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Zhang Y, Mu BR, Ran Z, Zhu T, Huang X, Yang X, Wang DM, Ma QH, Lu MH. Pericytes in Alzheimer's disease: Key players and therapeutic targets. Exp Neurol 2024; 379:114825. [PMID: 38777251 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive cognitive decline and neuropathological changes. Pericytes, which are vessel mural cells on the basement membrane of capillaries, play a crucial role in regulating cerebrovascular functions and maintaining neurovascular unit integrity. Emerging research substantiates the involvement of pericytes in AD. This review provides a comprehensive overview of pericytes, including their structure, origin, and markers and various functions within the central nervous system. Emphatically, the review explores the intricate mechanisms through which pericytes contribute to AD, including their interactions with amyloid beta and apolipoprotein E, as well as various signaling pathways. The review also highlights potential for targeted pericyte therapy for AD, with a focus on stem cell therapy and drug treatments. Future research directions include the classification of pericyte subtypes, studies related to aging, and the role of pericytes in exosome-related mechanisms in AD pathology. In conclusion, this review consolidates current knowledge on the pivotal roles of pericytes in AD and their potential as therapeutic targets, providing valuable insights for future research and clinical interventions aimed at addressing the impact of AD on patients' lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ben-Rong Mu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Zhao Ran
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Xiong Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dong-Mei Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Quan-Hong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China.
| | - Mei-Hong Lu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Kumari S, Kaur P, Singh AK, Ashar MS, Pradhan R, Rao A, Haldar P, Chakrawarty A, Chatterjee P, Dey S. Quantification of COX-2 Level in Alzheimer's Disease Patients to Develop Potential Blood-Based Biomarker for Early Diagnosis and Therapeutic Target. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:699-713. [PMID: 38427490 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231445] [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] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and symptoms develop gradually over many years. The current direction for medication development in AD is focused on neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress. Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition activates microglia leading to neuro-inflammation and neurodegeneration induced by activation of COX-2 via NFκB p50 in glioblastoma cells. Objective The study aimed to evaluate the concentration of COX-2 and NFκB p50 in serum of AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and geriatric control (GC) and to establish a blood-based biomarker for early diagnosis and its therapeutic implications. Methods Proteins and their mRNA level in blood of study groups were measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively. The level of protein was further validated by western blot. The binding study of designed peptide against COX-2 by molecular docking was verified by SPR. The rescue of neurotoxicity by peptide was also checked by MTT assay on SH-SY5Y cells (neuroblastoma cell line). Results Proteins and mRNA were highly expressed in AD and MCI compared to GC. However, COX-2 decreases with disease duration. The peptide showed binding affinity with COX-2 with low dissociation constant in SPR and rescued the neurotoxicity of SH-SY5Y cells by decreasing the level of Aβ, tau, and pTau proteins. Conclusions It can be concluded that COX-2 protein can serve as a potential blood-based biomarker for early detection and can be a good platform for therapeutic intervention for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Kumari
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Priyajit Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhinay Kumar Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohd Suhail Ashar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rashmita Pradhan
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhijit Rao
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Partha Haldar
- Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Avinash Chakrawarty
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Prasun Chatterjee
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sharmistha Dey
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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3
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Choi HJ, Jeong YJ, Kim J, Hoe HS. EGFR is a potential dual molecular target for cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1238639. [PMID: 37601068 PMCID: PMC10433764 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1238639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many researchers are attempting to identify drugs that can be repurposed as effective therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several recent studies have highlighted epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors approved for use as anti-cancer drugs as potential candidates for repurposing as AD therapeutics. In cancer, EGFR inhibitors target cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and studies in AD mouse models have shown that EGFR inhibitors can attenuate amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology and improve cognitive function. In this review, we discuss the different functions of EGFR in cancer and AD and the potential of EGFR as a dual molecular target for AD diseases. In addition, we describe the effects of anti-cancer EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on AD pathology and their prospects as therapeutic interventions for AD. By summarizing the physiological functions of EGFR in cancer and AD, this review emphasizes the significance of EGFR as an important molecular target for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jeong Choi
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Joo Jeong
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Health Technology, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Sook Hoe
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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4
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Tamburini B, Badami GD, La Manna MP, Shekarkar Azgomi M, Caccamo N, Dieli F. Emerging Roles of Cells and Molecules of Innate Immunity in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11922. [PMID: 37569296 PMCID: PMC10418700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory response that marks Alzheimer's disease (neuroinflammation) is considered a double-edged sword. Microglia have been shown to play a protective role at the beginning of the disease. Still, persistent harmful stimuli further activate microglia, inducing an exacerbating inflammatory process which impairs β-amyloid peptide clearance capability and leads to neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Moreover, microglia also appear to be closely involved in the spread of tau pathology. Soluble TREM2 also represents a crucial player in the neuroinflammatory processes. Elevated levels of TREM2 in cerebrospinal fluid have been associated with increased amyloid plaque burden, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the intricate relationship between innate immunity and Alzheimer's disease will be a promising strategy for future advancements in diagnosis and new therapeutic interventions targeting innate immunity, by modulating its activity. Still, additional and more robust studies are needed to translate these findings into effective treatments. In this review, we focus on the role of cells (microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes) and molecules (TREM2, tau, and β-amyloid) of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and their possible exploitation as disease biomarkers and targets of therapeutical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartolo Tamburini
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (B.T.); (G.D.B.); (M.P.L.M.); (M.S.A.); (F.D.)
| | - Giusto Davide Badami
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (B.T.); (G.D.B.); (M.P.L.M.); (M.S.A.); (F.D.)
| | - Marco Pio La Manna
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (B.T.); (G.D.B.); (M.P.L.M.); (M.S.A.); (F.D.)
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), AOUP Paolo Giaccone, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mojtaba Shekarkar Azgomi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (B.T.); (G.D.B.); (M.P.L.M.); (M.S.A.); (F.D.)
| | - Nadia Caccamo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (B.T.); (G.D.B.); (M.P.L.M.); (M.S.A.); (F.D.)
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), AOUP Paolo Giaccone, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (B.T.); (G.D.B.); (M.P.L.M.); (M.S.A.); (F.D.)
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), AOUP Paolo Giaccone, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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5
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Cheng J, Jiang J, He B, Lin WJ, Li Y, Duan J, Li H, Huang X, Cai J, Xie J, Zhang Z, Yang Y, Xu Y, Hu X, Wu M, Zhuo X, Liu Q, Shi Z, Yu P, Rong X, Ye X, Saw PE, Wu LJ, Simone CB, Chua MLK, Mai HQ, Tang Y. A phase 2 study of thalidomide for the treatment of radiation-induced blood-brain barrier injury. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabm6543. [PMID: 36812346 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abm6543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a debilitating sequela after radiotherapy to treat head and neck cancer, and 20 to 30% of patients with RIBI fail to respond to or have contraindications to the first-line treatments of bevacizumab and corticosteroids. Here, we reported a Simon's minmax two-stage, single-arm, phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03208413) to assess the efficacy of thalidomide in patients with RIBI who were unresponsive to or had contraindications to bevacizumab and corticosteroid therapies. The trial met its primary endpoint, with 27 of 58 patients enrolled showing ≥25% reduction in the volume of cerebral edema on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery-magnetic resonance imaging (FLAIR-MRI) after treatment (overall response rate, 46.6%; 95% CI, 33.3 to 60.1%). Twenty-five (43.1%) patients demonstrated a clinical improvement based on the Late Effects Normal Tissues-Subjective, Objective, Management, Analytic (LENT/SOMA) scale, and 36 (62.1%) experienced cognitive improvement based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. In a mouse model of RIBI, thalidomide restored the blood-brain barrier and cerebral perfusion, which were attributed to the functional rescue of pericytes secondary to elevation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) expression by thalidomide. Our data thus demonstrate the therapeutic potential of thalidomide for the treatment of radiation-induced cerebral vasculature impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jingru Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Baixuan He
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Wei-Jye Lin
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jingjing Duan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Honghong Li
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaolong Huang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jinhua Cai
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jiatian Xie
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yuhua Yang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yongteng Xu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xia Hu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Minyi Wu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaohuang Zhuo
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zhongshan Shi
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Pei Yu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaoming Rong
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaojing Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.,Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Charles B Simone
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York Proton Center, New York, NY 10035, USA
| | - Melvin L K Chua
- Department of Head and Neck and Thoracic Cancers, Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 169610, Singapore.,Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 169610, Singapore.,Oncology Academic Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Hai-Qiang Mai
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yamei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, China
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6
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McLarnon JG. Glial-derived Neuroinflammation induced with Amyloid-beta-peptide Plus Fibrinogen Injection in Rat Hippocampus. Curr Alzheimer Res 2023; 20:515-522. [PMID: 37702232 DOI: 10.2174/1567205020666230912113501] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study has examined microglial and astrocyte activation in association with neuronal degeneration in an animal model using an injection of amyloid-beta peptide Aβ1-42 (Aβ42) plus fibrinogen into rat hippocampus. METHODS The combination of stimuli is suggested as a novel and potent perturbation to induce gliosis and the production of glial-derived neurotoxic factors in an animal model exhibiting a leaky BBB (blood-brain barrier). Specifically, Aβ42 + fibrinogen stimulation elevated levels of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) with a considerable extent of neuronal loss associated with microglia and astrocyte activation. RESULTS Treatment of injected rats with the broad spectrum anti-inflammatory agent, minocycline or the iNOS inhibitor, 1400 W inhibited gliosis, reduced levels of COX-2 and iNOS, and demonstrated efficacy for neuroprotection. CONCLUSION The findings suggest the utility of combining amyloid beta peptide plus fibrinogen as a potent and understudied neuroinflammatory stimulus for the induction of glial-derived neurotoxic factors in BBB-compromised AD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G McLarnon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2176 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
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7
