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Lapshina KV, Ekimova IV. Aquaporin-4 and Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1672. [PMID: 38338949 PMCID: PMC10855351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The water-selective channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is implicated in water homeostasis and the functioning of the glymphatic system, which eliminates various metabolites from the brain tissue, including amyloidogenic proteins. Misfolding of the α-synuclein protein and its post-translational modifications play a crucial role in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleopathies, leading to the formation of cytotoxic oligomers and aggregates that cause neurodegeneration. Human and animal studies have shown an interconnection between AQP4 dysfunction and α-synuclein accumulation; however, the specific role of AQP4 in these mechanisms remains unclear. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of AQP4 dysfunction in the progression of α-synuclein pathology, considering the possible effects of AQP4 dysregulation on brain molecular mechanisms that can impact α-synuclein modification, accumulation and aggregation. It also highlights future directions that can help study the role of AQP4 in the functioning of the protective mechanisms of the brain during the development of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia V. Lapshina
- Laboratory of Comparative Thermophysiology, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
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2
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Kolacheva A, Pavlova E, Bannikova A, Bogdanov V, Ugrumov M. Initial Molecular Mechanisms of the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease in a Mouse Neurotoxic Model of the Earliest Preclinical Stage of This Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1354. [PMID: 38279354 PMCID: PMC10816442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Studying the initial molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), primarily in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, is one of the priorities in neurology. Of particular interest is elucidating these mechanisms in the preclinical stage of PD, which lasts decades before diagnosis and is therefore not available for study in patients. Therefore, our main goal was to study the initial molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of PD in the striatum, the key center for dopamine regulation in motor function, in a mouse model of the earliest preclinical stage of PD, from 1 to 24 h after the administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). It was shown that the content of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the first enzyme in dopamine synthesis, does not change within 6 h after the administration of MPTP, but decreases after 24 h. In turn, TH activity increases after 1 h, decreases after 3 h, remains at the control level after 6 h, and decreases 24 h after the administration of MPTP. The concentration of dopamine in the striatum gradually decreases after MPTP administration, despite a decrease in its degradation. The identified initial molecular mechanisms of PD pathogenesis are considered as potential targets for the development of preventive neuroprotective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael Ugrumov
- Laboratory of Neural and Neuroendocrine Regulations, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (V.B.)
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Leta V, Cilia R. "Watch out for the break in the dam": Is Aquaporins dysfunction the missing link between immune dysregulation, glia activation, and neurodegeneration? Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2023; 117:105938. [PMID: 38007307 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Leta
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Milan, Italy; Parkinson's Centre of Excellence at King's College Hospital and King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Cilia
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Milan, Italy.
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Sandhya P, Danda D. Exploring the connection between Parkinson's disease and Sjögren's syndrome: The aquaporin link. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2023; 117:105863. [PMID: 37770322 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pulukool Sandhya
- Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560099, India.
| | - Debasish Danda
- Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, India
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Jazaeri SZ, Taghizadeh G, Babaei JF, Goudarzi S, Saadatmand P, Joghataei MT, Khanahmadi Z. Aquaporin 4 beyond a water channel; participation in motor, sensory, cognitive and psychological performances, a comprehensive review. Physiol Behav 2023; 271:114353. [PMID: 37714320 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is a protein highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) as well as various other organs, whose different sites of action indicate its importance in various functions. AQP4 has a variety of essential roles beyond water homeostasis. In this article, we have for the first time summarized different roles of AQP4 in motor and sensory functions, besides cognitive and psychological performances, and most importantly, possible physiological mechanisms by which AQP4 can exert its effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated that AQP4 participates in pathology of different neurological disorders, various effects depending on the disease type. Since neurological diseases involve a spectrum of dysfunctions and due to the difficulty of obtaining a treatment that can simultaneously affect these deficits, it is therefore suggested that future studies consider the role of this protein in different functional impairments related to neurological disorders simultaneously or separately by targeting AQP4 expression and/or polarity modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyede Zohreh Jazaeri
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorban Taghizadeh
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Javad Fahanik Babaei
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Goudarzi
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Saadatmand
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Division of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Innovation in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa University, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Zohreh Khanahmadi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Services, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Davoudi S, Rahdar M, Hosseinmardi N, Behzadi G, Janahmadi M. Chronic inhibition of astrocytic aquaporin-4 induces autistic-like behavior in control rat offspring similar to maternal exposure to valproic acid. Physiol Behav 2023:114286. [PMID: 37402416 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114286] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Social communication and interaction deficits, memory impairment, and anxiety-like behavior are characterized in many people identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A thorough understanding of the specific aspects that contribute to the deficiencies associated with ASD can aid research into the etiology of the disorder while also providing targets for more effective intervention. As part of the ASD pathophysiology, alterations in synaptogenesis and abnormal network connections were seen in high-order brain areas, which control social behavior and communication. The early emergence of microglia during nervous system development may contribute to synaptic dysfunction and the pathobiology of ASD. Since aquaporin-4 (AQP4) appears to be required for the basic procedures of synapse activation, certain behavioral and cognitive impairments as well as disturbance in water homeostasis might likely arise from AQP4 deficiency. Here, through the measurement of the water content of the hippocampus and behavioral experiments we aim to explore the contribution of astrocytic AQP4 to the autism-like behavior induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure and whether inhibition of AQP4 per se can induce autistic-like behavior in control rats. Microinjection of TGN-020 (10µM, i.c.v), a specific AQP4 inhibitor, for 7 successive days before behavioral tasks from postnatal day 28 to 35 revealed that inhibition of AQP4 in the control offspring caused lower social interaction and locomotor activity, higher anxiety, and decreased ability to recognize novel objects, very similar to the behavioral changes observed in offspring prenatally exposed to VPA. However, VPA-exposed offspring treated with TGN-020, showed no further remarkable behavioral impairments than those detected in the autistic-like rats. Furthermore, both control offspring treated with TGN-020 and offspring exposed to VPA had a considerable accumulation of water in their hippocampi. But AQP4 inhibition did not affect the water status of the autistic-like rats. The findings of this study revealed that control offspring exhibited similar hippocampal water retention and behavioral impairments that were observed in maternal VPA-exposed offspring following inhibition of astrocytic AQP4, whereas, in autistic-like rats, it did not produce any significant change in water content and behaviors. Findings suggest that AQP4 deficiency could be associated with autistic disorder and may be a potential pharmaceutical target for treating autism in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gila Behzadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Silverglate B, Gao X, Lee HP, Maliha P, Grossberg GT. The aquaporin-4 water channel and updates on its potential as a drug target for Alzheimer's disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:523-530. [PMID: 37475487 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2240017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although there are several FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD), only recently have disease-modifying therapies received approval for use in patients. In this narrative review, we examine the history of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) as a therapeutic target for NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder) and as a potential therapeutic target for AD. AREAS COVERED We review the basic science and discovery of AQP4, a transmembrane water-channel essential to regulating water balance in the central nervous system (CNS). We also review the pathogenesis of NMOSD, an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of cells that express AQP4. Then, we review how AQP4 is likely involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Finally, we discuss future challenges with drug design that would modulate AQP4 to potentially slow AD development. The literature search for this article consisted of searching Google Scholar and PubMed for permutations of the keywords 'Alzheimer's disease,' 'aquaporin-4,' 'neuromyelitis optica,' and their abbreviations. EXPERT OPINION We place research into AQP4 into context with other recent developments in AD research. A major difficulty with drug development for Alzheimer's is the lack of strategies to cleanly target the early pathogenesis of the disease. Targeting AQP4 may provide such a strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bret Silverglate
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Gao
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Hannah P Lee
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Peter Maliha
- Carolyn Wells-Peterson Geriatric Psychiatry Research Fellow, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - George T Grossberg
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Zhou L, Li Y, Wang M, Han W, Chen Q, Zhang J, Sun B, Fan Y. Disruption of α-Synuclein proteostasis in the striatum and midbrain of long-term ovariectomized female mice. Neuroscience 2023:S0306-4522(23)00224-5. [PMID: 37257555 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that women are less susceptible to Parkinson's disease (PD) than men. Estrogen exposure is hypothesized to confer protection against dopaminergic neuronal loss in patients with PD. Although the accumulation and propagation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) are closely linked to the clinical progression of PD, no relevant research has examined whether α-Syn proteostasis in the brain is altered in women after menopause. In this study, we established long-term ovariectomized (OVX) mice to simulate late post-menopause and investigated the expression and aggregation of α-Syn following the ovariectomy procedure. We observed that the OVX mice exhibited a significant increase in the expression and aggregation of α-Syn in the striatum and midbrain accompanied by impaired motor performance at 3 months after ovariectomy. The accumulation of α-Syn did not result in a significant loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons but did enhance autophagy and neuroglial activation. These findings imply that menopause may disrupt α-Syn proteostasis and exacerbate the accumulation of α-Syn in the basal ganglia circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Zhou
- Neuroprotective Drug Discovery Center of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Li
- Neuroprotective Drug Discovery Center of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Wang
- Neuroprotective Drug Discovery Center of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjing Han
- Neuroprotective Drug Discovery Center of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Neuroprotective Drug Discovery Center of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223300, China; Department of Neurology, the Huaian Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223300, China.
