1
|
Yu-Taeger L, El-Ayoubi A, Qi P, Danielyan L, Nguyen HHP. Intravenous MSC-Treatment Improves Impaired Brain Functions in the R6/2 Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease via Recovered Hepatic Pathological Changes. Cells 2024; 13:469. [PMID: 38534313 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060469] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD), a congenital neurodegenerative disorder, extends its pathological damages beyond the nervous system. The systematic manifestation of HD has been extensively described in numerous studies, including dysfunction in peripheral organs and peripheral inflammation. Gut dysbiosis and the gut-liver-brain axis have garnered greater emphasis in neurodegenerative research, and increased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been identified in HD patients and various in vivo models, correlating with disease progression. In the present study, we investigated hepatic pathological markers in the liver of R6/2 mice which convey exon 1 of the human mutant huntingtin gene. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of intravenously administered Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) on the liver enzymes, changes in hepatic inflammatory markers, as well as brain pathology and behavioral deficits in R6/2 mice. Our results revealed altered enzyme expression and increased levels of inflammatory mediators in the liver of R6/2 mice, which were significantly attenuated in the MSC-treated R6/2 mice. Remarkably, neuronal pathology and altered motor activities in the MSC-treated R6/2 mice were significantly ameliorated, despite the absence of MSCs in the postmortem brain. Our data highlight the importance of hepatic pathological changes in HD, providing a potential therapeutic approach. Moreover, the data open new perspectives for the search in blood biomarkers correlating with liver pathology in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Libo Yu-Taeger
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University of Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ali El-Ayoubi
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University of Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Pengfei Qi
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University of Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
| | - Hoa Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University of Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sciacchitano S, Carola V, Nicolais G, Sciacchitano S, Napoli C, Mancini R, Rocco M, Coluzzi F. To Be Frail or Not to Be Frail: This Is the Question-A Critical Narrative Review of Frailty. J Clin Med 2024; 13:721. [PMID: 38337415 PMCID: PMC10856357 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030721] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Many factors have contributed to rendering frailty an emerging, relevant, and very popular concept. First, many pandemics that have affected humanity in history, including COVID-19, most recently, have had more severe effects on frail people compared to non-frail ones. Second, the increase in human life expectancy observed in many developed countries, including Italy has led to a rise in the percentage of the older population that is more likely to be frail, which is why frailty is much a more common concern among geriatricians compared to other the various health-care professionals. Third, the stratification of people according to the occurrence and the degree of frailty allows healthcare decision makers to adequately plan for the allocation of available human professional and economic resources. Since frailty is considered to be fully preventable, there are relevant consequences in terms of potential benefits both in terms of the clinical outcome and healthcare costs. Frailty is becoming a popular, pervasive, and almost omnipresent concept in many different contexts, including clinical medicine, physical health, lifestyle behavior, mental health, health policy, and socio-economic planning sciences. The emergence of the new "science of frailty" has been recently acknowledged. However, there is still debate on the exact definition of frailty, the pathogenic mechanisms involved, the most appropriate method to assess frailty, and consequently, who should be considered frail. This narrative review aims to analyze frailty from many different aspects and points of view, with a special focus on the proposed pathogenic mechanisms, the various factors that have been considered in the assessment of frailty, and the emerging role of biomarkers in the early recognition of frailty, particularly on the role of mitochondria. According to the extensive literature on this topic, it is clear that frailty is a very complex syndrome, involving many different domains and affecting multiple physiological systems. Therefore, its management should be directed towards a comprehensive and multifaceted holistic approach and a personalized intervention strategy to slow down its progression or even to completely reverse the course of this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Sciacchitano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy;
- Unit of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (F.C.)
- Department of Life Sciences, Health and Health Professions, Link Campus University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Carola
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.N.)
| | - Giampaolo Nicolais
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.N.)
| | - Simona Sciacchitano
- Department of Psychiatry, La Princesa University Hospital, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Monica Rocco
- Unit of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (F.C.)
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Flaminia Coluzzi
- Unit of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (F.C.)
