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Rizzuti M, Melzi V, Brambilla L, Quetti L, Sali L, Ottoboni L, Meneri M, Ratti A, Verde F, Ticozzi N, Comi GP, Corti S, Abati E. Shaping the Neurovascular Unit Exploiting Human Brain Organoids. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6642-6657. [PMID: 38334812 PMCID: PMC11338975 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03998-9] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids, three-dimensional cell structures derived from pluripotent stem cells, closely mimic key aspects of the human brain in vitro, providing a powerful tool for studying neurodevelopment and disease. The neuroectodermal induction protocol employed for brain organoid generation primarily gives rise to the neural cellular component but lacks the vital vascular system, which is crucial for the brain functions by regulating differentiation, migration, and circuit formation, as well as delivering oxygen and nutrients. Many neurological diseases are caused by dysfunctions of cerebral microcirculation, making vascularization of human brain organoids an important tool for pathogenetic and translational research. Experimentally, the creation of vascularized brain organoids has primarily focused on the fusion of vascular and brain organoids, on organoid transplantation in vivo, and on the use of microfluidic devices to replicate the intricate microenvironment of the human brain in vitro. This review summarizes these efforts and highlights the importance of studying the neurovascular unit in a forward-looking perspective of leveraging their use for understanding and treating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Rizzuti
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Melzi
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Brambilla
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Quetti
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Sali
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Ottoboni
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Abati
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Soria-Contreras DC, Liu J, Lawn RB, Wang S, Purdue-Smithe A, Grodstein F, Oken E, Chavarro JE. Lifetime History of Low Birth Weight Delivery and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Parous Women. Neurology 2024; 103:e209504. [PMID: 38865681 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight (LBW) delivery may reflect vascular or metabolic dysfunction in mothers and presage future cognitive impairment and dementia. However, the evidence is currently limited. Our objective was to examine the extent to which a lifetime history of LBW delivery was associated with cognitive function in parous middle-aged women. METHODS We studied participants from the Nurses' Health Study II, an ongoing longitudinal cohort of female nurses enrolled in 1989. In 2009, participants completed a reproductive history questionnaire. Participants who completed at least one of 2 post-traumatic stress disorder questionnaires were invited to participate in a cognition substudy with 2 waves of baseline data collection (2014 or 2018). We restricted the analysis to participants with one valid cognitive assessment who reported ≥1 birth at 18 years and older. We defined LBW delivery history as having delivered offspring with a birth weight <2,500 g (<5.5 lbs) in any pregnancy. The outcome was a single assessment of cognitive function evaluated with the self-administered Cogstate Brief Battery. The battery comprises 4 tasks, which we used to create 2 composite z-scores measuring psychomotor speed/attention and learning/working memory (higher z-scores = better cognitive function). We used multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS The analysis included 15,323 participants with a mean age of 62 (standard deviation: 4.9 years) at cognitive assessment. Among them, 1,224 (8%) had a history of LBW delivery. After adjusting for age at cognitive assessment, race, and ethnicity, participants' education, wave of baseline cognitive assessment, socioeconomic status, and prepregnancy characteristics, women with a history of LBW delivery had lower z-scores in the psychomotor speed/attention (β, -0.06; 95% CI -0.12 to -0.01) and learning/working memory (β, -0.05; 95% CI -0.09 to -0.01) composites than parous women without a history of LBW delivery. We observed a gradient of lower z-scores with an increasing number of LBW deliveries. DISCUSSION History of LBW delivery may be marker of future poorer cognition. If confirmed, our findings support future investigations into the value of early preventive efforts targeting women with a history of LBW delivery to reduce the burden of cognitive impairment in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Soria-Contreras
- From the Departments of Nutrition (D.C.S.-C., S.W., E.O., J.E.C.) and Epidemiology (J.L., R.B.L., J.E.C.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston; Division of Women's Health (A.P.-S.) and Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.E.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (F.G.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine (E.O.), Harvard Medical School, Boston; and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (E.O.), Boston, MA
| | - Jiaxuan Liu
- From the Departments of Nutrition (D.C.S.-C., S.W., E.O., J.E.C.) and Epidemiology (J.L., R.B.L., J.E.C.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston; Division of Women's Health (A.P.-S.) and Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.E.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (F.G.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine (E.O.), Harvard Medical School, Boston; and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (E.O.), Boston, MA