| | - Yi Fan
- Neuroprotective Drug Discovery Center of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Lillian A, Zuo W, Laham L, Hilfiker S, Ye JH. Pathophysiology and Neuroimmune Interactions Underlying Parkinson's Disease and Traumatic Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087186. [PMID: 37108349 PMCID: PMC10138999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder clinically defined by motor instability, bradykinesia, and resting tremors. The clinical symptomatology is seen alongside pathologic changes, most notably the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the accumulation of α-synuclein and neuromelanin aggregates throughout numerous neural circuits. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been implicated as a risk factor for developing various neurodegenerative diseases, with the most compelling argument for the development of PD. Dopaminergic abnormalities, the accumulation of α-synuclein, and disruptions in neural homeostatic mechanisms, including but not limited to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), are all present following TBI and are closely related to the pathologic changes seen in PD. Neuronal iron accumulation is discernable in degenerative and injured brain states, as is aquaporin-4 (APQ4). APQ4 is an essential mediator of synaptic plasticity in PD and regulates edematous states in the brain after TBI. Whether the cellular and parenchymal changes seen post-TBI directly cause neurodegenerative diseases such as PD is a point of considerable interest and debate; this review explores the vast array of neuroimmunological interactions and subsequent analogous changes that occur in TBI and PD. There is significant interest in exploring the validity of the relationship between TBI and PD, which is a focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Lillian
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Linda Laham
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Sabine Hilfiker
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 08901, USA
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Spitz S, Ko E, Ertl P, Kamm RD. How Organ-on-a-Chip Technology Can Assist in Studying the Role of the Glymphatic System in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2171. [PMID: 36768495 PMCID: PMC9916687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of a conventional lymphatic system that permeates throughout the entire human brain has encouraged the identification and study of alternative clearance routes within the cerebrum. In 2012, the concept of the glymphatic system, a perivascular network that fluidically connects the cerebrospinal fluid to the lymphatic vessels within the meninges via the interstitium, emerged. Although its exact mode of action has not yet been fully characterized, the key underlying processes that govern solute transport and waste clearance have been identified. This review briefly describes the perivascular glial-dependent clearance system and elucidates its fundamental role in neurodegenerative diseases. The current knowledge of the glymphatic system is based almost exclusively on animal-based measurements, but these face certain limitations inherent to in vivo experiments. Recent advances in organ-on-a-chip technology are discussed to demonstrate the technology's ability to provide alternative human-based in vitro research models. Herein, the specific focus is on how current microfluidic-based in vitro models of the neurovascular system and neurodegenerative diseases might be employed to (i) gain a deeper understanding of the role and function of the glymphatic system and (ii) to identify new opportunities for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Spitz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eunkyung Ko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Prunell G, Olivera-Bravo S. A Focus on Astrocyte Contribution to Parkinson's Disease Etiology. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121745. [PMID: 36551173 PMCID: PMC9775515 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease of high prevalence, characterized by the prominent death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which produces dopamine deficiency, leading to classic motor symptoms. Although PD has traditionally been considered as a neuronal cell autonomous pathology, in which the damage of vulnerable neurons is responsible for the disease, growing evidence strongly suggests that astrocytes might have an active role in the neurodegeneration observed. In the present review, we discuss several studies evidencing astrocyte implications in PD, highlighting the consequences of both the loss of normal homeostatic functions and the gain in toxic functions for the wellbeing of dopaminergic neurons. The revised information provides significant evidence that allows astrocytes to be positioned as crucial players in PD etiology, a factor that needs to be taken into account when considering therapeutic targets for the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Prunell
- Laboratorio de Neurodegeneración y Neuroprotección, Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (S.O.-B.); Tel.: +598-24871616 (ext. 121 or 123 or 171) (G.P. & S.O.-B.)
| | - Silvia Olivera-Bravo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (S.O.-B.); Tel.: +598-24871616 (ext. 121 or 123 or 171) (G.P. & S.O.-B.)
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Sobolczyk M, Boczek T. Astrocytic Calcium and cAMP in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:889939. [PMID: 35663426 PMCID: PMC9161693 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.889939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is commonly accepted that the role of astrocytes exceeds far beyond neuronal scaffold and energy supply. Their unique morphological and functional features have recently brough much attention as it became evident that they play a fundamental role in neurotransmission and interact with synapses. Synaptic transmission is a highly orchestrated process, which triggers local and transient elevations in intracellular Ca2+, a phenomenon with specific temporal and spatial properties. Presynaptic activation of Ca2+-dependent adenylyl cyclases represents an important mechanism of synaptic transmission modulation. This involves activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway to regulate neurotransmitter synthesis, release and storage, and to increase neuroprotection. This aspect is of paramount importance for the preservation of neuronal survival and functionality in several pathological states occurring with progressive neuronal loss. Hence, the aim of this review is to discuss mutual relationships between cAMP and Ca2+ signaling and emphasize those alterations at the Ca2+/cAMP crosstalk that have been identified in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
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Rana T, Behl T, Shamsuzzaman M, Singh S, Sharma N, Sehgal A, Alshahrani AM, Aldahish A, Chidambaram K, Dailah HG, Bhatia S, Bungau S. Exploring the role of astrocytic dysfunction and AQP4 in depression. Cell Signal 2022; 96:110359. [PMID: 35597427 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the water regulating channel found in the terminal processes of astrocytes in the brain and is implicated in regulating the astrocyte functions, whereas in neuropathologies, AQP4 performs an important role in astrocytosis and release of proinflammatory cytokines. However, several findings have revealed the modulation of the AQP4 water channel in the etiopathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric diseases. In the current article, we have summarized the recent studies and highlighted the implication of astrocytic dysfunction and AQP4 in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorder. Most of the studies have measured the AQP4 gene or protein expression in the brain regions, particularly the locus coeruleus, choroid plexus, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, and found that in these brain regions, AQP4 gene expression decreased on exposure to chronic mild stress. Few studies also measured the peripheral AQP4 mRNA expression in the blood and AQP4 autoantibodies in the blood serum and revealed no change in the depressed patients in comparison with normal individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarapati Rana
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India; Government Pharmacy College, Seraj, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Md Shamsuzzaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Asma M Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf Aldahish
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kumarappan Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Ghaleb Dailah
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman; School of Health Science, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine of Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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14
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Chen F, Xie X, Wang L. Research Progress on Intracranial Lymphatic Circulation and Its Involvement in Disorders. Front Neurol 2022; 13:865714. [PMID: 35359624 PMCID: PMC8963982 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.865714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is an important part of the circulatory system, as an auxiliary system of the vein, which has the functions of immune defense, maintaining the stability of the internal environment, and regulating the pressure of the tissue. It has long been thought that there are no typical lymphatic vessels consisting of endothelial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, studies have confirmed the presence of lymphatic vessels lined with endothelial cells in the meninges. The periventricular meninges of the CNS host different populations of immune cells that affect the immune response associated with the CNS, and the continuous drainage of interstitial and cerebrospinal fluid produced in the CNS also proceeds mainly by the lymphatic system. This fluid process mobilizes to a large extent the transfer of antigens produced by the CNS to the meningeal immune cells and subsequently to the peripheral immune system through the lymphatic network, with clinically important implications for infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and tumor immunology. In our review, we discussed recent research advances in intracranial lymphatic circulation and the pathogenesis of its associated diseases, especially the discovery of meningeal lymphatic vessels, which has led to new therapeutic targets for the treatment of diseases associated with the intracranial lymphatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuan Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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15
