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Hayat M, Syed RA, Qaiser H, Uzair M, Al-Regaiey K, Khallaf R, Albassam LAM, Kaleem I, Wang X, Wang R, Bhatti MS, Bashir S. Decoding molecular mechanisms: brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2279-2299. [PMID: 39104174 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex morphological, anatomical, physiological, and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries. The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions and cognitions, but the worsening of such processes contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Beyond these observable, mild morphological shifts, significant functional modifications in neurotransmission and neuronal activity critically influence the aging brain. Understanding these changes is important for maintaining cognitive health, especially given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions that affect cognition. This review aims to explore the age-induced changes in brain plasticity and molecular processes, differentiating normal aging from the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, thereby providing insights into predicting the risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnoor Hayat
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rafay Ali Syed
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hammad Qaiser
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic & Applied Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Uzair
- Department of Bioengineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Al-Regaiey
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roaa Khallaf
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Imdad Kaleem
- Department of Biosciences, Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS University), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Xueyi Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- Mental Health Institute of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- Mental Health Institute of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Mehwish S Bhatti
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Shahid Bashir
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Cui Y, Ma X, Wei J, Chen C, Shakir N, Guirram H, Dai Z, Anderson T, Ferguson D, Qiu S. MET receptor tyrosine kinase promotes the generation of functional synapses in adult cortical circuits. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1431-1444. [PMID: 39075910 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202505000-00026/figure1/v/2024-07-28T173839Z/r/image-tiff Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration, however, few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse function. We have previously shown that MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the developing cortical circuits promotes dendritic growth and dendritic spine morphogenesis. To investigate whether enhancing MET in adult cortex has synapse regenerating potential, we created a knockin mouse line, in which the human MET gene expression and signaling can be turned on in adult (10-12 months) cortical neurons through doxycycline-containing chow. We found that similar to the developing brain, turning on MET signaling in the adult cortex activates small GTPases and increases spine density in prefrontal projection neurons. These findings are further corroborated by increased synaptic activity and transient generation of immature silent synapses. Prolonged MET signaling resulted in an increased α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-D-aspartate (AMPA/NMDA) receptor current ratio, indicative of enhanced synaptic function and connectivity. Our data reveal that enhancing MET signaling could be an interventional approach to promote synaptogenesis and preserve functional connectivity in the adult brain. These findings may have implications for regenerative therapy in aging and neurodegeneration conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Cui
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jing Wei
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Chang Chen
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Neha Shakir
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Hitesch Guirram
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Zhiyu Dai
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Trent Anderson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Deveroux Ferguson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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3
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Abubaker M, Al Qasem W, Pilátová K, Ježdík P, Kvašňák E. Theta-gamma-coupling as predictor of working memory performance in young and elderly healthy people. Mol Brain 2024; 17:74. [PMID: 39415245 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01149-8] [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: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between working memory (WM) and neuronal oscillations can be studied in detail using brain stimulation techniques, which provide a method for modulating these oscillations and thus influencing WM. The endogenous coupling between the amplitude of gamma oscillations and the phase of theta oscillations is crucial for cognitive control. Theta/gamma peak-coupled transcranial alternating current stimulation (TGCp-tACS) can modulate this coupling and thus influence WM performance. This study investigated the effects of TGCp-tACS on WM in older adults and compared their responses with those of younger participants from our previous work who underwent the same experimental design. Twenty-eight older subjects underwent both TGCp-tACS and sham stimulation sessions at least 72 h apart. Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded before and after the interventions, and a WM task battery with five different WM tasks was performed during the interventions to assess various WM components. Outcomes measured included WM task performance (e.g., accuracy, reaction time (RT)) and changes in power spectral density (PSD) in different frequency bands. TGCp-tACS significantly decreased accuracy and RT on the 10- and 14-point Sternberg tasks and increased RT on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test in older adults. In contrast, younger participants showed a significant increase in accuracy only on the 14-item Sternberg task. Electrophysiological analysis revealed a decrease in delta and theta PSD and an increase in high gamma PSD in both younger and older participants after verum stimulation. In conclusion, theta-gamma coupling is essential for WM and modulation of this coupling affects WM performance. The effects of TGCp-tACS on WM vary with age due to natural brain changes. To better support older adults, the study suggests several strategies to improve cognitive function, including: Adjusting stimulation parameters, applying stimulation to two sites, conducting multiple sessions, and using brain imaging techniques for precise targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Abubaker
- Department of Medical Biophysics and Medical Informatics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia.
| | - Wiam Al Qasem
- Department of Medical Biophysics and Medical Informatics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Pilátová
- Department of Information and Communication Technology in Medicine, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Ježdík
- Department of Circuit Theory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eugen Kvašňák
- Department of Medical Biophysics and Medical Informatics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
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4
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Shintani T, Yanai S, Kanasaki A, Iida T, Endo S. Long-term d-allose administration ameliorates age-related cognitive impairment and loss of bone strength in male mice. Exp Gerontol 2024; 196:112555. [PMID: 39179160 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Age-related physical and cognitive decline may be ameliorated by consuming functional foods. d-Allose, reported to have multiple health benefits, may temper aging phenotypes, particularly brain function. We investigated whether d-allose supplementation improves cognitive function. A standard battery of behavioral tests was administered to 18-month-old male mice after consuming diet containing 3 % d-allose for 6 months. Following a wire-hanging test, an open-field test, Morris water maze, fear-conditioning, and an analgesia test were sequentially performed. Bone density and strength were assessed afterwards. Possible mechanism(s) under-lying memory changes in hippocampus were also examined with a DNA microarray. d-Allose failed to influence muscle strength, locomotor activity and anxiety, fear memory, or pain sensitivity. However, d-allose improved hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory, and it may contribute to increase bone strength. d-Allose also changed the expression of some genes in hippocampus involved in cognitive functions. Long-term d-allose supplementation appears to modestly change aging phenotypes and improve spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Shintani
- Research and Development, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., 5-3 Kita-Itami, Itami City, Hyogo 664-8508, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yanai
- Aging Neuroscience Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan; Animal Facility, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Akane Kanasaki
- Research and Development, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., 5-3 Kita-Itami, Itami City, Hyogo 664-8508, Japan.
| | - Tetsuo Iida
- Research and Development, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., 5-3 Kita-Itami, Itami City, Hyogo 664-8508, Japan
| | - Shogo Endo
- Aging Neuroscience Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
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5
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Li Y, Zhuo Z, Liu C, Duan Y, Shi Y, Wang T, Li R, Wang Y, Jiang J, Xu J, Tian D, Zhang X, Shi F, Zhang X, Carass A, Barkhof F, Prince JL, Ye C, Liu Y. Deep learning enables accurate brain tissue microstructure analysis based on clinically feasible diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. Neuroimage 2024; 300:120858. [PMID: 39317273 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) allows non-invasive assessment of brain tissue microstructure. Current model-based tissue microstructure reconstruction techniques require a large number of diffusion gradients, which is not clinically feasible due to imaging time constraints, and this has limited the use of tissue microstructure information in clinical settings. Recently, approaches based on deep learning (DL) have achieved promising tissue microstructure reconstruction results using clinically feasible dMRI. However, it remains unclear whether the subtle tissue changes associated with disease or age are properly preserved with DL approaches and whether DL reconstruction results can benefit clinical applications. Here, we provide the first evidence that DL approaches to tissue microstructure reconstruction yield reliable brain tissue microstructure analysis based on clinically feasible dMRI scans. Specifically, we reconstructed tissue microstructure from four different brain dMRI datasets with only 12 diffusion gradients, a clinically feasible protocol, and the neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and spherical mean technique (SMT) models were considered. With these results we show that disease-related and age-dependent alterations of brain tissue were accurately identified. These findings demonstrate that DL tissue microstructure reconstruction can accurately quantify microstructural alterations in the brain based on clinically feasible dMRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Li
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhizheng Zhuo
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenghao Liu
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyun Duan
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yulu Shi
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Runzhi Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanli Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiwei Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Decai Tian
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinghu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fudong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Neurology and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- School of Information and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai, China
| | - Aaron Carass
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Jerry L Prince
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Chuyang Ye
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Yaou Liu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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6
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Lee S, Lee E, Lee KS, Pyun SB. Explainable artificial intelligence on safe balance and its major determinants in stroke patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23735. [PMID: 39390208 PMCID: PMC11467347 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74689-7] [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: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study develops explainable artificial intelligence for predicting safe balance using hospital data, including clinical, neurophysiological, and diffusion tensor imaging properties. Retrospective data from 92 first-time stroke patients from January 2016 to June 2023 was analysed. The dependent variables were independent mobility scores, i.e., Berg Balance Scales with 0 (45 or below) vs. 1 (above 45) measured after three and six months, respectively. Twenty-nine predictors were included. Random forest variable importance was employed for identifying significant predictors of the Berg Balance Scale and testing its associations with the predictors, including Berg Balance Scale after one month and corticospinal tract diffusion tensor imaging properties. Shapley Additive Explanation values were calculated to analyse the directions of these associations. The random forest registered a higher or similar area under the curve compared to logistic regression, i.e., 91% vs. 87% (Berg Balance Scale after three months), 92% vs. 92% (Berg Balance Scale after six months). Based on random forest variable importance values and rankings: (1) Berg Balance Scale after three months has strong associations with Berg Balance Scale after one month, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale, ipsilesional corticospinal tract fractional anisotropy, fractional anisotropy laterality index and age; (2) Berg Balance Scale after six months has strong relationships with Fugl-Meyer assessment scale, Berg Balance Scale after one month, ankle plantar flexion muscle strength, knee extension muscle strength and hip flexion muscle strength. These associations were positive in the SHAP summary plots. Including Berg Balance Scale after one month, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale or ipsilesional corticospinal tract fractional anisotropy in the random forest will increase the probability of Berg Balance Scale after three months being above 45 by 0.11, 0.08, or 0.08. In conclusion, safe balance after stroke strongly correlates with its initial motor function, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale, and ipsilesional corticospinal tract fractional anisotropy. Diffusion tensor imaging information aids in developing explainable artificial intelligence for predicting safe balance after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sekwang Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sahmyook Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Sig Lee
- AI Center, Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Bom Pyun
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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7
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Wróbel PP, Braaß H, Frey BM, Bönstrup M, Guder S, Frontzkowski LK, Feldheim JF, Cheng B, Rathi Y, Pasternak O, Thomalla G, Koerte IK, Shenton ME, Gerloff C, Quandt F, Higgen FL, Schulz R. Cortical microstructure and hemispheric specialization-A diffusion-imaging analysis in younger and older adults. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:5718-5730. [PMID: 39205547 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16518] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Characterizing cortical plasticity becomes increasingly important for identifying compensatory mechanisms and structural reserve in the ageing population. While cortical thickness (CT) largely contributed to systems neuroscience, it incompletely informs about the underlying neuroplastic pathophysiology. In turn, microstructural characteristics may correspond to atrophy mechanisms in a more sensitive way. Fractional anisotropy, a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measure, is inversely related to cortical histologic complexity. Axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity are assumed to be linked to the density of structures oriented perpendicular and parallel to the cortical surface, respectively. We hypothesized (1) that cortical DTI will reveal microstructural correlates for hemispheric specialization, particularly in the language and motor systems, and (2) that lateralization of cortical DTI parameters will show an age effect, paralleling age-related changes in activation, especially in the prefrontal cortex. We analysed data from healthy younger and older adult participants (N = 91). DTI and CT data were extracted from regions of the Destrieux atlas. Diffusion measures showed lateralization in specialized motor, language, visual, auditory and inferior parietal cortices. Age-dependent increased lateralization for DTI measures was observed in the prefrontal, angular, superior temporal and lateral occipital cortex. CT did not show any age-dependent alterations in lateralization. Our observations argue that cortical DTI can capture microstructural properties associated with functional specialization, resembling findings from histology. Age effects on diffusion measures in the integrative prefrontal and parietal areas may shed novel light on the atrophy-related plasticity in healthy ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł P Wróbel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Braaß
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt M Frey
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marlene Bönstrup
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephanie Guder
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lukas K Frontzkowski
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan F Feldheim
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Cheng
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yogesh Rathi
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Inga K Koerte
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martha E Shenton
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christian Gerloff
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fanny Quandt
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Focko L Higgen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Fitze DC, Ertl M, Radlinger L, Mast FW. Vestibular perceptual learning improves self-motion perception, posture, and gait in older adults. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1087. [PMID: 39237668 PMCID: PMC11377758 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06802-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Vestibular motion perception declines with age, increasing the risk of falling substantially. We performed a two-week perceptual learning intervention using a self-motion direction discrimination task (2800 training trials per person) on a 6 degrees of freedom motion platform in healthy older adults (n = 40, aged 70-88 yr). Linear inter-aural and angular roll tilt vestibular thresholds improved with training (95% credible interval for pre/post difference), suggesting altered sensitivity post-training. Moreover, improved perceptual abilities transfer to actual posture (reduced sway) and gait parameters. Passive self-motion discrimination training provides a new and promising way to counteract age-related sensory decline. It can reduce the risk of falling, and thereby maintain individual autonomy and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Fitze
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, Bern, 3012, Switzerland.
