Hypoxic remodelling of Ca2+ mobilization in type I cortical astrocytes: involvement of ROS and pro-amyloidogenic APP processing

Unraveling the Triad: Hypoxia, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Neurodegenerative Disorders

The mammalian brain's complete dependence on oxygen for ATP production makes it highly susceptible to hypoxia, at high altitudes or in clinical scenarios including anemia or pulmonary disease. Hypoxia plays a crucial role in the development of various brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, a decrease in environmental oxygen levels, such as prolonged stays at high elevations, may have beneficial impacts on the process of ageing and the likelihood of death. Additionally, the utilization of controlled hypoxia exposure could potentially serve as a therapeutic approach for age-related brain diseases. Recent findings indicate that the involvement of HIF-1α and the NLRP3 inflammasome is of significant importance in the development of Alzheimer's disease. HIF-1α serves as a pivotal controller of various cellular reactions to oxygen deprivation, exerting influence on a multitude of physiological mechanisms such as energy metabolism and inflammatory responses. The NLRP3 plays a crucial role in the innate immune system by coordinating the initiation of inflammatory reactions through the assembly of the inflammasome complex. This review examines the information pertaining to the contrasting effects of hypoxia on the brain, highlighting both its positive and deleterious effects and molecular pathways that are involved in mediating these different effects. This study explores potential strategies for therapeutic intervention that focus on restoring cellular balance and reducing neuroinflammation, which are critical aspects in addressing this severe neurodegenerative condition and addresses crucial inquiries that warrant further future investigations.

Mechanisms associated with the dysregulation of mitochondrial function due to lead exposure and possible implications on the development of Alzheimer's disease

Lead (Pb) is a multimedia contaminant with various pathophysiological consequences, including cognitive decline and neural abnormalities. Recent findings have reported an association of Pb toxicity with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a pathological characteristic of AD. According to toxicology reports, Pb promotes mitochondrial oxidative stress by lowering complex III activity in the electron transport chain, boosting reactive oxygen species formation, and reducing the cell's antioxidant defence system. Here, we review recent advances in the role of mitochondria in Pb-induced AD pathology, as well as the mechanisms associated with the mitochondrial dysfunction, such as the depolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening; mitochondrial biogenesis, bioenergetics and mitochondrial dynamics alterations; and mitophagy and apoptosis. We also discuss possible therapeutic options for mitochondrial-targeted neurodegenerative disease (AD).

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) Pathways in Age-Related Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Age-associated cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases lead to high morbidity and mortality around the world. Sirtuins are vital enzymes for metabolic adaptation and provide protective effects against a wide spectrum of pathologies. Among sirtuins, mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is an essential player in preserving the habitual metabolic profile. SIRT3 activity declines as a result of aging-induced changes in cellular metabolism, leading to increased susceptibility to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases. Stimulating SIRT3 activity via lifestyle, pharmacological or genetic interventions could protect against a plethora of pathologies and could improve health and lifespan. Thus, understanding how SIRT3 operates and how its protective effects could be amplified, will aid in treating age-associated diseases and ultimately, in enhancing the quality of life in elders.

SIRT3 activator Honokiol attenuates β-Amyloid by modulating amyloidogenic pathway

Honokiol (poly-phenolic lignan from Magnolia grandiflora) is a Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) activator which exhibit antioxidant activity and augment mitochondrial functions in several experimental models. Modern evidence suggests the critical role of SIRT3 in the progression of several metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Amyloid beta (Aβ), the precursor to extracellular senile plaques, accumulates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is related to the development of cognitive impairment and neuronal cell death. Aβ is generated from amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) through sequential cleavages, first by β-secretase and then by γ-secretase. Drugs modulating this pathway are believed to be one of the most promising strategies for AD treatment. In the present study, we found that Honokiol significantly enhanced SIRT3 expression, reduced reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation, enhanced antioxidant activities, and mitochondrial function thereby reducing Aβ and sAPPβ levels in Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cells (carrying the amyloid precursor protein-APP and Presenilin PS1 mutation). Mechanistic studies revealed that Honokiol affects neither protein levels of APP nor α-secretase activity. In contrast, Honokiol increased the expression of AMPK, CREB, and PGC-1α, thereby inhibiting β-secretase activity leading to reduced Aβ levels. These results suggest that Honokiol is an activator of SIRT3 capable of improving antioxidant activity, mitochondrial energy regulation, while decreasing Aβ, thereby indicating it to be a lead compound for AD drug development.