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Wang S, Wang B, Shang D, Zhang K, Yan X, Zhang X. Ion Channel Dysfunction in Astrocytes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Physiol 2022; 13:814285. [PMID: 35222082 PMCID: PMC8864228 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.814285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play an important role in the central nervous system (CNS). Ion channels in these cells not only function in ion transport, and maintain water/ion metabolism homeostasis, but also participate in physiological processes of neurons and glial cells by regulating signaling pathways. Increasing evidence indicates the ion channel proteins of astrocytes, such as aquaporins (AQPs), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channels, and P2X7 receptors (P2X7R), are strongly associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and characteristic proteins in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since ion channel protein dysfunction is a significant pathological feature of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases, we discuss these critical proteins and their signaling pathways in order to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, which may yield new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijian Wang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Biyao Wang
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Dehao Shang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Kaige Zhang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Yan
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
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16
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Aquaporin-4 deletion attenuates opioid-induced addictive behaviours associated with dopamine levels in nucleus accumbens. Neuropharmacology 2022; 208:108986. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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17
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Ericek OB, Akillioglu K, Saker D, Cevik I, Donmez Kutlu M, Kara S, Yilmaz DM. Distribution of Aquaporin-4 channels in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in mk-801-treated balb/c mice. Ultrastruct Pathol 2022; 46:63-79. [PMID: 35014582 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2021.2024633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Functional disorders of the glymphatic system and Aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) channels take part in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease. The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of AQP-4 channels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in a mouse model of NMDA receptor blocking agent-induced schizophrenia-like behavior model. NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 was used to produce the experimental schizophrenia model. MK-801 injections were administered for eleven days to Balb/c mice intraperitoneally. Beginning from the sixth day of injection, the spatial learning and memory of the mice were tested by the Morris water maze (MWM) task. A group of mice was injected with MK-801 for ten days without the MWM task. Hippocampus and prefrontal specimens were collected from this group. Tissue samples were stained immunohistochemically and AQP-4 channels were examined by electron microscope. Time to find the platform was significantly longer at MK-801 injected group than the control group at the MWM task. Also, time spent at the target quadrant by the MK-801 group was shorter compared to the control group. AQP-4 expression increased significantly at MK-801 group glial cells, neuronal perikaryon, perineuronal and pericapillary spaces. In the MK-801 group, there was remarkable damage in neurons and glial cells. Increased AQP-4 channel expression and neurodegeneration at the MK-801 group induced with schizophrenia-like behavior model. MK-801 induced NMDA receptor blockade causes a decline in cognitive and memory functions. Increased AQP-4 expression at the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus to elicit and transport products of synaptic neurotransmitters and end metabolites is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Burak Ericek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, University of Nigde Omer Halisdemir, Nigde, Turkey
| | - Kübra Akillioglu
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Dilek Saker
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Cevik
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Meltem Donmez Kutlu
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Samet Kara
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Dervis Mansuri Yilmaz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey
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18
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Bancroft EA, Srinivasan R. Emerging Roles for Aberrant Astrocytic Calcium Signals in Parkinson's Disease. Front Physiol 2022; 12:812212. [PMID: 35087422 PMCID: PMC8787054 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.812212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes display a plethora of spontaneous Ca2+ signals that modulate vital functions of the central nervous system (CNS). This suggests that astrocytic Ca2+ signals also contribute to pathological processes in the CNS. In this context, the molecular mechanisms by which aberrant astrocytic Ca2+ signals trigger dopaminergic neuron loss during Parkinson's disease (PD) are only beginning to emerge. Here, we provide an evidence-based perspective on potential mechanisms by which aberrant astrocytic Ca2+ signals can trigger dysfunction in three distinct compartments of the brain, viz., neurons, microglia, and the blood brain barrier, thereby leading to PD. We envision that the coming decades will unravel novel mechanisms by which aberrant astrocytic Ca2+ signals contribute to PD and other neurodegenerative processes in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A. Bancroft
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Rahul Srinivasan
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), College Station, TX, United States
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19
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Taoka T, Naganawa S. Imaging for central nervous system (CNS) interstitial fluidopathy: disorders with impaired interstitial fluid dynamics. Jpn J Radiol 2021; 39:1-14. [PMID: 32653987 PMCID: PMC7813706 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-020-01017-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
After the introduction of the glymphatic system hypothesis, an increasing number of studies on cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid dynamics within the brain have been investigated and reported. A series of diseases are known which develop due to abnormality of the glymphatic system including Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other disorders. These diseases or disorders share the characteristics of the glymphatic system dysfunction or other mechanisms related to the interstitial fluid dynamics. In this review article, we propose "Central Nervous System (CNS) Interstitial Fluidopathy" as a new concept encompassing diseases whose pathologies are majorly associated with abnormal interstitial fluid dynamics. Categorizing these diseases or disorders as "CNS interstitial fluidopathies," will promote the understanding of their mechanisms and the development of potential imaging methods for the evaluation of the disease as well as clinical methods for disease treatment or prevention. In other words, having a viewpoint of the dynamics of interstitial fluid appears relevant for understanding CNS diseases or disorders, and it would be possible to develop novel common treatment methods or medications for "CNS interstitial fluidopathies."
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Taoka
- Department of Innovative Biomedical Visualization (iBMV), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan. .,Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Shinji Naganawa
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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20
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Jorgačevski J, Zorec R, Potokar M. Insights into Cell Surface Expression, Supramolecular Organization, and Functions of Aquaporin 4 Isoforms in Astrocytes. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122622. [PMID: 33297299 PMCID: PMC7762321 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the most abundant water channel in the central nervous system (CNS). Its expression is confined to non-neuronal glial cells, predominantly to astrocytes that represent a heterogeneous glial cell type in the CNS. The membrane of astrocyte processes, which align brain capillaries and pia, is particularly rich in AQP4. Several isoforms of AQP4 have been described; however, only some (AQP4a (M1), AQP4 c (M23), AQP4e, and AQP4ex) have been identified in the plasma membrane assemblies of astrocytes termed orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs). Intracellular splicing isoforms (AQP4b, AQP4d, AQP4f, AQP4-Δ4) have been documented, and most of them are postulated to have a role in the cell surface distribution of the plasma membrane isoforms and in the formation of OAPs in murine and human astrocytes. Although OAPs have been proposed to play various roles in the functioning of astrocytes and CNS tissue as a whole, many of these still need to be described. OAPs are studied primarily from the perspective of understanding water permeability regulation through the plasma membrane and of their involvement in cell adhesion and in the dynamics of astrocytic processes. This review describes the cellular distribution of various AQP4 isoforms and their implications in OAP assembly, which is regulated by several intracellular and extracellular proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jernej Jorgačevski
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology—Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.J.); (R.Z.)
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology—Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.J.); (R.Z.)
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Potokar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology—Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.J.); (R.Z.)