| | - Rebecca B Lawn
- From the Departments of Nutrition (D.C.S.-C., S.W., E.O., J.E.C.) and Epidemiology (J.L., R.B.L., J.E.C.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston; Division of Women's Health (A.P.-S.) and Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.E.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (F.G.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine (E.O.), Harvard Medical School, Boston; and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (E.O.), Boston, MA
| | - Siwen Wang
- From the Departments of Nutrition (D.C.S.-C., S.W., E.O., J.E.C.) and Epidemiology (J.L., R.B.L., J.E.C.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston; Division of Women's Health (A.P.-S.) and Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.E.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (F.G.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine (E.O.), Harvard Medical School, Boston; and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (E.O.), Boston, MA
| | - Alexandra Purdue-Smithe
- From the Departments of Nutrition (D.C.S.-C., S.W., E.O., J.E.C.) and Epidemiology (J.L., R.B.L., J.E.C.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston; Division of Women's Health (A.P.-S.) and Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.E.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (F.G.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine (E.O.), Harvard Medical School, Boston; and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (E.O.), Boston, MA
| | - Francine Grodstein
- From the Departments of Nutrition (D.C.S.-C., S.W., E.O., J.E.C.) and Epidemiology (J.L., R.B.L., J.E.C.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston; Division of Women's Health (A.P.-S.) and Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.E.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (F.G.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine (E.O.), Harvard Medical School, Boston; and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (E.O.), Boston, MA
| | - Emily Oken
- From the Departments of Nutrition (D.C.S.-C., S.W., E.O., J.E.C.) and Epidemiology (J.L., R.B.L., J.E.C.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston; Division of Women's Health (A.P.-S.) and Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.E.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (F.G.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine (E.O.), Harvard Medical School, Boston; and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (E.O.), Boston, MA
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- From the Departments of Nutrition (D.C.S.-C., S.W., E.O., J.E.C.) and Epidemiology (J.L., R.B.L., J.E.C.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston; Division of Women's Health (A.P.-S.) and Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.E.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (F.G.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine (E.O.), Harvard Medical School, Boston; and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (E.O.), Boston, MA
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Ciudin A, Hernández C, Simó-Servat O, Simó R. The usefulness of the retina for identifying people with type 2 diabetes with prodromal stages of dementia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105592. [PMID: 38365136 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. The detection of cognitive impairment is important because this population is at higher risk of experiencing difficulties in the self-management of diabetes. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often remains undiagnosed due to lack of simple tools for screening at large scale. This represents an important gap in the patients' management because subjects with diabetes and MCI are at high risk of progressing to dementia. Due to its developmental origin as a brain-derived tissue, the retina has been proposed as a potential means of non-invasive and readily accessible exploration of brain pathology. Recent evidence showed that retinal imaging and/or functional tests are correlated with the cognitive function and brain changes in T2D. Simple retinal functional tests (i.e. retinal microperimetry) have proven to be useful as reliable tool for the cognitive evaluation and monitoring in patients with T2D>65 years. This review gives an overall update on the usefulness of retinal imaging in identifying patients with T2D at risk of developing dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Ciudin
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Endocrinology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Autonomous University Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain; CIBERDEM (Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernández
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Endocrinology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Autonomous University Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain; CIBERDEM (Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Olga Simó-Servat
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Endocrinology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Autonomous University Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain; CIBERDEM (Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Rafael Simó
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Endocrinology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Autonomous University Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain; CIBERDEM (Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Madrid 28029, Spain.
