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Risby-Jones G, Lee JD, Woodruff TM, Fung JN. Sex differences in Huntington's disease from a neuroinflammation perspective. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1384480. [PMID: 38915800 PMCID: PMC11194371 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1384480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by motor, cognitive and psychiatric abnormalities. Immune dysregulation, prominently featuring increased immune activity, plays a significant role in HD pathogenesis. In addition to the central nervous system (CNS), systemic innate immune activation and inflammation are observed in HD patients, exacerbating the effects of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene mutation. Recent attention to sex differences in HD symptom severity underscores the need to consider gender as a biological variable in neurodegenerative disease research. Understanding sex-specific immune responses holds promise for elucidating HD pathophysiology and informing targeted treatment strategies to mitigate cognitive and functional decline. This perspective will highlight the importance of investigating gender influence in HD, particularly focusing on sex-specific immune responses predisposing individuals to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Risby-Jones
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - John D. Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Trent M. Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jenny N. Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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2
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Gozes I. Tau, ADNP, and sex. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:16-23. [PMID: 37572043 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21776] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
With 50 years to the original discovery of Tau, I gave here my perspective, looking through the prism of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), and the influence of sex. My starting point was vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a regulator of ADNP. I then moved to the original discovery of ADNP and its active neuroprotective site, NAP, drug candidate, davunetide. Tau-ADNP-NAP interactions were then explained with emphasis on sex and future translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illana Gozes
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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3
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Hosseinzadeh S, Afshari S, Molaei S, Rezaei N, Dadkhah M. The role of genetics and gender specific differences in neurodegenerative disorders: Insights from molecular and immune landscape. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 384:578206. [PMID: 37813041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578206] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are the most common neurological disorders with high prevalence and have significant socioeconomic implications. Understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the immune system can be effective in disease etiology, leading to more effective therapeutic approaches for both females and males. The central nervous system (CNS) actively participates in immune responses, both within and outside the CNS. Immune system activation is a common feature in NDDs. Gender-specific factors play a significant role in the prevalence, progression, and manifestation of NDDs. Neuroinflammation, in both inflammatory neurological and neurodegenerative conditions, is defined by the triggering of microglia and astrocyte cell activation. This results in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Numerous studies have documented the role of neuroinflammation in neurological diseases, highlighting the involvement of immune signaling pathways in disease development. Converging evidence support immune system involvement during neurodegeneration in NDDs. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence that reveals gender-dependent differences in immune responses related to NDDs. Also, we highlight sex differences in immune responses and discuss how these sex-specific influences can increase the risk of NDDs. Understanding the role of gender-specific factors can aid in developing targeted therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. Ultimately, the better understanding of these mechanisms contributed to sex-dependent immune response in NDDs, can be critically usful in targeting of immune signaling cascades in such disorders. In this regard, sex-related immune responses in NDDs may be promising and effective targets in therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaz Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Salva Afshari
- Students Research Committee, Pharmacy School, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Soheila Molaei
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733151, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
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4
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Gozes I, Shapira G, Lobyntseva A, Shomron N. Unexpected gender differences in progressive supranuclear palsy reveal efficacy for davunetide in women. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:319. [PMID: 37845254 PMCID: PMC10579238 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02618-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a pure tauopathy, implicating davunetide, enhancing Tau-microtubule interaction, as an ideal drug candidate. However, pooling patient data irrespective of sex concluded no efficacy. Here, analyzing sex-dependency in a 52 week-long- PSP clinical trial (involving over 200 patients) demonstrated clear baseline differences in brain ventricular volumes, a secondary endpoint. Dramatic baseline ventricular volume-dependent/volume increase correlations were observed in 52-week-placebo-treated females (r = 0.74, P = 2.36-9), whereas davunetide-treated females (like males) revealed no such effects. Assessment of primary endpoints, by the PSP Rating Scale (PSPRS) and markedly more so by the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (SEADL) scale, showed significantly faster