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1543-7020; Fax: +386-1543-7036
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21
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Sundaram S, Hughes RL, Peterson E, Müller-Oehring EM, Brontë-Stewart HM, Poston KL, Faerman A, Bhowmick C, Schulte T. Establishing a framework for neuropathological correlates and glymphatic system functioning in Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 103:305-315. [PMID: 31132378 PMCID: PMC6692229 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence has advanced our understanding of the function of sleep to include removal of neurotoxic protein aggregates via the glymphatic system. However, most research on the glymphatic system utilizes animal models, and the function of waste clearance processes in humans remains unclear. Understanding glymphatic function offers new insight into the development of neurodegenerative diseases that result from toxic protein inclusions, particularly those characterized by neuropathological sleep dysfunction, like Parkinson's disease (PD). In PD, we propose that glymphatic flow may be compromised due to the combined neurotoxic effects of alpha-synuclein protein aggregates and deteriorated dopaminergic neurons that are linked to altered REM sleep, circadian rhythms, and clock gene dysfunction. This review highlights the importance of understanding the functional role of glymphatic system disturbance in neurodegenerative disorders and the subsequent clinical and neuropathological effects on disease progression. Future research initiatives utilizing noninvasive brain imaging methods in human subjects with PD are warranted, as in vivo identification of functional biomarkers in glymphatic system functioning may improve clinical diagnosis and treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Sundaram
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA; Neuroscience Program, Center for Health Sciences, Bioscience Division, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
| | - Rachel L Hughes
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
| | - Eric Peterson
- Neuroscience Program, Center for Health Sciences, Bioscience Division, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
| | - Eva M Müller-Oehring
- Neuroscience Program, Center for Health Sciences, Bioscience Division, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Helen M Brontë-Stewart
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Kathleen L Poston
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Afik Faerman
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
| | - Chloe Bhowmick
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
| | - Tilman Schulte
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA; Neuroscience Program, Center for Health Sciences, Bioscience Division, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
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22
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Li J, Jia Z, Xu W, Guo W, Zhang M, Bi J, Cao Y, Fan Z, Li G. TGN-020 alleviates edema and inhibits astrocyte activation and glial scar formation after spinal cord compression injury in rats. Life Sci 2019; 222:148-157. [PMID: 30851336 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Identifying drugs that inhibit edema and glial scar formation and increase neuronal survival is crucial to improving outcomes after spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we used 2-(nicotinamide)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (TGN-020), a potent selective inhibitor of aquaporin 4 (AQP4), to investigate the effects of TGN-020 on SCI in Sprague-Dawley rats. MAIN METHODS We compressed the spinal cord at T10 using a sterile impounder (35 g, 5 min), to induce moderate injury. TGN-020 (100 mg/kg) or an equal volume of 10% dimethyl sulfoxide was then administered via intraperitoneal injection. Neurological function was evaluated using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan open-field locomotor scale 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after SCI. The degree of edema was assessed via determination of the precise spinal cord water content 3 days after SCI. Expression levels of AQP4, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) were determined via western blotting and immunofluorescence staining 3 days after SCI and 4 weeks after SCI. Numbers of surviving neurons and glial scar sizes were determined using Nissl and hematoxylin-eosin staining, respectively. KEY FINDINGS Our results showed that TGN-020 promoted functional recovery at days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, as well as reduced the degree of edema and inhibited the expression of AQP4, GFAP, PCNA at days 3 after SCI. Furthermore, observations 4 weeks after SCI revealed that TGN-020 inhibited the glial scar formation and upregulated GAP-43 expression. SIGNIFICANCE TGN-020 can alleviate spinal cord edema, inhibit glial scar formation, and promote axonal regeneration, conferring beneficial effects on recovery in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Zhiqiang Jia
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Wen Xu
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Weidong Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Mingchao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Jing Bi
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases of Liaoning Province, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Zhongkai Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China.
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.
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23
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Aquaporin-4 Water Channel in the Brain and Its Implication for Health and Disease. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020090. [PMID: 30691235 PMCID: PMC6406241 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water channel expressed on astrocytic endfeet in the brain. The role of AQP4 has been studied in health and in a range of pathological conditions. Interest in AQP4 has increased since it was discovered to be the target antigen in the inflammatory autoimmune disease neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Emerging data suggest that AQP4 may also be implicated in the glymphatic system and may be involved in the clearance of beta-amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this review, we will describe the role of AQP4 in the adult and developing brain as well as its implication for disease.
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24
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Xue X, Zhang W, Zhu J, Chen X, Zhou S, Xu Z, Hu G, Su C. Aquaporin-4 deficiency reduces TGF-β1 in mouse midbrains and exacerbates pathology in experimental Parkinson's disease. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2568-2582. [PMID: 30680924 PMCID: PMC6433854 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the main water-selective membrane transport protein in the brain, is localized to the astrocyte plasma membrane. Following the establishment of a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) model, AQP4-deficient (AQP4-/- ) mice displayed significantly stronger microglial inflammatory responses and remarkably greater losses of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH+ )-positive neurons than did wild-type AQP4 (AQP4+/+ ) controls. Microglia are the most important immune cells that mediate immune inflammation in PD. However, recently, few studies have reported why AQP4 deficiency results in more severe hypermicrogliosis and neuronal damage after MPTP treatment. In this study, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a key suppressive cytokine in PD onset and development, failed to increase in the midbrain and peripheral blood of AQP4-/- mice after MPTP treatment. Furthermore, the lower level of TGF-β1 in AQP4-/- mice partially resulted from impairment of its generation by astrocytes; reduced TGF-β1 may partially contribute to the uncontrolled microglial inflammatory responses and subsequent severe loss of TH+ neurons in AQP4-/- mice after MPTP treatment. Our study provides not only a better understanding of both aetiological and pathogenical factors implicated in the neurodegenerative mechanism of PD but also a possible approach to developing new treatments for PD via intervention in AQP4-mediated immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Xue
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jifeng Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sha Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuan Su
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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25
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Cao X, Xu H, Feng W, Su D, Xiao M. Deletion of aquaporin-4 aggravates brain pathology after blocking of the meningeal lymphatic drainage. Brain Res Bull 2018; 143:83-96. [PMID: 30347264 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The glymphatic pathway and meningeal lymphatic vessels are involved in clearance of metabolic macromolecules from the brain. However, the functional interaction between the two systems in the maintenance of brain homeostasis remains unclear. Here we reported that deletion of aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a functional regulator of glymphatic clearance, aggravated brain pathology of 3 month-old mice after blocking of the meningeal lymphatic drainage for 2 weeks via ligation of the deep cervical lymphatic nodes (LdcLNs). LdcLNs increased total and phosphorylated Tau protein levels in the hippocampus of both genotype mice, but increased hippocampal amyloid beta 1-40 and 1-42 levels only in AQP4 null mice, with up-regulation of beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 and down-regulation of insulin degrading enzyme. Consistently, LdcLNs caused microglial reactivity and activation of nod-like receptor protein-3 inflammasomes in the AQP4 null hippocampus. These mice also showed hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and declines in exploring and cognitive abilities. Deletion of AQP4, but not LdcLNs, increased brain water content. Together, these findings have revealed respective and interactive roles of the glymphatic system and the dural lymphatic system in maintaining amyloid beta, Tau proteins and water homeostasis in the brain, helping to understand the pathogenesis of neurological diseases associated with mis-accumulation of brain macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejin Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Aging & Disease, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanrong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weixi Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Aging & Disease, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongyuan Su
