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Berry AS, Harrison TM. New perspectives on the basal forebrain cholinergic system in Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105192. [PMID: 37086935 PMCID: PMC10249144 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) has long been implicated in age-related cognitive changes and the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Limitations of cholinergic interventions helped to inspire a shift away from BFCS in AD research. A resurgence in interest in the BFCS following methodological and analytical advances has resulted in a call for the BFCS to be examined in novel frameworks. We outline the basic structure and function of the BFCS, its role in supporting cognitive and affective function, and its vulnerability to aging and AD. We consider the BFCS in the context of the amyloid hypothesis and evolving concepts in AD research: resilience and resistance to pathology, selective neuronal vulnerability, trans-synaptic pathology spread and sleep health. We highlight 1) the potential role of the BFCS in cognitive resilience, 2) recent work refining understanding about the selective vulnerability of BFCS to AD, 3) BFCS connectivity that suggests it is related to tau spreading and neurodegeneration and 4) the gap between BFCS involvement in AD and sleep-wake cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theresa M Harrison
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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2
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Caruso G, Di Pietro L, Cardaci V, Maugeri S, Caraci F. The therapeutic potential of carnosine: Focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2023.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
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Lin PH, Kuo LT, Luh HT. The Roles of Neurotrophins in Traumatic Brain Injury. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 12:life12010026. [PMID: 35054419 PMCID: PMC8780368 DOI: 10.3390/life12010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a collection of structurally and functionally related proteins. They play important roles in many aspects of neural development, survival, and plasticity. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to different levels of central nervous tissue destruction and cellular repair through various compensatory mechanisms promoted by the injured brain. Many studies have shown that neurotrophins are key modulators of neuroinflammation, apoptosis, blood–brain barrier permeability, memory capacity, and neurite regeneration. The expression of neurotrophins following TBI is affected by the severity of injury, genetic polymorphism, and different post-traumatic time points. Emerging research is focused on the potential therapeutic applications of neurotrophins in managing TBI. We conducted a comprehensive review by organizing the studies that demonstrate the role of neurotrophins in the management of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Hung Lin
- Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Lu-Ting Kuo
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Hui-Tzung Luh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-956279587
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4
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Do Carmo S, Kannel B, Cuello AC. The Nerve Growth Factor Metabolic Pathway Dysregulation as Cause of Alzheimer's Cholinergic Atrophy. Cells 2021; 11:16. [PMID: 35011577 PMCID: PMC8750266 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cause of the loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) and their terminal synapses in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has provoked a decades-long controversy. The cholinergic phenotype of this neuronal system, involved in numerous cognitive mechanisms, is tightly dependent on the target-derived nerve growth factor (NGF). Consequently, the loss of BFCNs cholinergic phenotype in AD was initially suspected to be due to an NGF trophic failure. However, in AD there is a normal NGF synthesis and abundance of the NGF precursor (proNGF), therefore the NGF trophic failure hypothesis for the atrophy of BCNs was abandoned. In this review, we discuss the history of NGF-dependency of BFCNs and the atrophy of these neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further to it, we propose that trophic factor failure explains the BFCNs atrophy in AD. We discuss evidence of the occurrence of a brain NGF metabolic pathway, the dysregulation of which, in AD explains the severe deficiency of NGF trophic support for the maintenance of BFCNs cholinergic phenotype. Finally, we revise recent evidence that the NGF metabolic dysregulation in AD pathology starts at preclinical stages. We also propose that the alteration of NGF metabolism-related markers in body fluids might assist in the AD preclinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Do Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada;
| | - Benjamin Kannel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
| | - A. Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada;
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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Montoliu-Gaya L, Strydom A, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Ashton NJ. Blood Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3639. [PMID: 34441934 PMCID: PMC8397053 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence suggests that by the age of 40 years, all individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. Clinical diagnosis of dementia by cognitive assessment is complex in these patients due to the pre-existing and varying intellectual disability, which may mask subtle declines in cognitive functioning. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positron emission tomography (PET) biomarkers, although accurate, are expensive, invasive, and particularly challenging in such a vulnerable population. The advances in ultra-sensitive detection methods have highlighted blood biomarkers as a valuable and realistic tool for AD diagnosis. Studies with DS patients have proven the potential blood-based biomarkers for sporadic AD (amyloid-β, tau, phosphorylated tau, and neurofilament light chain) to be useful in this population. In addition, biomarkers related to other pathologies that could aggravate dementia progression-such as inflammatory dysregulation, energetic imbalance, or oxidative stress-have been explored. This review serves to provide a brief overview of the main findings from the limited neuroimaging and CSF studies, outline the current state of blood biomarkers to diagnose AD in patients with DS, discuss possible past limitations of the research, and suggest considerations for developing and validating blood-based biomarkers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Montoliu-Gaya
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden; (K.B.); (H.Z.); (N.J.A.)
| | - Andre Strydom
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
- London Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDowns), London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden; (K.B.); (H.Z.); (N.J.A.)