deterioration in females, starting at trial week 13 (P = 0.01, and correlating with most other endpoints by week 52). Twice daily davunetide treatments slowed female disease progression and revealed significant protection according to the SEADL scale as early as at 39 weeks (P = 0.008), as well as protection of the bulbar and limb motor domains considered by the PSPRS, including speaking and swallowing difficulties caused by brain damage, and deterioration of fine motor skills, respectably (P = 0.01), at 52 weeks. Furthermore, at 52 weeks of trial, the exploratory Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) significantly correlated with the SEADL scale deterioration in the female placebo group and demonstrated davunetide-mediated protection of females. Female-specific davunetide-mediated protection of ventricular volume corresponded to clinical efficacy. Together with the significantly slower disease progression seen in men, the results reveal sex-based drug efficacy differences, demonstrating the neuroprotective and disease-modifying impact of davunetide treatment for female PSP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illana Gozes
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Guy Shapira
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Edmond J Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexandra Lobyntseva
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Edmond J Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
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5
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Liu C, Gao X, Shi R, Wang Y, He X, Du H, Hu B, Jiao J, Liu C, Teng Z. Microglial transglutaminase 2 deficiency causes impaired synaptic remodelling and cognitive deficits in mice. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13439. [PMID: 36878712 PMCID: PMC10472527 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the primary source of transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) in the brain; however, the roles of microglial TGM2 in neural development and disease are still not well known. The aim of this study is to elucidate the role and mechanisms of microglial TGM2 in the brain. A mouse line with a specific knockout of Tgm2 in microglia was generated. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and qRT-PCR assays were performed to evaluate the expression levels of TGM2, PSD-95 and CD68. Confocal imaging, immunofluorescence staining and behavioural analyses were conducted to identify phenotypes of microglial TGM2 deficiency. Finally, RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR and co-culture of neurons and microglia were used to explore the potential mechanisms. Deletion of microglial Tgm2 causes impaired synaptic pruning, reduced anxiety and increased cognitive deficits in mice. At the molecular level, the phagocytic genes, such as Cq1a, C1qb and Tim4, are significantly down-regulated in TGM2-deficient microglia. This study elucidates a novel role of microglial TGM2 in regulating synaptic remodelling and cognitive function, indicating that microglia Tgm2 is essential for proper neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ruo‐Xi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ying‐Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xuan‐Cheng He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hong‐Zhen Du
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Baoyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jianwei Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Chang‐Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhao‐Qian Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Savaid Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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6
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Ankeny RA, Whittaker AL, Ryan M, Boer J, Plebanski M, Tuke J, Spencer SJ. The power of effective study design in animal Experimentation: Exploring the statistical and ethical implications of asking multiple questions of a data set. Brain Behav Immun 2023:S0889-1591(23)00156-3. [PMID: 37315700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the chief advantages of using highly standardised biological models including model organisms is that multiple variables can be precisely controlled so that the variable of interest is more easily studied. However, such an approach often obscures effects in sub-populations resulting from natural population heterogeneity. Efforts to expand our fundamental understanding of multiple sub-populations are in progress. However, such stratified or personalised approaches require fundamental modifications of our usual study designs that should be implemented in Brain, Behavior and Immunity (BBI) research going forward. Here we explore the statistical feasibility of asking multiple questions (including incorporating sex) within the same experimental cohort using statistical simulations of real data. We illustrate and discuss the large explosion in sample numbers necessary to detect effects with appropriate power for every additional question posed using the same data set. This exploration highlights the strong likelihood of type II errors (false negatives) for standard data and type I errors when dealing with complex genomic data, where studies are too under-powered to appropriately test these interactions. We show this power may differ for males and females in high throughput data sets such as RNA sequencing. We offer a rationale for the use of alternative experimental and statistical strategies based on interdisciplinary insights and discuss the real-world implications of increasing the complexities of our experimental designs, and the implications of not attempting to alter our experimental designs going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Ankeny
- School of Humanities, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - A L Whittaker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - M Ryan
- School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, Australia
| | - J Boer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - M Plebanski
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - J Tuke
- School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, Australia
| | - S J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia.
