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Butt TH, Tobiume M, Re DB, Kariya S. Physical Exercise Counteracts Aging-Associated White Matter Demyelination Causing Cognitive Decline. Aging Dis 2024; 15:2136-2148. [PMID: 38377028 PMCID: PMC11346408 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0216] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes wrap around neuronal axons to form myelin, an insulating layer or sheath that allows for the efficient conductance of action potentials. In addition to structural insulation, myelin provides encased axons with nutrient, metabolic and defensive support. Demyelination, or myelin loss, can therefore cause axonal dysfunction, leading to neurological impairment and disease. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive white matter demyelination is acknowledged as one of the earliest pathologies preceding symptom onset. Unfortunately, current pharmacotherapy for slowing demyelination or promoting remyelination in AD is nonexistent. Exercise is recognized for its wide-ranging benefits to human health, including improved mental health and the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. Mounting evidence suggests the contribution of physical activity in delaying the progression of dementia in elderly populations. Recent mechanistic studies have shown that exercise facilitates myelination in the brain through the vitalization of intrinsic pro-myelination cues, such as increased neurotrophic factors and electrical activity. In this review, we summarize and discuss the potential of physical exercise on counteracting aging-associated white matter demyelination, which causes cognitive decline in AD. We highlight the need of further basic and clinical research investigations on this topic to establish novel approaches for healthy and improved brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya H Butt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Makoto Tobiume
- Unit for Respiratory System & Dementia in the Division of Internal Medicine, Katsuren Hospital, Itoman, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Diane B Re
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- NIEHS Center for Environmental Health Sciences in Northern Manhattan, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shingo Kariya
- Unit for Nervous System & Dementia in the Division of Internal Medicine, Katsuren Hospital, Itoman, Okinawa, Japan
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Faulkner ME, Gong Z, Guo A, Laporte JP, Bae J, Bouhrara M. Harnessing myelin water fraction as an imaging biomarker of human cerebral aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and risk factors influencing myelination: A review. J Neurochem 2024; 168:2243-2263. [PMID: 38973579 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16170] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Myelin water fraction (MWF) imaging has emerged as a promising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker for investigating brain function and composition. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on MWF as a biomarker of human cerebral aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and risk factors influencing myelination. The databases used include Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed. We begin with a brief discussion of the theoretical foundations of MWF imaging, including its basis in MR physics and the mathematical modeling underlying its calculation, with an overview of the most adopted MRI methods of MWF imaging. Next, we delve into the clinical and research applications that have been explored to date, highlighting its advantages and limitations. Finally, we explore the potential of MWF to serve as a predictive biomarker for neurological disorders and identify future research directions for optimizing MWF imaging protocols and interpreting MWF in various contexts. By harnessing the power of MWF imaging, we may gain new insights into brain health and disease across the human lifespan, ultimately informing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Faulkner
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhaoyuan Gong
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alex Guo
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John P Laporte
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonghyun Bae
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mustapha Bouhrara
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Faulkner ME, Gong Z, Bilgel M, Laporte JP, Guo A, Bae J, Palchamy E, Kaileh M, Bergeron CM, Bergeron J, Church S, D’Agostino J, Ferrucci L, Bouhrara M. Evidence of association between higher cardiorespiratory fitness and higher cerebral myelination in aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402813121. [PMID: 39159379 PMCID: PMC11363304 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402813121] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that altered myelination is an important pathophysiologic correlate of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer and Parkinson's diseases. Thus, improving myelin integrity may be an effective intervention to prevent and treat age-associated neurodegenerative pathologies. It has been suggested that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) may preserve and enhance cerebral myelination throughout the adult lifespan, but this hypothesis has not been fully tested. Among cognitively normal participants from two well-characterized studies spanning a wide age range, we assessed CRF operationalized as the maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max) and myelin content defined by myelin water fraction (MWF) estimated through our advanced multicomponent relaxometry MRI method. We found significant positive correlations between VO2max and MWF across several white matter regions. Interestingly, the effect size of this association was higher in brain regions susceptible to early degeneration, including the frontal lobes and major white matter fiber tracts. Further, the interaction between age and VO2max exhibited i) a steeper positive slope in the older age group, suggesting that the association of VO2max with MWF is stronger at middle and older ages and ii) a steeper negative slope in the lower VO2max group, indicating that lower VO2max levels are associated with lower myelination with increasing age. Finally, the nonlinear pattern of myelin maturation and decline is VO2max-dependent with the higher VO2max group reaching the MWF peak at later ages. This study provides evidence of an interconnection between CRF and cerebral myelination and suggests therapeutic strategies for promoting brain health and attenuating white matter degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Faulkner
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Zhaoyuan Gong
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Murat Bilgel
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - John P. Laporte
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Alex Guo
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Jonghyun Bae
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Elango Palchamy
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Mary Kaileh
- Clinical Research Core, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | | | - Jan Bergeron
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Sarah Church
- Clinical Research Core, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Jarod D’Agostino
- Clinical Research Core, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
| | - Mustapha Bouhrara
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD21224
