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Tizabi Y, Bennani S, El Kouhen N, Getachew B, Aschner M. Heavy Metal Interactions with Neuroglia and Gut Microbiota: Implications for Huntington's Disease. Cells 2024; 13:1144. [PMID: 38994995 PMCID: PMC11240758 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131144] [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: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare but progressive and devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, executive dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression. It follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Thus, a child who has a parent with the mutated huntingtin (mHTT) gene has a 50% chance of developing the disease. Since the HTT protein is involved in many critical cellular processes, including neurogenesis, brain development, energy metabolism, transcriptional regulation, synaptic activity, vesicle trafficking, cell signaling, and autophagy, its aberrant aggregates lead to the disruption of numerous cellular pathways and neurodegeneration. Essential heavy metals are vital at low concentrations; however, at higher concentrations, they can exacerbate HD by disrupting glial-neuronal communication and/or causing dysbiosis (disturbance in the gut microbiota, GM), both of which can lead to neuroinflammation and further neurodegeneration. Here, we discuss in detail the interactions of iron, manganese, and copper with glial-neuron communication and GM and indicate how this knowledge may pave the way for the development of a new generation of disease-modifying therapies in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Samia Bennani
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20670, Morocco
| | - Nacer El Kouhen
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20670, Morocco
| | - Bruk Getachew
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Huang M, Zhang Y, Liu X. The mechanism of cuproptosis in Parkinson's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102214. [PMID: 38311254 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102214] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with an increased morbidity. The pathogenesis PD has not been fully elucidated, and whatever mechanism is involved, it ultimately leads to dopamine (DA) neuronal apoptosis. Cuproptosis is a novel form of cell death. Its morphology, biochemical properties, and mechanism of action differ from known forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis and pyroptosis. Copper binds to the lipoylated components of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, causing proteotoxic stress that ultimately leads to cellular cuproptosis. PD has biochemical features such as mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased levels of copper and glutathione in brain regions. This is closely related to the cuproptosis mechanism. However, the specific link between the pathogenesis of PD and cuproptosis is unclear. Herein, we summarizes cuproptosis as the cause of DA neuronal death in PD, and the relationship between cuproptosis and the PD pathogenesis. This article provides a research basis for targeted cuproptosis for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuehong Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, China.
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3
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Scarian E, Viola C, Dragoni F, Di Gerlando R, Rizzo B, Diamanti L, Gagliardi S, Bordoni M, Pansarasa O. New Insights into Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2698. [PMID: 38473944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052698] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are two important and well-studied pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Due to elevated oxygen consumption, the high presence of easily oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids and the weak antioxidant defenses, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative injury. Uncertainty exists over whether these deficits contribute to the development of NDDs or are solely a consequence of neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, these two pathological hallmarks are linked, and it is known that OS can affect the inflammatory response. In this review, we will overview the last findings about these two pathways in the principal NDDs. Moreover, we will focus more in depth on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to understand how anti-inflammatory and antioxidants drugs have been used for the treatment of this still incurable motor neuron (MN) disease. Finally, we will analyze the principal past and actual clinical trials and the future perspectives in the study of these two pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveljn Scarian
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Viola
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Dragoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Bartolo Rizzo
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Lobato AG, Ortiz-Vega N, Zhu Y, Neupane D, Meier KK, Zhai RG. Copper enhances aggregational toxicity of mutant huntingtin in a Drosophila model of Huntington's Disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166928. [PMID: 38660915 PMCID: PMC11046041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166928] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with clinical presentations of moderate to severe cognitive, motor, and psychiatric disturbances. HD is caused by the trinucleotide repeat expansion of CAG of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The mutant HTT protein containing pathological polyglutamine (polyQ) extension is prone to misfolding and aggregation in the brain. It has previously been observed that copper and iron concentrations are increased in the striata of post-mortem human HD brains. Although it has been shown that the accumulation