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Lin X, Zhang H, Liu W, Dong X, Sun Y. Methylene Blue-Doped Carbonized Polymer Dots: A Potent Photooxygenation Scavenger Targeting Alzheimer's β-Amyloid. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:44062-44074. [PMID: 37682558 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The abnormal aggregation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) is one of the main pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and thus development of potent scavengers targeting Aβ is considered an effective strategy for AD treatment. Herein, photosensitizer-doped carbonized polymer dots (PS-CPDs) were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method using photosensitizer (PS) and o-phenylenediamine (oPD) as precursors, and furtherly applied to inhibit Aβ aggregation via photooxygenation. The inhibition efficiency of such PS-CPDs can be adjusted by varying the type of photosensitizer, and among them, methylene blue-doped carbonized polymer dots (MB-CPDs) showed the strongest photooxygenation inhibition capability. The results demonstrated that under 650 nm NIR light irradiation, MB-CPDs (2 μg/mL) produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) to efficiently inhibit Aβ fibrillization and disaggregate mature Aβ fibrils and increased the cultured cell viability from 50% to 83%. In vivo studies confirmed that MB-CPDs extended the lifespan of AD nematodes by 4 days. Notably, the inhibitory capability of MB-CPDs is much stronger than that of MB and previously reported carbonized polymer dots. This work indicated that potent photooxygenation carbon dots can be obtained by using a photosensitizer as one of the precursors, and the results have provided new insights into the design of potent photooxygenation carbon nanomaterials targeting Aβ in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoding Lin
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
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Sawmiller D, Koyama N, Fujiwara M, Segawa T, Maeda M, Mori T. Targeting apolipoprotein E and N-terminal amyloid β-protein precursor interaction improves cognition and reduces amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's mice. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104846. [PMID: 37211092 PMCID: PMC10331488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104846] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) interaction with amyloid β-protein precursor (APP) has garnered attention as the therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Having discovered the apoE antagonist (6KApoEp) that blocks apoE binding to N-terminal APP, we tested the therapeutic potential of 6KApoEp on AD-relevant phenotypes in amyloid β-protein precursor/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mice that express each human apoE isoform of apoE2, apoE3, or apoE4 (designated APP/PS1/E2, APP/PS1/E3, or APP/PS1/E4 mice). At 12 months of age, we intraperitoneally administered 6KApoEp (250 μg/kg) or vehicle once daily for 3 months. At 15 months of age, blockage of apoE and N-terminal APP interaction by 6KApoEp treatment improved cognitive impairment in most tests of learning and memory, including novel object recognition and maze tasks in APP/PS1/E2, APP/PS1/E3, and APP/PS1/E4 mice versus each vehicle-treated mouse line and did not alter behavior in nontransgenic littermates. Moreover, 6KApoEp therapy ameliorated brain parenchymal and cerebral vascular β-amyloid deposits and decreased abundance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in APP/PS1/E2, APP/PS1/E3, and APP/PS1/E4 mice versus each vehicle-treated mouse group. Notably, the highest effect in Aβ-lowering by 6KApoEp treatment was observed in APP/PS1/E4 mice versus APP/PS1/E2 or APP/PS1/E3 mice. These effects occured through shifting toward lessened amyloidogenic APP processing due to decreasing APP abundance at the plasma membrane, reducing APP transcription, and inhibiting p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Our findings provide the preclinical evidence that 6KApoEp therapy aimed at targeting apoE and N-terminal APP interaction is a promising strategy and may be suitable for patients with AD carrying the apoE4 isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell Sawmiller
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.
| | - Naoki Koyama
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Saitama Medical Center and University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masakazu Fujiwara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Saitama Medical Center and University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Segawa
- Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co, Ltd, Fujioka, Gunma, Japan
| | - Masahiro Maeda
- Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co, Ltd, Fujioka, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takashi Mori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Saitama Medical Center and University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan; Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical Center and University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan.
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Shim KH, Sharma N, An SSA. Prion therapeutics: Lessons from the past. Prion 2022; 16:265-294. [PMID: 36515657 PMCID: PMC9754114 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2022.2153551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of incurable zoonotic neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) in humans and other animals caused by the prion proteins. The abnormal folding and aggregation of the soluble cellular prion proteins (PrPC) into scrapie isoform (PrPSc) in the Central nervous system (CNS) resulted in brain damage and other neurological symptoms. Different therapeutic approaches, including stalling PrPC to PrPSc conversion, increasing PrPSc removal, and PrPC stabilization, for which a spectrum of compounds, ranging from organic compounds to antibodies, have been explored. Additionally, a non-PrP targeted drug strategy using serpin inhibitors has been discussed. Despite numerous scaffolds being screened for anti-prion activity in vitro, only a few were effective in vivo and unfortunately, almost none of them proved effective in the clinical studies, most likely due to toxicity and lack of permeability. Recently, encouraging results from a prion-protein monoclonal antibody, PRN100, were presented in the first human trial on CJD patients, which gives a hope for better future for the discovery of other new molecules to treat prion diseases. In this comprehensive review, we have re-visited the history and discussed various classes of anti-prion agents, their structure, mode of action, and toxicity. Understanding pathogenesis would be vital for developing future treatments for prion diseases. Based on the outcomes of existing therapies, new anti-prion agents could be identified/synthesized/designed with reduced toxicity and increased bioavailability, which could probably be effective in treating prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Hwan Shim
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Niti Sharma
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Seong Soo A An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
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Onder S, Biberoglu K, Yuksel M, Tacal O. Toluidine blue O attenuates tau phosphorylation in N2a-APPSwe cells. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 366:110126. [PMID: 36027949 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by extracellular amyloid plaques composed of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), intracellular neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein and neuronal loss. Most of the FDA-approved AD drugs currently on the market are cholinesterase inhibitors, which are only effective in relieving the symptoms of AD. However, recent studies in AD drug discovery focus on multi-targeted strategies, including anti-amyloid and anti-tau therapy. In the current study, we have investigated the effects of toluidine blue O (TBO), a cholinesterase inhibitor, on amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, tau phosphorylation, and tau kinases/phosphatase in N2a mouse neuroblastoma cells stably expressing the Swedish mutation of human APP695 (N2a-APPSwe). The results demonstrated that TBO reduces Aβ40/42 levels by decreasing expression levels of β-secretase 1 (BACE1), presenilin 1 (PS1) and total APP without causing cytotoxic effects in N2a-APPSwe cells. TBO also decreased the levels of both total tau and phosphorylated tau at residues Ser202/Thr205, Thr181, Ser396 and Ser 396/Ser404. Moreover, when the possible mechanisms underlying its effects on tau pathology were explored, TBO was found to decrease tau phosphorylation at those sites by reducing the expression levels of Akt, GSK-3β, Cdk5, inactive p-PP2A and increasing the expression levels of p-Akt Ser473 and inactive p-GSK-3β Ser9. Our new data support the idea that TBO may be a promising multi-target drug candidate for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Onder
