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Leclerc M, Dudonné S, Calon F. Can Natural Products Exert Neuroprotection without Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073356. [PMID: 33805947 PMCID: PMC8037419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of evidence on the neuroprotective impact of natural products has been greatly extended in recent years. However, a key question that remains to be answered is whether natural products act directly on targets located in the central nervous system (CNS), or whether they act indirectly through other mechanisms in the periphery. While molecules utilized for brain diseases are typically bestowed with a capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier, it has been recently uncovered that peripheral metabolism impacts brain functions, including cognition. The gut–microbiota–brain axis is receiving increasing attention as another indirect pathway for orally administered compounds to act on the CNS. In this review, we will briefly explore these possibilities focusing on two classes of natural products: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) from marine sources and polyphenols from plants. The former will be used as an example of a natural product with relatively high brain bioavailability but with tightly regulated transport and metabolism, and the latter as an example of natural compounds with low brain bioavailability, yet with a growing amount of preclinical and clinical evidence of efficacy. In conclusion, it is proposed that bioavailability data should be sought early in the development of natural products to help identifying relevant mechanisms and potential impact on prevalent CNS disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Leclerc
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- OptiNutriBrain-Laboratoire International Associé (NutriNeuro France-INAF Canada), Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Dudonné
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- OptiNutriBrain-Laboratoire International Associé (NutriNeuro France-INAF Canada), Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- OptiNutriBrain-Laboratoire International Associé (NutriNeuro France-INAF Canada), Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(418)-525-4444 (ext. 48697); Fax: +1-(418)-654-2761
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Arsenault D, Tremblay C, Emond V, Calon F. Sex-dependent alterations in the physiology of entorhinal cortex neurons in old heterozygous 3xTg-AD mice. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:63. [PMID: 33198813 PMCID: PMC7667843 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While the higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in women is clear, studies suggest that biological sex may also influence AD pathogenesis. However, mechanisms behind these differences are not clear. To investigate physiological differences between sexes at the cellular level in the brain, we investigated the intrinsic and synaptic properties of entorhinal cortex neurons in heterozygous 3xTg-AD mice of both sexes at the age of 20 months. This brain region was selected because of its early association with AD symptoms. First, we found physiological differences between male and female non-transgenic mice, providing indirect evidence of axonal alterations in old females. Second, we observed a transgene-dependent elevation of the firing activity, post-burst afterhyperpolarization (AHP), and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) activity, without any effect of sex. Third, the passive properties and the hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) were altered by transgene expression only in female mice, whereas the paired-pulse ratio (PPR) of evoked EPSC was changed only in males. Fourth, both sex and transgene expression were associated with changes in action potential properties. Consistent with previous work, higher levels of Aβ neuropathology were detected in 3xTg-AD females, whereas tau deposition was similar. In summary, our results support the idea that aging and AD neuropathology differentially alter the physiology of entorhinal cortex neurons in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany Arsenault
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (CHUQ), Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Physiotek, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Cyntia Tremblay
- Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (CHUQ), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Emond
- Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (CHUQ), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada. .,Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (CHUQ), Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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Kerdiles O, Layé S, Calon F. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and brain health: Preclinical evidence for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Trends Food Sci Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Coulombe K, Saint-Pierre M, Cisbani G, St-Amour I, Gibrat C, Giguère-Rancourt A, Calon F, Cicchetti F. Partial neurorescue effects of DHA following a 6-OHDA lesion of the mouse dopaminergic system. J Nutr Biochem 2016; 30:133-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Dietary n-3 PUFAs Deficiency Increases Vulnerability to Inflammation-Induced Spatial Memory Impairment. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2774-87. [PMID: 25948102 PMCID: PMC4864653 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are critical components of inflammatory response and memory impairment. However, the mechanisms underlying the sensitizing effects of low n-3 PUFAs in the brain for the development of memory impairment following inflammation are still poorly understood. In this study, we examined how a 2-month n-3 PUFAs deficiency from pre-puberty to adulthood could increase vulnerability to the effect of inflammatory event on spatial memory in mice. Mice were given diets balanced or deficient in n-3 PUFAs for a 2-month period starting at post-natal day 21, followed by a peripheral administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin, at adulthood. We first showed that spatial memory performance was altered after LPS challenge only in n-3 PUFA-deficient mice that displayed lower n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio in the hippocampus. Importantly, long-term depression (LTD), but not long-term potentiation (LTP) was impaired in the hippocampus of LPS-treated n-3 PUFA-deficient mice. Proinflammatory cytokine levels were increased in the plasma of both n-3 PUFA-deficient and n-3 PUFA-balanced mice. However, only n-3 PUFA-balanced mice showed an increase in cytokine expression in the hippocampus in response to LPS. In addition, n-3 PUFA-deficient mice displayed higher glucocorticoid levels in response to LPS as compared with n-3 PUFA-balanced mice. These results indicate a role for n-3 PUFA imbalance in the sensitization of the hippocampal synaptic plasticity to inflammatory stimuli, which is likely to contribute to spatial memory impairment.