| | - Matthias Ertl
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
- Clinic for Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Luzerner Kantonsspital, University teaching and research hospital, and University of Lucerne, Spitalstrasse 16, Luzern, 6000, Switzerland
- Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Psychology, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Luzern, 6002, Switzerland
| | - Lorenz Radlinger
- Department of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Stadtbachstrasse 64, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Fred W Mast
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
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9
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Livernoche Leduc C, Roy SJ, Paradis V, Potvin MJ. Cognitive profiles in the acute phase of traumatic brain injury according to injury severity. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024; 31:766-776. [PMID: 35611614 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2071615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although several studies have documented the chronic phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI), few verified the nature and severity of cognitive impairments during the acute phase. Among the studies carried out during the acute phase, instrumental functions were rarely examined compared to attention, memory, and executive functions. This study aimed to compare the nature and intensity of cognitive problems in the acute phase according to TBI severity and age. It was hypothesized that cognitive impairments would increase in line with TBI severity and age, and that instrumental functions would be less affected in victims of mild or moderate TBI than in those with severe TBI. The Brief Cognitive Exam in Traumatology (EXACT), a new and reliable test specifically designed and validated to briefly assess global cognitive functioning during the acute phase, was administered to 319 mild to severe TBI victims (aged 16 to 96 years), within three months post-accident. The EXACT evaluates five domains: Language, Instrumental functions (other than language), Attention and working memory, Episodic memory, and Executive functions and behavioral regulation. Results confirmed the negative influence of TBI severity and age on global cognitive functioning. Also, compared to victims with a mild or moderate TBI, a higher proportion of those with a severe TBI presented impaired instrumental functions (calculation, praxis, and gnosis). Thus, during the acute phase, the nature and severity of cognitive impairments vary according to TBI severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah-Jade Roy
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Véronique Paradis
- Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Marie-Julie Potvin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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10
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Liao WY, Opie GM, Ziemann U, Semmler JG. Modulation of dorsal premotor cortex differentially influences visuomotor adaptation in young and older adults. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 141:34-45. [PMID: 38815412 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The communication between dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) and primary motor cortex (M1) is important for visuomotor adaptation, but it is unclear how this relationship changes with advancing age. The present study recruited 21 young and 23 older participants for two experimental sessions during which intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) or sham was applied over PMd. We assessed the effects of PMd iTBS on M1 excitability using motor evoked potentials (MEP) recorded from right first dorsal interosseous when single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied with posterior-anterior (PA) or anterior-posterior (AP) currents; and adaptation by quantifying error recorded during a visuomotor adaptation task (VAT). PMd iTBS potentiated PA (P < 0.0001) and AP (P < 0.0001) MEP amplitude in both young and older adults. PMd iTBS increased error in young adults during adaptation (P = 0.026), but had no effect in older adults (P = 0.388). Although PMd iTBS potentiated M1 excitability in both young and older adults, the intervention attenuated visuomotor adaptation specifically in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yeh Liao
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - George M Opie
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - John G Semmler
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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11
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Karim HT, Lee S, Gerlach A, Stinley M, Berta R, Mahbubani R, Tudorascu DL, Butters MA, Gross JJ, Andreescu C. Hippocampal subfield volume in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment: Effects of worry and cognitive reappraisal. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 141:55-65. [PMID: 38823204 PMCID: PMC11246796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.02.017] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Studies have confirmed that anxiety, especially worry and rumination, are associated with increased risk for cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Hippocampal atrophy is a hallmark of ADRD. We investigated the association between hippocampus and its subfield volumes and late-life global anxiety, worry, and rumination, and emotion regulation strategies. We recruited 110 participants with varying worry severity who underwent magnetic resonance imaging and clinical interviews. We conducted cross-sectional regression analysis between each subfield and anxiety, worry, rumination, reappraisal, and suppression while adjusting for age, sex, race, education, cumulative illness burden, stress, neuroticism, and intracranial volume. We imputed missing data and corrected for multiple comparisons across regions. Greater worry was associated with smaller subiculum volume, whereas greater use of reappraisal was associated with larger subiculum and CA1 volume. Greater worry may be detrimental to the hippocampus and to subfields involved in early ADRD pathology. Use of reappraisal appears protective of hippocampal structure. Worry and reappraisal may be modifiable targets for ADRD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmet T Karim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Soyoung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andrew Gerlach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mark Stinley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rachel Berta
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca Mahbubani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dana L Tudorascu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Meryl A Butters
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - James J Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Carmen Andreescu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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12
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Sogabe K, Hata J, Yoshimaru D, Hagiya K, Okano HJ, Okano H. Structural MRI analysis of age-related changes and sex differences in marmoset brain volume. Neurosci Res 2024; 206:20-29. [PMID: 38636670 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The field of aging biology, which aims to extend healthy lifespans and prevent age-related diseases, has turned its focus to the Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset) to understand the aging process better. This study utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to non-invasively analyze the brains of 216 marmosets, investigating age-related changes in brain structure; the relationship between body weight and brain volume; and potential differences between males and females. The key findings revealed that, similar to humans, Callithrix jacchus experiences a reduction in total intracranial volume, cortex, subcortex, thalamus, and cingulate volumes as they age, highlighting site-dependent changes in brain tissue. Notably, the study also uncovered sex differences in cerebellar volume. These insights into the structural connectivity and volumetric changes in the marmoset brain throughout aging contribute to accumulating valuable knowledge in the field, promising to inform future aging research and interventions for enhancing healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumi Sogabe
- The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan; Teikyo University Faculty of Medical Technology, Japan
| | - Junichi Hata
- The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan; Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yoshimaru
- The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan; Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kei Hagiya
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hirotaka James Okano
- The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan; Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan; Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan; Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center 3-25-10 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-0821, Japan.
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13
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Selva-Clemente J, Marcos P, González-Fuentes J, Villaseca-González N, Lagartos-Donate MJ, Insausti R, Arroyo-Jiménez MM. Interneurons in the CA1 stratum oriens expressing αTTP may play a role in the delayed-ageing Pol μ mouse model. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 130:103960. [PMID: 39179163 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration associated with ageing is closely linked to oxidative stress (OS) and disrupted calcium homeostasis. Some areas of the brain, like the hippocampus - particularly the CA1 region - have shown a high susceptibility to age-related changes, displaying early signs of pathology and neuronal loss. Antioxidants such as α-tocopherol (αT) have been effective in mitigating the impact of OS during ageing. αT homeostasis is primarily regulated by the α-tocopherol transfer protein (αTTP), which is widely distributed throughout the brain - where it plays a crucial role in maintaining αT levels within neuronal cells. This study investigates the distribution of αTTP in the hippocampus of 4- and 24-month-old Pol μ knockout mice (Pol μ-/-), a delayed-ageing model, and the wild type (Pol μ+/+). We also examine the colocalisation in the stratum oriens (st.or) of CA1 region with the primary interneuron populations expressing calcium-binding proteins (CBPs) (calbindin (CB), parvalbumin (PV), and calretinin (CR)). Our findings reveal that αTTP immunoreactivity (-IR) in the st.or of Pol μ mice is significantly reduced. The density of PV-expressing interneurons (INs) increased in aged mice in both Pol μ genotypes (Pol μ-/- and Pol μ+/+), although the density of PV-positive INs was lower in the aged Pol μ-/- mice compared to wild-type mice. By contrast, CR- and CB-positive INs in Pol μ mice remained unchanged during ageing. Furthermore, double immunohistochemistry reveals the colocalisation of αTTP with CBPs in INs of the CA1 st.or. Our study also shows that the PV/αTTP-positive IN population remains unchanged in all groups. A significant decrease of CB/αTTP-positive INs in young Pol μ-/- mice has been detected, as well as a significant increase in CR/αTTP-IR in older Pol μ-/- animals. These results suggest that the differential expression of αTTP and CBPs could have a crucial effect in aiding the survival and maintenance of the different IN populations in the CA1 st.or, and their coexpression could contribute to the enhancement of their resistance to OS-related damage and neurodegeneration associated with ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Selva-Clemente
- Human Neuroanatomy Laboratory, University of Castilla-La Mancha and CRIB (Regional Centre for Biomedical Research), Albacete, Spain
| | - P Marcos
- Human Neuroanatomy Laboratory, University of Castilla-La Mancha and CRIB (Regional Centre for Biomedical Research), Albacete, Spain
| | | | - N Villaseca-González
- Human Neuroanatomy Laboratory, University of Castilla-La Mancha and CRIB (Regional Centre for Biomedical Research), Albacete, Spain; School of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - M J Lagartos-Donate
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway
| | - R Insausti
- Human Neuroanatomy Laboratory, University of Castilla-La Mancha and CRIB (Regional Centre for Biomedical Research), Albacete, Spain
| | - M M Arroyo-Jiménez
- Human Neuroanatomy Laboratory, University of Castilla-La Mancha and CRIB (Regional Centre for Biomedical Research), Albacete, Spain; School of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain.