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Kakoti BB, Bezbaruah R, Ahmed N. Therapeutic drug repositioning with special emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases: Threats and issues. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1007315. [PMID: 36263141 PMCID: PMC9574100 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1007315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning or repurposing is the process of discovering leading-edge indications for authorized or declined/abandoned molecules for use in different diseases. This approach revitalizes the traditional drug discovery method by revealing new therapeutic applications for existing drugs. There are numerous studies available that highlight the triumph of several drugs as repurposed therapeutics. For example, sildenafil to aspirin, thalidomide to adalimumab, and so on. Millions of people worldwide are affected by neurodegenerative diseases. According to a 2021 report, the Alzheimer's disease Association estimates that 6.2 million Americans are detected with Alzheimer's disease. By 2030, approximately 1.2 million people in the United States possibly acquire Parkinson's disease. Drugs that act on a single molecular target benefit people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Current pharmacological approaches, on the other hand, are constrained in their capacity to unquestionably alter the course of the disease and provide patients with inadequate and momentary benefits. Drug repositioning-based approaches appear to be very pertinent, expense- and time-reducing strategies for the enhancement of medicinal opportunities for such diseases in the current era. Kinase inhibitors, for example, which were developed for various oncology indications, demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases. This review expounds on the classical and recent examples of drug repositioning at various stages of drug development, with a special focus on neurodegenerative disorders and the aspects of threats and issues viz. the regulatory, scientific, and economic aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibhuti Bhusan Kakoti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, India
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8
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Laminin as a Biomarker of Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption under Neuroinflammation: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126788. [PMID: 35743229 PMCID: PMC9224176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Laminin, a non-collagenous glycoprotein present in the brain extracellular matrix, helps to maintain blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity and regulation. Neuroinflammation can compromise laminin structure and function, increasing BBB permeability. The aim of this paper is to determine if neuroinflammation-induced laminin functional changes may serve as a potential biomarker of alterations in the BBB. The 38 publications included evaluated neuroinflammation, BBB disruption, and laminin, and were assessed for quality and risk of bias (protocol registered in PROSPERO; CRD42020212547). We found that laminin may be a good indicator of BBB overall structural integrity, although changes in expression are dependent on the pathologic or experimental model used. In ischemic stroke, permanent vascular damage correlates with increased laminin expression (β and γ subunits), while transient damage correlates with reduced laminin expression (α subunits). Laminin was reduced in traumatic brain injury and cerebral hemorrhage studies but increased in multiple sclerosis and status epilepticus studies. Despite these observations, there is limited knowledge about the role played by different subunits or isoforms (such as 411 or 511) of laminin in maintaining structural architecture of the BBB under neuroinflammation. Further studies may clarify this aspect and the possibility of using laminin as a biomarker in different pathologies, which have alterations in BBB function in common.
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9
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Palmer A, Stezoski J, Janesko‑feldman K, Kochanek P, Drabek T. Targeting TNFα‑mediated cytotoxicity using thalidomide after experimental cardiac arrest in rats: An exploratory study. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:380. [DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Palmer
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Jason Stezoski
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Keri Janesko‑feldman
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Patrick Kochanek
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Tomas Drabek
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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10
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Palmas MF, Ena A, Burgaletto C, Casu MA, Cantarella G, Carboni E, Etzi M, De Simone A, Fusco G, Cardia MC, Lai F, Picci L, Tweedie D, Scerba MT, Coroneo V, Bernardini R, Greig NH, Pisanu A, Carta AR. Repurposing Pomalidomide as a Neuroprotective Drug: Efficacy in an Alpha-Synuclein-Based Model of Parkinson's Disease. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:305-324. [PMID: 35072912 PMCID: PMC9130415 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01182-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Marketed drugs for Parkinson's disease (PD) treat disease motor symptoms but are ineffective in stopping or slowing disease progression. In the quest of novel pharmacological approaches that may target disease progression, drug-repurposing provides a strategy to accelerate the preclinical and clinical testing of drugs already approved for other medical indications. Here, we targeted the inflammatory component of PD pathology, by testing for the first time the disease-modifying properties of the immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiD) pomalidomide in a translational rat model of PD neuropathology based on the intranigral bilateral infusion of toxic preformed oligomers of human α-synuclein (H-αSynOs). The neuroprotective effect of pomalidomide (20 mg/kg; i.p. three times/week 48 h apart) was tested in the first stage of disease progression by means of a chronic two-month administration, starting 1 month after H-αSynOs infusion, when an already ongoing neuroinflammation is observed. The intracerebral infusion of H-αSynOs induced an impairment in motor and coordination performance that was fully rescued by pomalidomide, as assessed via a battery of motor tests three months after infusion. Moreover, H-αSynOs-infused rats displayed a 40-45% cell loss within the bilateral substantia nigra, as measured by stereological counting of TH + and Nissl-stained neurons, that was largely abolished by pomalidomide. The inflammatory response to H-αSynOs infusion and the pomalidomide treatment was evaluated both in CNS affected areas and peripherally in the serum. A reactive microgliosis, measured as the volume occupied by the microglial marker Iba-1, was present in the substantia nigra three months after H-αSynOs infusion as well as after H-αSynOs plus pomalidomide treatment. However, microglia differed for their phenotype among experimental groups. After H-αSynOs infusion, microglia displayed a proinflammatory profile, producing a large amount of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α. In contrast, pomalidomide inhibited the TNF-α overproduction and elevated the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Moreover, the H-αSynOs infusion induced a systemic inflammation with overproduction of serum proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, that was largely mitigated by pomalidomide. Results provide evidence of the disease modifying potential of pomalidomide in a neuropathological rodent model of PD and support the repurposing of this drug for clinical testing in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Ena
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Burgaletto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ezio Carboni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Etzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alfonso De Simone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Fusco
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Picci
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute On Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael T Scerba
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute On Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Valentina Coroneo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute On Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Augusta Pisanu
- National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Anna R Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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11
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McLarnon JG. A Leaky Blood–Brain Barrier to Fibrinogen Contributes to Oxidative Damage in Alzheimer’s Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:antiox11010102. [PMID: 35052606 PMCID: PMC8772934 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The intactness of blood–brain barrier (BBB) is compromised in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, evidence suggests that the perturbation and abnormalities appearing in BBB can manifest early in the progression of the disease. The disruption of BBB allows extravasation of the plasma protein, fibrinogen, to enter brain parenchyma, eliciting immune reactivity and response. The presence of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide leads to the formation of abnormal aggregates of fibrin resistant to degradation. Furthermore, Aβ deposits act on the contact system of blood coagulation, altering levels of thrombin, fibrin clots and neuroinflammation. The neurovascular unit (NVU) comprises an ensemble of brain cells which interact with infiltrating fibrinogen. In particular, interaction of resident immune cell microglia with fibrinogen, fibrin and Aβ results in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a neurotoxic effector in AD brain. Overall, fibrinogen infiltration through a leaky BBB in AD animal models and in human AD tissue is associated with manifold abnormalities including persistent fibrin aggregation and clots, microglial-mediated production of ROS and diminished viability of neurons and synaptic connectivity. An objective of this review is to better understand how processes associated with BBB leakiness to fibrinogen link vascular pathology with neuronal and synaptic damage in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G McLarnon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2176 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada
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12
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Ancidoni A, Bacigalupo I, Remoli G, Lacorte E, Piscopo P, Sarti G, Corbo M, Vanacore N, Canevelli M. Anticancer drugs repurposed for Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2021; 13:96. [PMID: 33952306 PMCID: PMC8101105 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-021-00831-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background The relationship between cancer and dementia is triggering growing research interest. Several preclinical studies have provided the biological rationale for the repurposing of specific anticancer agents in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and a growing number of research protocols are testing their efficacy and safety/tolerability in patients with AD. Methods The aim of the present systematic review was to provide an overview on the repurposing of approved anticancer drugs in clinical trials for AD by considering both ongoing and completed research protocols in all phases. In parallel, a systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed, ISI Web, and the Cochrane Library to identify published clinical studies on repurposed anticancer agents in AD. Results Based on a structured search on the ClinicalTrials.gov and the EudraCT databases, we identified 13 clinical trials testing 11 different approved anticancer agents (five tyrosine kinase inhibitors, two retinoid X receptor agonists, two immunomodulatory agents, one histone deacetylase inhibitor, and one monoclonal antibody) in the AD continuum. The systematic literature search led to the identification of five published studies (one phase I, three phase II, and one phase IIb/III) reporting the effects of antitumoral treatments in patients with mild cognitive impairment or AD dementia. The clinical findings and the methodological characteristics of these studies are described and discussed. Conclusion Anticancer agents are triggering growing interest in the context of repurposed therapies in AD. Several clinical trials are underway, and data are expected to be available in the near future. To date, data emerging from published clinical studies are controversial. The promising results emerging from preclinical studies and identified research protocols should be confirmed and extended by larger, adequately designed, and high-quality clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ancidoni
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Via Giano della Bella 34, 00162, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Bacigalupo
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Via Giano della Bella 34, 00162, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Remoli
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Via Giano della Bella 34, 00162, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lacorte
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Via Giano della Bella 34, 00162, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Piscopo
- Department of Neuroscience, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Sarti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa Cura Policlinico, Via Dezza 48, 20144, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Via Giano della Bella 34, 00162, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Canevelli
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Via Giano della Bella 34, 00162, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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13
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Wala K, Szlasa W, Saczko J, Rudno-Rudzińska J, Kulbacka J. Modulation of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability by Activating Adenosine A2 Receptors in Oncological Treatment. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050633. [PMID: 33923147 PMCID: PMC8146369 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays an important protective role in the central nervous system and maintains its homeostasis. It regulates transport into brain tissue and protects neurons against the toxic effects of substances circulating in the blood. However, in the case of neurological diseases or primary brain tumors, i.e., gliomas, the higher permeability of the blood-derived substances in the brain tissue is necessary. Currently applied methods of treatment for the primary brain neoplasms include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Despite the abovementioned treatment methods, the prognosis of primary brain tumors remains bad. Moreover, chemotherapy options seem to be limited due to low drug penetration into the cancerous tissue. Modulation of the blood–brain barrier permeability may contribute to an increase in the concentration of the drug in the CNS and thus increase the effectiveness of therapy. Interestingly, endothelial cells in cerebral vessels are characterized by the presence of adenosine 2A receptors (A2AR). It has been shown that substances affecting these receptors regulate the permeability of the BBB. The mechanism of increasing the BBB permeability by A2AR agonists is the actin-cytoskeletal reorganization and acting on the tight junctions. In this case, the A2AR seems to be a promising therapy target. This article aims to assess the possibility of increasing the BBB permeability through A2AR agonists to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and to improve the results of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Wala
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.W.); (W.S.)
