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Castillo-Vazquez SK, Massieu L, Rincón-Heredia R, García-delaTorre P, Quiroz-Baez R, Gomez-Verjan JC, Rivero-Segura NA. Glutamatergic Neurotransmission in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Potential Target to Improve Cognitive Impairment in Aging. Arch Med Res 2024; 55:103039. [PMID: 38981341 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103039] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by the decline in many of the individual's capabilities. It has been recognized that the brain undergoes structural and functional changes during aging that are occasionally associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this sense, altered glutamatergic neurotransmission, which involves the release, binding, reuptake, and degradation of glutamate (Glu) in the brain, has been widely studied in physiological and pathophysiological aging. In particular, changes in glutamatergic neurotransmission are exacerbated during neurodegenerative diseases and are associated with cognitive impairment, characterized by difficulties in memory, learning, concentration, and decision-making. Thus, in the present manuscript, we aim to highlight the relevance of glutamatergic neurotransmission during cognitive impairment to develop novel strategies to prevent, ameliorate, or delay cognitive decline. To achieve this goal, we provide a comprehensive review of the changes reported in glutamatergic neurotransmission components, such as Glu transporters and receptors during physiological aging and in the most studied neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we describe the current therapeutic strategies developed to target glutamatergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Karime Castillo-Vazquez
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Massieu
- Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ruth Rincón-Heredia
- Unidad de Imagenología, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paola García-delaTorre
- 4 Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica y en Servicios de Salud, Área de Envejecimiento, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City Mexico
| | - Ricardo Quiroz-Baez
- Dirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City, Mexico
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Jong Huat T, Camats-Perna J, Newcombe EA, Onraet T, Campbell D, Sucic JT, Martini A, Forner S, Mirzaei M, Poon W, LaFerla FM, Medeiros R. The impact of astrocytic NF-κB on healthy and Alzheimer's disease brains. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14305. [PMID: 38906984 PMCID: PMC11192733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65248-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a role in healthy cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The transcriptional factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) drives astrocyte diversity, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. By combining studies in human brains and animal models and selectively manipulating NF-κB function in astrocytes, we deepened the understanding of the role of astrocytic NF-κB in brain health and AD. In silico analysis of bulk and cell-specific transcriptomic data revealed the association of NF-κB and astrocytes in AD. Confocal studies validated the higher level of p50 NF-κB and phosphorylated-p65 NF-κB in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+-astrocytes in AD versus non-AD subjects. In the healthy mouse brain, chronic activation of astrocytic NF-κB disturbed the proteomic milieu, causing a loss of mitochondrial-associated proteins and the rise of inflammatory-related proteins. Sustained NF-κB signaling also led to microglial reactivity, production of pro-inflammatory mediators, and buildup of senescence-related protein p16INK4A in neurons. However, in an AD mouse model, NF-κB inhibition accelerated β-amyloid and tau accumulation. Molecular biology studies revealed that astrocytic NF-κB activation drives the increase in GFAP and inflammatory proteins and aquaporin-4, a glymphatic system protein that assists in mitigating AD. Our investigation uncovered fundamental mechanisms by which NF-κB enables astrocytes' neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tee Jong Huat
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Stem Cell Ageing and Regenerative Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Judith Camats-Perna
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Estella A Newcombe
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tessa Onraet
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Campbell
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josiah T Sucic
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alessandra Martini
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA
| | - Stefânia Forner
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Clinical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wayne Poon
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA
| | - Frank M LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rodrigo Medeiros
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, 92697-4545, USA.
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Syvänen V, Koistinaho J, Lehtonen Š. Identification of the abnormalities in astrocytic functions as potential drug targets for neurodegenerative disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:603-616. [PMID: 38409817 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2322988] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Historically, astrocytes were seen primarily as a supportive cell population within the brain; with neurodegenerative disease research focusing exclusively on malfunctioning neurons. However, astrocytes perform numerous tasks that are essential for maintenance of the central nervous system`s complex processes. Disruption of these functions can have negative consequences; hence, it is unsurprising to observe a growing amount of evidence for the essential role of astrocytes in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting astrocytic functions may serve as a potential disease-modifying drug therapy in the future. AREAS COVERED The present review emphasizes the key astrocytic functions associated with neurodegenerative diseases and explores the possibility of pharmaceutical interventions to modify these processes. In addition, the authors provide an overview of current advancement in this field by including studies of possible drug candidates. EXPERT OPINION Glial research has experienced a significant renaissance in the last quarter-century. Understanding how disease pathologies modify or are caused by astrocyte functions is crucial when developing treatments for brain diseases. Future research will focus on building advanced models that can more precisely correlate to the state in the human brain, with the goal of routinely testing therapies in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valtteri Syvänen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, and Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Perrin F, Sinha P, Mitchell SPC, Sadek M, Maesako M, Berezovska O. Identification of PS1/gamma-secretase and glutamate transporter GLT-1 interaction sites. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107172. [PMID: 38499151 PMCID: PMC11015137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107172] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The recently discovered interaction between Presenilin 1 (PS1), a catalytic subunit of γ-secretase responsible for generating amyloid-β peptides, and GLT-1, a major glutamate transporter in the brain (EAAT2), provides a mechanistic link between these two key factors involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Modulating this interaction can be crucial to understand the consequence of such crosstalk in AD context and beyond. However, the interaction sites between these two proteins are unknown. Herein, we utilized an alanine scanning approach coupled with FRET-based fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to identify the interaction sites between PS1 and GLT-1 in their native environment within intact cells. We found that GLT-1 residues at position 276 to 279 (TM5) and PS1 residues at position 249 to 252 (TM6) are crucial for GLT-1-PS1 interaction. These results have been cross validated using AlphaFold Multimer prediction. To further investigate whether this interaction of endogenously expressed GLT-1 and PS1 can be prevented in primary neurons, we designed PS1/GLT-1 cell-permeable peptides (CPPs) targeting the PS1 or GLT-1 binding site. We used HIV TAT domain to allow for cell penetration which was assayed in neurons. First, we assessed the toxicity and penetration of CPPs by confocal microscopy. Next, to ensure the efficiency of CPPs, we monitored the modulation of GLT-1-PS1 interaction in intact neurons by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. We saw significantly less interaction between PS1 and GLT-1 with both CPPs. Our study establishes a new tool to study the functional aspect of GLT-1-PS1 interaction and its relevance in normal physiology and AD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Perrin
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Priyanka Sinha
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shane Patrick Clancy Mitchell
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Sadek
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Masato Maesako
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Oksana Berezovska
- MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.
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Li L, Li W, Jiang W, Xu R. Sulbactam protects neurons against double neurotoxicity of amyloid beta and glutamate load by upregulating glial glutamate transporter 1. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:64. [PMID: 38320997 PMCID: PMC10847450 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01827-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid beta (Abeta) synergistically enhances excitotoxicity of glutamate load by impairing glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) expression and function, which exacerbates the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our previous studies suggested that sulbactam can upregulate the expression levels and capacity of GLT1. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether sulbactam improves neuronal tolerance against neurotoxicity of Abeta and glutamate load by up-regulating GLT1 in primary neuron-astrocyte co-cultures. Early postnatal P0-P1 Wistar rat pups' cortices were collected for primary neuron-astrocyte cultures. Hoechst-propidium iodide (HO-PI) stain and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were used to analyze neuronal death. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) was applied to determine cell viability. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to assess protein expressions including GLT1, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), BCL2 associated X (BAX), and cleaved caspase 3 (CCP3). Under the double effect of Abeta and glutamate load, more neurons were lost than that induced by Abeta or glutamate alone, shown as decreased cell viability, increased LDH concentration in the cultural medium, HO-PI positive stains, high CCP3 expression, and high BAX/BCL2 ratio resulting from increased BAX and decreased BCL2 expressions. Notably, pre-incubation with sulbactam significantly attenuated the neuronal loss and activation of apoptosis induced by both Abeta and glutamate in a dose-dependent manner. Simultaneously, both astrocytic and neuronal GLT1 expressions were upregulated after sulbactam incubation. Taken together, it could be concluded that sulbactam protected neurons against double neurotoxicity of Abeta and glutamate load by upregulating GLT1 expression. The conclusion provides evidence for potential intervention using sulbactam in AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- The Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
| | - Wenbin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei Vascular Homeostasis Key Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Renhao Xu
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei Vascular Homeostasis Key Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Alasmari MS, Almohammed OA, Hammad AM, Altulayhi KA, Alkadi BK, Alasmari AF, Alqahtani F, Sari Y, Alasmari F. Effects of Beta Lactams on Behavioral Outcomes of Substance Use Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies. Neuroscience 2024; 537:58-83. [PMID: 38036059 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.11.014] [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] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preclinical studies demonstrated that beta-lactams have neuroprotective effects in conditions involving glutamate neuroexcitotoxicity, including substance use disorders (SUDs). This meta-analysis aims to analyze the existing evidences on the effects of beta-lactams as glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) upregulators in animal models of SUDs, identification of gaps in the literature, and setting the stage for potential translation into clinical phases. METHODS Meta-analysis was conducted on preclinical studies retrieved systematically from MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases. Abused substances were identified by refereeing to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The results were quantitatively described with a focus on the behavioral outcomes. Treatment effect sizes were described using standardized mean difference, and they were pooled using random effect model. I2-statistic was used to assess heterogeneity, and Funnel plot and Egger's test were used for assessment of publication bias. RESULTS Literature search yielded a total of 71 studies that were eligible to be included in the analysis. Through these studies, the effects of beta-lactams were evaluated in animal models of nicotine, cannabis, amphetamines, synthetic cathinone, opioids, ethanol, and cocaine use disorders as well as steroids-related aggressive behaviors. Meta-analysis showed that treatments with beta-lactams consistently reduced the pooled undesired effects of the abused substances in several paradigms, including drug-self administration, conditioned place preference, drug seeking behaviors, hyperlocomotion, withdrawal syndromes, tolerance to analgesic effects, hyperalgesia, and hyperthermia. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis revealed that enhancing GLT-1 expression in the brain through beta-lactams seemed to be a promising treatment approach in the context of substance use disorders, as indicated by results in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar A Almohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa M Hammad
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Khalid A Altulayhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader K Alkadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faleh Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Youssef Sari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
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Vázquez-Durán DL, Ortega A, Rodríguez A. Amino Acid Transporters Proteins Involved in the Glutamate-Glutamine Cycle and Their Alterations in Murine Models of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03966-3. [PMID: 38273046 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03966-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The brain's ability to integrate external stimuli and generate responses is highly complex. While these mechanisms are not completely understood, current evidence suggests that alterations in cellular metabolism and microenvironment are involved in some dysfunctions as complex as Alzheimer's disease. This pathology courses with defects in the establishment of chemical synapses, which is dependent on the production and supply of neurotransmitters like glutamate and its recycling through the glutamate-glutamine cycle. Alterations in the expression and function of the amino acid transporters proteins involved in this cycle have recently been reported in different stages of Alzheimer's disease. Most of these data come from patients in advanced stages of the disease or post-mortem, due to the ethical and technical limitations of human studies. Therefore, genetically modified mouse models have been an excellent tool to analyze metabolic and even behavioral parameters that are very similar to those that develop in Alzheimer's disease, even at presymptomatic stages. Hence, this paper analyzes the role of glutamate metabolism and its intercellular trafficking in excitatory synapses from different approaches using transgenic mouse models; such an analysis will contribute to our present understanding of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Departamento de Toxicología, Cinvestav- IPN, Mexico City, México
| | - Angelina Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, México.
