1
|
Tanaka M, Vécsei L. Revolutionizing our understanding of Parkinson's disease: Dr. Heinz Reichmann's pioneering research and future research direction. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:1367-1387. [PMID: 39110245 PMCID: PMC11608389 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02812-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
Millions of individuals around the world are afflicted with Parkinson's disease (PD), a prevalent and incapacitating neurodegenerative disorder. Dr. Reichmann, a distinguished professor and neurologist, has made substantial advancements in the domain of PD research, encompassing both fundamental scientific investigations and practical applications. His research has illuminated the etiology and treatment of PD, as well as the function of energy metabolism and premotor symptoms. As a precursor to a number of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that are implicated in the pathophysiology of PD, he has also investigated the application of tryptophan (Trp) derivatives in the disease. His principal findings and insights are summarized and synthesized in this narrative review article, which also emphasizes the challenges and implications for future PD research. This narrative review aims to identify and analyze the key contributions of Reichmann to the field of PD research, with the ultimate goal of informing future research directions in the domain. By examining Reichmann's work, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of his major contributions and how they can be applied to advance the diagnosis and treatment of PD. This paper also explores the potential intersection of Reichmann's findings with emerging avenues, such as the investigation of Trp and its metabolites, particularly kynurenines, which could lead to new insights and potential therapeutic strategies for managing neurodegenerative disorders like PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Tisza Lajos krt. 113, Szeged, H-6725, Hungary.
| | - László Vécsei
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Tisza Lajos krt. 113, Szeged, H-6725, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, Szeged, H-6725, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alves LDF, Moore JB, Kell DB. The Biology and Biochemistry of Kynurenic Acid, a Potential Nutraceutical with Multiple Biological Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9082. [PMID: 39201768 PMCID: PMC11354673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169082] [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: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an antioxidant degradation product of tryptophan that has been shown to have a variety of cytoprotective, neuroprotective and neuronal signalling properties. However, mammalian transporters and receptors display micromolar binding constants; these are consistent with its typically micromolar tissue concentrations but far above its serum/plasma concentration (normally tens of nanomolar), suggesting large gaps in our knowledge of its transport and mechanisms of action, in that the main influx transporters characterized to date are equilibrative, not concentrative. In addition, it is a substrate of a known anion efflux pump (ABCC4), whose in vivo activity is largely unknown. Exogeneous addition of L-tryptophan or L-kynurenine leads to the production of KYNA but also to that of many other co-metabolites (including some such as 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid that may be toxic). With the exception of chestnut honey, KYNA exists at relatively low levels in natural foodstuffs. However, its bioavailability is reasonable, and as the terminal element of an irreversible reaction of most tryptophan degradation pathways, it might be added exogenously without disturbing upstream metabolism significantly. Many examples, which we review, show that it has valuable bioactivity. Given the above, we review its potential utility as a nutraceutical, finding it significantly worthy of further study and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luana de Fátima Alves
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - J. Bernadette Moore
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iwaniak P, Owe-Larsson M, Urbańska EM. Microbiota, Tryptophan and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors as the Target Triad in Parkinson's Disease-A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2915. [PMID: 38474162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the era of a steadily increasing lifespan, neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly present a significant therapeutic and socio-economic challenge. A properly balanced diet and microbiome diversity have been receiving increasing attention as targets for therapeutic interventions in neurodegeneration. Microbiota may affect cognitive function, neuronal survival and death, and gut dysbiosis was identified in Parkinson's disease (PD). Tryptophan (Trp), an essential amino acid, is degraded by microbiota and hosts numerous compounds with immune- and neuromodulating properties. This broad narrative review presents data supporting the concept that microbiota, the Trp-kynurenine (KYN) pathway and aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs) form a triad involved in PD. A disturbed gut-brain axis allows the bidirectional spread of pro-inflammatory molecules and α-synuclein, which may contribute to the development/progression of the disease. We suggest that the peripheral levels of kynurenines and AhR ligands are strongly linked to the Trp metabolism in the gut and should be studied together with the composition of the microbiota. Such an approach can clearly delineate the sub-populations of PD patients manifesting with a disturbed microbiota-Trp-KYN-brain triad, who would benefit from modifications in the Trp metabolism. Analyses of the microbiome, Trp-KYN pathway metabolites and AhR signaling may shed light on the mechanisms of intestinal distress and identify new targets for the diagnosis and treatment in early-stage PD. Therapeutic interventions based on the combination of a well-defined food regimen, Trp and probiotics seem of potential benefit and require further experimental and clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Iwaniak
