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Bajaj S, Mahesh R. Converged avenues: depression and Alzheimer's disease- shared pathophysiology and novel therapeutics. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:225. [PMID: 38281208 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Depression, a highly prevalent disorder affecting over 280 million people worldwide, is comorbid with many neurological disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Depression and AD share overlapping pathophysiology, and the search for accountable biological substrates made it an essential and intriguing field of research. The paper outlines the neurobiological pathways coinciding with depression and AD, including neurotrophin signalling, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), cellular apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and other aetiological factors. Understanding overlapping pathways is crucial in identifying common pathophysiological substrates that can be targeted for effective management of disease state. Antidepressants, particularly monoaminergic drugs (first-line therapy), are shown to have modest or no clinical benefits. Regardless of the ineffectiveness of conventional antidepressants, these drugs remain the mainstay for treating depressive symptoms in AD. To overcome the ineffectiveness of traditional pharmacological agents in treating comorbid conditions, a novel therapeutic class has been discussed in the paper. This includes neurotransmitter modulators, glutamatergic system modulators, mitochondrial modulators, antioxidant agents, HPA axis targeted therapy, inflammatory system targeted therapy, neurogenesis targeted therapy, repurposed anti-diabetic agents, and others. The primary clinical challenge is the development of therapeutic agents and the effective diagnosis of the comorbid condition for which no specific diagnosable scale is present. Hence, introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the healthcare system is revolutionary. AI implemented with interdisciplinary strategies (neuroimaging, EEG, molecular biomarkers) bound to have accurate clinical interpretation of symptoms. Moreover, AI has the potential to forecast neurodegenerative and psychiatric illness much in advance before visible/observable clinical symptoms get precipitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivanshu Bajaj
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Radhakrishnan Mahesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India.
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2
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Lathe R, St Clair D. Programmed ageing: decline of stem cell renewal, immunosenescence, and Alzheimer's disease. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023. [PMID: 37068798 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The characteristic maximum lifespan varies enormously across animal species from a few hours to hundreds of years. This argues that maximum lifespan, and the ageing process that itself dictates lifespan, are to a large extent genetically determined. Although controversial, this is supported by firm evidence that semelparous species display evolutionarily programmed ageing in response to reproductive and environmental cues. Parabiosis experiments reveal that ageing is orchestrated systemically through the circulation, accompanied by programmed changes in hormone levels across a lifetime. This implies that, like the circadian and circannual clocks, there is a master 'clock of age' (circavital clock) located in the limbic brain of mammals that modulates systemic changes in growth factor and hormone secretion over the lifespan, as well as systemic alterations in gene expression as revealed by genomic methylation analysis. Studies on accelerated ageing in mice, as well as human longevity genes, converge on evolutionarily conserved fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors, including KLOTHO, as well as insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and steroid hormones, as key players mediating the systemic effects of ageing. Age-related changes in these and multiple other factors are inferred to cause a progressive decline in tissue maintenance through failure of stem cell replenishment. This most severely affects the immune system, which requires constant renewal from bone marrow stem cells. Age-related immune decline increases risk of infection whereas lifespan can be extended in germfree animals. This and other evidence suggests that infection is the major cause of death in higher organisms. Immune decline is also associated with age-related diseases. Taking the example of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we assess the evidence that AD is caused by immunosenescence and infection. The signature protein of AD brain, Aβ, is now known to be an antimicrobial peptide, and Aβ deposits in AD brain may be a response to infection rather than a cause of disease. Because some cognitively normal elderly individuals show extensive neuropathology, we argue that the location of the pathology is crucial - specifically, lesions to limbic brain are likely to accentuate immunosenescence, and could thus underlie a vicious cycle of accelerated immune decline and microbial proliferation that culminates in AD. This general model may extend to other age-related diseases, and we propose a general paradigm of organismal senescence in which declining stem cell proliferation leads to programmed immunosenescence and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lathe
- Division of Infection Medicine, Chancellor's Building, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Little France, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - David St Clair
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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Harris BN, Roberts BR, DiMarco GM, Maldonado KA, Okwunwanne Z, Savonenko AV, Soto PL. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and anxiety-like behavior during aging: A test of the glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis in amyloidogenic APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114126. [PMID: 36122793 PMCID: PMC10250074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, dementing, whole-body disorder that presents with decline in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functions, as well as endocrine dysregulation. The etiology of AD is not fully understood but stress- and anxiety-related hormones may play a role in its development and trajectory. The glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis posits that levels of glucocorticoids increase with age, leading to dysregulated negative feedback, further elevated glucocorticoids, and resulting neuropathology. We examined the impact of age (from 2 to 10 months) and stressor exposure (predator odor) on hormone levels (corticosterone and ghrelin), anxiety-like behavior (open field and light dark tests), and memory-related behavior (novel object recognition; NOR), and whether these various measures correlated with neuropathology (hippocampus and cortex amyloid beta, Aβ) in male and female APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic and non-transgenic mice. Additionally, we performed exploratory analyses to probe if the open field and light dark test as commonly used tasks to assess anxiety levels were correlated. Consistent with the glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis, baseline corticosterone increased with age. Predator odor exposure elevated corticosterone at each age, but in contrast to the glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis, the magnitude of stressor-induced elevations in corticosterone levels did not increase with age. Overall, transgenic mice had higher post-stressor, but not baseline, corticosterone than non-transgenic mice, and across both genotypes, females consistently had higher (baseline and post-stressor) corticosterone than males. Behavior in the open field test primarily showed decreased locomotion with age, and this was pronounced in transgenic females. Anxiety-like behaviors in the light dark test were exacerbated following predator odor, and female transgenic mice were the most impacted. Compared to transgenic males, transgenic females had higher Aβ concentrations and showed more anxiety-like behavior. Performance on the NOR did not differ significantly between genotypes. Lastly, we did not find robust, statistically significant correlations among corticosterone, ghrelin, recognition memory, anxiety-like behaviors, or Aβ, suggesting outcomes are not strongly related on the individual level. Our data suggest that despite Aβ accumulation in the hippocampus and cortex, male and female APPswePS1dE9 transgenic mice do not differ robustly from their non-transgenic littermates in physiological, endocrine, and behavioral measures at the range of ages studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna N Harris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States.
