1
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Li D, Wang Y, Wang J, Tang Q. Identification of key proteins in early-onset Alzheimer's disease based on WGCNA. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1412222. [PMID: 39444808 PMCID: PMC11496171 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1412222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) is sporadic, highly heterogeneous, and its underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain largely elusive. Proteomics research aims to uncover the biological processes and key proteins involved in disease progression. However, no proteomic studies to date have specifically focused on EOAD brain tissue. Method We integrated proteomic data from brain tissues of two Alzheimer's disease (AD) cohorts and constructed a protein co-expression network using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). We identified modules associated with EOAD, conducted functional enrichment analysis to understand the biological processes involved in EOAD, and pinpointed potential key proteins within the core modules most closely linked to AD pathology. Results In this study, we identified a total of 2,749 proteins associated with EOAD. Through protein co-expression network analysis, we discovered 41 distinct co-expression modules. Notably, the proteins within the core module most closely linked to AD pathology were significantly enriched in neutrophil degranulation. Additionally, we identified two potential key proteins within this core module that have not been previously reported in AD and validated their expression levels in 5xFAD mice. Conclusion In summary, through a protein co-expression network analysis, we identified EOAD-related biological processes and molecular pathways, and screened and validated two key proteins, ERBB2IP and LSP1. These proteins may play an important role in the progression of EOAD, suggesting they could serve as potential therapeutic targets for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qiqiang Tang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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2
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Fuller PE, Collis VL, Sharma P, Burkett AM, Wang S, Brown KA, Weir N, Goulbourne CN, Nixon RA, Longden TA, Gould TD, Monteiro MJ. Pathophysiologic abnormalities in transgenic mice carrying the Alzheimer disease PSEN1 Δ440 mutation. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae139. [PMID: 39323410 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae139] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in PSEN1 were first discovered as a cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 1995, yet the mechanism(s) by which the mutations cause disease still remains unknown. The generation of novel mouse models assessing the effects of different mutations could aid in this endeavor. Here we report on transgenic mouse lines made with the Δ440 PSEN1 mutation that causes AD with parkinsonism:- two expressing the un-tagged human protein and two expressing a HA-tagged version. Detailed characterization of these lines showed that Line 305 in particular, which expresses the untagged protein, develops age-dependent memory deficits and pathologic features, many of which are consistent with features found in AD. Key behavioral and physiological alterations found in the novel 305 line included an age-dependent deficit in spontaneous alternations in the Y-maze, a decrease in exploration of the center of an open field box, a decrease in the latency to fall on a rotarod, a reduction in synaptic strength and pair-pulse facilitation by electrophysiology, and profound alterations to cerebral blood flow regulation. The pathologic alterations found in the line included, significant neuronal loss in the hippocampus and cortex, astrogliosis, and changes in several proteins involved in synaptic and mitochondrial function, Ca2+ regulation, and autophagy. Taken together, these findings suggest that the transgenic lines will be useful for the investigation of AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton E Fuller
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Victoria L Collis
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Pallavi Sharma
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Angelina M Burkett
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Shaoteng Wang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Kyle A Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Nick Weir
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 W Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Interactions, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Chris N Goulbourne
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan S. Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States
| | - Ralph A Nixon
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan S. Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Thomas A Longden
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 W Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Interactions, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Todd D Gould
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Mervyn J Monteiro
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
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3
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Ali M, Ascanio LC, Smith C, Odland I, Murtaza-Ali M, Vasan V, Downes M, Schuldt BR, Lin A, Dullea J, Schupper AJ, Hardigan T, Asghar N, Mocco J, Kellner CP. Early and effective intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation is associated with a lower 1-year residual cavity volume and better functional outcomes. J Neurointerv Surg 2024; 16:994-1004. [PMID: 37620128 DOI: 10.1136/jnis-2023-020787] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored the clinical significance of the residual hematoma cavity 1 year after minimally invasive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) evacuation. METHODS Patients presenting with spontaneous supratentorial ICH were evaluated for minimally invasive surgical evacuation. Inclusion criteria included age ≥18 years, preoperative hematoma volume (Hv) ≥15 mL, presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥6, and premorbid modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤3. Patients with longitudinal CT scans at least 3 months after evacuation were included in the study. Remnant cavity volumes (Cv) after evacuation were computed using semi-automatic volumetric segmentation software. Relative cavity volume (rCv) was defined as the ratio of the preoperative Hv to the remnant Cv. RESULTS 108 patients with a total of 484 head CT scans were included in the study. The median postoperative Cv was 2.4 (IQR 0.0-11) mL, or just 6% (0-33%) of the preoperative Hv. The median residual Cv on the final head CT scan a median of 13 months (range 11-27 months) after surgery had increased to 9.4 (IQR 3.1-18) mL, or 25% (10-60%) of the preoperative Hv. rCv on the final head CT scan was negatively associated with measures of operative success including evacuation percentage, postoperative Hv ≤15 mL, and decreased time from ictus to evacuation. rCv on the final head CT scan was also associated with a worse 6-month functional outcome (β per mRS point 17.6%, P<0.0001; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.91). CONCLUSION After minimally invasive ICH evacuation the hematoma lesion decompresses significantly, with a residual Cv just 6% of the original lesion, but then gradually increases in size over time. Early and high percentage ICH evacuation may reduce the remnant Cv over time which, in turn, is associated with improved functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Luis C Ascanio
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Colton Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ian Odland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Vikram Vasan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret Downes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Braxton Riley Schuldt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anthony Lin
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan Dullea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexander J Schupper
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Trevor Hardigan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nek Asghar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - J Mocco
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Bernocchi F, Bonomi CG, Assogna M, Moreschini A, Mercuri NB, Koch G, Martorana A, Motta C. Astrocytic-derived vascular remodeling factors are independently associated with blood brain barrier permeability in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 141:66-73. [PMID: 38823205 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.05.002] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) exert a pivotal role in the maintenance of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity essentially through structural support and release of soluble factors. This study provides new insights into the vascular remodeling processes occurring in AD, and reveals, in vivo, a pathological profile of astrocytic secretion involving Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP)-9, MMP-2 and Endothelin-1 (ET-1). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of VEGF, MMP-2/-9 were lower in patients belonging to the AD continuum, compared to aged-matched controls. CSF levels of VEGF and ET-1 positively correlated with MMP-9 but negatively with MMP-2, suggesting a complex vascular remodeling process occurring in AD. Only MMP-2 levels were significantly associated with CSF AD biomarkers. Conversely, higher MMP-2 (β = 0.411, p < 0.001), ET-1 levels (β = 0.344, p < 0.001) and VEGF (β = 0.221, p = 0.022), were associated with higher BBB permeability. Astrocytic-derived vascular remodeling factors are altered in AD, disclosing the failure of important protective mechanisms which proceed independently alongside AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bernocchi
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", viale Oxford 81, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Chiara Giuseppina Bonomi
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", viale Oxford 81, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Martina Assogna
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia, via Ardeatina 306/354, Rome 00179, Italy
| | - Alessandra Moreschini
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", viale Oxford 81, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", viale Oxford 81, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia, via Ardeatina 306/354, Rome 00179, Italy; Human Physiology Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martorana
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", viale Oxford 81, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Caterina Motta
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", viale Oxford 81, Rome 00133, Italy.