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Alavi P, Yousef Abdualla R, Brown D, Mojiri A, Nagendran J, Lewis J, Bourque SL, Jahroudi N. Aging Is Associated With Organ-Specific Alterations in the Level and Expression Pattern of von Willebrand Factor. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2183-2196. [PMID: 37732483 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319255] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VWF (von Willebrand factor) is an endothelial-specific procoagulant protein with a major role in thrombosis. Aging is associated with increased circulating levels of VWF, which presents a risk factor for thrombus formation. METHODS Circulating plasma, cellular protein, and mRNA levels of VWF were determined and compared in young and aged mice. Major organs were subjected to immunofluorescence analyses to determine the vascular pattern of VWF expression and the presence of platelet aggregates. An in vitro model of aging, using extended culture time of endothelial cells, was used to explore the mechanism of age-associated increased VWF levels. RESULTS Increased circulating plasma levels of VWF with elevated levels of larger multimers, indicative of VWF functional activity, were observed in aged mice. VWF mRNA and cellular protein levels were significantly increased in the brains, lungs, and livers but not in the kidneys and hearts of aged mice. Higher proportion of small vessels in brains, lungs, and livers of aged mice exhibited VWF expression compared with young, and this was concomitant with increased platelet aggregate formation. Prolonged culture of endothelial cells resulted in increased cell senescence that correlated with increased VWF expression; VWF expression was specifically detected in senescent cultured endothelial cells and abolished in response to p53 knockdown. A significantly higher proportion of VWF expressing endothelial cells in vivo exhibited senescence markers SA-β-Gal (senescence-associated β-galactosidase) and p53 in aged mouse brains compared with that of the young. CONCLUSIONS Aging elicits a heterogenic response in endothelial cells with regard to VWF expression, leading to organ-specific increase in VWF levels and alterations in vascular tree pattern of expression. This is concomitant with increased platelet aggregate formation. The age-associated increase in VWF expression may be modulated through the process of cell senescence, and p53 transcription factor contributes to its regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parnian Alavi
- Departments of Medicine (P.A., R.Y.A., A.M., N.J.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Radya Yousef Abdualla
- Departments of Medicine (P.A., R.Y.A., A.M., N.J.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Douglas Brown
- Oncology (D.B., J.L.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Anahita Mojiri
- Departments of Medicine (P.A., R.Y.A., A.M., N.J.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Now with Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, TX (A.M.)
| | | | - John Lewis
- Oncology (D.B., J.L.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Stephane L Bourque
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (S.L.B.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Nadia Jahroudi
- Departments of Medicine (P.A., R.Y.A., A.M., N.J.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Nicoletti VG, Fisicaro F, Aguglia E, Bella R, Calcagno D, Cantone M, Concerto C, Ferri R, Mineo L, Pennisi G, Ricceri R, Rodolico A, Saitta G, Torrisi G, Lanza G, Pennisi M. Challenging the Pleiotropic Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Geriatric Depression: A Multimodal Case Series Study. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030958. [PMID: 36979937 PMCID: PMC10046045 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the antidepressant potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), the pleiotropic effects in geriatric depression (GD) are poorly investigated. We tested rTMS on depression, cognitive performance, growth/neurotrophic factors, cerebral blood flow (CBF) to transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD), and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) to TMS in GD. METHODS In this case series study, six drug-resistant subjects (median age 68.0 years) underwent MEPs at baseline and after 3 weeks of 10 Hz rTMS on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The percentage change of serum nerve growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, brain-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, and angiogenin was obtained. Assessments were performed at baseline, and at the end of rTMS; psychocognitive tests were also repeated after 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS Chronic cerebrovascular disease was evident in five patients. No adverse/undesirable effect was reported. An improvement in mood was observed after rTMS but not at follow-up. Electrophysiological data to TMS remained unchanged, except for an increase in the right median MEP amplitude. TCD and neurotrophic/growth factors did not change. CONCLUSIONS We were unable to detect a relevant impact of high-frequency rTMS on mood, cognition, cortical microcircuits, neurotrophic/growth factors, and CBF. Cerebrovascular disease and exposure to multiple pharmacological treatments might have contributed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo G Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Fisicaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Damiano Calcagno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mariagiovanna Cantone
- Neurology Unit, Policlinico University Hospital "G. Rodolico-San Marco", 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmen Concerto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Ludovico Mineo
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pennisi
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ricceri
- Stroke Unit, Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rodolico
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Saitta
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Torrisi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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The Vitamin D Receptor as a Potential Target for the Treatment of Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases Such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: A Narrative Review. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040660. [PMID: 36831327 PMCID: PMC9954016 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The vitamin D receptor (VDR) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. The VDR is expressed in diverse brain regions and has been implicated in the neuroprotective, antiaging, prosurvival, and anti-inflammatory action of vitamin D. Accordingly, a relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases has been suggested. However, due to the multitargeted mechanisms of vitamin D and its often overlapping genomic and nongenomic effects, the role of the VDR in brain pathologies remains obscure. In this narrative review, we present progress in deciphering the molecular mechanism of nuclear VDR-mediated vitamin D effects on prosurvival and anti-inflammatory signaling pathway activity within the central nervous system. In line with the concept of the neurovascular unit in pathomechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, a discussion of the role of the VDR in regulating the immune and vascular brain systems is also included. Next, we discuss the results of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the significance of vitamin D status and the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, emphasizing the possible role of the VDR in these phenomena. Finally, the associations of some VDR polymorphisms with higher risks and severity of these neurodegenerative disorders are briefly summarized.