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Joffre C, Nadjar A, Lebbadi M, Calon F, Laye S. n-3 LCPUFA improves cognition: the young, the old and the sick. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2014; 91:1-20. [PMID: 24908517 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Due to the implication of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth and to its high incorporation into the brain, this n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) is considered as crucial in the development and maintenance of the learning memory performance throughout life. In the present chapter we aimed at reviewing data investigating the relation between DHA and cognition during the perinatal period, young adult- and adulthood and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease (AD). In Humans, dietary DHA supplementation from the perinatal period to adulthood does not reveal a clear and consistent memory improvement whereas it is the case in animal studies. The positive effects observed in animal models may have been enhanced by using n-3 PUFA deficient animal models as controls. In animal models of AD, a general consensus on the beneficial effects of n-3 LCPUFA in attenuating cognitive impairment was established. These studies make DHA a potential suitable micronutrient for the maintenance of cognitive performance at all periods of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Joffre
- Université Bordeaux, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INRA, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - A Nadjar
- Université Bordeaux, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INRA, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - M Lebbadi
- Centre de Recherche du CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, T2-05, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, Canada G1V 4G2.
| | - F Calon
- Centre de Recherche du CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, T2-05, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, Canada G1V 4G2.
| | - S Laye
- Université Bordeaux, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INRA, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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Tanaka K, Farooqui AA, Siddiqi NJ, Alhomida AS, Ong WY. Effects of docosahexaenoic Acid on neurotransmission. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2014; 20:152-7. [PMID: 24116288 PMCID: PMC3792211 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2012.20.2.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the brain and a structural component of neuronal membranes. Changes in DHA content of neuronal membranes lead to functional changes in the activity of receptors and other proteins which might be associated with synaptic function. Accumulating evidence suggests the beneficial effects of dietary DHA supplementation on neurotransmission. This article reviews the beneficial effects of DHA on the brain; uptake, incorporation and release of DHA at synapses, effects of DHA on synapses, effects of DHA on neurotransmitters, DHA metabolites, and changes in DHA with age. Further studies to better understand the metabolome of DHA could result in more effective use of this molecule for treatment of neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Tanaka
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260
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Kim KB, Nam YA, Kim HS, Hayes AW, Lee BM. α-Linolenic acid: nutraceutical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluation. Food Chem Toxicol 2014; 70:163-78. [PMID: 24859185 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
α-Linolenic acid (ALA), a carboxylic acid with 18 carbons and three cis double bonds, is an essential fatty acid needed for human health and can be acquired via regular dietary intake of foods that contain ALA or dietary supplementation of foods high in ALA, for example flaxseed. ALA has been reported to have cardiovascular-protective, anti-cancer, neuro-protective, anti-osteoporotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects. ALA is the precursor of longer chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but its beneficial effects on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are still inconclusive. The recommended intake of ALA for cardiovascular health is reported to be 1.1-2.2g/day. Although there are limited toxicological data for ALA, no serious adverse effects have been reported. The evidence on an increased prostate cancer risk in association with dietary ALA is not conclusive. Based on the limited data currently available, it may be concluded that ALA may be beneficial as a nutraceutical/pharmaceutical candidate and is safe for use as a food ingredient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Bong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, 119 Dandae-ro, Cheonan, Chungnam 330-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon A Nam
- Division of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Sik Kim
- Division of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Byung-Mu Lee
- Division of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 440-746, Republic of Korea.
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Arsenault D, Julien C, Chen CT, Bazinet RP, Calon F. Dietary intake of unsaturated fatty acids modulates physiological properties of entorhinal cortex neurons in mice. J Neurochem 2012; 122:427-43. [PMID: 22551210 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07772.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dietary lipids modify brain fatty acid profile, but evidence of their direct effect on neuronal function is sparse. The enthorinal cortex (EC) neurons connecting to the hippocampus play a critical role in learning and memory. Here, we have exposed mice to diets based on canola:soybean oils (40 : 10, g/kg) or safflower : corn oils (25 : 25, g/kg) to investigate the relationship between the lipid profile of brain fatty acids and the intrinsic properties of EC neurons. Consumption of canola : soybean oil-enriched diet led to the increase of the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid and to a decrease of arachidonic acid in ethanolamine glycerophospholipids of the white matter. We also found an important rise in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) within ethanolamine glycerophospholipids and phosphatidylserine of gray matter. The canola:soybean oil treatment led to a shorter duration of action potential (-21%), a reduction in the duration of postsynaptic response (-21%) and increased firing activity (+43%). Data from additional experiments with animals fed DHA alone or DHA with canola oil suggested that dietary monounsaturated fatty acid may have contributed to these effects on EC neuron physiology. Since neuronal function within the enthorhinal-hippocampal loop is critical to learning and memory processes, the present data may provide a functional basis for the beneficial cognitive effects of canola oil-based diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany Arsenault
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Different effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the cell cycle in C2C12 myoblast proliferation. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 367:165-73. [PMID: 22610825 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-012-1329-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important molecules for human health. We investigated the effects of three major omega-3 PUFAs on C2C12 myoblast proliferation. Both docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids decreased cell growth, whereas linolenic (ALA) acid did not, compared with the control. Cell cycle analysis showed that G(1) phase duration was increased markedly and S-phase duration was decreased by DHA and EPA. In contrast, there was no change in the G(1) or S-phase duration when the cells were treated with linolenic acid. To determine how DHA and EPA affected the cell cycle, cyclins and MAPK proteins were investigated. Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR showed that DHA and EPA decreased cyclin E and CDK2 levels at both the protein and mRNA level. Also, MAPK phosphorylation levels were decreased by treatment with DHA and EPA. Our results indicated that different kinds of n-3 PUFA differentially affected myoblast cell proliferation. DHA and EPA decreased skeletal muscle cell proliferation through a mechanism involving MAPK-ERK.
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