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Li X, Xu M, Bi R, Tan LW, Yao YG, Zhang DF. Common and rare variants of EGF increase the genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease as revealed by targeted sequencing of growth factors in Han Chinese. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 123:170-181. [PMID: 36437134 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease with high heritability. Growth factors (GFs) might contribute to the development of AD due to their broad effects on neuronal system. We herein aimed to investigate the role of rare and common variants of GFs in genetic susceptibility of AD. We screened 23 GFs in 6324 individuals using targeted sequencing. A rare-variant-based burden test and common-variant-based single-site association analyses were performed to identify AD-associated GF genes and variants. The burden test showed an enrichment of rare missense variants (p = 6.08 × 10-4) in GF gene-set in AD patients. Among the GFs, EGF showed the strongest signal of enrichment, especially for loss-of-function variants (p = 0.0019). A common variant rs4698800 of EGF showed significant associations with AD risk (p = 3.24 × 10-5, OR = 1.26). The risk allele of rs4698800 was associated with an increased EGF expression, whereas EGF was indeed upregulated in AD brain. These findings suggested EGF as a novel risk gene for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Disease, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Disease, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Rui Bi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Disease, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Wen Tan
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong-Gang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Disease, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Deng-Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Disease, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
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Zhou G, Xiang T, Xu Y, He B, Wu L, Zhu G, Xie J, Yao L, Xiao Z. Fruquintinib/HMPL-013 ameliorates cognitive impairments and pathology in a mouse model of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 939:175446. [PMID: 36470443 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by the cerebrovascular amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, and always accompanied by Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mechanisms revealing CAA pathogenesis are still unclear, and it is challenging to develop an efficient therapeutic strategy for its treatment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors including VEGFR-1,-2,-3 activation are involved in Aβ processing, and modulate numerous cellular events associated with central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In the present study, we attempted to explore the regulatory function of fruquintinib (also named as HMPL-013), a highly selective inhibitor of VEGFR-1,-2,-3 tyrosine kinases, on CAA progression in Tg-SwDI mice. Here, we found that HMPL-013-rich diet consumption for 12 months significantly improved the behavioral performances and cerebral blood flow (CBF) of Tg-SwDI mice compared with the vehicle group. Importantly, HMPL-013 administration considerably reduced Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 burden in cortex and hippocampus of Tg-SwDI mice through regulating Aβ metabolism process. Congo red staining confirmed Aβ deposition in vessel walls, reflecting CAA formation, which was, however, strongly ameliorated after HMPL-013 treatment. Neuron death, aberrant glial activation and pro-inflammatory response in brain tissues of Tg-SwDI mice were dramatically alleviated after HMPL-013 consumption. More studies showed that the protective effects of HMPL-013 against CAA might be partially attributed to its regulation on the expression of genes associated with blood vasculature. Intriguingly, VEGF and phosphorylated VEGFR-1,-2 protein expression levels were remarkably decreased by HMPL-013 in cortex and hippocampus of Tg-SwDI mice, which were validated in HMPL-013-treated brain vascular endothelial cells (BVECs) under hypoxia. Finally, we found that VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) proliferation and tube formation were strongly abolished upon HMPL-013 exposure. Collectively, all these findings demonstrated that oral administration of HMPL-013 had therapeutic potential against CAA by reducing Aβ deposition, inflammation and neuron death via suppressing VEGF/VEGFR-1,-2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijuan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China
| | - Tao Xiang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bing He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guanghua Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China
| | - Juan Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zijian Xiao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421099, Hunan Province, China.
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Dewing JM, Carare RO, Lotery AJ, Ratnayaka JA. The Diverse Roles of TIMP-3: Insights into Degenerative Diseases of the Senescent Retina and Brain. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010039. [PMID: 31877820 PMCID: PMC7017234 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) is a component of the extracellular environment, where it mediates diverse processes including matrix regulation/turnover, inflammation and angiogenesis. Rare TIMP-3 risk alleles and mutations are directly linked with retinopathies such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Sorsby fundus dystrophy, and potentially, through indirect mechanisms, with Alzheimer's disease. Insights into TIMP-3 activities may be gleaned from studying Sorsby-linked mutations. However, recent findings do not fully support the prevailing hypothesis that a gain of function through the dimerisation of mutated TIMP-3 is responsible for retinopathy. Findings from Alzheimer's patients suggest a hitherto poorly studied relationship between TIMP-3 and the Alzheimer's-linked amyloid-beta (A) proteins that warrant further scrutiny. This may also have implications for understanding AMD as aged/diseased retinae contain high levels of A. Findings from TIMP-3 knockout and mutant knock-in mice have not led to new treatments, particularly as the latter does not satisfactorily recapitulate the Sorsby phenotype. However, recent advances in stem cell and in vitro approaches offer novel insights into understanding TIMP-3 pathology in the retina-brain axis, which has so far not been collectively examined. We propose that TIMP-3 activities could extend beyond its hitherto supposed functions to cause age-related changes and disease in these organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Dewing
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (J.M.D.); (R.O.C.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Roxana O. Carare
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (J.M.D.); (R.O.C.); (A.J.L.)
| | - Andrew J. Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (J.M.D.); (R.O.C.); (A.J.L.)
- Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - J. Arjuna Ratnayaka
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (J.M.D.); (R.O.C.); (A.J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-238120-8183
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Wu Y, Zhang Y, Han X, Li X, Xue L, Xie A. Association of VEGF gene polymorphisms with sporadic Parkinson's disease in Chinese Han population. Neurol Sci 2016; 37:1923-1929. [PMID: 27481110 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-016-2691-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is capable of protecting dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. To evaluate the role of VEGF single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in PD, we performed a case-control study including 400 PD patients and 400 healthy-matched controls. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis and DNA sequencing were used to detect the rs699947, rs2010963 and rs3025039 polymorphisms of the VEGF gene in cases and controls. Our study revealed that T allelic frequency of rs3025039 polymorphism was significantly higher in PD subjects (OR 1.497, 95 % CI 1.099-2.040, P = 0.013) than that in controls. Significant association for rs3025039 could be found in additive model (TT vs. CT vs. CC: OR 1.489, 95 % CI 1.018-2.177, P = 0.040) and dominant model (TT + CT vs. CC: OR 1.538, 95 % CI 1.068-2.216, P = 0.021). Subgroup analyses performed by gender suggested that this association could be found in male, but not in female. Moreover, it also demonstrated a significant association in the subgroup of late-onset PD (LOPD). However, for rs699947 and rs2010963 polymorphisms, genotype or allele frequencies did not differ between groups. No significant association could be found between rs699947 and rs2010963 polymorphism and PD risk. None of the observed haplotypes showed significant association with PD. Therefore, these results suggested that the VEGF gene might be associated with risk of developing sporadic PD in Han Chinese and the rs3025039 polymorphism may be a risk factor for sporadic PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Han
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xue
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Anmu Xie
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Muche A, Bigl M, Arendt T, Schliebs R. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA, VEGF receptor 2 (Flk-1) mRNA, and of VEGF co-receptor neuropilin (Nrp)-1 mRNA in brain tissue of aging Tg2576 mice by in situ hybridization. Int J Dev Neurosci 2015; 43:25-34. [PMID: 25797338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been characterized as a heparin binding angiogenic growth factor displaying high specificity for endothelial cells. It is profoundly accumulated and co-localized with amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients. In order to examine the effect of Aβ plaques on the expression level of VEGF mRNA and its receptors, brain tissue of both transgenic Tg2576 and wild type mice at ages ranging from 13 to 22 months was subjected to in situ hybridization followed by densitometric assessment using computer-assisted image analysis. Strong expression of VEGF mRNA, fetal liver kinase (Flk)-1 mRNA, and neuropilin (Nrp)-1 mRNA in the piriform, entorhinal, somatosensory, frontal cortex and hippocampal formation of both transgenic and non-transgenic mice brain was detected. Developmentally, only expression of VEGF mRNA was increased with age in the entorhinal, and somatosensory cortex of wild type mice. In 20-month-old transgenic Tg2576 mice, up-regulation of VEGF mRNA, Flk-1 mRNA, and Nrp-1 mRNA transcripts was observed in the entorhinal cortex compared to age-matched wild type mice. Our data suggest up-regulation of VEGF mRNA, Flk-1 mRNA and Nrp-1 mRNA, at least in the entorhinal cortex at ages when Aβ deposition in Tg2576 is typically increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe Muche
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia; Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Marina Bigl
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Arendt
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Reinhard Schliebs
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Ng T, Cheung YT, Ng QS, Ho HK, Chan A. Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors and cognitive impairment: evidence and controversies. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2013; 13:83-92. [PMID: 23931162 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2013.828034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, or 'chemobrain,' has been well established in the literature. However, neurocognitive toxic effect induced by targeted therapies such as anti-angiogenic agents is poorly investigated. Recently, emerging evidence suggests vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to have a possible role in brain cognition giving rise to concerns whether VEGF inhibitors (VEGFIs) may induce neurotoxic effect on cancer patients' cognitive function. AREAS COVERED The aim of this review was to evaluate the plausible mechanisms underlying VEGF and cognition, and to highlight the evidence and controversies surrounding the cognitive issues associated with the use of VEGFIs. EXPERT OPINION This review paper has brought attention to the potential cognitive issues associated with the use of VEGFIs and has added a new, unexplored dimension to the problem of cancer treatment-related cognitive changes. However, the lack of evidence warrants the need for more well-designed studies to quantify the prevalence and severity of VEGFI-induced cognitive impairment in the cancer population, and to establish the role of VEGF in human cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Ng