| | - Breanna R Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Giuliana M DiMarco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States; Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | | | - Zenobia Okwunwanne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Alena V Savonenko
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Paul L Soto
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhao Z, Wu X, Lin J, Li Y, Yan W, Wu Y, Shi Y, Wu X, Xue Y, He J, Liu S, Zhang X, Xu H, Tang Y, Yin S. The involvement of ADAR1 in chronic unpredictable stress-induced cognitive impairment by targeting DARPP-32 with miR-874-3p in BALB/c mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:919297. [PMID: 37123418 PMCID: PMC10132208 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.919297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic stress exposure is the main environmental factor leading to cognitive impairment, but the detailed molecular mechanism is still unclear. Adenosine Deaminase acting on double-stranded RNA1(ADAR1) is involved in the occurrence of chronic stress-induced cognitive impairment. In addition, dopamine and Adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate-regulated phospho-protein (DARPP-32) gene variation affects cognitive function. Therefore, we hypothesized that ADAR1 plays a key role in chronic stress-induced cognitive impairment by acting on DARPP-32. Methods: In this study, postnatal 21-day-old male BALB/c mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable stressors. After that, the mice were treated with ADAR1 inducer/inhibitor. The cognitive ability and cerebral DARPP-32 protein expression of BALB/c mice were evaluated. In order to explore the link between ADAR1 and DARPP-32, the effects of ADAR1 high/low expression on DARPP-32 protein expression in vitro were detected. Results: ADAR1 inducer alleviates cognitive impairment and recovers decreased DARPP-32 protein expression of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in BALB/c mice with chronic unpredictable stress exposure. In vivo and in vitro studies confirm the results predicted by bio-informatics; that is, ADAR1 affects DARPP-32 expression via miR-874-3p. Discussion: The results in this study demonstrate that ADAR1 affects the expression of DARPP-32 via miR-874-3p, which is involved in the molecular mechanism of pathogenesis in chronic unpredictable stress-induced cognitive impairment. The new findings of this study provide a new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of stress cognitive impairment from epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yingxin Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ziwei Zhao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiabin Lin
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yufei Li
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Drug Research and Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Yan
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yi Wu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yanfei Shi
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xindi Wu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Xue
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiaqian He
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuqi Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Xu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yiyuan Tang
- College of Health Solutions, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Shengming Yin
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Shengming Yin,
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Hüttenrauch M, Lopez-Noguerola JS, Castro-Obregón S. Connecting Mind-Body Therapy-Mediated Effects to Pathological Features of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:S65-S90. [PMID: 33044183 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder that represents a major and increasing global health challenge. In most cases, the first clinical symptoms of AD are preceded by neuropathological changes in the brain that develop years to decades before their onset. Therefore, research in the last years has focused on this preclinical stage of AD trying to discover intervention strategies that might, if implemented effectively, delay or prevent disease progression. Among those strategies, mind-body therapies such as yoga and meditation have gained increasing interest as complementary alternative interventions. Several studies have reported a positive impact of yoga and meditation on brain health in both healthy older adults and dementia patients. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms contributing to these effects are currently not known in detail. More specifically, it is not known whether yogic interventions, directly or indirectly, can modulate risk factors or pathological mechanisms involved in the development of dementia. In this article, we first review the literature on the effects of yogic practices on outcomes such as cognitive functioning and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Then, we analyze how yogic interventions affect different risk factors as well as aspects of AD pathophysiology based on observations of studies in healthy individuals or subjects with other conditions than dementia. Finally, we integrate this evidence and propose possible mechanisms that might explain the positive effects of yogic interventions in cognitively impaired individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Hüttenrauch
- División de Neurosciencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Sócrates Lopez-Noguerola
- Área Académica de Gerontología, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca de Soto, México
| | - Susana Castro-Obregón
- División de Neurosciencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
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Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. The Locus Coeruleus- Norepinephrine System in Stress and Arousal: Unraveling Historical, Current, and Future Perspectives. Front Psychiatry 2021; 11:601519. [PMID: 33584368 PMCID: PMC7873441 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.601519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arousal may be understood on a spectrum, with excessive sleepiness, cognitive dysfunction, and inattention on one side, a wakeful state in the middle, and hypervigilance, panic, and psychosis on the other side. However, historically, the concepts of arousal and stress have been challenging to define as measurable experimental variables. Divergent efforts to study these subjects have given rise to several disciplines, including neurobiology, neuroendocrinology, and cognitive neuroscience. We discuss technological advancements that chronologically led to our current understanding of the arousal system, focusing on the multifaceted nucleus locus coeruleus. We share our contemporary perspective and the hypotheses of others in the context of our current technological capabilities and future developments that will be required to move forward in this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Watermeyer T, Robb C, Gregory S, Udeh-Momoh C. Therapeutic implications of hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal-axis modulation in Alzheimer's disease: A narrative review of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100877. [PMID: 33045258 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
With disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) still elusive, the search for alternative intervention strategies has intensified. Growing evidence suggests that dysfunction in hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal-axis (HPAA) activity may contribute to the development of AD pathology. The HPAA, may therefore offer a novel target for therapeutic action. This review summarises and critically evaluates animal and human studies investigating the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention on HPAA modulation alongside cognitive performance. The interventions discussed include glucocorticoid receptor antagonists and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors as well as lifestyle treatments such as physical activity, diet, sleep and contemplative practices. Pharmacological HPAA modulators improve pathology and cognitive deficit in animal AD models, but human pharmacological trials are yet to provide definitive support for such benefits. Lifestyle interventions may offer promising strategies for HPAA modification and cognitive health, but several methodological caveats across these studies were identified. Directions for future research in AD studies are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamlyn Watermeyer
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK; Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catherine Robb
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Gregory
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chinedu Udeh-Momoh
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK; Translational Health Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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8
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Bouji M, Lecomte A, Gamez C, Blazy K, Villégier AS. Impact of Cerebral Radiofrequency Exposures on Oxidative Stress and Corticosterone in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 73:467-476. [PMID: 31796670 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia. Several studies suggested that mobile phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposures modified AD memory deficits in rodent models. OBJECTIVE Here we aimed to test the hypothesis that RF-EMF exposure may modify memory through corticosterone and oxidative stress in the Samaritan rat model of AD. METHODS Long-Evans male rats received intracerebroventricular infusion with ferrous sulphate, amyloid-beta 1-42 peptide, and buthionine-sufloximine (AD rats) or with vehicle (control rats). To mimic cell phone use, RF-EMF were exposed to the head for 1 month (5 days/week, in restraint). To look for hazard thresholds, high brain averaged specific absorption rates (BASAR) were tested: 1.5 W/Kg (15 min), 6 W/Kg (15 min), and 6 W/Kg (45 min). The sham group was in restraint for 45 min. Endpoints were spatial memory in the radial maze, plasmatic corticosterone, heme oxygenase-1 (HO1), and amyloid plaques. RESULTS Results indicated similar corticosterone levels but impaired memory performances and increased cerebral staining of thioflavine and of HO1 in the sham AD rats compared to the controls. A correlative increase of cortical HO1 staining was the only effect of RF-EMF in control rats. In AD rats, RF-EMF exposures induced a correlative increase of hippocampal HO1 staining and reduced corticosterone. DISCUSSION According to our data, neither AD nor control rats showed modified memory after RF-EMF exposures. Unlike control rats, AD rats showed higher hippocampal oxidative stress and reduced corticosterone with the higher BASAR. This data suggests more fragility related to neurodegenerative disease toward RF-EMF exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Bouji
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Anthony Lecomte
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Christelle Gamez
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Kelly Blazy
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Villégier
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
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Tobore TO. On the Etiopathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Theoretical Review. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 68:417-437. [PMID: 30775973 DOI: 10.3233/jad-181052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimers' disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, with an estimated 5 million new cases occurring annually. Among the elderly, AD shortens life expectancy, results in disability, decreases quality of life, and ultimately, leads to institutionalization. Despite extensive research in the last few decades, its heterogeneous pathophysiology and etiopathogenesis have made it difficult to develop an effective treatment and prevention strategy. Aging is the biggest risk factor for AD and evidence suggest that the total number of older people in the population is going to increase astronomically in the next decades. Also, there is evidence that air pollution and increasing income inequality may result in higher incidence and prevalence of AD. This makes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology of the disease extremely critical. In this paper, a quintuple framework of thyroid dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, sex hormones, and mitochondria dysfunction and oxidative stress are used to provide a comprehensive description of AD etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology. The individual role of each factor, their synergistic and genetic interactions, as well as the limitations of the framework are discussed.