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden; (K.B.); (H.Z.); (N.J.A.)
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nicholas James Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden; (K.B.); (H.Z.); (N.J.A.)
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, London SE5 9RT, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London, Maudsley NHS Foundation, London SE5 8AF, UK
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Do Carmo S, Kannel B, Cuello AC. Nerve Growth Factor Compromise in Down Syndrome. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:719507. [PMID: 34434101 PMCID: PMC8381049 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.719507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The basal forebrain cholinergic system relies on trophic support by nerve growth factor (NGF) to maintain its phenotype and function. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) undergo progressive atrophy, suggesting a deficit in NGF trophic support. Within the central nervous system, NGF maturation and degradation are tightly regulated by an activity-dependent metabolic cascade. Here, we present a brief overview of the characteristics of Alzheimer's pathology in Down syndrome (DS) with an emphasis on this NGF metabolic pathway's disruption during the evolving Alzheimer's pathology. Such NGF dysmetabolism is well-established in Alzheimer's brains with advanced pathology and has been observed in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and non-demented individuals with elevated brain amyloid levels. As individuals with DS inexorably develop AD, we then review findings that support the existence of a similar NGF dysmetabolism in DS coinciding with atrophy of the basal forebrain cholinergic system. Lastly, we discuss the potential of NGF-related biomarkers as indicators of an evolving Alzheimer's pathology in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Do Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Benjamin Kannel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Rodrigues FS, França AP, Broetto N, Furian AF, Oliveira MS, Santos ARS, Royes LFF, Fighera MR. Sustained glial reactivity induced by glutaric acid may be the trigger to learning delay in early and late phases of development: Involvement of p75 NTR receptor and protection by N-acetylcysteine. Brain Res 2020; 1749:147145. [PMID: 33035499 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration of striatal neurons and cortical atrophy are pathological characteristics of glutaric acidemia type I (GA-I), a disease characterized by accumulation of glutaric acid (GA). The mechanisms that lead to neuronal loss and cognitive impairment are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to verify if acute exposure to GA during the neonatal period is sufficient to trigger apoptotic processes and lead to learning delay in early and late period. Besides, whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) would protect against impairment induced by GA. Pups mice received a dose of GA (2.5 μmol/ g) or saline, 12 hs after birth, and were treated with NAC (250 mg/kg) or saline, up to 21th day of life. Although GA exhibited deficits in the procedural and working memories in 21 and 40-day-old mice, NAC protected against cognitive impairment. In striatum and cortex, NAC prevented glial cells activation (GFAP and Iba-1), decreased NGF, Bcl-2 and NeuN, the increase of lipid peroxidation and PARP induced by GA in both ages. NAC protected against increased p75NTR induced by GA, but not in cortex of 21-day-old mice. Thus, we showed that the integrity of striatal and cortical pathways has an important role for learning and suggested that sustained glial reactivity in neonatal period can be an initial trigger for delay of cognitive development. Furthermore, NAC protected against cognitive impairment induced by GA. This work shows that early identification of the alterations induced by GA is important to avoid future clinical complications and suggest that NAC could be an adjuvant treatment for this acidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Silva Rodrigues
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Laboratório de Neuropsiquiatria Experimental e Clínico, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Dor e Inflamação, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Angela Patrícia França
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Núbia Broetto
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Laboratório de Neuropsiquiatria Experimental e Clínico, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Furian
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Mauro Schneider Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Adair Roberto Soares Santos
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Dor e Inflamação, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Freire Royes
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Departamento de Métodos e Técnicas Desportivas, Laboratório de Bioquímica do Exercício (BIOEX), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Michele Rechia Fighera
