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Akyuz E, Arulsamy A, Aslan FS, Sarisözen B, Guney B, Hekimoglu A, Yilmaz BN, Retinasamy T, Shaikh MF. An Expanded Narrative Review of Neurotransmitters on Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Therapeutic Interventions on Neurotransmission. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y. [PMID: 39012443 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles are the key players responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. The accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau affect the balance in chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. Thus, the current review examined the role of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and discusses the alterations in the neurochemical activity and cross talk with their receptors and transporters. In the presence of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, changes may occur in the expression of neuronal receptors which in turn triggers excessive release of glutamate into the synaptic cleft contributing to cell death and neuronal damage. The GABAergic system may also be affected by AD pathology in a similar way. In addition, decreased receptors in the cholinergic system and dysfunction in the dopamine neurotransmission of AD pathology may also contribute to the damage to cognitive function. Moreover, the presence of deficiencies in noradrenergic neurons within the locus coeruleus in AD suggests that noradrenergic stimulation could be useful in addressing its pathophysiology. The regulation of melatonin, known for its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive function and preventing Aβ accumulation, along with the involvement of the serotonergic system and histaminergic system in cognition and memory, becomes remarkable for promoting neurotransmission in AD. Additionally, nitric oxide and adenosine-based therapeutic approaches play a protective role in AD by preventing neuroinflammation. Overall, neurotransmitter-based therapeutic strategies emerge as pivotal for addressing neurotransmitter homeostasis and neurotransmission in the context of AD. This review discussed the potential for neurotransmitter-based drugs to be effective in slowing and correcting the neurodegenerative processes in AD by targeting the neurochemical imbalance in the brain. Therefore, neurotransmitter-based drugs could serve as a future therapeutic strategy to tackle AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enes Akyuz
- Department of Biophysics, International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alina Arulsamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Bugra Sarisözen
- School of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Beyzanur Guney
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Beyza Nur Yilmaz
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Thaarvena Retinasamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia.
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Carles A, Freyssin A, Perin-Dureau F, Rubinstenn G, Maurice T. Targeting N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3733. [PMID: 38612544 PMCID: PMC11011887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073733] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are the main class of ionotropic receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. They play a crucial role in the permeability of Ca2+ ions and excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. Being heteromeric receptors, they are composed of several subunits, including two obligatory GluN1 subunits (eight splice variants) and regulatory GluN2 (GluN2A~D) or GluN3 (GluN3A~B) subunits. Widely distributed in the brain, they regulate other neurotransmission systems and are therefore involved in essential functions such as synaptic transmission, learning and memory, plasticity, and excitotoxicity. The present review will detail the structure, composition, and localization of NMDARs, their role and regulation at the glutamatergic synapse, and their impact on cognitive processes and in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's disease). The pharmacology of different NMDAR antagonists and their therapeutic potentialities will be presented. In particular, a focus will be given on fluoroethylnormemantine (FENM), an investigational drug with very promising development as a neuroprotective agent in Alzheimer's disease, in complement to its reported efficacy as a tomography radiotracer for NMDARs and an anxiolytic drug in post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Carles
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France; (A.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Aline Freyssin
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France; (A.C.); (A.F.)
- ReST Therapeutics, 34095 Montpellier, France; (F.P.-D.); (G.R.)
| | | | | | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France; (A.C.); (A.F.)