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5
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Chen Y, Huang X, Chen H, Yi C. An easy-to-perform method for microvessel isolation and primary brain endothelial cell culture to study Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33077. [PMID: 38994107 PMCID: PMC11238044 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been increasingly recognised as a critical early event in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Central to this mechanism is the impaired function of brain endothelial cells (BECs), the primary structural constituents of the BBB, the study of which is imperative for understanding AD pathophysiology. However, the published methods to isolate BECs are time-consuming and have a low success rate. Here, we developed a rapid and streamlined protocol for BEC isolation without using transgenic reporters, flow cytometry, and magnetic beads, which are essential for existing methods. Using this novel protocol, we isolated high-purity BECs from cell clusters of cortical microvessels from wild-type and APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1, a classical AD model) mice at 2, 4 and 9 months of age. Reduced levels of tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and Zonula Occludens-1, as well as glucose transporter 1, were observed in the isolated cortical microvessels from APP/PS1 mice and amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomer-treated BECs from wild-type mice. Trans-well permeability assay showed increased FITC-dextran leakage in BECs treated with Aβ, suggesting impaired BBB permeability. BECs obtained using our novel protocol can undergo various experimental analyses, including immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, real-time PCR, and trans-well permeability assay. In conclusion, our novel protocol represents a reliable and valuable tool for in vitro modelling BBB to study AD-related mechanisms and develop targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaomin Huang
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, China
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6
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Singh MK, Shin Y, Ju S, Han S, Kim SS, Kang I. Comprehensive Overview of Alzheimer's Disease: Etiological Insights and Degradation Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6901. [PMID: 39000011 PMCID: PMC11241648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and affects millions of individuals globally. AD is associated with cognitive decline and memory loss that worsens with aging. A statistical report using U.S. data on AD estimates that approximately 6.9 million individuals suffer from AD, a number projected to surge to 13.8 million by 2060. Thus, there is a critical imperative to pinpoint and address AD and its hallmark tau protein aggregation early to prevent and manage its debilitating effects. Amyloid-β and tau proteins are primarily associated with the formation of plaques and neurofibril tangles in the brain. Current research efforts focus on degrading amyloid-β and tau or inhibiting their synthesis, particularly targeting APP processing and tau hyperphosphorylation, aiming to develop effective clinical interventions. However, navigating this intricate landscape requires ongoing studies and clinical trials to develop treatments that truly make a difference. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) across various cohorts identified 40 loci and over 300 genes associated with AD. Despite this wealth of genetic data, much remains to be understood about the functions of these genes and their role in the disease process, prompting continued investigation. By delving deeper into these genetic associations, novel targets such as kinases, proteases, cytokines, and degradation pathways, offer new directions for drug discovery and therapeutic intervention in AD. This review delves into the intricate biological pathways disrupted in AD and identifies how genetic variations within these pathways could serve as potential targets for drug discovery and treatment strategies. Through a comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of AD, researchers aim to pave the way for more effective therapies that can alleviate the burden of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonhwa Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Songhyun Ju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunhee Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soo Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Insug Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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7
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Yang HS, Yau WYW, Carlyle BC, Trombetta BA, Zhang C, Shirzadi Z, Schultz AP, Pruzin JJ, Fitzpatrick CD, Kirn DR, Rabin JS, Buckley RF, Hohman TJ, Rentz DM, Tanzi RE, Johnson KA, Sperling RA, Arnold SE, Chhatwal JP. Plasma VEGFA and PGF impact longitudinal tau and cognition in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Brain 2024; 147:2158-2168. [PMID: 38315899 PMCID: PMC11146430 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Alterations in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways have been implicated as potential mechanisms. However, the specific impact of VEGF proteins in preclinical Alzheimer's disease and their relationships with other Alzheimer's disease and vascular pathologies during this critical early period remain to be elucidated. We included 317 older adults from the Harvard Aging Brain Study, a cohort of individuals who were cognitively unimpaired at baseline and followed longitudinally for up to 12 years. Baseline VEGF family protein levels (VEGFA, VEGFC, VEGFD, PGF and FLT1) were measured in fasting plasma using high-sensitivity immunoassays. Using linear mixed effects models, we examined the interactive effects of baseline plasma VEGF proteins and amyloid PET burden (Pittsburgh Compound-B) on longitudinal cognition (Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite-5). We further investigated if effects on cognition were mediated by early neocortical tau accumulation (flortaucipir PET burden in the inferior temporal cortex) or hippocampal atrophy. Lastly, we examined the impact of adjusting for baseline cardiovascular risk score or white matter hyperintensity volume. Baseline plasma VEGFA and PGF each showed a significant interaction with amyloid burden on prospective cognitive decline. Specifically, low VEGFA and high PGF were associated with greater cognitive decline in individuals with elevated amyloid, i.e. those on the Alzheimer's disease continuum. Concordantly, low VEGFA and high PGF were associated with accelerated longitudinal tau accumulation in those with elevated amyloid. Moderated mediation analyses confirmed that accelerated tau accumulation fully mediated the effects of low VEGFA and partially mediated (31%) the effects of high PGF on faster amyloid-related cognitive decline. The effects of VEGFA and PGF on tau and cognition remained significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk score or white matter hyperintensity volume. There were concordant but non-significant associations with longitudinal hippocampal atrophy. Together, our findings implicate low VEGFA and high PGF in accelerating early neocortical tau pathology and cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, our results underscore the potential of these minimally-invasive plasma biomarkers to inform the risk of Alzheimer's disease progression in the preclinical population. Importantly, VEGFA and PGF appear to capture distinct effects from vascular risks and cerebrovascular injury. This highlights their potential as new therapeutic targets, in combination with anti-amyloid and traditional vascular risk reduction therapies, to slow the trajectory of preclinical Alzheimer's disease and delay or prevent the onset of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Sik Yang
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wai-Ying Wendy Yau
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Becky C Carlyle
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alzheimer’s Clinical and Translational Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Bianca A Trombetta
- Alzheimer’s Clinical and Translational Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Can Zhang
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alzheimer’s Clinical and Translational Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Zahra Shirzadi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aaron P Schultz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jeremy J Pruzin
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
| | | | - Dylan R Kirn
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer S Rabin
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Rachel F Buckley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Timothy J Hohman
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Dorene M Rentz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Keith A Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Reisa A Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Steven E Arnold
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Alzheimer’s Clinical and Translational Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jasmeer P Chhatwal
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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8
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Carey A, Parodi‐Rullan R, Vazquez‐Torres R, Canepa E, Fossati S. Homocysteine potentiates amyloid β -induced death receptor 4- and 5-mediated cerebral endothelial cell apoptosis, blood brain barrier dysfunction and angiogenic impairment. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14106. [PMID: 38358083 PMCID: PMC11113365 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular dysfunction has been implicated as a major contributor to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology, with cerebral endothelial cell (cEC) stress promoting ischemia, cerebral-blood flow impairments and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Recent evidence suggests that cardiovascular (CV)/cerebrovascular risk factors, including hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy), exacerbate AD pathology and risk. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms for this interaction remain unclear. Our lab has demonstrated that amyloid beta 40 (Aβ40) species, and particularly Aβ40-E22Q (AβQ22; vasculotropic Dutch mutant), promote death receptor 4 and 5 (DR4/DR5)-mediated apoptosis in human cECs, barrier permeability, and angiogenic impairment. Previous studies show that Hhcy also induces EC dysfunction, but it remains unknown whether Aβ and homocysteine function through common molecular mechanisms. We tested the hypotheses that Hhcy exacerbates Aβ-induced cEC DR4/5-mediated apoptosis, barrier dysfunction, and angiogenesis defects. This study was the first to demonstrate that Hhcy specifically potentiates AβQ22-mediated activation of the DR4/5-mediated extrinsic apoptotic pathway in cECs, including DR4/5 expression, caspase 8/9/3 activation, cytochrome-c release and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, we revealed that Hhcy intensifies the deregulation of the same cEC junction proteins mediated by Aβ, precipitating BBB permeability. Furthermore, Hhcy and AβQ22, impairing VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signaling and VEGFR2 endosomal trafficking, additively decrease cEC angiogenic capabilities. Overall, these results show that the presence of the CV risk factor Hhcy exacerbates Aβ-induced cEC apoptosis, barrier dysfunction, and angiogenic impairment. This study reveals specific mechanisms through which amyloidosis and Hhcy jointly operate to produce brain EC dysfunction and death, highlighting new potential molecular targets against vascular pathology in comorbid AD/CAA and Hhcy conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Carey
- Department of Neural Sciences, Alzheimer's Center at TempleTemple University Lewis Katz School of MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Rebecca Parodi‐Rullan
- Department of Neural Sciences, Alzheimer's Center at TempleTemple University Lewis Katz School of MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Rafael Vazquez‐Torres
- Department of Neural Sciences, Alzheimer's Center at TempleTemple University Lewis Katz School of MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Elisa Canepa
- Department of Neural Sciences, Alzheimer's Center at TempleTemple University Lewis Katz School of MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Silvia Fossati
- Department of Neural Sciences, Alzheimer's Center at TempleTemple University Lewis Katz School of MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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9
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Sakamuri SSVP, Sure VN, Oruganti L, Wisen W, Chandra PK, Liu N, Fonseca VA, Wang X, Klein J, Katakam PVG. Acute severe hypoglycemia alters mouse brain microvascular proteome. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:556-572. [PMID: 37944245 PMCID: PMC10981402 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231212961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypoglycemia increases the risk related to stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. For the first time, we studied the effect of a single episode (acute) of severe (ASH) and mild (AMH) hypoglycemia on mouse brain microvascular proteome. After four-hour fasting, insulin was administered (i.p) to lower mean blood glucose in mice and induce ∼30 minutes of ASH (∼30 mg/dL) or AMH (∼75 mg/dL), whereas a similar volume of saline was given to control mice (∼130 mg/dL). Blood glucose was allowed to recover over 60 minutes either spontaneously or by 20% dextrose administration (i.p). Twenty-four hours later, the brain microvessels (BMVs) were isolated, and tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). When compared to control, ASH significantly downregulated 13 proteins (p ≤ 0.05) whereas 23 proteins showed a strong trend toward decrease (p ≤ 0.10). When compared to AMH, ASH significantly induced the expression of 35 proteins with 13 proteins showing an increasing trend. AMH downregulated only 3 proteins. ASH-induced downregulated proteins are involved in actin cytoskeleton maintenance needed for cell shape and migration which are critical for blood-brain barrier maintenance and angiogenesis. In contrast, ASH-induced upregulated proteins are RNA-binding proteins involved in RNA splicing, transport, and stability. Thus, ASH alters BMV proteomics to impair cytoskeletal integrity and RNA processing which are critical for cerebrovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva SVP Sakamuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Venkata N Sure
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lokanatha Oruganti
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - William Wisen
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Partha K Chandra
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Vivian A Fonseca
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jennifer Klein
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Prasad VG Katakam
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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10