Acute and Chronic Sustained Hypoxia Do Not Substantially Regulate Amyloid-β Peptide Generation In Vivo

Background

Recent epidemiological evidence has linked hypoxia with the development of Alzheimer disease (AD). A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that hypoxia can induce amyloid-β peptide accumulation through various molecular mechanisms including the up-regulation of the amyloid-β precursor protein, the β-secretase Bace1, or the γγ-secretase complex components, as well as the down-regulation of Aβ-degrading enzymes.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of acute and chronic sustained hypoxia in Aβ generation in vivo.

Methods

2–3 month-old C57/Bl6J wild-type mice were exposed to either normoxia (21% O₂) or hypoxia (9% O₂) for either 4 to 72 h (acute) or 21–30 days (chronic sustained) in a hermetic chamber. Brain mRNA levels of Aβ-related genes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, whereas levels of Bace1 protein, full length AβPP, and its C-terminal fragments (C99/C88 ratio) were measured by Western blot. In addition, 8 and 14-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice were subjected to 9% O₂ for 21 days and levels of Aβ₄₀, Aβ₄₂, full length AβPP, and soluble AβPPα (sAβPPα) were measured by ELISA or WB.

Results

Hypoxia (either acute or chronic sustained) did not impact the transcription of any of the Aβ-related genes in young wild-type mice. A significant reduction of Bace1 protein level was noted with acute hypoxia for 16 h but did not correlate with an increased level of full length AβPP or a decreased C99/C83 ratio. Chronic sustained hypoxia did not significantly alter the levels of Bace1, full length AβPP or the C99/C83 ratio. Last, chronic sustained hypoxia did not significantly change the levels of Aβ₄₀, Aβ₄₂, full length AβPP, or sAβPPα in either young or aged APP/PS1 mice.

Discussion

Our results argue against a hypoxia-induced shift of AβPP proteolysis from the non-amyloidogenic to the amyloidogenic pathways. We discuss the possible methodological caveats of previous in vivo studies.

Differential involvement of TNF alpha in hypoxic suppression of astrocyte glutamate transporters

Transporter-mediated glutamate uptake is a principal function of astrocytes. Our previous studies have shown that this process is compromised under hypoxic conditions through the NF-kappaB mediated inhibition of expression of the glutamate transporters EAAT-1 and EAAT-2. Here, we demonstrate that identical conditions of hypoxia (1% O(2), 24 h) lead to a dramatic increase in TNFalpha production from astrocytes without altering their viability. This hypoxia-evoked production of TNFalpha was prevented in the presence of any of three mechanistically distinct NF-kappaB inhibitors. Exogenous application of TNFalpha was without effect on EAAT-1 expression as determined by Western blotting, but mimicked the effects of hypoxia to suppress expression of EAAT-2. Furthermore thalidomide, which prevents TNFalpha production, was without effect on hypoxic suppression of EAAT-1 but prevented hypoxic suppression of EAAT-2. These data indicate that regulation of glutamate transporter expression in astrocytes by hypoxia is subtype specific. Regulation of both EAAT-1 and EAAT-2 is mediated by NF-kappaB, and this transcriptional regulator is also required for increased production of TNFalpha. However, while TNFalpha is essential for hypoxic suppression of EAAT-2, hypoxic modulation of EAAT-1 expression is unaffected by this cytokine.

A review of the role of glial cells in understanding retinal disease

Retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity are major causes of visual loss. Although the focus of a great deal of research has been on the aetiology of vascular growth, it is now emerging that anomalies in other retinal cell types, especially glial cells, occur very early in the course of the disease. Glial cells have major roles in every stage of disease, from the earliest subtle variations in neural function, to the development of epi-retinal membranes and tractional detachment. Therefore, having a firm understanding of the function of retinal glia is important in our understanding of retinal disease and is crucial for the development of new treatment strategies.