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Kevser Biberoglu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Melike Yuksel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33613, USA
| | - Ozden Tacal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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Biberoglu K, Yuksel M, Onder S, Tacal O. Effects of toluidine blue O and methylene blue on growth and viability of pancreatic cancer cells. Drug Dev Res 2022; 83:900-909. [PMID: 35092039 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid precursor-like protein-2 (APLP2) and its C-terminal fragments (CTFs) are expressed at high levels in pancreatic cancer cells and knockdown of APLP2 expression inhibits tumor growth. CTFs are released from APLP2 by beta-secretase (BACE). In this study, our goal was to determine whether methylene blue (MethB) and toluidine blue O (TBO) could be used to slow down the growth and viability of pancreatic cancer cells (Hs 766T). We found that TBO and MethB decreased the growth and viability of Hs 766T cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared to vehicle-treated control, as demonstrated by MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays. Although TBO led to decreased expression of APLP2, MethB did not show any significant effect on APLP2. However, both MethB and TBO reduced BACE activity and the levels of APLP2 CTFs in Hs 766T cells. In conclusion, MethB and TBO may be valuable candidates for the treatment of pancreatic cancer by targeting APLP2 processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevser Biberoglu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Melike Yuksel
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seda Onder
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozden Tacal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Berrocal M, Mata AM. The Plasma Membrane Ca 2+-ATPase, a Molecular Target for Tau-induced Cytosolic Calcium Dysregulation. Neuroscience 2022; 518:112-118. [PMID: 35469971 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is emerging as a prevalent feature of aging and aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of tauopathy. This disease is characterized by the combined presence of extracellular neuritic plaques composed by amyloid β-peptides (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles of tau. The association of calcium dyshomeostasis with Aβ has been extensively studied, however its link with tau has been less investigated. Thus, this review will concentrate on the functional link between tau and the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump (PMCA) and other membrane proteins involved in the regulation of intracellular calcium and/or its association with neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Berrocal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana M Mata
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
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Xue H, Thaivalappil A, Cao K. The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123379. [PMID: 34943887 PMCID: PMC8699482 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylene blue (MB), as the first fully man-made medicine, has a wide range of clinical applications. Apart from its well-known applications in surgical staining, malaria, and methemoglobinemia, the anti-oxidative properties of MB recently brought new attention to this century-old drug. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been observed in systematic aging that affects many different tissues, including the brain and skin. This leads to increaseding oxidative stress and results in downstream phenotypes under age-related conditions. MB can bypass Complex I/III activity in mitochondria and diminish oxidative stress to some degree. This review summarizes the recent studies on the applications of MB in treating age-related conditions, including neurodegeneration, memory loss, skin aging, and a premature aging disease, progeria.
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Wang YF, Luo Y, Hou GL, He RJ, Zhang HY, Yi YL, Zhang Y, Cui ZQ. Pretreatment with Methylene Blue Protects Against Acute Seizure and Oxidative Stress in a Kainic Acid-Induced Status Epilepticus Model. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e933469. [PMID: 34628461 PMCID: PMC8513497 DOI: 10.12659/msm.933469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential anticonvulsant effect of methylene blue (MB) in a kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE) model. The effects of MB on levels of oxidative stress and glutamate (Glu) also were explored. Material/Methods Sixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 equal-sized groups: (1) controls; (2) KA; (3) MB 0.5 mg/kg+KA; (4) MB 1 mg/kg+KA; and (5) vehicle+KA. The SE model was established by intra-amygdala microinjection of KA. Behavioral observations and simultaneous electroencephalographic records of the seizures in different groups were analyzed to determine the potential anticonvulsant effect of MB. The influences of MB on oxidative stress markers and glutamate were also detected to explore the possible mechanism. Results MB afforded clear protection against KA-induced acute seizure, as measured by the delayed latency of onset of generalized seizures and SE, decreased percentage of SE, and increased survival rate in mice with acute epilepsy. MB markedly increased the latency to first onset of epileptiform activity and decreased the average duration of epileptiform events, as well as the percentage of time during which the epileptiform activity occurred. Administration of MB prevented KA-induced deterioration of oxidative stress markers and Glu. Conclusions MB is protective against acute seizure in SE. This beneficial effect may be at least partially related to its potent antioxidant ability and influence on Glu level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Feng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Reproductive Genetic, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Gao-Lei Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Rui-Jing He
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Hao-Yun Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Yan-Li Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Zhi-Qiang Cui
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei, China (mainland)
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Ye Z, Li X, Zheng D, Pei S, Cheng P, Zhang L, Zhu L. Intravitreally Injected Methylene Blue Protects Retina against Acute Ocular Hypertension in Rats. Curr Eye Res 2021; 47:91-101. [PMID: 34165383 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2021.1948062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the neuroprotective effects of methylene blue (MB) in a rat model of acute ocular hypertension (AOH) and explore its possible mechanisms.Methods: Our AOH rat model was obtained with anterior chamber perfusion for 60 min. After that, 100 μM MB was injected into the vitreous cavity immediately after injury. Electroretinogram, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retina morphology examination were utilized to quantify retinal damage before surgery, as well as 7, 14 and 28 days after. The average number of surviving retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was counted after fluorescent retrograde labelling with 4% DiI. And TUNEL assay was used to investigate retinal cell apoptosis at 24 hours after AOH. Nrf2 and BACE1 in the retina were determined by RT-qPCR analysis.Results: AOH did produce a severe degeneration effect on the whole retinal layer. Intravitreally injected MB maintained certain retinal thickness after AOH, reduced the destruction of electroretinograms, and enhanced RGCs survival. The average number of TUNEL-labelled cells statistically reduced in the MB-treated retina tissue compared with retina treated with normal saline. The relative mRNA level of Nrf2 was also much higher in the MB-treated retinas after AOH, and the expression of BACE1 had a decline in the AOH + MB group.Conclusions: MB can protect the retina from AOH injury and the possible mechanism might involve the inhibition of BACE1 expression and the activation of Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Ye