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.W.); (W.S.)
| | - Jolanta Saczko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Julia Rudno-Rudzińska
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Medical University Hospital, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-784-06-92
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14
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Jung YJ, Tweedie D, Scerba MT, Kim DS, Palmas MF, Pisanu A, Carta AR, Greig NH. Repurposing Immunomodulatory Imide Drugs (IMiDs) in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:656921. [PMID: 33854417 PMCID: PMC8039148 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.656921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation represents a common trait in the pathology and progression of the major psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Neuropsychiatric disorders have emerged as a global crisis, affecting 1 in 4 people, while neurological disorders are the second leading cause of death in the elderly population worldwide (WHO, 2001; GBD 2016 Neurology Collaborators, 2019). However, there remains an immense deficit in availability of effective drug treatments for most neurological disorders. In fact, for disorders such as depression, placebos and behavioral therapies have equal effectiveness as antidepressants. For neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, drugs that can prevent, slow, or cure the disease have yet to be found. Several non-traditional avenues of drug target identification have emerged with ongoing neurological disease research to meet the need for novel and efficacious treatments. Of these novel avenues is that of neuroinflammation, which has been found to be involved in the progression and pathology of many of the leading neurological disorders. Neuroinflammation is characterized by glial inflammatory factors in certain stages of neurological disorders. Although the meta-analyses have provided evidence of genetic/proteomic upregulation of inflammatory factors in certain stages of neurological disorders. Although the mechanisms underpinning the connections between neuroinflammation and neurological disorders are unclear, and meta-analysis results have shown high sensitivity to factors such as disorder severity and sample type, there is significant evidence of neuroinflammation associations across neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize the role of neuroinflammation in psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder, as well as in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, and introduce current research on the potential of immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) as a new treatment strategy for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Jin Jung
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Stanford Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael T. Scerba
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dong Seok Kim
- AevisBio, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, United States
- Aevis Bio, Inc., Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Augusta Pisanu
- National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna R. Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nigel H. Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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15
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McLarnon JG. Consideration of a Pharmacological Combinatorial Approach to Inhibit Chronic Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 16:1007-1017. [PMID: 31692444 DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666191106095038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
A combinatorial cocktail approach is suggested as a rationale intervention to attenuate chronic inflammation and confer neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The requirement for an assemblage of pharmacological compounds follows from the host of pro-inflammatory pathways and mechanisms present in activated microglia in the disease process. This article suggests a starting point using four compounds which present some differential in anti-inflammatory targets and actions but a commonality in showing a finite permeability through Blood-brain Barrier (BBB). A basis for firstchoice compounds demonstrated neuroprotection in animal models (thalidomide and minocycline), clinical trial data showing some slowing in the progression of pathology in AD brain (ibuprofen) and indirect evidence for putative efficacy in blocking oxidative damage and chemotactic response mediated by activated microglia (dapsone). It is emphasized that a number of candidate compounds, other than ones suggested here, could be considered as components of the cocktail approach and would be expected to be examined in subsequent work. In this case, systematic testing in AD animal models is required to rigorously examine the efficacy of first-choice compounds and replace ones showing weaker effects. This protocol represents a practical approach to optimize the reduction of microglial-mediated chronic inflammation in AD pathology. Subsequent work would incorporate the anti-inflammatory cocktail delivery as an adjunctive treatment with ones independent of inflammation as an overall preventive strategy to slow the progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G McLarnon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T1Z3, Canada
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16
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Martins M, Silva R, M. M. Pinto M, Sousa E. Marine Natural Products, Multitarget Therapy and Repurposed Agents in Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E242. [PMID: 32933034 PMCID: PMC7558913 DOI: 10.3390/ph13090242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and nerve cell death that affects, mainly, older people. After decades of investigation, the search for an efficacious treatment for AD remains and several strategies can be and are being employed in this journey. In this review, four of the most promising strategies, alongside with its most promising agents under investigation or development are highlighted. Marine natural products (MNP) are a source of unique chemical structures with useful biological activities for AD treatment. One of the most promising compounds, a marine-derived acidic oligosaccharide (GV-971) just passed phase III clinical trials with a unique mechanism of action. Combination therapy and multitargeted-directed ligand therapy (MTDL) are also two important strategies, with several examples in clinical trials, based on the belief that the best approach for AD is a therapy capable of modulating multiple target pathways. Drug repurposing, a strategy that requires a smaller investment and is less time consuming, is emerging as a strong contender with a variety of pharmacological agents resurfacing in an attempt to identify a therapeutic candidate capable of modifying the course of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Martins
- CIIMAR—Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.M.M.P.)
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Renata Silva
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Madalena M. M. Pinto
- CIIMAR—Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.M.M.P.)
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- CIIMAR—Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.M.M.P.)
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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17
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Andrejew R, Oliveira-Giacomelli Á, Ribeiro DE, Glaser T, Arnaud-Sampaio VF, Lameu C, Ulrich H. The P2X7 Receptor: Central Hub of Brain Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:124. [PMID: 32848594 PMCID: PMC7413029 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The P2X7 receptor is a cation channel activated by high concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Upon long-term activation, it complexes with membrane proteins forming a wide pore that leads to cell death and increased release of ATP into the extracellular milieu. The P2X7 receptor is widely expressed in the CNS, such as frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and striatum, regions involved in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Despite P2X7 receptor functions in glial cells have been extensively studied, the existence and roles of this receptor in neurons are still controversially discussed. Regardless, P2X7 receptors mediate several processes observed in neuropsychiatric disorders and brain tumors, such as activation of neuroinflammatory response, stimulation of glutamate release and neuroplasticity impairment. Moreover, P2X7 receptor gene polymorphisms have been associated to depression, and isoforms of P2X7 receptors are implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases. In view of that, the P2X7 receptor has been proposed to be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in brain diseases. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying P2X7 receptor-mediated signaling in neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and brain tumors. In addition, it highlights the recent advances in the development of P2X7 receptor antagonists that are able of penetrating the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Andrejew
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Deidiane Elisa Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Talita Glaser
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Claudiana Lameu
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Interactions between Amyloid-Β Proteins and Human Brain Pericytes: Implications for the Pathobiology of Alzheimer's Disease. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051490. [PMID: 32429102 PMCID: PMC7290583 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia, especially among aging populations. Despite advances in AD research, the underlying cause and the discovery of disease-modifying treatments have remained elusive. Two key features of AD pathology are the aberrant deposition of amyloid beta (amyloid-β or Aβ) proteins in the brain parenchyma and Aβ toxicity in brain pericytes of the neurovascular unit/blood–brain barrier (NVU/BBB). This toxicity induces oxidative stress in pericytes and leads to capillary constriction. The interaction between pericytes and Aβ proteins results in the release of endothelin-1 in the pericytes. Endothelin-1 interacts with ETA receptors to cause pericyte contraction. This pericyte-mediated constriction of brain capillaries can cause chronic hypoperfusion of the brain microvasculature, subsequently leading to the neurodegeneration and cognitive decline observed in AD patients. The interaction between Aβ proteins and brain pericytes is largely unknown and requires further investigation. This review provides an updated overview of the interaction between Aβ proteins with pericytes, one the most significant and often forgotten cellular components of the BBB and the inner blood–retinal barrier (IBRB). The IBRB has been shown to be a window into the central nervous system (CNS) that could allow the early diagnosis of AD pathology in the brain and the BBB using modern photonic imaging systems such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and two-photon microscopy. In this review, I explore the regulation of Aβ proteins in the brain parenchyma, their role in AD pathobiology, and their association with pericyte function. This review discusses Aβ proteins and pericytes in the ocular compartment of AD patients as well as strategies to rescue or protect pericytes from the effects of Aβ proteins, or to replace them with healthy cells.