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Chuanfen L, Xiaoling W, Wen J, Bingzhen C, Min W. HtrA1L364P leads to cognitive dysfunction and vascular destruction through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in CARASIL model mice. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2691. [PMID: 35841197 PMCID: PMC9392535 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) is a life-threatening, inherited, nonhypertensive arteriole disease of the brain. Therapeutic strategy for CARASIL is limited because its pathogenesis is not clear. We previously reported the first family with CARASIL in China, which involves a high-temperature requirement serine protease gene mutation (HtrA1L364P ). Based on this previous study, we constructed a CARASIL mouse model (Mut-hHtrA1L364P mouse, hereinafter referred to as Mut). This paper aimed to systematically study the behavior, pathology, and molecular biology of Mut mice and explore the pathogenesis and possible therapeutic strategies of CARASIL. METHODS Food maze and water maze experiments were used in the behavioral studies. Pathological studies were carried out by arteriole labeling staining and electron microscopy. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the key factors of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway (TGF-β, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4) in the brain of the model mice were detected by immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot assay. RESULTS The food maze and water maze experiment data showed significant differences between the Mut and wild-type (WT) mice in the first time to find food, the time to contact the escape table for the first time, and the number of times to travel in the escape table quadrant (p < 0.001). The results of vascular labeling staining showed that some small arteries in the brain of Mut mice lost normal structure. The results of electron microscopy showed that the cell morphologies in the cortex and hippocampus of Mut mice were abnormal; the number of synapses was reduced; the walls of capillaries, venules, and arterioles thickened; lumen stenosis and other abnormal phenomenon occurred; and lipofuscin deposition and autophagosomes were found in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and Western Blot results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-β, Smad2, and Smad3 in the brain of Mut mice increased to different degrees. CONCLUSIONS The most significant innovation of this study is the first study on the pathogenesis of CARASIL disease using model animals. The Mut mice can well simulate the pathogenesis of CARASIL in behavioral and pathological aspects. The TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, which is involved in the pathogenesis of CARASIL, is abnormally upregulated in the brain of Mut mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chuanfen
- Shandong Normal University, College of Physical Education Sports Human Science LaboratoryJinanShandongChina
| | - Wang Xiaoling
- Neurology DepartmentPLA 960th HospitalJinanShandongChina
| | - Jing Wen
- Shandong Normal University, College of Physical Education Sports Human Science LaboratoryJinanShandongChina
| | - Cao Bingzhen
- Neurology DepartmentPLA 960th HospitalJinanShandongChina
| | - Wang Min
- Shandong Normal University, College of Physical Education Sports Human Science LaboratoryJinanShandongChina
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Critical Role of Neuronal Vps35 in Blood Vessel Branching and Maturation in Developing Mouse Brain. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071653. [PMID: 35884959 PMCID: PMC9313219 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vps35 (vacuolar protein sorting 35), a key component of retromer, plays a crucial role in selective retrieval of transmembrane proteins from endosomes to trans-Golgi networks. Dysfunctional Vps35/retromer is a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Vps35 is highly expressed in developing pyramidal neurons, both in the mouse neocortex and hippocampus, Although embryonic neuronal Vps35’s function in promoting neuronal terminal differentiation and survival is evident, it remains unclear whether and how neuronal Vps35 communicates with other types of brain cells, such as blood vessels (BVs), which are essential for supplying nutrients to neurons. Dysfunctional BVs contribute to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we provide evidence for embryonic neuronal Vps35 as critical for BV branching and maturation in the developing mouse brain. Selectively knocking out (KO) Vps35 in mouse embryonic, not postnatal, neurons results in reductions in BV branching and density, arteriole diameter, and BV-associated pericytes and microglia but an increase in BV-associated reactive astrocytes. Deletion of microglia by PLX3397 enhances these BV deficits in mutant mice. These results reveal the function of neuronal Vps35 in neurovascular coupling in the developing mouse brain and implicate BV-associated microglia as underlying this event.