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Henan Provincial People's Hospital and People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dongliang Zheng
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuaili Pei
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pei Cheng
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lishu Zhang
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Cheng Q, Chen X, Ma J, Jiang X, Chen J, Zhang M, Wu Y, Zhang W, Chen C. Effect of Methylene Blue on White Matter Injury after Ischemic Stroke. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6632411. [PMID: 33603949 PMCID: PMC7872771 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6632411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Methylene blue, the FDA-grandfathered drug was proved to be neuroprotective in ischemic stroke in rat. However, the mechanism of the protective effect was unknown. In this study, we used different animal models to investigate the effect of MB administration given within and beyond the therapeutic time window on behavioral deficits and infarct volume and related mechanism about the white matter protection. Middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO) and photothrombotic middle cerebral artery occlusion (PT-MCAO) models were used. Behavioral deficits and infarct volume were measured by foot fault test, Garcia neurological score, and TTC staining. Black gold staining and western blot were used to evaluate the brain white matter injury. We found that intraperitoneal administration of MB immediately or 24 h after the MCAO or PT-MCAO surgery reduced infarct volume, improved the neurological deficits, and reduced the white matter injury via myelin basic protein (BMP) protection. These findings suggested that MB relieved the white matter injury besides neuronal protection and has potential therapeutic effects on ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quancheng Cheng
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuhao Chen
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiayi Ma
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xingyuan Jiang
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiahui Chen
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengqin Zhang
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yejun Wu
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Weiguang Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chunhua Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
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Vegh C, Stokes K, Ma D, Wear D, Cohen J, Ray SD, Pandey S. A Bird's-Eye View of the Multiple Biochemical Mechanisms that Propel Pathology of Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Advances and Mechanistic Perspectives on How to Halt the Disease Progression Targeting Multiple Pathways. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 69:631-649. [PMID: 31127770 PMCID: PMC6598003 DOI: 10.3233/jad-181230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurons consume the highest amount of oxygen, depend on oxidative metabolism for energy, and survive for the lifetime of an individual. Therefore, neurons are vulnerable to death caused by oxidative-stress, accumulation of damaged and dysfunctional proteins and organelles. There is an exponential increase in the number of patients diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD) as the number of elderly increases exponentially. Development of AD pathology is a complex phenomenon characterized by neuronal death, accumulation of extracellular amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and most importantly loss of memory and cognition. These pathologies are most likely caused by mechanisms including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction/stress, accumulation of misfolded proteins, and defective organelles due to impaired proteasome and autophagy mechanisms. Currently, there are no effective treatments to halt the progression of this disease. In order to treat this complex disease with multiple biochemical pathways involved, a complex treatment regimen targeting different mechanisms should be investigated. Furthermore, as AD is a progressive disease-causing morbidity over many years, any chemo-modulator for treatment must be used over long period of time. Therefore, treatments must be safe and non-interfering with other processes. Ideally, a treatment like medicinal food or a supplement that can be taken regularly without any side effect capable of reducing oxidative stress, stabilizing mitochondria, activating autophagy or proteasome, and increasing energy levels of neurons would be the best solution. This review summarizes progress in research on different mechanisms of AD development and some of the potential therapeutic development strategies targeting the aforementioned pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Vegh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyle Stokes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dennis Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darcy Wear
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jerome Cohen
- Department of Psychology University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sidhartha D Ray
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Touro College of Pharmacy and School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Siyaram Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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Mori T, Koyama N, Yokoo T, Segawa T, Maeda M, Sawmiller D, Tan J, Town T. Gallic acid is a dual α/β-secretase modulator that reverses cognitive impairment and remediates pathology in Alzheimer mice. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:16251-16266. [PMID: 32913125 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Several plant-derived compounds have demonstrated efficacy in pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) rodent models. Each of these compounds share a gallic acid (GA) moiety, and initial assays on this isolated molecule indicated that it might be responsible for the therapeutic benefits observed. To test this hypothesis in a more physiologically relevant setting, we investigated the effect of GA in the mutant human amyloid β-protein precursor/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) transgenic AD mouse model. Beginning at 12 months, we orally administered GA (20 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily for 6 months to APP/PS1 mice that have accelerated Alzheimer-like pathology. At 18 months of age, GA therapy reversed impaired learning and memory as compared with vehicle, and did not alter behavior in nontransgenic littermates. GA-treated APP/PS1 mice had mitigated cerebral amyloidosis, including brain parenchymal and cerebral vascular β-amyloid deposits, and decreased cerebral amyloid β-proteins. Beneficial effects co-occurred with reduced amyloidogenic and elevated nonamyloidogenic APP processing. Furthermore, brain inflammation, gliosis, and oxidative stress were alleviated. We show that GA simultaneously elevates α- and reduces β-secretase activity, inhibits neuroinflammation, and stabilizes brain oxidative stress in a pre-clinical mouse model of AD. We further demonstrate that GA increases abundance of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10, Adam10) proprotein convertase furin and activates ADAM10, directly inhibits β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1, Bace1) activity but does not alter Adam10 or Bace1 transcription. Thus, our data reveal novel post-translational mechanisms for GA. We suggest further examination of GA supplementation in humans will shed light on the exciting therapeutic potential of this molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Mori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Saitama Medical Center and University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan; Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical Center and University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Naoki Koyama
