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van Heuvelen MJG, van der Lei MB, Alferink PM, Roemers P, van der Zee EA. Cognitive deficits in human ApoE4 knock-in mice: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Behav Brain Res 2024; 471:115123. [PMID: 38972485 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein-E4 (ApoE4) is an important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The development of targeted-replacement human ApoE knock-in mice facilitates research into mechanisms by which ApoE4 affects the brain. We performed meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses to examine differences in cognitive performance between ApoE4 and ApoE3 mice. We included 61 studies in which at least one of the following tests was assessed: Morris Water Maze (MWM), novel object location (NL), novel object recognition (NO) and Fear Conditioning (FC) test. ApoE4 vs. ApoE3 mice performed significantly worse on the MWM (several outcomes, 0.17 ≤ g ≤ 0.60), NO (exploration, g=0.33; index, g=0.44) and FC (contextual, g=0.49). ApoE4 vs. ApoE3 differences were not systematically related to sex or age. We conclude that ApoE4 knock-in mice in a non-AD condition show some, but limited cognitive deficits, regardless of sex and age. These effects suggest an intrinsic vulnerability in ApoE4 mice that may become more pronounced under additional brain load, as seen in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke J G van Heuvelen
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713AV, the Netherlands.
| | - Mathijs B van der Lei
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Nijenborg 7, Groningen 9747 AG, the Netherlands; Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, Edegem 2650, Belgium.
| | - Pien M Alferink
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713AV, the Netherlands.
| | - Peter Roemers
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Nijenborg 7, Groningen 9747 AG, the Netherlands.
| | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Nijenborg 7, Groningen 9747 AG, the Netherlands.
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2
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Faraji P, Kühn H, Ahmadian S. Multiple Roles of Apolipoprotein E4 in Oxidative Lipid Metabolism and Ferroptosis During the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:62. [PMID: 38958788 PMCID: PMC11222241 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02224-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide and has a great socio-economic impact. Modified oxidative lipid metabolism and dysregulated iron homeostasis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder, but the detailed pathophysiological mechanisms still remain unclear. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a lipid-binding protein that occurs in large quantities in human blood plasma, and a polymorphism of the APOE gene locus has been identified as risk factors for AD. The human genome involves three major APOE alleles (APOE2, APOE3, APOE4), which encode for three subtly distinct apolipoprotein E isoforms (APOE2, APOE3, APOE4). The canonic function of these apolipoproteins is lipid transport in blood and brain, but APOE4 allele carriers have a much higher risk for AD. In fact, about 60% of clinically diagnosed AD patients carry at least one APOE4 allele in their genomes. Although the APOE4 protein has been implicated in pathophysiological key processes of AD, such as extracellular beta-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, formation of neurofibrillary tangles, modified oxidative lipid metabolism, and ferroptotic cell death, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not well understood. As for all mammalian cells, iron plays a crucial role in neuronal functions and dysregulation of iron homeostasis has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. Imbalances in iron homeostasis and impairment of the hydroperoxy lipid-reducing capacity induce cellular dysfunction leading to neuronal ferroptosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on APOE4-related oxidative lipid metabolism and the potential role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD. Pharmacological interference with these processes might offer innovative strategies for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Faraji
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hartmut Kühn
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Shahin Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Valentin-Escalera J, Leclerc M, Calon F. High-Fat Diets in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease: How Can Eating Too Much Fat Increase Alzheimer's Disease Risk? J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:977-1005. [PMID: 38217592 PMCID: PMC10836579 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230118] [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] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
High dietary intake of saturated fatty acids is a suspected risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). To decipher the causal link behind these associations, high-fat diets (HFD) have been repeatedly investigated in animal models. Preclinical studies allow full control over dietary composition, avoiding ethical concerns in clinical trials. The goal of the present article is to provide a narrative review of reports on HFD in animal models of AD. Eligibility criteria included mouse models of AD fed a HFD defined as > 35% of fat/weight and western diets containing > 1% cholesterol or > 15% sugar. MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched from 1946 to August 2022, and 32 preclinical studies were included in the review. HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and glucose intolerance have been replicated in most studies, but with methodological variability. Most studies have found an aggravating effect of HFD on brain Aβ pathology, whereas tau pathology has been much less studied, and results are more equivocal. While most reports show HFD-induced impairment on cognitive behavior, confounding factors may blur their interpretation. In summary, despite conflicting results, exposing rodents to diets highly enriched in saturated fat induces not only metabolic defects, but also cognitive impairment often accompanied by aggravated neuropathological markers, most notably Aβ burden. Although there are important variations between methods, particularly the lack of diet characterization, these studies collectively suggest that excessive intake of saturated fat should be avoided in order to lower the incidence of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue Valentin-Escalera