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Karimi Tari P, Parsons CG, Collingridge GL, Rammes G. Memantine: Updating a rare success story in pro-cognitive therapeutics. Neuropharmacology 2024; 244:109737. [PMID: 37832633 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109737] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The great potential for NMDA receptor modulators as druggable targets in neurodegenerative disorders has been met with limited success. Considered one of the rare exceptions, memantine has consistently demonstrated restorative and prophylactic properties in many AD models. In clinical trials memantine slows the decline in cognitive performance associated with AD. Here, we provide an overview of the basic properties including pharmacological targets, toxicology and cellular effects of memantine. Evidence demonstrating reductions in molecular, physiological and behavioural indices of AD-like impairments associated with memantine treatment are also discussed. This represents both an extension and homage to Dr. Chris Parson's considerable contributions to our fundamental understanding of a success story in the AD treatment landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Karimi Tari
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Chris G Parsons
- Galimedix Therapeutics, Inc., 2704 Calvend Lane, Kensington, 20895, MD, USA
| | - Graham L Collingridge
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada; TANZ Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Gerhard Rammes
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine of the Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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ÖZSOY Ş, ÇAKIR Z, AKÇAY E, GEVREK F. Effects of thymoquinone and memantine alone and in combination on memory and hippocampal morphology in rats with streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:894-901. [PMID: 38031940 PMCID: PMC10760553 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5653] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Thymoquinone (TQ) has broad biological functions, including antiinflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective properties. Memantine (MEM) is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe AD. We aimed to evaluate the effect of TQ alone or in combination with MEM on memory and hippocampal morphology in an STZ-induced rat AD model. METHODS Thirty male rats were included in this study. The AD model was created by giving ICV STZ. The rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 6 each). Group 1 (control group): The rats received only ICV-STZ 3 mg/kg for 2 weeks. Group 2 (sham group): In addition to ICV STZ, 9% NaCl, 1 mL/day i.p. for 2 weeks of injection, was applied. Group 3 (TQ group): In addition to ICV STZ, rats received TQ 10 mg/kg i.p. for 2 weeks. Group 4 (MEM group): In addition to ICV STZ, rats were given MEM at a dose of 5 mg/kg for two weeks. Group 5 (TQ+MEM group): In addition to ICV STZ, this group was given TQ (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and MEM (5 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 2 weeks. On the 15th day, passive avoidance learning (PAL) was applied to all groups. Then, rats were sacrificed, neurons in the hippocampal CA1, CA2, CA3 regions were evaluated. RESULTS Groups 3, 4, 5 had longer latency periods than groups 1 and 2. The neuron density in the CA1, CA2, CA3 regions had decreased in groups 1 and 2 compared to groups 3, 4, 5. There were significantly more neurons in groups 3, 4, 5 than in groups 1 and 2. DISCUSSION We found that TQ alone and in combination with MEM showed ameliorative effects on memory and hippocampal morphology. TQ may offer a promising treatment strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeyma ÖZSOY
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat,
Turkiye
| | - Ziya ÇAKIR
- Department of Oral and Dental Health, Faculty of Health Services Vocational School, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat,
Turkiye
| | - Elif AKÇAY
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat,
Turkiye
| | - Fikret GEVREK
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat,
Turkiye
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Palimariciuc M, Balmus IM, Gireadă B, Ciobica A, Chiriță R, Iordache AC, Apostu M, Dobrin RP. The Quest for Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment-Focusing on Alzheimer's Disease Personalised Diets. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:1519-1535. [PMID: 36826043 PMCID: PMC9955192 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia represents a clinical syndrome characterised by progressive decline in memory, language, visuospatial and executive function, personality, and behaviour, causing loss of abilities to perform instrumental or essential activities of daily living. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease (AD), which accounts for up to 80% of all dementia cases. Despite that extensive studies regarding the etiology and risk factors have been performed in recent decades, and how the current knowledge about AD pathophysiology significantly improved with the recent advances in science and technology, little is still known about its treatment options. In this controverted context, a nutritional approach could be a promising way to formulate improved AD management strategies and to further analyse possible treatment strategy options based on personalised diets, as Nutritional Psychiatry is currently gaining relevance in neuropsychiatric disease treatment. Based on the current knowledge of AD pathophysiology, as well as based on the repeatedly documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of different functional foods, we aimed to find, describe, and correlate several dietary compounds that could be useful in formulating a nutritional approach in AD management. We performed a screening for relevant studies on the main scientific databases using keywords such as "Alzheimer's disease", "dementia", "treatment", "medication", "treatment alternatives", "vitamin E", "nutrition", "selenium", "Ginkgo biloba", "antioxidants", "medicinal plants", and "traditional medicine" in combinations. Results: nutrients could be a key component in the physiologic and anatomic development of the brain. Several nutrients have been studied in the pursuit of the mechanism triggered by the pathology of AD: vitamin D, fatty acids, selenium, as well as neuroprotective plant extracts (i.e., Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Curcuma longa), suggesting that the nutritional patterns could modulate the cognitive status and provide neuroprotection. The multifactorial origin of AD development and progression could suggest that nutrition could greatly contribute to the complex pathological picture. The identification of adequate nutritional interventions and the not yet fully understood nutrient activity in AD could be the next steps in finding several innovative treatment options for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matei Palimariciuc
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana-Miruna Balmus
- Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Alexandru Lapusneanu Street, No. 26, 700057 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Gireadă