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Lei T, Yang Z, Li H, Qin M, Gao H. Interactions between nanoparticles and pathological changes of vascular in Alzheimer's disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115219. [PMID: 38401847 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that vascular pathological changes play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The dysfunction of the cerebral vasculature occurs in the early course of AD, characterized by alterations in vascular morphology, diminished cerebral blood flow (CBF), impairment of the neurovascular unit (NVU), vasculature inflammation, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Vascular dysfunction not only facilitates the influx of neurotoxic substances into the brain, triggering inflammation and immune responses but also hampers the efflux of toxic proteins such as Aβ from the brain, thereby contributing to neurodegenerative changes in AD. Furthermore, these vascular changes significantly impact drug delivery and distribution within the brain. Therefore, developing targeted delivery systems or therapeutic strategies based on vascular alterations may potentially represent a novel breakthrough in AD treatment. This review comprehensively examines various aspects of vascular alterations in AD and outlines the current interactions between nanoparticles and pathological changes of vascular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Lei
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zixiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hanmei Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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11
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Ho K, Bodi NE, Sharma TP. Normal-Tension Glaucoma and Potential Clinical Links to Alzheimer's Disease. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1948. [PMID: 38610712 PMCID: PMC11012506 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071948] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies and the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness. Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) is a subtype of glaucoma that is characterized by a typical pattern of peripheral retinal loss, in which the patient's intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered within the normal range (<21 mmHg). Currently, the only targetable risk factor for glaucoma is lowering IOP, and patients with NTG continue to experience visual field loss after IOP-lowering treatments. This demonstrates the need for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of NTG and underlying mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration. Recent studies have found significant connections between NTG and cerebral manifestations, suggesting NTG as a neurodegenerative disease beyond the eye. Gaining a better understanding of NTG can potentially provide new Alzheimer's Disease diagnostics capabilities. This review identifies the epidemiology, current biomarkers, altered fluid dynamics, and cerebral and ocular manifestations to examine connections and discrepancies between the mechanisms of NTG and Alzheimer's Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Ho
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Nicole E. Bodi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Tasneem P. Sharma
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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12
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Yang R, Chen J, Qu X, Liu H, Wang X, Tan C, Chen H, Wang X. Interleukin-22 Contributes to Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption via STAT3/VEGFA Activation in Escherichia coli Meningitis. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:988-999. [PMID: 38317607 PMCID: PMC10928716 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Escherichia coli continues to be the predominant Gram-negative pathogen causing neonatal meningitis worldwide. Inflammatory mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of meningitis and are key therapeutic targets. The role of interleukin-22 (IL-22) in various diseases is diverse, with both protective and pathogenic effects. However, little is understood about the mechanisms underlying the damaging effects of IL-22 on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in E. coli meningitis. We observed that meningitic E. coli infection induced IL-22 expression in the serum and brain of mice. The tight junction proteins (TJPs) components ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 were degraded in the mouse brain and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMEC) following IL-22 administration. Moreover, the meningitic E. coli-caused increase in BBB permeability in wild-type mice was restored by knocking out IL-22. Mechanistically, IL-22 activated the STAT3-VEGFA signaling cascade in E. coli meningitis, thus eliciting the degradation of TJPs to induce BBB disruption. Our data indicated that IL-22 is an essential host accomplice during E. coli-caused BBB disruption and could be targeted for the therapy of bacterial meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruicheng Yang
- National
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key
Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable
Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- National
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key
Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable
Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xinyi Qu
- National
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key
Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable
Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hulin Liu
- National
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key
Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable
Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- National
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key
Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable
Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chen Tan
- National
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key
Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable
Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Frontiers
Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- International
Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry
of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- National
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key
Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable
Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Frontiers
Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- International
Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry
of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiangru Wang
- National
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key
Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable
Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Frontiers
Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- International
Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry
of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, Wuhan 430070, China
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13
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Ceci C, Lacal PM, Barbaccia ML, Mercuri NB, Graziani G, Ledonne A. The VEGFs/VEGFRs system in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: Pathophysiological roles and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107101. [PMID: 38336311 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their cognate receptors (VEGFRs), besides their well-known involvement in physiological angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis and in diseases associated to pathological vessel formation, play multifaceted functions in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to shaping brain development, by controlling cerebral vasculogenesis and regulating neurogenesis as well as astrocyte differentiation, the VEGFs/VEGFRs axis exerts essential functions in the adult brain both in physiological and pathological contexts. In this article, after describing the physiological VEGFs/VEGFRs functions in the CNS, we focus on the VEGFs/VEGFRs involvement in neurodegenerative diseases by reviewing the current literature on the rather complex VEGFs/VEGFRs contribution to the pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. Thereafter, based on the outcome of VEGFs/VEGFRs targeting in animal models of AD and PD, we discuss the factual relevance of pharmacological VEGFs/VEGFRs modulation as a novel and potential disease-modifying approach for these neurodegenerative pathologies. Specific VEGFRs targeting, aimed at selective VEGFR-1 inhibition, while preserving VEGFR-2 signal transduction, appears as a promising strategy to hit the molecular mechanisms underlying AD pathology. Moreover, therapeutic VEGFs-based approaches can be proposed for PD treatment, with the aim of fine-tuning their brain levels to amplify neurotrophic/neuroprotective effects while limiting an excessive impact on vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ceci
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Luisa Barbaccia
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Neurology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ada Ledonne
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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14
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García-Culebras A, Cuartero MI, Peña-Martínez C, Moraga A, Vázquez-Reyes S, de Castro-Millán FJ, Cortes-Canteli M, Lizasoain I, Moro MÁ. Myeloid cells in vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease: Possible therapeutic targets? Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:777-798. [PMID: 37282844 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16159] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence supports the suggestion that the peripheral immune system plays a role in different pathologies associated with cognitive impairment, such as vascular dementia (VD) or Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this review is to summarize, within the peripheral immune system, the implications of different types of myeloid cells in AD and VD, with a special focus on post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID). We will review the contributions of the myeloid lineage, from peripheral cells (neutrophils, platelets, monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages) to central nervous system (CNS)-associated cells (perivascular macrophages and microglia). Finally, we will evaluate different potential strategies for pharmacological modulation of pathological processes mediated by myeloid cell subsets, with an emphasis on neutrophils, their interaction with platelets and the process of immunothrombosis that triggers neutrophil-dependent capillary stall and hypoperfusion, as possible effector mechanisms that may pave the way to novel therapeutic avenues to stop dementia, the epidemic of our time. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue From Alzheimer's Disease to Vascular Dementia: Different Roads Leading to Cognitive Decline. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia García-Culebras
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Isabel Cuartero
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Peña-Martínez
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Moraga
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Vázquez-Reyes
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier de Castro-Millán
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Cortes-Canteli
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Lizasoain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Moro
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Brain Function Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
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Ding H, Luo L, Su L, Chen J, Li Y, Hu L, Luo K, Tian X. Gasotransmitter nitric oxide imaging in Alzheimer's disease and glioblastoma with diamino-cyclic-metalloiridium phosphorescence probes. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 247:115939. [PMID: 38145594 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Nitric Oxide (NO), a significant gasotransmitter in biological systems, plays a crucial role in neurological diseases and cancer. Currently, there is a lack of effective methods for rapidly and sensitively identifying NO and elucidating its relationship with neurological diseases. Novel diamino-cyclic-metalloiridium phosphorescence probes, Ir-CDA and Ir-BDA, have been designed to visualize the gasotransmitter NO in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and glioblastoma (GBM). Ir-CDA and Ir-BDA utilize iridium (III) as the central ion and incorporate a diamino group as a ligand. The interaction between the diamino structure and NO leads to the formation of a three-nitrogen five-membered ring structure, which opens up phosphorescence. The two probes can selectively bind to NO and offer low detection limits. Additionally, Ir-BDA/Ir-CDA can image NO in brain cancer cell models, neuroinflammatory models, and AD cell models. Furthermore, the NO content in fresh brain sections from AD mice was considerably higher than that in wild-type (WT) mice. Consequently, it is plausible that NO is generated in significant quantities around cells hosting larger Aβ deposits, gradually diffusing throughout the entire brain region. Furthermore, we posit that this phenomenon is a key factor contributing to the higher brain NO content in AD mice compared to that in WT mice. This discovery offers novel insights into the diagnosis and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Ding
- Department of Radiology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Luo
- The Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Liping Su
- Department of Radiology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Junyang Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yunkun Li
- Department of Radiology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lei Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Kui Luo
- Department of Radiology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, And Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaohe Tian
- Department of Radiology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China.
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16
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Mansour HM. The interference between SARS-COV-2 and Alzheimer's disease: Potential immunological and neurobiological crosstalk from a kinase perspective reveals a delayed pandemic. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102195. [PMID: 38244862 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102195] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected over 700 million people, with up to 30% developing neurological manifestations, including dementias. However, there is a lack of understanding of common molecular brain markers causing Alzheimer's disease (AD). COVID-19 has etiological cofactors with AD, making patients with AD a vulnerable population at high risk of experiencing more severe symptoms and worse consequences. Both AD and COVID-19 have upregulated several shared kinases, leading to the repositioning of kinase inhibitors (KIs) for the treatment of both diseases. This review provides an overview of the interactions between the immune system and the nervous system in relation to receptor tyrosine kinases, including epidermal growth factor receptors, vascular growth factor receptors, and non-receptor tyrosine kinases such as Bruton tyrosine kinase, spleen tyrosine kinase, c-ABL, and JAK/STAT. We will discuss the promising results of kinase inhibitors in pre-clinical and clinical studies for both COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as the challenges in repositioning KIs for these diseases. Understanding the shared kinases between AD and COVID-19 could help in developing therapeutic approaches for both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba M Mansour
- General Administration of Innovative Products, Central Administration of Biological, Innovative Products, and Clinical Studies (Bio-INN), Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Giza, Egypt.