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Laboratório de Neuropsiquiatria Experimental e Clínico, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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Sadeghmousavi S, Eskian M, Rahmani F, Rezaei N. The effect of insomnia on development of Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:289. [PMID: 33023629 PMCID: PMC7542374 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01960-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory deficits especially forgetting recent information, recall ability impairment, and loss of time tracking, problem-solving, language, and recognition difficulties. AD is also a globally important health issue but despite all scientific efforts, the treatment of AD is still a challenge. Sleep has important roles in learning and memory consolidation. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation (SD) and insomnia are associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and may have an impact on the symptoms and development. Thus, sleep disorders have decisive effects on AD; this association deserves more attention in research, diagnostics, and treatment, and knowing this relation also can help to prevent AD through screening and proper management of sleep disorders. This study aimed to show the potential role of SD and insomnia in the pathogenesis and progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Sadeghmousavi
- Neuroimaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Eskian
- Neuroimaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Rahmani
- Neuroimaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Neuroimaging Network (NIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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9
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Houlton J, Abumaria N, Hinkley SFR, Clarkson AN. Therapeutic Potential of Neurotrophins for Repair After Brain Injury: A Helping Hand From Biomaterials. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:790. [PMID: 31427916 PMCID: PMC6688532 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains the leading cause of long-term disability with limited options available to aid in recovery. Significant effort has been made to try and minimize neuronal damage following stroke with use of neuroprotective agents, however, these treatments have yet to show clinical efficacy. Regenerative interventions have since become of huge interest as they provide the potential to restore damaged neural tissue without being limited by a narrow therapeutic window. Neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and their high affinity receptors are actively produced throughout the brain and are involved in regulating neuronal activity and normal day-to-day function. Furthermore, neurotrophins are known to play a significant role in both protection and recovery of function following neurodegenerative diseases such as stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Unfortunately, exogenous administration of these neurotrophins is limited by a lack of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability, poor half-life, and rapid degradation. Therefore, we have focused this review on approaches that provide a direct and sustained neurotrophic support using pharmacological therapies and mimetics, physical activity, and potential drug delivery systems, including discussion around advantages and limitations for use of each of these systems. Finally, we discuss future directions of biomaterial drug-delivery systems, including the incorporation of heparan sulfate (HS) in conjunction with neurotrophin-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Houlton
- Brain Health Research Centre, Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nashat Abumaria
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Simon F. R. Hinkley
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Petone, New Zealand
| | - Andrew N. Clarkson
- Brain Health Research Centre, Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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10
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Pivotal role of carnosine in the modulation of brain cells activity: Multimodal mechanism of action and therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 175:35-53. [PMID: 30593839 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine), a dipeptide, is an endogenous antioxidant widely distributed in excitable tissues like muscles and the brain. Although discovered more than a hundred years ago and having been extensively studied in the periphery, the role of carnosine in the brain remains mysterious. Carnosinemia, a rare metabolic disorder with increased levels of carnosine in urine and low levels or absence of carnosinase in the blood, is associated with severe neurological symptoms in humans. This review deals with the role of carnosine in the brain in both physiological and pathological conditions, with a focus on preclinical evidence suggesting a high therapeutic potential of carnosine in neurodegenerative disorders. We review carnosine and carnosinemia's discoveries and the extensive research on the role and benefits of carnosine in the periphery. We then turn to carnosine's biochemistry and distribution in the brain. Using an array of recent observations as a foundation, we draw a parallel with the role of carnosine in muscles and speculate on the role of carnosine in promoting the metabolic support of neurons by glial cells. Finally, carnosine has been shown to exert a multimodal activity including inhibition of protein cross-linking and aggregation of amyloid-β and related proteins, free radical generation, nitric oxide detoxification, and an anti-inflammatory activity. It could thus play an important role in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. We discuss the potential of carnosine in this context and speculate on new preclinical research directions.