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maja Owe-Larsson
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Center of Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa M Urbańska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kretzschmar GC, Targa ADS, Soares-Lima SC, dos Santos PI, Rodrigues LS, Macedo DA, Ribeiro Pinto LF, Lima MMS, Boldt ABW. Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Prevent Deleterious Effects of Rotenone on Object Novelty Recognition Memory and Kynu Expression in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122397. [PMID: 36553663 PMCID: PMC9778036 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a range of motor signs, but cognitive dysfunction is also observed. Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 is expected to prevent cognitive impairment. To test this in PD, we promoted a lesion within the substantia nigra pars compacta of rats using the neurotoxin rotenone. In the sequence, the animals were supplemented with folic acid and vitamin B12 for 14 consecutive days and subjected to the object recognition test. We observed an impairment in object recognition memory after rotenone administration, which was prevented by supplementation (p < 0.01). Supplementation may adjust gene expression through efficient DNA methylation. To verify this, we measured the expression and methylation of the kynureninase gene (Kynu), whose product metabolizes neurotoxic metabolites often accumulated in PD as kynurenine. Supplementation prevented the decrease in Kynu expression induced by rotenone in the substantia nigra (p < 0.05), corroborating the behavioral data. No differences were observed concerning the methylation analysis of two CpG sites in the Kynu promoter. Instead, we suggest that folic acid and vitamin B12 increased global DNA methylation, reduced the expression of Kynu inhibitors, maintained Kynu-dependent pathway homeostasis, and prevented the memory impairment induced by rotenone. Our study raises the possibility of adjuvant therapy for PD with folic acid and vitamin B12.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Canalli Kretzschmar
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
| | - Adriano D. S. Targa
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
| | - Sheila Coelho Soares-Lima
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, National Cancer Institute, Research Coordination, Rio de Janeiro 20231-050, RJ, Brazil
| | - Priscila Ianzen dos Santos
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
| | - Lais S. Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
| | - Daniel A. Macedo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
| | - Luis Felipe Ribeiro Pinto
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, National Cancer Institute, Research Coordination, Rio de Janeiro 20231-050, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M. S. Lima
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
| | - Angelica Beate Winter Boldt
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(41)-3361-1553
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dinu A, Apetrei C. A Review of Sensors and Biosensors Modified with Conducting Polymers and Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Used in Electrochemical Detection of Amino Acids: Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, and Tryptophan. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1218. [PMID: 35163145 PMCID: PMC8835779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the studies on developing sensors and biosensors-with an obvious interdisciplinary character-have drawn the attention of many researchers specializing in various fundamental, but also complex domains such as chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biophysics, biology, bio-pharma-medicine, and bioengineering. Along these lines, the present paper is structured into three parts, and is aimed at synthesizing the most relevant studies on the construction and functioning of versatile devices, of electrochemical sensors and biosensors, respectively. The first part presents examples of the most representative scientific research focusing on the role and the importance of the phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan amino acids, selected depending on their chemical structure and their impact on the central nervous system. The second part is dedicated to presenting and exemplifying conductor polymers and molecularly imprinted polymers used as sensitive materials in achieving electrochemical sensors and biosensors. The last part of the review analyzes the sensors and biosensors developed so far to detect amino acids with the aid of conductor polymers and molecularly imprinted polymers from the point of view of the performances obtained, with emphasis on the detection methods, on the electrochemical reactions that take place upon detection, and on the electroanalytical performances. The present study was carried out with a view to highlighting, for the benefit of specialists in medicine and pharmacy, the possibility of achieving and purchasing efficient devices that might be used in the quality control of medicines, as well as in studying and monitoring diseases associated with these amino acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Constantin Apetrei
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Environment, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galati, RO-800008 Galati, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|