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Lathe R, St Clair D. From conifers to cognition: Microbes, brain and behavior. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12680. [PMID: 32515128 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A diversity of bacteria, protozoans and viruses ("endozoites") were recently uncovered within healthy tissues including the human brain. By contrast, it was already recognized a century ago that healthy plants tissues contain abundant endogenous microbes ("endophytes"). Taking endophytes as an informative precedent, we overview the nature, prevalence, and role of endozoites in mammalian tissues, centrally focusing on the brain, concluding that endozoites are ubiquitous in diverse tissues. These passengers often remain subclinical, but they are not silent. We address their routes of entry, mechanisms of persistence, tissue specificity, and potential to cause long-term behavioral changes and/or immunosuppression in mammals, where rabies virus is the exemplar. We extend the discussion to Herpesviridae, Coronaviridae, and Toxoplasma, as well as to diverse bacteria and yeasts, and debate the advantages and disadvantages that endozoite infection might afford to the host and to the ecosystem. We provide a clinical perspective in which endozoites are implicated in neurodegenerative disease, anxiety/depression, and schizophrenia. We conclude that endozoites are instrumental in the delicate balance between health and disease, including age-related brain disease, and that endozoites have played an important role in the evolution of brain function and human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lathe
- Division of Infection Medicine, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David St Clair
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Barros-Viegas AT, Carmona V, Ferreiro E, Guedes J, Cardoso AM, Cunha P, Pereira de Almeida L, Resende de Oliveira C, Pedro de Magalhães J, Peça J, Cardoso AL. miRNA-31 Improves Cognition and Abolishes Amyloid-β Pathology by Targeting APP and BACE1 in an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 19:1219-1236. [PMID: 32069773 PMCID: PMC7031139 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide, characterized by progressive memory impairment, behavioral changes, and, ultimately, loss of consciousness and death. Recently, microRNA (miRNA) dysfunction has been associated with increased production and impaired clearance of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, whose accumulation is one of the most well-known pathophysiological markers of this disease. In this study, we identified several miRNAs capable of targeting key proteins of the amyloidogenic pathway. The expression of one of these miRNAs, miR-31, previously found to be decreased in AD patients, was able to simultaneously reduce the levels of APP and Bace1 mRNA in the hippocampus of 17-month-old AD triple-transgenic (3xTg-AD) female mice, leading to a significant improvement of memory deficits and a reduction in anxiety and cognitive inflexibility. In addition, lentiviral-mediated miR-31 expression significantly ameliorated AD neuropathology in this model, drastically reducing Aβ deposition in both the hippocampus and subiculum. Furthermore, the increase of miR-31 levels was enough to reduce the accumulation of glutamate vesicles in the hippocampus to levels found in non-transgenic age-matched animals. Overall, our results suggest that miR-31-mediated modulation of APP and BACE1 can become a therapeutic option in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Teresa Barros-Viegas
- Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal; CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vítor Carmona
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ferreiro
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Guedes
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Maria Cardoso
- Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal; CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Cunha
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Resende de Oliveira
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - João Peça
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Cardoso
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Drogos LL, Wynne-Edwards K, Zhou R, Hall SE, Tyndall AV, Longman RS, Eskes G, Poulin MJ. Aerobic exercise increases cortisol awakening response in older adults. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 103:241-248. [PMID: 30721838 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggests aerobic exercise may dampen age-related decline in cognitive performance. Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and reactivity may be a mechanism by which aerobic exercise benefits cognitive performance, and reduces perceived stress. This investigation was completed as an ancillary investigation of the Brain in Motion (BIM) study, a 6-month supervised aerobic exercise intervention. Participants were generally healthy and screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria for the parent study. Thirty-eight participants were recruited (Mean age = 65.0 [SD = 5.1]; 60% female) and the final longitudinal sample was 32 participants. Participants provided a passive drool sample at: waking, 15, 30, and 45 min post-waking to assess the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and 3, 6, 9, and 12 h post-waking to assess daily area under the curve for cortisol. Salivary cortisol was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The exercise intervention increased CAR but no differences were observed in daily AUC. In addition, larger increases in CAR were positively associated with greater decreases in subjective stress. Thus, aerobic exercise improved the CAR in otherwise healthy, but sedentary older adults and greater improvements in CAR were associated with greater reductions in perceived stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L Drogos
- University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Canada; University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada
| | | | - Ruokun Zhou
- University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Canada
| | - Samantha E Hall
- University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Canada; University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada
| | - Amanda V Tyndall
- University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Canada; University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada
| | - R Stewart Longman
- University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada; University of Calgary, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Canada; University of Calgary, Department of Psychology, Canada; Alberta Health Services, Foothills Medical Centre, Canada
| | - Gail Eskes
- Dalhousie University, Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Canada
| | - Marc J Poulin
- University of Calgary, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Canada; University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada; University of Calgary, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Canada; University of Calgary Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Canada; University of Calgary, Department of Faculty of Kinesiology, Canada.
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13
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Spiers JG, Chen HJC, Bourgognon JM, Steinert JR. Dysregulation of stress systems and nitric oxide signaling underlies neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 134:468-483. [PMID: 30716433 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a multimodal response involving the coordination of numerous body systems in order to maximize the chance of survival. However, long term activation of the stress response results in neuronal oxidative stress via reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generation, contributing to the development of depression. Stress-induced depression shares a high comorbidity with other neurological conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia, often appearing as one of the earliest observable symptoms in these diseases. Furthermore, stress and/or depression appear to exacerbate cognitive impairment in the context of AD associated with dysfunctional catecholaminergic signaling. Given there are a number of homologous pathways involved in the pathophysiology of depression and AD, this article will highlight the mechanisms by which stress-induced perturbations in oxidative stress, and particularly NO signaling, contribute to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jereme G Spiers
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
| | - Hsiao-Jou Cortina Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | | | - Joern R Steinert
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behavior, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, United Kingdom.
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Canet G, Chevallier N, Zussy C, Desrumaux C, Givalois L. Central Role of Glucocorticoid Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease and Depression. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:739. [PMID: 30459541 PMCID: PMC6232776 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the principal neurodegenerative pathology in the world displaying negative impacts on both the health and social ability of patients and inducing considerable economic costs. In the case of sporadic forms of AD (more than 95% of patients), even if mechanisms are unknown, some risk factors were identified. The principal risk is aging, but there is growing evidence that lifetime events like chronic stress or stress-related disorders may increase the probability to develop AD. This mini-review reinforces the rationale to consider major depressive disorder (MDD) as an important risk factor to develop AD and points the central role played by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, glucocorticoids (GC) and their receptors (GR) in the etiology of MDD and AD. Several strategies directly targeting GR were tested to neutralize the HPA axis dysregulation and GC overproduction. Given the ubiquitous expression of GR, antagonists have many undesired side effects, limiting their therapeutic potential. However, a new class of molecules was developed, highly selective and acting as modulators. They present the advantage to selectively abrogate pathogenic GR-dependent processes, while retaining beneficial aspects of GR signaling. In fact, these “selective GR modulators” induce a receptor conformation that allows activation of only a subset of downstream signaling pathways, explaining their capacity to combine agonistic and antagonistic properties. Thus, targeting GR with selective modulators, alone or in association with current strategies, becomes particularly attractive and relevant to develop novel preventive and/or therapeutic strategies to tackle disorders associated with a dysregulation of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Canet
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Chevallier
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Charleine Zussy
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Desrumaux
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Givalois
- Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, INSERM, U1198, Team Environmental Impact in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (EiAlz), Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,EPHE, Paris, France
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15
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Abstract
UNLABELLED ABSTRACTObjective:We aimed at examining the relation between stress markers (cortisol levels and state anxiety) with memory for emotional information in AD patients and in healthy elderly. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Baseline and changes in stress markers during memory testing were assessed in a sample of 98 elderly (46 mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease patients and 52 controls) recruited from dementia day centers and adult day centers, respectively. MEASUREMENTS Salivary cortisol, state anxiety, and measures of immediate recall and delayed recognition using the International Affective Pictures System. RESULTS Patients' performance in memory tasks was not associated with either cortisol levels or anxiety. In controls, quadratic and linear associations were found between cortisol and immediate recall scores (total and bias, respectively). Besides, quadratic and linear associations were observed between anxiety and delayed recognition scores (total and bias, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The emotional memory of patients with Alzheimer´s disease is not related to stress markers as healthy older adults' is. Future studies that include moderating variables are needed to explain the lack of association.