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Raghib MF, Bernitsas E. From Animal Models to Clinical Trials: The Potential of Antimicrobials in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3069. [PMID: 38002068 PMCID: PMC10668955 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Microbes, including bacteria and certain viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have been linked to the pathogenesis of MS. While there is currently no cure for MS, antibiotics and antivirals have been studied as potential treatment options due to their immunomodulatory ability that results in the regulation of the immune process. The current issue addressed in this systematic review is the effect of antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antiparasitic agents in animals and humans. We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus for articles on antimicrobials in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal models of MS, as well as in people with MS (pwMS). In animal models, antibiotics tested included beta-lactams, minocycline, rapamycin, macrolides, and doxycycline. Antivirals included acyclovir, valacyclovir, and ganciclovir. Hydroxychloroquine was the only antiparasitic that was tested. In pwMS, we identified a total of 24 studies, 17 of them relevant to antibiotics, 6 to antivirals, and 1 relevant to antiparasitic hydroxychloroquine. While the effect of antimicrobials in animal models was promising, only minocycline and hydroxychloroquine improved outcome measures in pwMS. No favorable effect of the antivirals in humans has been observed yet. The number and size of clinical trials testing antimicrobials have been limited. Large, multicenter, well-designed studies are needed to further evaluate the effect of antimicrobials in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faraz Raghib
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - Evanthia Bernitsas
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
- Sastry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Perrin F, Anderson LC, Mitchell SPC, Sinha P, Turchyna Y, Maesako M, Houser MCQ, Zhang C, Wagner SL, Tanzi RE, Berezovska O. PS1/gamma-secretase acts as rogue chaperone of glutamate transporter EAAT2/GLT-1 in Alzheimer's disease. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3495211. [PMID: 37986905 PMCID: PMC10659539 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3495211/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The recently discovered interaction between presenilin 1 (PS1), a catalytic subunit of γ-secretase responsible for the generation of amyloid-β(Aβ) peptides, and GLT-1, the major glutamate transporter in the brain (EAAT2 in the human) may provide a mechanistic link between two important pathological aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD): abnormal Aβoccurrence and neuronal network hyperactivity. In the current study, we employed a FRET-based approach, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), to characterize the PS1/GLT-1 interaction in its native environment in the brain tissue of sporadic AD (sAD) patients. There was significantly less interaction between PS1 and GLT-1 in sAD brains, compared to tissue from patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), or non-demented age-matched controls. Since PS1 has been shown to adopt pathogenic "closed" conformation in sAD but not in FTLD, we assessed the impact of changes in PS1 conformation on the interaction. Familial AD (fAD) PS1 mutations which induce a "closed" PS1 conformation similar to that in sAD brain and gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs) which induce a "relaxed" conformation, reduced and increased the interaction, respectively. This indicates that PS1 conformation seems to have a direct effect on the interaction with GLT-1. Furthermore, using biotinylation/streptavidin pull-down, western blotting, and cycloheximide chase assays, we determined that the presence of PS1 increased GLT-1 cell surface expression and GLT-1 homomultimer formation, but did not impact GLT-1 protein stability. Together, the current findings suggest that the newly described PS1/GLT-1 interaction endows PS1 with chaperone activity, modulating GLT-1 transport to the cell surface and stabilizing the dimeric-trimeric states of the protein. The diminished PS1/GLT-1 interaction suggests that these functions of the interaction may not work properly in AD.
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Alasmari F, Alasmari MS, Assiri MA, Alswayyed M, Rizwan Ahamad S, Alhumaydhi AI, Arif BI, Aljumayi SR, AlAsmari AF, Ali N, Childers WE, Abou-Gharbia M, Sari Y. Liver Metabolomics and Inflammatory Profiles in Mouse Model of Fentanyl Overdose Treated with Beta-Lactams. Metabolites 2023; 13:965. [PMID: 37623908 PMCID: PMC10456707 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13080965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid analgesic that is approved medically to treat acute and chronic pain. There is a high potential for overdose-induced organ toxicities, including liver toxicity, and this might be due to the increase of recreational use of opioids. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of beta-lactams in modulating the expression of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) in different body organs, including the liver. The upregulation of GLT-1 by beta-lactams is associated with the attenuation of hyperglutamatergic state, which is a characteristic feature of opioid use disorders. A novel experimental beta-lactam compound with no antimicrobial properties, MC-100093, has been developed to attenuate dysregulation of glutamate transport, in part by normalizing GLT-1 expression. A previous study showed that MC-100093 modulated hepatic GLT-1 expression with subsequent attenuation of alcohol-increased fat droplet content in the liver. In this study, we investigated the effects of fentanyl overdose on liver metabolites, and determined the effects of MC-100093 and ceftriaxone in the liver of a fentanyl overdose mouse model. Liver samples from control, fentanyl overdose, and fentanyl overdose ceftriaxone- or MC-100093-treated mice were analyzed for metabolomics using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Heatmap analysis revealed that both MC-100093 and ceftriaxone attenuated the effects of fentanyl overdose on several metabolites, and MC-100093 showed superior effects. Statistical analysis showed that MC-100093 reversed the effects of fentanyl overdose in some metabolites. Moreover, enrichment analysis revealed that the altered metabolites were strongly linked to the glucose-alanine cycle, the Warburg effect, gluconeogenesis, glutamate metabolism, lactose degradation, and ketone body metabolism. The changes in liver metabolites induced by fentanyl overdose were associated with liver inflammation, an effect attenuated with ceftriaxone pre-treatments. Ceftriaxone normalized fentanyl-overdose-induced changes in liver interleukin-6 and cytochrome CYP3A11 (mouse homolog of human CYP3A4) expression. Our data indicate that fentanyl overdose impaired liver metabolites, and MC-100093 restored certain metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S. Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Assiri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alswayyed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Rizwan Ahamad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman I. Alhumaydhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar I. Arif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar R. Aljumayi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F. AlAsmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nemat Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wayne E. Childers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Magid Abou-Gharbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Youssef Sari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
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Liu LZ, Fan SJ, Gao JX, Li WB, Xian XH. Ceftriaxone ameliorates hippocampal synapse loss by inhibiting microglial/macrophages activation in glial glutamate transporter-1 dependent manner in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Brain Res Bull 2023:110683. [PMID: 37301482 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Synapse loss is a major contributor to cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Impairments in the expression and/or glutamate uptake activity of glia glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) contribute to synapse loss in AD. Hence, targeting the restoration of GLT-1 activity may have potential for alleviating synapse loss in AD. Ceftriaxone (Cef) can upregulate the expression and glutamate uptake activity of GLT-1 in many disease models, including those for AD. The present study investigated the effects of Cef on synapse loss and the role of GLT-1 using APP/PS1 transgenic and GLT-1 knockdown APP/PS1 AD mice. Furthermore, the involvement of microglia in the process was investigated due to its important role in synapse loss in AD. We found that Cef treatment significantly ameliorated synapse loss and dendritic degeneration in APP/PS1 AD mice, evidenced by an increased dendritic spine density, decreased dendritic beading density, and upregulated levels of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin. The effects of Cef were suppressed by GLT-1 knockdown in GLT-1+/-/APP/PS1 AD mice. Simultaneously, Cef treatment inhibited ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) expression, decreased the proportion of CD11b+CD45hi cells, declined interleukin-6 (IL-6) content, and reduced the co-expression of Iba1 with PSD95 or synaptophysin in APP/PS1 AD mice. In conclusion, Cef treatment ameliorated synapse loss and dendritic degeneration in APP/PS1 AD mice in a GLT-1-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect of Cef on the activation of microglia/macrophages and their phagocytosis for synaptic elements contributed to the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhe Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, P.R. China; Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, P. R. China.
| | - Shu-Juan Fan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, P.R. China; Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, P. R. China.
| | - Jun-Xia Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, P.R. China; Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, P. R. China.
| | - Wen-Bin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, P.R. China; Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, P. R. China.
| | - Xiao-Hui Xian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, P.R. China; Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, P. R. China.