of mutant HTT protein can interact with copper, the underlying HD progressive phenotypes due to copper overload remains elusive. Here, in a Drosophila model of HD, we showed that copper induces dose-dependent aggregational toxicity and enhancement of Htt-induced neurodegeneration. Specifically, we found that copper increases mutant Htt aggregation, enhances the accumulation of Thioflavin S positive β-amyloid structures within Htt aggregates, and consequently alters autophagy in the brain. Administration of copper chelator D-penicillamine (DPA) through feeding significantly decreases β-amyloid aggregates in the HD pathological model. These findings reveal a direct role of copper in potentiating mutant Htt protein-induced aggregational toxicity, and further indicate the potential impact of environmental copper exposure in the disease onset and progression of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Lobato
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Graduate Program in Human Genetics and Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Natalie Ortiz-Vega
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Deepa Neupane
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Katlyn K Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - R Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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Fan YG, Wu TY, Zhao LX, Jia RJ, Ren H, Hou WJ, Wang ZY. From zinc homeostasis to disease progression: Unveiling the neurodegenerative puzzle. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107039. [PMID: 38123108 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Zinc is a crucial trace element in the human body, playing a role in various physiological processes such as oxidative stress, neurotransmission, protein synthesis, and DNA repair. The zinc transporters (ZnTs) family members are responsible for exporting intracellular zinc, while Zrt- and Irt-like proteins (ZIPs) are involved in importing extracellular zinc. These processes are essential for maintaining cellular zinc homeostasis. Imbalances in zinc metabolism have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Disruptions in zinc levels can impact the survival and activity of neurons, thereby contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through mechanisms like cell apoptosis regulation, protein phase separation, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Therefore, conducting a systematic review of the regulatory network of zinc and investigating the relationship between zinc dysmetabolism and neurodegenerative diseases can enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. Additionally, it may offer new insights and approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Gang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Ting-Yao Wu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Ling-Xiao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Rong-Jun Jia
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Hang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Wen-Jia Hou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Zhan-You Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, Health Sciences Institute of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Scholefield M, Patassini S, Xu J, Cooper GJS. Widespread selenium deficiency in the brain of cases with Huntington's disease presents a new potential therapeutic target. EBioMedicine 2023; 97:104824. [PMID: 37806287 PMCID: PMC10667115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104824] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington or Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease characterised by both progressive motor and cognitive dysfunction; its pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood and no treatment can currently slow, stop, or reverse its progression. There is some evidence of metallomic dysfunction in limited regions of the HD brain; we hypothesised that these alterations are more widespread than the current literature suggests and may contribute to pathogenesis in HD. METHODS We measured the concentrations of eight essential metals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese) and the metalloid selenium across 11 brain regions in nine genetically confirmed, clinically manifest cases of HD and nine controls using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Case-control differences were assessed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05), risk ratios, E-values, and effect sizes. FINDINGS We observed striking decreases in selenium levels in 11 out of 11 investigated brain regions in HD, with risk ratios and effect sizes ranging 2.3-9.0 and 0.7-1.9, respectively. Increased sodium/potassium ratios were observed in every region (risk ratio = 2.5-8.0; effect size = 1.2-5.8) except the substantia nigra (risk ratio = 0.25; effect size = 0.1). Multiple regions showed increased calcium and/or zinc levels, and localised decreases in iron, copper, and manganese were present in the globus pallidus, cerebellum, and substantia nigra, respectively. INTERPRETATION The observed metallomic alterations in the HD brain may contribute to several pathogenic mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Selenium supplementation may represent a potential, much-needed therapeutic pathway for the treatment of HD that would not require localised delivery in the brain due to the widespread presence of selenium deficiency in regions that show both high and low levels of neurodegeneration. FUNDING In Acknowledgments, includes the Lee Trust, the Endocore Research Trust, Cure Huntington's Disease Initiative, the Oakley Mental Health Research Foundation, the Medical Research Council (MRC), the New Zealand Neurological Foundation, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Scholefield
- Centre for Advanced Discovery & Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M19 9NT, United Kingdom.