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Cader Z. Human Blood-Brain-Barrier In Vitro Models: Overview and Applications. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 273:205-222. [PMID: 34935086 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_562] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The human blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is a vital structure for brain health. Conversely it represents a challenge in drug development programmes that require breaching of the barrier in order to access the central nervous system. Very often brain disorders have early dysfunction of the BBB implicating an important role in pathogenesis and disease progression. The development of human in vitro models is a major advance to allow experimental studies and screening assays, although there remain outstanding questions for the field. In this chapter, the current state of the art will be reviewed, with the complementary innovative approaches to in vitro modelling described, from simple 2D-cultures to more complex multi-cell type micro-physiological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zameel Cader
- Translational Molecular Neuroscience Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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10
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Kajitani GS, Brace L, Trevino-Villarreal JH, Trocha K, MacArthur MR, Vose S, Vargas D, Bronson R, Mitchell SJ, Menck CFM, Mitchell JR. Neurovascular dysfunction and neuroinflammation in a Cockayne syndrome mouse model. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:22710-22731. [PMID: 34628368 PMCID: PMC8544306 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare, autosomal genetic disorder characterized by premature aging-like features, such as cachectic dwarfism, retinal atrophy, and progressive neurodegeneration. The molecular defect in CS lies in genes associated with the transcription-coupled branch of the nucleotide excision DNA repair (NER) pathway, though it is not yet clear how DNA repair deficiency leads to the multiorgan dysfunction symptoms of CS. In this work, we used a mouse model of severe CS with complete loss of NER (Csa-/-/Xpa-/-), which recapitulates several CS-related phenotypes, resulting in premature death of these mice at approximately 20 weeks of age. Although this CS model exhibits a severe progeroid phenotype, we found no evidence of in vitro endothelial cell dysfunction, as assessed by measuring population doubling time, migration capacity, and ICAM-1 expression. Furthermore, aortas from CX mice did not exhibit early senescence nor reduced angiogenesis capacity. Despite these observations, CX mice presented blood brain barrier disruption and increased senescence of brain endothelial cells. This was accompanied by an upregulation of inflammatory markers in the brains of CX mice, such as ICAM-1, TNFα, p-p65, and glial cell activation. Inhibition of neovascularization did not exacerbate neither astro- nor microgliosis, suggesting that the pro-inflammatory phenotype is independent of the neurovascular dysfunction present in CX mice. These findings have implications for the etiology of this disease and could contribute to the study of novel therapeutic targets for treating Cockayne syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Satoru Kajitani
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lear Brace
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Kaspar Trocha
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael Robert MacArthur
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Vose
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dorathy Vargas
- Rodent Histopathology Core, Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Roderick Bronson
- Rodent Histopathology Core, Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sarah Jayne Mitchell
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - James Robert Mitchell
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Lecordier S, Manrique-Castano D, El Moghrabi Y, ElAli A. Neurovascular Alterations in Vascular Dementia: Emphasis on Risk Factors. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:727590. [PMID: 34566627 PMCID: PMC8461067 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.727590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) constitutes the second most prevalent cause of dementia in the world after Alzheimer’s disease (AD). VaD regroups heterogeneous neurological conditions in which the decline of cognitive functions, including executive functions, is associated with structural and functional alterations in the cerebral vasculature. Among these cerebrovascular disorders, major stroke, and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) constitute the major risk factors for VaD. These conditions alter neurovascular functions leading to blood-brain barrier (BBB) deregulation, neurovascular coupling dysfunction, and inflammation. Accumulation of neurovascular impairments over time underlies the cognitive function decline associated with VaD. Furthermore, several vascular risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes have been shown to exacerbate neurovascular impairments and thus increase VaD prevalence. Importantly, air pollution constitutes an underestimated risk factor that triggers vascular dysfunction via inflammation and oxidative stress. The review summarizes the current knowledge related to the pathological mechanisms linking neurovascular impairments associated with stroke, cSVD, and vascular risk factors with a particular emphasis on air pollution, to VaD etiology and progression. Furthermore, the review discusses the major challenges to fully elucidate the pathobiology of VaD, as well as research directions to outline new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lecordier
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Manrique-Castano
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Yara El Moghrabi
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ayman ElAli
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
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12