- National University of Singapore , Singapore , Singapore
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Liu SY, Zeng FF, Chen ZW, Wang CY, Zhao B, Li KS. Vascular endothelial growth factor gene promoter polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease risk: a meta-analysis. CNS Neurosci Ther 2013; 19:469-76. [PMID: 23575378 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Conclusions on the association between polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene promoter and risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are ambiguous, and sufficient evaluation of the association is lacking. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to explore the association between polymorphisms in the VEGF gene promoter and AD risk. METHODS Bibliographical searches were performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases without any language limitations. Three investigators independently assessed abstracts for relevant studies and independently reviewed all eligible studies. A meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed- or random-effects model. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata 11.0 software. RESULTS The meta-analysis of 2787 AD cases and 2841 controls from eight published case-control studies on the -2578C/A polymorphism and 1422 AD cases and 1063 controls from four studies on the -1154G/A polymorphism did not show any significant associations. However, in a subgroup analysis stratified by the presence of APOE є4, associations were observed with APOE ε4 (-) for -2578C/A (A vs. C: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.04-1.43, P = 0.014; A/A vs. C/C: OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.11-2.27, P = 0.011 and A/A vs. A/C + C/C: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.08-1.99, P = 0.015) and -1154G/A (A vs. G: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62-0.89, P = 0.001; A/A vs. G/G: OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.37-0.87, P = 0.009; A/G vs. G/G: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53-0.89, P = 0.004 and A/A + A/G vs. G/G: OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.52-0.85, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis showed the risk role of the -2578 polymorphism and the protective role of the -1154 polymorphism when the APOE є4 status was negative, suggesting that the two polymorphisms in the VEGF promoter may have opposing effects on AD risk in an APOE є4-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Yuan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
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Vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms and risk of Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis. Gene 2013; 518:296-302. [PMID: 23370341 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There were conflicting results about whether promoter polymorphisms (-2578C/A, -1154G/A) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene is a risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To determine the relationship between them, a meta-analysis is needed urgently. We searched all the reports about VEGF promoter polymorphisms (-2578C/A, -1154G/A) and AD risk from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Collaboration and Google Scholar database for the period up to 1 August, 2012. A total of 7 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated applying fixed or random effects models. There was no significant association between VEGF -2578C/A polymorphisms and AD risk in all gene models (OR=1.08, 95% CI=0.94-1.23 for A vs. C; OR=1.19, 95% CI=0.89-1.59 for AA vs. CC; OR=1.15, 95% CI=0.91-1.45 for AA vs. CC+CA; OR=1.11, 95% CI=0.98-1.25 for AA+CA vs. CC). Similar results were provided in subgroup analysis by ethnicity. For the VEGF -1154G/A polymorphisms, lack of an association was also found (A vs. G: OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.79-1.01; AA vs. GG: OR=0.82, 95% CI=0.62-1.08; AA vs. GA+GG: OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.68-1.16; AA+AG vs. GG: OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.72-1.00). Conclusively, the result of this meta-analysis suggested that VEGF promoter polymorphisms (-2578C/A, -1154G/A) might not contribute to the susceptibility of AD.
