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Bobkova NV, Chuvakova LN, Kovalev VI, Zhdanova DY, Chaplygina AV, Rezvykh AP, Evgen'ev MB. A Mouse Model of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease with Elements of Major Depression. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04346-7. [PMID: 38980563 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04346-7] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
After olfactory bulbectomy, animals are often used as a model of major depression or sporadic Alzheimer's disease and, hence, the status of this model is still disputable. To elucidate the nature of alterations in the expression of the genome after the operation, we analyzed transcriptomes of the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of the olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice. Analysis of the functional significance of genes in the brain of OBX mice indicates that the balance of the GABA/glutamatergic systems is disturbed with hyperactivation of the latter in the hippocampus, leading to the development of excitotoxicity and induction of apoptosis in the background of severe mitochondrial dysfunction and astrogliosis. On top of this, the synthesis of neurotrophic factors decreases leading to the disruption of the cytoskeleton of neurons, an increase in the level of intracellular calcium, and the activation of tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Moreover, the acetylcholinergic system is deficient in the background of the hyperactivation of acetylcholinesterase. Importantly, the activity of the dopaminergic, endorphin, and opiate systems in OBX mice decreases, leading to hormonal dysfunction. On the other hand, genes responsible for the regulation of circadian rhythms, cell migration, and innate immunity are activated in OBX animals. All this takes place in the background of a drastic downregulation of ribosomal protein genes in the brain. The obtained results indicate that OBX mice represent a model of Alzheimer's disease with elements of major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Bobkova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences-Federal Research Center, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - L N Chuvakova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - V I Kovalev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences-Federal Research Center, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - D Y Zhdanova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences-Federal Research Center, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - A V Chaplygina
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences-Federal Research Center, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - A P Rezvykh
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - M B Evgen'ev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia.
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Baek S, Jang J, Jung HJ, Lee H, Choe Y. Advanced Immunolabeling Method for Optical Volumetric Imaging Reveals Dystrophic Neurites of Dopaminergic Neurons in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Brain. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3976-3999. [PMID: 38049707 PMCID: PMC11236860 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03823-9] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Optical brain clearing combined with immunolabeling is valuable for analyzing molecular tissue structures, including complex synaptic connectivity. However, the presence of aberrant lipid deposition due to aging and brain disorders poses a challenge for achieving antibody penetration throughout the entire brain volume. Herein, we present an efficient brain-wide immunolabeling method, the immuno-active clearing technique (iACT). The treatment of brain tissues with a zwitterionic detergent, specifically SB3-12, significantly enhanced tissue permeability by effectively mitigating lipid barriers. Notably, Quadrol treatment further refines the methodology by effectively eliminating residual detergents from cleared brain tissues, subsequently amplifying volumetric fluorescence signals. Employing iACT, we uncover disrupted axonal projections within the mesolimbic dopaminergic (DA) circuits in 5xFAD mice. Subsequent characterization of DA neural circuits in 5xFAD mice revealed proximal axonal swelling and misrouting of distal axonal compartments in proximity to amyloid-beta plaques. Importantly, these structural anomalies in DA axons correlate with a marked reduction in DA release within the nucleus accumbens. Collectively, our findings highlight the efficacy of optical volumetric imaging with iACT in resolving intricate structural alterations in deep brain neural circuits. Furthermore, we unveil the compromised integrity of DA pathways, contributing to the underlying neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease. The iACT technique thus holds significant promise as a valuable asset for advancing our understanding of complex neurodegenerative disorders and may pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonbong Baek
- Developmental Disorders & Rare Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, 61 Cheomdan-ro, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemyung Jang
- Developmental Disorders & Rare Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, 61 Cheomdan-ro, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Jung
- Developmental Disorders & Rare Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, 61 Cheomdan-ro, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeyoung Lee
- Division of Applied Bioengineering, Dong-eui University, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 47340, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngshik Choe
- Developmental Disorders & Rare Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, 61 Cheomdan-ro, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea.