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Bandyopadhyay S. Role of Neuron and Glia in Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Vascular Dysfunction. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:653334. [PMID: 34211387 PMCID: PMC8239194 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.653334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloidogenicity and vascular dysfunction are the key players in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), involving dysregulated cellular interactions. An intricate balance between neurons, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes and vascular cells sustains the normal neuronal circuits. Conversely, cerebrovascular diseases overlap neuropathologically with AD, and glial dyshomeostasis promotes AD-associated neurodegenerative cascade. While pathological hallmarks of AD primarily include amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, microvascular disorders, altered cerebral blood flow (CBF), and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability induce neuronal loss and synaptic atrophy. Accordingly, microglia-mediated inflammation and astrogliosis disrupt the homeostasis of the neuro-vascular unit and stimulate infiltration of circulating leukocytes into the brain. Large-scale genetic and epidemiological studies demonstrate a critical role of cellular crosstalk for altered immune response, metabolism, and vasculature in AD. The glia associated genetic risk factors include APOE, TREM2, CD33, PGRN, CR1, and NLRP3, which correlate with the deposition and altered phagocytosis of Aβ. Moreover, aging-dependent downregulation of astrocyte and microglial Aβ-degrading enzymes limits the neurotrophic and neurogenic role of glial cells and inhibits lysosomal degradation and clearance of Aβ. Microglial cells secrete IGF-1, and neurons show a reduced responsiveness to the neurotrophic IGF-1R/IRS-2/PI3K signaling pathway, generating amyloidogenic and vascular dyshomeostasis in AD. Glial signals connect to neural stem cells, and a shift in glial phenotype over the AD trajectory even affects adult neurogenesis and the neurovascular niche. Overall, the current review informs about the interaction of neuronal and glial cell types in AD pathogenesis and its critical association with cerebrovascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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13
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Baik SH, Selvaraji S, Fann DY, Poh L, Jo DG, Herr DR, Zhang SR, Kim HA, Silva MD, Lai MK, Chen CLH, Drummond GR, Lim KL, Sobey CG, Arumugam TV. Hippocampal transcriptome profiling reveals common disease pathways in chronic hypoperfusion and aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:14651-14674. [PMID: 34074801 PMCID: PMC8221317 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a progressive cognitive impairment of vascular etiology. VaD is characterized by cerebral hypoperfusion, increased blood-brain barrier permeability and white matter lesions. An increased burden of VaD is expected in rapidly aging populations. The hippocampus is particularly susceptible to hypoperfusion, and the resulting memory impairment may play a crucial role in VaD. Here we have investigated the hippocampal gene expression profile of young and old mice subjected to cerebral hypoperfusion by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS). Our data in sham-operated young and aged mice reveal an age-associated decline in cerebral blood flow and differential gene expression. In fact, BCAS and aging caused broadly similar effects. However, BCAS-induced changes in hippocampal gene expression differed between young and aged mice. Specifically, transcriptomic analysis indicated that in comparison to young sham mice, many pathways altered by BCAS in young mice resembled those already present in sham aged mice. Over 30 days, BCAS in aged mice had minimal effect on either cerebral blood flow or hippocampal gene expression. Immunoblot analyses confirmed these findings. Finally, relative to young sham mice the cell type-specific profile of genes in both young BCAS and old sham animals further revealed common cell-specific genes. Our data provide a genetic-based molecular framework for hypoperfusion-induced hippocampal damage and reveal common cellular signaling pathways likely to be important in the pathophysiology of VaD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Ha Baik
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sharmelee Selvaraji
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore
| | - David Y. Fann
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Luting Poh
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dong-Gyu Jo
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Deron R. Herr
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Shenpeng R. Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Hyun Ah Kim
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael De Silva
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Mitchell K.P. Lai
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher Li-Hsian Chen
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grant R. Drummond
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Kah-Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Christopher G. Sobey
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Thiruma V. Arumugam
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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14