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Tang H, Mao X, Xie L, Greenberg DA, Jin K. Expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor in hippocampus is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2012. [PMID: 23182805 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Although the enhanced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been reported, the functional significance of VEGF level in the progression of AD is still unclear. We examined the VEGF expression in the hippocampus of patients with AD at different stages of progression by Western blot analysis, and found that the VEGF189 isoform (VEGF(189)) was barely detectable in normal hippocampus, but significantly increased at the early stage of patients with AD. VEGF(189) was decreased with advancing stages of AD. Immunostaining shows that VEGF was significantly increased in the cells in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus regions of hippocampus and layers III and V of entorhinal cortex of patients with AD, compared with normal brain. Confocal images show that VEGF was predominantly expressed in neurons and astrocytes in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex of patients with AD. Our data suggest that VEGF level is associated with progressive loss of cognitive function in patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidong Tang
- Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Mihci E, Ozkaynak SS, Sallakci N, Kizilay F, Yavuzer U. VEGF polymorphisms and serum VEGF levels in Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Lett 2011; 494:1-5. [PMID: 21334418 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Accumulated data within the recent years demonstrate that reduced levels of VEGF which is a well known angiogenic molecule might cause neurodegeneration in part by impairing neural tissue perfusion, vasoregulation and normal functioning of perivascular autonomic nerves. Additionally, VEGF has been reported to support neuroprotection in dopaminergic neurons by indirect and direct mechanisms and suppress apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons in vitro. The aim of the current study is first to demonstrate whether there is an association between the three common VEGF polymorphisms (-2578C/A, -634C/G and 936C/T) in the VEGF gene and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) which is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, and second to see if the serum levels of VEGF is reduced in the patients with IPD. We screened the genotype and allele frequencies of three common functional polymorphisms of VEGF, namely -2578C/A, -634C/G and 936C/T in DNA samples of 126 patients with IPD and healthy control subjects and also we compared the median serum levels of VEGF between these two groups. No association was found between the inspected VEGF polymorphisms and IPD and also no difference was found between the serum VEGF levels of both groups. The current study failed to support the hypothesis that VEGF polymorphisms and/or reduced serum VEGF levels are likely contributors to the neurodegenerative process in IPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Mihci
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 07059 Antalya, Turkey.
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Association of vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in postmenopausal women. Genes Genomics 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-010-0013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Bürger S, Yafai Y, Bigl M, Wiedemann P, Schliebs R. Effect of VEGF and its receptor antagonist SU-5416, an inhibitor of angiogenesis, on processing of the β-amyloid precursor protein in primary neuronal cells derived from brain tissue of Tg2576 mice. Int J Dev Neurosci 2010; 28:597-604. [PMID: 20656006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2010.07.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of Alzheimer patients demonstrate cerebrovascular pathology, which has been assumed to be related to β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition. Aβ peptides have been described to inhibit angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, and deregulation of angiogenic factors may contribute to various neurological disorders including neurodegeneration. One of the key angiogenic factor is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Increased levels of VEGF have been observed in brains of Alzheimer patients, while the functional significance of VEGF up-regulation in the pathogenesis and progression of AD is still a matter of debate. To test whether VEGF may affect neuronal APP processing, primary neuronal cells derived from brain tissue of E16 embryos of Tg2576 mice were exposed with 1 ng/ml VEGF for 6, 12, and 24h, followed by monitoring formation and secretion of soluble Aβ peptides, release of the human APP cleavage products, sAPPβswe and sAPPα, into the culture medium as well as the activities of α- and β-secretases in neuronal cell extracts. Exposure of primary neuronal cells by VEGF for 24h led to slightly reduced sAPPβ release, accompanied by decreased β-secretase activity 12h after VEGF exposure. Incubation of neurons by the VEGF receptor antagonist and angiogenesis inhibitor SU-5416 for 24h resulted in increased release of sAPPβswe, and strikingly enhanced secretion of Aβ peptides into the culture medium, which was accompanied by a significant increase in β-secretase activity, as compared to control incubations. The SU-5416-induced effects on APP processing could not be suppressed by the additional presence of VEGF, suggesting that SU-5416 affects pathways that are apparently independent of VEGF receptor signaling. The data obtained indicate that VEGF-driven mechanisms may affect APP processing, suggesting a link of angiogenesis and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bürger
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany
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Viikki M, Anttila S, Kampman O, Illi A, Huuhka M, Setälä-Soikkeli E, Mononen N, Lehtimäki T, Leinonen E. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism is associated with treatment resistant depression. Neurosci Lett 2010; 477:105-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Lee HH, Hong SH, Shin SJ, Ko JJ, Oh D, Kim NK. Association study of vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms with the risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:1244-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2008] [Revised: 10/15/2008] [Accepted: 11/20/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Smach MA, Charfeddine B, Othman LB, Lammouchi T, Ltaief A, Nafati S, Dridi H, Bennamou S, Limem K. -1154G/A and -2578C/A polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene in Tunisian Alzheimer patients in relation to beta-amyloid (1-42) and total tau protein. Neurosci Lett 2010; 472:139-42. [PMID: 20138124 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.01.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Revised: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidences indicate that polymorphisms within the promoter region of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene may elevate the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). To further investigate, we have analyzed association between promoter polymorphisms of the VEGF gene in 93 AD patients and age and sex matched 113 controls from Tunisian population. The distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of the VEGF (-2578C/A) and (-1154G/A) polymorphisms did not differ significantly between AD and control groups (p>0.05). In the subgroup of ApoE varepsilon4 carriers, the -2578A was observed to be significantly higher in the AD patients than in the control individuals. After adjusting the data by gender, age and the ApoE varepsilon4 status using logistic regression, the -2578A allele was found to increase the risk for sporadic AD by 1.7-fold. The present study provides the evidence that the -2578A allele may be associated with the development of AD in the individuals with ApoE varepsilon4 allele. In addition, AD patients carrying the -2578A allele had lower Abeta42 (p=0.029) levels than those without this allele, particularly in subjects with ApoE varepsilon4 allele.