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Loera-Valencia R, Piras A, Ismail MAM, Manchanda S, Eyjolfsdottir H, Saido TC, Johansson J, Eriksdotter M, Winblad B, Nilsson P. Targeting Alzheimer's disease with gene and cell therapies. J Intern Med 2018; 284:2-36. [PMID: 29582495 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes dementia in both young and old people affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. The two neuropathological hallmarks of the disease, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of protein tau are considered the major contributors to the disease. However, a more complete picture reveals significant neurodegeneration and decreased cell survival, neuroinflammation, changes in protein and energy homeostasis and alterations in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. In addition, gene and cell therapies for severe neurodegenerative disorders have recently improved technically in terms of safety and efficiency and have translated to the clinic showing encouraging results. Here, we review broadly current data within the field for potential targets that could modify AD through gene and cell therapy strategies. We envision that not only Aβ will be targeted in a disease-modifying treatment strategy but rather that a combination of treatments, possibly at different intervention times may prove beneficial in curing this devastating disease. These include decreased tau pathology, neuronal growth factors to support neurons and modulation of neuroinflammation for an appropriate immune response. Furthermore, cell based therapies may represent potential strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Loera-Valencia
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - A Piras
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - M A M Ismail
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Theme Neuro, Diseases of the Nervous System Patient Flow, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - S Manchanda
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - H Eyjolfsdottir
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - T C Saido
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - J Johansson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - M Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - B Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - P Nilsson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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12
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Allard S, Jacobs ML, Do Carmo S, Cuello AC. Compromise of cortical proNGF maturation causes selective retrograde atrophy in cholinergic nucleus basalis neurons. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 67:10-20. [PMID: 29609077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) contributes to cognitive impairment. Nerve growth factor (NGF) secreted in the cerebral cortex is necessary for the phenotypic maintenance of BFCNs. AD is associated with disturbances in NGF metabolism, leading to reduced mature NGF levels and to an accumulation of its precursor, proNGF. We previously described that, in rats, this neurotrophic imbalance is sufficient to induce a loss of cortical cholinergic synapses. In the present study, we investigated whether this neurotrophic imbalance can produce an AD-like retrograde degeneration of BFCNs. Using a combination of retrograde labeling and quantitative cell imaging, we could demonstrate that inhibiting cortical proNGF maturation results in an atrophy of BFCNs, a downregulation of the NGF receptors p75 neurotrophin receptor and tropomyosin receptor kinase A, and a reduction in choline acetyltransferase protein expression. The transient increase in sortilin levels and the sustained colocalization with p75 neurotrophin receptor suggest a participation of proNGF in this degenerative process. This study demonstrates that impairments in the extracellular maturation of proNGF are sufficient to cause a somatodendritic retrograde degeneration of the BFCNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Allard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie L Jacobs
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sonia Do Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Caraci F, Iulita MF, Pentz R, Flores Aguilar L, Orciani C, Barone C, Romano C, Drago F, Cuello AC. Searching for new pharmacological targets for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 817:7-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Hampel H, Mesulam MM, Cuello AC, Khachaturian AS, Farlow MR, Snyder PJ, Giacobini E, Khachaturian ZS. WITHDRAWN: Revisiting the cholinergic hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease: Emerging evidence from translational and clinical research. Alzheimers Dement 2017:S1552-5260(17)33719-6. [PMID: 29028480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Hampel
- AXA Research Fund & UPMC Chair, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) Paris 06, Inserm, CNRS, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière (ICM), Département de Neurologie, Institut de la Mémoire et de la Maladie d'Alzheimer (IM2A), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Marsel M Mesulam
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ara S Khachaturian
- The Campaign to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease by 2020 (PAD2020), Potomac, MD, USA
| | - Martin R Farlow
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Peter J Snyder
- Department of Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital & Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA
| | - Ezio Giacobini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Differential deregulation of NGF and BDNF neurotrophins in a transgenic rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:307-323. [PMID: 28865749 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from human neuropathological studies indicates that the levels of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are compromised in Alzheimer's disease. However, the causes and temporal (pathology-dependent) evolution of these alterations are not completely understood. To elucidate these issues, we investigated the McGill-R-Thy1-APP transgenic rat, which exhibits progressive intracellular and extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology and ensuing cognitive deficits. Neurochemical analyses revealed a differential dysregulation of NGF and BDNF transcripts and protein expression. While BDNF mRNA levels were significantly reduced at very early stages of amyloid pathology, before plaques appeared, there were no changes in NGF mRNA expression even at advanced stages. Paradoxically, the protein levels of the NGF precursor were increased. These changes in neurotrophin expression are identical to those seen during the progression of Alzheimer's disease. At advanced pathological stages, deficits in the protease cascade controlling the maturation and degradation of NGF were evident in McGill transgenic rats, in line with the paradoxical upregulation of proNGF, as seen in Alzheimer's disease, in the absence of changes in NGF mRNA. The compromise in NGF metabolism and BDNF levels was accompanied by downregulation of cortical cholinergic synapses; strengthening the evidence that neurotrophin dysregulation affects cholinergic synapses and synaptic plasticity. Our findings suggest a differential temporal deregulation of NGF and BDNF neurotrophins, whereby deficits in BDNF mRNA appear at early stages of intraneuronal Aβ pathology, before alterations in NGF metabolism and cholinergic synapse loss manifest.