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14
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Nagy B, Protzner AB, Czigler B, Gaál ZA. Resting-state neural dynamics changes in older adults with post-COVID syndrome and the modulatory effect of cognitive training and sex. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01324-8. [PMID: 39210163 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-COVID syndrome manifests with numerous neurological and cognitive symptoms, the precise origins of which are still not fully understood. As females and older adults are more susceptible to developing this condition, our study aimed to investigate how post-COVID syndrome alters intrinsic brain dynamics in older adults and whether biological sex and cognitive training might modulate these effects, with a specific focus on older females. The participants, aged between 60 and 75 years, were divided into three experimental groups: healthy old female, post-COVID old female and post-COVID old male. They underwent an adaptive task-switching training protocol. We analysed multiscale entropy and spectral power density of resting-state EEG data collected before and after the training to assess neural signal complexity and oscillatory power, respectively. We found no difference between post-COVID females and males before training, indicating that post-COVID similarly affected both sexes. However, cognitive training was effective only in post-COVID females and not in males, by modulating local neural processing capacity. This improvement was further evidenced by comparing healthy and post-COVID females, wherein the latter group showed increased finer timescale entropy (1-30 ms) and higher frequency band power (11-40 Hz) before training, but these differences disappeared following cognitive training. Our results suggest that in older adults with post-COVID syndrome, there is a pronounced shift from more global to local neural processing, potentially contributing to accelerated neural aging in this condition. However, cognitive training seems to offer a promising intervention method for modulating these changes in brain dynamics, especially among females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boglárka Nagy
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Andrea B Protzner
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Zsófia Anna Gaál
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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15
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Li J, Lam LCW, Lu H. Decoding MRI-informed brain age using mutual information. Insights Imaging 2024; 15:216. [PMID: 39186199 PMCID: PMC11347523 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-024-01791-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop a standardized method to investigate the relationship between estimated brain age and regional morphometric features, meeting the criteria for simplicity, generalization, and intuitive interpretability. METHODS We utilized T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience project (N = 609) and employed a support vector regression method to train a brain age model. The pre-trained brain age model was applied to the dataset of the brain development project (N = 547). Kraskov (KSG) estimator was used to compute the mutual information (MI) value between brain age and regional morphometric features, including gray matter volume (GMV), white matter volume (WMV), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume, and cortical thickness (CT). RESULTS Among four types of brain features, GMV had the highest MI value (8.71), peaking in the pre-central gyrus (0.69). CSF volume was ranked second (7.76), with the highest MI value in the cingulate (0.87). CT was ranked third (6.22), with the highest MI value in superior temporal gyrus (0.53). WMV had the lowest MI value (4.59), with the insula showing the highest MI value (0.53). For brain parenchyma, the volume of the superior frontal gyrus exhibited the highest MI value (0.80). CONCLUSION This is the first demonstration that MI value between estimated brain age and morphometric features may serve as a benchmark for assessing the regional contributions to estimated brain age. Our findings highlighted that both GMV and CSF are the key features that determined the estimated brain age, which may add value to existing computational models of brain age. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Mutual information (MI) analysis reveals gray matter volume (GMV) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume as pivotal in computing individuals' brain age. KEY POINTS Mutual information (MI) interprets estimated brain age with morphometric features. Gray matter volume in the pre-central gyrus has the highest MI value for estimated brain age. Cerebrospinal fluid volume in the cingulate has the highest MI value. Regarding brain parenchymal volume, the superior frontal gyrus has the highest MI value. The value of mutual information underscores the key brain regions related to brain age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Linda Chiu Wa Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hanna Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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16
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Liu L, Wang H, Xing Y, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Dong M, Ma Z, Cai L, Wang X, Tang Y. Dose-response relationship between computerized cognitive training and cognitive improvement. NPJ Digit Med 2024; 7:214. [PMID: 39147783 PMCID: PMC11327304 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-024-01210-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Although computerized cognitive training (CCT) is an effective digital intervention for cognitive impairment, its dose-response relationship is understudied. This retrospective cohort study explores the association between training dose and cognitive improvement to find the optimal CCT dose. From 2017 to 2022, 8,709 participants with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and mild dementia were analyzed. CCT exposure varied in daily dose and frequency, with cognitive improvement measured weekly using Cognitive Index. A mixed-effects model revealed significant Cognitive Index increases across most dose groups before reaching the optimal dose. For participants under 60 years, the optimal dose was 25 to <30 min per day for 6 days a week. For those 60 years or older, it was 50 to <55 min per day for 6 days a week. These findings highlight a dose-dependent effect in CCT, suggesting age-specific optimal dosing for cognitive improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Liu
- Department of Neurology & Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China
- Neurodegenerative Laboratory of Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Clinical Research Institute, Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, 38 Xueyuan St, Haidian district, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Xing
- Department of Neurology & Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China
- Neurodegenerative Laboratory of Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China
| | - Ziheng Zhang
- Beijing Wispirit Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Qingge Zhang
- Beijing Wispirit Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Ming Dong
- Beijing Wispirit Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Zhujiang Ma
- Beijing Wispirit Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Longjun Cai
- Beijing Wispirit Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- Beijing Wispirit Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Neurology & Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Beijing, China.
- Neurodegenerative Laboratory of Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China.
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17
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Navakkode S, Kennedy BK. Neural ageing and synaptic plasticity: prioritizing brain health in healthy longevity. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1428244. [PMID: 39161341 PMCID: PMC11330810 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1428244] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ageing is characterized by a gradual decline in the efficiency of physiological functions and increased vulnerability to diseases. Ageing affects the entire body, including physical, mental, and social well-being, but its impact on the brain and cognition can have a particularly significant effect on an individual's overall quality of life. Therefore, enhancing lifespan and physical health in longevity studies will be incomplete if cognitive ageing is over looked. Promoting successful cognitive ageing encompasses the objectives of mitigating cognitive decline, as well as simultaneously enhancing brain function and cognitive reserve. Studies in both humans and animal models indicate that cognitive decline related to normal ageing and age-associated brain disorders are more likely linked to changes in synaptic connections that form the basis of learning and memory. This activity-dependent synaptic plasticity reorganises the structure and function of neurons not only to adapt to new environments, but also to remain robust and stable over time. Therefore, understanding the neural mechanisms that are responsible for age-related cognitive decline becomes increasingly important. In this review, we explore the multifaceted aspects of healthy brain ageing with emphasis on synaptic plasticity, its adaptive mechanisms and the various factors affecting the decline in cognitive functions during ageing. We will also explore the dynamic brain and neuroplasticity, and the role of lifestyle in shaping neuronal plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeja Navakkode
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Life Sciences Institute Neurobiology Programme, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brian K. Kennedy
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Life Sciences Institute Neurobiology Programme, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Departments of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Buck Institute for Research on Ageing, Novato, CA, United States
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18
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He TY, Zhou HY, Zhu MH, Zhang JL. COVID-19 acts like a stress test, uncovering the vulnerable part of the human body: a retrospective study of 1640 cases in China. Eur J Public Health 2024; 34:760-765. [PMID: 38607985 PMCID: PMC11293811 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckae056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exhibits multi-organ damage with diverse complications, the correlation between age, gender, medical history and clinical manifestations of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients was investigated. METHODS 1640 patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University from 22 December 2022 to 1 March 2023 were categorized and analysed. Normal distribution test and variance homogeneity test were performed. Based on the test results, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were conducted in the study. RESULTS According to the ANOVA, there was a significant difference in the age distribution (P = .001) between different clinical presentations, while gender did not (P = .06). And regression analysis showed that age, hypertension, atherosclerosis and cancer were significant hazard factors for the development of predominant clinical manifestations in patients hospitalized with novel COVID-19. Additionally, infection with SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to exacerbate the burden on specific diseased or related organs. CONCLUSION The elderly who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 ought to be treated with emphasis not only on antiviral therapy but also on individualized treatment that takes their medical history and comorbidities into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yi He
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Hong-Yu Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ming-Hui Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ji-Li Zhang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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19
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Bregman-Yemini N, Nitzan K, Franko M, Doron R. Connecting the emotional-cognitive puzzle: The role of tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) receptor isoform imbalance in age-related emotional and cognitive impairments. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102349. [PMID: 38823488 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Age-related cognitive and affective disorders pose significant public health challenges. Notably, emotional and cognitive symptoms co-occur across multiple age-associated conditions like normal aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. While the intricate interplay underlying this relationship remains poorly understood, this article highlights the possibility that an imbalance between full-length (TrkB.FL) and truncated (TrkB.T1) isoforms of tyrosine kinase receptor TrkB in the neurotrophic system may significantly affect age-associated emotional and cognitive functions, by altering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, integral to neuronal health, cognitive functions and mood regulation. While the contribution of this imbalance to pathogenesis awaits full elucidation, this review evaluates its potential mediating role, linking emotional and cognitive decline across age-related disorders The interplay between TrkB.T1 and TrkB.FL isoforms may be considered as a pivotal shared regulator underlying this complex relationship. The current review aims to synthesize current knowledge on TrkB isoform imbalance, specifically its contribution to age-related cognitive decline and mood disorders. By examining shared pathogenic pathways between aging, cognitive decline, and mood disorders through the lens of TrkB signaling, this review uncovers potential therapeutic targets not previously considered, offering a fresh perspective on combating age-related mental health issues as well as cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Bregman-Yemini
- Department of Education and Psychology, The Open University, Israel; Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University, Israel
| | - Keren Nitzan
- Department of Education and Psychology, The Open University, Israel
| | - Motty Franko
- Department of Education and Psychology, The Open University, Israel; Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University, Israel
| | - Ravid Doron
- Department of Education and Psychology, The Open University, Israel.
