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Fontdevila L, Povedano M, Domínguez R, Boada J, Serrano JC, Pamplona R, Ayala V, Portero-Otín M. Examining the complex Interplay between gut microbiota abundance and short-chain fatty acid production in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients shortly after onset of disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23497. [PMID: 39379597 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-75083-z] [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: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess differences in the enteral microbiome of relatively recent-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients (< 6-15 months since symptom onset) compared to healthy individuals, focusing on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as potential mediators of host metabolism. We included 28 volunteers (16 ALS, 12 controls) with informed consent. No significant effect of ALS on alpha diversity (measuring the variety and abundance of species within a single sample, and indicating the health and complexity of the microbiome) was observed, but ALS patients had higher abundances of Fusobacteria and Acidobacteria. ALS subtypes influenced specific species, with increased Fusobacteria and Tenericutes in spinal ALS compared to bulbar ALS. ALS patients showed increased Enterobacter, Clostridium, Veillonella, Dialister, Turicibacter, and Acidaminococcus species and decreased Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Butyricimonas. Correlations between species varied between ALS patients and healthy individuals and among ALS subtypes. No significant differences in SCFA concentrations were found, but spinal ALS samples showed a trend towards decreased propionate content. Relationships between SCFAs and phyla colonization differed by disease status. This study suggests distinct enteral microbiome characteristics in ALS patients, though the implications are unclear. Further research is needed to determine if these differences are causative or consequential and to explore their potential as diagnostic or therapeutic targets. The study also underscores the heterogeneity of microbiome constraints in ALS and the need for more research into ALS and SCFA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Fontdevila
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Mònica Povedano
- Neurology Service, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl Domínguez
- Neurology Service, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Boada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - José Ce Serrano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Reinald Pamplona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Victòria Ayala
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
| | - Manuel Portero-Otín
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida-IRBLleida, Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
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Jacob SM, Lee S, Kim SH, Sharkey KA, Pfeffer G, Nguyen MD. Brain-body mechanisms contribute to sexual dimorphism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:475-494. [PMID: 38965379 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00991-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of human motor neuron disease. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to generalized motor weakness and, ultimately, respiratory paralysis and death within 3-5 years. The disease is shaped by genetics, age, sex and environmental stressors, but no cure or routine biomarkers exist for the disease. Male individuals have a higher propensity to develop ALS, and a different manifestation of the disease phenotype, than female individuals. However, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain a mystery. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology of ALS, examine the sexually dimorphic presentation of the disease and highlight the genetic variants and molecular pathways that might contribute to sex differences in humans and animal models of ALS. We advance the idea that sexual dimorphism in ALS arises from the interactions between the CNS and peripheral organs, involving vascular, metabolic, endocrine, musculoskeletal and immune systems, which are strikingly different between male and female individuals. Finally, we review the response to treatments in ALS and discuss the potential to implement future personalized therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jacob
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sukyoung Lee
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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3
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Su T, Lang Y, Ren J, Yin X, Zhang W, Cui L. Exploring the Relationship Between Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Gut Microbiota Through a Mendelian Randomization Study. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04376-1. [PMID: 39052184 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04376-1] [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: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Observational studies have shown gut microbiota changes in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients, but the causal relationship remains unknown. We aimed to determine any causal links between gut microbiota and this prion disease. Using Mendelian randomization analysis, we examined the causal relationship between gut microbiota composition and sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Data on gut microbiota (N = 18,340) and disease cases (5208) were obtained. Various analysis methods were used, including inverse variance weighted, Mendelian randomization-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. In addition, MR-PRESSO was used to evaluate horizontal pleiotropy and detect outliers. Pleiotropy and heterogeneity were assessed, and reverse analysis was conducted. Negative associations were found between sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and family Defluviitaleaceae, family Ruminococcaceae, genus Butyricicoccus, genus Desulfovibrio, and genus Eubacterium nodatum. Genus Lachnospiraceae UCG010 showed a positive correlation. Reverse analysis indicated genetic associations between the disease and decreased levels of family Peptococcaceae, genus Faecalibacterium, and genus Phascolarctobacterium, as well as increased levels of genus Butyrivibrio. No pleiotropy, heterogeneity, outliers, or weak instrument bias were observed. This study revealed bidirectional causal effects between specific gut microbiota components and sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Certain components demonstrated inhibitory effects on disease pathogenesis, while others were positively associated with the disease. Modulating gut microbiota may provide new insights into prion disease therapies. Further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and explore treatments for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Su
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yue Lang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Ren
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiang Yin
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Weiguanliu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Li Cui
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