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16
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Ross JA, Gliebus G, Van Bockstaele EJ. Stress induced neural reorganization: A conceptual framework linking depression and Alzheimer's disease. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 85:136-151. [PMID: 28803923 PMCID: PMC5809232 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a risk factor for a number of physiological disorders including cardiovascular disease, obesity and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. There are a number of underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms altered in the course of chronic stress, which may increase the vulnerability of individuals to develop psychiatric disorders such as depression, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). This is evident in the influence of stress on large-scale brain networks, including the resting state Default Mode Network (DMN), the effects of stress on neuronal circuitry and architecture, and the cellular and molecular adaptations to stress, which may render individuals with stress related psychiatric disorders more vulnerable to neurodegenerative disease later in life. These alterations include decreased negative feedback inhibition of the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) axis, decreased dendritic arborization and spine density in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines, which may suppress neurogenesis and promote neuronal cell death. Each of these factors are thought to play a role in stress-related psychiatric disease as well as AD, and have been observed in clinical and post-mortem studies of individuals with depression and AD. The goal of the current review is to summarize clinical and preclinical evidence supporting a role for chronic stress as a putative link between neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, we provide a rationale for the importance of taking a medical history of stress-related psychiatric diseases into consideration during clinical trial design, as they may play an important role in the etiology of AD in stratified patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102
| | - Gediminas Gliebus
- Department of Neurology, Drexel Neuroscience Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107
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17
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Kootar S, Frandemiche ML, Dhib G, Mouska X, Lorivel T, Poupon-Silvestre G, Hunt H, Tronche F, Bethus I, Barik J, Marie H. Identification of an acute functional cross-talk between amyloid-β and glucocorticoid receptors at hippocampal excitatory synapses. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 118:117-128. [PMID: 30003950 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β is a peptide released by synapses in physiological conditions and its pathological accumulation in brain structures necessary for memory processing represents a key toxic hallmark underlying Alzheimer's disease. The oligomeric form of Amyloid-β (Aβο) is now believed to represent the main Amyloid-β species affecting synapse function. Yet, the exact molecular mechanism by which Aβο modifies synapse function remains to be fully elucidated. There is accumulating evidence that glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) might participate in Aβο generation and activity in the brain. Here, we provide evidence for an acute functional cross-talk between Aβ and GRs at hippocampal excitatory synapses. Using live imaging and biochemical analysis of post-synaptic densities (PSD) in cultured hippocampal neurons, we show that synthetic Aβo (100 nM) increases GR levels in spines and PSD. Also, in these cultured neurons, blocking GRs with two different GR antagonists prevents Aβo-mediated PSD95 increase within the PSD. By analyzing long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in ex vivo hippocampal slices after pharmacologically blocking GR, we also show that GR signaling is necessary for Aβo-mediated LTP impairment, but not Aβo-mediated LTD induction. The necessity of neuronal GRs for Aβo-mediated LTP was confirmed by genetically removing GRs in vivo from CA1 neurons using conditional GR mutant mice. These results indicate a tight functional interplay between GR and Aβ activities at excitatory synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scherazad Kootar
- Team Physiopathology of Neuronal Circuits and Behavior, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Valbonne, France
| | - Marie-Lise Frandemiche
- Team Physiopathology of Neuronal Circuits and Behavior, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Valbonne, France
| | - Gihen Dhib
- Team Physiopathology of Neuronal Circuits and Behavior, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Valbonne, France
| | - Xavier Mouska
- Team Physiopathology of Neuronal Circuits and Behavior, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Valbonne, France
| | - Thomas Lorivel
- Behavioral Facility, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Valbonne, France
| | - Gwenola Poupon-Silvestre
- Team Sumoylation in neuronal function and dysfunction, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Valbonne, France
| | | | - François Tronche
- Team Gene Regulation and Adaptive Behaviors, Neurosciences Paris Seine, INSERM U 1130, CNRS UMR 8246, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Ingrid Bethus
- Team Physiopathology of Neuronal Circuits and Behavior, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Valbonne, France
| | - Jacques Barik
- Team Physiopathology of Neuronal Circuits and Behavior, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Valbonne, France
| | - Hélène Marie
- Team Physiopathology of Neuronal Circuits and Behavior, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Valbonne, France.
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18
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Justice NJ. The relationship between stress and Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Stress 2018; 8:127-133. [PMID: 29888308 PMCID: PMC5991350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is critically involved in the development and progression of disease. From the stress of undergoing treatments to facing your own mortality, the physiological processes that stress drives have a serious detrimental effect on the ability to heal, cope and maintain a positive quality of life. This is becoming increasingly clear in the case of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases involve the devastating loss of cognitive and motor function which is stressful in itself, but can also disrupt neural circuits that mediate stress responses. Disrupting these circuits produces aberrant emotional and aggressive behavior that causes long-term care to be especially difficult. In addition, added stress drives progression of the disease and can exacerbate symptoms. In this review, I describe how neural and endocrine pathways activated by stress interact with ongoing neurodegenerative disease from both a clinical and experimental perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Justice
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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19
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Ennis GE, An Y, Resnick SM, Ferrucci L, O'Brien RJ, Moffat SD. Long-term cortisol measures predict Alzheimer disease risk. Neurology 2016; 88:371-378. [PMID: 27986873 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether long-term measures of cortisol predict Alzheimer disease (AD) risk. METHOD We used a prospective longitudinal design to examine whether cortisol dysregulation was related to AD risk. Participants were from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and submitted multiple 24-hour urine samples over an average interval of 10.56 years. Urinary free cortisol (UFC) and creatinine (Cr) were measured, and a UFC/Cr ratio was calculated to standardize UFC. To measure cortisol regulation, we used within-person UFC/Cr level (i.e., within-person mean), change in UFC/Cr over time (i.e., within-person slope), and UFC/Cr variability (i.e., within-person coefficient of variation). Cox regression was used to assess whether UFC/Cr measures predicted AD risk. RESULTS UFC/Cr level and UFC/Cr variability, but not UFC/Cr slope, were significant predictors of AD risk an average of 2.9 years before AD onset. Elevated UFC/Cr level and elevated UFC/Cr variability were related to a 1.31- and 1.38-times increase in AD risk, respectively. In a sensitivity analysis, increased UFC/Cr level and increased UFC/Cr variability predicted increased AD risk an average of 6 years before AD onset. CONCLUSIONS Cortisol dysregulation as manifested by high UFC/Cr level and high UFC/Cr variability may modulate the downstream clinical expression of AD pathology or be a preclinical marker of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda E Ennis
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Yang An
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Susan M Resnick
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Richard J O'Brien
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Scott D Moffat
- From the School of Psychology (G.E.E., S.D.M.), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., S.M.R.) and Longitudinal Studies Section (L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and School of Medicine (R.J.O.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Dr. O'Brien is now at the School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC.
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20
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Glucocorticoid-Induced Leucine Zipper in Central Nervous System Health and Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:8063-8070. [PMID: 27889894 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0277-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is a large network of intercommunicating cells that function to maintain tissue health and homeostasis. Considerable evidence suggests that glucocorticoids exert both neuroprotective and neurodegenerative effects on the CNS. Glucocorticoids act by binding two related receptors in the cytoplasm, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The glucocorticoid receptor complex mediates cellular responses by transactivating target genes and by protein: protein interactions. The paradoxical effects of glucocorticoids on neuronal survival and death have been attributed to the concentration and the ratio of mineralocorticoid to glucocorticoid receptor activation. Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) is a recently identified protein transcriptionally upregulated by glucocorticoids. Constitutively, expressed in many tissues including brain, GILZ mediates many of the actions of glucocorticoids. It mimics the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of glucocorticoids but exerts differential effects on stem cell differentiation and lineage development. Recent experimental data on the effects of GILZ following induced stress or trauma suggest potential roles in CNS diseases. Here, we provide a short overview of the role of GILZ in CNS health and discuss three potential rationales for the role of GILZ in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
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Abstract
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent among the elderly and are associated with increased disability, poor quality of life, and cognitive impairment. Despite this high prevalence and associated morbidities, anxiety disorders in late life are underreported and understudied. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, disease presentation, and current treatment of anxiety disorders in older adults. We also discuss limitations in the current understanding of such disorders in this population, as well as future research directions that may reveal the mechanisms and rationale for treatment regimens for anxiety disorders in late life. We present material on the application of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) model to geriatric anxiety. Finally, we describe optimal management strategies of anxiety disorders.
