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Zahedipour F, Hosseini SA, Reiner Ž, Tedeschi-Reiner E, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Therapeutic Effects of Statins: Promising Drug for Topical and Transdermal Administration. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:3149-3166. [PMID: 37157198 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230508141434] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and decrease plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. They are well tolerated, and because of their LDL-C-lowering effect, they are utilized to decrease the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. However, statins have pleiotropic effects, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer. Currently, oral administration is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved route of administration for statins. However, other administration routes have demonstrated promising results in different pre-clinical and clinical studies. For instance, statins also seem beneficial in dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, hirsutism, uremic pruritus, and graft-versus-host disease. Topically applied statins have been studied to treat seborrhea, acne, rhinophyma, and rosacea. They also have beneficial effects in contact dermatitis and wound healing in animal studies, (HIV) infection, osseointegration, porokeratosis, and some ophthalmologic diseases. Topical and transdermal application of statins is a non-invasive drug administration method that has shown significant results in bypassing the first-pass metabolism in the liver, thereby reducing possible adverse effects. This study reviews the multifaceted molecular and cellular impacts of statins, their topical and transdermal application, novel delivery systems, such as nanosystems for topical and transdermal administration and the challenges concerning this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zahedipour
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyede Atefe Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Željko Reiner
- University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Internal Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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2
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De Giorgi R, Rizzo Pesci N, Rosso G, Maina G, Cowen PJ, Harmer CJ. The pharmacological bases for repurposing statins in depression: a review of mechanistic studies. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:253. [PMID: 37438361 PMCID: PMC10338465 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02533-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins are commonly prescribed medications widely investigated for their potential actions on the brain and mental health. Pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggests that statins may play a role in the treatment of depressive disorders, but only the latter has been systematically assessed. Thus, the physiopathological mechanisms underlying statins' putative antidepressant or depressogenic effects have not been established. This review aims to gather available evidence from mechanistic studies to strengthen the pharmacological basis for repurposing statins in depression. We used a broad, well-validated search strategy over three major databases (Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO) to retrieve any mechanistic study investigating statins' effects on depression. The systematic search yielded 8068 records, which were narrowed down to 77 relevant papers. The selected studies (some dealing with more than one bodily system) described several neuropsychopharmacological (44 studies), endocrine-metabolic (17 studies), cardiovascular (6 studies) and immunological (15 studies) mechanisms potentially contributing to the effects of statins on mood. Numerous articles highlighted the beneficial effect of statins on depression, particularly through positive actions on serotonergic neurotransmission, neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, hypothalamic-pituitary axis regulation and modulation of inflammation. The role of other mechanisms, especially the association between statins, lipid metabolism and worsening of depressive symptoms, appears more controversial. Overall, most mechanistic evidence supports an antidepressant activity for statins, likely mediated by a variety of intertwined processes involving several bodily systems. Further research in this area can benefit from measuring relevant biomarkers to inform the selection of patients most likely to respond to statins' antidepressant effects while also improving our understanding of the physiopathological basis of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo De Giorgi
- University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, Oxfordshire, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom.