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Abstract
The only recognized genetic determinant of the common forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the epsilon 4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE). To identify new candidate genes, we recently performed transcriptomic analysis of 2741 genes in chromosomal regions of interest using brain tissue of AD cases and controls. From 82 differentially expressed genes, 1156 polymorphisms were genotyped in two independent discovery subsamples (n=945). Seventeen genes exhibited at least one polymorphism associated with AD risk, and following correction for multiple testing, we retained the interleukin (IL)-33 gene. We first confirmed that the IL-33 expression was decreased in the brain of AD cases compared with that of controls. Further genetic analysis led us to select three polymorphisms within this gene, which we analyzed in three independent case-control studies. These polymorphisms and a resulting protective haplotype were systematically associated with AD risk in non-APOE epsilon 4 carriers. Using a large prospective study, these associations were also detected when analyzing the prevalent and incident AD cases together or the incident AD cases alone. These polymorphisms were also associated with less cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in the brain of non-APOE epsilon 4 AD cases. Immunohistochemistry experiments finally indicated that the IL-33 expression was consistently restricted to vascular capillaries in the brain. Moreover, IL-33 overexpression in cellular models led to a specific decrease in secretion of the A beta(40) peptides, the main CAA component. In conclusion, our data suggest that genetic variants in IL-33 gene may be associated with a decrease in AD risk potentially in modulating CAA formation.
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Ogunshola OO, Antoniou X. Contribution of hypoxia to Alzheimer's disease: is HIF-1alpha a mediator of neurodegeneration? Cell Mol Life Sci 2009; 66:3555-63. [PMID: 19763399 PMCID: PMC11115623 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-009-0141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian brain is extremely sensitive to alterations in cellular homeostasis as a result of environmental or physiological insults. In particular, hypoxic/ischemic challenges (i.e. reduced oxygen and/or glucose delivery) cause severe and detrimental alterations in brain function and can trigger neuronal cell death within minutes. Unfortunately, as we age, oxygen delivery to cells and tissues is impaired, thereby increasing the susceptibility of neurons to damage. Thus, hypoxic (neuronal) adaptation is significantly compromised during aging. Many neurological diseases, such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease and diabetes, are characterized by hypoxia, a state that is believed to only exacerbate disease progression. However, the contribution of hypoxia and hypoxia-mediated pathways to neurodegeneration remains unclear. This review discusses current evidence on the contribution of oxygen deprivation to AD, with an emphasis on hypoxia inducible transcription factor-1 (HIF-1)-mediated pathways and the association of AD with the cytoskeleton regulator cyclin-dependent kinase 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- O O Ogunshola
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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No Association of VEGF Polymorphims with Alzheimer’s Disease. Neuromolecular Med 2009; 12:224-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s12017-009-8096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2009] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Combarros O, Cortina-Borja M, Smith AD, Lehmann DJ. Epistasis in sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2009; 30:1333-49. [PMID: 18206267 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2007.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2007] [Revised: 11/30/2007] [Accepted: 11/30/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Bürger S, Noack M, Kirazov LP, Kirazov EP, Naydenov CL, Kouznetsova E, Yafai Y, Schliebs R. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) affects processing of amyloid precursor protein and beta-amyloidogenesis in brain slice cultures derived from transgenic Tg2576 mouse brain. Int J Dev Neurosci 2009; 27:517-23. [PMID: 19589380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2009.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Revised: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The up-regulation of the angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in brains of Alzheimer patients in close relationship to beta-amyloid (Abeta) plaques, suggests a link of VEGF action and processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). To reveal whether VEGF may affect APP processing, brain slices derived from 17-month-old transgenic Tg2576 mice were exposed with 1ng/ml VEGF for 6, 24, and 72h, followed by assessing cytosolic and membrane-bound APP expression, level of both soluble and fibrillar Abeta-peptides, as well as activities of alpha- and beta-secretases in brain slice tissue preparations. Treatment of brain slices with VEGF did not significantly affect the expression level of APP, regardless of the exposure time studied. In contrast, VEGF exposure of brain slices for 6h reduced the formation of soluble, SDS extractable Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) as compared to brain slice cultures incubated in the absence of any drug, while the fibrillar Abeta peptides did not change