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Armijo-Weingart L, San Martin L, Gallegos S, Araya A, Konar-Nie M, Fernandez-Pérez E, Aguayo LG. Loss of glycine receptors in the nucleus accumbens and ethanol reward in an Alzheimer´s Disease mouse model. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 237:102616. [PMID: 38723884 PMCID: PMC11163974 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102616] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Alterations in cognitive and non-cognitive cerebral functions characterize Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cortical and hippocampal impairments related to extracellular accumulation of Aβ in AD animal models have been extensively investigated. However, recent reports have also implicated intracellular Aβ in limbic regions, such as the nucleus accumbens (nAc). Accumbal neurons express high levels of inhibitory glycine receptors (GlyRs) that are allosterically modulated by ethanol and have a role in controlling its intake. In the present study, we investigated how GlyRs in the 2xTg mice (AD model) affect nAc functions and ethanol intake behavior. Using transgenic and control aged-matched litter mates, we found that the GlyRα2 subunit was significantly decreased in AD mice (6-month-old). We also examined intracellular calcium dynamics using the fluorescent calcium protein reporter GCaMP in slice photometry. We also found that the calcium signal mediated by GlyRs, but not GABAAR, was also reduced in AD neurons. Additionally, ethanol potentiation was significantly decreased in accumbal neurons in the AD mice. Finally, we performed drinking in the dark (DID) experiments and found that 2xTg mice consumed less ethanol on the last day of DID, in agreement with a lower blood ethanol concentration. 2xTg mice also showed lower sucrose consumption, indicating that overall food reward was altered. In conclusion, the data support the role of GlyRs in nAc neuron excitability and a decreased glycinergic activity in the 2xTg mice that might lead to impairment in reward processing at an early stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Armijo-Weingart
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Loreto San Martin
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Scarlet Gallegos
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Anibal Araya
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Macarena Konar-Nie
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Eduardo Fernandez-Pérez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Luis G Aguayo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
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Spoleti E, La Barbera L, Cauzzi E, De Paolis ML, Saba L, Marino R, Sciamanna G, Di Lazzaro V, Keller F, Nobili A, Krashia P, D'Amelio M. Dopamine neuron degeneration in the Ventral Tegmental Area causes hippocampal hyperexcitability in experimental Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1265-1280. [PMID: 38228889 PMCID: PMC11189820 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Early and progressive dysfunctions of the dopaminergic system from the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) have been described in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). During the long pre-symptomatic phase, alterations in the function of Parvalbumin interneurons (PV-INs) are also observed, resulting in cortical hyperexcitability represented by subclinical epilepsy and aberrant gamma-oscillations. However, it is unknown whether the dopaminergic deficits contribute to brain hyperexcitability in AD. Here, using the Tg2576 mouse model of AD, we prove that reduced hippocampal dopaminergic innervation, due to VTA dopamine neuron degeneration, impairs PV-IN firing and gamma-waves, weakens the inhibition of pyramidal neurons and induces hippocampal hyperexcitability via lower D2-receptor-mediated activation of the CREB-pathway. These alterations coincide with reduced PV-IN numbers and Perineuronal Net density. Importantly, L-DOPA and the selective D2-receptor agonist quinpirole rescue p-CREB levels and improve the PV-IN-mediated inhibition, thus reducing hyperexcitability. Moreover, similarly to quinpirole, sumanirole - another D2-receptor agonist and a known anticonvulsant - not only increases p-CREB levels in PV-INs but also restores gamma-oscillations in Tg2576 mice. Conversely, blocking the dopaminergic transmission with sulpiride (a D2-like receptor antagonist) in WT mice reduces p-CREB levels in PV-INs, mimicking what occurs in Tg2576. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that the VTA dopaminergic system integrity plays a key role in hippocampal PV-IN function and survival, disclosing a relevant contribution of the reduced dopaminergic tone to aberrant gamma-waves, hippocampal hyperexcitability and epileptiform activity in early AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Spoleti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia La Barbera
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Cauzzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa De Paolis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Saba
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Ramona Marino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sciamanna
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
- UniCamillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Operative Research Unit of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Keller
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nobili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Paraskevi Krashia
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.