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22
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Lanté F, Chafai M, Raymond EF, Salgueiro Pereira AR, Mouska X, Kootar S, Barik J, Bethus I, Marie H. Subchronic glucocorticoid receptor inhibition rescues early episodic memory and synaptic plasticity deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:1772-81. [PMID: 25622751 PMCID: PMC4915261 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The early phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by hippocampus-dependent memory deficits and impaired synaptic plasticity. Increasing evidence suggests that stress and dysregulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, marked by the elevated circulating glucocorticoids, are risk factors for AD onset. How these changes contribute to early hippocampal dysfunction remains unclear. Using an elaborated version of the object recognition task, we carefully monitored alterations in key components of episodic memory, the first type of memory altered in AD patients, in early symptomatic Tg2576 AD mice. We also combined biochemical and ex vivo electrophysiological analyses to reveal novel cellular and molecular dysregulations underpinning the onset of the pathology. We show that HPA axis, circadian rhythm, and feedback mechanisms, as well as episodic memory, are compromised in this early symptomatic phase, reminiscent of human AD pathology. The cognitive decline could be rescued by subchronic in vivo treatment with RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. These observed phenotypes were paralleled by a specific enhancement of N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR)-dependent LTD in CA1 pyramidal neurons, whereas LTP and metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent LTD remain unchanged. NMDAR transmission was also enhanced. Finally, we show that, as for the behavioral deficit, RU486 treatment rescues this abnormal synaptic phenotype. These preclinical results define glucocorticoid signaling as a contributing factor to both episodic memory loss and early synaptic failure in this AD mouse model, and suggest that glucocorticoid receptor targeting strategies could be beneficial to delay AD onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Lanté
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Magda Chafai
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Elisabeth Fabienne Raymond
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Ana Rita Salgueiro Pereira
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Xavier Mouska
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Scherazad Kootar
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Jacques Barik
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Ingrid Bethus
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France
| | - Hélène Marie
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, Valbonne, France,Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR 7275, 660 Route des Lucioles, 06560 Valbonne, France, Tel: +33 4 93 95 34 40, Fax: +33 4 93 95 34 08, E-mail:
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23
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Ross JA, McGonigle P, Van Bockstaele EJ. Locus Coeruleus, norepinephrine and Aβ peptides in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Stress 2015; 2:73-84. [PMID: 26618188 PMCID: PMC4657149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoaminergic brainstem systems have widespread projections that participate in many central processes and, when dysregulated, contribute to a plethora of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Synapses are the foundation of these neuronal circuits, and their local dysfunction results in global aberrations leading to pathophysiological disease states. This review focuses on the locus coeruleus (LC) norepinephrine (NE) brainstem system and its underappreciated role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid beta (Aβ), a peptide that accumulates aberrantly in AD has recently been implicated as a modulator of neuronal excitability at the synapse. Evidence is presented showing that disruption of the LC-NE system at a synaptic and circuit level during early stages of AD, due to conditions such as chronic stress, can potentially lead to amyloid accumulation and contribute to the progression of this neurodegenerative disorder. Additional factors that impact neurodegeneration include neuroinflammation, and network de-synchronization. Consequently, targeting the LC-NE system may have significant therapeutic potential for AD, as it may facilitate modulation of Aβ production, curtail neuroinflammation, and prevent sleep and behavioral disturbances that often lead to negative patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102
| | - Paul McGonigle
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102
| | - Elisabeth J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102
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Association between body mass index and cortical thickness: among elderly cognitively normal men and women. Int Psychogeriatr 2015; 27:121-30. [PMID: 25263181 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610214001744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence of a relationship between underweight or obesity and dementia risk. Several studies have investigated the relationship between body weight and brain atrophy, a pathological change preceding dementia, but their results are inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cortical atrophy among cognitively normal participants. METHODS We recruited cognitively normal participants (n = 1,111) who underwent medical checkups and detailed neurologic screening, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the health screening visits between September 2008 and December 2011. The main outcome was cortical thickness measured using MRI. The number of subjects with five BMI groups in men/women was 9/9, 148/258, 185/128, 149/111, and 64/50 in underweight, normal, overweight, mild obesity, and moderate to severe obesity, respectively. Linear and non-linear relationships between BMI and cortical thickness were examined using multiple linear regression analysis and generalized additive models after adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS Among men, underweight participants showed significant cortical thinning in the frontal and temporal regions compared to normal weight participants, while overweight and mildly obese participants had greater cortical thicknesses in the frontal region and the frontal, temporal, and occipital regions, respectively. However, cortical thickness in each brain region was not significantly different in normal weight and moderate to severe obesity groups. Among women, the association between BMI and cortical thickness was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that underweight might be an important risk factor for pathological changes in the brain, while overweight or mild obesity may be inversely associated with cortical atrophy in cognitively normal elderly males.
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No evidence of a longitudinal association between diurnal cortisol patterns and cognition. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 35:2239-45. [PMID: 24735831 PMCID: PMC4099515 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We examined the effect of salivary cortisol on cognitive performance and decline in 3229 adults (79% men), mean age 61 years. Six saliva samples over the day along with a cognition test battery were administered twice in 5 years. In fully-adjusted cross-sectional analyses from 2002 to 2004, higher waking cortisol was associated with higher reasoning score (β = 0.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.15) but this finding was not replicated using data from 2007 to 2009. Over the mean 5 years follow-up there was decline in all cognitive tests but this decline did not vary as a function of cortisol levels; the exception was among APOE e4 carriers where a flatter diurnal slope and higher bedtime cortisol were associated with faster decline in verbal fluency. Changes in cortisol measures between 2002/2004 and 2007/2009 or chronically elevated levels were not associated with cognitive performance in 2007/2009. These results, based on a large sample of community-dwelling adults suggest that variability in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function is not a strong contributor to cognitive aging.
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Sierksma A, van den Hove D, Pfau F, Philippens M, Bruno O, Fedele E, Ricciarelli R, Steinbusch H, Vanmierlo T, Prickaerts J. Improvement of spatial memory function in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice after chronic inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 4D. Neuropharmacology 2014; 77:120-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Zvěřová M, Fišar Z, Jirák R, Kitzlerová E, Hroudová J, Raboch J. Plasma cortisol in Alzheimer's disease with or without depressive symptoms. Med Sci Monit 2013; 19:681-9. [PMID: 23955525 PMCID: PMC3751335 DOI: 10.12659/msm.889110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cortisol is presumed to be a risk factor for stress- and age-related disorders, such as depressive disorder and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of plasma cortisol concentration with AD in presence or absence of comorbid depressive symptoms. Material/Methods Plasma cortisol concentration was measured in 80 AD patients (35 of them with depressive symptoms), 27 elderly depressive patients without AD, and 37 elderly controls. Results Compared to controls, a significant increase of mean plasma cortisol was found in AD patients but not in depressive patients. Plasma cortisol was positively correlated with cognitive impairment in AD patients. We confirmed a U-shaped association between plasma cortisol and major depression and a linear association between plasma cortisol and AD without depressive symptoms. Significantly increased relative risk of disease in people with high plasma cortisol was found for AD with depressive symptoms and for AD with mild dementia. Conclusions Plasma cortisol reflects the degree of cognitive impairment in AD rather than the severity of comorbid depression. We confirmed that both hypercortisolemia and hypocortisolemia are associated with depressive disorder. Significant association between high plasma cortisol and AD was found, supporting the use of high plasma cortisol as a component of a panel of biochemical markers for AD with depressive symptoms as well as AD in the early stage of dementia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zvěřová
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Baitharu I, Jain V, Deep SN, Hota KB, Hota SK, Prasad D, Ilavazhagan G. Withania somnifera root extract ameliorates hypobaric hypoxia induced memory impairment in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 145:431-441. [PMID: 23211660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Withania somnifera (WS) root extract has been used traditionally in ayurvedic system of medicine as a memory enhancer and anti-stress agent. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the neuroprotective and prophylactic potential of WS root extract in ameliorating hypobaric hypoxia (HH) induced memory impairment and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS WS root extract was administered to male Sprague Dawley rats during a period of 21 days pre-exposure and 07 days exposure to a simulated altitude of 25,000 ft. Spatial memory was assessed by Morris Water Maze. Neurodegeneration, corticosterone, acetylcholine (Ach) levels, acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity, oxidative stress markers and nitric oxide (NO) concentration were assessed in the hippocampus. Synaptic and apoptotic markers were also investigated by immunoblotting. To study the role of NO in regulating corticosterone mediated signaling, the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (n-NOS) inhibitor, L-Nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-Name) and NO agonist sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were administered from 3rd to 7th day of hypoxic exposure. RESULTS Administration of WS root extract prevented HH induced memory impairment and neurodegeneration along with decreased NO, corticosterone, oxidative stress and AchE activity in hippocampal region. Inhibition of NO synthesis by administration of L-Name reduced corticosterone levels in hippocampus during hypoxic exposure while co-administration of corticosterone increased neurodegeneration. Administration of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) along with WS root extract supplementation during hypoxic exposure increased corticosterone levels and increased the number of pyknotic cells. CONCLUSION WS root extract ameliorated HH induced memory impairment and neurodegeneration in hippocampus through NO mediated modulation of corticosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iswar Baitharu
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, DRDO, At/Po: Timarpur, Lucknow Road, Delhi-110054, India