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Callahan CM, Apostolova LG, Gao S, Risacher SL, Case J, Saykin AJ, Lane KA, Swinford CG, Yoder MC. Novel Markers of Angiogenesis in the Setting of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 75:959-969. [PMID: 32390626 DOI: 10.3233/jad-191293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant angiogenesis may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between angiogenesis activity and evidence of neurodegeneration among older adults. METHODS Cross-sectional study of 49 older adults clinically characterized as cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment, or early Alzheimer's disease. In addition to neuroimaging, we completed assays on peripheral blood, including: vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, fibroblast growth factor, and amyloid-β peptide 40. We used advanced polychromatic flow cytometry to phenotype circulating mononuclear cells to assess angiogenesis activity. RESULTS Although we documented differences in cognitive performance, structural changes on neuroimaging, and burden of amyloid and tau on positron emission tomography, angiogenesis activity did not vary by group. Interestingly, VEGF levels were shown to be increased among subjects with mild cognitive impairment. In ANCOVA models controlling for age, sex, intracranial volume, and monocyte subpopulations, angiogenesis activity was correlated with increased white matter hyperintensities. CONCLUSION We demonstrate a significant association between angiogenesis activity and cerebrovascular disease. To better understand the potential of angiogenesis as an intervention target, longitudinal studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Callahan
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Liana G Apostolova
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sujuan Gao
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Shannon L Risacher
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jamie Case
- Scripps Clinic Bio-Repository and Bio-Informatics Core, Scripps Clinic Medical Group, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew J Saykin
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kathleen A Lane
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Cecily G Swinford
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mervin C Yoder
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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15
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Uemura MT, Maki T, Ihara M, Lee VMY, Trojanowski JQ. Brain Microvascular Pericytes in Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:80. [PMID: 32317958 PMCID: PMC7171590 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are unique, multi-functional mural cells localized at the abluminal side of the perivascular space in microvessels. Originally discovered in 19th century, pericytes had drawn less attention until decades ago mainly due to lack of specific markers. Recently, however, a growing body of evidence has revealed that pericytes play various important roles: development and maintenance of blood–brain barrier (BBB), regulation of the neurovascular system (e.g., vascular stability, vessel formation, cerebral blood flow, etc.), trafficking of inflammatory cells, clearance of toxic waste products from the brain, and acquisition of stem cell-like properties. In the neurovascular unit, pericytes perform these functions through coordinated crosstalk with neighboring cells including endothelial, glial, and neuronal cells. Dysfunction of pericytes contribute to a wide variety of diseases that lead to cognitive impairments such as cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), acute stroke, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and other neurological disorders. For instance, in SVDs, pericyte degeneration leads to microvessel instability and demyelination while in stroke, pericyte constriction after ischemia causes a no-reflow phenomenon in brain capillaries. In AD, which shares some common risk factors with vascular dementia, reduction in pericyte coverage and subsequent microvascular impairments are observed in association with white matter attenuation and contribute to impaired cognition. Pericyte loss causes BBB-breakdown, which stagnates amyloid β clearance and the leakage of neurotoxic molecules into the brain parenchyma. In this review, we first summarize the characteristics of brain microvessel pericytes, and their roles in the central nervous system. Then, we focus on how dysfunctional pericytes contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment including cerebral ‘small vessel’ and ‘large vessel’ diseases, as well as AD. Finally, we discuss therapeutic implications for these disorders by targeting pericytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko T Uemura
- Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,JSPS Overseas Research Fellowship Program, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takakuni Maki
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ihara
- Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Virginia M Y Lee
- Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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16
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Similarity of therapeutic networks induced by a multi-component herbal remedy, Ukgansan, in neurovascular unit cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2658. [PMID: 32060346 PMCID: PMC7021700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59537-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit, which includes neurons, glial cells, and vascular cells, plays crucial roles in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, effective drugs against AD should be able to target the multi-cellular neurovascular unit and the therapeutic relationships among neurovascular cells should be defined. Here, we examined the therapeutic effects of Ukgansan (UGS), an herbal remedy with multi-targeting capabilities, using in vitro neurovascular unit models and an in vivo model of AD. In addition, we compared the therapeutic networks induced by UGS and its components in different neurovascular cell types. We found that UGS and its components protected neurovascular cells against diverse damaging agents and improved the behavioral patterns of AD model mice. A comparison of UGS- or its components-induced therapeutic networks, constructed from high-throughput data on gene expression, pathway activity, and protein phosphorylation, revealed similarities among neurovascular cell types, especially between BV-2 microglia and HBVP (human brain vascular pericytes). These findings, together with the functional connections between neurovascular cells, can explain the therapeutic effects of UGS. Furthermore, they suggest underlying similarities in the therapeutic mechanisms in different neurovascular cell types.