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12
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Gao Z, Ma H, Zhang X, Wang Y, Wu Z. Similarity measures-based graph co-contrastive learning for drug-disease association prediction. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:btad357. [PMID: 37261859 PMCID: PMC10275904 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION An imperative step in drug discovery is the prediction of drug-disease associations (DDAs), which tries to uncover potential therapeutic possibilities for already validated drugs. It is costly and time-consuming to predict DDAs using wet experiments. Graph Neural Networks as an emerging technique have shown superior capacity of dealing with DDA prediction. However, existing Graph Neural Networks-based DDA prediction methods suffer from sparse supervised signals. As graph contrastive learning has shined in mitigating sparse supervised signals, we seek to leverage graph contrastive learning to enhance the prediction of DDAs. Unfortunately, most conventional graph contrastive learning-based models corrupt the raw data graph to augment data, which are unsuitable for DDA prediction. Meanwhile, these methods could not model the interactions between nodes effectively, thereby reducing the accuracy of association predictions. RESULTS A model is proposed to tap potential drug candidates for diseases, which is called Similarity Measures-based Graph Co-contrastive Learning (SMGCL). For learning embeddings from complicated network topologies, SMGCL includes three essential processes: (i) constructs three views based on similarities between drugs and diseases and DDA information; (ii) two graph encoders are performed over the three views, so as to model both local and global topologies simultaneously; and (iii) a graph co-contrastive learning method is introduced, which co-trains the representations of nodes to maximize the agreement between them, thus generating high-quality prediction results. Contrastive learning serves as an auxiliary task for improving DDA predictions. Evaluated by cross-validations, SMGCL achieves pleasing comprehensive performances. Further proof of the SMGCL's practicality is provided by case study of Alzheimer's disease. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION https://github.com/Jcmorz/SMGCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Gao
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Northwest Normal University, No.967 Anning East Road, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Huifang Ma
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Northwest Normal University, No.967 Anning East Road, Lanzhou, 730070, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Trusted Software, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, No.1 Jinji Road, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Northwest Normal University, No.967 Anning East Road, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Yike Wang
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Northwest Normal University, No.967 Anning East Road, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Zheyu Wu
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Northwest Normal University, No.967 Anning East Road, Lanzhou, 730070, China
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13
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Perrin F, Sinha P, Mitchell S, Maesako M, Berezovska O. Identification of PS1/gamma-secretase and glutamate transporter GLT-1 interaction sites. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.30.542955. [PMID: 37398024 PMCID: PMC10312500 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.30.542955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The recently discovered interaction between Presenilin 1 (PS1), a catalytic subunit of γ-secretase responsible for generating amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, and GLT-1, a major glutamate transporter in the brain (EAAT2) provides a mechanistic link between these two key factors involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Modulating this interaction can be crucial to understand the consequence of such crosstalk in AD context and beyond. However, the interaction sites between these two proteins are unknown. Herein, we utilized an alanine scanning approach coupled with FRET-based fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to identify the interaction sites between PS1 and GLT-1 in their native environment within intact cells. We found that GLT-1 residues at position 276 to 279 (TM5) and PS1 residues at position 249 to 252 (TM6) are crucial for GLT-1/PS1 interaction. These results have been cross validated using AlphaFold Multimer prediction. To further investigate whether this interaction of endogenously expressed GLT-1 and PS1 can be prevented in primary neurons, we designed PS1/GLT-1 cell-permeable peptides (CPPs) targeting the PS1 or GLT-1 binding site. We used HIV TAT domain to allow for cell penetration which was assayed in neurons. First, we assessed the toxicity and penetration of CPPs by confocal microscopy. Next, to ensure the efficiency of CPPs, we monitored the modulation of GLT-1/PS1 interaction in intact neurons by FLIM. We saw significantly less interaction between PS1 and GLT-1 with both CPPs. Our study establishes a new tool to study the functional aspect of GLT-1/PS1 interaction and its relevance in normal physiology and AD models.
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14
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Xue S, Shen T, Li M, Leng B, Yao R, Gao Y, Sun H, Li Z, Zhang J. Neuronal glutamate transporters are associated with cognitive impairment in obstructive sleep apnea patients without dementia. Neurosci Lett 2023; 802:137168. [PMID: 36894020 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports a link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cognition, and the mechanism is complex and still not well understood. We analyzed the relationship between the glutamate transporters and cognitive impairment in OSA. For this study 317 subjects without dementia, including 64 healthy controls (HCs), 140 OSA patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 113 OSA patients without cognitive impairment were assessed. All participants who completed polysomnography, cognition and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume were used. Plasma neuron-derived exosomes (NDEs) excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) proteins were measured by ELISA kits. After 1 year of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, we analyzed plasma NDEs EAAT2 level and cognition changes. Plasma NDEs EAAT2 level was significantly higher in OSA patients than in HCs. Higher plasma NDEs EAAT2 level were significantly associated with cognitive impairment than normal cognition in OSA patients. Plasma NDEs EAAT2 level was inversely associated with the total Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, visuo-executive function, naming, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall and orientation. One year after CPAP treatment, plasma NDEs EAAT2 level (P = 0.019) was significantly lower, while MoCA scores (P = 0.013) were significantly increased compared with baseline. Upregulation of neuronal glutamate transporters at baseline may reflect a self-compensatory mechanism to prevent further neuronal damage, while plasma NDEs EAAT2 level was decreased after one year of CPAP therapy, which may be due to the loss of astrocytes and neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Xue
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China; Department of Neurology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Tengqun Shen
- Department of Neurology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Mengfan Li
- Department of Neurology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Leng
- Department of Neurology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Yao
- Department of Neurology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Yanling Gao
- Department of Neurology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Hairong Sun
- Department of Neurology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenguang Li
- Department of Neurology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Jinbiao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, China.