significantly. This effect was less pronounced 24h after VEGF exposure, but was no longer detectable when brain slices were exposed by VEGF for 72h, which indicates an adaptive response to chronic VEGF exposure. The VEGF-mediated reduction in Abeta formation was accompanied by a transient decrease in beta-secretase activity peaking 6h after VEGF exposure. To reveal whether the VEGF-induced changes in soluble Abeta-level may be due to actions of VEGF on Abeta fibrillogenesis, the fibrillar status of Abeta was examined using the thioflavin-T binding assay. Incubation of Abeta preparations obtained from Tg2576 mouse brain cortex, in the presence of VEGF slightly decreased the fibrillar content with increasing incubation time up to 72h. The data demonstrate that VEGF may affect APP processing, at least in vitro, suggesting a role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bürger
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Germany
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Ruiz de Almodovar C, Lambrechts D, Mazzone M, Carmeliet P. Role and therapeutic potential of VEGF in the nervous system. Physiol Rev 2009; 89:607-48. [PMID: 19342615 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the nervous and vascular systems constitutes primary events in the evolution of the animal kingdom; the former provides electrical stimuli and coordination, while the latter supplies oxygen and nutrients. Both systems have more in common than originally anticipated. Perhaps the most striking observation is that angiogenic factors, when deregulated, contribute to various neurological disorders, such as neurodegeneration, and might be useful for the treatment of some of these pathologies. The prototypic example of this cross-talk between nerves and vessels is the vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF. Although originally described as a key angiogenic factor, it is now well established that VEGF also plays a crucial role in the nervous system. We describe the molecular properties of VEGF and its receptors and review the current knowledge of its different functions and therapeutic potential in the nervous system during development, health, disease and in medicine.
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Yuan Q, Zuo X, Jia J. Association between promoter polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor gene and sporadic Alzheimer's disease among Northern Chinese Han. Neurosci Lett 2009; 457:133-6. [PMID: 19429179 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.03.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2009] [Revised: 03/22/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidences suggest that polymorphisms within the promoter region of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene may elevate the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In Northern Chinese Han, we found three polymorphisms in the VEGF promoter: -2578C/A (rs699947), -2549I/D (rs35569394) and -1154G/A (rs1570360). A strong linkage disequilibrium was detected between -2578C/A and -2549I/D. After adjusting the data by gender, age and the APOEepsilon4 status using logistic regression, the -1154G/G genotype was found to increase the risk for sporadic AD (SAD) by 1.4-folds. In the subgroup of APOEepsilon4 non-carriers, the -1154G allele and -2549D/-1154G haplotype were observed to be significantly higher in the 279 SAD patients than in the 317 healthy individuals. The present study provides the evidence that the -1154G allele and the -2549D/-1154G haplotype may be associated with the development of SAD in the individuals without APOEepsilon4 allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xuan Wu Hospital of the Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
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Del Bo R, Ghezzi S, Scarpini E, Bresolin N, Comi GP. VEGF genetic variability is associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. J Neurol Sci 2009; 283:66-8. [PMID: 19272614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2009.02.318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Specific polymorphisms within the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene promoter region are of particular interest: VEGF variability has been associated with increased risk of developing a wide variety of disorders from diabetes to neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting functions not confined to its originally described vascular effects. A hypothetical loss of the VEGF-mediated neuroprotective effect has been proposed as a cause of neurodegenerative disorders. An impaired regulation of VEGF expression has been also reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Recently, VEGF gene promoter polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk for AD in the Italian population. Conversely, two subsequent studies failed to find a positive association between VEGF variability and greater risk for AD. To better clarify this issue, a meta-analysis of all published association studies has been performed. Overall, polymorphic variants within VEGF gene promoter confer greater risk for AD at least in the Italian population; the meta-analysis provides evidence of a role of the functional variant C(-2578)A in the pathogenesis of the disease, although the pooled odds ratio obtained represents a modest effect. These findings provide new evidence for an additional candidate genetic risk factor for AD that can be tested in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Del Bo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Mangiagalli and Regina Elena, Milan, Italy.