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Zhan Q, Kong F, Shao S, Zhang B, Huang S. Pathogenesis of Depression in Alzheimer's Disease. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:548-556. [PMID: 38015411 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04061-0] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a prevalent occurrence among Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, yet its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Recent investigations have revealed that several pathophysiological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease can lead to mood disorders. These alterations include irregularities in monoamine neurotransmitters, disruptions in glutamatergic synaptic transmission, neuro-inflammation, dysfunction within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, diminished levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and hippocampal atrophy. This review consolidates research findings from pertinent fields to elucidate the mechanisms underlying depression in Alzheimer's disease, aiming to provide valuable insights for the study of its mechanisms and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyang Zhan
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Fanyi Kong
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Shuming Huang
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
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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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La Barbera L, Spoleti E, D'Amelio M. Calcium handling: a strategy to fight neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2685-2686. [PMID: 37449622 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.374004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Livia La Barbera
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Humans and Environment, Università Campus Bio- Medico di Roma; Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Spoleti
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Humans and Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Blankenship HE, Carter KA, Cassidy NT, Markiewicz AN, Thellmann MI, Sharpe AL, Freeman WM, Beckstead MJ. VTA dopamine neurons are hyperexcitable in 3xTg-AD mice due to casein kinase 2-dependent SK channel dysfunction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.16.567486. [PMID: 38014232 PMCID: PMC10680865 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.16.567486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms that extend beyond classical cognitive deficits, suggesting involvement of subcortical areas. Here, we investigated the role of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in AD using the amyloid + tau-driven 3xTg-AD mouse model. We found deficits in reward-based operant learning in AD mice, suggesting possible VTA DA neuron dysregulation. Physiological assessment revealed hyperexcitability and disrupted firing in DA neurons caused by reduced activity of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels. RNA sequencing from contents of single patch-clamped DA neurons (Patch-seq) identified up-regulation of the SK channel modulator casein kinase 2 (CK2). Pharmacological inhibition of CK2 restored SK channel activity and normal firing patterns in 3xTg-AD mice. These findings shed light on a complex interplay between neuropsychiatric symptoms and subcortical circuits in AD, paving the way for novel treatment strategies.
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Possemato E, La Barbera L, Nobili A, Krashia P, D'Amelio M. The role of dopamine in NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition: Implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 87:101907. [PMID: 36893920 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
In the Central Nervous System (CNS), neuroinflammation orchestrated by microglia and astrocytes is an innate immune response to counteract stressful and dangerous insults. One of the most important and best characterized players in the neuroinflammatory response is the NLRP3 inflammasome, a multiproteic complex composed by NOD-like receptor family Pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) and pro-caspase-1. Different stimuli mediate NLRP3 activation, resulting in the NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and the pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β and IL-18) maturation and secretion. The persistent and uncontrolled NLRP3 inflammasome activation has a leading role during the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation in age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's (AD). The neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is one of the players that negatively modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation through DA receptors expressed in both microglia and astrocytes. This review summarizes recent findings linking the role of DA in the modulation of NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation in PD and AD, where early deficits of the dopaminergic system are well characterized. Highlighting the relationship between DA, its glial receptors and the NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation can provide insights to novel diagnostic strategies in early disease phases and new pharmacological tools to delay the progression of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Possemato
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Humans and Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Livia La Barbera
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Humans and Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nobili
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Humans and Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Paraskevi Krashia
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Humans and Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy.
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10
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Temporal Appearance of Enhanced Innate Anxiety in Alzheimer Model Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020262. [PMID: 36830799 PMCID: PMC9953677 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020262] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of Alzheimer's disorder (AD) is increasing worldwide, and the co-morbid anxiety is an important, albeit often neglected problem, which might appear early during disease development. Animal models can be used to study this question. Mice, as prey animals, show an innate defensive response against a predator odor, providing a valuable tool for anxiety research. Our aim was to test whether the triple-transgenic mice model of AD shows signs of innate anxiety, with specific focus on the temporal appearance of the symptoms. We compared 3xTg-AD mice bearing human mutations of amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1, and tau with age-matched controls. First, separate age-groups (between 2 and 18 months) were tested for the avoidance of 2-methyl-2-thiazoline, a fox odor component. To test whether hypolocomotion is a general sign of innate anxiety, open-field behavior was subsequently followed monthly in both sexes. The 3xTg-AD mice showed more immobility, approached the fox odor container less often, and spent more time in the avoidance zone. This effect was detectable already in two-month-old animals irrespective of sex, not visible around six months of age, and was more pronounced in aged females than males. The 3xTg-AD animals moved generally less. They also spent less time in the center of the open-field, which was detectable mainly in females older than five months. In contrast to controls, the aged 3xTg-AD was not able to habituate to the arena during a 30-min observation period irrespective of their sex. Amyloid beta and phospho-Tau accumulated gradually in the hippocampus, amygdala, olfactory bulb, and piriform cortex. In conclusion, the early appearance of predator odor- and open space-induced innate anxiety detected already in two-month-old 3xTg-AD mice make this genetically predisposed strain a good model for testing anxiety both before the onset of AD-related symptoms as well as during the later phase. Synaptic dysfunction by protein deposits might contribute to these disturbances.