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19
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Uddin MS, Kabir MT, Mamun AA, Barreto GE, Rashid M, Perveen A, Ashraf GM. Pharmacological approaches to mitigate neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 84:106479. [PMID: 32353686 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the formation of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Growing evidence suggested that there is an association between neuronal dysfunction and neuroinflammation (NI) in AD, coordinated by the chronic activation of astrocytes and microglial cells along with the subsequent excessive generation of the proinflammatory molecule. Therefore, a better understanding of the relationship between the nervous and immune systems is important in order to delay or avert the neurodegenerative events of AD. The inflammatory/immune pathways and the mechanisms to control these pathways may provide a novel arena to develop new drugs in order to target NI in AD. In this review, we represent the influence of cellular mediators which are involved in the NI process, with regards to the progression of AD. We also discuss the processes and the current status of multiple anti-inflammatory agents which are used in AD and have gone through or going through clinical trials. Moreover, new prospects for targeting NI in the development of AD drugs have also been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - George E Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mamunur Rashid
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Asma Perveen
- School of Life Sciences, The Glocal University, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh 247121, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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20
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Sales TA, Prandi IG, Castro AAD, Leal DHS, Cunha EFFD, Kuca K, Ramalho TC. Recent Developments in Metal-Based Drugs and Chelating Agents for Neurodegenerative Diseases Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1829. [PMID: 31013856 PMCID: PMC6514778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain has a unique biological complexity and is responsible for important functions in the human body, such as the command of cognitive and motor functions. Disruptive disorders that affect this organ, e.g. neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), can lead to permanent damage, impairing the patients' quality of life and even causing death. In spite of their clinical diversity, these NDDs share common characteristics, such as the accumulation of specific proteins in the cells, the compromise of the metal ion homeostasis in the brain, among others. Despite considerable advances in understanding the mechanisms of these diseases and advances in the development of treatments, these disorders remain uncured. Considering the diversity of mechanisms that act in NDDs, a wide range of compounds have been developed to act by different means. Thus, promising compounds with contrasting properties, such as chelating agents and metal-based drugs have been proposed to act on different molecular targets as well as to contribute to the same goal, which is the treatment of NDDs. This review seeks to discuss the different roles and recent developments of metal-based drugs, such as metal complexes and metal chelating agents as a proposal for the treatment of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais A Sales
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras/MG, 37200-000, Brazil.
| | - Ingrid G Prandi
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras/MG, 37200-000, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre A de Castro
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras/MG, 37200-000, Brazil.
| | - Daniel H S Leal
- Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus/ES, 29932-540, Brazil.
| | - Elaine F F da Cunha
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras/MG, 37200-000, Brazil.
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 500 03, Czech Republic..
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Czech Republic.
| | - Teodorico C Ramalho
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras/MG, 37200-000, Brazil.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 500 03, Czech Republic..
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21
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Colín-Castelán D, Zaina S. Associations between atherosclerosis and neurological diseases, beyond ischemia-induced cerebral damage. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2019; 20:15-25. [PMID: 30891682 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-019-09486-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is traditionally viewed as a consequence of peptide accumulation in the brain, stroke and/or cerebral ischemia. Nonetheless, a number of scattered observations suggest that neurological disease and atherosclerosis may be linked by more complex mechanisms. Understanding the intricate link between atherosclerosis and neurological conditions may have a significant impact on the quality of life of the growing ageing population and of high cardiovascular risk groups in general. Epidemiological data support the notion that neurological dysfunction and atherosclerosis coexist long before any evident clinical complications of cardiovascular disease appear and may be causally linked. Baffling, often overlooked, molecular data suggest that nervous tissue-specific gene expression is relaxed specifically in the atheromatous vascular wall, and/or that a systemic dysregulation of genes involved in nervous system biology dictates a concomitant progression of neurological disease and atherosclerosis. Further epidemiological and experimental work is needed to clarify the details and clinical relevance of those complex links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dannia Colín-Castelán
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Campus León, University of Guanajuato, León, Guanajuato, Mexico.
| | - Silvio Zaina
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Campus León, University of Guanajuato, León, Guanajuato, Mexico
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22
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Illes P, Rubini P, Huang L, Tang Y. The P2X7 receptor: a new therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:165-176. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1575811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Illes
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Patrizia Rubini
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Lumei Huang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
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23
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Fu WY, Wang X, Ip NY. Targeting Neuroinflammation as a Therapeutic Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms, Drug Candidates, and New Opportunities. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:872-879. [PMID: 30221933 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and its incidence is expected to increase owing to the aging population worldwide. Current therapies merely provide symptomatic relief. Therefore, interventions for AD that delay the disease onset or progression are urgently required. Recent genomics and functional studies suggest that immune/inflammatory pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Although many anti-inflammatory drug candidates have undergone clinical trials, most have failed. This might be because of our limited understanding of the pathological mechanisms of neuroinflammation in AD. However, recent advances in the understanding of immune/inflammatory pathways in AD and their regulatory mechanisms could open up new avenues for drug development targeting neuroinflammation. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms and status of different anti-inflammatory drug candidates for AD that have undergone or are undergoing clinical trials and explore new opportunities for targeting neuroinflammation in AD drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy Y. Ip
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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24
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Campos-Rodríguez C, Trujillo-Ferrara JG, Alvarez-Guerra A, Vargas IMC, Cuevas-Hernández RI, Andrade-Jorge E, Zamudio S, Juan ERS. Neuropharmacological Screening of Chiral and Non-chiral Phthalimide- Containing Compounds in Mice: in vivo and in silico Experiments. Med Chem 2019; 15:102-118. [DOI: 10.2174/1573406414666180525082038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Thalidomide, the first synthesized phthalimide, has demonstrated sedative-
hypnotic and antiepileptic effects on the central nervous system. N-substituted phthalimides
have an interesting chemical structure that confers important biological properties.
Objective:
Non-chiral (ortho and para bis-isoindoline-1,3-dione, phthaloylglycine) and chiral
phthalimides (N-substituted with aspartate or glutamate) were synthesized and the sedative, anxiolytic
and anticonvulsant effects were tested.
Method:
Homology modeling and molecular docking were employed to predict recognition of the
analogues by hNMDA and mGlu receptors. The neuropharmacological activity was tested with the
open field test and elevated plus maze (EPM). The compounds were tested in mouse models of
acute convulsions induced either by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ; 90 mg/kg) or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP;
10 mg/kg).
Results:
The ortho and para non-chiral compounds at 562.3 and 316 mg/kg, respectively, decreased
locomotor activity. Contrarily, the chiral compounds produced excitatory effects. Increased
locomotor activity was found with S-TGLU and R-TGLU at 100, 316 and 562.3 mg/kg,
and S-TASP at 316 and 562.3 mg/kg. These molecules showed no activity in the EPM test or PTZ
model. In the 4-AP model, however, S-TGLU (237.1, 316 and 421.7 mg/kg) as well as S-TASP
and R-TASP (316 mg/kg) lowered the convulsive and death rate.