- Department Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, 04100 Latina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Laufer M, Perelman M, Segal G, Sarfaty M, Itelman E. Low Alanine Aminotransferase as a Marker for Sarcopenia and Frailty, Is Associated with Decreased Survival of Bladder Cancer Patients and Survivors-A Retrospective Data Analysis of 3075 Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:174. [PMID: 38201601 PMCID: PMC10778009 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010174] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is characterized by the loss of muscle mass and function and is associated with frailty, a syndrome linked to an increased likelihood of falls, fractures, and physical disability. Both frailty and sarcopenia are recognized as markers for shortened survival in a number of medical conditions and in cancer patient populations. Low alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values, representing low muscle mass (sarcopenia), may be associated with increased frailty and subsequently shortened survival in cancer patients. In the current study, we aimed to assess the potential relationship between low ALT and shorter survival in bladder cancer patients and survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of bladder cancer patients and survivors, both in and outpatients. We defined patients with sarcopenia as those presenting with ALT < 17 IU/L. RESULTS A total of 5769 bladder cancer patients' records were identified. After the exclusion of patients with no available ALT values or ALT levels above the upper normal limit, the final study cohort included 3075 patients (mean age 73.2 ± 12 years), of whom 80% were men and 1362 (53% had ALT ≤ 17 IU/L. The mean ALT value of patients within the low ALT group was 11.44 IU/L, while the mean value in the higher ALT level group was 24.32 IU/L (p < 0.001). Patients in the lower ALT group were older (74.7 vs. 71.4 years; p < 0.001), had lower BMI (25.8 vs. 27; p < 0.001), and their hemoglobin values were lower (11.7 vs. 12.6 g/dL; p < 0.001). In a univariate analysis, low ALT levels were associated with a 45% increase in mortality (95% CI 1.31-1.60, p < 0.001). In a multivariate model controlling for age, kidney function, and hemoglobin, low ALT levels were still associated with 22% increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS Low ALT values, indicative of sarcopenia and frailty, are associated with decreased survival of bladder cancer patients and survivors and could potentially be applied for optimizing individual treatment decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Menachem Laufer
- Department of Urology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel (E.I.)
| | - Maxim Perelman
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel (E.I.)
- Department of Internal Medicine “I”, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
| | - Gad Segal
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel (E.I.)
- Education Authority, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
| | - Michal Sarfaty
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel (E.I.)
- Institute of Oncology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262112, Israel
| | - Edward Itelman
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel (E.I.)
- Department of Internal Medicine E, Rabin Medical Center, Beilenson Campus, Peta-Tiqva 4941492, Israel
- Cardiology Division, Rabin Medical Center, Beilenson Campus, Peta-Tiqva 4941492, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hellou T, Dumanis G, Badarna A, Segal G. Low Alanine-Aminotransferase Blood Activity Is Associated with Increased Mortality in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 716 Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4606. [PMID: 37760575 PMCID: PMC10527212 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common hematologic malignancies, especially among elderlies. Several prognostic scores are available that utilize the characteristics of patients' blood counts and cytogenetic anomalies-all are features of the disease rather than of the patient. Addressing the route of personalized rather than precise medicine, we refer to the assessment of patients' status of sarcopenia and frailty. Low alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was already shown to function as a surrogate marker for sarcopenia and frailty. We decided to find a possible correlation between low ALT values and poor prognosis of CLL patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of CLL patients treated in a large, tertiary medical center, as outpatients or inpatients. Their frailty status was evaluated in a retrospective manner. We defined patients with ALT below 12 IU/L as frail and divided our cohort into two groups including a low ALT level group (ALT < 12) and a normal ALT level group (ALT ≥ 12). RESULTS Overall, our final analysis included 716 CLL patients, of which 161 (22.5%) had ALT levels lower than 12 IU/L. There was no significant difference in patients' age between the two groups. Patients with the low ALT had a lower hemoglobin concentration (median 10.8 g/dL [IQR = 2.7] vs. 12.2 [IQR = 3.1]; p < 0.001) and a higher proportion of patients were classified as Binet C score [48.4% vs. 31.1%]; p < 0.001). Frail CLL patients' survival was significantly shorter when compared to non-frail patients, in both the univariate [HR = 1.6 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.23, 2.0]; p < 0.01] and multivariate analyses [HR = 1.3 [95% CI 1.0, 1.7]; p = 0.03]. CONCLUSIONS Sarcopenia and frailty assessment, based on blood ALT measurements, could potentially point out differences in CLL patients' prognoses. Such assessment could serve the purpose of treatment personalization of CLL patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Hellou