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Kim YS, Park SW, Kim MH, Jang EJ, Park JS, Park SJ, Baik HW, Chung G, Hahm KB. Novel single nucleotide polymorphism of the VEGF gene as a risk predictor for gastroduodenal ulcers. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008; 23 Suppl 2:S131-9. [PMID: 19120886 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2008.05404.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The gastroduodenal ulcer (GDU) mostly develops on the lesser curvature side of stomach and the anterior wall of duodenal bulb, irrespective of the etiologies including Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, etc. However, a clear explanation as to why ulcers are prevalent in these areas has still not been given. The current study was designed to evaluate whether the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism could predict susceptibility to GDU through deranged angiogenic activities. METHODS A large scale case-control study based on known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of VEGF and another case control study based on the novel SNP of VEGF was performed through the SNP-IT assay using the SNP stream 25 k system. A site-directed mutagenesis and functional assay was executed to document the biological effect of a novel VEGF SNP on angiogenesis. RESULTS Even though the case-control study between non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and gastric ulcer (GU) patients was done in 10 SNP of the VEGF gene including -2488C/T, -634G/C, -7C/T, 3436G/C, 6112C/A, 6894C/T, 9374G/A, 9812C/T, 13128C/T, and 13553C/T, the analysis showed no statistically significant association between NUD and GU. Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis could identify two novel SNP of the VEGF gene, -1780T/C and IVS-99 G/C, among which -1780T/C showed a very strong association between NUD and GDU, presenting with OR=2.93 on codominant analysis (P<0.001), OR=8.62 on dominant analysis (P<0.001), and OR=3.21 on recessive analysis (P<0.001). The promoter assay using a site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro angiogenesis assay showed repressed transcription of the VEGF gene in gastric epithelial cells and defective tube formation in endothelial cells, both transfected with a plasmid containing -1780C/C mutant of VEGF gene. CONCLUSION The novel VEGF polymorphism -1780T/C could significantly predict the predisposition to GDU after the exposure to etiologic risks, based on defective angiogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Seok Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Haasl RJ, Ahmadi MR, Meethal SV, Gleason CE, Johnson SC, Asthana S, Bowen RL, Atwood CS. A luteinizing hormone receptor intronic variant is significantly associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease in males carrying an apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2008; 9:37. [PMID: 18439297 PMCID: PMC2396156 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-9-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and biochemical studies support the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele as a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), though ~50% of AD patients do not carry the allele. APOE transports cholesterol for luteinizing hormone (LH)-regulated steroidogenesis, and both LH and neurosteroids have been implicated in the etiology of AD. Since polymorphisms of LH beta-subunit (LHB) and its receptor (LHCGR) have not been tested for their association with AD, we scored AD and age-matched control samples for APOE genotype and 14 polymorphisms of LHB and LHCGR. Thirteen gene-gene interactions between the loci of LHB, LHCGR, and APOE were associated with AD. The most strongly supported of these interactions was between an LHCGR intronic polymorphism (rs4073366; lhcgr2) and APOE in males, which was detected using all three interaction analyses: linkage disequilibrium, multi-dimensionality reduction, and logistic regression. While the APOE ε4 allele carried significant risk of AD in males [p = 0.007, odds ratio (OR) = 3.08(95%confidence interval: 1.37, 6.91)], ε4-positive males carrying 1 or 2 C-alleles at lhcgr2 exhibited significantly decreased risk of AD [OR = 0.06(0.01, 0.38); p = 0.003]. This suggests that the lhcgr2 C-allele or a closely linked locus greatly reduces the risk of AD in males carrying an APOE ε4 allele. The reversal of risk embodied in this interaction powerfully supports the importance of considering the role gene-gene interactions play in the etiology of complex biological diseases and demonstrates the importance of using multiple analytic methods to detect well-supported gene-gene interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Haasl
- Section of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Kim JS, Yim SV, Koh IS, Choi JS, Yoo JY, Lee KS, Lim Y, Lee KH. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotype analysis in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in the patients with Parkinson disease and lung cancer. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2008; 48:287-90. [PMID: 18359110 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2008.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2007] [Revised: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 02/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The epidemiologic data on smoking in association with Parkinson disease (PD) is puzzling. A lower incidence of smoking-related malignancies, especially lung cancer, has been reported by several studies in the patients with PD. In this study, we investigated polymorphic variations in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene, which has been proposed having a pivotal role in progressive damage of nigral dopaminergic neurons, between Korean patients with 188 PD and 321 lung cancer patients. There were no significant differences in the tested single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between patients with PD and lung cancer; however, one haplotype was significantly different in comparisons between the two diseases. These results suggest that VEGF genetic polymorphisms might help understand the low incidence of lung cancer in the patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joong-Seok Kim
- Department of Neurology, The Catholic University of Korea, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, 505 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-701, South Korea.