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Aging & Disease, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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26
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Dai W, Yan J, Chen G, Hu G, Zhou X, Zeng X. AQP4‑knockout alleviates the lipopolysaccharide‑induced inflammatory response in astrocytes via SPHK1/MAPK/AKT signaling. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:1716-1722. [PMID: 29956748 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, aquaporin‑4 (AQP4) has been considered as a critical contributor to neuroinflammation, but little is known about the underlying mechanism. Previous studies have shown that a critical enzyme involved in the sphingomyelin cycle, sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), is implicated in inflammatory processes and contributes to chronic neuroinflammation. The present study investigated the role of AQP4 in proinflammatory cytokine release from astrocytes, with an emphasis on the SPHK1/mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. Using primary cultures isolated from AQP4+/+ and AQP4‑/‑ embryos, the production of tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α)/interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) from astrocytes challenged by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was compared. The results showed increased secretion of TNF‑α/IL‑6 in the two groups following LPS treatment, but a significantly lower level was observed in the AQP4‑/‑ group compared with that in the AQP4+/+ group. Although upregulation of SPHK1 was detected in the two genotypes, only a mild increase in SPHK1 was found in the AQP4‑/‑ genotype. The phosphorylation of MAPK/AKT was also confirmed to be attenuated in the AQP4‑/‑ group, suggesting decreased MAPK/AKT signaling over time in AQP4‑/‑ astrocytes. Overall, the study findings demonstrated that AQP4 deficiency alleviates proinflammatory cytokine release from astrocytes, in association with the SPHK1/MAPK/AKT pathway. This data improves our understanding of AQP4 in neuroinflammatory events, highlighting a novel profile of SPHK1 as a potential target for the treatment of CNS inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangshu Dai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R.China
| | - Junjun Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Jiujiang, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, P.R.China
| | - Guangzong Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R.China
| | - Gang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Xiqiao Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoning Zeng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R.China
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Lv Y, Dai W, Ge A, Fan Y, Hu G, Zeng Y. Aquaporin-4 knockout mice exhibit increased hypnotic susceptibility to ketamine. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00990. [PMID: 29745050 PMCID: PMC5991570 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examines anesthetic/hypnotic effects of ketamine in AQP4 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice with the particular focus on neurotransmission. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ketamine (100 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected in 16 WT and 16 KO mice. The hypnotic potencies were evaluated by the loss of the righting reflex (LORR). The amino acids neurotransmitter levels in prefrontal cortex were measured by microdialysis. RESULTS This study demonstrated that AQP4 knockout significantly shortened the latency compared with WT mice (98.0 ± 4.2 vs. 138.1 ± 15.0 s, p < .05) and prolonged duration of LORR (884.7 ± 58.6 vs. 562.0 ± 51.7 s, p < .05) compared with WT mice in LORR induced by ketamine. Microdialysis showed that lack of AQP4 markedly decreased glutamate level within 20 min (p < .05) and increased γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level within 30-40 min (p < .05) after use of ketamine. Moreover, the levels of taurine were remarkably higher in KO mice than in WT mice, but no obvious differences in aspartate were observed between two genotypes. CONCLUSION AQP4 deficiency led to more susceptibility of mice to ketamine, which is probably due to the modulation of specific neurotransmitters, hinting an essential maintenance of synaptic activity mediated by AQP4 in the action of ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunluo Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wangshu Dai
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ai Ge
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Fan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinming Zeng
- Jiangsu Province Institute of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Avola R, Graziano ACE, Pannuzzo G, Albouchi F, Cardile V. New insights on Parkinson's disease from differentiation of SH-SY5Y into dopaminergic neurons: An involvement of aquaporin4 and 9. Mol Cell Neurosci 2018; 88:212-221. [PMID: 29428877 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to explore the behavior of aquaporins (AQPs) in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease that is a recurrent neurodegenerative disorder caused by the gradual, progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Because of postmortem studies have provided evidences for oxidative damage and alteration of water flow and energy metabolism, we carried out an investigation about AQP4 and 9, demonstrated in the brain to maintain water and energy homeostasis. As an appropriate in vitro cell model, we used SH-SY5Y cultures and induced their differentiation into a mature dopaminergic neuron phenotype with retinoic acid (RA) alone or in association with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (MPA). The association RA plus MPA provided the most complete and mature neuron phenotype, as demonstrated by high levels of β-Tubulin III, MAP-2, and tyrosine hydroxylase. After validation of cell differentiation, the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and H2O2 were applied to reproduce a Parkinson's-like stress. The results confirmed RA/MPA differentiated SH-SY5Y as a useful in vitro system for studying neurotoxicity and for using in a MPTP and H2O2-induced Parkinson's disease cell model. Moreover, the data demonstrated that neuronal differentiation, neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress are strongly correlated with dynamic changes of AQP4 and 9 transcription and transduction. New in vitro and in vivo experiments are needed to confirm these innovative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Avola
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 97-95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Adriana Carol Eleonora Graziano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 97-95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Pannuzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 97-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdaous Albouchi
- Laboratoire Materiaux Molecules et Applications, Institut Preparatoire au Etude Scientifique et Technique, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, La Marsa, 2070 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Venera Cardile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 97-95123 Catania, Italy.
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Prydz A, Stahl K, Puchades M, Davarpaneh N, Nadeem M, Ottersen OP, Gundersen V, Amiry-Moghaddam M. Subcellular expression of aquaporin-4 in substantia nigra of normal and MPTP-treated mice. Neuroscience 2017; 359:258-266. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hubbard JA, Szu JI, Binder DK. The role of aquaporin-4 in synaptic plasticity, memory and disease. Brain Res Bull 2017; 136:118-129. [PMID: 28274814 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of aquaporins, it has become clear that the various mammalian aquaporins play critical physiological roles in water and ion balance in multiple tissues. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the principal aquaporin expressed in the central nervous system (CNS, brain and spinal cord), has been shown to mediate CNS water homeostasis. In this review, we summarize new and exciting studies indicating that AQP4 also plays critical and unanticipated roles in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Next, we consider the role of AQP4 in Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and stroke. Each of these conditions involves changes in AQP4 expression and/or distribution that may be functionally relevant to disease physiology. Insofar as AQP4 is exclusively expressed on astrocytes, these data provide new evidence of "astrocytopathy" in the etiology of diverse neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Hubbard
- Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, United States
| | - Jenny I Szu
- Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, United States
| | - Devin K Binder
- Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, United States.
