, Dover, DE, USA; Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA.
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Thornton HF, LaHue SC, Bove R, Waters J, O'Neal MA, Bui E. Emerging Subspecialties in Neurology: Women's Neurology. Neurology 2024; 102:e208009. [PMID: 38165380 PMCID: PMC10834140 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000208009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The influence of sex and gender on neurologic disease has become increasingly recognized in science and medicine. This is evident across a woman's lifespan especially during periods of hormonal transitions. Leaders in neurology have advocated for the importance of sex and gender-enriched clinical care, education, and research. The scope of women's neurology spans across a woman's life including puberty, adolescence, peripartum care, menopause, and aging. Women's neurology is a new subspecialty that aligns with a specific patient population and intersects with established neurology subspecialties and other specialties such as obstetrics, maternal fetal medicine, endocrinology, and psychiatry. Its establishment and collaboration with existing and emerging fields enables a more comprehensive approach to neurologic illness through the lens of sex and gender. Women's neurology is rapidly evolving through increased focus at academic centers, including expanded women's neurology curricula, dedicated women's neurology fellowship programs, improved understanding of sex and gender issues in neurosciences, and expansion of therapeutic options. Herein, we describe the history of the women's neurology field, emerging need for women's neurology specialists, information about training and career opportunities, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley F Thornton
- From the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (H.F.T.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Neurology (S.C.L., R.B.), and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences (S.C.L., R.B.), Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; Buck Institute for Research on Aging (S.C.L.), Novato, CA; Department of Neurology (J.W.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA; Department of Neurology (M.A.O.N.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Division of Neurology (E.B.), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and Krembil Brain Institute (E.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara C LaHue
- From the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (H.F.T.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Neurology (S.C.L., R.B.), and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences (S.C.L., R.B.), Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; Buck Institute for Research on Aging (S.C.L.), Novato, CA; Department of Neurology (J.W.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA; Department of Neurology (M.A.O.N.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Division of Neurology (E.B.), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and Krembil Brain Institute (E.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Riley Bove
- From the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (H.F.T.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Neurology (S.C.L., R.B.), and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences (S.C.L., R.B.), Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; Buck Institute for Research on Aging (S.C.L.), Novato, CA; Department of Neurology (J.W.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA; Department of Neurology (M.A.O.N.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Division of Neurology (E.B.), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and Krembil Brain Institute (E.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet Waters
- From the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (H.F.T.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Neurology (S.C.L., R.B.), and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences (S.C.L., R.B.), Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; Buck Institute for Research on Aging (S.C.L.), Novato, CA; Department of Neurology (J.W.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA; Department of Neurology (M.A.O.N.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Division of Neurology (E.B.), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and Krembil Brain Institute (E.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary A O'Neal
- From the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (H.F.T.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Neurology (S.C.L., R.B.), and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences (S.C.L., R.B.), Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; Buck Institute for Research on Aging (S.C.L.), Novato, CA; Department of Neurology (J.W.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA; Department of Neurology (M.A.O.N.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Division of Neurology (E.B.), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and Krembil Brain Institute (E.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Esther Bui
- From the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (H.F.T.), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Neurology (S.C.L., R.B.), and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences (S.C.L., R.B.), Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; Buck Institute for Research on Aging (S.C.L.), Novato, CA; Department of Neurology (J.W.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA; Department of Neurology (M.A.O.N.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Division of Neurology (E.B.), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and Krembil Brain Institute (E.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Balistreri CR, Monastero R. Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases: How Much Do We Still Not Know? Brain Sci 2023; 14:19. [PMID: 38248234 PMCID: PMC10812964 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010019] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The term "neuroinflammation" defines the typical inflammatory response of the brain closely related to the onset of many neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Neuroinflammation is well known, but its mechanisms and pathways are not entirely comprehended. Some progresses have been achieved through many efforts and research. Consequently, new cellular and molecular mechanisms, diverse and conventional, are emerging. In listing some of those that will be the subject of our description and discussion, essential are the important roles of peripheral and infiltrated monocytes and clonotypic cells, alterations in the gut-brain axis, dysregulation of the apelinergic system, alterations in the endothelial glycocalyx of the endothelial component of neuronal vascular units, variations in expression of some genes and levels of the encoding molecules by the action of microRNAs (miRNAs), or other epigenetic factors and distinctive transcriptional factors, as well as the role of autophagy, ferroptosis, sex differences, and modifications in the circadian cycle. Such mechanisms can add significantly to understanding the complex etiological puzzle of neuroinflammation and ND. In addition, they could represent biomarkers and targets of ND, which is increasing in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular and Molecular Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Unit of Neurology & Neuro-Physiopathology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), University of Palermo, Via La Loggia 1, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