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20
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Bin Ibrahim MZ, Wang Z, Sajikumar S. Synapses tagged, memories kept: synaptic tagging and capture hypothesis in brain health and disease. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230237. [PMID: 38853570 PMCID: PMC11343274 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The synaptic tagging and capture (STC) hypothesis lays the framework on the synapse-specific mechanism of protein synthesis-dependent long-term plasticity upon synaptic induction. Activated synapses will display a transient tag that will capture plasticity-related products (PRPs). These two events, tag setting and PRP synthesis, can be teased apart and have been studied extensively-from their electrophysiological and pharmacological properties to the molecular events involved. Consequently, the hypothesis also permits interactions of synaptic populations that encode different memories within the same neuronal population-hence, it gives rise to the associativity of plasticity. In this review, the recent advances and progress since the experimental debut of the STC hypothesis will be shared. This includes the role of neuromodulation in PRP synthesis and tag integrity, behavioural correlates of the hypothesis and modelling in silico. STC, as a more sensitive assay for synaptic health, can also assess neuronal aberrations. We will also expound how synaptic plasticity and associativity are altered in ageing-related decline and pathological conditions such as juvenile stress, cancer, sleep deprivation and Alzheimer's disease. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zaki Bin Ibrahim
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore117597, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore119077, Singapore
| | - Zijun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore117597, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore119077, Singapore
| | - Sreedharan Sajikumar
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore117597, Singapore
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore119077, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore117597, Singapore
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21
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Neto S, Reis A, Pinheiro M, Ferreira M, Neves V, Castanho TC, Santos N, Rodrigues AJ, Sousa N, Santos MAS, Moura GR. Unveiling the molecular landscape of cognitive aging: insights from polygenic risk scores, DNA methylation, and gene expression. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:75. [PMID: 38956648 PMCID: PMC11221141 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00640-6] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging represents a significant risk factor for the occurrence of cerebral small vessel disease, associated with white matter (WM) lesions, and to age-related cognitive alterations, though the precise mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for WM integrity, together with age-related DNA methylation, and gene expression alterations, on cognitive aging in a cross-sectional healthy aging cohort. The PRSs were calculated using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of WM integrity, including WM hyperintensities, fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD). These scores were utilized to predict age-related cognitive changes and evaluate their correlation with structural brain changes, which distinguish individuals with higher and lower cognitive scores. To reduce the dimensionality of the data and identify age-related DNA methylation and transcriptomic alterations, Sparse Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (sPLS-DA) was used. Subsequently, a canonical correlation algorithm was used to integrate the three types of omics data (PRS, DNA methylation, and gene expression data) and identify an individual "omics" signature that distinguishes subjects with varying cognitive profiles. RESULTS We found a positive association between MD-PRS and long-term memory, as well as a correlation between MD-PRS and structural brain changes, effectively discriminating between individuals with lower and higher memory scores. Furthermore, we observed an enrichment of polygenic signals in genes related to both vascular and non-vascular factors. Age-related alterations in DNA methylation and gene expression indicated dysregulation of critical molecular features and signaling pathways involved in aging and lifespan regulation. The integration of multi-omics data underscored the involvement of synaptic dysfunction, axonal degeneration, microtubule organization, and glycosylation in the process of cognitive aging. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide valuable insights into the biological mechanisms underlying the association between WM coherence and cognitive aging. Additionally, they highlight how age-associated DNA methylation and gene expression changes contribute to cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Neto
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia Reis
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Pinheiro
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Ferreira
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Vasco Neves
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Costa Castanho
- ICVS - School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
| | - Nadine Santos
- ICVS - School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana João Rodrigues
- ICVS - School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- ICVS - School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
- P5 Medical Center, Braga, Portugal
| | - Manuel A S Santos
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Aging, MIA-Portugal, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Largo 2, 3º, 3000-370, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela R Moura
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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22
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Brimvandi A, Ershad Nedaei S, Pourmotaabed A, Sahveisi K, Abdoli N, Ghazvini H, Khodamoradi M. Methamphetamine and REM sleep deprivation interact to affect behavioral performance in adult and adolescent rats. Brain Res 2024; 1841:149096. [PMID: 38936532 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Drug addiction may result in sleep problems. Importantly, sleep deprivation (SD) is known as an important risk factor for relapse to drug abuse as SD mimics the effects of psychostimulants on dopamine system of the brain. Moreover, aging may affect sleep and drug addiction. This study, therefore, set out to assess the effects of methamphetamine (METH) and REM sleep deprivation (RSD) on locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory in adult and adolescent rats. Adult and adolescent male Wistar rats received a neurotoxic METH regimen; four subcutaneous injections of 6 mg/kg, at 2 h intervals. Five days later, the animals underwent a 48-h RSD episode using the multiple platforms method. They were then examined using the open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and Y-maze tasks. We found that the METH and RSD paradigms showed synergistic effects to increase locomotion and risk-taking behavior in both adult and adolescent animals, while only adolescent rats revealed RSD-induced anxiety-like behavior. Moreover, adolescent animals revealed greater sensitization for vertical activity following METH plus RSD episode. In addition, METH and RSD paradigms revealed synergistic effects to impair spatial working memory, but neither METH nor RSD alone affected performance of animals in the Y-maze task. Our findings may indicate that there are important relationships between METH and RSD to induce hyperlocomotion, risk-taking behavior and spatial memory impairment, particularly in adolescent animals. Moreover, it seems that adolescent rats may be more susceptible to anxiety-like behavior and hyperlocomotion than adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aazam Brimvandi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Seyed Ershad Nedaei
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ali Pourmotaabed
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kaveh Sahveisi
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nasrin Abdoli
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hamed Ghazvini
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khodamoradi
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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23
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Banerjee S, Vernon S, Ruchti E, Limoni G, Jiao W, Asadzadeh J, Van Campenhoudt M, McCabe BD. Trio preserves motor synapses and prolongs motor ability during aging. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114256. [PMID: 38795343 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The decline of motor ability is a hallmark feature of aging and is accompanied by degeneration of motor synaptic terminals. Consistent with this, Drosophila motor synapses undergo characteristic age-dependent structural fragmentation co-incident with diminishing motor ability. Here, we show that motor synapse levels of Trio, an evolutionarily conserved guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), decline with age. We demonstrate that increasing Trio expression in adult Drosophila can abrogate age-dependent synaptic structural fragmentation, postpone the decline of motor ability, and maintain the capacity of motor synapses to sustain high-intensity neurotransmitter release. This preservative activity is conserved in transgenic human Trio, requires Trio Rac GEF function, and can also ameliorate synapse degeneration induced by depletion of miniature neurotransmission. Our results support a paradigm where the structural dissolution of motor synapses precedes and promotes motor behavioral diminishment and where intervening in this process can postpone the decline of motor function during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Banerjee
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, VD 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Vernon
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, VD 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Evelyne Ruchti
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, VD 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Greta Limoni
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, VD 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wei Jiao
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, VD 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jamshid Asadzadeh
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, VD 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marine Van Campenhoudt
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, VD 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Brian D McCabe
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, VD 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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24
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Acuña-Catalán D, Shah S, Wehrfritz C, Nomura M, Acevedo A, Olmos C, Quiroz G, Huerta H, Bons J, Ampuero E, Wyneken U, Sanhueza M, Arancibia F, Contreras D, Cárdenas JC, Morales B, Schilling B, Newman JC, González-Billault C. Ketogenic diet administration later in life improves memory by modifying the synaptic cortical proteome via the PKA signaling pathway in aging mice. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101593. [PMID: 38843842 PMCID: PMC11228662 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Aging compromises brain function leading to cognitive decline. A cyclic ketogenic diet (KD) improves memory in aged mice after long-term administration; however, short-term effects later in life and the molecular mechanisms that govern such changes remain unclear. Here, we explore the impact of a short-term KD treatment starting at elderly stage on brain function of aged mice. Behavioral testing and long-term potentiation (LTP) recordings reveal that KD improves working memory and hippocampal LTP. Furthermore, the synaptosome proteome of aged mice fed a KD long-term evidence changes predominantly at the presynaptic compartment associated to the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. These findings were corroborated in vivo by western blot analysis, with high BDNF abundance and PKA substrate phosphorylation. Overall, we show that a KD modifies brain function even when it is administered later in life and recapitulates molecular features of long-term administration, including the PKA signaling pathway, thus promoting synaptic plasticity at advanced age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Acuña-Catalán
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Samah Shah
- The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Alejandro Acevedo
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristina Olmos
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriel Quiroz
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hernán Huerta
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Joanna Bons
- The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Estibaliz Ampuero
- Neurobiology of Behavior Laboratory, Department of Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ursula Wyneken
- IMPACT, Center for Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Magdalena Sanhueza
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Arancibia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Darwin Contreras
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julio César Cárdenas
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Aging and Longevity Studies University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Bernardo Morales
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - John C Newman
- The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Christian González-Billault
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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25
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Nazzi C, Avenanti A, Battaglia S. The Involvement of Antioxidants in Cognitive Decline and Neurodegeneration: Mens Sana in Corpore Sano. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:701. [PMID: 38929140 PMCID: PMC11200558 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
With neurodegenerative disorders being on the rise, a great deal of research from multiple fields is being conducted in order to further knowledge and propose novel therapeutic interventions. Among these investigations, research on the role of antioxidants in contrasting cognitive decline is putting forward interesting and promising results. In this review, we aim to collect evidence that focused on the role of a variety of antioxidants and antioxidant-rich foods in improving or stabilizing cognitive functions, memory, and Alzheimer's disease, the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Specifically, we considered evidence collected on humans, either through longitudinal studies or randomized, placebo-controlled ones, which evaluated cognitive performance, memory abilities, or the progression level of neurodegeneration. Overall, despite a great deal of variety between study protocols, cohorts of participants involved, neuropsychological tests used, and investigated antioxidants, there is a solid trend that suggests that the properties of antioxidants may be helpful in hampering cognitive decline in older people. Thus, the help of future research that will further elucidate the role of antioxidants in neuroprotection will lead to the development of novel interventions that will take into account such findings to provide a more global approach to treating neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Nazzi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, 10134 Torino, Italy;
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia “Renzo Canestrari”, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Campus di Cesena, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia “Renzo Canestrari”, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Campus di Cesena, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
- Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center (CINPSI Neurocog), Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Simone Battaglia
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, 10134 Torino, Italy;
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia “Renzo Canestrari”, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Campus di Cesena, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
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26
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Waddington EE, Allison DJ, Calabrese EM, Pekos C, Lee A, Walsh JJ, Heisz JJ. Orienteering combines vigorous-intensity exercise with navigation to improve human cognition and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303785. [PMID: 38776348 PMCID: PMC11111042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Exercise enhances aspects of human cognition, but its intensity may matter. Recent animal research suggests that vigorous exercise, which releases greater amounts of lactate, activates more brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and, thus, may be optimal for supporting cognitive function. The cognitive benefits of exercise may be further augmented when combined with cognitive training. The sport of orienteering simultaneously combines exercise with spatial navigation and, therefore, may result in greater cognitive benefits than exercising only, especially at vigorous intensities. The present study aimed to examine the effects of an acute bout of orienteering at different intensities on cognition and BDNF compared to exercising only. We hypothesized that vigorous-intensity orienteering would increase lactate and BDNF and improve cognition more than moderate-intensity orienteering or vigorous exercise alone. Sixty-three recreationally active, healthy young adults (Mage = 21.10±2.75 years) with no orienteering experience completed a 1.3 km intervention course by navigating and exercising at a vigorous (80-85% of heart rate reserve) or moderate (40-50% of heart rate reserve) intensity or exercising vigorously without navigation. Exercise intensity was monitored using peak lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Serum BDNF was extracted immediately before and after the intervention. Memory was assessed using the Mnemonic Similarity Task (high-interference memory) and the Groton Maze Learning Test (spatial memory). Both exercising and orienteering at a vigorous intensity elicited greater peak lactate and increases in BDNF than moderate-intensity orienteering, and individuals with higher peak lactate also had greater increases in BDNF. High-interference memory improved after both vigorous-intensity interventions but did not improve after the moderate-intensity intervention. Spatial memory only increased after vigorous-intensity orienteering, suggesting that orienteering at a vigorous intensity may particularly benefit spatial cognition. Overall, the results demonstrate the benefits of vigorous exercise on human cognition and BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Waddington
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J. Allison
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emilie M. Calabrese
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cara Pekos
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrienne Lee
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy J. Walsh
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer J. Heisz
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Moisseinen N, Ahveninen L, Martínez‐Molina N, Sairanen V, Melkas S, Kleber B, Sihvonen AJ, Särkämö T. Choir singing is associated with enhanced structural connectivity across the adult lifespan. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26705. [PMID: 38716698 PMCID: PMC11077432 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The global ageing of populations calls for effective, ecologically valid methods to support brain health across adult life. Previous evidence suggests that music can promote white matter (WM) microstructure and grey matter (GM) volume while supporting auditory and cognitive functioning and emotional well-being as well as counteracting age-related cognitive decline. Adding a social component to music training, choir singing is a popular leisure activity among older adults, but a systematic account of its potential to support healthy brain structure, especially with regard to ageing, is currently missing. The present study used quantitative anisotropy (QA)-based diffusion MRI connectometry and voxel-based morphometry to explore the relationship of lifetime choir singing experience and brain structure at the whole-brain level. Cross-sectional multiple regression analyses were carried out in a large, balanced sample (N = 95; age range 21-88) of healthy adults with varying levels of choir singing experience across the whole age range and within subgroups defined by age (young, middle-aged, and older adults). Independent of age, choir singing experience was associated with extensive increases in WM QA in commissural, association, and projection tracts across the brain. Corroborating previous work, these overlapped with language and limbic networks. Enhanced corpus callosum microstructure was associated with choir singing experience across all subgroups. In addition, choir singing experience was selectively associated with enhanced QA in the fornix in older participants. No associations between GM volume and choir singing were found. The present study offers the first systematic account of amateur-level choir singing on brain structure. While no evidence for counteracting GM atrophy was found, the present evidence of enhanced structural connectivity coheres well with age-typical structural changes. Corroborating previous behavioural studies, the present results suggest that regular choir singing holds great promise for supporting brain health across the adult life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nella Moisseinen
- Cognitive Brain Research Unit, Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and the Brain, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Lotta Ahveninen
- Cognitive Brain Research Unit, Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and the Brain, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Noelia Martínez‐Molina
- Cognitive Brain Research Unit, Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and the Brain, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Department of Information and Communication TechnologiesUniversity Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
| | - Viljami Sairanen
- Department of RadiologyKanta‐Häme Central HospitalHämeenlinnaFinland
- Baby Brain Activity Center, Children's HospitalHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Susanna Melkas
- Clinical Neurosciences, NeurologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Boris Kleber
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus University and The Royal Academy of Music Aarhus/AalborgAarhusDenmark
| | - Aleksi J. Sihvonen
- Cognitive Brain Research Unit, Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and the Brain, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Centre for Clinical Research, School of Health and Rehabilitation SciencesUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Teppo Särkämö
- Cognitive Brain Research Unit, Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and the Brain, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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28
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Wu J, Bai C, Hu M, Guan Q, Li J, Luan X, Yan B. Efficacy of cervical perivascular sympathectomy in improving upper limb motor function in children with cerebral palsy and construction of a predictive model. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2024; 240:108273. [PMID: 38608351 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2024.108273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of cervical perivascular sympathectomy (CPVS) in enhancing upper limb motor function in children with cerebral palsy is unclear, and the factors that influence the effectiveness of the surgery have not been documented. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness of CPVS in enhancing upper limb motor function in children with cerebral palsy and develop a predictive chart for potential associated adverse outcomes METHODS: The study included 187 children with cerebral palsy who underwent CPVS at the Cerebral Palsy Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, between January 2018 and January 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on prognostic outcomes: those with adverse and favorable prognoses. Demographic and laboratory data were collected and analyzed from both groups. To identify independent predictors of poor post-CPVS upper limb motor function outcomes, statistical techniques, including univariate analysis and binary logistic regression, were applied. Subsequently, these predictors were integrated to formulate a comprehensive predictive model. RESULTS In this cohort of 187 children with cerebral palsy undergoing CPVS, 68 (36.36%) exhibited a favorable prognosis for upper limb motor function and 119 (63.64%) demonstrated an adverse prognosis. Age, motor function, and serum albumin levels were identified as significant prognostic factors via logistic regression analysis. To develop the model, we divided the sample into a training set (70%, n = 131) and a validation set (30%, n = 56). Employing motor function, serum albumin levels, and age as variables, we crafted a predictive model. The model's performance, reflected by the area under the curve was 0.813 (0.732, 0.894) in the training set and 0.770 (0.647, 0.892) in the validation set, demonstrating its robust predictive capability for post-CPVS adverse outcomes. Furthermore, the consistency curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2 = 8.808, p = 0.359) illustrated a strong concordance between the model's predictions of poor prognosis and the actual incidence rate. CONCLUSION CPVS has been shown to be effective in improving upper limb motor function in patients with cerebral palsy. Independent prognostic factors identified encompass motor function, age, and serum albumin levels. The composite predictive model shows potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Wu
- Cerebral Palsy Center in Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Nanhu North Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830063, China
| | - Chao Bai
- Cerebral Palsy Center in Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Nanhu North Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830063, China
| | - Mingbo Hu
- Cerebral Palsy Center in Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Nanhu North Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830063, China
| | - Qi Guan
- Cerebral Palsy Center in Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Nanhu North Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830063, China
| | - Jianglong Li
- Cerebral Palsy Center in Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Nanhu North Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830063, China
| | - Xinping Luan
- Cerebral Palsy Center in Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Nanhu North Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830063, China
| | - Baofeng Yan
- Cerebral Palsy Center in Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Nanhu North Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830063, China.
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Korte JA, Weakley A, Donjuan Fernandez K, Joiner WM, Fan AP. Neural Underpinnings of Learning in Dementia Populations: A Review of Motor Learning Studies Combined with Neuroimaging. J Cogn Neurosci 2024; 36:734-755. [PMID: 38285732 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_02116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The intent of this review article is to serve as an overview of current research regarding the neural characteristics of motor learning in Alzheimer disease (AD) as well as prodromal phases of AD: at-risk populations, and mild cognitive impairment. This review seeks to provide a cognitive framework to compare various motor tasks. We will highlight the neural characteristics related to cognitive domains that, through imaging, display functional or structural changes because of AD progression. In turn, this motivates the use of motor learning paradigms as possible screening techniques for AD and will build upon our current understanding of learning abilities in AD populations.
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30
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Chen J, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Huang L, Liu Y, Yang D, Bao X, Liu P, Ge Y, Li Q, Shu X, Xu L, Shi YS, Zhu X, Xu Y. Progressive reduction of nuclear receptor Nr4a1 mediates age-dependent cognitive decline. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3504-3524. [PMID: 38605605 PMCID: PMC11095431 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13819] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive decline progresses with age, and Nr4a1 has been shown to participate in memory functions. However, the relationship between age-related Nr4a1 reduction and cognitive decline is undefined. METHODS Nr4a1 expressions were evaluated by quantitative PCR and immunochemical approaches. The cognition of mice was examined by multiple behavioral tests. Patch-clamp experiments were conducted to investigate the synaptic function. RESULTS NR4A1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells decreased with age in humans. In the mouse brain, age-dependent Nr4a1 reduction occurred in the hippocampal CA1. Deleting Nr4a1 in CA1 pyramidal neurons (PyrNs) led to the impairment of cognition and excitatory synaptic function. Mechanistically, Nr4a1 enhanced TrkB expression via binding to its promoter. Blocking TrkB compromised the cognitive amelioration with Nr4a1-overexpression in CA1 PyrNs. DISCUSSION Our results elucidate the mechanism of Nr4a1-dependent TrkB regulation in cognition and synaptic function, indicating that Nr4a1 is a target for the treatment of cognitive decline. HIGHLIGHTS Nr4a1 is reduced in PBMCs and CA1 PyrNs with aging. Nr4a1 ablation in CA1 PyrNs impaired cognition and excitatory synaptic function. Nr4a1 overexpression in CA1 PyrNs ameliorated cognitive impairment of aged mice. Nr4a1 bound to TrkB promoter to enhance transcription. Blocking TrkB function compromised Nr4a1-induced cognitive improvement.
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31
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Kang JH, Bae JH, Jeon YJ. Age-Related Characteristics of Resting-State Electroencephalographic Signals and the Corresponding Analytic Approaches: A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:418. [PMID: 38790286 PMCID: PMC11118246 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of the effects of aging on neural activity in the human brain has attracted considerable attention in neurophysiological, neuropsychiatric, and neurocognitive research, as it is directly linked to an understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the disruption of the brain structures and functions that lead to age-related pathological disorders. Electroencephalographic (EEG) signals recorded during resting-state conditions have been widely used because of the significant advantage of non-invasive signal acquisition with higher temporal resolution. These advantages include the capability of a variety of linear and nonlinear signal analyses and state-of-the-art machine-learning and deep-learning techniques. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can not only reveal the neural mechanisms underlying aging but also enable the assessment of brain age reliably by means of the age-related characteristics of EEG signals. This paper reviews the literature on the age-related features, available analytic methods, large-scale resting-state EEG databases, interpretations of the resulting findings, and recent advances in age-related AI models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hwan Kang
- Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.K.); (J.-H.B.)