Hypoxia and Alzheimer's disease

Numerous cardiorespiratory disorders result in persistent systemic hypoxia, or at worst (as a consequence of stroke) deprive the brain of oxygen completely for a period of time. Patients suffering from such conditions are much more susceptible to the development of dementias such as AD (Alzheimer's disease). Until recently, the cellular and molecular basis for the predisposition to AD by systemic hypoxia has been completely unknown. However, emerging evidence suggests that pathological cellular remodelling caused by chronic hypoxia shows striking similarities to those observed in the central nervous system as a consequence of AD. Furthermore, prolonged hypoxia can induce formation of Abetas (amyloid beta peptides), the primary neurotoxic elements of AD, which accumulate over years to form the extracellular plaques that are the hallmark feature of the disease. Hypoxia can lead to paradoxical increases in mitochondrial ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation upstream of Abeta formation. The downstream consequences of prolonged hypoxia include remodelling of functional expression of voltage-gated calcium channels and disturbance of intracellular calcium homoeostasis via disrupted calcium buffering and inhibition of calcium extrusion mechanisms. These effects can be mimicked by application of exogenous Abeta and, crucially, appear to depend on Abeta formation. Current knowledge supports the concept that prevention of the deleterious effects of hypoxia may prove beneficial in slowing or preventing the onset of AD.

Hypoxia suppresses astrocyte glutamate transport independently of amyloid formation

Sustained hypoxia alters the expression of numerous proteins and predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have previously shown that hypoxia in vitro alters Ca2+ homeostasis in astrocytes and promotes increased production of amyloid beta peptides (Abeta) of AD. Indeed, alteration of Ca2+ homeostasis requires amyloid formation. Here, we show that electrogenic glutamate uptake by astrocytes is suppressed by hypoxia (1% O2, 24h) in a manner that is independent of amyloid beta peptide formation. Thus, hypoxic suppression of glutamate uptake and expression levels of glutamate transporter proteins EAAT1 and EAAT2 were not mimicked by exogenous application of amyloid beta peptide, or by prevention of endogenous amyloid peptide formation (using inhibitors of either beta or gamma secretase). Thus, dysfunction in glutamate homeostasis in hypoxic conditions is independent of Abeta production, but will likely contribute to neuronal damage and death associated with AD following hypoxic events.

Hypoxic remodelling of Ca2+signalling in SH-SY5Y cells: influence of glutathione

Prolonged hypoxia alters various cellular processes, including Ca2+ signalling. As these effects can be prevented by antioxidants, we examined the role of glutathione, the major intracellular redox buffer, in modulation of Ca2+ signalling in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y by hypoxia. Rises of [Ca2+]i evoked by bradykinin, and subsequent capacitative Ca2+ entry, were enhanced by prior hypoxia (1% O2, 24 h) without effect on reduced glutathione levels. Glutathione depletion reversed the effects of chronic hypoxia, but did not affect normoxically cultured cells. Elevation of glutathione levels also prevented the effects of hypoxia, but restored such effects in glutathione-depleted cells. Glutathione is therefore required for hypoxia to modify Ca2+ signalling, but its role is more complex than simple buffering of reactive oxygen species.

Hypoxia suppresses glutamate transport in astrocytes

Glutamate uptake by astrocytes is fundamentally important in the regulation of CNS function. Disruption of uptake can lead to excitotoxicity and is implicated in various neurodegenerative processes as well as a consequence of hypoxic/ischemic events. Here, we investigate the effect of hypoxia on activity and expression of the key glutamate transporters excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) [GLAST (glutamate-aspartate transporter)] and EAAT2 [GLT-1 (glutamate transporter 1)]. Electrogenic, Na+-dependent glutamate uptake was monitored via whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from cortical astrocytes. Under hypoxic conditions (2.5 and 1% O2 exposure for 24 h), glutamate uptake was significantly reduced, and pharmacological separation of uptake transporter subtypes suggested that the EAAT2 subtype was preferentially reduced relative to the EAAT1. This suppression was confirmed at the level of EAAT protein expression (via Western blots) and mRNA levels (via real-time PCR). These effects of hypoxia to inhibit glutamate uptake current and EAAT protein levels were not replicated by desferrioxamine, cobalt, FG0041, or FG4496, agents known to mimic effects of hypoxia mediated via the transcriptional regulator, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Furthermore, the effects of hypoxia were not prevented by topotecan, which prevents HIF accumulation. In stark contrast, inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) with SN50 fully prevented the effects of hypoxia on glutamate uptake and EAAT expression. Our results indicate that prolonged hypoxia can suppress glutamate uptake in astrocytes and that this effect requires activation of NF-kappaB but not of HIF. Suppression of glutamate uptake via this mechanism may be an important contributory factor in hypoxic/ischemic triggered glutamate excitotoxicity.