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Lansdell TA, Xu H, Galligan JJ, Dorrance AM. Effects of Striatal Amyloidosis on the Dopaminergic System and Behavior: A Comparative Study in Male and Female 5XFAD Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 94:1361-1375. [PMID: 37424461 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly two-thirds of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are female. In addition, female patients with AD have more significant cognitive impairment than males at the same disease stage. This disparity suggests there are sex differences in AD progression. While females appear to be more affected by AD, most published behavioral studies utilize male mice. In humans, there is an association between antecedent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and increased risk of dementia. Functional connectivity studies indicate that dysfunctional cortico-striatal networks contribute to hyperactivity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Higher plaque density in the striatum accurately predicts the presence of clinical AD pathology. In addition, there is a link between AD-related memory dysfunction and dysfunctional dopamine signaling. OBJECTIVE With the need to consider sex as a biological variable, we investigated the influence of sex on striatal plaque burden, dopaminergic signaling, and behavior in prodromal 5XFAD mice. METHODS Six-month-old male and female 5XFAD and C57BL/6J mice were evaluated for striatal amyloid plaque burden, locomotive behavior, and changes in dopaminergic machinery in the striatum. RESULTS 5XFAD female mice had a higher striatal amyloid plaque burden than male 5XFAD mice. 5XFAD females, but not males, were hyperactive. Hyperactivity in female 5XFAD mice was associated with increased striatal plaque burden and changes in dopamine signaling in the dorsal striatum. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that the progression of amyloidosis involves the striatum in females to a greater extent than in males. These studies have significant implications for using male-only cohorts in the study of AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Lansdell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - James J Galligan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anne M Dorrance
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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12
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La Barbera L, D'Amelio M. Alzheimer's Disease and Sex-Dependent Alterations in the Striatum: A Lesson from a Mouse Model. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 94:1377-1380. [PMID: 37522213 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230681] [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] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, many clinical studies highlighted sex-specific differences in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The recent paper published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease shows the influence of sex on amyloid-β plaque deposition, behavior, and dopaminergic signaling in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD, with worse alterations in female mice. This commentary focuses on the importance of recognizing sex as a key variable to consider for a more precise clinical practice, with the challenge to develop sex-specific therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia La Barbera
- Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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13
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La Barbera L, Nobili A, Cauzzi E, Paoletti I, Federici M, Saba L, Giacomet C, Marino R, Krashia P, Melone M, Keller F, Mercuri NB, Viscomi MT, Conti F, D’Amelio M. Upregulation of Ca 2+-binding proteins contributes to VTA dopamine neuron survival in the early phases of Alzheimer's disease in Tg2576 mice. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:76. [PMID: 36434727 PMCID: PMC9700939 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00580-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the involvement of Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons for the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). We have previously described a progressive and selective degeneration of these neurons in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD, long before amyloid-beta plaque formation. The degenerative process in DA neurons is associated with an autophagy flux impairment, whose rescue can prevent neuronal loss. Impairments in autophagy can be the basis for accumulation of damaged mitochondria, leading to disturbance in calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis, and to functional and structural deterioration of DA neurons. METHODS In Tg2576 mice, we performed amperometric recordings of DA levels and analysis of dopaminergic fibers in the Nucleus Accumbens - a major component of the ventral striatum precociously affected in AD patients - together with retrograde tracing, to identify the most vulnerable DA neuron subpopulations in the VTA. Then, we focused on these neurons to analyze mitochondrial integrity and Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) localization by electron and confocal microscopy, respectively. Stereological cell count was also used to evaluate degeneration of DA neuron subpopulations containing the Ca2+-binding proteins Calbindin-D28K and Calretinin. The expression levels for these proteins were analyzed by western blot and confocal microscopy. Lastly, using electrophysiology and microfluorometry we analyzed VTA DA neuron intrinsic properties and cytosolic free Ca2+ levels. RESULTS We found a progressive degeneration of mesolimbic DA neurons projecting to the ventral striatum, located in the paranigral nucleus and parabrachial pigmented subnucleus of the VTA. At the onset of degeneration (3 months of age), the vulnerable DA neurons in the Tg2576 accumulate damaged mitochondria, while AIF translocates from the mitochondria to the nucleus. Although we describe an age-dependent loss of the DA neurons expressing Calbindin-D28K or Calretinin, we observed that the remaining cells upregulate the levels of Ca2+-binding proteins, and the free cytosolic levels of Ca2+ in these neurons are significantly decreased. Coherently, TUNEL-stained Tg2576 DA neurons express lower levels of Calbindin-D28K when compared with non-apoptotic cells. CONCLUSION Overall, our results suggest that the overexpression of Ca2+-binding proteins in VTA DA neurons might be an attempt of cells to survive by increasing their ability to buffer free Ca2+. Exploring strategies to overexpress Ca2+-binding proteins could be fundamental to reduce neuronal suffering and improve cognitive and non-cognitive functions in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia La Barbera