Conclusion:
The chiral compounds exhibited a non-competitive NMDAR antagonist profile and
the non-chiral molecules possessed selective sedative properties. The NMDAR exhibited stereoselectivity
for S-TGLU while it is not a preference for the aspartic derivatives. The results appear to
be supported by the in silico studies, which evidenced a high affinity of phthalimides for the
hNMDAR and mGluR type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Campos-Rodríguez
- Physiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José G. Trujillo-Ferrara
- Medicinal Biochemistry Department, Escuela Superior de Medicina Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Lázaro Cardenas del Río, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ameyali Alvarez-Guerra
- Physiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Irán M. Cumbres Vargas
- Physiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Roberto I. Cuevas-Hernández
- Medicinal Biochemistry Department, Escuela Superior de Medicina Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Lázaro Cardenas del Río, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Erik Andrade-Jorge
- Medicinal Biochemistry Department, Escuela Superior de Medicina Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Lázaro Cardenas del Río, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sergio Zamudio
- Physiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo R.-S. Juan
- Physiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Mexico City, Mexico
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25
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Cheng J, Korte N, Nortley R, Sethi H, Tang Y, Attwell D. Targeting pericytes for therapeutic approaches to neurological disorders. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 136:507-523. [PMID: 30097696 PMCID: PMC6132947 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many central nervous system diseases currently lack effective treatment and are often associated with defects in microvascular function, including a failure to match the energy supplied by the blood to the energy used on neuronal computation, or a breakdown of the blood–brain barrier. Pericytes, an under-studied cell type located on capillaries, are of crucial importance in regulating diverse microvascular functions, such as angiogenesis, the blood–brain barrier, capillary blood flow and the movement of immune cells into the brain. They also form part of the “glial” scar isolating damaged parts of the CNS, and may have stem cell-like properties. Recent studies have suggested that pericytes play a crucial role in neurological diseases, and are thus a therapeutic target in disorders as diverse as stroke, traumatic brain injury, migraine, epilepsy, spinal cord injury, diabetes, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, glioma, radiation necrosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here we report recent advances in our understanding of pericyte biology and discuss how pericytes could be targeted to develop novel therapeutic approaches to neurological disorders, by increasing blood flow, preserving blood–brain barrier function, regulating immune cell entry to the CNS, and modulating formation of blood vessels in, and the glial scar around, damaged regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang Xi Rd, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Nils Korte
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ross Nortley
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Huma Sethi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Yamei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang Xi Rd, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - David Attwell
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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26
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Durães F, Pinto M, Sousa E. Old Drugs as New Treatments for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11020044. [PMID: 29751602 PMCID: PMC6027455 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are increasing in number, given that the general global population is becoming older. They manifest themselves through mechanisms that are not fully understood, in many cases, and impair memory, cognition and movement. Currently, no neurodegenerative disease is curable, and the treatments available only manage the symptoms or halt the progression of the disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatments for this kind of disease, since the World Health Organization has predicted that neurodegenerative diseases affecting motor function will become the second-most prevalent cause of death in the next 20 years. New therapies can come from three main sources: synthesis, natural products, and existing drugs. This last source is known as drug repurposing, which is the most advantageous, since the drug’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles are already established, and the investment put into this strategy is not as significant as for the classic development of new drugs. There have been several studies on the potential of old drugs for the most relevant neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Durães
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos P, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Madalena Pinto
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos P, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos P, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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Padel T, Roth M, Gaceb A, Li JY, Björkqvist M, Paul G. Brain pericyte activation occurs early in Huntington's disease. Exp Neurol 2018; 305:139-150. [PMID: 29630897 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Microvascular changes have recently been described for several neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease (HD). HD is characterized by a progressive neuronal cell loss due to a mutation in the Huntingtin gene. However, the temporal and spatial microvascular alterations in HD remain unclear. Also, knowledge on the implication of pericytes in HD pathology is still sparse and existing findings are contradictory. Here we examine alterations in brain pericytes in the R6/2 mouse model of HD and in human post mortem HD brain sections. To specifically track activated pericytes, we crossbred R6/2 mice with transgenic mice expressing the Green fluorescent protein gene under the Regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (Rgs5) promoter. We demonstrate an increase in activated pericytes in the R6/2 brain and in post mortem HD brain tissue. Importantly, pericyte changes are already detected before striatal neuronal cell loss, weight loss or behavioural deficits occur in R6/2 mice. This is associated with vascular alterations, whereby striatal changes precede cortical changes. Our findings suggest that pericyte activation may be one of the initial steps contributing to the observed vascular modifications in HD. Thus, pericytes may constitute an important target to address early microvascular changes contributing to disease progression in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Padel
- Translational Neurology group, Department of Clinical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Michaela Roth
- Translational Neurology group, Department of Clinical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Abderahim Gaceb
- Translational Neurology group, Department of Clinical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Björkqvist
- Biomarkers in Brain Disease, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Gesine Paul
- Translational Neurology group, Department of Clinical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Scania University Hospital, 22185 Lund, Sweden.
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Sahoo AK, Dandapat J, Dash UC, Kanhar S. Features and outcomes of drugs for combination therapy as multi-targets strategy to combat Alzheimer's disease. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 215:42-73. [PMID: 29248451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alzheimer's disease (AD), a deleterious neurodegenerative disorder that impairs memory, cognitive functions and may lead to dementia in late stage of life. The pathogenic cause of AD remains incompletely understood and FDA approved drugs are partial inhibitors rather than curative. Most of drugs are synthetic or natural products as galanthamine is an alkaloid obtained from Galanthus spp. Huperzine A, an alkaloid found in Huperzia spp., gingkolides a diterpenoids from Gingko biloba and many ethnobotanicals like Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal., Physostigma venenosum Balf., Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. have been used by traditional Indian, Chinese, and European system of medicines in AD. Clinical significance opioid alkaloid in Papaver somniferum has shown another dimension to this study. Over exploitation of medicinal plants with limited bioactive principles has provided templates to design synthetic drugs in AD e.g. rivastigmine, phenserine, eptastigmine based on chemical structure of physostigmine of Physostigma venenosum Balf. Even ZT-1 a prodrug of Hup A and memogain a prodrug of galantamine has achieved new direction in drug development in AD. All these first-line cholinesterase-inhibitors are used as symptomatic treatments in AD. Single modality of "One-molecule-one-target" strategy for treating AD has failed and so future therapies on "Combination-drugs-multi-targets" strategy (CDMT) will need to address multiple aspects to block the progression of pathogenesis of AD. Besides, cholinergic and amyloid drugs, in this article we summarize proteinopathy-based drugs as AD therapeutics from a variety of biological sources. In this review, an attempt has been made to elucidate the molecular mode of action of various plant products, and synthetic drugs investigated in various preclinical and clinical tests in AD. It also discusses current attempts to formulate a comprehensive CDMT strategy to counter complex pathogenesis in AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information were collected from classical books on medicinal plants, pharmacopoeias and scientific databases like PubMed, Scopus, GoogleScholar, Web of Science and electronic searches were performed using Cochrane Library, Medline and EMBASE. Also published scientific literatures from Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, Springer, ACS, Wiley publishers and reports by government bodies and documentations were assessed. RESULTS 60 no. of natural and synthetic drugs have been studied with their significant bioactivities. A decision matrix designed for evaluation of drugs for considering to the hypothetic "CDMT" strategy in AD. We have introduced the scoring pattern of individual drugs and based on scoring pattern, drugs that fall within the scoring range of 18-25 are considered in the proposed CDMT. It also highlights the importance of available natural products and in future those drugs may be considered in CDMT along with the qualified synthetic drugs. CONCLUSION A successful validation of the CDMT strategy may open up a debate on health care reform to explore other possibilities of combination therapy. In doing so, it should focus on clinical and molecular relationships between AD and CDMT. A better understanding of these relationships could inform and impact future development of AD-directed treatment strategies. This strategy also involves in reducing costs in treatment phases which will be affordable to a common man suffering from AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atish Kumar Sahoo
- Phytotherapy Research Lab., Medicinal & Aromatic Plant Division, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Forest & Environment Department, Govt. of Odisha, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar 751015, India.
| | - Jagnehswar Dandapat
- Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751004, India
| | - Umesh Chandra Dash
- Phytotherapy Research Lab., Medicinal & Aromatic Plant Division, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Forest & Environment Department, Govt. of Odisha, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar 751015, India
| | - Satish Kanhar
- Phytotherapy Research Lab., Medicinal & Aromatic Plant Division, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Forest & Environment Department, Govt. of Odisha, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar 751015, India
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Qi Y, Klyubin I, Cuello AC, Rowan MJ. NLRP3-dependent synaptic plasticity deficit in an Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis model in vivo. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 114:24-30. [PMID: 29477641 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory mechanisms have recently emerged as an important component of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. A particularly attractive therapeutic strategy is to selectively prevent the disruptive effects of activation of the innate immune system in the brain at an early transitional stage by reducing the production or directly neutralizing pro-inflammatory cytokines, in particular IL-1β and TNF-α. Here we tested their in vivo effects on synaptic plasticity deficits, which provide sensitive and robust measures of synaptic failure, in a rat model of AD amyloidosis. Using electrophysiological techniques we longitudinally studied the effects of the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor Mcc950, the IL-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra) and an anti-TNF-α agent (etanercept) in awake freely moving transgenic rats overexpressing AD associated β-amyloid precursor protein at a pre-plaque stage of amyloidosis. Repeated treatment with Mcc950 reversibly abrogated the inhibition of long-term potentiation. The IL-1 receptor antagonist and etanercept also had a similar beneficial effect on the deficit in synaptic plasticity. Our findings support the clinical development of Mcc950 and clinically available IL-1- and TNF-α-neutralizing agents in early AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Watts Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Igor Klyubin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Watts Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Sir-William-Osler Promenade, Room 1210, Montreal, QC H3G1Y6, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal H3G1Y6, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Michael J Rowan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Watts Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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30
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Monacelli F, Cea M, Borghi R, Odetti P, Nencioni A. Do Cancer Drugs Counteract Neurodegeneration? Repurposing for Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 55:1295-1306. [PMID: 27834781 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In spite of in depth investigations in the field of the amyloid cascade hypothesis, so far, no disease modifying therapy has been developed for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The pathophysiology provides some evidence of the inverse correlation between cancer and AD. Both AD and cancer are characterized by abnormal cellular behaviors; trigger factors along with a meta synchronously action is expected to drive cancer or neurodegeneration, supporting, respectively, progressive neuronal loss or uncontrolled cell proliferation in cancer cells. So far, cancer and AD are seemingly two opposite ends of the same biological spectrum. Basic science increasingly indicates shared molecular mechanisms between cancer and AD and gives weight to key relevant biological theories; according to them, the inverse tuning of clustered gene expression, the sharing of mutual independent pathway or the deregulated unfolded proteins system (UPR) may count for this inverse association. Additionally, the common biological background gave credibility to the recent discovery of a repurposing role for cancer drugs in AD. It refers to the development of new uses for existing pharmaceuticals having the same role as the original mechanism or to the discovery of a new drug action with disease modifying effects. The present review summarizes the most important biological theories that link neurodegeneration and cancer and provides an up-to-date revision of the repurposing cancer agents for AD. The review also addresses the gap of knowledge, since drug cancer repositioning holds an important promise but further investigations are warranted to ascertain the clinical relevance of such attractive clinical candidate compounds for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Monacelli
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Cea
- Section of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Borghi
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizio Odetti
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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31
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Wang S, Zhang X, Zhai L, Sheng X, Zheng W, Chu H, Zhang G. Atorvastatin Attenuates Cognitive Deficits and Neuroinflammation Induced by Aβ 1-42 Involving Modulation of TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB Pathway. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 64:363-373. [PMID: 29417448 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory damage aggravates the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the mechanism of inflammatory damage may provide a new therapeutic window for the treatment of AD. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated signaling can regulate the inflammatory process. However, changes in TLR4 signaling pathway induced by beta-amyloid (Aβ) have not been well characterized in brain, especially in the hippocampus. In the present study, we explored the changes of TLR4 signaling pathway induced by Aβ in the hippocampus and the role of atorvastatin in modulating this signal pathway and neurotoxicity induced by Aβ. Experimental AD rats were induced by intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1-42, and the rats were treated with atorvastatin by oral gavage from 3 weeks before to 6 days after injections of Aβ1-42. To determine the spatial learning and memory ability of rats in the AD models, Morris water maze (MWM) was performed. The expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), TLR4, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB (NF-κB) protein in the hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared to the control group, increased expression of TLR4, TRAF6, and NF-κB was observed in the hippocampus at 7 days post-injection of Aβ (P < 0.01). Furthermore, atorvastatin treatment significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits of rats, attenuated microglia and astrocyte activation, inhibited apoptosis, and down-regulated the expression of TLR4, TRAF6, and NF-κB, both at the mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.01). TLR4 signaling pathway is thus actively involved in Aβ-induced neuroinflammation and atorvastatin treatment can exert the therapeutic benefits for AD via the TLR4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
| | - Liuyu Zhai
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
| | - Xiaona Sheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China.