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15
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Zott B, Konnerth A. Impairments of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in Alzheimer's disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 139:24-34. [PMID: 35337739 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is structural cell damage and neuronal death in the brains of affected individuals. As these changes are irreversible, it is important to understand their origins and precursors in order to develop treatment strategies against AD. Here, we review evidence for AD-specific impairments of glutamatergic synaptic transmission by relating evidence from human AD subjects to functional studies in animal models of AD. The emerging picture is that early in the disease, the accumulation of toxic β-amyloid aggregates, particularly dimers and low molecular weight oligomers, disrupts glutamate reuptake, which leads to its extracellular accumulation causing neuronal depolarization. This drives the hyperactivation of neurons and might facilitate neuronal damage and degeneration through glutamate neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Zott
- Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Technical University of Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany; Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Arthur Konnerth
- Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Technical University of Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany
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16
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Brymer KJ, Hurley EP, Barron JC, Mukherjee B, Barnes JR, Nafar F, Parsons MP. Asymmetric dysregulation of glutamate dynamics across the synaptic cleft in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:27. [PMID: 36788598 PMCID: PMC9926626 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Most research on glutamate spillover focuses on the deleterious consequences of postsynaptic glutamate receptor overactivation. However, two decades ago, it was noted that the glial coverage of hippocampal synapses is asymmetric: astrocytic coverage of postsynaptic sites exceeds coverage of presynaptic sites by a factor of four. The fundamental relevance of this glial asymmetry remains poorly understood. Here, we used the glutamate biosensor iGluSnFR, and restricted its expression to either CA3 or CA1 neurons to visualize glutamate dynamics at pre- and postsynaptic microenvironments, respectively. We demonstrate that inhibition of the primarily astrocytic glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) slows glutamate clearance to a greater extent at presynaptic compared to postsynaptic membranes. GLT-1 expression was reduced early in a mouse model of AD, resulting in slower glutamate clearance rates at presynaptic but not postsynaptic membranes that opposed presynaptic short-term plasticity. Overall, our data demonstrate that the presynapse is particularly vulnerable to GLT-1 dysfunction and may have implications for presynaptic impairments in a variety of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J. Brymer
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada
| | - Emily P. Hurley
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada
| | - Jessica C. Barron
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada
| | - Bandhan Mukherjee
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada
| | - Jocelyn R. Barnes
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada
| | - Firoozeh Nafar
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada
| | - Matthew P. Parsons
- grid.25055.370000 0000 9130 6822Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 Canada
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17
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Mantovani E, Zucchella C, Argyriou AA, Tamburin S. Treatment for cognitive and neuropsychiatric non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: current evidence and future perspectives. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:25-43. [PMID: 36701529 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2173576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-motor symptoms (NMS) affect patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) from the prodromal to the advanced stages. NMS phenotypes greatly vary and have a huge impact on patients' and caregivers' quality of life (QoL). The management of cognitive and neuropsychiatric NMS remains an unmet need. AREAS COVERED The authors, herein, review the dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic pathogenesis, clinical features, assessment, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of cognitive and neuropsychiatric NMS in PD. They discuss the current evidence and report the findings of an overview of ongoing trials on pharmacological and selected non-pharmacological strategies. EXPERT OPINION The treatment of cognitive and neuropsychiatric NMS in PD is poorly explored, and therapeutic options are unsatisfactory. Pharmacological treatment of cognitive NMS is based on symptomatic active principles used in Alzheimer's disease. Dopamine agonists, selective serotonin, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have some evidence on PD-related depression. Clozapine, quetiapine, and pimavanserin may be considered for psychosis in PD. Evidence on the treatment of other neuropsychiatric NMS is limited or lacking. Addressing pathophysiological and clinical issues, which hamper solid evidence on the treatment of cognitive and neuropsychiatric NMS, may reduce the impact on QoL for PD patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mantovani
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucchella
- Section of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Andreas A Argyriou
- Department of Neurology, "Agios Andreas" State General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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18
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Nassar A, Kodi T, Satarker S, Chowdari Gurram P, Upadhya D, SM F, Mudgal J, Nampoothiri M. Astrocytic MicroRNAs and Transcription Factors in Alzheimer's Disease and Therapeutic Interventions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244111. [PMID: 36552875 PMCID: PMC9776935 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244111] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are important for maintaining cholesterol metabolism, glutamate uptake, and neurotransmission. Indeed, inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration contribute to the altered morphology, gene expression, and function of astrocytes. Astrocytes, in collaboration with numerous microRNAs, regulate brain cholesterol levels as well as glutamatergic and inflammatory signaling, all of which contribute to general brain homeostasis. Neural electrical activity, synaptic plasticity processes, learning, and memory are dependent on the astrocyte-neuron crosstalk. Here, we review the involvement of astrocytic microRNAs that potentially regulate cholesterol metabolism, glutamate uptake, and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The interaction between astrocytic microRNAs and long non-coding RNA and transcription factors specific to astrocytes also contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, astrocytic microRNAs arise as a promising target, as AD conditions are a worldwide public health problem. This review examines novel therapeutic strategies to target astrocyte dysfunction in AD, such as lipid nanodiscs, engineered G protein-coupled receptors, extracellular vesicles, and nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajmal Nassar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Triveni Kodi
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sairaj Satarker
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasada Chowdari Gurram
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Fayaz SM
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayesh Mudgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
- Correspondence:
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19
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Single and repeated bisphenol A treatment induces ROS, Aβ and hyperphosphorylated-tau accumulation, and insulin pathways disruption, through HDAC2 and PTP1B overexpression, leading to SN56 cholinergic apoptotic cell death. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 170:113500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Xu J, Mao C, Hou Y, Luo Y, Binder JL, Zhou Y, Bekris LM, Shin J, Hu M, Wang F, Eng C, Oprea TI, Flanagan ME, Pieper AA, Cummings J, Leverenz JB, Cheng F. Interpretable deep learning translation of GWAS and multi-omics findings to identify pathobiology and drug repurposing in Alzheimer's disease. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111717. [PMID: 36450252 PMCID: PMC9837836 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Translating human genetic findings (genome-wide association studies [GWAS]) to pathobiology and therapeutic discovery remains a major challenge for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We present a network topology-based deep learning framework to identify disease-associated genes (NETTAG). We leverage non-coding GWAS loci effects on quantitative trait loci, enhancers and CpG islands, promoter regions, open chromatin, and promoter flanking regions under the protein-protein interactome. Via NETTAG, we identified 156 AD-risk genes enriched in druggable targets. Combining network-based prediction and retrospective case-control observations with 10 million individuals, we identified that usage of four drugs (ibuprofen, gemfibrozil, cholecalciferol, and ceftriaxone) is associated with reduced likelihood of AD incidence. Gemfibrozil (an approved lipid regulator) is significantly associated with 43% reduced risk of AD compared with simvastatin using an active-comparator design (95% confidence interval 0.51-0.63, p < 0.0001). In summary, NETTAG offers a deep learning methodology that utilizes GWAS and multi-genomic findings to identify pathobiology and drug repurposing in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielin Xu
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Chengsheng Mao
- Division of Health and Biomedical Informatics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yuan Hou
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Yuan Luo
- Division of Health and Biomedical Informatics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jessica L Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Yadi Zhou
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Lynn M Bekris
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jiyoung Shin
- Division of Health and Biomedical Informatics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ming Hu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Charis Eng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Tudor I Oprea
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Margaret E Flanagan
- Department of Pathology and Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Andrew A Pieper
- Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland 44106, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jeffrey Cummings
- Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - James B Leverenz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Rodríguez-Giraldo M, González-Reyes RE, Ramírez-Guerrero S, Bonilla-Trilleras CE, Guardo-Maya S, Nava-Mesa MO. Astrocytes as a Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease-Comprehensive Review and Recent Developments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13630. [PMID: 36362415 PMCID: PMC9654484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a frequent and disabling neurodegenerative disorder, in which astrocytes participate in several pathophysiological processes including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism (along with a critical role in apolipoprotein E function). Current evidence shows that astrocytes have both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects depending on the disease stage and microenvironmental factors. Furthermore, astrocytes appear to be affected by the presence of amyloid-beta (Aβ), with alterations in calcium levels, gliotransmission and proinflammatory activity via RAGE-NF-κB pathway. In addition, astrocytes play an important role in the metabolism of tau and clearance of Aβ through the glymphatic system. In this review, we will discuss novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments focused on astrocytes as therapeutic targets for AD. These interventions include effects on anti-inflammatory/antioxidant systems, glutamate activity, lipid metabolism, neurovascular coupling and glymphatic system, calcium dysregulation, and in the release of peptides which affects glial and neuronal function. According to the AD stage, these therapies may be of benefit in either preventing or delaying the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mauricio O. Nava-Mesa
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
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22
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Wood OWG, Yeung JHY, Faull RLM, Kwakowsky A. EAAT2 as a therapeutic research target in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:952096. [PMID: 36033606 PMCID: PMC9399514 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.952096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system, responsible for a wide variety of normal physiological processes. Glutamatergic metabolism and its sequestration are tightly regulated in the normal human brain, and it has been demonstrated that dysregulation of the glutamatergic system can have wide-ranging effects both in acute brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. The excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) is the dominant glutamatergic transporter in the human brain, responsible for efficient removal of glutamate from the synaptic cleft for recycling within glial cells. As such, it has a key role in maintaining excitatory-inhibitory homeostasis. Animal studies have demonstrated dysregulation or alterations of EAAT2 expression can have implications in neurodegenerative disorders. Despite extensive research into glutamatergic alterations in AD mouse models, there is a lack of studies examining the expression of EAAT2 within the AD human brain. In this systematic review, 29 articles were identified that either analyzed EAAT2 expression in the AD human brain or used a human-derived cell culture. Studies were inconclusive as to whether EAAT2 was upregulated or downregulated in AD. However, changes in localization and correlation between EAAT2 expression and symptomatology was noted. These findings implicate EAAT2 alterations as a key process in AD progression and highlight the need for further research into the characterization of EAAT2 processes in normal physiology and disease in human tissue and to identify compounds that can act as EAAT2 neuromodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver W. G. Wood
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jason H. Y. Yeung
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L. M. Faull
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Galway Neuroscience Centre, School of Medicine, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Andrea Kwakowsky
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23
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Bioactive human Alzheimer brain soluble Aβ: pathophysiology and therapeutic opportunities. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3182-3191. [PMID: 35484241 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01589-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) plays an early role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The precise mechanism of how Aβ accumulation leads to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment remains unclear but is likely due to small soluble oligomers of Aβ (oAβ). Most studies have used chemical synthetic or cell-secreted Aβ oligomers to study their pathogenic mechanisms, but the Aβ derived from human AD brain tissue is less well characterized. Here we review updated knowledge on the extraction and characterization of bioactive human AD brain oAβ and the mechanisms by which they cause hippocampal synaptic dysfunction. Human AD brain-derived oAβ can impair hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and enhance long-term depression (LTD). Many studies suggest that oAβ may directly disrupt neuronal NMDA receptors, AMPA receptors and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). oAβ also impairs astrocytic synaptic functions, including glutamate uptake, D-serine release, and NMDA receptor function. We also discuss oAβ-induced neuronal hyperexcitation. These results may suggest a multi-target approach for the treatment of AD, including both oAβ neutralization and reversal of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity.
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24
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Liu X, Wang J. NMDA receptors mediate synaptic plasticity impairment of hippocampal neurons due to arsenic exposure. Neuroscience 2022; 498:300-310. [PMID: 35905926 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Endemic arsenism is a worldwide health problem. Chronic arsenic exposure results in cognitive dysfunction due to arsenic and its metabolites accumulating in hippocampus. As the cellular basis of cognition, synaptic plasticity is pivotal in arsenic-induced cognitive dysfunction. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) serve physiological functions in synaptic transmission. However, excessive NMDARs activity contributes to exitotoxicity and synaptic plasticity impairment. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms that NMDARs and their downstream signaling pathways mediate synaptic plasticity impairment due to arsenic exposure in hippocampal neurons, ways of arsenic exerting on NMDARs, as well as the potential therapeutic targets except for water improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Liu
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Harbin Medical University(23618504), Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin, China, 150081
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, National Health Commission & Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province, Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Harbin Medical University(23618504), Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin, China, 150081.