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, Oxfordshire, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicola Rizzo Pesci
- University of Turin, Department of Neurosciences "Rita Levi Montalcini", Via Cherasco 15, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Gianluca Rosso
- University of Turin, Department of Neurosciences "Rita Levi Montalcini", Via Cherasco 15, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maina
- University of Turin, Department of Neurosciences "Rita Levi Montalcini", Via Cherasco 15, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Philip J Cowen
- University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, Oxfordshire, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, Oxfordshire, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine J Harmer
- University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, Oxfordshire, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
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3
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Jung D, Bachmann HS. Regulation of protein prenylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114915. [PMID: 37236024 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114915] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenyltransferases (PTases) are known to play a role in embryonic development, normal tissue homeostasis and cancer by posttranslationally modifying proteins involved in these processes. They are being discussed as potential drug targets in an increasing number of diseases, ranging from Alzheimer's disease to malaria. Protein prenylation and the development of specific PTase inhibitors (PTIs) have been subject to intense research in recent decades. Recently, the FDA approved lonafarnib, a specific farnesyltransferase inhibitor that acts directly on protein prenylation; and bempedoic acid, an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor that might alter intracellular isoprenoid composition, the relative concentrations of which can exert a decisive influence on protein prenylation. Both drugs represent the first approved agent in their respective substance class. Furthermore, an overwhelming number of processes and proteins that regulate protein prenylation have been identified over the years, many of which have been proposed as molecular targets for pharmacotherapy in their own right. However, certain aspects of protein prenylation, such as the regulation of PTase gene expression or the modulation of PTase activity by phosphorylation, have attracted less attention, despite their reported influence on tumor cell proliferation. Here, we want to summarize the advances regarding our understanding of the regulation of protein prenylation and the potential implications for drug development. Additionally, we want to suggest new lines of investigation that encompass the search for regulatory elements for PTases, especially at the genetic and epigenetic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Jung
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Hagen S Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
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Nik Akhtar S, Bunner WP, Brennan E, Lu Q, Szatmari EM. Crosstalk between the Rho and Rab family of small GTPases in neurodegenerative disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1084769. [PMID: 36779014 PMCID: PMC9911442 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1084769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is associated with defects in cytoskeletal dynamics and dysfunctions of the vesicular trafficking and sorting systems. In the last few decades, studies have demonstrated that the key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics are proteins from the Rho family GTPases, meanwhile, the central hub for vesicle sorting and transport between target membranes is the Rab family of GTPases. In this regard, the role of Rho and Rab GTPases in the induction and maintenance of distinct functional and morphological neuronal domains (such as dendrites and axons) has been extensively studied. Several members belonging to these two families of proteins have been associated with many neurodegenerative disorders ranging from dementia to motor neuron degeneration. In this analysis, we attempt to present a brief review of the potential crosstalk between the Rab and Rho family members in neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Nik Akhtar
- The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Wyatt P. Bunner
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Brennan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Qun Lu
- The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Erzsebet M. Szatmari Qun Lu
| | - Erzsebet M. Szatmari
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Erzsebet M. Szatmari Qun Lu
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5
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The main side effects of statins in clinical practice. КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ПРАКТИКА 2022. [DOI: 10.17816/clinpract108076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins have long occupied a central place in cardiovascular medicine, being an integral component of the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease and its main clinical forms, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction; transient ischemic attacks, ischemic strokes, etc.). By blocking a key enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA-reductase), statins normalize the parameters of the lipid spectrum, primarily, the serum levels of atherogenic low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, in addition to the beneficial effects of statins, side effects are also characteristic, which are a significant problem in modern clinical practice due to the fact that they can cause dangerous disorders, forcing physicians to reduce dosages or completely cancel these drugs. Understanding the side effects and the mechanisms underlying their formation is important for improving the measures for the early detection, prevention and treatment of those disorders. This article discusses such side effects of statins as myotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these toxic effects of statins are discussed. A particular attention is paid to the effect of statins on the oxidative stress, the mechanisms of oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules (lipids, proteins and DNA) and their potential role in the development of myotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
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Jordan KL, Koss DJ, Outeiro TF, Giorgini F. Therapeutic Targeting of Rab GTPases: Relevance for Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1141. [PMID: 35625878 PMCID: PMC9138223 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rab GTPases (Rabs) are small proteins that play crucial roles in vesicle transport and membrane trafficking. Owing to their widespread functions in several steps of vesicle trafficking, Rabs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and multiple neurodegenerative diseases. As treatments for neurodegenerative conditions are currently rather limited, the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets, such as Rabs, is of great importance. This review summarises proof-of-concept studies, demonstrating that modulation of Rab GTPases in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can ameliorate disease-related phenotypes, and provides an overview of the current state of the art for the pharmacological targeting of Rabs. Finally, we also discuss the barriers and challenges of therapeutically targeting these small proteins in humans, especially in the context of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Jordan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
| | - David J. Koss
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (D.J.K.); (T.F.O.)
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (D.J.K.); (T.F.O.)