| | - Weina Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
| | - Hongshan Chu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
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McLarnon JG. Roles of purinergic P2X 7 receptor in glioma and microglia in brain tumors. Cancer Lett 2017; 402:93-99. [PMID: 28536012 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This review considers evidence suggesting that activation of the ionotropic purinergic receptor P2X7 (P2X7R) is a contributing factor in the growth of brain tumors. Importantly, expression of P2X7R may be upregulated in both glioma cells and in immune responding microglial cells with possible differential effects on tumor progression. The recruitment of immune cells into tumor regions may not only be involved in supporting an immunosuppressive environment aiding tumor growth but activated microglia could secrete inflammatory factors promoting neoangiogenesis in expanding tumors. The subtype P2X7R exhibits a number of unique properties including activation of the receptor in pathological conditions associated with developing brain tumors. In particular, the tumor microenvironment includes elevated levels of ATP required for activation of P2X7R and the sustained tumor and immune cell P2X7R-mediated responses which in total contribute to overall tumor growth and viability. Studies on cultured rat and human glioma show marked increases in expression of P2X7R and enhanced cell mobility relative to control. Glioma cell animal models demonstrate enhanced expression of P2X7R in both glioma and microglia with antagonism of receptor showing differential effects on tumor growth. Overall, P2X7R activation is associated with a complexity of modulatory actions on tumor growth in part due to ubiquitous expression of the receptor in glioma and immune responsive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G McLarnon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2176 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Zhang J, Wei SY, Yuan L, Kong LL, Zhang SX, Wang ZJ, Wu MN, Qi JS. Davunetide improves spatial learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease-associated rats. Physiol Behav 2017; 174:67-73. [PMID: 28257938 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Memory loss and cognition decline are the main clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid β protein (Aβ) aggregated in the brain is one of the key pathological characteristics of AD and responsible for the deficits in learning and memory. It is reported that davunetide, an octapeptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), inhibited Aβ aggregation and Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. To further characterize the neuroprotective roles of davunetide and its possible mechanism, the present study investigated the effects of davunetide on Aβ1-42-induced impairments in spatial memory, synaptic plasticity and hippocampal AKT level. In Morris water maze (MWM) test, bilateral intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 significantly increased escape latency and decreased target quadrant swimming time of rats, while three weeks of intranasal application of davunetide reversed the Aβ1-42-induced learning deficits and memory loss in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo field potentiation recording showed that Aβ1-42 suppressed long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats, while davunetide effectively blocked the suppression of LTP, without affecting paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). Western blotting experiments showed a significant decrease in the level of hippocampal p-AKT (Ser473), not total AKT, in Aβ1-42 only group, which was mostly antagonized by davunetide treatment. These findings demonstrate that davunetide, probably by enhancing PI3K/AKT pathway, plays an important positive role in attenuating Aβ1-42-induced impairments in spatial memory and synaptic plasticity, suggesting that davunetide could be an effective therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disease such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Shu-Yu Wei
- Department of Severe Liver Disease, The 3ird People's Hospital of Taiyuan, Taiyuan 030012, PR China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Lin-Lin Kong
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Mei-Na Wu
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China
| | - Jin-Shun Qi
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, PR China.
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Lixisenatide attenuates the detrimental effects of amyloid β protein on spatial working memory and hippocampal neurons in rats. Behav Brain Res 2016; 318:28-35. [PMID: 27776993 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) is a risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is most likely linked to impairments of insulin signaling in the brain. Hence, drugs enhancing insulin signaling may have therapeutic potential for AD. Lixisenatide, a novel long-lasting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue, facilitates insulin signaling and has neuroprotective properties. We previously reported the protective effects of lixisenatide on memory formation and synaptic plasticity. Here, we describe additional key neuroprotective properties of lixisenatide and its possible molecular and cellular mechanisms against AD-related impairments in rats. The results show that lixisenatide effectively alleviated amyloid β protein (Aβ) 25-35-induced working memory impairment, reversed Aβ25-35-triggered cytotoxicity on hippocampal cell cultures, and prevented against Aβ25-35-induced suppression of the Akt-MEK1/2 signaling pathway. Lixisenatide also reduced the Aβ25-35 acute application induced intracellular calcium overload, which was abolished by U0126, a specific MEK1/2 inhibitor. These results further confirmed the neuroprotective and cytoprotective action of lixisenatide against Aβ-induced impairments, suggesting that the protective effects of lixisenatide may involve the activation of the Akt-MEK1/2 signaling pathway and the regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis.
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Mucke HA. Drug Repurposing Patent Applications July–September 2015. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2015; 13:661-6. [DOI: 10.1089/adt.2015.29031.pq3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Ryu JK, Cho T, Choi HB, Jantaratnotai N, McLarnon JG. Pharmacological antagonism of interleukin-8 receptor CXCR2 inhibits inflammatory reactivity and is neuroprotective in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:144. [PMID: 26255110 PMCID: PMC4529987 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0339-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) and its receptor CXCR2 contribute to chemotactic responses in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, properties of the ligand and receptor have not been characterized in animal models of disease. The primary aim of our study was to examine effects of pharmacological antagonism of CXCR2 as a strategy to inhibit receptor-mediated inflammatory reactivity and enhance neuronal viability in animals receiving intrahippocampal injection of amyloid-beta (Aβ1–42). Methods In vivo studies used an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease incorporating injection of full-length Aβ1–42 into rat hippocampus. Immunohistochemical staining of rat brain was used to measure microgliosis, astrogliosis, neuronal viability, and oxidative stress. Western blot and Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR) were used to determine levels of CXCR2 in animal tissue with the latter also used to determine expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. Immunostaining of human AD and non-demented (ND) tissue was also undertaken. Results We initially determined that in the human brain, AD relative to ND tissue exhibited marked increases in expression of CXCR2 with cell-specific receptor expression prominent in microglia. In Aβ1–42-injected rat brain, CXCR2 and IL-8 showed time-dependent increases in expression, concomitant with enhanced gliosis, relative to controls phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or reverse peptide Aβ42–1 injection. Administration of the competitive CXCR2 antagonist SB332235 to peptide-injected rats significantly reduced expression of CXCR2 and microgliosis, with astrogliosis unchanged. Double staining studies demonstrated localization of CXCR2 and microglial immunoreactivity nearby deposits of Aβ1–42 with SB332235 effective in inhibiting receptor expression and microgliosis. The numbers of neurons in granule cell layer (GCL) were reduced in rats receiving Aβ1–42, compared with PBS, with administration of SB332235 to peptide-injected animals conferring neuroprotection. Oxidative stress was indicated in the animal model since both 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and hydroethidine (HEt) were markedly elevated in Aβ1–42 vs PBS-injected rat brain and diminished with SB332235 treatment. Conclusion Overall, the findings suggest critical roles for CXCR2-dependent inflammatory responses in an AD animal model with pharmacological modulation of the receptor effective in inhibiting inflammatory reactivity and conferring neuroprotection against oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae K Ryu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, 2176 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - T Cho
- Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Hyun B Choi
- Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - N Jantaratnotai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - James G McLarnon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, 2176 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Kübra Elçioğlu H, Kabasakal L, Tufan F, Elçioğlu ÖH, Solakoglu S, Kotil T, Karan MA. Effects of systemic Thalidomide and intracerebroventricular Etanercept and Infliximab administration in a Streptozotocin induced dementia model in rats. Acta Histochem 2015; 117:176-81. [PMID: 25596877 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) upregulation enhances amyloid β (Aβ) induced neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (STZ) administration causes pathological changes and cognitive deficits similar to those seen in AD by causing impairment of brain glucose and energy metabolism. Recent reports indicate a protective role of Thalidomide, Etanercept, and Infliximab, all of which have anti-TNF-α activity, against cognitive and neuropathological changes in experimental and clinical studies. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of Thalidomide, Etanercept, and Infliximab in a rat model of intracerebroventricular STZ-induced dementia. Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300g) were separated to sham (n=6) and STZ (n=24) groups. The STZ group was divided into four groups (STZ, STZ-thalidomide, STZ-etanercept, and STZ-infliximab). Morris's water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests were performed. At the end of the third week, brain tissues were obtained. Histopathological analysis, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopic examinations were done. The improvement performance of the STZ group was significantly reduced in the MWM test (p<0.001). Compared with the STZ, STZ-thalidomide, STZ-etanercept, and STZ-infliximab groups had significantly better performance (p<0.001, <0.05 and <0.05, respectively) in the MWM test. STZ administration caused a significant decrease in the mean escape latency in PA reflex (p<0.001). Thalidomide, Etanercept, and Infliximab were associated with better PA reflexes compared to the STZ group (p<0.001 for all). Morphological and immunohistochemical results showed increased neurodegenerative changes compared to sham group. Our findings are in line with the findings reported in the literature and encourage further studies with TNF-α antagonists, in particular Thalidomide.