- Hematology Division, Sheba Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Gan 5266202, Israel;
| | - Guy Dumanis
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
| | - Arwa Badarna
- Sheba Medical Center, School of Medicine, Karazin Kharkiv National University, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine;
| | - Gad Segal
- Education Authority, Sheba Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Gan 5266202, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Laufer M, Perelman M, Sarfaty M, Itelman E, Segal G. Low Alanine Aminotransferase, as a Marker of Sarcopenia and Frailty, Is Associated with Shorter Survival Among Prostate Cancer Patients and Survivors. A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of 4064 Patients. EUR UROL SUPPL 2023; 55:38-44. [PMID: 37693730 PMCID: PMC10485784 DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcopenia is characterized by loss of muscle mass and function and is associated with frailty, a syndrome with higher likelihood of falls, fractures, physical disability, and mortality. Both frailty and sarcopenia are known markers of shorter survival in various cancer patient populations. Low alanine aminotransferase (ALT), reflecting loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), may be associated with greater frailty and shorter survival in multiple cancers. Objective To assess the potential association between low ALT and shorter survival among prostate cancer (PCa) patients and survivors. Design setting and participants This was a retrospective analysis of a historical cohort of PCa patients and survivors. Patients were defined as those still actively receiving PCa treatment, while those no longer receiving such treatment were classified as PCa survivors. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis ALT data were obtained from results for basic biochemical blood testing carried out for patients on their first hospital admission. Patients were divided into two groups: those with ALT ≥17 IU/l and those with ALT <17 IU/l. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted for between-group survival comparisons. Results and limitations We identified 9489 PCa records. The final study cohort with ALT data available included 4064 patients with ALT <40 IU/l. Of this cohort, 536 patients were actively receiving medical anticancer therapy for PCa. The mean age for the entire cohort was 74.6 yr (standard deviation 9.6) and the median ALT level was 19.28 IU/l; 1676 patients (41%) had low ALT (<17 IU/l). On univariate analysis, low ALT was associated with a 78% increase in mortality risk (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-1.97; p < 0.001). A sensitivity analysis of the 536 patients actively receiving medical anticancer treatment revealed that low ALT was associated with a 48% increase in mortality risk (95% CI 1.19-1.85; p = 0.001). In a multivariable model controlled for age, kidney disease, history of cerebrovascular event/transient ischemic attack, and baseline prostate-specific antigen, low ALT was still associated with a 35% increase in mortality risk (95% CI 1.12-1.63; p = 0.001). Limitations include the single-center, retrospective design. Conclusions Low ALT, which is indicative of sarcopenia and frailty, is associated with shorter survival among PCa patients and survivors and could potentially be used for treatment personalization. Patient summary We compared survival for prostate cancer patients and survivors according to their blood level of the protein alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Low ALT levels in the general population are associated with loss of muscle mass. We found that in our group of prostate cancer patients and survivors, the risk of death from any cause was higher for those with low ALT levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Menachem Laufer
- Department of Urology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel§
| | - Maxim Perelman
- Department of Internal Medicine T, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel§
| | - Michal Sarfaty
- Institute of Oncology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel§
| | - Edward Itelman
- Department of Internal Medicine E, Rabin Medical Center, Beilenson Campus, Peta-Tiqva, Israel§
- Cardiology Division, Rabin Medical Center, Beilenson Campus, Peta-Tiqva, Israel§
| | - Gad Segal
- Sheba Education Authority, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel§
| |
Collapse
|