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Saitama Medical Center and University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Yokoo
- The Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Segawa
- The Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., Fujioka, Gunma, Japan
| | - Masahiro Maeda
- The Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., Fujioka, Gunma, Japan
| | - Darrell Sawmiller
- The Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Center for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsoni College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jun Tan
- The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsoni College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Terrence Town
- The Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Colini Baldeschi A, Vanni S, Zattoni M, Legname G. Novel regulators of PrP C expression as potential therapeutic targets in prion diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:759-776. [PMID: 32631090 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1782384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prion diseases are rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorders. The key molecular event in these disorders is the misfolding of the physiological form of the cellular prion protein, PrPC, leading to the accumulation of a pathological isoform, PrPSc, with unique features. Both isoforms share the same primary sequence, lacking detectable differences in posttranslational modification, a major hurdle for their biochemical or biophysical independent characterization. The mechanism underlying the conversion of PrPC to PrPSc is not completely understood, so finding an effective therapy to cure prion disorders is extremely challenging. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the strategies for decreasing prion replication and throws a spotlight on the relevance of PrPC in the prion accumulation process. EXPERT OPINION PrPC is the key substrate for prion pathology; hence, the most promising therapeutic approach appears to be the targeting of PrPC to block the production of the infectious isoform. The use of RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotide technologies may offer opportunities for treatment because of their success in clinical trials for other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Colini Baldeschi
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Vanni
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS , Meldola, Italy
| | - Marco Zattoni
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
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14
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Yang L, Youngblood H, Wu C, Zhang Q. Mitochondria as a target for neuroprotection: role of methylene blue and photobiomodulation. Transl Neurodegener 2020; 9:19. [PMID: 32475349 PMCID: PMC7262767 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-020-00197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the formation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are important factors contributing to the development of brain disease. Ample evidence suggests mitochondria are a promising target for neuroprotection. Recently, methods targeting mitochondria have been considered as potential approaches for treatment of brain disease through the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative injury. This review will discuss two widely studied approaches for the improvement of brain mitochondrial respiration, methylene blue (MB) and photobiomodulation (PBM). MB is a widely studied drug with potential beneficial effects in animal models of brain disease, as well as limited human studies. Similarly, PBM is a non-invasive treatment that promotes energy production and reduces both oxidative stress and inflammation, and has garnered increasing attention in recent years. MB and PBM have similar beneficial effects on mitochondrial function, oxidative damage, inflammation, and subsequent behavioral symptoms. However, the mechanisms underlying the energy enhancing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of MB and PBM differ. This review will focus on mitochondrial dysfunction in several different brain diseases and the pathological improvements following MB and PBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luodan Yang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Hannah Youngblood
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Chongyun Wu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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15
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Berrocal M, Caballero-Bermejo M, Gutierrez-Merino C, Mata AM. Methylene Blue Blocks and Reverses the Inhibitory Effect of Tau on PMCA Function. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143521. [PMID: 31323781 PMCID: PMC6678728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylene blue (MB) is a synthetic phenothiazine dye that, in the last years, has generated much debate about whether it could be a useful therapeutic drug for tau-related pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanism of action is far from clear. Recently we reported that MB activates the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) in membranes from human and pig tissues and from cells cultures, and that it could protect against inactivation of PMCA by amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). The purpose of the present study is to further examine whether the MB could also modulate the inhibitory effect of tau, another key molecular marker of AD, on PMCA activity. By using kinetic assays in membranes from several tissues and cell cultures, we found that this phenothiazine was able to block and even to completely reverse the inhibitory effect of tau on PMCA. The results of this work point out that MB could mediate the toxic effect of tau related to the deregulation of calcium homeostasis by blocking the impairment of PMCA activity by tau. We then could conclude that MB could interfere with the toxic effects of tau by restoring the function of PMCA pump as a fine tuner of calcium homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Berrocal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Montaña Caballero-Bermejo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Carlos Gutierrez-Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana M Mata
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
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16
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Azure B affects amyloid precursor protein metabolism in PS70 cells. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 299:88-93. [PMID: 30500345 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is characterized by abundant deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide that is the result of sequential cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-secretase and γ-secretase. Several studies have documented that inhibition of Aβ peptide synthesis or facilitating its degradation is one of the attractive therapeutic strategies in AD. Methylene blue (MethB), which has recently been investigated in Phase II clinical trials, is a prominent inhibitor in reducing Aβ oligomers. Herein, we wonder whether the mitigating effects of MethB on amyloid metabolism are related to the activity of its major metabolite, azure B. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of azure B, which is also a cholinesterase inhibitor, on APP processing by using Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human wild-type APP and presenilin 1 (PS70). Azure B significantly decreased the levels of secreted APPα (sAPPα) and Aβ40/42 in culture medium with a dose-dependent manner. A significant decrease was also observed in the levels of intracellular APP without affecting the cell viability. In parallel with the decrease of APP and APP metabolites, the activity of β-secretase 1 (BACE1) was significantly attenuated compared to control. Overall, our results show that azure B has a large contribution for the pharmacological profile of MethB in APP metabolism.