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Palencia G, Garcia E, Osorio-Rico L, Trejo-Solís C, Escamilla-Ramírez A, Sotelo J. Neuroprotective effect of thalidomide on MPTP-induced toxicity. Neurotoxicology 2015; 47:82-7. [PMID: 25724264 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Thalidomide is a sedative with unique pharmacological properties; studies on epilepsy and brain ischemia have shown intense neuroprotective effects. We analyzed the effect of thalidomide treatment on the neurotoxicity caused by the administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahidropyridine (MPTP) in mice. Thalidomide was administered at two times; before and after the exposure to MPTP. In both circumstances thalidomide improved the neurotoxicity induced by MPTP as seen by a significant raise of the striatal contents of dopamine and simultaneous decrease of monoamine-oxidase-B (MAO-B). These results indicate that in the experimental model of Parkinson's disease the administration of thalidomide improves the functional damage on the nigrostriatal cell substratum as seen by the production of dopamine. This neuroprotective effect seems to be mediated by inhibition of excitotoxicity. Our results suggest that thalidomide could be investigated as potential adjuvant therapy for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Palencia
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Esperanza Garcia
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Laura Osorio-Rico
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Cristina Trejo-Solís
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Angel Escamilla-Ramírez
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Julio Sotelo
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Chen JH, Ke KF, Lu JH, Qiu YH, Peng YP. Protection of TGF-β1 against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease model rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116549. [PMID: 25658940 PMCID: PMC4319949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has been reported to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Neuroinflammation is generally considered as an outcome of glial activation; however, we recently demonstrated that T helper (Th)17 cells, a subpopulation of proinflammatory CD4+ T cells, are also involved in AD pathogenesis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a cytokine that can be expressed in the brain, can be immunosuppressive, but its effects on lymphocyte-mediated neuroinflammation in AD pathogenesis have not been well addressed. In the current study we administered TGF-β1 via intracerebroventricle (ICV) and intranasal (IN) routes in AD model rats to investigate its antiinflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The AD rat model was prepared by bilateral hippocampal injection of amyloid-β (Aβ)1–42. TGF-β1 was administered via ICV one hour prior to Aβ1–42 injection or via both nares seven days after Aβ1–42 injection. ICV administration of TGF-β1 before Aβ1–42 injection remarkably ameliorated Aβ1–42-induced neurodegeneration and prevented Aβ1–42-induced increases in glia-derived proinflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β and iNOS), as well as T cell-derived proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-17 and IL-22), in the hypothalamus, serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a concentration-dependent manner. TGF-β1 pretreatment also prevented Aβ1–42-induced decreases in the neurotrophic factors, IGF-1, GDNF and BDNF, and in the antiinflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Similarly, IN administration of TGF-β1 after Aβ1–42 injection reduced neurodegeneration, elevation of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines, and reduction of neurotrophic and antiinflammatory factors, in the hypothalamus, serum or CSF. These findings suggest that TGF-β1 suppresses glial and T cell-mediated neuroinflammation and thereby alleviates AD-related neurodegeneration. The effectiveness of IN administered TGF-β1 in reducing Aβ1–42 neurotoxicity suggests a possible therapeutic approach in patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hui Chen
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Kai-Fu Ke
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jian-Hua Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yi-Hua Qiu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- * E-mail: (YHQ); (YPP)
| | - Yu-Ping Peng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- * E-mail: (YHQ); (YPP)
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Ferreira ST, Clarke JR, Bomfim TR, De Felice FG. Inflammation, defective insulin signaling, and neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2014; 10:S76-83. [PMID: 24529528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2013.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A link between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and metabolic disorders has been established, with patients with type 2 diabetes at increased risk of developing AD and vice versa. The incidence of metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is increasing at alarming rates worldwide, primarily as a result of poor lifestyle habits. In parallel, as the world population ages, the prevalence of AD, the most common form of dementia in the elderly, also increases. In addition to their epidemiologic and clinical association, mounting recent evidence indicates shared mechanisms of pathogenesis between metabolic disorders and AD. We discuss the concept that peripheral and central nervous system inflammation link the pathogenesis of AD and metabolic diseases. We also explore the contribution of brain inflammation to defective insulin signaling and neuronal dysfunction. Last, we review recent evidence indicating that targeting neuroinflammation may provide novel therapeutic avenues for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio T Ferreira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Julia R Clarke
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Theresa R Bomfim
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G De Felice
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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McLarnon JG. Correlated inflammatory responses and neurodegeneration in peptide-injected animal models of Alzheimer's disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:923670. [PMID: 24822221 PMCID: PMC4005142 DOI: 10.1155/2014/923670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) which emphasize activation of microglia may have particular utility in correlating proinflammatory activity with neurodegeneration. This paper reviews injection of amyloid- β (A β ) into rat brain as an alternative AD animal model to the use of transgenic animals. In particular, intrahippocampal injection of Aβ 1-42 peptide demonstrates prominent microglial mobilization and activation accompanied by a significant loss of granule cell neurons. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of inflammatory reactivity is demonstrated by a broad spectrum of drugs with a common endpoint in conferring neuroprotection in peptide-injected animals. Peptide-injection models provide a focus on glial cell responses to direct peptide injection in rat brain and offer advantages in the study of the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation in AD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G. McLarnon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1W3
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Lixisenatide rescues spatial memory and synaptic plasticity from amyloid β protein-induced impairments in rats. Neuroscience 2014; 277:6-13. [PMID: 24583037 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and degenerative disorder accompanied by cognitive impairment, but effective strategies against AD are currently not available. Interestingly, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has shown neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies of AD. Lixisenatide, an effective GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist with much longer half life than GLP-1, has been licensed in the EU as a treatment for T2DM. However, the neuroprotective effects of lixisenatide in the brain remain to be clarified. In the present study, we report for the first time the effects of lixisenatide on the amyloid β (Aβ) protein-induced impairments in spatial learning and memory of rats, and investigated its electrophysiological and molecular mechanisms. We found that: (1) bilateral intrahippocampal injection of Aβ25-35 resulted in a significant decline in spatial learning and memory of rats, as well as a suppression of in vivo hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP); (2) lixisenatide treatment effectively prevented the Aβ25-35-induced impairments; (3) lixisenatide inhibited the Aβ25-35 injection-induced activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), with a significant increase in the phosphorylation of ser9 and a significant decrease in the phosphorylation of Y216. These results indicate that lixisenatide, by affecting the PI3K-Akt-GSK3β pathway, can prevent Aβ-related impairments in synaptic plasticity and spatial memory of rats, suggesting that lixisenatide may be a novel and effective treatment for AD.