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), Québec, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Québec, Canada
- OptiNutriBrain - Laboratoire International Associé (NutriNeuro France-INAF Canada)
| | - Manon Leclerc
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), Québec, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Québec, Canada
- OptiNutriBrain - Laboratoire International Associé (NutriNeuro France-INAF Canada)
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), Québec, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Québec, Canada
- OptiNutriBrain - Laboratoire International Associé (NutriNeuro France-INAF Canada)
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4
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Zegarra-Valdivia JA, Pignatelli J, Nuñez A, Torres Aleman I. The Role of Insulin-like Growth Factor I in Mechanisms of Resilience and Vulnerability to Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16440. [PMID: 38003628 PMCID: PMC10671249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216440] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of intense research, disease-modifying therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still very much needed. Apart from the extensively analyzed tau and amyloid pathological cascades, two promising avenues of research that may eventually identify new druggable targets for AD are based on a better understanding of the mechanisms of resilience and vulnerability to this condition. We argue that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) activity in the brain provides a common substrate for the mechanisms of resilience and vulnerability to AD. We postulate that preserved brain IGF-I activity contributes to resilience to AD pathology as this growth factor intervenes in all the major pathological cascades considered to be involved in AD, including metabolic impairment, altered proteostasis, and inflammation, to name the three that are considered to be the most important ones. Conversely, disturbed IGF-I activity is found in many AD risk factors, such as old age, type 2 diabetes, imbalanced diet, sedentary life, sociality, stroke, stress, and low education, whereas the Apolipoprotein (Apo) E4 genotype and traumatic brain injury may also be influenced by brain IGF-I activity. Accordingly, IGF-I activity should be taken into consideration when analyzing these processes, while its preservation will predictably help prevent the progress of AD pathology. Thus, we need to define IGF-I activity in all these conditions and develop a means to preserve it. However, defining brain IGF-I activity cannot be solely based on humoral or tissue levels of this neurotrophic factor, and new functionally based assessments need to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A. Zegarra-Valdivia
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- School of Medicine, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo 14000, Peru
| | - Jaime Pignatelli
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Cajal Institute (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Nuñez
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ignacio Torres Aleman
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
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5
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Rhea EM, Leclerc M, Yassine HN, Capuano AW, Tong H, Petyuk VA, Macauley SL, Fioramonti X, Carmichael O, Calon F, Arvanitakis Z. State of the Science on Brain Insulin Resistance and Cognitive Decline Due to Alzheimer's Disease. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.0814. [PMID: 37611907 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is common and increasing in prevalence worldwide, with devastating public health consequences. While peripheral insulin resistance is a key feature of most forms of T2DM and has been investigated for over a century, research on brain insulin resistance (BIR) has more recently been developed, including in the context of T2DM and non-diabetes states. Recent data support the presence of BIR in the aging brain, even in non-diabetes states, and found that BIR may be a feature in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and contributes to cognitive impairment. Further, therapies used to treat T2DM are now being investigated in the context of AD treatment and prevention, including insulin. In this review, we offer a definition of BIR, and present evidence for BIR in AD; we discuss the expression, function, and activation of the insulin receptor (INSR) in the brain; how BIR could develop; tools to study BIR; how BIR correlates with current AD hallmarks; and regional/cellular involvement of BIR. We close with a discussion on resilience to both BIR and AD, how current tools can be improved to better understand BIR, and future avenues for research. Overall, this review and position paper highlights BIR as a plausible therapeutic target for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia due to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Rhea
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Manon Leclerc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Axis, CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hussein N Yassine
- Departments of Neurology and Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ana W Capuano
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Han Tong
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Vladislav A Petyuk
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Shannon L Macauley
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Xavier Fioramonti
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- International Associated Laboratory OptiNutriBrain, Bordeaux, France and Quebec, Canada
| | - Owen Carmichael
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Frederic Calon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Axis, CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- International Associated Laboratory OptiNutriBrain, Bordeaux, France and Quebec, Canada