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Mishra SK, Singh P, Bunch SJ, Zhang R. The therapeutic value of yoga in neurological disorders. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2013; 15:247-54. [PMID: 23349587 PMCID: PMC3548360 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.104328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The ancient mind and body healing methods of yoga recently sparked fervor in the scientific community as an alternative and complementary means of therapy. Since the World Health Organization officially began promoting yoga in developing countries in 1978, yoga has been cited for its therapeutic potential and has been widely recognized in Western culture. However, as an increasing number of people practice yoga for remedial purposes, researchers raise two important questions: 1) Is yoga a valid complementary management and rehabilitation treatment modality? 2) What conditions show promise of treatment with this intervention?. Objective: This review article uses comprehensive scientific, evidence-based studies to analyze the efficacy of various basic and applied aspects of yoga in disease prevention and health promotion. It specifically intends to expose the effects of yoga in neurological disorders, particularly epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, peripheral nervous system disease, and fibromyalgia. Materials and Methods: Information was gathered from various resources including PubMed, Ovid, MD-Consult, USC, and U.C.L.A. libraries. Studies were selected and reviewed on the basis of sample size, control, randomization, double-blinding, and statistical analysis of results. Results: The pratice of yoga and meditation demonstrates statistically encouraging physiological and psychological improvements in the aforementioned neurological disorders. However, there were certain flaws and inadequacies in the study designs employed to evaluate the same. A critical analysis of these studies is presented. Conclusions: With the aim to focus attention on this widespread yet largely unexamined treatment modality, this paper seeks to provide direction and support for further research necessary to validate yoga as an integrative, alternative, and complementary therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shri K Mishra
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Neurology Department, GLA and Olive-View UCLA Medical Center, CA, USA
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O'Hara R, Derouesné C, Fountoulakis KN, Yesavage JA. Therapeutic approaches to age-associated neurocognitive disorders. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2012. [PMID: 22033831 PMCID: PMC3181653 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2001.3.3/rohara] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The United Nations projects that the number of individuals with dementia in developed countries alone will be approximately 36,7 million by the year 2050. International recognition of the significant emotional and economic burden of Alzheimer's disease has been matched by a dramatic increase in the development of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches to this illness in the past decade. Changing demographics have underscored the necessity to develop similar approaches for the remediation of the cognitive impairment associated with more benign syndromes, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and age-associated cognitive decline (AACD). The present article aims to provide an overview of the most current therapeutic approaches to age-associated neurocognitive disorders. Additionally, it discusses the conceptual and methodological issues that surround the design, implementation, and interpretation of such approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- R O'Hara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif, USA
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Sierksma ASR, Rutten K, Sydlik S, Rostamian S, Steinbusch HWM, van den Hove DLA, Prickaerts J. Chronic phosphodiesterase type 2 inhibition improves memory in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2012; 64:124-36. [PMID: 22771768 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive deficits and synaptic dysfunction. Over the last decade phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) have received increasing attention as putative cognition enhancers and have been suggested as a novel treatment strategy for AD. Given their ability to prevent hydrolysis of cAMP and/or cGMP, they can stimulate the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP element-binding protein (CREB) and cGMP/PKG/CREB pathway to enhance synaptic transmission by increasing CREB phosphorylation (pCREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) transcription. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that chronic PDE2I treatment would improve AD-related cognitive deficits, by decreasing amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque load, enhancing pCREB and BDNF levels and increasing synaptic density in the hippocampus of 8-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Results indicated that chronic PDE2I treatment could indeed improve memory performance in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, without affecting anxiety, depressive-like behavior or hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. However, no treatment effects were observed on Aβ plaque load, pCREB or BDNF concentrations, or presynaptic density in the hippocampus, suggesting that other signaling pathways and/or effector molecules might be responsible for its cognition-enhancing effects. Presynaptic density in the stratum lucidum of the CA3 subregion was significantly higher in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice compared to WT controls, possibly reflecting a compensatory mechanism. In conclusion, PDEs in general, and PDE2 specifically, could be considered as promising therapeutic targets for cognition enhancement in AD, although the underlying mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Cognitive Enhancers'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annerieke S R Sierksma
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Dong H, Murphy KM, Meng L, Montalvo-Ortiz J, Zeng Z, Kolber BJ, Zhang S, Muglia LJ, Csernansky JG. Corticotrophin releasing factor accelerates neuropathology and cognitive decline in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 28:579-92. [PMID: 22045495 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2011-111328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress has been suggested to influence the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the mechanism underlying this influence remains unknown. In this study, we created a triple transgenic mouse model that overexpresses corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and human amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), to investigate whether increases in the expression of CRF can mimic the effects of stress on amyloid metabolism and the neurodegeneration. Tg2576 mice that overexpresses human AβPP gene were crossbreed with Tetop-CRF (CRF) mice and CaMKII-tTA (tTA) mice to create a novel triple transgenic mouse model that conditioned overexpresses CRF in forebrain and overexpresses human AβPP (called AβPP+/CRF+/tTA+, or TT mice). Then we evaluated serial neuro-anatomical and behavioral phenotypes on TT mice using histological, biochemical, and behavioral assays. TT mice showed a Cushingoid-like phenotype starting at 3 months of age. At 6 months of age, these mice demonstrated increases in tissue-soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) and Aβ plaques in the cortex and hippocampus, as compared to control mice. Moreover, TT mice characterized substantial decreases in dendritic branching and dendritic spine density in pyramidal neurons in layer 4 of the frontal cortex and CA1 of the hippocampus. Finally, TT mice showed significantly impaired working memory and contextual memory, with a modest increase in anxiety-like behavior. Our results suggested genetic increases in the brain of CRF expression mimicked chronic stress on the effects of amyloid deposition, neurodegeneration, and behavioral deficits. The novel transgenic mouse model will provide a unique tool to further investigate the mechanisms between stress and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Tortosa-Martínez J, Clow A. Does physical activity reduce risk for Alzheimer's disease through interaction with the stress neuroendocrine system? Stress 2012; 15:243-61. [PMID: 22043986 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2011.629323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Lack of physical activity (PA) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and PA interventions are believed to provide an effective non-pharmacological approach for attenuating the symptoms of this disease. However, the mechanism of action of these positive effects is currently unknown. It is possible that the benefits may be at least partially mediated by the effects on the neuroendocrine stress system. Chronic stress can lead to dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to aberrant basal and circadian patterns of cortisol secretion and a cascade of negative downstream events. These factors have been linked not only to reduced cognitive function but also increased levels of amyloid-β plaques and protein tau "tangles" (the neuropathological hallmarks of AD) in the non-demented mouse models of this disease. However, there is evidence that PA can have restorative effects on the stress neuroendocrine system and related risk factors relevant to AD. We explore the possibility that PA can positively impact upon AD by restoring normative HPA axis function, with consequent downstream effects upon underlying neuropathology and associated cognitive function. We conclude with suggestions for future research to test this hypothesis in patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tortosa-Martínez
- Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, University of Alicante , 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig - Alicante , Spain
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Ribes D, Torrente M, Vicens P, Colomina MT, Gómez M, Domingo JL. Recognition Memory and β-amyloid Plaques in Adult Tg2576 Mice are not Modified After Oral Exposure to Aluminum. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2012; 26:179-85. [DOI: 10.1097/wad.0b013e3182211ab1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Guo Q, Zheng H, Justice NJ. Central CRF system perturbation in an Alzheimer's disease knockin mouse model. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:2678-91. [PMID: 22336193 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is often accompanied by changes in mood as well as increases in circulating cortisol levels, suggesting that regulation of the stress responsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is disturbed. Here, we show that amyloid precursor protein (APP) is endogenously expressed in important limbic, hypothalamic, and midbrain nuclei that regulate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. Furthermore, in a knockin mouse model of AD that expresses familial AD (FAD) mutations of both APP with humanized amyloid beta (hAβ), and presenilin 1 (PS1), in their endogenous patterns (APP/hAβ/PS1 animals), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) levels are increased in key stress-related nuclei, resting corticosteroid levels are elevated, and animals display increased anxiety-related behavior. Endocrine and behavioral phenotypes can be normalized by loss of 1 copy of CRF receptor type-1 (Crfr1), consistent with a perturbation of central CRF signaling in APP/hAβ/PS1 animals. However, reductions in anxiety and corticosteroid levels conferred by heterozygosity of CRF receptor type-1 do not improve a deficit in working memory observed in APP/hAβ/PS1 mice, suggesting that perturbations of the CRF system are not the primary cause of decreased cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinxi Guo
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Stress acts cumulatively to precipitate Alzheimer's disease-like tau pathology and cognitive deficits. J Neurosci 2011; 31:7840-7. [PMID: 21613497 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0730-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful life experiences are likely etiological factors in sporadic forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Many AD patients hypersecrete glucocorticoids (GCs), and their GC levels correlate with the rate of cognitive impairment and extent of neuronal atrophy. Severity of cognitive deficits in AD correlates strongly with levels of hyperphosphorylated forms of the cytoskeletal protein TAU, an essential mediator of the actions of amyloid β (Aβ), another molecule with a key pathogenic role in AD. Our objective was to investigate the sequential interrelationships between these various pathogenic elements, in particular with respect to the mechanisms through which stress might precipitate cognitive decline. We thus examined whether stress, through the mediation of GCs, influences TAU hyperphosphorylation, a critical and early event in the cascade of processes leading to AD pathology. Results from healthy, wild-type, middle-aged rats show that chronic stress and GC induce abnormal hyperphosphorylation of TAU in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), with contemporaneous impairments of hippocampus- and PFC-dependent behaviors. Exogenous GC potentiated the ability of centrally infused Aβ to induce hyperphosphorylation of TAU epitopes associated with AD and cytoplasmic accumulation of TAU, while previous exposure to stress aggravated the biochemical and behavioral effects of GC in Aβ-infused animals. Thus, lifetime stress/GC exposure may have a cumulative impact on the onset and progress of AD pathology, with TAU hyperphosphorylation serving to transduce the negative effects of stress and GC on cognition.