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17
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Mori T, Koyama N, Tan J, Segawa T, Maeda M, Town T. Combined treatment with the phenolics (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and ferulic acid improves cognition and reduces Alzheimer-like pathology in mice. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:2714-2731. [PMID: 30563837 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
"Nutraceuticals" are well-tolerated natural dietary compounds with drug-like properties that make them attractive as Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutics. Combination therapy for AD has garnered attention following a recent National Institute on Aging mandate, but this approach has not yet been fully validated. In this report, we combined the two most promising nutraceuticals with complementary anti-amyloidogenic properties: the plant-derived phenolics (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG, an α-secretase activator) and ferulic acid (FA, a β-secretase modulator). We used transgenic mice expressing mutant human amyloid β-protein precursor and presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) to model cerebral amyloidosis. At 12 months of age, we orally administered EGCG and/or FA (30 mg/kg each) or vehicle once daily for 3 months. At 15 months, combined EGCG-FA treatment reversed cognitive impairment in most tests of learning and memory, including novel object recognition and maze tasks. Moreover, EGCG- and FA-treated APP/PS1 mice exhibited amelioration of brain parenchymal and cerebral vascular β-amyloid deposits and decreased abundance of amyloid β-proteins compared with either EGCG or FA single treatment. Combined treatment elevated nonamyloidogenic soluble APP-α and α-secretase candidate and down-regulated amyloidogenic soluble APP-β, β-C-terminal APP fragment, and β-secretase protein expression, providing evidence for a shift toward nonamyloidogenic APP processing. Additional beneficial co-treatment effects included amelioration of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and synaptotoxicity. Our findings offer preclinical evidence that combined treatment with EGCG and FA is a promising AD therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Mori
- From the Departments of Biomedical Sciences and .,Pathology, Saitama Medical Center and University, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-8550, Japan
| | | | - Jun Tan
- the Rashid Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Silver Child Development Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsoni College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33613
| | - Tatsuya Segawa
- the Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., Fujioka, Gunma 375-0005, Japan, and
| | - Masahiro Maeda
- the Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., Fujioka, Gunma 375-0005, Japan, and
| | - Terrence Town
- the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-2821
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18
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Zhao X, Wang X, Su G, Sun Q, Fu J, Zhang H, Teng J. The effect of early growth response 1 on levels of Amyloid-β 40 peptide in U87MG cells. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:3514-3519. [PMID: 30548663 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A recent study has shown that early growth response 1 (EGR1) plays a critical role in the β-amyloid cascade and tau hypotheses. In addition, evidence has suggested that EGR1 can regulate levels of amyloid-beta peptides, key molecules in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether EGR1 is a deleterious or protective factor in the AD is still controversial. In this present study, we constructed an overexpression plasmid, CMV-EGFP-EGR1-Kanamycin, and transfected it into U87MG cells to investigate the effects of EGR1 expression on amyloid-β (1-40) peptide (Aβ40) levels. U87MG cells transfected by CMV-EGFP-EGR1-Kanamycin and CMV-EGFP-Kanamycin were assigned, respectively, to experimental and control groups. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe transfection efficiencies of the plasmids after 6 hours. EGR1 messenger RNA levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Aβ40 secretion was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of the amyloid precursor protein, beta-secretase enzyme, and presenilin 1 proteins were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The results showed that EGR1 overexpression increased Aβ40 secretion in vitro, possibly through increasing BACE1 expression. Based on these results, EGR1 might be a promising therapeutic target for the AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gang Su
- Department of Neurology, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jitong Fu
- Department of Neurology, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huili Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junfang Teng
- Department of Neurology, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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19
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Alasmari F, Alshammari MA, Alasmari AF, Alanazi WA, Alhazzani K. Neuroinflammatory Cytokines Induce Amyloid Beta Neurotoxicity through Modulating Amyloid Precursor Protein Levels/Metabolism. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3087475. [PMID: 30498753 PMCID: PMC6222241 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3087475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has been observed in association with neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, a positive correlation has been documented between neuroinflammatory cytokine release and the progression of the AD, which suggests these cytokines are involved in AD pathophysiology. A histological hallmark of the AD is the presence of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. Beta-amyloid is generated by the sequential cleavage of beta (β) and gamma (γ) sites in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretase enzymes and its accumulation can result from either a decreased Aβ clearance or increased metabolism of APP. Previous studies reported that neuroinflammatory cytokines reduce the efflux transport of Aβ, leading to elevated Aβ concentrations in the brain. However, less is known about the effects of neuroinflammatory mediators on APP expression and metabolism. In this article, we review the modulatory role of neuroinflammatory cytokines on APP expression and metabolism, including their effects on β- and γ-secretase enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musaad A. Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F. Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael A. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alhazzani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Chen C, Zhou F, Zeng L, Jiang Z, Hu Z. Methylene blue offers neuroprotection after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats through the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:5304-5318. [PMID: 30216439 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation and apoptosis are two key factors contributing to secondary brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In the present study, we explored the neuroprotective role of methylene blue (MB) in ICH rats and studied the potential mechanisms involved. Rats were subjected to local injection of collagenase IV in the striatum or sham surgery. We observed that MB treatment could exert a neuroprotective effect on ICH by promoting neurological scores, decreasing the brain water content, alleviating brain-blood barrier disruption, and improving the histological damages in the perihematomal areas. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the various mechanisms underlying MB's neuroprotective effects linked to inhibited apoptosis and inhibited neuroinflammation. In addition, wortmannin, a selective inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), could reverse the antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of MB, which suggested that the PI3K-Akt pathway played an important role. In conclusion, these data suggested that MB could inhibit apoptosis and ameliorate neuroinflammation after ICH, and its neuroprotective effects might be exerted via the activation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Chen
- Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liuwang Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiping Hu
- Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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21
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Berrocal M, Corbacho I, Gutierrez-Merino C, Mata AM. Methylene blue activates the PMCA activity and cross-interacts with amyloid β-peptide, blocking Aβ-mediated PMCA inhibition. Neuropharmacology 2018; 139:163-172. [PMID: 30003902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The phenothiazine methylene blue (MB) is attracting increasing attention because it seems to have beneficial effects in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among other factors, the presence of neuritic plaques of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregates, neurofibrilar tangles of tau and perturbation of cytosolic Ca2+ are important players of the disease. It has been proposed that MB decreases the formation of neuritic plaques due to Aβ aggregation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect is far from clear. In this work, we show that MB stimulates the Ca2+-ATPase activity of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) in human tissues from AD-affected brain and age-matched controls and also from pig brain and cell cultures. In addition, MB prevents and even blocks the inhibitory effect of Aβ on PMCA activity. Functional analysis with mutants and fluorescence experiments strongly suggest that MB binds to PMCA, at the C-terminal tail, in a site located close to the last transmembrane helix and also that MB binds to the peptide. Besides, Aβ increases PMCA affinity for MB. These results point out a novel molecular basis of MB action on Aβ and PMCA as mediator of its beneficial effect on AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Berrocal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto Universitario de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain.