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25
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Andersen JV, Schousboe A, Verkhratsky A. Astrocyte energy and neurotransmitter metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: integration of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102331. [PMID: 35872221 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to the complex cellular pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurons and astrocytes function in close collaboration through neurotransmitter recycling, collectively known as the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, which is essential to sustain neurotransmission. Neurotransmitter recycling is intimately linked to astrocyte energy metabolism. In the course of AD, astrocytes undergo extensive metabolic remodeling, which may profoundly affect the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. The consequences of altered astrocyte function and metabolism in relation to neurotransmitter recycling are yet to be comprehended. Metabolic alterations of astrocytes in AD deprive neurons of metabolic support, thereby contributing to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. In addition, several astrocyte-specific components of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, including glutamine synthesis and synaptic neurotransmitter uptake, are perturbed in AD. Integration of the complex astrocyte biology within the context of AD is essential for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the disease, while restoring astrocyte metabolism may serve as an approach to arrest or even revert clinical progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Arne Schousboe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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26
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Abulseoud OA, Alasmari F, Hussein AM, Sari Y. Ceftriaxone as a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Hyperglutamatergic States: Bridging the Gap Between Preclinical Results and Clinical Translation. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:841036. [PMID: 35864981 PMCID: PMC9294323 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.841036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of glutamate homeostasis is a well-established core feature of neuropsychiatric disorders. Extracellular glutamate concentration is regulated by glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1). The discovery of a beta-lactam antibiotic, ceftriaxone (CEF), as a safe compound with unique ability to upregulate GLT-1 sparked the interest in testing its efficacy as a novel therapeutic agent in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders with hyperglutamatergic states. Indeed, more than 100 preclinical studies have shown the efficacy of CEF in attenuating the behavioral manifestations of various hyperglutamatergic brain disorders such as ischemic stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), seizure, Huntington’s disease, and various aspects of drug use disorders. However, despite rich and promising preclinical data, only one large-scale clinical trial testing the efficacy of CEF in patients with ALS is reported. Unfortunately, in that study, there was no significant difference in survival between placebo- and CEF-treated patients. In this review, we discussed the translational potential of preclinical efficacy of CEF based on four different parameters: (1) initiation of CEF treatment in relation to induction of the hyperglutamatergic state, (2) onset of response in preclinical models in relation to onset of GLT-1 upregulation, (3) mechanisms of action of CEF on GLT-1 expression and function, and (4) non-GLT-1-mediated mechanisms for CEF. Our detailed review of the literature brings new insights into underlying molecular mechanisms correlating the preclinical efficacy of CEF. We concluded here that CEF may be clinically effective in selected cases in acute and transient hyperglutamatergic states such as early drug withdrawal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama A. Abulseoud
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Alex School of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Osama A. Abulseoud,
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelaziz M. Hussein
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Youssef Sari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
- Youssef Sari,
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27
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Fan S, Li L, Liu L, Li H, Xian X, Li W. Ceftriaxone Suppresses Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Expression Contributing to Reversal of Recognition Memory Deficits of Amyloid Precursor Protein/Presenilin 1 AD Mice. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:905403. [PMID: 35860293 PMCID: PMC9289516 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.905403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (Group II mGluRs) are the peri-synaptic receptor of glutamatergic neurons and negatively regulate glutamate release from presynaptic neurons. Glutamate in the synaptic cleft is mainly taken into astrocytes by glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1), which is primarily expressed in astrocytes. Increasing evidence showed that inhibiting or suppressing the activation of Group II mGluRs would contribute to the improvement of learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) animal models. Ceftriaxone (Cef) has been reported to alleviate the spatial memory deficits in AD model mice by improving GLT-1-related clearance and metabolism of glutamate. Therefore, the present study further investigates the improving effect of Cef on recognition memory deficits and the involvement of Group II mGluRs in the process using the APP/PS1 AD mouse model. Novel object recognition tests showed that the Cef treatment significantly improved the recognition memory deficits of the AD mice. The Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the Cef treatment significantly suppressed the upregulation of Group II mGluRs expression in APP/PS1 AD mice. The above suppression effect of Cef was blocked by dihydrokainic acid, an inhibitor of GLT-1 uptake activity. Furthermore, the Cef treatment significantly restored the downregulation in the downstream molecules of Group II mGluRs activation, including the expression of PKA and phosphorylated SNAP-25 in the APP/PS1 AD mice. The Cef treatment had no effect on the content of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 AD mice. The above results suggested that the suppression of Group II mGluRs contributed to the Cef-induced reversal of the recognition memory deficits in APP/PS1 AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShuJuan Fan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - LiRong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - XiaoHui Xian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: XiaoHui Xian,
| | - WenBin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- WenBin Li,
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28
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Hulshof LA, van Nuijs D, Hol EM, Middeldorp J. The Role of Astrocytes in Synapse Loss in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:899251. [PMID: 35783099 PMCID: PMC9244621 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.899251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, affecting 35 million people worldwide. One pathological feature of progressing AD is the loss of synapses. This is the strongest correlate of cognitive decline. Astrocytes, as an essential part of the tripartite synapse, play a role in synapse formation, maintenance, and elimination. During AD, astrocytes get a reactive phenotype with an altered gene expression profile and changed function compared to healthy astrocytes. This process likely affects their interaction with synapses. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the scientific literature including information on how astrocytes affect synapse formation and elimination in the brain of AD patients and in animal models of the disease. We review molecular and cellular changes in AD astrocytes and conclude that these predominantly result in lower synapse numbers, indicative of decreased synapse support or even synaptotoxicity, or increased elimination, resulting in synapse loss, and consequential cognitive decline, as associated with AD. Preventing AD induced changes in astrocytes might therefore be a potential therapeutic target for dementia. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=148278, identifier [CRD148278].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne A. Hulshof
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Danny van Nuijs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elly M. Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department Neurobiology and Aging, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Jinte Middeldorp
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29
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Cao H, Zuo C, Gu Z, Huang Y, Yang Y, Zhu L, Jiang Y, Wang F. High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alleviates cognitive deficits in 3xTg-AD mice by modulating the PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 Axis. Redox Biol 2022; 54:102354. [PMID: 35660628 PMCID: PMC9168605 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Glutamate mediated excitotoxicity, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, synaptic loss and neuronal death, is ubiquitous in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our previous study found that 15 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could reduce cortical excitability. The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of higher frequency rTMS on 3xTg-AD model mice and further explore the mechanisms of rTMS. Methods First, WT and 3xTg-AD model mice received 25 Hz rTMS treatment for 21 days. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive function. The levels of Aβ and neuroinflammation were assessed by ELISA and immunofluorescence. Oxidative stress was quantified by biochemical assay kits. Brain glucose metabolism was assessed by 18F-FDG PET. Apoptosis was assessed by western blot and TUNEL staining. Synaptic plasticity and PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 pathway related protein expression were assessed by western blot. Next, to explore the activity of PI3K/Akt in the therapeutic effect of rTMS, 3xTg-AD model mice were given LY294002 intervention and rTMS treatment for 21 days, the experimental method was the same as before. Results We found that 25 Hz rTMS could improve cognitive function of 3xTg-AD model mice, reduce hippocampal Aβ1-42 levels, ameliorate oxidative stress and improve glucose metabolism. rTMS alleviated neuroinflammatory response, enhanced synaptic plasticity and reduced neuronal loss and cell apoptosis, accompanied by activation of PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 pathway. After administration of PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, 25 Hz rTMS could not improve the cognitive function and reduce neuron damage of 3xTg-AD model mice, nor could it upregulate the expression of GLT-1, indicating that its therapeutic and protective effects required the involvement of PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 pathway. Conclusion rTMS exerts protective role for AD through regulating multiple pathological processes. Meanwhile, this study revealed the key role of PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 pathway in the treatment of AD by rTMS, which might be a new target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Cao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Chengchao Zuo
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongya Gu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yaqi Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yuyan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Liudi Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yongsheng Jiang
- Cancer Center of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Furong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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30
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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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31
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AL-Nasser MN, Mellor IR, Carter WG. Is L-Glutamate Toxic to Neurons and Thereby Contributes to Neuronal Loss and Neurodegeneration? A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050577. [PMID: 35624964 PMCID: PMC9139234 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
L-glutamate (L-Glu) is a nonessential amino acid, but an extensively utilised excitatory neurotransmitter with critical roles in normal brain function. Aberrant accumulation of L-Glu has been linked to neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. To investigate this further, we systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the effects of L-Glu on neuronal viability linked to the pathogenesis and/or progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). A search in PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection was conducted to retrieve studies that investigated an association between L-Glu and pathology for five NDDs: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Together, 4060 studies were identified, of which 71 met eligibility criteria. Despite several inadequacies, including small sample size, employment of supraphysiological concentrations, and a range of administration routes, it was concluded that exposure to L-Glu in vitro or in vivo has multiple pathogenic mechanisms that influence neuronal viability. These mechanisms include oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant defence, neuroinflammation, altered neurotransmitter levels, protein accumulations, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, intracellular calcium level changes, and effects on neuronal histology, cognitive function, and animal behaviour. This implies that clinical and epidemiological studies are required to assess the potential neuronal harm arising from excessive intake of exogenous L-Glu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam N. AL-Nasser
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Ian R. Mellor
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Wayne G. Carter
- School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)-1332-724738; Fax: +44-(0)-1332-724626
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Badia-Soteras A, de Vries J, Dykstra W, Broersen LM, Verkuyl JM, Smit AB, Verheijen MHG. High-Throughput Analysis of Astrocyte Cultures Shows Prevention of Reactive Astrogliosis by the Multi-Nutrient Combination Fortasyn Connect. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091428. [PMID: 35563732 PMCID: PMC9099974 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are specialized glial cells that tile the central nervous system (CNS) and perform numerous essential functions. Astrocytes react to various forms of CNS insults by altering their morphology and molecular profile, through a process known as reactive astrogliosis. Accordingly, astrocyte reactivity is apparent in many neurodegenerative diseases, among which one is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent clinical trials on early-stage AD have demonstrated that Fortasyn Connect (FC), a multi-nutrient combination providing specific precursors and cofactors for phospholipid synthesis, helps to maintain neuronal functional connectivity and cognitive performance of patients. Several studies have shown that FC may act through its effects on neuronal survival and synaptogenesis, leading to reduced astrocyte reactivity, but whether FC can directly counteract astrocyte reactivity remains to be elucidated. Hence, we developed an in vitro model of reactive astrogliosis using the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ together with an automated high-throughput assay (AstroScan) to quantify molecular and morphological changes that accompany reactive astrogliosis. Next, we showed that FC is potent in preventing cytokine-induced reactive astrogliosis, a finding that might be of high relevance to understand the beneficial effects of FC-based interventions in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Badia-Soteras
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.B.-S.); (J.d.V.); (W.D.); (A.B.S.)