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Han Bae
- Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.K.); (J.-H.B.)
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ju Jeon
- Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.K.); (J.-H.B.)
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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Zarkali A, Hannaway N, McColgan P, Heslegrave AJ, Veleva E, Laban R, Zetterberg H, Lees AJ, Fox NC, Weil RS. Neuroimaging and plasma evidence of early white matter loss in Parkinson's disease with poor outcomes. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae130. [PMID: 38715714 PMCID: PMC11073930 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, with over half of patients progressing to postural instability, dementia or death within 10 years of diagnosis. However, the onset and rate of progression to poor outcomes is highly variable, underpinned by heterogeneity in underlying pathological processes. Quantitative and sensitive measures predicting poor outcomes will be critical for targeted treatment, but most studies to date have been limited to a single modality or assessed patients with established cognitive impairment. Here, we used multimodal neuroimaging and plasma measures in 98 patients with Parkinson's disease and 28 age-matched controls followed up over 3 years. We examined: grey matter (cortical thickness and subcortical volume), white matter (fibre cross-section, a measure of macrostructure; and fibre density, a measure of microstructure) at whole-brain and tract level; structural and functional connectivity; and plasma levels of neurofilament light chain and phosphorylated tau 181. We evaluated relationships with subsequent poor outcomes, defined as development of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, frailty or death at any time during follow-up, in people with Parkinson's disease. We show that extensive white matter macrostructural changes are already evident at baseline assessment in people with Parkinson's disease who progress to poor outcomes (n = 31): with up to 19% reduction in fibre cross-section in multiple tracts, and a subnetwork of reduced structural connectivity strength, particularly involving connections between right frontoparietal and left frontal, right frontoparietal and left parietal and right temporo-occipital and left parietal modules. In contrast, grey matter volumes and functional connectivity were preserved in people with Parkinson's disease with poor outcomes. Neurofilament light chain, but not phosphorylated tau 181 levels were increased in people with Parkinson's disease with poor outcomes, and correlated with white matter loss. These findings suggest that imaging sensitive to white matter macrostructure and plasma neurofilament light chain may be useful early markers of poor outcomes in Parkinson's disease. As new targeted treatments for neurodegenerative disease are emerging, these measures show important potential to aid patient selection for treatment and improve stratification for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Zarkali
- Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK
| | - Naomi Hannaway
- Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK
| | - Peter McColgan
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1B 5EH, UK
| | - Amanda J Heslegrave
- UK DRI Fluid Biomarker Lab and Biomarker Factory, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Elena Veleva
- UK DRI Fluid Biomarker Lab and Biomarker Factory, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Rhiannon Laban
- UK DRI Fluid Biomarker Lab and Biomarker Factory, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK
- UK DRI Fluid Biomarker Lab and Biomarker Factory, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Andrew J Lees
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, University College London, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
| | - Nick C Fox
- Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rimona S Weil
- Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Movement Disorders Centre, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK
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Zheng F, Dahlmanns M, Kessler P, Alzheimer C. Increase in activin A may counteract decline in synaptic plasticity with age. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1382492. [PMID: 38646448 PMCID: PMC11026702 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1382492] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, is widely recognized for its neurotrophic and neuroprotective function in the developing and injured brain, respectively. Moreover, in the healthy adult brain, activin A has been shown to tune signal processing at excitatory synapses in a fashion that improves cognitive performance. Because its level in human cerebrospinal fluid rises with age, we wondered whether activin A has a role in mitigating the gradual cognitive decline that healthy individuals experience in late-life. To interrogate the role of activin A in synaptic plasticity in the aging brain, we used an established transgenic mouse line, in which expression of a dominant-negative mutant of activin receptor IB (dnActRIB) serves to disrupt activin receptor signaling in a forebrain-specific fashion. In brain slices of young adult dnActRIB mice (2-4 months old), the NMDA receptor-dependent and -independent forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 pyramidal cell synapse of the hippocampus were equally impaired relative to the extent of LTP measured in the wild-type preparation. Unexpectedly, the difference between the genotypes disappeared when the two forms of LTP were re-examined in slices from middle-aged mice (13-16 months old). Since the level of activin A and endogenous ActRIB both displayed a significant elevation in middle-aged hippocampus, we reasoned that with such a rise, the dominant-negative effect of the mutant receptors could be overcome. Substantiating this idea, we found that administration of recombinant activin A was indeed capable of restoring full-blown LTP in slices from young dnActRIB mice. Our data suggest that, beginning in the middle-aged brain, endogenous activin receptor signaling appears to become strengthened in an attempt to stave off cognitive decline. If further corroborated, this concept would also hold promise for new therapeutic venues to preserve cognitive functions in the aged brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Gharat V, Peter F, de Quervain DJF, Papassotiropoulos A, Stetak A. Role of GLR-1 in Age-Dependent Short-Term Memory Decline. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0420-23.2024. [PMID: 38519128 PMCID: PMC11005081 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0420-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
As the global elderly population grows, age-related cognitive decline is becoming an increasingly significant healthcare issue, often leading to various neuropsychiatric disorders. Among the many molecular players involved in memory, AMPA-type glutamate receptors are known to regulate learning and memory, but how their dynamics change with age and affect memory decline is not well understood. Here, we examined the in vivo properties of the AMPA-type glutamate receptor GLR-1 in the AVA interneuron of the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system during physiological aging. We found that both total and membrane-bound GLR-1 receptor levels decrease with age in wild-type worms, regardless of their location along the axon. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we also demonstrated that a reduction in GLR-1 abundance correlates with decreased local, synaptic GLR-1 receptor dynamics. Importantly, we found that reduced GLR-1 levels strongly correlate with the age-related decline in short-term associative memory. Genetic manipulation of GLR-1 stability, by either deleting msi-1 or expressing a ubiquitination-defective GLR-1 (4KR) variant, prevented this age-related reduction in receptor abundance and improved the short-term memory performance in older animals, which reached performance levels similar to those of young animals. Overall, our data indicate that AMPA-type glutamate receptor abundance and dynamics are key factors in maintaining memory function and that changes in these parameters are linked to age-dependent short-term memory decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Gharat
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
- Research Cluster Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Peter
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
- Research Cluster Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
| | - Dominique J-F de Quervain
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
- University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Papassotiropoulos
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
- Research Cluster Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
- University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Attila Stetak
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
- Research Cluster Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel 4055, Switzerland
- University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Basel 4002, Switzerland
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35
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Shavikloo M, Esmaeili A, Valizadeh A, Madadi Asl M. Synchronization of delayed coupled neurons with multiple synaptic connections. Cogn Neurodyn 2024; 18:631-643. [PMID: 38699603 PMCID: PMC11061096 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-023-10013-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Synchronization is a key feature of the brain dynamics and is necessary for information transmission across brain regions and in higher brain functions like cognition, learning and memory. Experimental findings demonstrated that in cortical microcircuits there are multiple synapses between pairs of connected neurons. Synchronization of neurons in the presence of multiple synaptic connections may be relevant for optimal learning and memory, however, its effect on the dynamics of the neurons is not adequately studied. Here, we address the question that how changes in the strength of the synaptic connections and transmission delays between neurons impact synchronization in a two-neuron system with multiple synapses. To this end, we analytically and computationally investigated synchronization dynamics by considering both phase oscillator model and conductance-based Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model. Our results show that symmetry/asymmetry of feedforward and feedback connections crucially determines stability of the phase locking of the system based on the strength of connections and delays. In both models, the two-neuron system with multiple synapses achieves in-phase synchrony in the presence of small and large delays, whereas an anti-phase synchronization state is favored for median delays. Our findings can expand the understanding of the functional role of multisynaptic contacts in neuronal synchronization and may shed light on the dynamical consequences of pathological multisynaptic connectivity in a number of brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Shavikloo
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Asghar Esmaeili
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Alireza Valizadeh
- Department of Physics, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, Iran
- Pasargad Institute for Advanced Innovative Solutions (PIAIS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Madadi Asl
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
- Pasargad Institute for Advanced Innovative Solutions (PIAIS), Tehran, Iran
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36
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Lissek T. Aging as a Consequence of the Adaptation-Maladaptation Dilemma. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300654. [PMID: 38299389 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
In aging, the organism is unable to counteract certain harmful influences over its lifetime which leads to progressive dysfunction and eventually death, thus delineating aging as one failed process of adaptation to a set of aging stimuli. A central problem in understanding aging is hence to explain why the organism cannot adapt to these aging stimuli. The adaptation-maladaptation theory of aging proposes that in aging adaptation processes such as adaptive transcription, epigenetic remodeling, and metabolic plasticity drive dysfunction themselves over time (maladaptation) and thereby cause aging-related disorders such as cancer and metabolic dysregulation. The central dilemma of aging is thus that the set of adaptation mechanisms that the body uses to deal with internal and external stressors acts as a stressor itself and cannot be effectively counteracted. The only available option for the organism to decrease maladaptation may be a program to progressively reduce the output of adaptive cascades (e.g., via genomic methylation) which then leads to reduced physiological adaptation capacity and syndromes like frailty, immunosenescence, and cognitive decline. The adaptation-maladaptation dilemma of aging entails that certain biological mechanisms can simultaneously protect against aging as well as drive aging. The key to longevity may lie in uncoupling adaptation from maladaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lissek
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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37
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Cooper CP, Cheng L, Bhatti J, Melendez ER, Huell D, Banuelos C, Perez E, Long JM, Rapp PR. Cerebellum Purkinje cell vulnerability in aged rats with memory impairment. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25610. [PMID: 38605461 PMCID: PMC11027960 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25610] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The cerebellum is involved in higher order cognitive function and is susceptible to age-related atrophy. However, limited evidence has directly examined the cerebellum's role in cognitive aging. To interrogate potential substrates of the relationship between cerebellar structure and memory in aging, here we target the Purkinje cells (PCs). The sole output neurons of the cerebellum, PC loss and/or degeneration underlie a variety of behavioral abnormalities. Using a rat model of normal cognitive aging, we immunostained sections through the cerebellum for the PC-specific protein, calbindin-D28k. Although morphometric quantification revealed no significant difference in total PC number as a function of age or cognitive status, regional cell number was a more robust correlate of memory performance in the young cerebellum than in aged animals. Parallel biochemical analysis of PC-specific protein levels in whole cerebellum additionally revealed that calbindin-D28k and Purkinje cell protein-2 (pcp-2) levels were lower selectively in aged rats with spatial memory impairment compared to both young animals and aged rats with intact memory. These results suggest that cognitive aging is associated with cerebellum vulnerability, potentially reflecting disruption of the cerebellum-medial temporal lobe network.