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Rasouli A, Roshangar L, Hosseini M, Pourmohammadfazel A, Nikzad S. Beyond boundaries: The therapeutic potential of exosomes in neural microenvironments in neurological disorders. Neuroscience 2024; 553:98-109. [PMID: 38964450 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.06.031] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are a diverse group of conditions that can significantly impact individuals' quality of life. The maintenance of neural microenvironment homeostasis is essential for optimal physiological cellular processes. Perturbations in this delicate balance underlie various pathological manifestations observed across various neurological disorders. Current treatments for neurological disorders face substantial challenges, primarily due to the formidable blood-brain barrier and the intricate nature of neural tissue structures. These obstacles have resulted in a paucity of effective therapies and inefficiencies in patient care. Exosomes, nanoscale vesicles that contain a complex repertoire of biomolecules, are identifiable in various bodily fluids. They hold substantial promise in numerous therapeutic interventions due to their unique attributes, including targeted drug delivery mechanisms and the ability to cross the BBB, thereby enhancing their therapeutic potential. In this review, we investigate the therapeutic potential of exosomes across a range of neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, peripheral nerve injury, brain tumors, and stroke. Through both in vitro and in vivo studies, our findings underscore the beneficial influence of exosomes in enhancing the neural microenvironment following neurological diseases, offering promise for improved neural recovery and management in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arefe Rasouli
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mohammadbagher Hosseini
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Pourmohammadfazel
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Methi A, Islam MR, Kaurani L, Sakib MS, Krüger DM, Pena T, Burkhardt S, Liebetanz D, Fischer A. A Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of the Mouse Hippocampus After Voluntary Exercise. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:5628-5645. [PMID: 38217668 PMCID: PMC11249425 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03869-9] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Exercise has been recognized as a beneficial factor for cognitive health, particularly in relation to the hippocampus, a vital brain region responsible for learning and memory. Previous research has demonstrated that exercise-mediated improvement of learning and memory in humans and rodents correlates with increased adult neurogenesis and processes related to enhanced synaptic plasticity. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. With the aim to further elucidate these mechanisms, we provide a comprehensive dataset of the mouse hippocampal transcriptome at the single-cell level after 4 weeks of voluntary wheel-running. Our analysis provides a number of interesting observations. For example, the results suggest that exercise affects adult neurogenesis by accelerating the maturation of a subpopulation of Prdm16-expressing neurons. Moreover, we uncover the existence of an intricate crosstalk among multiple vital signaling pathways such as NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and retinoic acid (RA) pathways altered upon exercise in a specific cluster of excitatory neurons within the Cornu Ammonis (CA) region of the hippocampus. In conclusion, our study provides an important resource dataset and sheds further light on the molecular changes induced by exercise in the hippocampus. These findings have implications for developing targeted interventions aimed at optimizing cognitive health and preventing age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Methi
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lalit Kaurani
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
| | - M Sadman Sakib
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dennis M Krüger
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- Bioinformatics Unit, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tonatiuh Pena
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- Bioinformatics Unit, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Burkhardt
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
| | - David Liebetanz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - André Fischer
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Göttingen, Germany.
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Wang J, Zhen Y, Yang J, Yang S, Zhu G. Recognizing Alzheimer's disease from perspective of oligodendrocytes: Phenomena or pathogenesis? CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14688. [PMID: 38516808 PMCID: PMC10958408 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulation of amyloid beta, tau hyperphosphorylation, and microglia activation are the three highly acknowledged pathological factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, oligodendrocytes (OLs) were also widely investigated in the pathogenesis and treatment for AD. AIMS We aimed to update the regulatory targets of the differentiation and maturation of OLs, and emphasized the key role of OLs in the occurrence and treatment of AD. METHODS This review first concluded the targets of OL differentiation and maturation with AD pathogenesis, and then advanced the key role of OLs in the pathogenesis of AD based on both clinic and basic experiments. Later, we extensively discussed the possible application of the current progress in the diagnosis and treatment of this complex disease. RESULTS Molecules involving in OLs' differentiation or maturation, including various transcriptional factors, cholesterol homeostasis regulators, and microRNAs could also participate in the pathogenesis of AD. Clinical data point towards the impairment of OLs in AD patients. Basic research further supports the central role of OLs in the regulation of AD pathologies. Additionally, classic drugs, including donepezil, edaravone, fluoxetine, and clemastine demonstrate their potential in remedying OL impairment in AD models, and new therapeutics from the perspective of OLs is constantly being developed. CONCLUSIONS We believe that OL dysfunction is one important pathogenesis of AD. Factors regulating OLs might be biomarkers for early diagnosis and agents stimulating OLs warrant the development of anti-AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingji Wang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Medical Research Center of Anhui ProvinceThe Second Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Yilan Zhen
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Jun Yang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
- The First Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Shaojie Yang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases)Anhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
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Wei ZYD, Liang K, Shetty AK. Role of Microglia, Decreased Neurogenesis and Oligodendrocyte Depletion in Long COVID-Mediated Brain Impairments. Aging Dis 2023; 14:1958-1966. [PMID: 37815903 PMCID: PMC10676788 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.10918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of a recent worldwide coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 primarily causes an acute respiratory infection but can progress into significant neurological complications in some. Moreover, patients with severe acute COVID-19 could develop debilitating long-term sequela. Long-COVID is characterized by chronic symptoms that persist months after the initial infection. Common complaints are fatigue, myalgias, depression, anxiety, and "brain fog," or cognitive and memory impairments. A recent study demonstrated that a mild COVID-19 respiratory infection could generate elevated proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the cerebral spinal fluid. This commentary discusses findings from this study, demonstrating that even a mild respiratory SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause considerable neuroinflammation with microglial and macrophage reactivity. Such changes could also be gleaned by measuring chemokines and cytokines in the circulating blood. Moreover, neuroinflammation caused by mild SARS-CoV-2 infection can also impair hippocampal neurogenesis, deplete oligodendrocytes, and decrease myelinated axons. All these changes likely contribute to cognitive deficits in long-COVID syndrome. Therefore, strategies capable of restraining neuroinflammation, maintaining better hippocampal neurogenesis, and preserving oligodendrocyte lineage differentiation and maturation may prevent or reduce the incidence of long-COVID after SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang-Yao D. Wei
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Ketty Liang
- Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Conroe, TX, USA.
| | - Ashok K. Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.
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