Notch1 intracellular domain suppresses APP intracellular domain-Tip60-Fe65 complex mediated signaling through physical interaction

The amyloid beta-precursor protein (APP) and the Notch receptor are both type 1 integral transmembrane proteins, and both are cleaved by presenilin-dependent gamma-secretase activity. In this study, we have demonstrated that the Notch intracellular domain (Notch1-IC) suppresses APP-intracellular domain (AICD)-mediated ROS generation and cell death after being processed by gamma secretase. Notch1-IC physically interacts with AICD, Fe65, and Tip60, thereby disrupting the association of the AICD-Fe65-Tip60 trimeric transcription activator complex in AICD signaling. AICD-Fe65-Tip60 mediated reactive oxygen species generation was found to be suppressed by Notch1-IC. Furthermore, AICD-Fe65-Tip60 was shown to mediate cell death in human neuroblastoma cells, and the overexpression of Notch1-IC inhibited cell death induced by AICD-Fe65-Tip60. Collectively, our findings indicate that Notch1-IC plays the role of a negative regulator in AICD signaling via the disruption of the AICD-Fe65-Tip60 trimeric complex.

Physiological roles for amyloid beta peptides

Alzheimer's disease is recognized post mortem by the presence of extracellular senile plaques, made primarily of aggregation of amyloid beta peptide (Abeta). This peptide has consequently been regarded as the principal toxic factor in the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease. As such, intense research effort has been directed at determining its source, activity and fate, primarily with a view to preventing its formation or its biological activity, or promoting its degradation. Clearly, much progress has been made concerning its formation by proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein, and its degradation by enzymes such as neprilysin and insulin degrading enzyme. The activities of Abeta, however, are numerous and yet to be fully elucidated. What is currently emerging from such studies is a diffuse but steadily growing body of data that suggests Abeta has important physiological functions and, further, that it should only be regarded as toxic when its production and degradation are imbalanced. Here, we review these data and suggest that physiological levels of Abeta have important physiological roles, and may even be crucial for neuronal cell survival. Thus, the view of Abeta being a purely toxic peptide requires re-evaluation.

A central role for ROS in the functional remodelling of L-type Ca2+ channels by hypoxia

Periods of prolonged hypoxia are associated clinically with an increased incidence of dementia, the most common form of which is Alzheimer's disease. Here, we review recent studies aimed at providing a cellular basis for this association. Hypoxia promoted an enhanced secretory response of excitable cells via formation of a novel Ca2+ influx pathway associated with the formation of amyloid peptides of Alzheimer's disease. More strikingly, hypoxia potentiated Ca2+ influx specifically through L-type Ca2+ channels in three distinct cellular systems. This effect was post-transcriptional, and evidence suggests it occurred via increased formation of amyloid peptides which alter Ca2+ channel trafficking via a mechanism involving increased production of reactive oxygen species by mitochondria. This action of hypoxia is likely to contribute to dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, which has been proposed as a mechanism of cell death in Alzheimer's disease. We suggest, therefore, that our data provide a cellular basis to account for the known increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease in patients who have suffered prolonged hypoxic episodes.

Amyloid peptides mediate hypoxic increase of L-type Ca2+ channels in central neurones

Prolonged hypoxia, encountered in individuals suffering from various cardiorespiratory diseases, enhances the likelihood of subsequently developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown, as are the mechanisms of neurodegeneration of amyloid beta peptides (AbetaPs), although the latter involves disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis. Here, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that hypoxia increased production of AbetaPs, an effect which was prevented by inhibition of either beta or gamma secretase, the enzymes required for liberation of AbetaP from its precursor protein. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed that hypoxia selectively increased functional expression of L-type Ca2+ channels. This was prevented by inhibition of either beta or gamma secretase, indicating that hypoxic channel up-regulation is dependent upon AbetaP formation. Our results indicate for the first time that hypoxia promotes AbetaP formation in central neurons, and show that this leads to abnormally high selective expression of L-type Ca2+ channels whose blockade has previously been shown to be neuroprotective in AD models. These findings provide a cellular basis for understanding the increased incidence of AD following prolonged hypoxia.