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (B.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, B dul Carol I, No. 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Splaiul Independentei nr. 54, Sector 5, 050094 Bucuresti, Romania
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, B dul Carol I, No. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (B.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Roxana Chiriță
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alin-Constantin Iordache
- Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universitatii Strada, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihai Apostu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Romeo Petru Dobrin
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania
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Companys-Alemany J, Turcu AL, Vázquez S, Pallàs M, Griñán-Ferré C. Glial cell reactivity and oxidative stress prevention in Alzheimer's disease mice model by an optimized NMDA receptor antagonist. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17908. [PMID: 36284170 PMCID: PMC9596444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22963-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease pathology, several neuronal processes are dysregulated by excitotoxicity including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS). New therapeutic agents capable of modulating such processes are needed to foster neuroprotection. Here, the effect of an optimised NMDA receptor antagonist, UB-ALT-EV and memantine, as a gold standard, have been evaluated in 5XFAD mice. Following treatment with UB-ALT-EV, nor memantine, changes in the calcineurin (CaN)/NFAT pathway were detected. UB-ALT-EV increased neurotropic factors (Bdnf, Vgf and Ngf) gene expression. Treatments reduced astrocytic and microglial reactivity as revealed by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) quantification. Interestingly, only UB-ALT-EV was able to reduce gene expression of Trem2, a marker of microglial activation and NF-κB. Pro-inflammatory cytokines Il-1β, Ifn-γ, Ccl2 and Ccl3 were down-regulated in UB-ALT-EV-treated mice but not in memantine-treated mice. Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory markers of the M2-migroglial phenotype, chitinase-like 3 (Ym1) and Arginase-1 (Arg1), were up-regulated after treatment with UB-ALT-EV. Since iNOS gene expression decreased after UB-ALT-EV treatment, a qPCR array containing 84 OS-related genes was performed. We found changes in Il-19, Il-22, Gpx6, Ncf1, Aox1 and Vim gene expression after UB-ALT-EV. Hence, our results reveal a robust effect on neuroinflammation and OS processes after UB-ALT-EV treatment, surpassing the memantine effect in 5XFAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Companys-Alemany
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreea L. Turcu
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Vázquez
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Hohmann U, Ghadban C, Hohmann T, Kleine J, Schmidt M, Scheller C, Strauss C, Dehghani F. Nimodipine Exerts Time-Dependent Neuroprotective Effect after Excitotoxical Damage in Organotypic Slice Cultures. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063331. [PMID: 35328753 PMCID: PMC8954806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
During injuries in the central nervous system, intrinsic protective processes become activated. However, cellular reactions, especially those of glia cells, are frequently unsatisfactory, and further exogenous protective mechanisms are necessary. Nimodipine, a lipophilic L-type calcium channel blocking agent is clinically used in the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage with neuroprotective effects in different models. Direct effects of nimodipine on neurons amongst others were observed in the hippocampus as well as its influence on both microglia and astrocytes. Earlier studies proposed that nimodipine protective actions occur not only via calcium channel-mediated vasodilatation but also via further time-dependent mechanisms. In this study, the effect of nimodipine application was investigated in different time frames on neuronal damage in excitotoxically lesioned organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Nimodipine, but not nifedipine if pre-incubated for 4 h or co-applied with NMDA, was protective, indicating time dependency. Since blood vessels play no significant role in our model, intrinsic brain cell-dependent mechanisms seems to strongly be involved. We also examined the effect of nimodipine and nifedipine on microglia survival. Nimodipine seem to be a promising agent to reduce secondary damage and reduce excitotoxic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Hohmann
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (U.H.); (C.G.); (T.H.); (J.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Chalid Ghadban
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (U.H.); (C.G.); (T.H.); (J.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Tim Hohmann
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (U.H.); (C.G.); (T.H.); (J.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Joshua Kleine
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (U.H.); (C.G.); (T.H.); (J.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Miriam Schmidt
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (U.H.); (C.G.); (T.H.); (J.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Christian Scheller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Christian Strauss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (U.H.); (C.G.); (T.H.); (J.K.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3455571707
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Czapski GA, Strosznajder JB. Glutamate and GABA in Microglia-Neuron Cross-Talk in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111677. [PMID: 34769106 PMCID: PMC8584169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain is significantly affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Several neuroactive compounds and their signaling pathways through various types of receptors are crucial in brain homeostasis, among them glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Activation of microglial receptors regulates the immunological response of these cells, which in AD could be neuroprotective or neurotoxic. The novel research approaches revealed the complexity of microglial function, including the interplay with other cells during neuroinflammation and in the AD brain. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of several proteins and multiple receptors on microglia and neurons, and their involvement in a communication network between cells that could lead to different metabolic loops and cell death/survival. Our review is focused on the role of glutamatergic, GABAergic signaling in microglia–neuronal cross-talk in AD and neuroinflammation. Moreover, the significance of AD-related neurotoxic proteins in glutamate/GABA-mediated dialogue between microglia and neurons was analyzed in search of novel targets in neuroprotection, and advanced pharmacological approaches.
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