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17
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Zhang M, Zhang Z, Li H, Xia Y, Xing M, Xiao C, Cai W, Bu L, Li Y, Park TE, Tang Y, Ye X, Lin WJ. Blockage of VEGF function by bevacizumab alleviates early-stage cerebrovascular dysfunction and improves cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38173017 PMCID: PMC10763201 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00388-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the predominant type of dementia worldwide. It is characterized by the progressive and irreversible decline of cognitive functions. In addition to the pathological beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, glial activation, and neuronal injury in the postmortem brains of AD patients, increasing evidence suggests that the often overlooked vascular dysfunction is an important early event in AD pathophysiology. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in regulating physiological functions and pathological changes in blood vessels, but whether VEGF is involved in the early stage of vascular pathology in AD remains unclear. METHODS We used an antiangiogenic agent for clinical cancer treatment, the humanized monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab, to block VEGF binding to its receptors in the 5×FAD mouse model at an early age. After treatment, memory performance was evaluated by a novel object recognition test, and cerebral vascular permeability and perfusion were examined by an Evans blue assay and blood flow scanning imaging analysis. Immunofluorescence staining was used to measure glial activation and Aβ deposits. VEGF and its receptors were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate bevacizumab-associated transcriptional signatures in the hippocampus of 5×FAD mice. RESULTS Bevacizumab treatment administered from 4 months of age dramatically improved cerebrovascular functions, reduced glial activation, and restored long-term memory in both sexes of 5×FAD mice. Notably, a sex-specific change in different VEGF receptors was identified in the cortex and hippocampus of 5×FAD mice. Soluble VEGFR1 was decreased in female mice, while full-length VEGFR2 was increased in male mice. Bevacizumab treatment reversed the altered expression of receptors to be comparable to the level in the wild-type mice. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of transcriptomic changes revealed that bevacizumab effectively reversed the changes in the gene sets associated with blood-brain barrier integrity and vascular smooth muscle contraction in 5×FAD mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the mechanistic roles of VEGF at the early stage of amyloidopathy and the protective effects of bevacizumab on cerebrovascular function and memory performance in 5×FAD mice. These findings also suggest the therapeutic potential of bevacizumab for the early intervention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Honghong Li
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yuting Xia
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Mengdan Xing
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Chuan Xiao
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Wenbao Cai
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Lulu Bu
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yi Li
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yamei Tang
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
| | - Xiaojing Ye
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Wei-Jye Lin
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
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Chum PP, Bishara MA, Solis SR, Behringer EJ. Cerebrovascular miRNAs Track Early Development of Alzheimer's Disease and Target Molecular Markers of Angiogenesis and Blood Flow Regulation. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:S187-S234. [PMID: 37458037 PMCID: PMC10787821 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230300] [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] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with impaired cerebral circulation which underscores diminished delivery of blood oxygen and nutrients to and throughout the brain. In the 3xTg-AD mouse model, we have recently found that > 10 cerebrovascular miRNAs pertaining to vascular permeability, angiogenesis, and inflammation (e.g., let-7d, miR-99a, miR-132, miR-133a, miR-151-5p, and miR-181a) track early development of AD. Further, endothelial-specific miRNAs (miR-126-3p, miR-23a/b, miR-27a) alter with onset of overall AD pathology relative to stability of smooth muscle/pericyte-specific miRNAs (miR-143, miR-145). Objective We tested the hypothesis that cerebrovascular miRNAs indicating AD pathology share mRNA targets that regulate key endothelial cell functions such as angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and blood flow regulation. Methods As detected by NanoString nCounter miRNA Expression panel for 3xTg-AD mice, 61 cerebrovascular miRNAs and respective mRNA targets were examined using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis for canonical Cardiovascular (Cardio) and Nervous System (Neuro) Signaling. Results The number of targets regulated per miRNA were 21±2 and 33±3 for the Cardio and Neuro pathways respectively, whereby 14±2 targets overlap among pathways. Endothelial miRNAs primarily target members of the PDE, PDGF, SMAD, and VEGF families. Individual candidates regulated by≥4 miRNAs that best mark AD pathology presence in 3xTg-AD mice include CFL2, GRIN2B, PDGFB, SLC6A1, SMAD3, SYT3, and TNFRSF11B. Conclusion miRNAs selective for regulation of endothelial function and respective downstream mRNA targets support a molecular basis for dysregulated cerebral blood flow regulation coupled with enhanced cell growth, proliferation, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe P. Chum
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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19
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Fang X, Fan F, Border JJ, Roman RJ. Cerebrovascular Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease and Transgenic Rodent Models. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 5:42-64. [PMID: 38434588 PMCID: PMC10906803 DOI: 10.33696/neurol.5.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementia (ADRD) are the primary causes of dementia that has a devastating effect on the quality of life and is a tremendous economic burden on the healthcare system. The accumulation of extracellular beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain are the hallmarks of AD. They are also thought to be the underlying cause of inflammation, neurodegeneration, brain atrophy, and cognitive impairments that accompany AD. The discovery of APP, PS1, and PS2 mutations that increase Aβ production in families with early onset familial AD led to the development of numerous transgenic rodent models of AD. These models have provided new insight into the role of Aβ in AD; however, they do not fully replicate AD pathology in patients. Familial AD patients with mutations that elevate the production of Aβ represent only a small fraction of dementia patients. In contrast, those with late-onset sporadic AD constitute the majority of cases. This observation, along with the failure of previous clinical trials targeting Aβ or Tau and the modest success of recent trials using Aβ monoclonal antibodies, has led to a reappraisal of the view that Aβ accumulation is the sole factor in the pathogenesis of AD. More recent studies have established that cerebral vascular dysfunction is one of the earliest changes seen in AD, and 67% of the candidate genes linked to AD are expressed in the cerebral vasculature. Thus, there is an increasing appreciation of the vascular contribution to AD, and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation recently prioritized it as a focused research area. This review summarizes the strengths and limitations of the most commonly used transgenic AD animal models and current views about the contribution of Aβ accumulation versus cerebrovascular dysfunction in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Jane J. Border
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Richard J. Roman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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20
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Ali M, Maragkos GA, Yaeger KA, Schupper AJ, Hardigan TA, Vasan V, Schuldt BR, Odland IC, Downes M, Dullea J, Ascanio LC, Troiani ZS, Mohammadi N, Lara-Reyna J, Rothrock RJ, Lefton DR, Mocco J, Kellner CP. Initial experience with minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage in the setting of radiographic herniation. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107309. [PMID: 37625345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107309] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can rapidly result in cerebral herniation, leading to poor neurologic outcomes or mortality. To date, neither decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) nor hematoma evacuation have been conclusively shown to improve outcomes for comatose ICH patients presenting with cerebral herniation, with these patients largely excluded from clinical trials. Here we present the outcomes of a series of patients presenting with ICH and radiographic herniation who underwent emergent minimally invasive (MIS) ICH evacuation. METHODS We reviewed our prospectively collected registry of patients undergoing MIS ICH evacuation at a single institution from 01/01/2017 to 10/01/2021. We selected all consecutive patients with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) ≤ 8 and radiographic herniation for this case series. Clinical and radiographic variables were collected, including admission GCS score, preoperative and postoperative hematoma volumes, National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) scores, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at last follow-up. RESULTS Of 176 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH who underwent minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation during the study time period, a total of 9 patients presented with GCS ≤ 8 and evidence of radiographic herniation. Among these patients, the mean age was 62 ± 12 years, the median GCS at presentation was 5 [IQR 4-6], the mean preoperative hematoma volume was 94 ± 44 mL, the mean time from ictus to evacuation was 12 ± 5 h, and the mean postoperative hematoma volume was 11 ± 16 mL, for a median evacuation percentage of 97% [83-99]. Three patients (33%) died, four (44%) survived with mRS 5 and two (22%) with mRS 4. Patients had a median NIHSS improvement of 5 compared to their initial NIHSS. Age was very strongly correlate to improvements in NIHSS (r2 = 0.90). CONCLUSION Data from this initial experience suggest emergent MIS hematoma evacuation in the setting of ICH with radiographic herniation is feasible and technically effective. Further randomized studies are required to determine if such an intervention offers overall benefits to patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Georgios A Maragkos
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kurt A Yaeger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | - Trevor A Hardigan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Vikram Vasan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Braxton R Schuldt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ian C Odland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Margaret Downes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jonathan Dullea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Luis C Ascanio
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zachary S Troiani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nicki Mohammadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jacques Lara-Reyna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Robert J Rothrock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Daniel R Lefton
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - J Mocco
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 10029, USA
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21
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Qi F, Zuo Z, Hu K, Wang R, Wu T, Liu H, Tang J, Wang Q, Xie Y, Tan L, Yang Y, Zhang X, Zheng J, Xu J, Yao Z, Wang S, Wu LJ, Guo K. VEGF-A in serum protects against memory impairment in APP/PS1 transgenic mice by blocking neutrophil infiltration. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4374-4389. [PMID: 37280283 PMCID: PMC10827659 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02097-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Activation of innate immunity in the brain is a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study investigated the regulation of innate immunity by wild-type serum injection in a transgenic AD mouse model. We found that treatment with wild-type mouse serum significantly reduced the number of neutrophils and microglial reactivity in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Mimicking this effect, neutrophil depletion via Ly6G neutralizing antibodies resulted in improvements in AD brain functions. Serum proteomic analysis identified vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) as factors enriched in serum samples, which are crucial for neutrophil migration and chemotaxis, leukocyte migration, and cell chemotaxis. Exogenous VEGF-A reversed amyloid β (Aβ)-induced decreases in cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and increases in CXCL1 in vitro and blocked neutrophil infiltration into the AD brain. Endothelial Cdk5 overexpression conferred an inhibitory effect on CXCL1 and neutrophil infiltration, thereby restoring memory abilities in APP/PS1 mice. Our findings uncover a previously unknown link between blood-derived VEGF signaling and neutrophil infiltration and support targeting endothelial Cdk5 signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Qi
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Editorial Department of Journal of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Zejie Zuo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Kaishun Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiaoling Tang
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qingbo Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yufeng Xie