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Zhou Y, Lu M, Du RH, Qiao C, Jiang CY, Zhang KZ, Ding JH, Hu G. MicroRNA-7 targets Nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome to modulate neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2016; 11:28. [PMID: 27084336 PMCID: PMC4833896 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-016-0094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background α-Synuclein (α-Syn), a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD), has been recognized to induce the production of interleukin-1β in a process that depends, at least in vitro, on nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in monocytes. However, the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the onset of PD has not yet been fully established. Results In this study, we showed that NLRP3 inflammasomes were activated in the serum of PD patients and the midbrain of PD model mice. We further clarified that α-syn activated the NLRP3 inflammasome through microglial endocytosis and subsequent lysosomal cathepsin B release. Deficiency of caspase-1, an important component of NLRP3 inflammasome, significantly inhibited α-syn-induced microglia activation and interleukin-1β production, which in turn alleviated the reduction of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons treated by microglia medium. Specifically, we demonstrated for the first time that Nlrp3 is a target gene of microRNA-7 (miR-7). Transfection of miR-7 inhibited microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation whereas anti-miR-7 aggravated inflammasome activation in vitro. Notably, stereotactical injection of miR-7 mimics into mouse striatum attenuated dopaminergic neuron degeneration accompanied by the amelioration of microglial activation in MPTP-induced PD model mice. Conclusions Our study provides a direct link between miR-7 and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of PD. These findings will give us an insight into the potential of miR-7 and NLRP3 inflammasome in terms of opening up novel therapeutic avenues for PD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13024-016-0094-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Ren-Hong Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Chen Qiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Chun-Yi Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Ke-Zhong Zhang
- Nanjing Medical University Hospital, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Jian-Hua Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China. .,Biomedical Functional Materials Collaborative Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China. .,Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
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Aquaporin-4 mediates communication between astrocyte and microglia: Implications of neuroinflammation in experimental Parkinson’s disease. Neuroscience 2016; 317:65-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Szu JI, Binder DK. The Role of Astrocytic Aquaporin-4 in Synaptic Plasticity and Learning and Memory. Front Integr Neurosci 2016; 10:8. [PMID: 26941623 PMCID: PMC4764708 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2016.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the predominant water channel expressed by astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). AQP4 is widely expressed throughout the brain, especially at the blood-brain barrier where AQP4 is highly polarized to astrocytic foot processes in contact with blood vessels. The bidirectional water transport function of AQP4 suggests its role in cerebral water balance in the CNS. The regulation of AQP4 has been extensively investigated in various neuropathological conditions such as cerebral edema, epilepsy, and ischemia, however, the functional role of AQP4 in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory is only beginning to be elucidated. In this review, we explore the current literature on AQP4 and its influence on long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD) in the hippocampus as well as the potential relationship between AQP4 and in learning and memory. We begin by discussing recent in vitro and in vivo studies using AQP4-null and wild-type mice, in particular, the impairment of LTP and LTD observed in the hippocampus. Early evidence using AQP4-null mice have suggested that impaired LTP and LTD is brain-derived neurotrophic factor dependent. Others have indicated a possible link between defective LTP and the downregulation of glutamate transporter-1 which is rescued by chronic treatment of β-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone. Furthermore, behavioral studies may shed some light into the functional role of AQP4 in learning and memory. AQP4-null mice performances utilizing Morris water maze, object placement tests, and contextual fear conditioning proposed a specific role of AQP4 in memory consolidation. All together, these studies highlight the potential influence AQP4 may have on long term synaptic plasticity and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devin K. Binder
- Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, RiversideCA, USA
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Zhang J, Yang B, Sun H, Zhou Y, Liu M, Ding J, Fang F, Fan Y, Hu G. Aquaporin-4 deficiency diminishes the differential degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in experimental Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Lett 2015; 614:7-15. [PMID: 26748031 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.12.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily due to the progressive, selective and irreversible loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Interestingly, DA neurons in the ventral and lateral SN are much more susceptible than adjacent dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) not only in human PD but in many PD model systems. However, the molecular causes of regional vulnerability in PD remain unknown. In our previous studies, we established acute PD animal models by administration of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine), and found that AQP4 knockout mice were significantly more prone to MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. Here, we further observe that AQP4 deficiency resulted in the same susceptible to MPTP between SN DA neuron and VTA neurons both in acute and chronic PD model. Moreover, we show that AQP4 deficiency increased the numbers of reactive astrocytes and microglias not only in the SN and but also in the VTA under basal and MPTP-induced situations. Meanwhile, AQP4 deficiency disrupted the balance of the pro-inflammatory cytokine/neurotrophin in midbrain. Taken together, these results demonstrate that glial AQP4 is involved in the susceptibility differences of DA neurons between SN and VTA, although the precise mechanism of AQP4 remains to be explored. Moreover, these findings also suggest that these susceptibility differences are not only due to intrinsic neuronal factors, but also attribute to differences in astrocytes of these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, the First AffiliaMACted Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Beibei Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Hongbin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Mengdi Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jianhua Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Feng Fang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yi Fan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
| | - Gang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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Xu Z, Xiao N, Chen Y, Huang H, Marshall C, Gao J, Cai Z, Wu T, Hu G, Xiao M. Deletion of aquaporin-4 in APP/PS1 mice exacerbates brain Aβ accumulation and memory deficits. Mol Neurodegener 2015; 10:58. [PMID: 26526066 PMCID: PMC4631089 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-015-0056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preventing or reducing amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation in the brain is an important therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent studies showed that the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) mediates soluble Aβ clearance from the brain parenchyma along the paravascular pathway. However the direct evidence for roles of AQP4 in the pathophysiology of AD remains absent. Results Here, we reported that the deletion of AQP4 exacerbated cognitive deficits of 12-moth old APP/PS1 mice, with increases in Aβ accumulation, cerebral amyloid angiopathy and loss of synaptic protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, AQP4 deficiency increased atrophy of astrocytes with significant decreases in interleukin-1 beta and nonsignficant decreases in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in hippocampal and cerebral samples. Conclusions These results suggest that AQP4 attenuates Aβ pathogenesis despite its potentially inflammatory side-effects, thus serving as a promising target for treating AD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13024-015-0056-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Na Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Yali Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Huang Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Charles Marshall
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health, Hazard, KY, USA
| | - Junying Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Zhiyou Cai
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China.
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Maertens A, Luechtefeld T, Kleensang A, Hartung T. MPTP's pathway of toxicity indicates central role of transcription factor SP1. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:743-55. [PMID: 25851821 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1509-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Deriving a Pathway of Toxicity from transcriptomic data remains a challenging task. We explore the use of weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to extract an initial network from a small microarray study of MPTP toxicity in mice. Five modules were statistically significant; each module was analyzed for gene signatures in the Chemical and Genetic Perturbation subset of the Molecular Signatures Database as well as for over-represented transcription factor binding sites and WGCNA clustered probes by function and captured pathways relevant to neurodegenerative disorders. The resulting network was analyzed for transcription factor candidates, which were narrowed down via text-mining for relevance to the disease model, and then combined with the large-scale interaction FANTOM4 database to generate a genetic regulatory network. Modules were enriched for transcription factors relevant to Parkinson's disease. Transcription factors significantly improved the number of genes that could be connected in a given component. For each module, the transcription factor that had, by far, the highest number of interactions was SP1, and it also had substantial experimental evidence of interactions. This analysis both captures much of the known biology of MPTP toxicity and suggests several candidates for further study. Furthermore, the analysis strongly suggests that SP1 plays a central role in coordinating the cellular response to MPTP toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Maertens
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Estrogen receptor β and Liver X receptor β: biology and therapeutic potential in CNS diseases. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:18-22. [PMID: 24662928 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade of the twentieth century, two nuclear receptors were discovered in our laboratory and, very surprisingly, were found to have key roles in the central nervous system. These receptors have provided some novel insights into the etiology and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and anxiety disorders. The two receptors are estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and liver X receptor beta (LXRβ). Both ERβ and LXRβ have potent anti-inflammatory activities and, in addition, LXRβ is involved in the genesis of dopaminergic neurons during development and protection of these neurons against neurodegeneration in adult life. ERβ is involved in migration of cortical neurons and calretinin-positive GABAergic interneurons during development and maintenance of serotonergic neurons in adults. Both receptors are present in magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamic preoptic area including those expressing vasopressin and oxytocin. As both ERβ and LXRβ are ligand-activated transcription factors, their ligands hold great potential in the treatment of diseases of the CNS.
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Oxidative pathology and AQP4 mRNA expression in patients of Parkinson's disease in Tamil Nadu. Ann Neurosci 2014; 18:109-12. [PMID: 25205934 PMCID: PMC4116947 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.1118306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) typically appears in late middle aged and elderly persons and progresses over a period of several years. It is characterised by defective motor and cognitive function. Oxidative stress is believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of PD. PURPOSE The objective of the study was to assess the oxidative burden and mRNA expression of AQP4 related to oxidative pathology of PD related symptoms of Hoehn and Yahr stages. METHODS The study included 30 healthy controls and 90 PD patients who were undergoing treatment. The blood samples were collected and analyzed for biochemical assays and whole blood DNA was used for mRNA expression of AQP4 using RT-PCR. RESULTS The level of SOD, CAT and Gpx were found to be decreased while there was increase in LPO when compared to the healthy controls. The levels of SOD, CAT in stage III were significantly decreased when compared with stage I. The mRNA expression of AQP4 was found to be reduced when compared with that of healthy control samples. There was no variation in observed oxidative burden and the AQP4 mRNA expression among the different stages of disease. CONCLUSION Based on the results obtained this study may be helpful in validating novel approach to treatment of PD by advancing antioxidant strategies.