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Wang Y, Liao ZB, Cao R, Li H, Wei AZ, Gao JM. Isolation, Structural Characterization and Neurotrophic Activity of Alkylamides from Zanthoxylum bungeanum. Nat Prod Commun 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1701200730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Two new fatty acid amides, zanthoamides E (1) and F (2), were isolated from the pericarps of Zanthoxylum bungeanum. The structures of the two sanshool compounds were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data (IR, UV, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). All isolated compounds (1–9) were evaluated for nerve growth factor (NGF)-potentiating activity using PC-12 cells, and the results indicated that compound 8 (tetrahydrobungeanool) showed the strongest neurotrophic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Bin Liao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Cao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - He Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - An-Zhi Wei
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Ming Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Shaanxi Engineering Center of Bioresource Chemistry & Sustainable Utilization, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
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Iulita MF, Ower A, Barone C, Pentz R, Gubert P, Romano C, Cantarella RA, Elia F, Buono S, Recupero M, Romano C, Castellano S, Bosco P, Di Nuovo S, Drago F, Caraci F, Cuello AC. An inflammatory and trophic disconnect biomarker profile revealed in Down syndrome plasma: Relation to cognitive decline and longitudinal evaluation. Alzheimers Dement 2016; 12:1132-1148. [PMID: 27452424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given that Alzheimer's pathology develops silently over decades in Down syndrome (DS), prognostic biomarkers of dementia are a major need. METHODS We investigated the plasma levels of Aβ, proNGF, tPA, neuroserpin, metallo-proteases and inflammatory molecules in 31 individuals with DS (with and without dementia) and in 31 healthy controls. We examined associations between biomarkers and cognitive decline. RESULTS Aβ40 and Aβ42 were elevated in DS plasma compared to controls, even in DS individuals without dementia. Plasma Aβ correlated with the rate of cognitive decline across 2 years. ProNGF, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 activity, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were higher in DS plasma, even at AD-asymptomatic stages. Declining plasma Aβ42 and increasing proNGF levels correlated with cognitive decline. A combined measure of Aβ and inflammatory molecules was a strong predictor of prospective cognitive deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the combination of plasma and cognitive assessments for the identification of DS individuals at risk of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Florencia Iulita
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alison Ower
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Concetta Barone
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Rowan Pentz
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Palma Gubert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Corrado Romano
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | | | - Flaviana Elia
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Serafino Buono
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Marilena Recupero
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Romano
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Bosco
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria SS, Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Italy; Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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18
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Mele T, Jurič DM. Metrifonate, like acetylcholine, up-regulates neurotrophic activity of cultured rat astrocytes. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 66:618-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2014.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Iulita MF, Cuello AC. Nerve growth factor metabolic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 35:338-48. [PMID: 24962069 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2014.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition and the most common type of amnestic dementia in the elderly. Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at increased risk of developing AD in adulthood as a result of chromosome 21 trisomy and triplication of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. In both conditions, the central nervous system (CNS) basal forebrain cholinergic system progressively degenerates, and such changes contribute to the manifestation of cognitive decline and dementia. Given the strong dependency of these neurons on nerve growth factor (NGF), it was hypothesized that their atrophy was caused by NGF deficits. However, in AD, the synthesis of NGF is not affected at the transcript level and there is a marked increase in its precursor, proNGF. This apparent paradox remained elusive for many years. In this review, we discuss the recent evidence supporting a CNS deficit in the extracellular metabolism of NGF, both in AD and in DS brains. We describe the nature of this trophic disconnection and its implication for the atrophy of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. We further discuss the potential of NGF pathway markers as diagnostic indicators of a CNS trophic disconnection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Florencia Iulita
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, H3G1Y6, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, H3G1Y6, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, H3G1Y6, Canada.
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20
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Sarchielli P, Gallai V. Nerve growth factor and chronic daily headache: a potential implication for therapy. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 4:115-27. [PMID: 15853622 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.4.1.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The pivotal role of nerve growth factor in inducing hyperalgesia and central sensitization has been emphasized in experimental pain models. Higher nerve growth factor levels have recently been found in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with chronic daily headache. These levels were significantly correlated with the cerebrospinal fluid levels of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, supporting the involvement of this neurotrophin in enhancing the production of the two sensory neuropeptides of the trigemino-vascular system in chronic daily headache. This may, in part, account for the long-lasting sensitization and activation of this system, which could contribute to headache chronicity. More recent research has shown a significant correlation between the higher cerebrospinal fluid levels of nerve growth factor and those of another neurotrophin, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, as well as glutamate in chronic daily headache patients. These findings suggest the potential involvement of nerve growth factor-mediated upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in persistent head pain. Therefore, nerve growth factor appears to indirectly exert its effect through enhancing glutamatergic transmission involved in the processing of head pain via brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Based on these data, a potential application can be hypothesized for novel strategies targeting neurotrophins (nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and their receptors to chronic daily headache. To date, the majority of the molecules discovered in this regard have been scarcely or never proved in animal pain models and are far from clinical use in chronic pain, including chronic daily headache. If this approach is to be developed in the near future, research should be focused on identifying strategies with few central side effects and specific selective action on central sites involved in chronic head pain and more generally in chronic pain conditions. This will represent a very difficult challenge, taking into account the pleiotropic effect of nerve growth factor and the wide range of intracellular signalling pathways activated by this neurotrophin which are not limited to the nociceptive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sarchielli
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurologic Clinic, Via E Dal Pozzo 06126, Perugia, Italy.