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A transdisciplinary perspective of chronic stress in relation to psychopathology throughout life span development. Dev Psychopathol 2011; 23:725-76. [DOI: 10.1017/s0954579411000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe allostatic load (AL) model represents an interdisciplinary approach to comprehensively conceptualize and quantify chronic stress in relation to pathologies throughout the life cycle. This article first reviews the AL model, followed by interactions among early adversity, genetics, environmental toxins, as well as distinctions among sex, gender, and sex hormones as integral antecedents of AL. We next explore perspectives on severe mental illness, dementia, and caregiving as unique human models of AL that merit future investigations in the field of developmental psychopathology. A complimenting transdisciplinary perspective is applied throughout, whereby we argue that the AL model goes beyond traditional stress–disease theories toward the advancement of person-centered research and practice that promote not only physical health but also mental health.
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Marin MF, Lord C, Andrews J, Juster RP, Sindi S, Arsenault-Lapierre G, Fiocco AJ, Lupien SJ. Chronic stress, cognitive functioning and mental health. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2011; 96:583-95. [PMID: 21376129 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2011.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2010] [Revised: 02/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to discuss the evidence supporting the link between chronic stress, cognitive function and mental health. Over the years, the associations between these concepts have been investigated in different populations. This review summarizes the findings that have emerged from older populations as well as from populations suffering from pathological aging, namely Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease. Although older adults are an interesting population to study in terms of chronic stress, other stress-related diseases can occur throughout the lifespan. The second section covers some of these stress-related diseases that have recently received a great deal of attention, namely burnout, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Given that chronic stress contributes to the development of certain pathologies by accelerating and/or exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities that vary from one individual to the other, the final section summarizes data obtained on potential variables contributing to the association between chronic stress and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France Marin
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Fernand-Seguin Research Center, Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, Canada
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Kovach CR, Woods DL, Logan BR, Raff H. Diurnal variation of cortisol in people with dementia: relationship to cognition and illness burden. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011; 26:145-50. [PMID: 21273205 PMCID: PMC3060946 DOI: 10.1177/1533317510397329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol patterns in nursing home residents with dementia are described and examined in relation to cognition and comorbid illnesses. Saliva was sampled 4 times in a 24-hour period (week 1) and at the same times 1 week later (week 2). In general, cortisol levels decreased from morning to evening, with 50% exhibiting a negative slope. In contrast, 38% of the participants had a relatively flat cortisol diurnal rhythm, and 7% exhibited an afternoon increase. The cortisol pattern was consistent between weeks 1 and 2 for 39% with a negative slope, 13% with a flat profile, and for 2% with an afternoon increase pattern. Cortisol rhythm was not statistically significantly related to cognition or illness burden. While this study contributes to the understanding of differences in the diurnal pattern of cortisol for older adults with dementia, more research is needed to understand the etiology of the differences and the biological mechanisms involved.
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Differential involvement of hippocampal serotonin1A receptors and re-uptake sites in non-cognitive behaviors of Alzheimer's disease. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 213:431-9. [PMID: 20625884 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1936-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies have shown extensive serotonergic deficits in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, it is unclear whether such deficits play a role in non-cognitive, neuropsychiatric behaviors that occur frequently in AD and cause significant caregiver distress. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to correlate serotonergic markers in the AD hippocampus with neuropsychiatric behaviors. METHODS Using postmortem hippocampal homogenates from aged controls as well as a cohort of longitudinally assessed AD patients, measurements of 5-HT(1A) receptors, 5-HT(2A) receptors, and serotonin re-uptake (5-HTT) sites were performed by binding with (3)H-labeled 8-OH-DPAT, ketanserin, and citalopram, respectively. RESULTS Alterations of 5-HT(1A) receptors and 5-HTT were found to be differentially involved in neuropsychiatric behaviors, with loss of 5-HT(1A) receptors specifically correlated with depressive symptoms, while 5-HTT sites were preserved or up-regulated in patients with aggressive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that neuropsychiatric behaviors in AD share certain neurochemical features with psychiatric disorders like major depression and that serotonergic drugs used in psychiatric disorders may also be efficacious against behavioral symptoms in AD.