- grid.9657.d0000 0004 1757 5329Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy ,grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nobili
- grid.9657.d0000 0004 1757 5329Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy ,grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Cauzzi
- grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy ,grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Paoletti
- grid.9657.d0000 0004 1757 5329Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Federici
- grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Saba
- grid.9657.d0000 0004 1757 5329Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy ,grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Giacomet
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ramona Marino
- grid.9657.d0000 0004 1757 5329Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Paraskevi Krashia
- grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy ,grid.9657.d0000 0004 1757 5329Department of Sciences and Technologies for Humans and Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Melone
- grid.7010.60000 0001 1017 3210Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM), 60020 Ancona, Italy ,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani (INRCA), 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Flavio Keller
- grid.9657.d0000 0004 1757 5329Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy ,grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Viscomi
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Life Science and Public Health; Section of Histology and Embryology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy ,grid.414603.4Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- grid.7010.60000 0001 1017 3210Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM), 60020 Ancona, Italy ,Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani (INRCA), 60020 Ancona, Italy ,grid.7010.60000 0001 1017 3210Foundation for Molecular Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marcello D’Amelio
- grid.9657.d0000 0004 1757 5329Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy ,grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
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14
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Jarosova R, Niyangoda SS, Hettiarachchi P, Johnson MA. Impaired Dopamine Release and Latent Learning in Alzheimer's Disease Model Zebrafish. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2924-2931. [PMID: 36113115 PMCID: PMC10127145 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00484] [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] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, fatal, neurodegenerative disorder for which only treatments of limited efficacy are available. Despite early mentions of dementia in the ancient literature and the first patient diagnosed in 1906, the underlying causes of AD are not well understood. This study examined the possible role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in cognitive and motor function, in AD. We treated adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) with okadaic acid (OKA) to model AD and assessed the resulting behavioral and neurochemical changes. We then employed a latent learning paradigm to assess cognitive and motor function followed by neurochemical analysis with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) at carbon fiber microelectrodes to measure the electrically stimulated dopamine release. The behavioral assay showed that OKA treatment caused fish to have lower motivation to reach the goal chamber, resulting in impeded learning and decreased locomotor activity compared to controls. Our voltammetric measurements revealed that the peak dopamine overflow in OKA-treated fish was about one-third of that measured in controls. These findings highlight the profound neurochemical changes that may occur in AD. Furthermore, they demonstrate that applying the latent learning paradigm and FSCV to zebrafish is a promising tool for future neurochemical studies and may be useful for screening drugs for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Jarosova
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, UNESCO Laboratory of Environmental Electrochemistry, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic 12843
| | - Sayuri S. Niyangoda
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
| | - Piyanka Hettiarachchi
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
| | - Michael A. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
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15
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Tsui KC, Roy J, Chau SC, Wong KH, Shi L, Poon CH, Wang Y, Strekalova T, Aquili L, Chang RCC, Fung ML, Song YQ, Lim LW. Distribution and inter-regional relationship of amyloid-beta plaque deposition in a 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:964336. [PMID: 35966777 PMCID: PMC9371463 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.964336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Although previous studies have selectively investigated the localization of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition in certain brain regions, a comprehensive characterization of the rostro-caudal distribution of Aβ plaques in the brain and their inter-regional correlation remain unexplored. Our results demonstrated remarkable working and spatial memory deficits in 9-month-old 5xFAD mice compared to wildtype mice. High Aβ plaque load was detected in the somatosensory cortex, piriform cortex, thalamus, and dorsal/ventral hippocampus; moderate levels of Aβ plaques were observed in the motor cortex, orbital cortex, visual cortex, and retrosplenial dysgranular cortex; and low levels of Aβ plaques were located in the amygdala, and the cerebellum; but no Aβ plaques were found in the hypothalamus, raphe nuclei, vestibular nucleus, and cuneate nucleus. Interestingly, the deposition of Aβ plaques was positively associated with brain inter-regions including the prefrontal cortex, somatosensory cortex, medial amygdala, thalamus, and the hippocampus. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive morphological profile of Aβ deposition in the brain and its inter-regional correlation. This suggests an association between Aβ plaque deposition and specific brain regions in AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Chun Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jaydeep Roy