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21
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Abstract
Proper vascular regulation is of paramount importance for the control of blood flow to tissues. In particular, the regulation of peripheral resistance arteries is essential for several physiological processes, including control of blood pressure, thermoregulation and increase of blood flow to central nervous system and heart under stress conditions such as hypoxia. Arterial tone is regulated by the periarterial autonomic nervous plexus, as well as by endothelium-dependent, myogenic and humoral mechanisms. Underscoring the importance of proper vascular regulation, defects in these processes can lead to diseases such as hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, Raynaud's phenomenon, defective thermoregulation, hand-foot syndrome, migraine and congestive heart failure. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms controlling the development of the periarterial nerve plexus, retrograde and localized signalling at neuro-effector junctions, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vascular regulation and adult plasticity and maintenance of periarterial innervation. We particularly highlight a newly discovered role for vascular endothelial growth factor in the structural and functional maintenance of arterial neuro-effector junctions. Finally, we discuss how defects in neuronal vascular regulation can lead to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Storkebaum
- Molecular Neurogenetics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster, Germany.
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22
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Bruno MA, Mufson EJ, Wuu J, Cuello AC. Increased matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity in mild cognitive impairment. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2009; 68:1309-18. [PMID: 19915485 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e3181c22569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF)-dependent cholinergic basal forebrain neurons degenerate during the progression of Alzheimer disease (AD). Elevated proNGF and reduced levels of the TrkA high-affinity NGF receptor occur in prodromal and advanced stages of AD. We recently described a protease cascade responsible for the conversion of proNGF to mature NGF (mNGF) in which matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) degrades mNGF in the extracellular space. To determine whether this proteolytic cascade is altered during the progression of AD, we examined human frontal and parietal cortex tissues from aged subjects with a clinical diagnosis of AD, mild cognitive impairment, or no cognitive impairment. The analysis demonstrated greater MMP-9 activity in both AD and mild cognitive impairment compared with no cognitive impairment brain samples (p < 0.01), which supports the notion that a metabolic failure in the NGF-maturation/degradation pathway may be associated with an exacerbated degradation of mNGF in the cerebral cortex in early AD. Moreover, there were inverse correlations between Global Cognitive Score and Mini-Mental State Examination score and MMP-9 activity. These findings suggest that a reduction in mNGF as a consequence of MMP-9-mediated degradation may in part underlie the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits in mild cognitive impairment and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Bruno
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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23
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Amyloid beta-induced nerve growth factor dysmetabolism in Alzheimer disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2009; 68:857-69. [PMID: 19606067 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e3181aed9e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that the precursor form of nerve growth factor (pro-NGF) and not mature NGF is liberated in the CNS in an activity-dependent manner, and that its maturation and degradation occur in the extracellular space by the coordinated action of proteases.Here, we present evidence of diminished conversion of pro-NGF to its mature form and of greater NGF degradation in Alzheimer disease (AD) brain samples compared with controls. These alterations of the NGF metabolic pathway likely resulted in the increased pro-NGF levels. The pro-NGF was largely in a peroxynitrited form in the AD samples. Intrahippocampal injection of amyloid-beta oligomers provoked similar upregulation of pro-NGF in naive rats that was accompanied by evidence of microglial activation (CD40), increased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and increased activity of the NGF-degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9. The elevated inducible nitric oxide synthase provoked the generation of biologically inactive, peroxynitrite-modified pro-NGF in amyloid-beta oligomer-injected rats. These parameters were corrected by minocycline treatment. Minocycline also diminished altered matrix metalloproteinase 9, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and microglial activation (CD40); improved cognitive behavior; and normalized pro-NGF levels in a transgenic mouse AD model. The effects of amyloid-beta amyloid CNS burden on NGF metabolism may explain the paradoxical upregulation of pro-NGF in AD accompanied by atrophy of forebrain cholinergic neurons.