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Xiao M, Hu G. Involvement of aquaporin 4 in astrocyte function and neuropsychiatric disorders. CNS Neurosci Ther 2014; 20:385-90. [PMID: 24712483 PMCID: PMC6493026 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the main water channel in the central nervous system (CNS) and specifically localized to astrocyte processes. Recent studies indicate that AQP4 regulates various biological functions of astrocytes, including maintaining CNS water balance, spatial buffering of extracellular potassium, calcium signal transduction, regulation of neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and adult neurogenesis, while under neuropathological conditions, AQP4 has a role in astrogliosis and proinflammatory cytokine secretion. In addition, accumulating evidence suggests that, besides cerebral edema, neuromyelitis optica and epilepsy, AQP4 participates in the onset and progression of Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, depression, and drug addiction. This review summarizes recent findings and highlights the involvement of AQP4 in astrocyte function and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Kong H, Zeng XN, Fan Y, Yuan ST, Ge S, Xie WP, Wang H, Hu G. Aquaporin-4 knockout exacerbates corticosterone-induced depression by inhibiting astrocyte function and hippocampal neurogenesis. CNS Neurosci Ther 2014; 20:391-402. [PMID: 24422972 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The predominant expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in the brain implies that this water channel may be involved in a range of brain disorders. This study was designed to investigate the role of AQP4 in the pathogenesis of depression, and related possible biological mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS Wild-type (AQP4(+/+) ) and AQP4 knockout (AQP4(-/-) ) mice were given daily subcutaneous injections of corticosterone (20 mg/kg) for consecutive 21 days. Forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) showed longer immobility times in corticosterone-treated AQP4(-/-) genotype, indicating AQP4 knockout exacerbated depressive-like behaviors in mice. Using immunohistological staining, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we found a significant loss of astrocytes, aggravated downregulation of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), synapsin-1, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the hippocampus of AQP4(-/-) mice. Moreover, even less hippocampal neurogenesis was identified in corticosterone-treated AQP4(-/-) mice in vivo and hippocampus-derived adult neural stem cells (ANSCs) in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest AQP4 involves the pathogenesis of depression by modulating astrocytic function and adult neurogenesis, highlighting a novel profile of AQP4 as a potential target for the treatment for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Kong
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Aquaporin-4 mitigates retrograde degeneration of rubrospinal neurons by facilitating edema clearance and glial scar formation after spinal cord injury in mice. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 49:1327-37. [PMID: 24390474 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8607-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Atrophy of upper motor neurons hampers axonal regeneration and functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). Apart from the severity of primary injury, a series of secondary pathological damages including spinal cord edema and glial scar formation affect the fate of injured upper motor neurons. The aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channel plays a critical role in water homeostasis and migration of astrocytes in the central nervous system, probably offering a new therapeutic target for protecting against upper motor neuron degeneration after SCI. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of AQP4 deficiency on atrophy of rubrospinal neurons after unilateral rubrospinal tract transection at the fourth cervical level in mice. AQP4 gene knockout (AQP4-/-) mice exhibited high extent of spinal cord edema at 72 h after lesion compared with wild-type littermates. AQP4-/- mice showed impairments in astrocyte migration toward the transected site with a greater lesion volume at 1 week after surgery and glial scar formation with a larger cyst volume at 6 weeks. More severe atrophy and loss of axotomized rubrospinal neurons as well as axonal degeneration in the rubrospinal tract rostral to the lesion were observed in AQP4-/- mice at 6 weeks after SCI. AQP4 expression was downregulated at the lesioned spinal segment at 3 days and 1 week after injury, but upregulated at 6 weeks. These results demonstrated that AQP4 not only mitigates spinal cord damage but also ameliorates retrograde degeneration of rubrospinal neurons by promoting edema clearance and glial scar formation after laceration SCI. This finding supports the notion that AQP4 may be a promising therapeutic target for SCI.
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Zhang J, Li Y, Chen ZG, Dang H, Ding JH, Fan Y, Hu G. Glia protein aquaporin-4 regulates aversive motivation of spatial memory in Morris water maze. CNS Neurosci Ther 2013; 19:937-44. [PMID: 24165567 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Although extensive investigation has revealed that an astrocyte-specific protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) participates in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory, a functional relationship between AQP4 and learning processing has not been clearly established. This study was designed to test our hypothesis that AQP4 modulates the aversive motivation in Morris water maze (MWM). METHODS AND RESULTS Using hidden platform training, we observed that AQP4 KO mice significantly decreased their swimming velocity compared with wild-type (WT) mice. To test for a relationship between velocities and escape motivation, we removed the platform and subjected a new group of mice similar to the session of hidden platform training. We found that KO mice exhibited a gradual reduction in swimming velocity, while WT mice did not alter their velocity. In the subsequent probe trial, KO mice after no platform training significantly decreased their mean velocity compared with those KO mice after hide platform training. However, all of KO mice were not impaired in their ability to locate a visible, cued escape platform. CONCLUSIONS Our findings, along with a previous report that AQP4 regulates memory consolidation, implicate a novel role for this glial protein in modulating the aversive motivation in spatial learning paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Aggravated inflammation and increased expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors in the brain after focal cerebral ischemia in AQP4-deficient mice. Neurosci Bull 2012; 28:680-92. [PMID: 23132680 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-012-1281-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the main water channel protein in the brain, plays a critical role in water homeostasis and brain edema. Here, we investigated its role in the inflammatory responses after focal cerebral ischemia. METHODS In AQP4-knockout (KO) and wild-type mice, focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 30 min of middle cerebral arterial occlusion (MCAO). Ischemic neuronal injury and cellular inflammatory responses, as well as the expression and localization of cysteinyl leukotriene CysLT(2) and CysLT(1) receptors, were determined at 24 and 72 h after MCAO. RESULTS AQP4-KO mice showed more neuronal loss, more severe microglial activation and neutrophil infiltration, but less astrocyte proliferation in the brain after MCAO than wild-type mice. In addition, the protein levels of both CysLT(1) and CysLT(2) receptors were up-regulated in the ischemic brain, and the up-regulation was more pronounced in AQP4-KO mice. The CysLT(1) and CysLT(2) receptors were primarily localized in neurons, microglia and neutrophils; those localized in microglia and neutrophils were enhanced in AQP4-KO mice. CONCLUSION AQP4 may play an inhibitory role in postischemic inflammation.