| | - Zoe Arvanitakis
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Leclerc M, Bourassa P, Tremblay C, Caron V, Sugère C, Emond V, Bennett DA, Calon F. Cerebrovascular insulin receptors are defective in Alzheimer's disease. Brain 2023; 146:75-90. [PMID: 36280236 PMCID: PMC9897197 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Central response to insulin is suspected to be defective in Alzheimer's disease. As most insulin is secreted in the bloodstream by the pancreas, its capacity to regulate brain functions must, at least partly, be mediated through the cerebral vasculature. However, how insulin interacts with the blood-brain barrier and whether alterations of this interaction could contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology both remain poorly defined. Here, we show that human and murine cerebral insulin receptors (INSRs), particularly the long isoform INSRα-B, are concentrated in microvessels rather than in the parenchyma. Vascular concentrations of INSRα-B were lower in the parietal cortex of subjects diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, positively correlating with cognitive scores, leading to a shift towards a higher INSRα-A/B ratio, consistent with cerebrovascular insulin resistance in the Alzheimer's disease brain. Vascular INSRα was inversely correlated with amyloid-β plaques and β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, but positively correlated with insulin-degrading enzyme, neprilysin and P-glycoprotein. Using brain cerebral intracarotid perfusion, we found that the transport rate of insulin across the blood-brain barrier remained very low (<0.03 µl/g·s) and was not inhibited by an insulin receptor antagonist. However, intracarotid perfusion of insulin induced the phosphorylation of INSRβ that was restricted to microvessels. Such an activation of vascular insulin receptor was blunted in 3xTg-AD mice, suggesting that Alzheimer's disease neuropathology induces insulin resistance at the level of the blood-brain barrier. Overall, the present data in post-mortem Alzheimer's disease brains and an animal model of Alzheimer's disease indicate that defects in the insulin receptor localized at the blood-brain barrier strongly contribute to brain insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease, in association with β-amyloid pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Leclerc
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Philippe Bourassa
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Cyntia Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Vicky Caron
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Camille Sugère
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Vincent Emond
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Fernández-Calle R, Konings SC, Frontiñán-Rubio J, García-Revilla J, Camprubí-Ferrer L, Svensson M, Martinson I, Boza-Serrano A, Venero JL, Nielsen HM, Gouras GK, Deierborg T. APOE in the bullseye of neurodegenerative diseases: impact of the APOE genotype in Alzheimer’s disease pathology and brain diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:62. [PMID: 36153580 PMCID: PMC9509584 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ApoE is the major lipid and cholesterol carrier in the CNS. There are three major human polymorphisms, apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4, and the genetic expression of APOE4 is one of the most influential risk factors for the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuroinflammation has become the third hallmark of AD, together with Amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated aggregated tau protein. This review aims to broadly and extensively describe the differential aspects concerning apoE. Starting from the evolution of apoE to how APOE's single-nucleotide polymorphisms affect its structure, function, and involvement during health and disease. This review reflects on how APOE's polymorphisms impact critical aspects of AD pathology, such as the neuroinflammatory response, particularly the effect of APOE on astrocytic and microglial function and microglial dynamics, synaptic function, amyloid-β load, tau pathology, autophagy, and cell–cell communication. We discuss influential factors affecting AD pathology combined with the APOE genotype, such as sex, age, diet, physical exercise, current therapies and clinical trials in the AD field. The impact of the APOE genotype in other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by overt inflammation, e.g., alpha- synucleinopathies and Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, is also addressed. Therefore, this review gathers the most relevant findings related to the APOE genotype up to date and its implications on AD and CNS pathologies to provide a deeper understanding of the knowledge in the APOE field.
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Tournissac M, Leclerc M, Valentin-Escalera J, Vandal M, Bosoi CR, Planel E, Calon F. Metabolic determinants of Alzheimer's disease: A focus on thermoregulation. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 72:101462. [PMID: 34534683 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex age-related neurodegenerative disease, associated with central and peripheral metabolic anomalies, such as impaired glucose utilization and insulin resistance. These observations led to a considerable interest not only in lifestyle-related interventions, but also in repurposing insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs to prevent or treat dementia. Body temperature is the oldest known metabolic readout and mechanisms underlying its maintenance fail in the elderly, when the incidence of AD rises. This raises the possibility that an age-associated thermoregulatory deficit contributes to energy failure underlying AD pathogenesis. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a central role in thermogenesis and maintenance of body temperature. In recent years, the modulation of BAT activity has been increasingly demonstrated to regulate energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization, which could also provide benefits for AD. Here, we review the evidence linking thermoregulation, BAT and insulin-related metabolic defects with AD, and we propose mechanisms through which correcting thermoregulatory impairments could slow the progression and delay the onset of AD.