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24
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Cholinergic Involvement in Alzheimer’s Disease. A Link with NGF Maturation and Degradation. J Mol Neurosci 2009; 40:230-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-009-9238-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Prakash N, Frostig RD. What has intrinsic signal optical imaging taught us about NGF-induced rapid plasticity in adult cortex and its relationship to the cholinergic system? Mol Imaging Biol 2008; 7:14-21. [PMID: 15912271 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-005-0956-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISI) is a high-resolution functional brain mapping technique that is being used to further our understanding of the neocortex and its interaction with drugs. Recent studies using combination ISI and in vivo pharmacology have advanced our insight into the actions of both acetylcholine and neurotrophins on inducing rapid and large-scale cortical plasticity. In particular, it appears that acetylcholine (ACh), nicotinic ACh receptors, nerve growth factor (NGF), and NGF receptors (TrkA and p75) are involved in an important feedback loop between the basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) and the neocortex. Specifically, recent data suggest that NGF expressed in the cortex may act on multiple time scales on the BFCS: acutely to increase BFCS release of acetylcholine, intermediately to induce sprouting of BFCS axons, and long-term to change gene expression of BFCS neurons. In this article, advances in understanding the links in vivo between the BFCS, neocortex, nicotinic ACh receptors, and NGF are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Prakash
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6975, USA
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26
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Saragovi HU, Burgess K. Small molecule and protein-based neurotrophic ligands: agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2005. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.9.6.737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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27
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D'Intino G, Paradisi M, Fernandez M, Giuliani A, Aloe L, Giardino L, Calzà L. Cognitive deficit associated with cholinergic and nerve growth factor down-regulation in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in rats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:3070-5. [PMID: 15710875 PMCID: PMC548798 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0500073102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical symptoms in multiple sclerosis include cognitive dysfunction. Difficulties in learning and remembering new information represent the most common cognitive deficit and are associated with a general and progressive brain pathology. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms for neuronal damage such as neuroprotective strategies are under active investigation also in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, the most widely used experimental model for multiple sclerosis. In this paper we demonstrate that a selective deficit in learning and memory performance, as investigated by the Morris water maze test, is a consistent feature in rat encephalomyelitis, which correlates with a decline in choline acetyltransferase activity and nerve growth factor mRNA level in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and basal forebrain. Treatment aimed to restore acetylcholine content through chronic administration of selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (rivastigmine and donepezil) restores cognitive performance, choline acetyltransferase activity, and nerve growth factor mRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia D'Intino
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (Bologna), Italy
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28
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Mohammed AH, Zhu SW, Darmopil S, Hjerling-Leffler J, Ernfors P, Winblad B, Diamond MC, Eriksson PS, Bogdanovic N. Environmental enrichment and the brain. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2002; 138:109-33. [PMID: 12432766 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(02)38074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A H Mohammed
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, NEUROTEC, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 86 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) was discovered 50 years ago as a molecule that promoted the survival and differentiation of sensory and sympathetic neurons. Its roles in neural development have been characterized extensively, but recent findings point to an unexpected diversity of NGF actions and indicate that developmental effects are only one aspect of the biology of NGF. This article considers expanded roles for NGF that are associated with the dynamically regulated production of NGF and its receptors that begins in development, extends throughout adult life and aging, and involves a surprising variety of neurons, glia, and nonneural cells. Particular attention is given to a growing body of evidence that suggests that among other roles, endogenous NGF signaling subserves neuroprotective and repair functions. The analysis points to many interesting unanswered questions and to the potential for continuing research on NGF to substantially enhance our understanding of the mechanisms and treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology and Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-1763, USA.
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30
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Cirulli F, Alleva E, Antonelli A, Aloe L. NGF expression in the developing rat brain: effects of maternal separation. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2000; 123:129-34. [PMID: 11042341 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(00)02844-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have shown that mothering style in rodents can produce neuroendocrine, neurochemical and behavioural changes in the adult, although the basic mechanisms initiating this cascade of events still need to be investigated. Long term changes in neuronal function might be due to alterations in the expression of neurotrophins which have been shown to promote neuronal survival, differentiation and function during development, such as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF is essential for proper development of sympathetic and neural crest-derived sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system as well as of central cholinergic neurons. In previous studies, using a maternal separation paradigm, we have shown that NGF expression is increased in the dentate gyrus and the hilus of the hippocampus as a result of brief (45 min) maternal separations. In the present study neonatal rats were separated for longer periods of time (up to 3 h) and at different ages during development (9 and 16 days postnatally). Results indicate that the effects of maternal separation on NGF expression are stronger with longer separations and are not restricted to the hippocampal region but can be seen also in other brain areas. Overall these results indicate that external factors, such as the presence/absence of the mother, can modify neurotrophic factor's availability in the brain, thus indicating NGF as a potential player in environmentally-mediated brain plasticity during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cirulli
- Section of Behavioural Pathophysiology, Laboratorio di Fisiopatologia di Organo e di Sistema, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161 Rome, Italy.