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Niccolai E, Pedone M, Martinelli I, Nannini G, Baldi S, Simonini C, Di Gloria L, Zucchi E, Ramazzotti M, Spezia PG, Maggi F, Quaranta G, Masucci L, Bartolucci G, Stingo FC, Mandrioli J, Amedei A. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis stratification: unveiling patterns with virome, inflammation, and metabolism molecules. J Neurol 2024; 271:4310-4325. [PMID: 38644373 PMCID: PMC11233352 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12348-7] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an untreatable and clinically heterogeneous condition primarily affecting motor neurons. The ongoing quest for reliable biomarkers that mirror the disease status and progression has led to investigations that extend beyond motor neurons' pathology, encompassing broader systemic factors such as metabolism, immunity, and the microbiome. Our study contributes to this effort by examining the potential role of microbiome-related components, including viral elements, such as torque tenovirus (TTV), and various inflammatory factors, in ALS. In our analysis of serum samples from 100 ALS patients and 34 healthy controls (HC), we evaluated 14 cytokines, TTV DNA load, and 18 free fatty acids (FFA). We found that the evaluated variables are effective in differentiating ALS patients from healthy controls. In addition, our research identifies four unique patient clusters, each characterized by distinct biological profiles. Intriguingly, no correlations were found with site of onset, sex, progression rate, phenotype, or C9ORF72 expansion. A remarkable aspect of our findings is the discovery of a gender-specific relationship between levels of 2-ethylhexanoic acid and patient survival. In addition to contributing to the growing body of evidence suggesting altered peripheral immune responses in ALS, our exploratory research underscores metabolic diversity challenging conventional clinical classifications. If our exploratory findings are validated by further research, they could significantly impact disease understanding and patient care customization. Identifying groups based on biological profiles might aid in clustering patients with varying responses to treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Pedone
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications "G. Parenti", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Nannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Simone Baldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Leandro Di Gloria
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Ramazzotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pietro Giorgio Spezia
- Department of Translational Research, Retrovirus Center - University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Quaranta
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Masucci
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bartolucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Claudio Stingo
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications "G. Parenti", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Zielinski J, Corby P, Alekseyenko AV. MD3F: Multivariate Distance Drift Diffusion Framework for High-Dimensional Datasets. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:582. [PMID: 38790211 PMCID: PMC11120789 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050582] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
High-dimensional biomedical datasets have become easier to collect in the last two decades with the advent of multi-omic and single-cell experiments. These can generate over 1000 measurements per sample or per cell. More recently, focus has been drawn toward the need for longitudinal datasets, with the appreciation that important dynamic changes occur along transitions between health and disease. Analysis of longitudinal omics data comes with many challenges, including type I error inflation and corresponding loss in power when thousands of hypothesis tests are needed. Multivariate analysis can yield approaches with higher statistical power; however, multivariate methods for longitudinal data are currently limited. We propose a multivariate distance-based drift-diffusion framework (MD3F) to tackle the need for a multivariate approach to longitudinal, high-throughput datasets. We show that MD3F can result in surprisingly simple yet valid and powerful hypothesis testing and estimation approaches using generalized linear models. Through simulation and application studies, we show that MD3F is robust and can offer a broadly applicable method for assessing multivariate dynamics in omics data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Zielinski
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Patricia Corby
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - Alexander V. Alekseyenko
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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6
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Sakowski SA, Koubek EJ, Chen KS, Goutman SA, Feldman EL. Role of the Exposome in Neurodegenerative Disease: Recent Insights and Future Directions. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:635-652. [PMID: 38411261 PMCID: PMC11023772 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are increasing in prevalence and place a significant burden on society. The causes are multifactorial and complex, and increasing evidence suggests a dynamic interplay between genes and the environment, emphasizing the importance of identifying and understanding the role of lifelong exposures, known as the exposome, on the nervous system. This review provides an overview of recent advances toward defining neurodegenerative disease exposomes, focusing on Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. We present the current state of the field based on emerging data, elaborate on key themes and potential mechanisms, and conclude with limitations and future directions. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:635-652.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey A. Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily J. Koubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kevin S. Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stephen A. Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eva L. Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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7
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Noor Eddin A, Alfuwais M, Noor Eddin R, Alkattan K, Yaqinuddin A. Gut-Modulating Agents and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Nutrients 2024; 16:590. [PMID: 38474719 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050590] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a highly fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive wasting and paralysis of voluntary muscle. Despite extensive research, the etiology of ALS remains elusive, and effective treatment options are limited. However, recent evidence implicates gut dysbiosis and gut-brain axis (GBA) dysfunction in ALS pathogenesis. Alterations to the composition and diversity of microbial communities within the gut flora have been consistently observed in ALS patients. These changes are often correlated with disease progression and patient outcome, suggesting that GBA modulation may have therapeutic potential. Indeed, targeting the gut microbiota has been shown to be neuroprotective in several animal models, alleviating motor symptoms and mitigating disease progression. However, the translation of these findings to human patients is challenging due to the complexity of ALS pathology and the varying diversity of gut microbiota. This review comprehensively summarizes the current literature on ALS-related gut dysbiosis, focusing on the implications of GBA dysfunction. It delineates three main mechanisms by which dysbiosis contributes to ALS pathology: compromised intestinal barrier integrity, metabolic dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. It also examines preclinical evidence on the therapeutic potential of gut-microbiota-modulating agents (categorized as prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics) in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Noor Eddin
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alfuwais
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reena Noor Eddin
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Alkattan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Yaqinuddin
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
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