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Cao W, Cao Z, Tian Y, Zhang L, Wang W, Tang L, Xu C, Fan D. Neutrophils Are Associated with Higher Risk of Incident Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in a BMI- and Age-Dependent Manner. Ann Neurol 2023; 94:942-954. [PMID: 37554051 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Peripheral immune markers have been associated with the progression and prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, whether dysregulation of peripheral immunity is a risk factor for ALS or a consequence of motor neuron degeneration has not yet been clarified. We aimed to identify longitudinal associations between prediagnostic peripheral immunity and the risk of incident ALS. METHODS A total of 345,000 individuals from the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010 were included at the baseline. The counts of peripheral immune markers (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, and CRP) and its derived metrics (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR], lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio [LMR], and systemic immune-inflammation index [SII]) were analyzed in relation to the following incident ALS by Cox proportional hazard models. Subgroup and interaction analyses were performed to explore the covariates of these relationships further. RESULTS After adjusting for all covariates, the multivariate analysis showed that high neutrophil counts and their derived metrics (NLR and SII) were associated with an increased risk of ALS incidence (per SD increment hazard ratio [HR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.29 for neutrophils; HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03-1.28 for NLR; and HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.05-1.30 for SII). Subgroup and interaction analyses revealed that body mass index (BMI) and age had specific effects on this association. In participants with BMI ≥ 25 or age < 65 years, higher neutrophil counts, and their metrics increased the risk of incident ALS; however, in participants with BMI < 25 or age ≥ 65 years, neutrophils had no effect on incident ALS. INTERPRETATION Our study provides evidence that increased neutrophil levels and neutrophil-derived metrics (NLR and SII) are associated with an increased risk of developing ALS. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:942-954.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Cao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Cao
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Tian
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Linjing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Tang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Chenjie Xu
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Beijing, China
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Duranti E, Villa C. Muscle Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Understanding the Pathogenesis and Advancing Therapeutics. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1582. [PMID: 38002264 PMCID: PMC10669302 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal condition characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Muscle involvement, muscle atrophy, and subsequent paralysis are among the main features of this disease, which is defined as a neuromuscular disorder. ALS is a persistently progressive disease, and as motor neurons continue to degenerate, individuals with ALS experience a gradual decline in their ability to perform daily activities. Ultimately, muscle function loss may result in paralysis, presenting significant challenges in mobility, communication, and self-care. While the majority of ALS research has traditionally focused on pathogenic pathways in the central nervous system, there has been a great interest in muscle research. These studies were carried out on patients and animal models in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved and to develop therapies aimed at improving muscle function. This review summarizes the features of ALS and discusses the role of muscle, as well as examines recent studies in the development of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Villa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular, Molecular Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Corso Tukory, 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy.
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Falck RS, Liu-Ambrose T, Van Uffelen J, Macpherson H, Marquez DX, Gardiner P, Savelberg HHCM. Editorial: The 24-hour activity cycle and cognitive health: how are physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep interactively associated with cognitive health across the lifespan? Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1248262. [PMID: 37565056 PMCID: PMC10411731 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1248262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Stanley Falck
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Aging Solutions for Mobility, Activity, Rehabilitation and Technology (SMART) at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Teresa Liu-Ambrose
- Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Aging Solutions for Mobility, Activity, Rehabilitation and Technology (SMART) at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Helen Macpherson
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, NSW, Australia
| | - David X. Marquez
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, School of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Paul Gardiner
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hans H. C. M. Savelberg
- Department of Human Biology and Movement Sciences, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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