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31
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Gu Z, Toliver-Kinsky T, Glasgow J, Werrbach-Perez K, Perez-Polo JR. NGF-mediated alteration of NF-kappaB binding activity after partial immunolesions to rat cholinergic basal forebrain neurons. Int J Dev Neurosci 2000; 18:455-68. [PMID: 10817930 DOI: 10.1016/s0736-5748(00)00004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are age-associated cognitive and cholinergic deficits in the neurotrophin-dependent cholinergic basal forebrain neurons (CBFNs). There are also increases in the activity of the transcription factor NF-kappaB in the aged rodent brain that may reflect chronic enhancement of stress response signaling. We used partial immunolesions (PIL) to CBFN to examine the role of endogenous NGF on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and NGF-mediated NF-kappaB alteration after cholinergic deafferentation. We injected 192 IgG-saporin, an immunotoxin selectively taken up by neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR)-bearing neurons, into lateral ventricles, followed by infusions of anti-NGF to assess NF-kappaB, ChAT and NGF responses to PIL after anti-NGF infusion. Treatment with anti-NGF decreased ChAT activity by 17-34% in the cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb and PIL decreased ChAT activity by 47-73%. Changes in AChE activity levels paralleled those observed for ChAT after PIL. NGF protein levels in the olfactory bulb, but not the cortex or hippocampus, increased significantly after PIL treatment. Infusion of anti-NGF abolished the PIL-induced eight-fold NGF increase in CNS. NF-kappaB binding activity to the IgG-kappaB and ChAT specific NF-kappaB consensus sequences, increased in the cortex but not hippocampus after PIL followed by anti-NGF infusion. It is likely that immunolesion-induced changes in ambient NGF levels may perturb NF-kappaB activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Gu
- Department of Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, USA
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Giardino L, Giuliani A, Calzà L. Exogenous administration of L-arginine protects cholinergic neurons from colchicine neurotoxicity. Neuroreport 2000; 11:1769-72. [PMID: 10852241 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200006050-00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The effect of L-arginine administration on susceptibility/resistance of NO-producing neurons was investigated in non-ischemic neurodegenerative conditions. ChAT mRNA level was measured by in situ hybridization in the basal forebrain after i.c.v. colchicine administration. Colchicine induced down-regulation of ChAT mRNA level followed by degeneration of cholinergic neurons. L-Arginine treatment increased ChAT mRNA level and prevented/delayed ChAT mRNA decrease by colchicine. These data suggest that L-arginine treatment may protect cholinergic neurons from colchicine-induced degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Giardino
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production (DIMORFIPA), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
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Beglova N, LeSauteur L, Ekiel I, Saragovi HU, Gehring K. Solution structure and internal motion of a bioactive peptide derived from nerve growth factor. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:23652-8. [PMID: 9726969 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.37.23652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The conformation and internal dynamics of a bioactive cyclic peptide, N-acetyl-YCTDEKQCY, derived from the C-D loop of beta-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF) were analyzed by solution NMR spectroscopy. NMR experimental data were used to calculate an ensemble of peptide structures. All of the structures had a beta-turn at residues Asp4-Gln7 but could be divided into two families according the presence or absence of a hydrogen bond at Gln7. Comparison of the calculated structures with the corresponding C-D loops from the x-ray structures of the NGF revealed striking similarity. The orientation of Glu5, Lys6, and Gln7 side chains in the NGF mimetic was very similar to the C-D loop of NGF. These residues are known to participate in interactions with the TrkA receptor. Relaxation measurements of the peptidomimetic alpha-carbons at 13C natural abundance and calculated dynamic parameters suggest that the loop region of peptide is well structured but that residues Thr3, Asp4, Glu5, and Lys6 undergo slow conformational exchange. These results suggest that conformational similarity and possibly peptide dynamics are responsible for the bioactivity of the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Beglova
- Department of Biochemistry and Montreal Joint Centre for Structural Biology, McGill University, 3655 Drummond St., Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
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