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7
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Zhang X, Subbanna S, Williams CRO, Canals-Baker S, Smiley JF, Wilson DA, Das BC, Saito M. Anti-inflammatory Action of BT75, a Novel RARα Agonist, in Cultured Microglia and in an Experimental Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1958-1970. [PMID: 36781685 PMCID: PMC10355192 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03888-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BT75, a boron-containing retinoid, is a novel retinoic acid receptor (RAR)α agonist synthesized by our group. Previous studies indicated that activation of retinoic acid (RA) signaling may attenuate progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Presently, we aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of BT75 and explore the possible mechanism using cultured cells and an AD mouse model. Pretreatment with BT75 (1-25 µM) suppressed the release of nitric oxide (NO) and IL-1β in the culture medium of mouse microglial SIM-A9 cells activated by LPS. BMS195614, an RARα antagonist, partially blocked the inhibition of NO production by BT75. Moreover, BT75 attenuated phospho-Akt and phospho-NF-κB p65 expression augmented by LPS. In addition, BT75 elevated arginase 1, IL-10, and CD206, and inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-6 formation in LPS-treated SIM-A9 cells, suggesting the promotion of M1-M2 microglial phenotypic polarization. C57BL/6 mice were injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) with streptozotocin (STZ) (3 mg/kg) to provide an AD-like mouse model. BT75 (5 mg/kg) or the vehicle was intraperitoneally (ip) injected to icv-STZ mice once a day for 3 weeks. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that GFAP-positive cells and rod or amoeboid-like Iba1-positive cells, which increased in the hippocampal fimbria of icv-STZ mice, were reduced by BT75 treatment. Western blot results showed that BT75 decreased levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), GFAP, and phosphorylated Tau, and increased levels of synaptophysin in the hippocampus of icv-STZ mice. BT75 may attenuate neuroinflammation by affecting the Akt/NF-κB pathway and microglial M1-M2 polarization in LPS-stimulated SIM-A9 cells. BT75 also reduced AD-like pathology including glial activation in the icv-STZ mice. Thus, BT75 may be a promising anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent worthy of further AD studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Zhang
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Colin R O Williams
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Stefanie Canals-Baker
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - John F Smiley
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donald A Wilson
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bhaskar C Das
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, 75 DeKalb Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Mariko Saito
- Division of Neurochemistry, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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8
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Elzinga SE, Koubek EJ, Hayes JM, Carter A, Mendelson FE, Webber-Davis I, Lentz SI, Feldman EL. Modeling the innate inflammatory cGAS/STING pathway: sexually dimorphic effects on microglia and cognition in obesity and prediabetes. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1167688. [PMID: 37206668 PMCID: PMC10188944 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1167688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes continues to grow worldwide. These metabolic dysfunctions predispose individuals to neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment, including dementias such as Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD). The innate inflammatory cGAS/STING pathway plays a pivotal role in metabolic dysfunction and is an emerging target of interest in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including AD/ADRD. Therefore, our goal was to establish a murine model to specifically target the cGAS/STING pathway to study obesity- and prediabetes-induced cognitive impairment. Methods We performed two pilot studies in cGAS knockout (cGAS-/-) male and female mice designed to characterize basic metabolic and inflammatory phenotypes and examine the impact of high-fat diet (HFD) on metabolic, inflammatory, and cognitive parameters. Results cGAS-/- mice displayed normal metabolic profiles and retained the ability to respond to inflammatory stimuli, as indicated by an increase in plasma inflammatory cytokine production in response to lipopolysaccharide injection. HFD feeding caused expected increases in body weight and decreases in glucose tolerance, although onset was accelerated in females versus males. While HFD did not increase plasma or hippocampal inflammatory cytokine production, it did alter microglial morphology to a state indicative of activation, particularly in female cGAS-/- mice. However, HFD negatively impacted cognitive outcomes in male, but not female animals. Discussion Collectively, these results suggest that cGAS-/- mice display sexually dimorphic responses to HFD, possibly based on differences in microglial morphology and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Elzinga
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Emily J. Koubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John M. Hayes
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - A. Carter
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Faye E. Mendelson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ian Webber-Davis
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Stephen I. Lentz
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Eva L. Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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9
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Bianco A, Antonacci Y, Liguori M. Sex and Gender Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Challenges for Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076354. [PMID: 37047320 PMCID: PMC10093984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The term “neurodegenerative diseases” (NDs) identifies a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by progressive loss of selectively vulnerable populations of neurons, which progressively deteriorates over time, leading to neuronal dysfunction. Protein aggregation and neuronal loss have been considered the most characteristic hallmarks of NDs, but growing evidence confirms that significant dysregulation of innate immune pathways plays a crucial role as well. NDs vary from multiple sclerosis, in which the autoimmune inflammatory component is predominant, to more “classical” NDs, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. Of interest, many of the clinical differences reported in NDs seem to be closely linked to sex, which may be justified by the significant changes in immune mechanisms between affected females and males. In this review, we examined some of the most studied NDs by looking at their pathogenic and phenotypical features to highlight sex-related discrepancies, if any, with particular interest in the individuals’ responses to treatment. We believe that pointing out these differences in clinical practice may help achieve more successful precision and personalized care.