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Central and Peripheral Mechanisms in ApoE4-Driven Diabetic Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041289. [PMID: 32075060 PMCID: PMC7072920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 gene allele and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prime risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite evidence linking T2DM and apoE4, the mechanism underlying their interaction is yet to be determined. In the present study, we employed a model of APOE-targeted replacement mice and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance to investigate diabetic mechanisms associated with apoE4 pathology and the extent to which they are driven by peripheral and central processes. Results obtained revealed an intriguing pattern, in which under basal conditions, apoE4 mice display impaired glucose and insulin tolerance and decreased insulin secretion, as well as cognitive and sensorimotor characteristics relative to apoE3 mice, while the HFD impairs apoE3 mice without significantly affecting apoE4 mice. Measurements of weight and fasting blood glucose levels increased in a time-dependent manner following the HFD, though no effect of genotype was observed. Interestingly, sciatic electrophysiological and skin intra-epidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) peripheral measurements were not affected by the APOE genotype or HFD, suggesting that the observed sensorimotor and cognitive phenotypes are related to central nervous system processes. Indeed, measurements of hippocampal insulin receptor and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activation revealed a pattern similar to that obtained in the behavioral measurements while Akt activation presented a dominant effect of diet. HFD manipulation induced genotype-independent hyperlipidation of apoE, and reduced levels of brain apoE in apoE3 mice, rendering them similar to apoE4 mice, whose brain apoE levels were not affected by the diet. No such effect was observed in the peripheral plasma levels of apoE, suggesting that the pathological effects of apoE4 under the control diet and apoE3 under HFD conditions are related to the decreased levels of brain apoE. Taken together, our data suggests that diabetic mechanisms play an important role in mediating the pathological effects of apoE4 and that consequently, diabetic-related therapy may be useful in treating apoE4 pathology in AD.
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Bourassa P, Tremblay C, Schneider JA, Bennett DA, Calon F. Beta-amyloid pathology in human brain microvessel extracts from the parietal cortex: relation with cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 137:801-823. [PMID: 30729296 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-01967-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Several pieces of evidence suggest that blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), exemplified by the frequent occurrence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and the defective clearance of Aβ peptides. However, the specific role of brain microvascular cells in these anomalies remains elusive. In this study, we validated by Western, ELISA and immunofluorescence analyses a procedure to generate microvasculature-enriched fractions from frozen samples of human cerebral cortex. We then investigated Aβ and proteins involved in its clearance or production in microvessel extracts generated from the parietal cortex of 60 volunteers in the Religious Orders Study. Volunteers were categorized as AD (n = 38) or controls (n = 22) based on the ABC scoring method presented in the revised guidelines for the neuropathological diagnosis of AD. Higher ELISA-determined concentrations of vascular Aβ40 and Aβ42 were found in persons with a neuropathological diagnosis of AD, in apoE4 carriers and in participants with advanced parenchymal CAA, compared to respective age-matched controls. Vascular levels of two proteins involved in Aβ clearance, ABCB1 and neprilysin, were lower in persons with AD and positively correlated with cognitive function, while being inversely correlated to vascular Aβ40. In contrast, BACE1, a protein necessary for Aβ production, was increased in individuals with AD and in apoE4 carriers, negatively correlated to cognitive function and positively correlated to Aβ40 in microvessel extracts. The present report indicates that concentrating microvessels from frozen human brain samples facilitates the quantitative biochemical analysis of cerebrovascular dysfunction in CNS disorders. Data generated overall show that microvessels extracted from individuals with parenchymal CAA-AD contained more Aβ and BACE1 and less ABCB1 and neprilysin, evidencing a pattern of dysfunction in brain microvascular cells contributing to CAA and AD pathology and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Bourassa
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Cyntia Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Julie A Schneider
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing body of evidence indicating the heterogeneity of Alzheimer's disease (AD), coupled with disappointing clinical studies directed at a fit-for-all therapy, suggest that the development of a single magic cure suitable for all cases may not be possible. This calls for a shift in paradigm where targeted treatment is developed for specific AD subpopulations that share distinct genetic or pathological properties. Apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4), the most prevalent genetic risk factor of AD, is expressed in more than half of AD patients and is thus an important possible AD therapeutic target. REVIEW This review focuses initially on the pathological effects of apoE4 in AD, as well as on the corresponding cellular and animal models and the suggested cellular and molecular mechanisms which mediate them. The second part of the review focuses on recent apoE4-targeted (from the APOE gene to the apoE protein and its interactors) therapeutic approaches that have been developed in animal models and are ready to be translated to human. Further, the issue of whether the pathological effects of apoE4 are due to loss of protective function or due to gain of toxic function is discussed herein. It is possible that both mechanisms coexist, with certain constituents of the apoE4 molecule and/or its downstream signaling mediating a toxic effect, while others are associated with a loss of protective function. CONCLUSION ApoE4 is a promising AD therapeutic target that remains understudied. Recent studies are now paving the way for effective apoE4-directed AD treatment approaches.