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Natural Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Scientific Employee with a Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
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Tong XK, Royea J, Hamel E. Simvastatin rescues memory and granule cell maturation through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:325. [PMID: 35397630 PMCID: PMC8994768 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04784-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We previously showed that simvastatin (SV) restored memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease (AD) concomitantly with normalization in protein levels of memory-related immediate early genes in hippocampal CA1 neurons. Here, we investigated age-related changes in the hippocampal memory pathway, and whether the beneficial effects of SV could be related to enhanced neurogenesis and signaling in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. APP mice and wild-type (WT) littermate controls showed comparable number of proliferating (Ki67-positive nuclei) and immature (doublecortin (DCX)-positive) granule cells in the dentate gyrus until 3 months of age. At 4 months, Ki67 or DCX positive cells decreased sharply and remained less numerous until the endpoint (6 months) in both SV-treated and untreated APP mice. In 6 month-old APP mice, dendritic extensions of DCX immature neurons in the molecular layer were shorter, a deficit fully normalized by SV. Similarly, whereas mature granule cells (calbindin-immunopositive) were decreased in APP mice and not restored by SV, their dendritic arborizations were normalized to control levels by SV treatment. SV increased Prox1 protein levels (↑67.7%, p < 0.01), a Wnt/β-catenin signaling target, while significantly decreasing (↓61.2%, p < 0.05) the upregulated levels of the β-catenin-dependent Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK1 seen in APP mice. In APP mice, SV benefits were recapitulated by treatment with the Wnt/β-catenin specific agonist WAY-262611, whereas they were fully abolished in mice that received the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor XAV939 during the last month of SV treatment. Our results indicate that activation of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway through downregulation of DKK1 underlies SV neuronal and cognitive benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Kang Tong
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, H3A 2B4, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jessika Royea
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, H3A 2B4, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Edith Hamel
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, H3A 2B4, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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8
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Lee H, Kim E. Repositioning medication for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease to delay the onset and prevent progression of Alzheimer's disease. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:932-960. [PMID: 32909178 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder. As with other common chronic diseases, multiple risk factors contribute to the onset and progression of AD. Many researchers have evaluated the epidemiologic and pathophysiological association between AD, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs), including commonly reported risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Relevant therapies of CVDs/CBVDs for the attenuation of AD have also been empirically investigated. Considering the challenges of new drug development, in terms of cost and time, multifactorial approaches such as therapeutic repositioning of CVD/CBVD medication should be explored to delay the onset and progression of AD. Thus, in this review, we discuss our current understanding of the association between cardiovascular risk factors and AD, as revealed by clinical and non-clinical studies, as well as the therapeutic implications of CVD/CBVD medication that may attenuate AD. Furthermore, we discuss future directions by evaluating ongoing trials in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeyoung Lee
- Department of Clinical Medicinal Sciences, Konyang University, 121 Daehakro, Nonsan, 32992, Republic of Korea
| | - EunYoung Kim
- Evidence-Based Research Laboratory, Division of Clinical Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 156-756, Republic of Korea.
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Marcus K, Lelong C, Rabilloud T. What Room for Two-Dimensional Gel-Based Proteomics in a Shotgun Proteomics World? Proteomes 2020; 8:proteomes8030017. [PMID: 32781532 PMCID: PMC7563651 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes8030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was instrumental in the birth of proteomics in the late 1980s. However, it is now often considered as an outdated technique for proteomics—a thing of the past. Although this opinion may be true for some biological questions, e.g., when analysis depth is of critical importance, for many others, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis-based proteomics still has a lot to offer. This is because of its robustness, its ability to separate proteoforms, and its easy interface with many powerful biochemistry techniques (including western blotting). This paper reviews where and why two-dimensional gel electrophoresis-based proteomics can still be profitably used. It emerges that, rather than being a thing of the past, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis-based proteomics is still highly valuable for many studies. Thus, its use cannot be dismissed on simple fashion arguments and, as usual, in science, the tree is to be judged by the fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Marcus
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Medical Faculty & Medical Proteome Analysis, Center for Proteindiagnostics (PRODI) Ruhr-University Bochum Gesundheitscampus, 4 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Cécile Lelong
- CBM UMR CNRS5249, Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, 17 rue des Martyrs, CEDEX 9, 38054 Grenoble, France;