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Jefferies WA, Price KA, Biron KE, Fenninger F, Pfeifer CG, Dickstein DL. Adjusting the compass: new insights into the role of angiogenesis in Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2013; 5:64. [PMID: 24351529 PMCID: PMC4056615 DOI: 10.1186/alzrt230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that vascular perturbation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It appears to be a common feature in addition to the classic pathological hallmarks of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary. Moreover, the accumulation of Aβ in the cerebral vasculature is closely associated with cognitive decline, and disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) has been shown to coincide with the onset of cognitive impairment. Although it was originally hypothesized that the accumulation of Aβ and the subsequent disruption of the BBB were due to the impaired clearance of Aβ from the brain, a body of data now suggests an alternative hypothesis for vascular dysfunction in AD that amyloidogenesis promotes extensive neoangiogenesis leading to increased vascular permeability and subsequent hypervascularization. In this review, we discuss the role Aβ plays in angiogenesis of the neurovasculature and BBB and how it may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. These studies suggest that interventions that directly or indirectly affect angiogenesis could have beneficial effects on amyloid and other pathways in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred A Jefferies
- Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, 301-2185 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, 1365-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada ; The Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada ; Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada ; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 2370-6270 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada ; Department of Medical Genetics, 1364-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Katherine A Price
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA ; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kaan E Biron
- Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, 301-2185 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, 1365-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada ; The Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Franz Fenninger
- Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, 301-2185 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, 1365-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Cheryl G Pfeifer
- Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, 301-2185 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada ; The Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Dara L Dickstein
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA ; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Appleby BS, Nacopoulos D, Milano N, Zhong K, Cummings JL. A review: treatment of Alzheimer's disease discovered in repurposed agents. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2013; 35:1-22. [PMID: 23307039 DOI: 10.1159/000345791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Many compounds that have already been approved for alternate diagnoses have been studied in relation to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this review is to summarize these studies and discuss the rationale and benefits of repurposing drugs for AD treatment. METHODS Studies of drugs related to AD treatment that were relevant to a disease-modifying mechanism of action (MOA) and are already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for non-AD diagnoses were collected from PubMed. RESULTS Many drugs already approved for the treatment of other diseases have been studied in relation to AD treatment. Numerous drugs with known toxicity profiles have the potential to be repurposed as a treatment for AD. CONCLUSION Known MOA, toxicology, and pharmacodynamic profiles would accelerate the process and increase the odds of finding a more timely disease-modifying treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Appleby
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Chen CCV, Chen YC, Hsiao HY, Chang C, Chern Y. Neurovascular abnormalities in brain disorders: highlights with angiogenesis and magnetic resonance imaging studies. J Biomed Sci 2013; 20:47. [PMID: 23829868 PMCID: PMC3729532 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-20-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The coupling between neuronal activity and vascular responses is controlled by the neurovascular unit (NVU), which comprises multiple cell types. Many different types of dysfunction in these cells may impair the proper control of vascular responses by the NVU. Magnetic resonance imaging, which is the most powerful tool available to investigate neurovascular structures or functions, will be discussed in the present article in relation to its applications and discoveries. Because aberrant angiogenesis and vascular remodeling have been increasingly reported as being implicated in brain pathogenesis, this review article will refer to this hallmark event when suitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiao-Chi V Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academic Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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46
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Han X, Chen M, Wang F, Windrem M, Wang S, Shanz S, Xu Q, Oberheim NA, Bekar L, Betstadt S, Silva AJ, Takano T, Goldman SA, Nedergaard M. Forebrain engraftment by human glial progenitor cells enhances synaptic plasticity and learning in adult mice. Cell Stem Cell 2013; 12:342-53. [PMID: 23472873 PMCID: PMC3700554 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2012.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 413] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Human astrocytes are larger and more complex than those of infraprimate mammals, suggesting that their role in neural processing has expanded with evolution. To assess the cell-autonomous and species-selective properties of human glia, we engrafted human glial progenitor cells (GPCs) into neonatal immunodeficient mice. Upon maturation, the recipient brains exhibited large numbers and high proportions of both human glial progenitors and astrocytes. The engrafted human glia were gap-junction-coupled to host astroglia, yet retained the size and pleomorphism of hominid astroglia, and propagated Ca2+ signals 3-fold faster than their hosts. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was sharply enhanced in the human glial chimeric mice, as was their learning, as assessed by Barnes maze navigation, object-location memory, and both contextual and tone fear conditioning. Mice allografted with murine GPCs showed no enhancement of either LTP or learning. These findings indicate that human glia differentially enhance both activity-dependent plasticity and learning in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Han
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Michael Chen
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Fushun Wang
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Martha Windrem
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Su Wang
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Steven Shanz
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Qiwu Xu
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Nancy Ann Oberheim
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Lane Bekar
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Sarah Betstadt
- Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Alcino J. Silva
- Depts. of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Takahiro Takano
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642 USA
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Long-term treatment of thalidomide ameliorates amyloid-like pathology through inhibition of β-secretase in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55091. [PMID: 23405115 PMCID: PMC3566218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide is a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitor which has been found to have abilities against tumor growth, angiogenesis and inflammation. Recently, it has been applied in clinic for the treatment of multiple myeloma as well as some inflammatory diseases. However, whether thalidomide has any therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative disorders, i.e. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not clear. AD is characterized by excessive amount of amyloid β peptides (Aβ), which results in a significant release of inflammatory factors, including TNFα in the brain. Studies have shown that inhibition of TNFα reduces amyloid-associated pathology, prevents neuron loss and improves cognition. Our recent report showed that genetic inhibition of TNFα/TNF receptor signal transduction down-regulates β amyloid cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1) activity, reduces Aβ generation and improves learning and memory deficits. However, the mechanism of thalidomide involving in the mitigation of AD neuropathological features remains unclear. Here, we chronically administrated thalidomide on human APPswedish mutation transgenic (APP23) mice from 9 months old (an onset of Aβ deposits and early stage of AD-like changes) to 12 months old. We found that, in addition of dramatic decrease in the activation of both astrocytes and microglia, thalidomide significantly reduces Aβ load and plaque formation. Furthermore, we found a significant decrease in BACE1 level and activity with long-term thalidomide application. Interestingly, these findings cannot be observed in the brains of 12-month-old APP23 mice with short-term treatment of thalidomide (3 days). These results suggest that chronic thalidomide administration is an alternative approach for AD prevention and therapeutics.
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Wunder A, Schoknecht K, Stanimirovic DB, Prager O, Chassidim Y. Imaging blood-brain barrier dysfunction in animal disease models. Epilepsia 2013; 53 Suppl 6:14-21. [PMID: 23134491 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2012.03698.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly complex structure, which separates the extracellular fluid of the central nervous system (CNS) from the blood of CNS vessels. A wide range of neurologic conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and brain tumors, are associated with perturbations of the BBB that contribute to their pathology. The common consequence of a BBB dysfunction is increased permeability, leading to extravasation of plasma constituents and vasogenic brain edema. The BBB impairment can persist for long periods, being involved in secondary inflammation and neuronal dysfunction, thus contributing to disease pathogenesis. Therefore, reliable imaging of the BBB impairment is of major importance in both clinical management of brain diseases and in experimental research. From landmark studies by Ehrlich and Goldman, the use of dyes (probes) has played a critical role in understanding BBB functions. In recent years methodologic advances in morphologic and functional brain imaging have provided insight into cellular and molecular interactions underlying BBB dysfunction in animal disease models. These imaging techniques, which range from in situ staining to noninvasive in vivo imaging, have different spatial resolution, sensitivity, and capacity for quantitative and kinetic measures of the BBB impairment. Despite significant advances, the translation of these techniques into clinical applications remains slow. This review outlines key recent advances in imaging techniques that have contributed to the understanding of BBB dysfunction in disease and discusses major obstacles and opportunities to advance these techniques into the clinical realm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wunder
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Elçioğlu HK, Kabasakal L, Alan S, Şalva E, Tufan F, Karan MA. Thalidomide attenuates learning and memory deficits induced by intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin in rats. Biotech Histochem 2012; 88:145-52. [DOI: 10.3109/10520295.2012.744471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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50
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Clark I, Atwood C, Bowen R, Paz-Filho G, Vissel B. Tumor necrosis factor-induced cerebral insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease links numerous treatment rationales. Pharmacol Rev 2012; 64:1004-26. [PMID: 22966039 DOI: 10.1124/pr.112.005850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The evident limitations of the amyloid theory of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease are increasingly putting alternatives in the spotlight. We argue here that a number of independently developing approaches to therapy-including specific and nonspecific anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents, apolipoprotein E mimetics, leptin, intranasal insulin, the glucagon-like peptide-1 mimetics and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) antagonists-are all part of an interlocking chain of events. All these approaches inform us that inflammation and thence cerebral insulin resistance constitute the pathway on which to focus for a successful clinical outcome in treating this disease. The key link in this chain presently absent is a recognition by Alzheimer's research community of the long-neglected history of TNF induction of insulin resistance. When this is incorporated into the bigger picture, it becomes evident that the interventions we discuss are not competing alternatives but equally valid approaches to correcting different parts of the same pathway to Alzheimer's disease. These treatments can be expected to be at least additive, and conceivably synergistic, in effect. Thus the inflammation, insulin resistance, GSK-3, and mitochondrial dysfunction hypotheses are not opposing ideas but stages of the same fundamental, overarching, pathway of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. The insight this provides into progenitor cells, including those involved in adult neurogenesis, is a key part of this approach. This pathway also has therapeutic implications for other circumstances in which brain TNF is pathologically increased, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and the infectious disease encephalopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Clark
- Division of Medical Science and Biochemistry, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia.
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