| | - Isaac Corbacho
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto Universitario de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain.
| | - Carlos Gutierrez-Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto Universitario de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain.
| | - Ana M Mata
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura and Instituto Universitario de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain.
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22
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Tucker D, Lu Y, Zhang Q. From Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection-an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:5137-5153. [PMID: 28840449 PMCID: PMC5826781 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Methylene blue (MB) is a well-established drug with a long history of use, owing to its diverse range of use and its minimal side effect profile. MB has been used classically for the treatment of malaria, methemoglobinemia, and carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as a histological dye. Its role in the mitochondria, however, has elicited much of its renewed interest in recent years. MB can reroute electrons in the mitochondrial electron transfer chain directly from NADH to cytochrome c, increasing the activity of complex IV and effectively promoting mitochondrial activity while mitigating oxidative stress. In addition to its beneficial effect on mitochondrial protection, MB is also known to have robust effects in mitigating neuroinflammation. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a seemingly unifying pathological phenomenon across a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, which thus positions methylene blue as a promising therapeutic. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, MB has shown impressive efficacy in mitigating neurodegeneration and the accompanying behavioral phenotypes in animal models for such conditions as stroke, global cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury. This review summarizes recent work establishing MB as a promising candidate for neuroprotection, with particular emphasis on the contribution of mitochondrial function to neural health. Furthermore, this review will briefly examine the link between MB, neurogenesis, and improved cognition in respect to age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan Tucker
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Prion diseases are associated with the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC), a glycoprotein expressed at the surface of a wide variety of cell types, into a misfolded conformer (the scrapie form of PrP, or PrPSc) that accumulates in brain tissues of affected individuals. PrPSc is a self-catalytic protein assembly capable of recruiting native conformers of PrPC, and causing their rearrangement into new PrPSc molecules. Several previous attempts to identify therapeutic agents against prion diseases have targeted PrPSc, and a number of compounds have shown potent anti-prion effects in experimental models. Unfortunately, so far, none of these molecules has successfully been translated into effective therapies for prion diseases. Moreover, mounting evidence suggests that PrPSc might be a difficult pharmacological target because of its poorly defined structure, heterogeneous composition, and ability to generate different structural conformers (known as prion strains) that can elude pharmacological intervention. In the last decade, a less intuitive strategy to overcome all these problems has emerged: targeting PrPC, the common substrate of any prion strain replication. This alternative approach possesses several technical and theoretical advantages, including the possibility of providing therapeutic effects also for other neurodegenerative disorders, based on recent observations indicating a role for PrPC in delivering neurotoxic signals of different misfolded proteins. Here, we provide an overview of compounds claimed to exert anti-prion effects by directly binding to PrPC, discussing pharmacological properties and therapeutic potentials of each chemical class.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Biggi
- Dulbecco Telethon Laboratory of Prions and Amyloids, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Biasini
- Dulbecco Telethon Laboratory of Prions and Amyloids, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 20156 Milan, Italy.
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Cui ZQ, Li WL, Luo Y, Yang JP, Qu ZZ, Zhao WQ. Methylene Blue Exerts Anticonvulsant and Neuroprotective Effects on Self-Sustaining Status Epilepticus (SSSE) Induced by Prolonged Basolateral Amygdala Stimulation in Wistar Rats. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:161-169. [PMID: 29307885 PMCID: PMC5771162 DOI: 10.12659/msm.907758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to investigate the potential anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of methylene blue (MB) on self-sustaining status epilepticus (SSSE) induced by prolonged basolateral amygdala stimulation (BLA) in Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: (1) the Control group (rats without any treatment); (2) the Sham group (rats received electrode implantation but without electrical stimulation); (3) the SSSE group (rats received electrode implantation and additional electrical stimulation); and (4) the SSSE+MB group (rats received 1 mg/kg MB intraperitoneal injection 5 min after SSSE). SSSE models were established by prolonged BLA stimulation. The severities of SSSE were assessed by the number of separate seizures and the accumulated time of seizures. The variations of malondialdehyde/glutathione (MDA/GSH) were assessed 24 h after the establishment of SSSE. Nissl staining was performed to detect the surviving neurons in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, and Western blotting assays were used to detect Caspase-3 (CASP3), B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), and BCL2-associated X protein (BAX). RESULTS Compared with the SSSE group, treatment with MB (1) markedly reduced the number and accumulated time of seizure activities; (2) significantly attenuated the increase of MDA and the decrease of GSH hippocampal levels; (3) markedly improved the cell morphology and alleviated the neuronal loss in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions; (4) significantly attenuated the increase of CASP3 and BAX and the decrease of BCL2 hippocampal levels. CONCLUSIONS MB has a protective effect in the SSSE model and may be useful as an adjuvant for preventing or treating epilepsy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-qiang Cui
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Wen-ling Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Reproductive Genetic, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Ji-peng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Zhen-zhen Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Wen-qing Zhao
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