| | - Thierry Rabilloud
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology of Metals, UMR 5249, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 38054 Grenoble, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-438-783-212
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Simvastatin Prevents Long-Term Cognitive Deficits in Sepsis Survivor Rats by Reducing Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:871-886. [PMID: 32524380 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00222-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy causes brain dysfunction that can result in cognitive impairments in sepsis survivor patients. In previous work, we showed that simvastatin attenuated oxidative stress in brain structures related to memory in septic rats. However, there is still a need to evaluate the long-term impact of simvastatin administration on brain neurodegenerative processes and cognitive damage in sepsis survivors. Here, we investigated the possible neuroprotective role of simvastatin in neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration conditions of brain structures related to memory in rats at 10 days after sepsis survival. Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were submitted to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP, n = 42) or remained as non-manipulated (naïve, n = 30). Both groups were treated (before and after the surgery) by gavage with simvastatin (20 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline and observed for 10 days. Simvastatin-treated rats that survived to sepsis showed a reduction in the levels of nitrate, IL1-β, and IL-6 and an increase in Bcl-2 protein expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and synaptophysin only in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence revealed a reduction of glial activation, neurodegeneration, apoptosis, and amyloid aggregates confirmed by quantification of GFAP, Iba-1, phospho Ser396-tau, total tau, cleaved caspase-3, and thioflavin-S in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. In addition, treated animals presented better performance in tasks involving habituation memory, discriminative, and aversive memory. These results suggest that statins exert a neuroprotective role by upregulation of the Bcl-2 and gliosis reduction, which may prevent the cognitive deficit observed in sepsis survivor animals.
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Ramesh M, Gopinath P, Govindaraju T. Role of Post-translational Modifications in Alzheimer's Disease. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1052-1079. [PMID: 31863723 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is growing. Valiant efforts to develop clinical candidates for treatment have continuously met with failure. Currently available palliative treatments are temporary and there is a constant need to search for reliable disease pathways, biomarkers and drug targets for developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools to address the unmet medical needs of AD. Challenges in drug-discovery efforts raise further questions about the strategies of current conventional diagnosis; drug design; and understanding of disease pathways, biomarkers and targets. In this context, post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate protein trafficking, function and degradation, and their in-depth study plays a significant role in the identification of novel biomarkers and drug targets. Aberrant PTMs of disease-relevant proteins could trigger pathological pathways, leading to disease progression. Advancements in proteomics enable the generation of patterns or signatures of such modifications, and thus, provide a versatile platform to develop biomarkers based on PTMs. In addition, understanding and targeting the aberrant PTMs of various proteins provide viable avenues for addressing AD drug-discovery challenges. This review highlights numerous PTMs of proteins relevant to AD and provides an overview of their adverse effects on the protein structure, function and aggregation propensity that contribute to the disease pathology. A critical discussion offers suggestions of methods to develop PTM signatures and interfere with aberrant PTMs to develop viable diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Ramesh
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Pushparathinam Gopinath
- Department of Chemistry, SRM-Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Thimmaiah Govindaraju
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
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12
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Eshaghi A, Kievit RA, Prados F, Sudre CH, Nicholas J, Cardoso MJ, Chan D, Nicholas R, Ourselin S, Greenwood J, Thompson AJ, Alexander DC, Barkhof F, Chataway J, Ciccarelli O. Applying causal models to explore the mechanism of action of simvastatin in progressive multiple sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:11020-11027. [PMID: 31072935 PMCID: PMC6561162 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1818978116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mode of action of drugs is a challenge with conventional methods in clinical trials. Here, we aimed to explore whether simvastatin effects on brain atrophy and disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) are mediated by reducing cholesterol or are independent of cholesterol. We applied structural equation models to the MS-STAT trial in which 140 patients with SPMS were randomized to receive placebo or simvastatin. At baseline, after 1 and 2 years, patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging; their cognitive and physical disability were assessed on the block design test and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and serum total cholesterol levels were measured. We calculated the percentage brain volume change (brain atrophy). We compared two models to select the most likely one: a cholesterol-dependent model with a cholesterol-independent model. The cholesterol-independent model was the most likely option. When we deconstructed the total treatment effect into indirect effects, which were mediated by brain atrophy, and direct effects, simvastatin had a direct effect (independent of serum cholesterol) on both the EDSS, which explained 69% of the overall treatment effect on EDSS, and brain atrophy, which, in turn, was responsible for 31% of the total treatment effect on EDSS [β = -0.037; 95% credible interval (CI) = -0.075, -0.010]. This suggests that simvastatin's beneficial effects in MS are independent of its effect on lowering peripheral cholesterol levels, implicating a role for upstream intermediate metabolites of the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Importantly, it demonstrates that computational models can elucidate the causal architecture underlying treatment effects in clinical trials of progressive MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Eshaghi