Increased oxidative damage in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in mild cognitive impairment

Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative damage is associated with normal aging and several neurodegenerative diseases. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the phase between normal aging and early dementia, is a common problem in the elderly with many subjects going on to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although increased DNA oxidation is observed in the AD brain, it is unclear when the oxidative damage begins. To determine if DNA oxidation occurs in the brain of subjects with MCI, we quantified multiple oxidized bases in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA isolated from frontal, parietal and temporal lobes and cerebellum of short post-mortem interval autopsies of eight amnestic patients with MCI and six age-matched control subjects using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with selective ion monitoring. We found statistically significant elevations (p < 0.05) of 8-hydroxyguanine, a widely studied biomarker of DNA damage, in MCI nuclear DNA from frontal and temporal lobe and in mitochondrial DNA from the temporal lobe compared with age-matched control subjects. Levels of 8-hydroxyadenine and 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine were significantly elevated in nuclear DNA from all three neocortical regions in MCI. Statistically significant elevations of 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine were also observed in mitochondrial DNA of MCI temporal, frontal and parietal lobes. These results suggest that oxidative damage to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA occurs in the earliest detectable phase of AD and may play a meaningful role in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Determination of hypoxic effect on neprilysin activity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells using a novel HPLC method

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid-beta-peptide (Abeta), which is closely associated with the metabolic balance between Abeta production and clearance activities. Neprilysin is one of the important enzymes to degrade Abeta in the brain and alternation of its activity would contribute to the AD neuropathology. However, measurement of neprilysin activity in neuronal cells, especially the extracellular activity, is very difficult because of its weak activities. In the present study, we established a sensitive method enough to estimate extracellular neprilysin activity of living cell cultivated in a 96-well plate using HPLC-fluorometric system, and investigated the effect of hypoxia, a closely associated event with neurodegenerative diseases, on neprilysin activity of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. We demonstrated that chronic but not acute hypoxia significantly attenuated neprilysin activity without any alterations of neprilysin gene expression. The present study suggests that chronic hypoxia may down-regulate extracellular neprilysin activity of neuronal cells to impair Abeta degradation and associate with the development of amyloid pathology.

Hypoxic Augmentation of Ca2+ Channel Currents Requires a Functional Electron Transport Chain

The incidence of Alzheimer disease is increased following ischemic episodes, and we previously demonstrated that following chronic hypoxia (CH), amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide-mediated increases in voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+) channel activity contribute to the Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis seen in Alzheimer disease. Because in certain cell types mitochondria are responsible for detecting altered O(2) levels we examined the role of mitochondrial oxidant production in the regulation of recombinant Ca(2+) channel alpha(1C) subunits during CH and exposure to Abeta-(1-40). In wild-type (rho(+)) HEK 293 cells expressing recombinant L-type alpha(1C) subunits, Ca(2+) currents were enhanced by prolonged (24 h) exposure to either CH (6% O(2)) or Abeta-(1-40) (50 nm). By contrast the response to CH was absent in rho(0) cells in which the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) was depleted following long term treatment with ethidium bromide or in rho(+) cells cultured in the presence of 1 microm rotenone. CH was mimicked in rho(0) cells by the exogenous production of O2(-.). by xanthine/xanthine oxidase. Furthermore Abeta-(1-40) enhanced currents in rho(0) cells to a degree similar to that seen in cells with an intact ETC. The antioxidants ascorbate (200 microm) and Trolox (500 microm) ablated the effect of CH in rho(+) cells but were without effect on Abeta-(1-40)-mediated augmentation of Ca(2+) current in rho(0) cells. Thus oxidant production in the mitochondrial ETC is a critical factor, acting upstream of amyloid beta peptide production in the up-regulation of Ca(2+) channels in response to CH.