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Zeng XN, Xie LL, Liang R, Sun XL, Fan Y, Hu G. AQP4 knockout aggravates ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2012; 18:388-94. [PMID: 22533723 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2012.00308.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The glial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) has been shown to be involved in a wide range of brain disorders. Although its important role in stroke has already been documented, the underlying mechanism was not clarified yet. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the impacts of AQP4 deletion in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHODS AND RESULTS Herein we found a higher mortality and more severe neurological deficits in AQP4 knockout (AQP4(-/-)) mice after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion while no difference was observed in water content variation during I/R between two genotypes except a higher basal water content developed in AQP4(-/-) mouse brain, implying the same increment of water content over a higher basal level may provoke an even more elevated intracranial pressure, which might be an important cause of increased mortality in AQP4(-/-) mice. Moreover, AQP4 knockout aggravated I/R injury with enlarged infarct size and a more serious loss of CA1 neurons accompanied by a striking hypertrophy of astrocytes, suggesting an involvement of AQP4 in astrocytic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide direct evidence that AQP4 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of I/R injury, which may confer a new option for stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ning Zeng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, China
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Ding H, Wang Q, Liu J, Qian W, Wang W, Wang J, Gao R, Xiao H. Alterations of gene expression of sodium channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons of estrogen receptor knockout (ERKO) mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Endocrine 2012; 42:118-24. [PMID: 22371119 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-012-9637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) mediate the neuroprotection of estrogens against MPTP-induced striatal dopamine (DA) depletion. Pain is an important and distressing symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Voltage-gated sodium channels in sensory neurons are involved in the development of neuropathic pain. In this study, MPTP caused changes in nociception and alterations of gene expression of voltage-gated sodium channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in ER knockout (ERKO) mice were investigated. We found that administration of MPTP (11 mg/kg) to WT mice led to an extensive depletion of DA and its two metabolites, αERKO mice were observed to be more susceptible to MPTP toxicity than βERKO or WT mice. In addition, we found that the mRNA levels of TTX-S and TTX-R sodium channel subtypes were differentially affected in MPTP-treated WT animals. The MPTP-induced up-regulation of Nav1.1 and Nav1.9, down-regulation of Nav1.6 in DRG neurons may be through ERβ, up-regulation of Nav1.7 and down-regulation of Nav1.8 are dependent on both ERα and ERβ. Therefore, the MPTP-induced alterations of gene expression of sodium channels in DRG neurons could be an important mechanism to affect excitability and nociceptive thresholds, and the ERs appear to play a role in nociception in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Ding
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
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Aquaporin-4 deficiency impairs synaptic plasticity and associative fear memory in the lateral amygdala: involvement of downregulation of glutamate transporter-1 expression. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:1867-78. [PMID: 22473056 PMCID: PMC3376319 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are implicated in information processing, signal transmission, and regulation of synaptic plasticity. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the major water channel in adult brain and is primarily expressed in astrocytes. A growing body of evidence indicates that AQP4 is a potential molecular target for the regulation of astrocytic function. However, little is known about the role of AQP4 in synaptic plasticity in the amygdala. Therefore, we evaluated long-term potentiation (LTP) in the lateral amygdala (LA) and associative fear memory of AQP4 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice. We found that AQP4 deficiency impaired LTP in the thalamo-LA pathway and associative fear memory. Furthermore, AQP4 deficiency significantly downregulated glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) expression and selectively increased NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated EPSCs in the LA. However, low concentration of NMDAR antagonist reversed the impairment of LTP in KO mice. Upregulating GLT-1 expression by chronic treatment with ceftriaxone also reversed the impairment of LTP and fear memory in KO mice. These findings imply a role for AQP4 in synaptic plasticity and associative fear memory in the amygdala by regulating GLT-1 expression.
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Shi WZ, Qi LL, Fang SH, Lu YB, Zhang WP, Wei EQ. Aggravated chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia in aquaporin-4-deficient mice. Neurosci Lett 2012; 520:121-5. [PMID: 22634625 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is important in brain water homeostasis, and is also involved in astrocyte growth and glial scar formation. It has been reported that AQP4 deficiency attenuates acute ischemic brain injury as a result of reducing cytotoxic edema. Here, we determined whether AQP4 deficiency influences chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia induced by 30 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). AQP4(-/-) mice exhibited a lower survival rate and less body weight gain than wild-type mice, but their neurological deficits were similar to wild-type mice during 35 days after MCAO. At 35 days after MCAO, AQP4(-/-) mice showed more severe brain atrophy and cavity formation in the ischemic hemisphere as well as more neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Furthermore, astrocyte proliferation and glial scar formation were impaired in AQP4(-/-) mice. Therefore, AQP4 deficiency complicated by astrocyte dysfunction aggravates chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia, suggesting that AQP4 may be important in the chronic phase of the post-ischemic recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Zhen Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience Research and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 388 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Liu Y, Hu J, Wu J, Zhu C, Hui Y, Han Y, Huang Z, Ellsworth K, Fan W. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated neuroprotection against dopaminergic neuron loss in an MPTP mouse model via inhibition of astrocyte activation. J Neuroinflammation 2012; 9:98. [PMID: 22624500 PMCID: PMC3416733 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-9-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although evidence suggests that the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is lower in smokers than in non-smokers, the mechanisms of nicotine-induced neuroprotection remain unclear. Stimulation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) seems to be a crucial mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory potential of cholinergic agonists in immune cells, including astrocytes, and inhibition of astrocyte activation has been proposed as a novel strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as PD. The objective of the present study was to determine whether nicotine-induced neuroprotection in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model occurs via α7-nAChR-mediated inhibition of astrocytes. Methods Both in vivo (MPTP) and in vitro (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) models of PD were used to investigate the role(s) of and possible mechanism(s) by which α7-nAChRs protect against dopaminergic neuron loss. Multiple experimental approaches, including behavioral tests, immunochemistry, and stereology experiments, astrocyte cell cultures, reverse transcriptase PCR, laser scanning confocal microscopy, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α assays, and western blotting, were used to elucidate the mechanisms of the α7-nAChR-mediated neuroprotection. Results Systemic administration of nicotine alleviated MPTP-induced behavioral symptoms, improved motor coordination, and protected against dopaminergic neuron loss and the activation of astrocytes and microglia in the substantia nigra. The protective effects of nicotine were abolished by administration of the α7-nAChR-selective antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA). In primary cultured mouse astrocytes, pretreatment with nicotine suppressed MPP+-induced or LPS-induced astrocyte activation, as evidenced by both decreased production of TNF-α and inhibition of extracellular regulated kinase1/2 (Erk1/2) and p38 activation in astrocytes, and these effects were also reversed by MLA. Conclusion Taken together, our results suggest that α7-nAChR-mediated inhibition of astrocyte activation is an important mechanism underlying the protective effects of nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guang Zhou Road 300, Nanjing 210029, China
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Yang W, Wu Q, Yuan C, Gao J, Xiao M, Gu M, Ding J, Hu G. Aquaporin-4 mediates astrocyte response to β-amyloid. Mol Cell Neurosci 2012; 49:406-14. [PMID: 22365952 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that the water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) plays an important role in astrocyte plasticity in response to a variety of injuries or stimuli. However, the potential role of AQP4 in astrocyte response to β-amyloid (Aβ) has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate this issue. Compared to media control, the lower concentrations of Aβ(1-42) (0.1-1 μM) increased AQP4 expression in cultured mouse cortical astrocytes, while the higher concentrations of Aβ(1-42) (10 μM) decreased AQP4 expression. AQP4 gene knockout reduced Aβ(1-42)-induced astrocyte activation and apoptosis, which was associated with a reduction in the uptake of Aβ via decreased upregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein-1. Moreover, time-course and levels of Aβ(1-42)-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation were altered in AQP4 null astrocytes compared with wild-type controls. Our data reveal a novel role of AQP4 in the uptake of Aβ by astrocytes, indicating that AQP4 is a molecular target for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, PR China
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Aquaporin-4 deficiency exacerbates brain oxidative damage and memory deficits induced by long-term ovarian hormone deprivation and D-galactose injection. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 15:55-68. [PMID: 21281561 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145711000022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte dysfunction is implicated in pathogenesis of certain neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A growing body of evidence indicates that water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a potential molecular target for the regulation astrocyte function. Recently, we reported that AQP4 expression was increased in the hippocampus of an AD mouse model established by long-term ovarian hormone deprivation combined with D-galactose (D-gal) exposure. However, pathophysiological roles and mechanisms of AQP4 up-regulation remain unclear. To address this issue, age-matched female wild-type and AQP4 null mice underwent ovariectomy, followed by D-gal administration for 8 wk. AQP4 null mice showed more severe brain oxidative stress, spatial learning and memory deficits, and basal forebrain cholinergic impairment than the wild-type controls. Notably, AQP4 null hippocampus contained more prominent amyloid-β production and loss of synapse-related proteins. These results suggested that ovariectomy and D-gal injection induced oxidative damage results in compensatory increases of AQP4 expression, and deficiency of AQP4 exacerbates brain oxidative stress and memory deficits. Therefore, regulation of astrocyte function by AQP4 may attenuate oxidative damage, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.
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