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, United Kingdom;
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Rogier A Kievit
- Max Planck University College London Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, London WC1B 5EH, United Kingdom
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 7EF, United Kingdom
| | - Ferran Prados
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, United Kingdom
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, UCL Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona 08018, Spain
| | - Carole H Sudre
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, United Kingdom
- UCL Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Nicholas
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - M Jorge Cardoso
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Dennis Chan
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Nicholas
- Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - John Greenwood
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Alan J Thompson
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London W1T 7DN, United Kingdom
- Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel C Alexander
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London W1T 7DN, United Kingdom
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Medisch Centrum, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeremy Chataway
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London W1T 7DN, United Kingdom
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Xue B, Huang J, Ma B, Yang B, Chang D, Liu J. Astragaloside IV Protects Primary Cerebral Cortical Neurons from Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation by Activating the PKA/CREB Pathway. Neuroscience 2019; 404:326-337. [PMID: 30708047 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is one of the major leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and post-stroke cognitive impairment is a major contributor to this disability. Astragaloside IV (AST-IV) is a primary bioactive compound of Radix Astragali, which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat stroke. AST-IV was found to possess cognition-enhancing properties against ischemic stroke; however, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain largely elusive. Mitochondrial health is critical to cell viability after ischemic injury. Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor that can be activated by protein kinase A (PKA) to preserve mitochondria, regulate memory and cognitive functions. We used an in vitro model of ischemic injury via oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) of cultured neurons, which led to PKA inactivation and decreased CREB phosphorylation, reduced cell viability, and increased neuronal apoptosis. We hypothesized that AST-IV could protect OGD-exposed cerebral cortical neurons by modulating the PKA/CREB signaling pathway and preserving mitochondrial function. We found that the mitochondrial and cellular injuries induced by OGD were reversed following treatment with AST-IV. The activity of neuronal mitochondria was evaluated by measuring the mitochondrial potential and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). AST-IV significantly enhanced PKA and CREB phosphorylation and prevented OGD-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby protecting neurons exposed to OGD from injury and death. Furthermore, the effects of AST-IV were partially blocked by a PKA inhibitor. Collectively, these data elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of AST-IV against ischemic injury in cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Xue
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jisheng Huang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Ma
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dennis Chang
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Jianxun Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
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15
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Novel Approaches for the Treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030719. [PMID: 30743990 PMCID: PMC6386829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders affect around one billion people worldwide. They can arise from a combination of genomic, epigenomic, metabolic, and environmental factors. Aging is the leading risk factor for most chronic illnesses of old age, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. A progressive neurodegenerative process and neuroinflammation occur, and no current therapies can prevent, slow, or halt disease progression. To date, no novel disease-modifying therapies have been shown to provide significant benefit for patients who suffer from these devastating disorders. Therefore, early diagnosis and the discovery of new targets and novel therapies are of upmost importance. Neurodegenerative diseases, like in other age-related disorders, the progression of pathology begins many years before the onset of symptoms. Many efforts in this field have led to the conclusion that exits some similar events among these diseases that can explain why the aging brain is so vulnerable to suffer neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the current knowledge about these diseases by summarizing the most common features of major neurodegenerative disorders, their causes and consequences, and the proposed novel therapeutic approaches.