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Huang L, Lu J, Cerqueira B, Liu Y, Jiang Z, Duong TQ. Chronic oral methylene blue treatment in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Brain Res 2017; 1678:322-329. [PMID: 29108817 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A single acute low-dose methylene blue (MB), an FDA-grandfathered drug, has been shown to ameliorate behavioral deficits and reduces MRI-defined infarct volume in experimental ischemic stroke when administered intravenously or intraperitoneally. The efficacy of chronic MB treatment in ischemic stroke remains unknown. In a randomized, double-blinded and vehicle-controlled design, we investigated the efficacy of chronic oral MB administration in ischemic stroke longitudinally up to 60 days post injury using MRI and behavioral tests, with end-point histology. The major findings were chronic oral MB treatment, compared to vehicle, i) improves functional behavioral outcomes starting on day 7 and up to 60 days, ii) reduces MRI-defined total lesion volumes from day 14 and up to 60 days where some initial abnormal MRI-defined core and perfusion-diffusion mismatch were salvaged, iii) reduces white-matter damage, iv) gray matter and white matter damages are consistent with Nissl stains and Black Gold stain histology. These findings provide further evidence that long-term oral administration of low-dose MB is safe and has positive therapeutic effects in chronic ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Radiology and Preclinical Imaging Center, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Jianfei Lu
- Radiology and Preclinical Imaging Center, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Bianca Cerqueira
- Radiology and Preclinical Imaging Center, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Yichu Liu
- Radiology and Preclinical Imaging Center, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Zhao Jiang
- Radiology and Preclinical Imaging Center, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Timothy Q Duong
- Radiology and Preclinical Imaging Center, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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Yuksel M, Biberoglu K, Onder S, Akbulut KG, Tacal O. Effects of phenothiazine-structured compounds on APP processing in Alzheimer's disease cellular model. Biochimie 2017; 138:82-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Mori T, Koyama N, Tan J, Segawa T, Maeda M, Town T. Combination therapy with octyl gallate and ferulic acid improves cognition and neurodegeneration in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:11310-11325. [PMID: 28512130 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.762658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, there is no effective Alzheimer's disease (AD)-modifying therapy. Nonetheless, combination therapy holds promise, and nutraceuticals (natural dietary compounds with therapeutic properties) and their synthetic derivatives are well-tolerated candidates. We tested whether combination therapy with octyl gallate (OG) and ferulic acid (FA) improves cognition and mitigates AD-like pathology in the presenilin-amyloid β-protein precursor (PSAPP) transgenic mouse model of cerebral amyloidosis. One-year-old mice with established β-amyloid plaques received daily doses of OG and FA alone or in combination for 3 months. PSAPP mice receiving combination therapy had statistically significant improved cognitive function versus OG or FA single treatment on some (but not all) measures. We also observed additional statistically significant reductions in brain parenchymal and cerebral vascular β-amyloid deposits as well as brain amyloid β-protein abundance in OG- plus FA-treated versus singly-treated PSAPP mice. These effects coincided with enhanced nonamyloidogenic amyloid β-protein precursor (APP) cleavage, increased α-secretase activity, and β-secretase inhibition. We detected elevated expression of nonamyloidogenic soluble APP-α and the α-secretase candidate, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10. Correspondingly, amyloidogenic β-carboxyl-terminal APP fragment and β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 expression levels were reduced. In parallel, the ratio of β- to α-carboxyl-terminal APP fragment was decreased. OG and FA combination therapy strikingly attenuated neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and synaptotoxicity. Co-treatment afforded additional statistically significant benefits on some, but not all, of these outcome measures. Taken together, these data provide preclinical proof-of-concept for AD combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Mori
- From the Departments of Biomedical Sciences and .,Pathology, Saitama Medical Center and University, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-8550, Japan
| | | | - Jun Tan
- the Rashid Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Silver Child Development Center and.,the Neuroimmunology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsoni College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33613
| | - Tatsuya Segawa
- the Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., Fujioka, Gunma 375-0005, Japan, and
| | - Masahiro Maeda
- the Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd., Fujioka, Gunma 375-0005, Japan, and
| | - Terrence Town
- the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-2821
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Kunkanjanawan T, Carter R, Ahn KS, Yang J, Parnpai R, Chan AWS. Induced Pluripotent HD Monkey Stem Cells Derived Neural Cells for Drug Discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY 2016; 22:696-705. [PMID: 28027448 DOI: 10.1177/2472555216685044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeat (polyglutamine [polyQ]) in the huntingtin ( HTT) gene, which leads to the formation of mutant HTT (mHTT) protein aggregates. In the nervous system, an accumulation of mHTT protein results in glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, proteosome instability, and apoptosis. Although HD pathogenesis has been extensively studied, effective treatment of HD has yet to be developed. Therapeutic discovery research in HD has been reported using yeast, cells derived from transgenic animal models and HD patients, and induced pluripotent stem cells from patients. A transgenic nonhuman primate model of HD (HD monkey) shows neuropathological, behavioral, and molecular changes similar to an HD patient. In addition, neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from HD monkeys can be maintained in culture and differentiated to neural cells with distinct HD cellular phenotypes including the formation of mHTT aggregates, intranuclear inclusions, and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Here, we evaluated the potential application of HD monkey NPCs and neural cells as an in vitro model for HD drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanut Kunkanjanawan
- 1 Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,2 Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,3 Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Richard Carter
- 1 Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,2 Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kwan-Sung Ahn
- 1 Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,2 Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jinjing Yang
- 1 Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,2 Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rangsun Parnpai
- 3 Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Anthony W S Chan
- 1 Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,2 Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Seripa D, Solfrizzi V, Imbimbo BP, Daniele A, Santamato A, Lozupone M, Zuliani G, Greco A, Logroscino G, Panza F. Tau-directed approaches for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: focus on leuco-methylthioninium. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 16:259-77. [PMID: 26822031 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2016.1140039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Small molecular weight compounds able to inhibit formation of tau oligomers and fibrils have already been tested for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment. The most advanced tau aggregation inhibitor (TAI) is methylthioninium (MT), a drug existing in equilibrium between a reduced (leuco-methylthioninium) and oxidized form (MT(+)). MT chloride (also known as methylene blue) was investigated in a 24-week Phase II study in 321 mild-to-moderate AD patients at the doses of 69, 138, and 228 mg/day. This trial failed to show significant positive effects of MT in the overall patient population. The dose of 138 mg/day showed potential benefits on cognitive performance of moderately affected patients and cerebral blood flow in mildly affected patients. A follow-up compound (TRx0237) claimed to be more bioavailable and less toxic than MT, is now being developed. Phase III clinical trials on this novel TAI in AD and in the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Seripa