- Five-year Programs of Clinical Medicine in the 2017 grade, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 528406, China
| | - Liren Tan
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yunjie Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoran Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiaying Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhibin Yao
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shengwen Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Kaihua Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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22
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Murata J, Unekawa M, Kudo Y, Kotani M, Kanno I, Izawa Y, Tomita Y, Tanaka KF, Nakahara J, Masamoto K. Acceleration of the Development of Microcirculation Embolism in the Brain due to Capillary Narrowing. Stroke 2023; 54:2135-2144. [PMID: 37309687 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.122.042416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral microvascular obstruction is critically involved in recurrent stroke and decreased cerebral blood flow with age. The obstruction must occur in the capillary with a greater resistance to perfusion pressure through the microvascular networks. However, little is known about the relationship between capillary size and embolism formation. This study aimed to determine whether the capillary lumen space contributes to the development of microcirculation embolism. METHODS To spatiotemporally manipulate capillary diameters in vivo, transgenic mice expressing the light-gated cation channel protein ChR2 (channelrhodopsin-2) in mural cells were used. The spatiotemporal changes in the regional cerebral blood flow in response to the photoactivation of ChR2 mural cells were first characterized using laser speckle flowgraphy. Capillary responses to optimized photostimulation were then examined in vivo using 2-photon microscopy. Finally, microcirculation embolism due to intravenously injected fluorescent microbeads was compared under conditions with or without photoactivation of ChR2 mural cells. RESULTS Following transcranial photostimulation, the stimulation intensity-dependent decrease in cerebral blood flow centered at the irradiation was observed (14%-49% decreases relative to the baseline). The cerebrovascular response to photostimulation showed significant constriction of the cerebral arteries and capillaries but not of the veins. As a result of vasoconstriction, a temporal stall of red blood cell flow occurred in the capillaries of the venous sides. The 2-photon excitation of a single ChR2 pericyte demonstrated the partial shrinkage of capillaries (7% relative to the baseline) around the stimulated cell. With the intravenous injection of microbeads, the occurrence of microcirculation embolism was significantly enhanced (11% increases compared to the control) with photostimulation. CONCLUSIONS Capillary narrowing increases the risk of developing microcirculation embolism in the venous sides of the cerebral capillaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juri Murata
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering (J.M., Y.K., M.K., K.M.), University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Unekawa
- Department of Neurology (M.U., Y.I., Y.T., J.N.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuya Kudo
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering (J.M., Y.K., M.K., K.M.), University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maho Kotani
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering (J.M., Y.K., M.K., K.M.), University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Iwao Kanno
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan (I.K.)
| | - Yoshikane Izawa
- Department of Neurology (M.U., Y.I., Y.T., J.N.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Tomita
- Department of Neurology (M.U., Y.I., Y.T., J.N.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Tomita Hospital, Aichi, Japan (Y.T.)
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Division of Brain Sciences, Institute for Advanced Medical Research (K.F.T.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jin Nakahara
- Department of Neurology (M.U., Y.I., Y.T., J.N.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuto Masamoto
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering (J.M., Y.K., M.K., K.M.), University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering (K.M.), University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan
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Minamisawa Y, Sato M, Saito Y, Takeuchi F, Miyazaki H, Odaka M, Yamamoto A, Oyama Y, Watanabe Y, Takeshita S, Takahashi Y. Case report: Evolution of catatonic mutism and psychotic symptoms in an adolescent with Down syndrome: transition from Down syndrome disintegrative disorder to anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1200541. [PMID: 37360353 PMCID: PMC10288866 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1200541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
During her first year of junior high school, a 12-year-old Japanese girl with Down syndrome experienced dizziness, gait disruption, paroxysmal weakness in her hands, and sluggish speaking. Regular blood tests and a brain MRI revealed no abnormalities, and she was tentatively diagnosed with adjustment disorder. Nine months later, the patient experienced a subacute sickness of chest pain, nausea, sleep problem with night terrors, and delusion of observation. Rapid deterioration then developed with simultaneous fever, akinetic mutism, loss of facial expression, and urine incontinence. These catatonic symptoms improved after a few weeks after admission and treatment with lorazepam, escitalopram, and aripiprazole. After discharge, nonetheless, daytime slumber, empty eyes, paradoxical laughter, and declined verbal communication persisted. Upon confirmation of the cerebrospinal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor autoantibody, methylprednisolone pulse therapy was tried, but it had little effect. Visual hallucinations and cenesthopathy, as well as suicidal thoughts and delusions of death, have predominated in the following years. Cerebrospinal IL-1ra, IL-5, IL-15, CCL5, G-CSF, PDGFbb, and VFGF were raised in the early stage of initial medical attention with nonspecific complaints, but were less prominent in the later stages of catatonic mutism and psychotic symptoms. We suggest a disease concept of progression from Down syndrome disintegrative disorder to NMDA receptor encephalitis, based on this experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Minamisawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Odawara Municipal Hospital, Odawara, Japan
- Children's Medical Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, Odawara Municipal Hospital, Odawara, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Saito
- Department of Pediatrics, National Rehabilitation Center for Children with Disabilities, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumikazu Takeuchi
- Department of Psychiatric Medicine, Odawara Municipal Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hidehito Miyazaki
- Department of Psychiatry/Psychiatric Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mao Odaka
- Children's Medical Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ayako Yamamoto
- Children's Medical Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Oyama
- Children's Medical Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Watanabe
- Children's Medical Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Saoko Takeshita
- Children's Medical Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yukitoshi Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, NHO Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, Japan
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24
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Qin C. Overexpression of ACE2 ameliorates Aβ-induced blood-brain barrier damage and angiogenesis by inhibiting NF-κB/VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:237-244. [PMID: 37183346 PMCID: PMC10272905 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathological angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier damage may play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). ACE2 is mainly expressed on the surface of endothelial cells in brain. Recent studies have shown that the expression of ACE2 in AD is reduced, but its role in AD is still unclear. METHOD We induced AD damage in endothelial cells using Aβ25-35 and overexpressed ACE2 in bEend.3 cells through lentiviral transfection. We detected the effect of Aβ25-35 on cell viability using the CCK-8 assay and examined the effect of overexpressing ACE2 on angiogenesis using an angiogenesis assay. We used western blot and cell immunofluorescence to detect changes in the expression of the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway, tight junction protein, and NF-κB pathway. RESULTS Aβ25-35 treatment significantly decreased the expression of ACE2 and reduced cell viability. ACE2 overexpression (1) reduced the number of branches and junctions in tube formation, (2) inhibited the activation of the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway induced by Aβ25-35 , (3) increased the expression of TJPs, including ZO-1 and claudin-5, and (4) restored Aβ25-35 -induced activation of the NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSION Overexpression of ACE2 can improve pathological angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier damage in AD models in vitro by inhibiting NF-κB/VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway activity. ACE2 may therefore represent a therapeutic target for endothelial cell dysfunction in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Zhang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS & PUMCBeijingChina
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS & PUMCBeijingChina
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource CenterBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijingChina
- Changping National Laboratory (CPNL)BeijingChina
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS & PUMCBeijingChina
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource CenterBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijingChina
- Changping National Laboratory (CPNL)BeijingChina
| | - Chuan Qin
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS & PUMCBeijingChina
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource CenterBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijingChina
- Changping National Laboratory (CPNL)BeijingChina
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25
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Lim HK, Bae S, Han K, Kang BM, Jeong Y, Kim SG, Suh M. Seizure-induced neutrophil adhesion in brain capillaries leads to a decrease in postictal cerebral blood flow. iScience 2023; 26:106655. [PMID: 37168551 PMCID: PMC10164910 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral hypoperfusion has been proposed as a potential cause of postictal neurological dysfunction in epilepsy, but its underlying mechanism is still unclear. We show that a 30% reduction in postictal cerebral blood flow (CBF) has two contributing factors: the early hypoperfusion up to ∼30 min post-seizure was mainly induced by arteriolar constriction, while the hypoperfusion that persisted for over an hour was due to increased capillary stalling induced by neutrophil adhesion to brain capillaries, decreased red blood cell (RBC) flow accompanied by constriction of capillaries and venules, and elevated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. Administration of antibodies against the neutrophil marker Ly6G and against LFA-1, which mediates adhesive interactions with ICAM-1, prevented neutrophil adhesion and recovered the prolonged CBF reductions to control levels. Our findings provide evidence that seizure-induced neutrophil adhesion to cerebral microvessels via ICAM-1 leads to prolonged postictal hypoperfusion, which may underlie neurological dysfunction in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Kyoung Lim
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Sungjun Bae
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
- IMNEWRUN Inc, N Center Bldg. A 5F, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Kayoung Han
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Bok-Man Kang
- IMNEWRUN Inc, N Center Bldg. A 5F, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Yoonyi Jeong
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence (IPHC), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence (IPHC), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Minah Suh
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
- IMNEWRUN Inc, N Center Bldg. A 5F, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence (IPHC), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
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26
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Besin V, Martriano Humardani F, Thalia Mulyanata L. Neurogenomics of Alzheimer's Disease (AD): An Asian Population Review. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 546:117389. [PMID: 37211175 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is on the rise worldwide. Generally, AD is considered neurodegenerative when the production and clearance of amyloid-β (Aβ) are imbalanced. Recent research on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has been explosive; GWAS indicates a relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and AD. GWAS also reveals ethnic differences between Caucasians and Asians. This indicates that pathogenesis between ethnic groups is distinct. According to current scientific knowledge, AD is a disease with a complex pathogenesis that includes impaired neuronal cholesterol regulation, immunity regulation, neurotransmitters regulation, Aβ clearance, Aβ production, and vascular regulation. Here, we demonstrate the pathogenesis of AD in an Asian population and the SNP risk of AD for future AD screening before onset. According to our knowledge, this is the first review of Alzheimer's disease to demonstrate the pathogenesis of AD based on SNP in an Asian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentinus Besin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Surabaya, Surabaya 60292, Indonesia.