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Affiliation(s)
- C’iana P. Cooper
- Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Liam Cheng
- Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jafar Bhatti
- Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Edward R. Melendez
- Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Derek Huell
- Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Cristina Banuelos
- Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Evelyn Perez
- Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey M. Long
- Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter R. Rapp
- Neurocognitive Aging Section, Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
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38
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Karaduman A, Karoglu-Eravsar ET, Adams MM, Kafaligonul H. Passive exposure to visual motion leads to short-term changes in the optomotor response of aging zebrafish. Behav Brain Res 2024; 460:114812. [PMID: 38104637 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that prior visual experiences play an important role in sensory processing and adapting behavior in a dynamic environment. A repeated and passive presentation of visual stimulus is one of the simplest procedures to manipulate acquired experiences. Using this approach, we aimed to investigate exposure-based visual learning of aging zebrafish and how cholinergic intervention is involved in exposure-induced changes. Our measurements included younger and older wild-type zebrafish and achesb55/+ mutants with decreased acetylcholinesterase activity. We examined both within-session and across-day changes in the zebrafish optomotor responses to repeated and passive exposure to visual motion. Our findings revealed short-term (within-session) changes in the magnitude of optomotor response (i.e., the amount of position shift by fish as a response to visual motion) rather than long-term and persistent effects across days. Moreover, the observed short-term changes were age- and genotype-dependent. Compared to the initial presentations of motion within a session, the magnitude of optomotor response to terminal presentations decreased in the older zebrafish. There was a similar robust decrease specific to achesb55/+ mutants. Taken together, these results point to short-term (within-session) alterations in the motion detection of adult zebrafish and suggest differential effects of neural aging and cholinergic system on the observed changes. These findings further provide important insights into adult zebrafish optomotor response to visual motion and contribute to understanding this reflexive behavior in the short- and long-term stimulation profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysenur Karaduman
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Elif Tugce Karoglu-Eravsar
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; Department of Psychology, Selcuk University, Konya, Türkiye
| | - Michelle M Adams
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; Department of Psychology, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Hulusi Kafaligonul
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye; National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye.
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39
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Martin SL, Uribe C, Strafella AP. PET imaging of synaptic density in Parkinsonian disorders. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25253. [PMID: 37814917 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction and altered synaptic pruning are present in people with Parkinsonian disorders. Dopamine loss and alpha-synuclein accumulation, two hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology, contribute to synaptic dysfunction and reduced synaptic density in PD. Atypical Parkinsonian disorders are likely to have unique spatiotemporal patterns of synaptic density, differentiating them from PD. Therefore, quantification of synaptic density has the potential to support diagnoses, monitor disease progression, and treatment efficacy. Novel radiotracers for positron emission tomography which target the presynaptic vesicle protein SV2A have been developed to quantify presynaptic density. The radiotracers have successfully investigated synaptic density in preclinical models of PD and people with Parkinsonian disorders. Therefore, this review will summarize the preclinical and clinical utilization of SV2A radiotracers in people with Parkinsonian disorders. We will evaluate how SV2A abundance is associated with other imaging modalities and the considerations for interpreting SV2A in Parkinsonian pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Martin
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carme Uribe
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Unitat de Psicologia Medica, Departament de Medicina, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio P Strafella
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Edmond J. Safra Parkinson Disease Program, Neurology Division, Toronto Western Hospital & Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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40
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Kakizawa S, Park JJ, Tonoki A. Biology of cognitive aging across species. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24 Suppl 1:15-24. [PMID: 38126240 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with cognitive decline, which can critically affect quality of life. Examining the biology of cognitive aging across species will lead to a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved in this process, and identify potential interventions that could help to improve cognitive function in aging individuals. This minireview aimed to explore the mechanisms and processes involved in cognitive aging across a range of species, from flies to rodents, and covers topics, such as the role of reactive oxygen species and autophagy/mitophagy in cognitive aging. Overall, this literature provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of cognitive aging across species, highlighting the latest research findings and identifying potential avenues for future research. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 15-24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Kakizawa
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Joong-Jean Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayako Tonoki
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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41
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Okenve-Ramos P, Gosling R, Chojnowska-Monga M, Gupta K, Shields S, Alhadyian H, Collie C, Gregory E, Sanchez-Soriano N. Neuronal ageing is promoted by the decay of the microtubule cytoskeleton. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002504. [PMID: 38478582 PMCID: PMC10962844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural ageing is accompanied by a decline in motor, sensory, and cognitive functions, all impacting quality of life. Ageing is also the predominant risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. We need to therefore gain a better understanding of the cellular and physiological processes underlying age-related neuronal decay. However, gaining this understanding is a slow process due to the large amount of time required to age mammalian or vertebrate animal models. Here, we introduce a new cellular model within the Drosophila brain, in which we report classical ageing hallmarks previously observed in the primate brain. These hallmarks include axonal swellings, cytoskeletal decay, a reduction in axonal calibre, and morphological changes arising at synaptic terminals. In the fly brain, these changes begin to occur within a few weeks, ideal to study the underlying mechanisms of ageing. We discovered that the decay of the neuronal microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton precedes the onset of other ageing hallmarks. We showed that the MT-binding factors Tau, EB1, and Shot/MACF1, are necessary for MT maintenance in axons and synapses, and that their functional loss during ageing triggers MT bundle decay, followed by a decline in axons and synaptic terminals. Furthermore, genetic manipulations that improve MT networks slowed down the onset of neuronal ageing hallmarks and confer aged specimens the ability to outperform age-matched controls. Our work suggests that MT networks are a key lesion site in ageing neurons and therefore the MT cytoskeleton offers a promising target to improve neuronal decay in advanced age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Okenve-Ramos
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rory Gosling
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Chojnowska-Monga
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kriti Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Shields
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Haifa Alhadyian
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ceryce Collie
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emilia Gregory
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Sanchez-Soriano
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Sagheddu C, Stojanovic T, Kouhnavardi S, Savchenko A, Hussein AM, Pistis M, Monje FJ, Plasenzotti R, Aufy M, Studenik CR, Lubec J, Lubec G. Cognitive performance in aged rats is associated with differences in distinctive neuronal populations in the ventral tegmental area and altered synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1357347. [PMID: 38469164 PMCID: PMC10926450 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1357347] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Deterioration of cognitive functions is commonly associated with aging, although there is wide variation in the onset and manifestation. Albeit heterogeneity in age-related cognitive decline has been studied at the cellular and molecular level, there is poor evidence for electrophysiological correlates. The aim of the current study was to address the electrophysiological basis of heterogeneity of cognitive functions in cognitively Inferior and Superior old (19-20 months) rats in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the hippocampus, having Young (12 weeks) rats as a control. The midbrain VTA operates as a hub amidst affective and cognitive facets, processing sensory inputs related to motivated behaviours and hippocampal memory. Increasing evidence shows direct dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic input from the VTA to the hippocampus. Methods Aged Superior and Inferior male rats were selected from a cohort of 88 animals based on their performance in a spatial learning and memory task. Using in vivo single-cell recording in the VTA, we examined the electrical activity of different neuronal populations (putative dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons). In the same animals, basal synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity were examined in hippocampal slices. Results Electrophysiological recordings from the VTA and hippocampus showed alterations associated with aging per se, together with differences specifically linked to the cognitive status of aged animals. In particular, the bursting activity of dopamine neurons was lower, while the firing frequency of glutamatergic neurons was higher in VTA of Inferior old rats. The response to high-frequency stimulation in hippocampal slices also discriminated between Superior and Inferior aged animals. Discussion This study provides new insight into electrophysiological information underlying compromised cerebral ageing. Further understanding of brain senescence, possibly related to neurocognitive decline, will help develop new strategies towards the preservation of a high quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sagheddu
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Tamara Stojanovic
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Shima Kouhnavardi
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Artem Savchenko
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ahmed M. Hussein
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Marco Pistis
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
- Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francisco J. Monje
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roberto Plasenzotti
- Division of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mohammed Aufy
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian R. Studenik
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jana Lubec
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gert Lubec
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Anthony M, Turnbull A, Tadin D, Lin FV. Positive affect disrupts neurodegeneration effects on cognitive training plasticity in older adults. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae004. [PMID: 38252656 PMCID: PMC10939393 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae004] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive training for older adults varies in efficacy, but it is unclear why some older adults benefit more than others. Positive affective experience (PAE), referring to high positive valence and/or stable arousal states across everyday scenarios, and associated functional networks can protect plasticity mechanisms against Alzheimer's disease neurodegeneration, which may contribute to training outcome variability. The objective of this study is to investigate whether PAE explains variability in cognitive training outcomes by disrupting the adverse effect of neurodegeneration on plasticity. The study's design is a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial of cognitive training with concurrent real or sham brain stimulation (39 older adults with mild cognitive impairment; mean age, 71). Moderation analyses, with change in episodic memory or executive function as the outcome, PAE or baseline resting-state connectivity as the moderator and baseline neurodegeneration as the predictor are the methods used in the study. The result of the study is that PAE stability and baseline default mode network (DMN) connectivity disrupted the effect of neurodegeneration on plasticity in executive function but not episodic memory. The study concludes that PAE stability and degree of DMN integrity both explained cognitive training outcome variability, by reducing the adverse effect of neurodegeneration on cognitive plasticity. We highlight the need to account for PAE, brain aging factors and their interactions with plasticity in cognitive training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Anthony
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Adam Turnbull
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Duje Tadin
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - F Vankee Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Rozo JA, Martínez-Gallego I, Rodríguez-Moreno A. Cajal, the neuronal theory and the idea of brain plasticity. Front Neuroanat 2024; 18:1331666. [PMID: 38440067 PMCID: PMC10910026 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1331666] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the importance of Cajal's neuronal theory (the Neuron Doctrine) and the origin and importance of the idea of brain plasticity that emerges from this theory. We first comment on the main Cajal's discoveries that gave rise and confirmed his Neuron Doctrine: the improvement of staining techniques, his approach to morphological laws, the concepts of dynamic polarisation, neurogenesis and neurotrophic theory, his first discoveries of the nerve cell as an independent cell, his research on degeneration and regeneration and his fight against reticularism. Second, we review Cajal's ideas on brain plasticity and the years in which they were published, to finally focus on the debate on the origin of the term plasticity and its conceptual meaning, and the originality of Cajal's proposal compared to those of other authors of the time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo A. Rozo