- a Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences , IRCCS 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' , San Giovanni Rotondo , Foggia , Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- b Geriatric Medicine-Memory Unit and Rare Disease Centre , University of Bari Aldo Moro , Bari , Italy
| | - Bruno P Imbimbo
- c Research & Development Department , Chiesi Farmaceutici , Parma , Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- d Institute of Neurology , Catholic University of Sacred Heart , Rome , Italy
| | - Andrea Santamato
- e Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Section, 'OORR' Hospital , University of Foggia , Foggia , Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- f Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs , University of Bari Aldo Moro , Bari , Italy
| | - Giovanni Zuliani
- g Department of Medical Science, Section of Internal and Cardiopulmonary Medicine , University of Ferrara
| | - Antonio Greco
- a Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences , IRCCS 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' , San Giovanni Rotondo , Foggia , Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- f Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs , University of Bari Aldo Moro , Bari , Italy.,h Department of Clinical Research in Neurology , University of Bari Aldo Moro, 'Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico' , Tricase , Lecce , Italy
| | - Francesco Panza
- a Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences , IRCCS 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' , San Giovanni Rotondo , Foggia , Italy.,f Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs , University of Bari Aldo Moro , Bari , Italy.,h Department of Clinical Research in Neurology , University of Bari Aldo Moro, 'Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico' , Tricase , Lecce , Italy
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Tau-Centric Targets and Drugs in Clinical Development for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:3245935. [PMID: 27429978 PMCID: PMC4939203 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3245935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The failure of several Phase II/III clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease (AD) with drugs targeting β-amyloid accumulation in the brain fuelled an increasing interest in alternative treatments against tau pathology, including approaches targeting tau phosphatases/kinases, active and passive immunization, and anti-tau aggregation. The most advanced tau aggregation inhibitor (TAI) is methylthioninium (MT), a drug existing in equilibrium between a reduced (leuco-methylthioninium) and oxidized form (MT+). MT chloride (methylene blue) was investigated in a 24-week Phase II clinical trial in 321 patients with mild to moderate AD that failed to show significant positive effects in mild AD patients, although long-term observations (50 weeks) and biomarker studies suggested possible benefit. The dose of 138 mg/day showed potential benefits on cognitive performance of moderately affected AD patients and cerebral blood flow in mildly affected patients. Further clinical evidence will come from the large ongoing Phase III trials for the treatment of AD and the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia on a new form of this TAI, more bioavailable and less toxic at higher doses, called TRx0237. More recently, inhibitors of tau acetylation are being actively pursued based on impressive results in animal studies obtained by salsalate, a clinically used derivative of salicylic acid.
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31
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Panza F, Seripa D, Solfrizzi V, Imbimbo BP, Santamato A, Lozupone M, Capozzo R, Prete C, Pilotto A, Greco A, Logroscino G. Tau aggregation inhibitors: the future of Alzheimer’s pharmacotherapy? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:457-61. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2016.1146686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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32
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Vandal M, Bourassa P, Calon F. Can insulin signaling pathways be targeted to transport Aβ out of the brain? Front Aging Neurosci 2015; 7:114. [PMID: 26136681 PMCID: PMC4468380 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the causal role of Amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is unclear, it is still reasonable to expect that lowering concentrations of Aβ in the brain may decrease the risk of developing the neurocognitive symptoms of the disease. Brain capillary endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) express transporters regulating the efflux of Aβ out of the cerebral tissue. Age-related BBB dysfunctions, that have been identified in AD patients, might impair Aβ clearance from the brain. Thus, targeting BBB outward transport systems has been suggested as a way to stimulate the clearance of Aβ from the brain. Recent data indicate that the increase in soluble brain Aβ and behavioral impairments in 3×Tg-AD mice generated by months of intake of a high-fat diet can be acutely reversed by the administration of a single dose of insulin. A concomitant increase in plasma Aβ suggests that clearance from the brain through the BBB is a likely mechanism for this rapid effect of insulin. Here, we review how BBB insulin response pathways could be stimulated to decrease brain Aβ concentrations and improve cognitive performance, at least on the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milene Vandal
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval Quebec, QC, Canada ; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL) Québec, QC, Canada ; Institut des Nutraceutiques et des Aliments Fonctionnels, Université Laval Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Bourassa
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval Quebec, QC, Canada ; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL) Québec, QC, Canada ; Institut des Nutraceutiques et des Aliments Fonctionnels, Université Laval Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval Quebec, QC, Canada ; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL) Québec, QC, Canada ; Institut des Nutraceutiques et des Aliments Fonctionnels, Université Laval Québec, QC, Canada
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Doig AJ, Derreumaux P. Inhibition of protein aggregation and amyloid formation by small molecules. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2015; 30:50-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Methylene Blue Improves Brain Mitochondrial ABAD Functions and Decreases Aβ in a Neuroinflammatory Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:1220-1228. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-9088-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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