| | - Farizky Martriano Humardani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Surabaya, Surabaya 60292, Indonesia; Magister in Biomedical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65112, Indonesia
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27
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Naomi R, Teoh SH, Embong H, Balan SS, Othman F, Bahari H, Yazid MD. The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Obesity and Its Impact on Cognitive Impairments-A Narrative Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051071. [PMID: 37237937 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051071] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition that induces the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation. This oxidative stress and inflammation stimulate brain atrophy and some morphological changes in the brain that eventually result in cognitive impairments. However, there is no exact study that has summarized the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity and its impact on cognitive impairments. Thus, the objective of this review is to recapitulate the current role of oxidative stress and inflammation in cognitive decline based on in vivo evidence. A comprehensive search was performed in Nature, Medline and Ovid, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, and the search was limited to the past 10 years of publication. From the search, we identified 27 articles to be further reviewed. The outcome of this study indicates that a greater amount of fat stored in individual adipocytes in obesity induces the formation of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. This will lead to the generation of oxidative stress, which may cause morphological changes in the brain, suppress the endogenous antioxidant system, and promote neuroinflammation and, eventually, neuronal apoptosis. This will impair the normal function of the brain and specific regions that are involved in learning, as well as memory. This shows that obesity has a strong positive correlation with cognitive impairments. Hence, this review summarizes the mechanism of oxidative stress and inflammation that induce memory loss based on animal model evidence. In conclusion, this review may serve as an insight into therapeutic development focusing on oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways to manage an obesity-induced cognitive decline in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Naomi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Soo Huat Teoh
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas 13200, Malaysia
| | - Hashim Embong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Santhra Segaran Balan
- Department of Diagnostic and Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Malaysia
| | - Fezah Othman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Hasnah Bahari
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Dain Yazid
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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28
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Stamenkovic S, Li Y, Waters J, Shih A. Deep Imaging to Dissect Microvascular Contributions to White Matter Degeneration in Rodent Models of Dementia. Stroke 2023; 54:1403-1415. [PMID: 37094035 PMCID: PMC10460612 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.122.037156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
The increasing socio-economic burden of Alzheimer disease (AD) and AD-related dementias has created a pressing need to define targets for therapeutic intervention. Deficits in cerebral blood flow and neurovascular function have emerged as early contributors to disease progression. However, the cause, progression, and consequence of small vessel disease in AD/AD-related dementias remains poorly understood, making therapeutic targets difficult to pinpoint. Animal models that recapitulate features of AD/AD-related dementias may provide mechanistic insight because microvascular pathology can be studied as it develops in vivo. Recent advances in in vivo optical and ultrasound-based imaging of the rodent brain facilitate this goal by providing access to deeper brain structures, including white matter and hippocampus, which are more vulnerable to injury during cerebrovascular disease. Here, we highlight these novel imaging approaches and discuss their potential for improving our understanding of vascular contributions to AD/AD-related dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Stamenkovic
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yuandong Li
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jack Waters
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andy Shih
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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29
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Bunner W, Wang J, Cohen S, Bashtovyy D, Perry R, Shookster D, Landry T, Harris EM, Stackman R, Tran TD, Yasuda R, Szatmari EM. Behavioral and Transcriptome Profiling of Heterozygous Rab10 Knock-Out Mice. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0459-22.2023. [PMID: 37156612 PMCID: PMC10208283 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0459-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A central question in the field of aging research is to identify the cellular and molecular basis of neuroresilience. One potential candidate is the small GTPase, Rab10. Here, we used Rab10+/- mice to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying Rab10-mediated neuroresilience. Brain expression analysis of 880 genes involved in neurodegeneration showed that Rab10+/- mice have increased activation of pathways associated with neuronal metabolism, structural integrity, neurotransmission, and neuroplasticity compared with their Rab10+/+ littermates. Lower activation was observed for pathways involved in neuroinflammation and aging. We identified and validated several differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including Stx2, Stx1b, Vegfa, and Lrrc25 (downregulated) and Prkaa2, Syt4, and Grin2d (upregulated). Behavioral testing showed that Rab10+/- mice perform better in a hippocampal-dependent spatial task (object in place test), while their performance in a classical conditioning task (trace eyeblink classical conditioning, TECC) was significantly impaired. Therefore, our findings indicate that Rab10 differentially controls the brain circuitry of hippocampal-dependent spatial memory and higher-order behavior that requires intact cortex-hippocampal circuitry. Transcriptome and biochemical characterization of these mice suggest that glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2D (GRIN2D or GluN2D) is affected by Rab10 signaling. Further work is needed to evaluate whether GRIN2D mediates the behavioral phenotypes of the Rab10+/- mice. We conclude that Rab10+/- mice described here can be a valuable tool to study the mechanisms of resilience in Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice and to identify novel therapeutical targets to prevent cognitive decline associated with normal and pathologic aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt Bunner
- Department of Physical Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834
| | - Jie Wang
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Sarah Cohen
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Denys Bashtovyy
- Department of Physical Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834
| | - Rachel Perry
- Department of Physical Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834
| | | | - Taylor Landry
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, NC 27858
| | - Elizabeth M Harris
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Robert Stackman
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Tuan D Tran
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Ryohei Yasuda
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Erzsebet M Szatmari
- Department of Physical Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834
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30
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Park E, Li LY, He C, Abbasi AZ, Ahmed T, Foltz WD, O'Flaherty R, Zain M, Bonin RP, Rauth AM, Fraser PE, Henderson JT, Wu XY. Brain-Penetrating and Disease Site-Targeting Manganese Dioxide-Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles Remodel Microenvironment of Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Multiple Pathological Pathways. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207238. [PMID: 36808713 PMCID: PMC10131868 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Finding effective disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease remains challenging due to an array of factors contributing to the loss of neural function. The current study demonstrates a new strategy, using multitargeted bioactive nanoparticles to modify the brain microenvironment to achieve therapeutic benefits in a well-characterized mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The application of brain-penetrating manganese dioxide nanoparticles significantly reduces hypoxia, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress; ultimately reducing levels of amyloid β plaques within the neocortex. Analyses of molecular biomarkers and magnetic resonance imaging-based functional studies indicate that these effects improve microvessel integrity, cerebral blood flow, and cerebral lymphatic clearance of amyloid β. These changes collectively shift the brain microenvironment toward conditions more favorable to continued neural function as demonstrated by improved cognitive function following treatment. Such multimodal disease-modifying treatment may bridge critical gaps in the therapeutic treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliya Park
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto144 College StTorontoONM5S 3M2Canada
| | - Lily Yi Li
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto144 College StTorontoONM5S 3M2Canada
| | - Chunsheng He
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto144 College StTorontoONM5S 3M2Canada
| | - Azhar Z. Abbasi
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto144 College StTorontoONM5S 3M2Canada
| | - Taksim Ahmed
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto144 College StTorontoONM5S 3M2Canada
| | - Warren D. Foltz
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity Health Network149 College StTorontoONM5T 1P5Canada
| | - Regan O'Flaherty
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto135 Nassau StTorontoONM5T 1M8Canada
| | - Maham Zain
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto144 College StTorontoONM5S 3M2Canada
| | - Robert P. Bonin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto144 College StTorontoONM5S 3M2Canada
| | - Andrew M. Rauth
- Departments of Medical Biophysics and Radiation OncologyUniversity of Toronto101 College StTorontoONM5G 1L7Canada
| | - Paul E. Fraser
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto135 Nassau StTorontoONM5T 1M8Canada
| | - Jeffrey T. Henderson
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto144 College StTorontoONM5S 3M2Canada
| | - Xiao Yu Wu
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto144 College StTorontoONM5S 3M2Canada
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31
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Sompol P, Gollihue JL, Weiss BE, Lin RL, Case SL, Kraner SD, Weekman EM, Gant JC, Rogers CB, Niedowicz DM, Sudduth TL, Powell DK, Lin AL, Nelson PT, Thibault O, Wilcock DM, Norris CM. Targeting Astrocyte Signaling Alleviates Cerebrovascular and Synaptic Function Deficits in a Diet-Based Mouse Model of Small Cerebral Vessel Disease. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1797-1813. [PMID: 36746627 PMCID: PMC10010459 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1333-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the indispensable role that astrocytes play in the neurovascular unit, few studies have investigated the functional impact of astrocyte signaling in cognitive decline and dementia related to vascular pathology. Diet-mediated induction of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) recapitulates numerous features of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Here, we used astrocyte targeting approaches to evaluate astrocyte Ca2+ dysregulation and the impact of aberrant astrocyte signaling on cerebrovascular dysfunction and synapse impairment in male and female HHcy diet mice. Two-photon imaging conducted in fully awake mice revealed activity-dependent Ca2+ dysregulation in barrel cortex astrocytes under HHcy. Stimulation of contralateral whiskers elicited larger Ca2+ transients in individual astrocytes of HHcy diet mice compared with control diet mice. However, evoked Ca2+ signaling across astrocyte networks was impaired in HHcy mice. HHcy also was associated with increased activation of the Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT4, which has been linked previously to the reactive astrocyte phenotype and synapse dysfunction in amyloid and brain injury models. Targeting the NFAT inhibitor VIVIT to astrocytes, using adeno-associated virus vectors, led to reduced GFAP promoter activity in HHcy diet mice and improved functional hyperemia in arterioles and capillaries. VIVIT expression in astrocytes also preserved CA1 synaptic function and improved spontaneous alternation performance on the Y maze. Together, the results demonstrate that aberrant astrocyte signaling can impair the major functional properties of the neurovascular unit (i.e., cerebral vessel regulation and synaptic regulation) and may therefore represent a promising drug target for treating VCID and possibly Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The impact of reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated Ca2+ responses and signaling in barrel cortex astrocytes of mice fed with a B-vitamin deficient diet that induces hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), cerebral vessel disease, and cognitive decline. Multiphoton imaging in awake mice with HHcy revealed augmented Ca2+ responses in individual astrocytes, but impaired signaling across astrocyte networks. Stimulation-evoked arteriole dilation and elevated red blood cell velocity in capillaries were also impaired in cortex of awake HHcy mice. Astrocyte-specific inhibition of the Ca2+-dependent transcription factor, NFAT, normalized cerebrovascular function in HHcy mice, improved synaptic properties in brain slices, and stabilized cognition. Results suggest that astrocytes are a mechanism and possible therapeutic target for vascular-related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Blaine E Weiss