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Perez Nievas BG, Hammerschmidt T, Kummer MP, Terwel D, Leza JC, Heneka MT. Restraint stress increases neuroinflammation independently of amyloid β levels in amyloid precursor protein/PS1 transgenic mice. J Neurochem 2010; 116:43-52. [PMID: 21044080 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.07083.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Both hypercortisolemia and hippocampal damage are features found in patients diagnosed of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epidemiological evidence supports a role for stress as a risk factor for AD. It is known that immobilization stress is followed by accumulation of oxidative/nitrosative mediators in brain after the release of proinflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor kappa B activation, nitric oxide synthase-2 and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Long-term exposure to elevated corticosteroid levels is known to affect the hippocampus which plays a central role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We therefore studied the effect of chronic immobilization stress on amyloid precursor protein/PS1 mice. Stress exposure increased AD-induced neuroinflammation characterized by astrogliosis, increased inflammatory gene transcription and lipid peroxidation. Importantly, immobilization stress did not increase the soluble or insoluble amyloid β levels suggesting that increased cortisol levels lower the threshold for a neuroinflammatory response, independently from amyloid β. Since inflammation may act as a factor that contributes disease progression, the stress-inflammation relation described here may be relevant to understand the initial mechanisms in underlying the risk enhancing action of stress on AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz G Perez Nievas
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Unit, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
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Quinlan P, Nordlund A, Lind K, Gustafson D, Edman Å, Wallin A. Thyroid hormones are associated with poorer cognition in mild cognitive impairment. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2010; 30:205-11. [PMID: 20798541 PMCID: PMC2948659 DOI: 10.1159/000319746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in interrelated endocrine axes may be related to the pathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. METHODS Salivary cortisol before and after a 0.5-mg dexamethasone test, and serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, total thyroxine (T(4)), free T(4), total triiodothyronine (TT(3)), estradiol, testosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 were measured in 43 MCI cases and 26 healthy controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery covering the cognitive domains of speed/attention, memory, visuospatial functions, language and executive functions. RESULTS The MCI group did not differ in basal levels of endocrine markers compared to controls. Among those with MCI, TT(3) levels were inversely associated with cognitive performance across all domains. After stratifying MCI cases according to TT(3) levels, those with relatively high TT(3) levels showed impairment in memory as well as in visuospatial and executive functions. Those with TT(3) levels at or below the lower boundary of the normal range performed comparably to healthy controls. Other endocrine markers were not related to cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS Among those with MCI, TT(3) was associated with a neuropsychological profile typical of prodromal Alzheimer's disease. While the mechanisms remain unclear, optimal levels of thyroid hormone under a compromising condition such as MCI and related neuropathology need reconsideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Quinlan
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Arto Nordlund
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA
| | - Karin Lind
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA
| | - Deborah Gustafson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA,Departments of Neurology and Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y., USA
| | - Åke Edman
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA
| | - Anders Wallin
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, USA
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Chouliaras L, Sierksma ASR, Kenis G, Prickaerts J, Lemmens MAM, Brasnjevic I, van Donkelaar EL, Martinez-Martinez P, Losen M, De Baets MH, Kholod N, van Leeuwen F, Hof PR, van Os J, Steinbusch HWM, van den Hove DLA, Rutten BPF. Gene-environment interaction research and transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2010; 2010. [PMID: 20953364 PMCID: PMC2952897 DOI: 10.4061/2010/859101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/31/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains largely unknown. Recent evidence has suggested that gene-environment interactions (GxE) may play a crucial role in its development and progression. Whereas various susceptibility loci have been identified, like the apolipoprotein E4 allele, these cannot fully explain the increasing prevalence of AD observed with aging. In addition to such genetic risk factors, various environmental factors have been proposed to alter the risk of developing AD as well as to affect the rate of cognitive decline in AD patients. Nevertheless, aside from the independent effects of genetic and environmental risk factors, their synergistic participation in increasing the risk of developing AD has been sparsely investigated, even though evidence points towards such a direction. Advances in the genetic manipulation of mice, modeling various aspects of the AD pathology, have provided an excellent tool to dissect the effects of genes, environment, and their interactions. In this paper we present several environmental factors implicated in the etiology of AD that have been tested in transgenic animal models of the disease. The focus lies on the concept of GxE and its importance in a multifactorial disease like AD. Additionally, possible mediating mechanisms and future challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chouliaras
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Impact of the Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal/gonadal Axes on Trajectory of Age-Related Cognitive Decline. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2010; 182:31-76. [DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(10)82002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Sierksma AS, van den Hove DL, Steinbusch HW, Prickaerts J. Major depression, cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease: Is there a link? Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 626:72-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Revised: 09/29/2009] [Accepted: 10/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Dong H, Csernansky JG. Effects of stress and stress hormones on amyloid-beta protein and plaque deposition. J Alzheimers Dis 2009; 18:459-69. [PMID: 19584430 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2009-1152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that physical and psychosocial stressors, in part acting through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, may accelerate the process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this review, we summarize recent research related to the effects of stress and stress hormones on the various disease process elements associated with AD. Specifically, we focus on the relationships among chronic stressors, HPA axis activity, amyloid-beta protein, and amyloid-beta plaque deposition in mouse models of AD. The potential mechanisms by which stress and stress-related components, especially corticotrophin-releasing factor and its receptors, influence the pathogenesis of AD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Xu J, Lecanu L, Tan M, Greeson J, Papadopoulos V. Identification of a benzamide derivative that inhibits stress-induced adrenal corticosteroid synthesis. Molecules 2009; 14:3392-410. [PMID: 19783933 PMCID: PMC6254727 DOI: 10.3390/molecules14093392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Revised: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated serum glucocorticoid levels contribute to the progression of many diseases, including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Here we show that the benzamide derivative N-[2-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-3-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-1-(tert-butyl-1H-indol-3-yl-methyl)-2-oxo-ethyl]-4-nitrobenzamide (SP-10) inhibits dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP)-induced corticosteroid synthesis in a dose-dependent manner in Y-1 adrenal cortical mouse tumor cells, without affecting basal steroid synthesis and reduced stress-induced corticosterone increases in rats without affecting the physiological levels of the steroid in blood. SP-10 did not affect cholesterol transport and metabolism by the mitochondria but was unexpectedly found to increase 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A, low density lipoprotein receptor, and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) expression. However, it also markedly reduced dbcAMP-induced NBD-cholesterol uptake, suggesting that this is a compensatory mechanism aimed at maintaining cholesterol levels. SP-10 also induced a redistribution of filamentous (F-) and monomeric (G-) actin, leading to decreased actin levels in the submembrane cytoskeleton suggesting that SP-10-induced changes in actin distribution might prevent the formation of microvilli– cellular structures required for SR-BI-mediated cholesterol uptake in adrenal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; E-mails: (J.X.); (M.T.)
| | - Laurent Lecanu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; E-mails: (J.X.); (M.T.)
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada; E-mail: (L.L.)
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Matthew Tan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; E-mails: (J.X.); (M.T.)
| | - Janet Greeson
- Samaritan Pharmaceuticals, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA; E-mail: (J.G.)
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; E-mails: (J.X.); (M.T.)
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada; E-mail: (L.L.)
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-mail: ; Tel.: +514 934 1934 ext. 44580; Fax: +514 934 8439
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The interaction between acute oligomer Abeta(1-40) and stress severely impaired spatial learning and memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2009; 93:8-18. [PMID: 19660564 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2009.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2009] [Revised: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 07/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated whether stress can enhance the toxicity of oligomer Abeta(1-40) in the mouse brain. Stress was applied to the animals, consisting of a 2-day inescapable foot shock followed by 3-weekly situation reminders (SRs). We found that stress significantly affected not only the amygdala-dependent (anxiety) but also the hippocampal-dependent (spatial learning and memory) behaviors through the oxidative damage caused in these two regions. However, oligomer Abeta(1-40) treatment alone did not induce behavioral impairment. In addition, combined oligomer Abeta(1-40) and stress treatment increased the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)/mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) ratio and the expression of corticotrophin releasing factor 1 (CRF-1) receptor in the hippocampus. Changes in the components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, such as the GR/MR ratio and CRF-1 level, were observed, accompanied by increasing Abeta accumulation, oxidative stress, nuclear transcription factor (NF-kappaB) hypoactivity, and apoptotic signaling in the hippocampus, and decreasing calbindin D28K and NMDA receptor 2A/2B (NR2A/2B) in the hippocampus, along with alteration of the cholinergic neurons (ChAT) in the medium septum/diagnoid band (MS/DB), noradrenergic neurons (TH) in the locus coeruleus (LC), and serotonergic neurons (5-HT) in the Raphe nucleus. Therefore, apoptosis and synaptic dysfunction in the hippocampus severely induced the impairment of spatial learning and memory. These results suggest that stress may play an important role in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and an antioxidant strategy might be a potential therapeutic approach for stress-mediated disorders.
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Escribano L, Simón AM, Pérez-Mediavilla A, Salazar-Colocho P, Del Río J, Frechilla D. Rosiglitazone reverses memory decline and hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor down-regulation in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 379:406-10. [PMID: 19109927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.12.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2008] [Accepted: 12/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Clinical trials with rosiglitazone, a potent agonist at peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) suggest an improvement of cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The mechanisms mediating this potential beneficial effect remain to be fully elucidated. In mice overexpressing mutant human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP), a model of AD, we found that memory impairment in the object recognition test was prevented and also reversed by chronic rosiglitazone treatment. Given the possible involvement of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the actions of PPARgamma-ligands, we studied the effect of chronic rosiglitazone treatment on GR levels in the hippocampus of hAPP mice. An early down-regulation of GR, not related to elevated plasma corticosterone levels, was found in different hippocampal subfields of the transgenic mice and this decrease was prevented by rosiglitazone. In parallel with behavioural studies, rosiglitazone also normalized GR levels in older animals. This effect may contribute to explain the attenuation of memory decline by PPARgamma activation in an AD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Escribano
- Division of Neurosciences, CIMA, University of Navarra, Av. Pio XII 55, 31008 Pamplona, CIBERNED, Spain
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