| | - Stefano Patassini
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Jingshu Xu
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Garth J S Cooper
- Centre for Advanced Discovery & Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M19 9NT, United Kingdom; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
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Cordeiro LM, Soares MV, da Silva AF, Dos Santos LV, de Souza LI, da Silveira TL, Baptista FBO, de Oliveira GV, Pappis C, Dressler VL, Arantes LP, Zheng F, Soares FAA. Toxicity of Copper and Zinc alone and in combination in Caenorhabditis elegans model of Huntington's disease and protective effects of rutin. Neurotoxicology 2023:S0161-813X(23)00085-2. [PMID: 37302585 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) are required in small concentrations for metabolic functions, but are also toxic. There is a great concern about soil pollution by heavy metals, which may exposure the population to these toxicants, either by inhalation of dust or exposure to toxicants through ingestion of food derived from contaminated soils. In addition, the toxicity of metals in combination is questionable, as soil quality guidelines only assess them separately. It is well known that metal accumulation is often found in the pathologically affected regions of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). HD is caused by an autosomal dominantly inherited CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. This results in the formation of a mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein with an abnormally long polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat. The pathology of HD results in loss of neuronal cells, motor changes, and dementia. Rutin is a flavonoid found in various food sources, and previous studies indicate it has protective effects in HD models and acts as a metal chelator. However, further studies are needed to unravel its effects on metal dyshomeostasis and to discern the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects of long-term exposure to copper, zinc, and their mixture, and the relationship with the progression of neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration in a C. elegans-based HD model. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of rutin post metal exposure. Overall, we demonstrate that chronic exposure to the metals and their mixture altered body parameters, locomotion, and developmental delay, in addition to increasing polyQ protein aggregates in muscles and neurons causing neurodegeneration. We also propose that rutin has protective effects acting through mechanisms involving antioxidant and chelating properties. Altogether, our data provides new indications about the higher toxicity of metals in combination, the chelating potential of rutin in the C. elegans model of HD and possible strategies for future treatments of neurodegenerative diseases caused by the aggregation of proteins related to metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Marafiga Cordeiro
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcell Valandro Soares
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Aline Franzen da Silva
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Luiza Venturini Dos Santos
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Larissa Ilha de Souza
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Tássia Limana da Silveira
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabiane Bicca Obetine Baptista
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Vitória de Oliveira
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Pappis
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Valderi Luiz Dressler
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Leticia Priscilla Arantes
- State University of Minas Gerais, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Health, Zip code 37900-106, Passos, MG, Brazil
| | - Fuli Zheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Felix Alexandre Antunes Soares
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Camobi, Zip code 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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van de Zande NA, Bulk M, Najac C, van der Weerd L, de Bresser J, Lewerenz J, Ronen I, de Bot ST. Study protocol of IMAGINE-HD: Imaging iron accumulation and neuroinflammation with 7T-MRI + CSF in Huntington's disease. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 39:103450. [PMID: 37327706 PMCID: PMC10509525 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Strong evidence suggests a significant role for iron accumulation in the brain in addition to the well-documented neurodegenerative aspects of Huntington's disease (HD). The putative mechanisms by which iron is linked to the HD pathogenesis are multiple, including oxidative stress, ferroptosis and neuroinflammation. However, no previous study in a neurodegenerative disease has linked the observed increase of brain iron accumulation as measured by MRI with well-established cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers for iron accumulation, or with associated processes such as neuroinflammation. This study is designed to link quantitative data from iron levels and neuroinflammation metabolites obtained from 7T MRI of HD patients, with specific and well-known clinical biofluid markers for iron accumulation, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Biofluid markers will provide quantitative measures of overall iron accumulation, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, while MRI measurements on the other hand will provide quantitative spatial information on brain pathology, neuroinflammation and brain iron accumulation, which will be linked to clinical outcome measures. METHODS This is an observational cross-sectional study, IMAGINE-HD, in HD gene expansion carriers and healthy controls. We include premanifest HD gene expansion carriers and patients with manifest HD in an early or moderate stage. The study includes a 7T MRI scan of the brain, clinical evaluation, motor, functional, and neuropsychological assessments, and sampling of CSF and blood for the detection of iron, neurodegenerative and inflammatory markers. Quantitative Susceptibility Maps will be reconstructed using T2* weighted images to quantify brain iron levels and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy will be used to obtain information about neuroinflammation by measuring cell-specific intracellular metabolites' level and diffusion. Age and sex matched healthy subjects are included as a control group. DISCUSSION Results from this study will provide an important basis for the evaluation of brain iron levels and neuroinflammation metabolites as an imaging biomarker for disease stage in HD and their relationship with the salient pathomechanisms of the disease on the one hand, and with clinical outcome on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marjolein Bulk
- C.J. Gorter MRI Center, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Chloé Najac
- C.J. Gorter MRI Center, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Louise van der Weerd
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Jeroen de Bresser
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Lewerenz
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
| | - Itamar Ronen
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom.
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