| | - Janneke de Vries
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.B.-S.); (J.d.V.); (W.D.); (A.B.S.)
| | - Werner Dykstra
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.B.-S.); (J.d.V.); (W.D.); (A.B.S.)
| | - Laus M. Broersen
- Danone Nutricia Research, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (L.M.B.); (J.M.V.)
| | - Jan Martin Verkuyl
- Danone Nutricia Research, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (L.M.B.); (J.M.V.)
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.B.-S.); (J.d.V.); (W.D.); (A.B.S.)
| | - Mark H. G. Verheijen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.B.-S.); (J.d.V.); (W.D.); (A.B.S.)
- Correspondence:
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33
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Chao PC, Chien WC, Chung CH, Huang CK, Li HM, Tzeng NS. Association Between Antibiotic Treatment of Leptospirosis Infections and Reduced Risk of Dementia: A Nationwide, Cohort Study in Taiwan. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:771486. [PMID: 35401144 PMCID: PMC8985874 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.771486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To explore the association between leptospirosis, the risk of dementia, and the potential protective role of antibiotic treatment. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort nationwide, population-based study, from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). We enrolled 1,428 subjects aged 50 years or above, in the index year of 2000, which included those retrieved from the NHIRD record. Dementia diagnosis and incidence over 16 years follow-up was retrieved from the NHIRD records. The Fine and Gray survival analysis was used to determine the risk of dementia, and the results were presented as a sub-distribution hazard ratio (SHR) with a 95% confidence interval. Results In the study period, 43 of the 357 leptospirosis patients developed dementia, as compared to 103 of the control group (930.90 vs. 732.49 per 105 person-years). By the Fine and Gray survival analysis, the leptospirosis was associated with the risk of dementia, and the adjusted SHR was 1.357 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.213–1.519, P < 0.001), across 16-year of the follow-up period. To exclude the protopathic bias, the sensitivity analysis was conducted. This analysis revealed that the leptospirosis was associated with the increased risk of dementia, even after excluding the dementia diagnosis within the first year (adjusted SHR = 1.246, 95%CI: 1.114–1.395, P < 0.001) or within the first 5 years (adjusted SHR = 1.079, 95%CI: 1.023–1.152, P = 0.028), antibiotic treatment for leptospirosis was associated with the reduced risk of dementia (P = 0.001). Conclusion Leptospirosis was associated with an increased risk for dementia, and antibiotic treatment was associated with a reduced risk. Further research will be necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chun Chao
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chien Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsiang Chung
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kang Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Ming Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nian-Sheng Tzeng
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Student Counseling Center, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Nian-Sheng Tzeng,
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Abuelezz NZ, Nasr FE, AbdulKader MA, Bassiouny AR, Zaky A. MicroRNAs as Potential Orchestrators of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Pathologies: Insights on Current Status and Future Possibilities. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:743573. [PMID: 34712129 PMCID: PMC8546247 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.743573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and deleterious neurodegenerative disease, strongly affecting the cognitive functions and memory of seniors worldwide. Around 58% of the affected patients live in low and middle-income countries, with estimates of increasing deaths caused by AD in the coming decade. AD is a multifactor pathology. Mitochondrial function declines in AD brain and is currently emerging as a hallmark of this disease. It has been considered as one of the intracellular processes severely compromised in AD. Many mitochondrial parameters decline already during aging; mitochondrial efficiency for energy production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and the de novo synthesis of pyrimidines, to reach an extensive functional failure, concomitant with the onset of neurodegenerative conditions. Besides its impact on cognitive functions, AD is characterized by loss of synapses, extracellular amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), and intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, accompanied by drastic sleep disorders, sensory function alterations and pain sensitization. Unfortunately, till date, effective management of AD-related disorders and early, non-invasive AD diagnostic markers are yet to be found. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding nucleic acids that regulate key signaling pathway(s) in various disease conditions. About 70% of experimentally detectable miRNAs are expressed in the brain where they regulate neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine morphology, and synaptic plasticity. Increasing studies suggest that miRNAs are intimately involved in synaptic function and specific signals during memory formation. This has been the pivotal key for considering miRNAs crucial molecules to be studied in AD. MicroRNAs dysfunctions are increasingly acknowledged as a pivotal contributor in AD via deregulating genes involved in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, miRNAs have been proved to control pain sensitization processes and regulate circadian clock system that affects the sleep process. Interestingly, the differential expression of miRNA panels implies their emerging potential as diagnostic AD biomarkers. In this review, we will present an updated analysis of miRNAs role in regulating signaling processes that are involved in AD-related pathologies. We will discuss the current challenges against wider use of miRNAs and the future promising capabilities of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic means for better management of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermeen Z Abuelezz
- Biochemistry Department, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Fayza Eid Nasr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmad R Bassiouny
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira Zaky
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Mirzaei N, Davis N, Chau TW, Sastre M. Astrocyte Reactivity in Alzheimer's Disease: Therapeutic Opportunities to Promote Repair. Curr Alzheimer Res 2021; 19:1-15. [PMID: 34719372 DOI: 10.2174/1567205018666211029164106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are fast climbing the ladder of importance in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with the prominent presence of reactive astrocytes sur- rounding amyloid β- plaques, together with activated microglia. Reactive astrogliosis, implying morphological and molecular transformations in astrocytes, seems to precede neurodegeneration, suggesting a role in the development of the disease. Single-cell transcriptomics has recently demon- strated that astrocytes from AD brains are different from "normal" healthy astrocytes, showing dys- regulations in areas such as neurotransmitter recycling, including glutamate and GABA, and im- paired homeostatic functions. However, recent data suggest that the ablation of astrocytes in mouse models of amyloidosis results in an increase in amyloid pathology as well as in the inflammatory profile and reduced synaptic density, indicating that astrocytes mediate neuroprotective effects. The idea that interventions targeting astrocytes may have great potential for AD has therefore emerged, supported by a range of drugs and stem cell transplantation studies that have successfully shown a therapeutic effect in mouse models of AD. In this article, we review the latest reports on the role and profile of astrocytes in AD brains and how manipulation of astrocytes in animal mod- els has paved the way for the use of treatments enhancing astrocytic function as future therapeutic avenues for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Mirzaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048. United States
| | - Nicola Davis
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammer-smith Hospital, Du Cane Road, LondonW12 0NN. United Kingdom
| | - Tsz Wing Chau
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammer-smith Hospital, Du Cane Road, LondonW12 0NN. United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Sastre
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammer-smith Hospital, Du Cane Road, LondonW12 0NN. United Kingdom
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Tikhonova MA, Amstislavskaya TG, Ho YJ, Akopyan AA, Tenditnik MV, Ovsyukova MV, Bashirzade AA, Dubrovina NI, Aftanas LI. Neuroprotective Effects of Ceftriaxone Involve the Reduction of Aβ Burden and Neuroinflammatory Response in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:736786. [PMID: 34658774 PMCID: PMC8511453 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.736786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceftriaxone (CEF) is a safe and multipotent antimicrobial agent that possesses neuroprotective properties. Earlier, we revealed the restoration of cognitive function in OXYS rats with signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology by CEF along with its modulating the expression of genes related to the system of amyloid beta (Aβ) metabolism in the brain. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of CEF on behavior, Aβ deposition, and associated neuroinflammation using another model of an early AD-like pathology induced by Aβ. Mice were injected bilaterally i.c.v. with Aβ fragment 25-35 to produce the AD model, while the CEF treatment (100 mg/kg/day, i.p., 36 days) started the next day after the surgery. The open field test, T-maze, Barnes test, IntelliCage, and passive avoidance test were used for behavioral phenotyping. Neuronal density, amyloid accumulation, and the expression of neuroinflammatory markers were measured in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. CEF exhibited beneficial effects on some cognitive features impaired by Aβ neurotoxicity including complete restoration of the fear-induced memory and learning in the passive avoidance test and improved place learning in the IntelliCage. CEF significantly attenuated amyloid deposition and neuroinflammatory response. Thus, CEF could be positioned as a potent multipurpose drug as it simultaneously targets proteostasis network and neuroinflammation, as well as glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative pathways, and neurotrophic function as reported earlier. Together with previous reports on the positive effects of CEF in AD models, the results confirm the potential of CEF as a promising treatment against cognitive decline from the early stages of AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Tikhonova
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ying-Jui Ho
- Department of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Anna A Akopyan
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Michael V Tenditnik
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marina V Ovsyukova
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alim A Bashirzade
- Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia.,Faculty of Life Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nina I Dubrovina
- Laboratory of the Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Processes, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Lyubomir I Aftanas
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Behavior and Neurotechnologies, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, Russia