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sze Chun Chau
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kah Hui Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Him Poon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingyi Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Normal Physiology and Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Luca Aquili
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Lung Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Man-Lung Fung,
| | - You-qiang Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- You-qiang Song,
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Lee Wei Lim,
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16
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Ceyzériat K, Tournier BB, Millet P, Dipasquale G, Koutsouvelis N, Frisoni GB, Garibotto V, Zilli T. Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Reduces Amyloid Load in Young 3xTg-AD Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 86:641-653. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-215510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) has been shown to decrease amyloidosis or inflammation in systemic diseases and has recently been proposed as possible treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A positive effect of LD-RT on tauopathy, the other marker of AD, has also been suggested. These effects have been shown in preclinical studies, but their mechanisms are still not well understood. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate if anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory effects of LD-RT can be observed at an early stage of the disease. Its impact on tauopathy and behavioral alterations was also investigated. Methods: The whole brain of 12-month-old 3xTg-AD mice was irradiated with 10 Gy in 5 daily fractions of 2 Gy. Mice underwent behavioral tests before and 8 weeks post treatment. Amyloid load, tauopathy, and neuroinflammation were measured using histology and/or ELISA. Results: Compared with wild-type animals, 3xTg-AD mice showed a moderate amyloid and tau pathology restricted to the hippocampus, a glial reactivity restricted to the proximity of amyloid plaques. LD-RT significantly reduced Aβ 42 aggregated forms (–71%) in the hippocampus and tended to reduce other forms in the hippocampus and frontal cortex but did not affect tauopathy or cognitive performance. A trend for neuroinflammation markers reduction was also observed. Conclusion: When applied at an early stage, LD-RT reduced amyloid load and possibly neuroinflammation markers, with no impact on tauopathy. The long-term persistence of these beneficial effects of LD-RT should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Ceyzériat
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, and NimtLab, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin B. Tournier
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Millet
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Dipasquale
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaos Koutsouvelis
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni B. Frisoni
- Memory Center, Geneva University Hospitals, and LANVIE, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Garibotto
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, and NimtLab, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Zilli
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
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17
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Krashia P, Spoleti E, D'Amelio M. The VTA dopaminergic system as diagnostic and therapeutical target for Alzheimer's disease. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1039725. [PMID: 36325523 PMCID: PMC9618946 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1039725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) occur in nearly all patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Most frequently they appear since the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage preceding clinical AD, and have a prognostic importance. Unfortunately, these symptoms also worsen the daily functioning of patients, increase caregiver stress and accelerate the disease progression from MCI to AD. Apathy and depression are the most common of these NPS, and much attention has been given in recent years to understand the biological mechanisms related to their appearance in AD. Although for many decades these symptoms have been known to be related to abnormalities of the dopaminergic ventral tegmental area (VTA), a direct association between deficits in the VTA and NPS in AD has never been investigated. Fortunately, this scenario is changing since recent studies using preclinical models of AD, and clinical studies in MCI and AD patients demonstrated a number of functional, structural and metabolic alterations affecting the VTA dopaminergic neurons and their mesocorticolimbic targets. These findings appear early, since the MCI stage, and seem to correlate with the appearance of NPS. Here, we provide an overview of the recent evidence directly linking the dopaminergic VTA with NPS in AD and propose a setting in which the precocious identification of dopaminergic deficits can be a helpful biomarker for early diagnosis. In this scenario, treatments of patients with dopaminergic drugs might slow down the disease progression and delay the impairment of daily living activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Krashia
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Spoleti
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
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