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16
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Fracassi A, Marangoni M, Rosso P, Pallottini V, Fioramonti M, Siteni S, Segatto M. Statins and the Brain: More than Lipid Lowering Agents? Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:59-83. [PMID: 28676012 PMCID: PMC6341496 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170703101816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins represent a class of medications widely prescribed to efficiently treat dyslipidemia. These drugs inhibit 3-βhydroxy 3β-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), the rate-limiting enzyme of mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Besides cholesterol, MVA pathway leads to the production of several other compounds, which are essential in the regulation of a plethora of biological activities, including in the central nervous system. For these reasons, statins are able to induce pleiotropic actions, and acquire increased interest as potential and novel modulators in brain processes, especially during pathological conditions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to summarize and examine the current knowledge about pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of statins in the brain. In addition, effects of statin on brain diseases are discussed providing the most up-to-date information. METHODS Relevant scientific information was identified from PubMed database using the following keywords: statins and brain, central nervous system, neurological diseases, neurodegeneration, brain tumors, mood, stroke. RESULTS 315 scientific articles were selected and analyzed for the writing of this review article. Several papers highlighted that statin treatment is effective in preventing or ameliorating the symptomatology of a number of brain pathologies. However, other studies failed to demonstrate a neuroprotective effect. CONCLUSION Even though considerable research studies suggest pivotal functional outcomes induced by statin therapy, additional investigation is required to better determine the pharmacological effectiveness of statins in the brain, and support their clinical use in the management of different neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marco Segatto
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University, viale del Policlinico 155, 00186 Rome, Italy; E-mail:
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Jeong A, Suazo KF, Wood WG, Distefano MD, Li L. Isoprenoids and protein prenylation: implications in the pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention of Alzheimer's disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:279-310. [PMID: 29718780 PMCID: PMC6101676 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1458070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mevalonate-isoprenoid-cholesterol biosynthesis pathway plays a key role in human health and disease. The importance of this pathway is underscored by the discovery that two major isoprenoids, farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, are required to modify an array of proteins through a process known as protein prenylation, catalyzed by prenyltransferases. The lipophilic prenyl group facilitates the anchoring of proteins in cell membranes, mediating protein-protein interactions and signal transduction. Numerous essential intracellular proteins undergo prenylation, including most members of the small GTPase superfamily as well as heterotrimeric G proteins and nuclear lamins, and are involved in regulating a plethora of cellular processes and functions. Dysregulation of isoprenoids and protein prenylation is implicated in various disorders, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancers, bone diseases, infectious diseases, progeria, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, isoprenoids and/or prenyltransferases have emerged as attractive targets for developing therapeutic agents. Here, we provide a general overview of isoprenoid synthesis, the process of protein prenylation and the complexity of prenylated proteins, and pharmacological agents that regulate isoprenoids and protein prenylation. Recent findings that connect isoprenoids/protein prenylation with AD are summarized and potential applications of new prenylomic technologies for uncovering the role of prenylated proteins in the pathogenesis of AD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jeong
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | | - W. Gibson Wood
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Departments of Chemistry,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ling Li
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Use of statins and the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5804. [PMID: 29643479 PMCID: PMC5895617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24248-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate whether the use of statins could be associated with the risk of all-caused dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Major electronic databases were searched until December 27th, 2017 for studies investigating use of statins and incident cognitive decline in adults. Random-effects meta-analyses calculating relative risks (RRs) were conducted to synthesize effect sizes of individual studies. Twenty-five studies met eligibility criteria. Use of statins was significantly associated with a reduced risk of all-caused dementia (k = 16 studies, adjusted RR (aRR) = 0.849, 95% CI = 0.787–0.916, p = 0.000), AD (k = 14, aRR = 0.719, 95% CI = 0.576–0.899, p = 0.004), and MCI (k = 6, aRR = 0.737, 95% CI = 0.556–0.976, p = 0.033), but no meaningful effects on incident VaD (k = 3, aRR = 1.012, 95% CI = 0.620–1.652, p = 0.961). Subgroup analysis suggested that hydrophilic statins were associated with reduced risk of all-caused dementia (aRR = 0.877; CI = 0.818–0.940; p = 0.000) and possibly lower AD risk (aRR = 0.619; CI = 0.383–1.000; p = 0.050). Lipophilic statins were associated with reduced risk of AD (aRR = 0.639; CI = 0.449–0.908; p = 0.013) but not all-caused dementia (aRR = 0.738; CI = 0.475–1.146; p = 0.176). In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that the use of statins may reduce the risk of all-type dementia, AD, and MCI, but not of incident VaD.
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Separation and Determination of Some of the Main Cholesterol-Related Compounds in Blood by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Selected Ion Monitoring Mode). SEPARATIONS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/separations5010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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