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10
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Wu YG, Song LJ, Yin LJ, Yin JJ, Wang Q, Yu JZ, Xiao BG, Ma CG. The effects and potential of microglial polarization and crosstalk with other cells of the central nervous system in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:947-954. [PMID: 36254973 PMCID: PMC9827789 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system. During the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, stimulatory factors continuously act on the microglia causing abnormal activation and unbalanced phenotypic changes; these events have become a significant and promising area of research. In this review, we summarize the effects of microglial polarization and crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Our literature search found that phenotypic changes occur continuously in Alzheimer's disease and that microglia exhibit extensive crosstalk with astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and penetrated peripheral innate immune cells via specific signaling pathways and cytokines. Collectively, unlike previous efforts to modulate microglial phenotypes at a single level, targeting the phenotypes of microglia and the crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system may be more effective in reducing inflammation in the central nervous system in Alzheimer's disease. This would establish a theoretical basis for reducing neuronal death from central nervous system inflammation and provide an appropriate environment to promote neuronal regeneration in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ge Wu
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Song
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China,Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Li-Jun Yin
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jun-Jun Yin
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China,Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qing Wang
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jie-Zhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science/Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases/Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Bao-Guo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China,Institute of Brain Science/Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases/Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China,Correspondence to: Cun-Gen Ma, .
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11
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Fordal L, Stenberg J, Iverson GL, Saksvik SB, Karaliute M, Vik A, Olsen A, Skandsen T. Trajectories of Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms and Factors Associated with Symptom Reporting after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 103:313-322. [PMID: 34695386 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the trajectories of persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and to investigate which injury-related and personal factors are associated with symptom reporting. DESIGN Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Follow-up at 3 and 12 months postinjury. SETTING A level 1 trauma center and an emergency outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS Patients with MTBI (n=358), trauma controls (n=75), and community controls (n=78). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Symptoms were assessed with the British Columbia Postconcussion Symptom Inventory. Participants were categorized as having moderate to severe PPCS (msPPCS) when reporting ≥3 moderate/severe symptoms or a BC-PSI total score of ≥13. BC-PSI total scores were compared between the groups and were further used to create cut-offs for reliable change by identifying uncommon and very uncommon change in symptoms in the community control group. Associations between symptom reporting and 25 injury-related and personal factors were examined. RESULTS The MTBI group had a similar prevalence of msPPCS at 3 and 12 months (21%), and reported more symptoms than the control groups. Analyses of individual trajectories, however, revealed considerable change in both msPPCS and BC-PSI total scores in the MTBI group, where both worsening and improvement was common. Intracranial lesions on CT were associated with a greater likelihood of improving from 3 to 12 months. Those with msPPCS at both assessments were more likely to be women and to have these personal preinjury factors: reduced employment, pain, poor sleep, low resilience, high neuroticism and pessimism, and a psychiatric history. CONCLUSIONS Group analyses suggest a stable prevalence of msPPCS the first year postinjury. However, there was considerable intra-individual change. Several personal factors were associated with maintaining symptoms throughout the first year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Fordal
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jonas Stenberg
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, USA; Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Simen B Saksvik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Migle Karaliute
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Vik
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Alexander Olsen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Toril Skandsen
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
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