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Iván Pávlov Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology, Los Libertadores University Foundation, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Irene Martínez-Gallego
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Moreno
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
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45
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Irastorza-Valera L, Benítez JM, Montáns FJ, Saucedo-Mora L. An Agent-Based Model to Reproduce the Boolean Logic Behaviour of Neuronal Self-Organised Communities through Pulse Delay Modulation and Generation of Logic Gates. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:101. [PMID: 38392147 PMCID: PMC10886514 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The human brain is arguably the most complex "machine" to ever exist. Its detailed functioning is yet to be fully understood, let alone modelled. Neurological processes have logical signal-processing and biophysical aspects, and both affect the brain's structure, functioning and adaptation. Mathematical approaches based on both information and graph theory have been extensively used in an attempt to approximate its biological functioning, along with Artificial Intelligence frameworks inspired by its logical functioning. In this article, an approach to model some aspects of the brain learning and signal processing is presented, mimicking the metastability and backpropagation found in the real brain while also accounting for neuroplasticity. Several simulations are carried out with this model to demonstrate how dynamic neuroplasticity, neural inhibition and neuron migration can reshape the brain's logical connectivity to synchronise signal processing and obtain certain target latencies. This work showcases the importance of dynamic logical and biophysical remodelling in brain plasticity. Combining mathematical (agents, graph theory, topology and backpropagation) and biomedical ingredients (metastability, neuroplasticity and migration), these preliminary results prove complex brain phenomena can be reproduced-under pertinent simplifications-via affordable computations, which can be construed as a starting point for more ambitiously accurate simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Irastorza-Valera
- E.T.S. de Ingeniería Aeronáutica y del Espacio, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pza. Cardenal Cisneros 3, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- PIMM Laboratory, Arts et Métiers Institute of Technology, 151 Bd de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - José María Benítez
- E.T.S. de Ingeniería Aeronáutica y del Espacio, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pza. Cardenal Cisneros 3, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J Montáns
- E.T.S. de Ingeniería Aeronáutica y del Espacio, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pza. Cardenal Cisneros 3, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Luis Saucedo-Mora
- E.T.S. de Ingeniería Aeronáutica y del Espacio, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pza. Cardenal Cisneros 3, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK
- Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Heuer SE, Nickerson EW, Howell GR, Bloss EB. Genetic context drives age-related disparities in synaptic maintenance and structure across cortical and hippocampal neuronal circuits. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14033. [PMID: 38130024 PMCID: PMC10861192 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14033] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The disconnection of neuronal circuitry through synaptic loss is presumed to be a major driver of age-related cognitive decline. Age-related cognitive decline is heterogeneous, yet whether genetic mechanisms differentiate successful from unsuccessful cognitive decline through maintenance or vulnerability of synaptic connections remains unknown. Previous work using rodent and primate models leveraged various techniques to imply that age-related synaptic loss is widespread on pyramidal cells in prefrontal cortex (PFC) circuits but absent on those in area CA1 of the hippocampus. Here, we examined the effect of aging on synapses on projection neurons forming a hippocampal-cortico-thalamic circuit important for spatial working memory tasks from two genetically distinct mouse strains that exhibit susceptibility (C57BL/6J) or resistance (PWK/PhJ) to cognitive decline during aging. Across both strains, synapse density on CA1-to-PFC projection neurons appeared completely intact with age. In contrast, we found synapse loss on PFC-to-nucleus reuniens (RE) projection neurons from aged C57BL/6J but not PWK/PhJ mice. Moreover, synapses from aged PWK/PhJ mice but not from C57BL/6J exhibited altered morphologies that suggest increased efficiency to drive depolarization in the parent dendrite. Our findings suggest resistance to age-related cognitive decline results in part by age-related synaptic adaptations, and identification of these mechanisms in PWK/PhJ mice could uncover new therapeutic targets for promoting successful cognitive aging and extending human health span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Heuer
- The Jackson LaboratoryBar HarborMaineUSA
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Emily W. Nickerson
- The Jackson LaboratoryBar HarborMaineUSA
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Gareth R. Howell
- The Jackson LaboratoryBar HarborMaineUSA
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and EngineeringUniversity of MaineOronoMaineUSA
| | - Erik B. Bloss
- The Jackson LaboratoryBar HarborMaineUSA
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and EngineeringUniversity of MaineOronoMaineUSA
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Graïc JM, Corain L, Finos L, Vadori V, Grisan E, Gerussi T, Orekhova K, Centelleghe C, Cozzi B, Peruffo A. Age-related changes in the primary auditory cortex of newborn, adults and aging bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) are located in the upper cortical layers. Front Neuroanat 2024; 17:1330384. [PMID: 38250022 PMCID: PMC10796513 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1330384] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The auditory system of dolphins and whales allows them to dive in dark waters, hunt for prey well below the limit of solar light absorption, and to communicate with their conspecific. These complex behaviors require specific and sufficient functional circuitry in the neocortex, and vicarious learning capacities. Dolphins are also precocious animals that can hold their breath and swim within minutes after birth. However, diving and hunting behaviors are likely not innate and need to be learned. Our hypothesis is that the organization of the auditory cortex of dolphins grows and mature not only in the early phases of life, but also in adults and aging individuals. These changes may be subtle and involve sub-populations of cells specificall linked to some circuits. Methods In the primary auditory cortex of 11 bottlenose dolphins belonging to three age groups (calves, adults, and old animals), neuronal cell shapes were analyzed separately and by cortical layer using custom computer vision and multivariate statistical analysis, to determine potential minute morphological differences across these age groups. Results The results show definite changes in interneurons, characterized by round and ellipsoid shapes predominantly located in upper cortical layers. Notably, neonates interneurons exhibited a pattern of being closer together and smaller, developing into a more dispersed and diverse set of shapes in adulthood. Discussion This trend persisted in older animals, suggesting a continuous development of connections throughout the life of these marine animals. Our findings further support the proposition that thalamic input reach upper layers in cetaceans, at least within a cortical area critical for their survival. Moreover, our results indicate the likelihood of changes in cell populations occurring in adult animals, prompting the need for characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marie Graïc
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Livio Corain
- Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Livio Finos
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Vadori
- Department of Computer Science and Informatics, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Grisan
- Department of Computer Science and Informatics, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tommaso Gerussi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Ksenia Orekhova
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Centelleghe
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Antonella Peruffo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
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Sachdeva R, Girshin K, Shirkhani Y, Gad P. Beyond pediatrics: noninvasive spinal neuromodulation improves motor function in an adult with cerebral palsy. Bioelectron Med 2024; 10:1. [PMID: 38167312 PMCID: PMC10762938 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-023-00133-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Regaining motor function in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) has been predominantly studied in children, resulting in an underrepresentation of adults in research efforts. We tested the efficacy of noninvasive spinal neuromodulation with neurorehabilitation (Spinal Cord Innovation in Pediatrics; SCiP™ therapy). A 60-year-old CP participant underwent 8 weeks of SCiP™ therapy, resulting in significant motor recovery measured by 14.2-points increase in gross motor function measure (GMFM-88) score, ~ three times the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of 5-points. This represented gains in kneeling, sitting, and walking functions. The improvement in GMFM-88 score was maintained above the MCID at the follow up visit (10.3 points above the baseline), twenty weeks following the last therapy session, indicating a persistent effect of the therapy. Our preliminary findings support the therapeutic promise of SCiP™ therapy for enhancing motor function in CP adults. Broader investigations are needed to establish its wider applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Sachdeva
- SpineX Inc, Los Angeles, CA, 91324, USA.
- Department of Medicine, International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1M9, Canada.
| | - Kristin Girshin
- SpineX Inc, Los Angeles, CA, 91324, USA
- GirshinPT Rancho, Cucamunga, CA, 91701, USA
| | | | - Parag Gad
- SpineX Inc, Los Angeles, CA, 91324, USA
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Dejanovic B, Sheng M, Hanson JE. Targeting synapse function and loss for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:23-42. [PMID: 38012296 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00823-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Synapse dysfunction and loss are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases that correlate with cognitive decline. However, the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse synaptic damage remain elusive. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular pathways that impair synapses in neurodegenerative diseases, including the effects of protein aggregation and neuroinflammation. We also highlight emerging therapeutic approaches that aim to restore synaptic function and integrity, such as enhancing synaptic plasticity, preventing synaptotoxicity, modulating neuronal network activity and targeting immune signalling. We discuss the preclinical and clinical evidence for each strategy, as well as the challenges and opportunities for developing effective synapse-targeting therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morgan Sheng
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jesse E Hanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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50
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Kurita S, Tsutsumimoto K, Kiuchi Y, Nishimoto K, Harada K, Shimada H. Cross-sectional associations between sedentary time with cognitive engagement and brain volume among community-dwelling vulnerable older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:82-89. [PMID: 38140759 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14764] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Vulnerable older adults tend to decrease physical activity (PA) and increase sedentary time (ST). Previous research on the associations between ST and brain volume have yielded inconsistent findings, without considering the impact of cognitive engagement (CE) on cognitive function. We aimed to examine the association between ST with CE and brain volume. METHODS A structural magnetic resonance imaging survey was conducted among community-dwelling vulnerable older adults. Brain volumetric measurements were obtained using 3T magnetic resonance imaging and pre-processed using FreeSurfer. ST with low or high CE was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire. PA was assessed by the frequency of light and moderate levels of physical exercise according to the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. Participants were categorized into a low PA group and a moderate-to-high PA group. RESULTS Among 91 participants (83.1 ± 5.2 years old, 61.5% female), 26 were low PA. The overall sample and moderate-to-high PA group did not show significant positive associations with brain volume for ST with high CE. In the low PA group, isotemporal substitution models showed that replacing ST with low CE by ST with high CE was significantly associated with increased brain volume in some areas, including the rostral and caudal anterior cingulate (β = 0.486-0.618, all P < 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.344-0.663). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that replacing ST with low CE by ST with high CE is positively associated with brain volume in vulnerable older adults with low PA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 82-89.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Kurita
- Department of Preventive Gerontology, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Kota Tsutsumimoto
- Department of Preventive Gerontology, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Yuto Kiuchi
- Department of Preventive Gerontology, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhei Nishimoto
- Department of Preventive Gerontology, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Science Division, Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kenji Harada
- Department of Preventive Gerontology, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shimada
- Department of Preventive Gerontology, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
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