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Boddaert J, Kinugawa K, Lambert JC, Boukhtouche F, Zoll J, Merval R, Blanc-Brude O, Mann D, Berr C, Vilar J, Garabedian B, Journiac N, Charue D, Silvestre JS, Duyckaerts C, Amouyel P, Mariani J, Tedgui A, Mallat Z. Evidence of a role for lactadherin in Alzheimer's disease. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 170:921-9. [PMID: 17322377 PMCID: PMC1864868 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Lactadherin is a secreted extracellular matrix protein expressed in phagocytes and contributes to the removal of apoptotic cells. We examined lactadherin expression in brain sections of patients with or without Alzheimer's disease and studied its role in the phagocytosis of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta). Cells involved in Alzheimer's disease, including vascular smooth muscle cells, astrocytes, and microglia, showed a time-related increase in lactadherin production in culture. Quantitative analysis of the level of lactadherin showed a 35% reduction in lactadherin mRNA expression in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (n = 52) compared with age-matched controls (n = 58; P = 0.003). Interestingly, lactadherin protein was detected in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease and controls, with low expression in areas rich in senile plaques and marked expression in areas without Abeta deposition. Using surface plasmon resonance, we observed a direct protein-protein interaction between recombinant lactadherin and Abeta 1-42 peptide in vitro. Lactadherin deficiency or its neutralization using specific antibodies significantly prevented Abeta 1-42 phagocytosis by murine and human macrophages. In conclusion, lactadherin plays an important role in the phagocytosis of Abeta 1-42 peptide, and its expression is reduced in Alzheimer's disease. Alterations in lactadherin production/function may contribute to the initiation and/or progression of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Boddaert
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche Cardiovasculaire Lariboisière, Paris, France
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Coppedè F, Mancuso M, Siciliano G, Migliore L, Murri L. Genes and the environment in neurodegeneration. Biosci Rep 2007; 26:341-67. [PMID: 17029001 DOI: 10.1007/s10540-006-9028-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of pathologies which includes complex multifactorial diseases, monogenic disorders and disorders for which inherited, sporadic and transmissible forms are known. Factors associated with predisposition and vulnerability to neurodegenerative disorders may be described usefully within the context of gene-environment interplay. There are many identified genetic determinants for neurodegeneration, and it is possible to duplicate many elements of recognized human neurodegenerative disorders in animal models of the disease. However, there are similarly several identifiable environmental influences on outcomes of the genetic defects; and the course of a progressive neurodegenerative disorder can be greatly modified by environmental elements. In this review we highlight some of the major neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and prion diseases.) and discuss possible links of gene-environment interplay including, where implicated, mitochondrial genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa 56126, Italy.
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31
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Chiappelli M, Borroni B, Archetti S, Calabrese E, Corsi MM, Franceschi M, Padovani A, Licastro F. VEGF Gene and Phenotype Relation with Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Rejuvenation Res 2006; 9:485-93. [PMID: 17105389 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2006.9.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) represents one potential mechanism whereby vascular and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies are related. The authors investigated whether AD cases, especially those having a rapid cognitive decline, more commonly carried a functional promoter gene variant for VEGF (-2578C/A) and showed elevated plasma levels of Vegf. In addition, the authors investigated whether patterns of association also were found for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and conversion from MCI to AD. METHODS Group 1 included 317 AD cases and 320 unaffected control subjects. Group 2 included 113 MCI patients and 130 control subjects. Plasma levels of Vegf were measured by chemiluminescence for a subset of group 1. Genotype determinations were made for all subjects. FINDINGS The VEGF AA genotype was associated with an increased risk of developing AD (OR = 1.616, p = 0.046). This genotype also was associated with an accelerated cognitive decline in APOE small epsilon4 positive patients with AD (AA vs. CC OR = 6.5, p = 0.04). The VEGF AA genotype was a risk factor for MCI (OR = 2.5, p = 0.037) and MCI conversion to AD in APOE small epsilon4+ (OR = 6.5, CI = 2.014-20.980; p = 0.002). Vegf plasma levels were higher in patients with AD than controls (230 pg/mL vs. 42 pg/mL), and were even higher in those patients with a fast cognitive decline and the APOE epsilon4 allele. INTERPRETATION Modulation of VEGF expression is a potential mechanism associated with the risk of developing AD and its clinical deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Chiappelli
- Department of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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