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Ruei-Lung Lin
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Sami L Case
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | - John C Gant
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | | | | | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Pathology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| | - Olivier Thibault
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
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32
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Hu C, Yan C, Wu Y, Tao E, Guo R, Zhu Z, Chen X, Fang M, Jiang M. Low FODMAP Diet Relieves Visceral Hypersensitivity and Is Associated with Changes in Colonic Microcirculation in Water Avoidance Mice Model. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051155. [PMID: 36904154 PMCID: PMC10004816 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051155] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a global public health problem, the pathogenesis of which has not been fully explored. Limiting fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) can relieve symptoms in some patients with IBS. Studies have shown that normal microcirculation perfusion is necessary to maintain the primary function of the gastrointestinal system. Here, we hypothesized that IBS pathogenesis might be related to abnormalities in colonic microcirculation. A low-FODMAP diet could alleviate visceral hypersensitivity (VH) by improving colonic microcirculation; (2) Methods: C57BL/6 mice were raised to establish an IBS-like rodent model using water avoidance (WA) stress or SHAM-WA as a control, one hour per day for ten days. The mice in the WA group were administered different levels of the FODMAP diet: 2.1% regular FODMAP (WA-RF), 10% high FODMAP diet (WA-HF), 5% medium FODMAP diet (WA-MF), and 0% low FODMAP diet (WA-LF) for the following 14 days. The body weight and food consumption of the mice were recorded. Visceral sensitivity was measured as colorectal distention (CRD) using the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score. Colonic microcirculation was assessed using laser speckle contrast imaging (LCSI). Vascular endothelial-derived growth factor (VEGF) was detected using immunofluorescence staining; (3) Results: The threshold values of CRD pressure in the WA-RF, WA-HF, and WA-MF groups were significantly lower than those in the SHAM-WA group. Moreover, we observed that colonic microcirculation perfusion decreased, and the expression of VEGF protein increased in these three groups of mice. Interestingly, a low-FODMAP dietary intervention could reverse this situation. Specifically, a low-FODMAP diet increased colonic microcirculation perfusion, reduced VEGF protein expression in mice, and increased the threshold of VH. There was a significant positive correlation between colonic microcirculation and threshold for VH; (4) Conclusions: These results demonstrate that a low-FODMAP diet can alter VH by affecting colonic microcirculation. Changes in intestinal microcirculation may be related to VEGF expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenmin Hu
- Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Chenxi Yan
- Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yuhao Wu
- Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Enfu Tao
- Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Zhenya Zhu
- Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Marong Fang
- Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Institute of System Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.J.)
| | - Mizu Jiang
- Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children’s Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.J.)
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Ruiz-Uribe NE, Bracko O, Swallow M, Omurzakov A, Dash S, Uchida H, Xiang D, Haft-Javaherian M, Falkenhain K, Lamont ME, Ali M, Njiru BN, Chang HY, Tan AY, Xiang JZ, Iadecola C, Park L, Sanchez T, Nishimura N, Schaffer CB. Vascular oxidative stress causes neutrophil arrest in brain capillaries, leading to decreased cerebral blood flow and contributing to memory impairment in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.15.528710. [PMID: 36824768 PMCID: PMC9949082 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.528710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study, we explore the role of oxidative stress produced by NOX2-containing NADPH oxidase as a molecular mechanism causing capillary stalling and cerebral blood flow deficits in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD. METHODS We inhibited NOX2 in APP/PS1 mice by administering a 10 mg/kg dose of the peptide inhibitor gp91-ds-tat i.p., for two weeks. We used in vivo two-photon imaging to measure capillary stalling, penetrating arteriole flow, and vascular inflammation. We also characterized short-term memory function and gene expression changes in cerebral microvessels. RESULTS We found that after NOX2 inhibition capillary stalling, as well as parenchymal and vascular inflammation, were significantly reduced. In addition, we found a significant increase in penetrating arteriole flow, followed by an improvement in short-term memory, and downregulation of inflammatory gene expression pathways. DISCUSSION Oxidative stress is a major mechanism leading to microvascular dysfunction in AD, and represents an important therapeutic target.
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Lin L, Chen Z, Huang C, Wu Y, Huang L, Wang L, Ke S, Liu L. Mito-TEMPO, a Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant, Improves Cognitive Dysfunction due to Hypoglycemia: an Association with Reduced Pericyte Loss and Blood-Brain Barrier Leakage. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:672-686. [PMID: 36357613 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03101-0] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypoglycemia is associated with cognitive dysfunction, but the exact mechanisms have not been elucidated. Our previous study found that severe hypoglycemia could lead to cognitive dysfunction in a type 1 diabetes (T1D) mouse model. Thus, the aim of this study was to further investigate whether the mechanism of severe hypoglycemia leading to cognitive dysfunction is related to oxidative stress-mediated pericyte loss and blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage. A streptozotocin T1D model (150 mg/kg, one-time intraperitoneal injection), using male C57BL/6J mice, was used to induce hypoglycemia. Brain tissue was extracted to examine for neuronal damage, permeability of BBB was investigated through Evans blue staining and electron microscopy, reactive oxygen species and adenosine triphosphate in brain tissue were assayed, and the functional changes of pericytes were determined. Cognitive function was tested using Morris water maze. Also, an in vitro glucose deprivation model was constructed. The results showed that BBB leakage after hypoglycemia is associated with excessive activation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction due to glucose deprivation/reperfusion. Interventions using the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO in both in vivo and in vitro models reduced mitochondrial oxidative stress, decreased pericyte loss and apoptosis, and attenuated BBB leakage and neuronal damage, ultimately leading to improved cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhou Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Cuihua Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yubin Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lishan Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lijing Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Sujie Ke
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Libin Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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35
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Liu C, Lee SH, Loewenstein DA, Galvin JE, Levin BE, McKinney A, Alperin N. Early Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Is Associated with Reduced Total Cerebral Blood Flow with no Brain Tissue Loss. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 91:1313-1322. [PMID: 36617780 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220734] [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: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower cerebral blood flow (CBF) and excessive brain atrophy are linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is still undetermined whether reduced CBF precedes or follows brain tissue loss. OBJECTIVE We compared total CBF (tCBF), global cerebral perfusion (GCP), and volumes of AD-prone regions between cognitively normal (CN) and early amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and tested their associations with cognitive performance to assess their predictive value for differentiation between CN and early aMCI. METHODS A total of 74 participants (mean age 69.9±6.2 years, 47 females) were classified into two groups: 50 CN and 24 aMCI, of whom 88% were early aMCI. tCBF, GCP, and global and regional brain volumetry were measured using phase-contrast and T1-weighted MRI. Neuropsychological tests tapping global cognition and four cognitive domains (memory, executive function, language, and visuospatial) were administered. Comparisons and associations were investigated using analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) and linear regression analyses, respectively. RESULTS Women had significantly higher GCP than men. Both, tCBF and GCP were significantly reduced in aMCI compared with CN, while differences in volumes of cerebral gray matter, white matter, and AD-prone regions were not significant. tCBF and GCP were significantly associated with global cognition (standardized beta (stβ) = 0.324 and stβ= 0.326) and with memory scores (stβ≥0.297 and stβ≥0.264) across all participants. Associations of tCBF and GCP with memory scores were also significant in CN (stβ= 0.327 and stβ= 0.284) and in aMCI (stβ= 0.627 and stβ= 0.485). CONCLUSION Reduced tCBF and GCP are sensitive biomarkers of early aMCI that likely precede brain tissue loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sang H Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David A Loewenstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James E Galvin
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bonnie E Levin
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander McKinney
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Noam Alperin
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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36
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Yuan Y, Sun J, Dong Q, Cui M. Blood-brain barrier endothelial cells in neurodegenerative diseases: Signals from the "barrier". Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1047778. [PMID: 36908787 PMCID: PMC9998532 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1047778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption emerges as a common problem in the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases, the crucial roles of barrier-type brain endothelial cells (BECs), the primary part of the BBB, have been reported in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms of how early vascular dysfunction contributes to the progress of neurodegeneration are still unclear, and understanding BEC functions is a promising start. Our understanding of the BBB has gone through different stages, from a passive diffusion barrier to a mediator of central-peripheral interactions. BECs serve two seemingly paradoxical roles: as a barrier to protect the delicate brain from toxins and as an interface to constantly receive and release signals, thus maintaining and regulating the homeostasis of the brain. Most previous studies about neurodegenerative diseases focus on the loss of barrier functions, and far too little attention has been paid to the active regulations of BECs. In this review, we present the current evidence of BEC dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and explore how BEC signals participate in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education (MOE) Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Cui