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Zheng R, Huang YM, Zhou Q. Xueshuantong Improves Functions of Lymphatic Ducts and Modulates Inflammatory Responses in Alzheimer's Disease Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:605814. [PMID: 34650426 PMCID: PMC8505705 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.605814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed significant contributions of lymphatic vessels (LVs) to vital functions of the brain, especially related to clearance of waste from the brain and immune responses in the brain. These studies collectively indicate that enhancing the functions of LVs may improve brain functions during brain aging and in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) where LV functions are impaired. However, it is currently unknown whether this enhancement can be achieved using small molecules. We have previously shown that a widely used Chinese herbal medicine Xueshuantong (XST) significantly improves functions and reduces pathology in AD transgenic mice associated with elevated cerebral blood flow (CBF). Here, we show that XST partially rescues deficits in lymphatic structures, improves clearance of amyloid-β (Aβ) from the brain, and reduces the inflammatory responses in the serum and brains of transgenic AD mice. In addition, we showed that this improvement in the lymphatic system occurs independently of elevated CBF, suggesting independent modulation and limited interaction between blood circulation and lymphatic systems. Moreover, XST treatment leads to a significant increase in GLT-1 level and a significantly lower level of MMP-9 and restores AQP4 polarity in APP/PS1 mice. These results provide the basis for further exploration of XST to enhance or restore LV functions, which may be beneficial to treat neurodegenerative diseases or promote healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang-Mei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
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38
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On the Common Journey of Neural Cells through Ischemic Brain Injury and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189689. [PMID: 34575845 PMCID: PMC8472292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease (AD) both lead to cell death in the central nervous system (CNS) and thus negatively affect particularly the elderly population. Due to the lack of a definitive cure for brain ischemia and AD, it is advisable to carefully study, compare, and contrast the mechanisms that trigger, and are involved in, both neuropathologies. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms may help ameliorate, or even prevent, the destructive effects of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we deal with ischemic damage and AD, with the main emphasis on the common properties of these CNS disorders. Importantly, we discuss the Wnt signaling pathway as a significant factor in the cell fate determination and cell survival in the diseased adult CNS. Finally, we summarize the interesting findings that may improve or complement the current sparse and insufficient treatments for brain ischemia and AD, and we delineate prospective directions in regenerative medicine.
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39
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Valori CF, Possenti A, Brambilla L, Rossi D. Challenges and Opportunities of Targeting Astrocytes to Halt Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082019. [PMID: 34440788 PMCID: PMC8395029 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders whose incidence is likely to duplicate in the next 30 years along with the progressive aging of the western population. Non-cell-specific therapeutics or therapeutics designed to tackle aberrant pathways within neurons failed to slow down or halt neurodegeneration. Yet, in the last few years, our knowledge of the importance of glial cells to maintain the central nervous system homeostasis in health conditions has increased exponentially, along with our awareness of their fundamental and multifaced role in pathological conditions. Among glial cells, astrocytes emerge as promising therapeutic targets in various neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we present the latest evidence showing the astonishing level of specialization that astrocytes display to fulfill the demands of their neuronal partners as well as their plasticity upon injury. Then, we discuss the controversies that fuel the current debate on these cells. We tackle evidence of a potential beneficial effect of cell therapy, achieved by transplanting astrocytes or their precursors. Afterwards, we introduce the different strategies proposed to modulate astrocyte functions in neurodegeneration, ranging from lifestyle changes to environmental cues. Finally, we discuss the challenges and the recent advancements to develop astrocyte-specific delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara F. Valori
- Molecular Neuropathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.F.V.); (D.R.); Tel.: +49-7071-9254-122 (C.F.V.); +39-0382-592064 (D.R.)
| | - Agostino Possenti
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Liliana Brambilla
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: (C.F.V.); (D.R.); Tel.: +49-7071-9254-122 (C.F.V.); +39-0382-592064 (D.R.)
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40
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Price BR, Johnson LA, Norris CM. Reactive astrocytes: The nexus of pathological and clinical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 68:101335. [PMID: 33812051 PMCID: PMC8168445 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte reactivity is a hallmark of neuroinflammation that arises with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and nearly every other neurodegenerative condition. While astrocytes certainly contribute to classic inflammatory processes (e.g. cytokine release, waste clearance, and tissue repair), newly emerging technologies for measuring and targeting cell specific activities in the brain have uncovered essential roles for astrocytes in synapse function, brain metabolism, neurovascular coupling, and sleep/wake patterns. In this review, we use a holistic approach to incorporate, and expand upon, classic neuroinflammatory concepts to consider how astrocyte dysfunction/reactivity modulates multiple pathological and clinical hallmarks of AD. Our ever-evolving understanding of astrocyte signaling in neurodegeneration is not only revealing new drug targets and treatments for dementia but is suggesting we reimagine AD pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittani R Price
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Lance A Johnson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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41
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Rampa A, Gobbi S, Belluti F, Bisi A. Tackling Alzheimer's Disease with Existing Drugs: A Promising Strategy for Bypassing Obstacles. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2305-2327. [PMID: 32867634 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200831140745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The unmet need for the development of effective drugs to treat Alzheimer 's disease has been steadily growing, representing a major challenge in drug discovery. In this context, drug repurposing, namely the identification of novel therapeutic indications for approved or investigational compounds, can be seen as an attractive attempt to obtain new medications reducing both the time and the economic burden usually required for research and development programs. In the last years, several classes of drugs have evidenced promising beneficial effects in neurodegenerative diseases, and for some of them, preliminary clinical trials have been started. This review aims to illustrate some of the most recent examples of drugs reprofiled for Alzheimer's disease, considering not only the finding of new uses for existing drugs but also the new hypotheses on disease pathogenesis that could promote previously unconsidered therapeutic regimens. Moreover, some examples of structural modifications performed on existing drugs in order to obtain multifunctional compounds will also be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rampa
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Gobbi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Belluti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bisi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
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Lopes CR, Cunha RA, Agostinho P. Astrocytes and Adenosine A 2A Receptors: Active Players in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:666710. [PMID: 34054416 PMCID: PMC8155589 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.666710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, through their numerous processes, establish a bidirectional communication with neurons that is crucial to regulate synaptic plasticity, the purported neurophysiological basis of memory. This evidence contributed to change the classic “neurocentric” view of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), being astrocytes increasingly considered a key player in this neurodegenerative disease. AD, the most common form of dementia in the elderly, is characterized by a deterioration of memory and of other cognitive functions. Although, early cognitive deficits have been associated with synaptic loss and dysfunction caused by amyloid-β peptides (Aβ), accumulating evidences support a role of astrocytes in AD. Astrocyte atrophy and reactivity occurring at early and later stages of AD, respectively, involve morphological alterations that translate into functional changes. However, the main signals responsible for astrocytic alterations in AD and their impact on synaptic function remain to be defined. One possible candidate is adenosine, which can be formed upon extracellular catabolism of ATP released by astrocytes. Adenosine can act as a homeostatic modulator and also as a neuromodulator at the synaptic level, through the activation of adenosine receptors, mainly of A1R and A2AR subtypes. These receptors are also present in astrocytes, being particularly relevant in pathological conditions, to control the morphofunctional responses of astrocytes. Here, we will focus on the role of A2AR, since they are particularly associated with neurodegeneration and also with memory processes. Furthermore, A2AR levels are increased in the AD brain, namely in astrocytes where they can control key astrocytic functions. Thus, unveiling the role of A2AR in astrocytes function might shed light on novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia R Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Wang X, Ali N, Lin CLG. Emerging role of glutamate in the pathophysiology and therapeutics of Gulf War illness. Life Sci 2021; 280:119609. [PMID: 33991547 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic and multi-symptomatic disorder affecting veterans who served in the Gulf War. The commonly reported symptoms in GWI veterans include mood problems, cognitive impairment, muscle and joint pain, migraine/headache, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints, skin rashes, and respiratory problems. Neuroimaging studies have revealed significant brain structure alterations in GWI veterans, including subcortical atrophy, decreased volume of the hippocampus, reduced total grey and white matter, and increased brain white matter axial diffusivity. These brain changes may contribute to or increase the severities of the GWI-related symptoms. Epidemiological studies have revealed that neurotoxic exposures and stress may be significant contributors to the development of GWI. However, the mechanism underlying how the exposure and stress could contribute to the multi-symptomatic disorder of GWI remains unclear. We and others have demonstrated that rodent models exposed to GW-related agents and stress exhibited higher extracellular glutamate levels, as well as impaired structure and function of glutamatergic synapses. Restoration of the glutamatergic synapses ameliorated the GWI-related pathological and behavioral deficits. Moreover, recent studies showed that a low-glutamate diet reduced multiple symptoms in GWI veterans, suggesting an important role of the glutamatergic system in GWI. Currently, growing evidence has indicated that abnormal glutamate neurotransmission may contribute to the GWI symptoms. This review summarizes the potential roles of glutamate dyshomeostasis and dysfunction of the glutamatergic system in linking the initial cause to the multi-symptomatic outcomes in GWI and suggests the glutamatergic system as a therapeutic target for GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Noor Ali
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chien-Liang Glenn Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Gut microbial involvement in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:13359-13371. [PMID: 33971619 PMCID: PMC8148443 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, inability to carry out everyday daily life, and noticeable behavioral changes. The essential neuropathologic criteria for an AD diagnosis are extracellular β-amyloid deposition and intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau. However, the exact pathogenic mechanisms underlying AD remain elusive, and current treatment options show only limited success. New research indicates that the gut microbiota contributes to AD development and progression by accelerating neuroinflammation, promoting senile plaque formation, and modifying neurotransmitter production. This review highlights laboratory and clinical evidence for the pathogenic role of gut dysbiosis on AD and provides potential cues for improved AD diagnostic criteria and therapeutic interventions based on the gut microbiota.