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Bourassa P, Alata W, Tremblay C, Paris-Robidas S, Calon F. Transferrin Receptor-Mediated Uptake at the Blood-Brain Barrier Is Not Impaired by Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathology. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:583-594. [PMID: 30609376 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The transferrin receptor (TfR) is highly expressed by brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and is therefore considered as a potential target for brain drug delivery. Monoclonal antibodies binding to the TfR, such as clone Ri7, have been shown to internalize into BCECs in vivo. However, since Alzheimer's disease (AD) is accompanied by a BBB dysfunction, it raises concerns about whether TfR-mediated transport becomes inefficient during the progression of the disease. Measurements of TfR levels using Western blot analysis in whole homogenates from human post-mortem parietal cortex and hippocampus did not reveal any significant difference between individuals with or without a neuropathological diagnosis of AD (respectively, n = 19 and 22 for the parietal cortex and n = 12 and 14 for hippocampus). Similarly, TfR concentrations in isolated human brain microvessels from parietal cortex were similar between controls and AD cases. TfR levels in isolated murine brain microvessels were not significantly different between groups of 12- and 18-month-old NonTg and 3xTg-AD mice, the latter modeling Aβ and τ neuropathologies. In situ brain perfusion assays were then conducted to measure the brain uptake and internalization of fluorolabeled Ri7 in BCECs upon binding. Consistently, TfR-mediated uptake in BCECs was similar between 3xTg-AD mice and nontransgenic controls (∼0.3 μL·g-1·s-1) at 12, 18, and 22 months of age. Fluorescence microscopy analysis following intravenous administration of fluorolabeled Ri7 highlighted that the signal from the antibody was widely distributed throughout the cerebral vasculature but not in neurons or astrocytes. Overall, our data suggest that both TfR protein levels and TfR-dependent internalization mechanisms are preserved in the presence of Aβ and τ neuropathologies, supporting the potential of TfR as a vector target for drug delivery into BCECs in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Bourassa
- Faculté de Pharmacie , Université Laval , Québec , QC G1V 0A6 , Canada.,Axe Neurosciences , Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval , Québec , QC G1V 4G2 , Canada
| | - Wael Alata
- Faculté de Pharmacie , Université Laval , Québec , QC G1V 0A6 , Canada.,Axe Neurosciences , Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval , Québec , QC G1V 4G2 , Canada
| | - Cyntia Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences , Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval , Québec , QC G1V 4G2 , Canada
| | - Sarah Paris-Robidas
- Faculté de Pharmacie , Université Laval , Québec , QC G1V 0A6 , Canada.,Axe Neurosciences , Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval , Québec , QC G1V 4G2 , Canada
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de Pharmacie , Université Laval , Québec , QC G1V 0A6 , Canada.,Axe Neurosciences , Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval , Québec , QC G1V 4G2 , Canada
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Duarte A, Santos M, Oliveira C, Moreira P. Brain insulin signalling, glucose metabolism and females' reproductive aging: A dangerous triad in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2018; 136:223-242. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Bennett DA, Buchman AS, Boyle PA, Barnes LL, Wilson RS, Schneider JA. Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 64:S161-S189. [PMID: 29865057 PMCID: PMC6380522 DOI: 10.3233/jad-179939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 630] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project are both ongoing longitudinal clinical-pathologic cohort studies of aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVES To summarize progress over the past five years and its implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS Participants in both studies are older adults who enroll without dementia and agree to detailed longitudinal clinical evaluations and organ donation. The last review summarized findings through the end of 2011. Here we summarize progress and study findings over the past five years and discuss new directions for how these studies can inform on aging and AD in the future. RESULTS We summarize 1) findings on the relation of neurobiology to clinical AD; 2) neurobiologic pathways linking risk factors to clinical AD; 3) non-cognitive AD phenotypes including motor function and decision making; 4) the development of a novel drug discovery platform. CONCLUSION Complexity at multiple levels needs to be understood and overcome to develop effective treatments and preventions for cognitive decline and AD dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
| | - Aron S. Buchman
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
| | - Patricia A. Boyle
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
| | - Lisa L. Barnes
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
| | - Robert S. Wilson
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
| | - Julie A Schneider
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
- Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL., USA
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