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education (MOE) Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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37
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Stobart JL, Erlebach E, Glück C, Huang SF, Barrett MJ, Li M, Vinogradov SA, Klohs J, Zarb Y, Keller A, Weber B. Altered hemodynamics and vascular reactivity in a mouse model with severe pericyte deficiency. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 43:763-777. [PMID: 36545806 PMCID: PMC10108184 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221147366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pericytes are the mural cells of the microvascular network that are in close contact with underlying endothelial cells. Endothelial-secreted PDGFB leads to recruitment of pericytes to the vessel wall, but this is disrupted in Pdgfbret/ret mice when the PDGFB retention motif is deleted. This results in severely reduced pericyte coverage on blood vessels. In this study, we investigated vascular abnormalities and hemodynamics in Pdgfbret/ret mice throughout the cerebrovascular network and in different cortical layers by in vivo two-photon microscopy. We confirmed that Pdgfbret/ret mice are severely deficient in pericytes throughout the vascular network, with enlarged brain blood vessels and a reduced number of vessel branches. Red blood cell velocity, linear density, and tube hematocrit were reduced in Pdgfbret/ret mice, which may impair oxygen delivery to the tissue. We also measured intravascular PO2 and found that concentrations were higher in cortical Layer 2/3 in Pdgfbret/ret mice, indicative of reduced blood oxygen extraction. Finally, we found that Pdgfbret/ret mice had a reduced capacity for vasodilation in response to an acetazolamide challenge during functional MRI imaging. Taken together, these results suggest that severe pericyte deficiency can lead to vascular abnormalities and altered cerebral blood flow, reminiscent of pathologies such as arteriovenous malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian L Stobart
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Eva Erlebach
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chaim Glück
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sheng-Fu Huang
- Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matthew Jp Barrett
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Max Li
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sergei A Vinogradov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jan Klohs
- Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yvette Zarb
- Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Annika Keller
- Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Weber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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38
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Jiang Y, Lin Y, Tan Y, Shen X, Liao M, Wang H, Lu N, Han F, Xu N, Tang C, Song J, Tao R. Electroacupuncture ameliorates cerebrovascular impairment in Alzheimer's disease mice via melatonin signaling. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 29:917-931. [PMID: 36382345 PMCID: PMC9928543 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cerebrovascular impairment contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it still lacks effective intervention in clinical practice. Here, we investigated the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in cerebrovascular repair in 3xTg-AD mice and its mechanism. METHODS 3xTg-AD mice were employed to evaluate the protective effect of EA at ST36 acupoint (EAST36). Behavioral tests were performed to assess neurological disorders. Laser speckle contrast imaging, immunostaining, and Western blot were applied to determine EAST36-boosted cerebrovascular repair. The mechanism was explored in 3xTg mice and endothelial cell cultures by melatonin signaling modulation. RESULTS EAST36 at 20/100 Hz effectively alleviated the olfactory impairment and anxiety behavior and boosted cerebrovascular repair in AD mice. EAST36 attenuated cerebral microvascular degeneration in AD mice by modulating endothelial cell viability and injury. Consequently, the Aβ deposits and neural damage in AD mice were reversed after EAST36. Mechanistically, we revealed that EAST36 restored melatonin levels in AD mice. Melatonin supplement mimicked the EAST36 effect on cerebrovascular protection in AD mice and endothelial cell cultures. Importantly, blockage of melatonin signaling by antagonist blunted EAST36-induced cerebrovascular recovery and subsequent neurological improvement. CONCLUSIONS These findings provided strong evidence to support EAST36 as a potential nonpharmacological therapy against cerebrovascular impairment in AD. Further study is necessary to better understand how EAST36 treatment drives melatonin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Jiang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and MoxibustionGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Yunshi Lin
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and MoxibustionGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Yuhang Tan
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and MoxibustionGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Xinkai Shen
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and MoxibustionGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Meihua Liao
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and MoxibustionGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Huan Wang
- College of Life Science and TechnologyDalian UniversityDalianChina
| | - Nannan Lu
- Department of Neurology and Neurological SciencesStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Feng Han
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Nenggui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and MoxibustionGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Chunzhi Tang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and MoxibustionGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Juxian Song
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and MoxibustionGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Rongrong Tao
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and MoxibustionGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
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39
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Joshi R, Salton SRJ. Neurotrophin Crosstalk in the Etiology and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:932497. [PMID: 35909451 PMCID: PMC9335126 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.932497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the current progress in our understanding of the mechanisms by which growth factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and select neurotrophin-regulated gene products, such as VGF (non-acronymic) and VGF-derived neuropeptides, function in the central nervous system (CNS) to modulate neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, with a discussion of the possible therapeutic applications of these growth factors to major depressive disorder (MDD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). BDNF and VEGF levels are generally decreased regionally in the brains of MDD subjects and in preclinical animal models of depression, changes that are associated with neuronal atrophy and reduced neurogenesis, and are reversed by conventional monoaminergic and novel ketamine-like antidepressants. Downstream of neurotrophins and their receptors, VGF was identified as a nerve growth factor (NGF)- and BDNF-inducible secreted protein and neuropeptide precursor that is produced and trafficked throughout the CNS, where its expression is greatly influenced by neuronal activity and exercise, and where several VGF-derived peptides modulate neuronal activity, function, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Moreover, levels of VGF are reduced in the CSF of AD subjects, where it has been repetitively identified as a disease biomarker, and in the hippocampi of subjects with MDD, suggesting possible shared mechanisms by which reduced levels of VGF and other proteins that are similarly regulated by neurotrophin signaling pathways contribute to and potentially drive the pathogenesis and progression of co-morbid neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly MDD and AD, opening possible therapeutic windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Joshi
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephen R. J. Salton
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Stephen R. J. Salton,
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40
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Reeson P, Schager B, Van Sprengel M, Brown CE. Behavioral and Neural Activity-Dependent Recanalization of Plugged Capillaries in the Brain of Adult and Aged Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:876746. [PMID: 35722620 PMCID: PMC9204343 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.876746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The capillaries of the brain, owing to their small diameter and low perfusion pressure, are vulnerable to interruptions in blood flow. These tiny occlusions can have outsized consequences on angioarchitecture and brain function; especially when exacerbated by disease states or accumulate with aging. A distinctive feature of the brain’s microvasculature is the ability for active neurons to recruit local blood flow. The coupling of neural activity to blood flow could play an important role in recanalizing obstructed capillaries. To investigate this idea, we experimentally induced capillary obstructions in mice by injecting fluorescent microspheres and then manipulated neural activity levels though behavioral or pharmacologic approaches. We show that engaging adult and aged mice with 12 h exposure to an enriched environment (group housing, novel objects, exercise wheels) was sufficient to significantly reduce the density of obstructed capillaries throughout the forebrain. In order to more directly manipulate neural activity, we pharmacologically suppressed or increased neuronal activity in the somatosensory cortex. When we suppressed cortical activity, recanalization was impaired given the density of obstructed capillaries was significantly increased. Conversely, increasing cortical activity improved capillary recanalization. Since systemic cardiovascular factors (changes in heart rate, blood pressure) could explain these effects on recanalization, we demonstrate that unilateral manipulations of neural activity through whisker trimming or injection of muscimol, still had significant and hemisphere specific effects on recanalization, even in mice exposed to enrichment where cardiovascular effects would be evident in both hemispheres. In summary, our studies reveal that neural activity bi-directionally regulates the recanalization of obstructed capillaries. Further, we show that stimulating brain activity through behavioral engagement (i.e., environmental enrichment) can promote vascular health throughout the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Reeson
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Ben Schager
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Craig E. Brown
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Craig E. Brown,
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41
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Ali M, Bracko O. VEGF Paradoxically Reduces Cerebral Blood Flow in Alzheimer’s Disease Mice. Neurosci Insights 2022; 17:26331055221109254. [PMID: 35873789 PMCID: PMC9298729 DOI: 10.1177/26331055221109254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dysfunction plays a critical role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Cerebral blood flow reductions of 10% to 25% present early in disease pathogenesis. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) drives angiogenesis, which typically addresses blood flow reductions and global hypoxia. However, recent evidence suggests aberrant VEGF-A signaling in Alzheimer’s disease may undermine its physiological angiogenic function. Instead of improving cerebral blood flow, VEGF-A contributes to brain capillary stalls and blood flow reductions, likely accelerating cognitive decline. In this commentary, we explore the evidence for pathological VEGF signaling in Alzheimer’s disease, and discuss its implications for disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oliver Bracko
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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