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45
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Dejakaisaya H, Kwan P, Jones NC. Astrocyte and glutamate involvement in the pathogenesis of epilepsy in Alzheimer's disease. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1485-1493. [PMID: 33971019 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) can increase the risk of epilepsy by up to 10-fold compared to healthy age-matched controls. However, the pathological mechanisms that underlie this increased risk are poorly understood. Because disruption in brain glutamate homeostasis has been implicated in both AD and epilepsy, this might play a mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy in AD. Prior to the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, the brain can undergo pathological changes as a result of increased production of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Aβ oligomers. Impairments in the glutamate uptake ability of astrocytes due to astrogliosis are hypothesized to be an early event occurring before Aβ plaque formation. Astrogliosis may increase the susceptibility to epileptogenesis of the brain via accumulation of extracellular glutamate and resulting excitotoxicity. Here we hypothesize that Aβ oligomers and proinflammatory cytokines can cause astrogliosis and accumulation of extracellular glutamate, which then contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy in AD. In this review article, we consider the evidence supporting a potential role of dysfunction of the glutamate-glutamine cycle and the astrocyte in the pathogenesis of epilepsy in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattapark Dejakaisaya
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Nigel C Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Wilkie CM, Barron JC, Brymer KJ, Barnes JR, Nafar F, Parsons MP. The Effect of GLT-1 Upregulation on Extracellular Glutamate Dynamics. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661412. [PMID: 33841104 PMCID: PMC8032948 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological upregulation of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1), commonly achieved using the beta-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone, represents a promising therapeutic strategy to accelerate glutamate uptake and prevent excitotoxic damage in neurological conditions. While excitotoxicity is indeed implicated in numerous brain diseases, it is typically restricted to select vulnerable brain regions, particularly in early disease stages. In healthy brain tissue, the speed of glutamate uptake is not constant and rather varies in both an activity- and region-dependent manner. Despite the widespread use of ceftriaxone in disease models, very little is known about how such treatments impact functional measures of glutamate uptake in healthy tissue, and whether GLT-1 upregulation can mask the naturally occurring activity-dependent and regional heterogeneities in uptake. Here, we used two different compounds, ceftriaxone and LDN/OSU-0212320 (LDN), to upregulate GLT-1 in healthy wild-type mice. We then used real-time imaging of the glutamate biosensor iGluSnFR to investigate functional consequences of GLT-1 upregulation on activity- and regional-dependent variations in glutamate uptake capacity. We found that while both ceftriaxone and LDN increased GLT-1 expression in multiple brain regions, they did not prevent activity-dependent slowing of glutamate clearance nor did they speed basal clearance rates, even in areas characterized by slow uptake (e.g., striatum). Unexpectedly, ceftriaxone but not LDN decreased glutamate release in the cortex, suggesting that ceftriaxone may alter release properties independent of its effects on GLT-1 expression. In sum, our data demonstrate the complexities of glutamate uptake by showing that GLT-1 expression does not necessarily translate to accelerated uptake. Furthermore, these data suggest that the mechanisms underlying activity- and regional-dependent differences in glutamate dynamics are independent of GLT-1 expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal M Wilkie
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Jessica C Barron
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Kyle J Brymer
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Jocelyn R Barnes
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Firoozeh Nafar
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Matthew P Parsons
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
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Bai Y, Su X, Piao L, Jin Z, Jin R. Involvement of Astrocytes and microRNA Dysregulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Potential. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:556215. [PMID: 33815055 PMCID: PMC8010124 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.556215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most widely distributed and abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a class of diseases with a slow onset, progressive progression, and poor prognosis. Common clinical NDDs include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Although these diseases have different etiologies, they are all associated with neuronal loss and pathological dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and toxic metabolites that are produced and released by activated astrocytes affect and regulate the function of neurons at the receptor, ion channel, antigen transfer, and gene transcription levels in the pathogenesis of NDDs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that play a wide range of biological roles by regulating the transcription and post-transcriptional translation of target mRNAs to induce target gene expression and silencing. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of NDDs by regulating astrocyte function through different mechanisms and may be potential targets for the treatment of NDDs. Here, we review studies of the role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of NDDs and discuss possible mechanisms of miRNAs in the regulation of astrocyte function, suggesting that miRNAs may be targeted as a novel approach for the treatment of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xing Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianhua Piao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rihua Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Brymer KJ, Barnes JR, Parsons MP. Entering a new era of quantifying glutamate clearance in health and disease. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1598-1617. [PMID: 33618436 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate transporter proteins, expressed on both neurons and glia, serve as the main gatekeepers that dictate the spatial and temporal actions of extracellular glutamate. Glutamate is essential to the function of the healthy brain yet paradoxically contributes to the toxicity associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Rapid transporter-mediated glutamate uptake, primarily occurring at astrocytic processes, tightens the efficiency of excitatory network activity and prevents toxic glutamate build-up in the extracellular space. Glutamate transporter dysfunction is thought to underlie myriad central nervous system (CNS) diseases including Alzheimer and Huntington disease. Over the past few decades, techniques such as biochemical uptake assays and electrophysiological recordings of transporter currents from individual astrocytes have revealed the remarkable ability of the CNS to efficiently clear extracellular glutamate. In more recent years, the rapidly evolving glutamate-sensing "sniffers" now allow researchers to visualize real-time glutamate transients on a millisecond time scale with single synapse spatial resolution in defined cell populations. As we transition to an increased reliance on optical-based methods of glutamate visualization and quantification, it is of utmost importance to understand not only the advantages that glutamate biosensors bring to the table but also the associated caveats and their implications for data interpretation. In this review, we summarize the strengths and limitations of the commonly used methods to quantify glutamate uptake. We then discuss what these techniques, when viewed as a complementary whole, have told us about the brain's ability to regulate glutamate levels, in both health and in the context of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Brymer
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Jocelyn R Barnes
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Matthew P Parsons
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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Kumari S, Deshmukh R. β-lactam antibiotics to tame down molecular pathways of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173877. [PMID: 33453224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a multifactorial disorder characterized by extracellular accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and intracellular accumulations of neurofibrillary tangles. Numerous drug targets have been explored for therapeutic efficacy but failed to deliver successful treatments clinically. However, over the years our understanding of the disease pathophysiology increased significantly. Many of the novel targets which can cure or modify disease pathology are being explored preclinically as well as clinically. On contrarily, the drug discovery and development process is lengthy and the cost involved makes it difficult for faster translation of therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, repurposing existing drugs for a new therapeutic indication is considered a better approach and helps in the fast translation of therapeutic information. The existing drugs have well-proven records on their safety, pharmacokinetics, etc. In recent years, beta (β)-lactam antibiotics have been repurposed for the management of neurodegenerative pathologies. Here in the current review, we have explored β-lactam antibiotics, their target sites, molecular mechanisms, and their therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, 151001, Punjab, India
| | - Rahul Deshmukh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, 151001, Punjab, India.
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50
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Effects of Antibiotics upon the Gut Microbiome: A Review of the Literature. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110502. [PMID: 33207631 PMCID: PMC7696078 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract carries a large number of microorganisms associated with complex metabolic processes and interactions. Although antibiotic treatment is crucial for combating infections, its negative effects on the intestinal microbiota and host immunity have been shown to be of the utmost importance. Multiple studies have recognized the adverse consequences of antibiotic use upon the gut microbiome in adults and neonates, causing dysbiosis of the microbiota. Repeated antibiotic treatments in clinical care or low-dosage intake from food could be contributing factors in this issue. Researchers in both human and animal studies have strived to explain this multifaceted relationship. The present review intends to elucidate the axis of the gastrointestinal microbiota and antibiotics resistance and to highlight the main aspects of the issue.
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