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17
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The genetics of migraine and the path to precision medicine. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 255:403-418. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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18
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Panerai RB, Hanby MF, Robinson TG, Haunton VJ. Alternative representation of neural activation in multivariate models of neurovascular coupling in humans. J Neurophysiol 2019; 122:833-843. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00175.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stimulation leads to increases in cerebral blood flow (CBF), but simultaneous changes in covariates, such as arterial blood pressure (BP) and [Formula: see text], rule out the use of CBF changes as a reliable marker of neurovascular coupling (NVC) integrity. Healthy subjects performed repetitive (1 Hz) passive elbow flexion with their dominant arm for 60 s. CBF velocity (CBFV) was recorded bilaterally in the middle cerebral artery with transcranial Doppler, BP with the Finometer device, and end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) with capnography. The simultaneous effects of neural stimulation, BP, and [Formula: see text] on CBFV were expressed with a dynamic multivariate model, using BP, EtCO2, and stimulation [ s( t)] as inputs. Two versions of s( t) were considered: a gate function [ sG( t)] or an orthogonal decomposition [ sO( t)] function. A separate CBFV step response was extracted from the model for each of the three inputs, providing estimates of dynamic cerebral autoregulation [CA; autoregulation index (ARI)], CO2 reactivity [vasomotor reactivity step response (VMRSR)], and NVC [stimulus step response (STIMSR)]. In 56 subjects, 224 model implementations produced excellent predictive CBFV correlation (median r = 0.995). Model-generated sO( t), for both dominant (DH) and nondominant (NDH) hemispheres, was highly significant during stimulation (<10−5) and was correlated with the CBFV change ( r = 0.73, P = 0.0001). The sO( t) explained a greater fraction of CBFV variance (~50%) than sG( t) (44%, P = 0.002). Most CBFV step responses to the three inputs were physiologically plausible, with better agreement for the CBFV-BP step response yielding ARI values of 7.3 for both DH and NDH for sG( t), and 6.9 and 7.4 for sO( t), respectively. No differences between DH and NDH were observed for VMRSR or STIMSR. A new procedure is proposed to represent the contribution from other aspects of CBF regulation than BP and CO2 in response to sensorimotor stimulation, as a tool for integrated, noninvasive, assessment of the multiple influences of dynamic CA, CO2 reactivity, and NVC in humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A new approach was proposed to identify the separate contributions of stimulation, arterial blood pressure (BP), and arterial CO2 ([Formula: see text]) to the cerebral blood flow (CBF) response observed in neurovascular coupling (NVC) studies in humans. Instead of adopting an empirical gate function to represent the stimulation input, a model-generated function is derived as part of the modeling process, providing a representation of the NVC response, independent of the contributions of BP or [Formula: see text]. This new marker of NVC, together with the model-predicted outputs for the contributions of BP, [Formula: see text] and stimulation, has considerable potential to both quantify and simultaneously integrate the separate mechanisms involved in CBF regulation, namely, cerebral autoregulation, CO2 reactivity and other contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronney B. Panerai
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Martha F. Hanby
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Thompson G. Robinson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria J. Haunton
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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19
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Dewey CW, Davies ES, Xie H, Wakshlag JJ. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2019; 49:477-499. [PMID: 30846383 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is the canine analog of human Alzheimer disease (AD). The pathophysiology of CCD/AD is multifaceted. CCD is common in aged (>8 years) dogs, affecting between 14% and 35% of the pet dog population. Apparent confusion, anxiety, disturbance of the sleep/wake cycle, and decreased interaction with owners are all common clinical signs of CCD. Although there is no cure for CCD, several proven effective therapeutic approaches are available for improving cognitive ability and maintaining a good quality of life; instituting such therapies early in the disease course is likely to have the greatest positive clinical effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis Wells Dewey
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, C4 169 Clinical Programs Center, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Emma S Davies
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, C4 169 Clinical Programs Center, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Huisheng Xie
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, 9700 Highway 318 West, Reddick, FL 32686, USA
| | - Joseph J Wakshlag
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine
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