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Zahr NM. Alcohol Use Disorder and Dementia: A Review. Alcohol Res 2024; 44:03. [PMID: 38812709 PMCID: PMC11135165 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v44.1.03] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE By 2040, 21.6% of Americans will be over age 65, and the population of those older than age 85 is estimated to reach 14.4 million. Although not causative, older age is a risk factor for dementia: every 5 years beyond age 65, the risk doubles; approximately one-third of those older than age 85 are diagnosed with dementia. As current alcohol consumption among older adults is significantly higher compared to previous generations, a pressing question is whether drinking alcohol increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. SEARCH METHODS Databases explored included PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. To accomplish this narrative review on the effects of alcohol consumption on dementia risk, the literature covered included clinical diagnoses, epidemiology, neuropsychology, postmortem pathology, neuroimaging and other biomarkers, and translational studies. Searches conducted between January 12 and August 1, 2023, included the following terms and combinations: "aging," "alcoholism," "alcohol use disorder (AUD)," "brain," "CNS," "dementia," "Wernicke," "Korsakoff," "Alzheimer," "vascular," "frontotemporal," "Lewy body," "clinical," "diagnosis," "epidemiology," "pathology," "autopsy," "postmortem," "histology," "cognitive," "motor," "neuropsychological," "magnetic resonance," "imaging," "PET," "ligand," "degeneration," "atrophy," "translational," "rodent," "rat," "mouse," "model," "amyloid," "neurofibrillary tangles," "α-synuclein," or "presenilin." When relevant, "species" (i.e., "humans" or "other animals") was selected as an additional filter. Review articles were avoided when possible. SEARCH RESULTS The two terms "alcoholism" and "aging" retrieved about 1,350 papers; adding phrases-for example, "postmortem" or "magnetic resonance"-limited the number to fewer than 100 papers. Using the traditional term, "alcoholism" with "dementia" resulted in 876 citations, but using the currently accepted term "alcohol use disorder (AUD)" with "dementia" produced only 87 papers. Similarly, whereas the terms "Alzheimer's" and "alcoholism" yielded 318 results, "Alzheimer's" and "alcohol use disorder (AUD)" returned only 40 citations. As pertinent postmortem pathology papers were published in the 1950s and recent animal models of Alzheimer's disease were created in the early 2000s, articles referenced span the years 1957 to 2024. In total, more than 5,000 articles were considered; about 400 are herein referenced. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Chronic alcohol misuse accelerates brain aging and contributes to cognitive impairments, including those in the mnemonic domain. The consensus among studies from multiple disciplines, however, is that alcohol misuse can increase the risk for dementia, but not necessarily Alzheimer's disease. Key issues to consider include the reversibility of brain damage following abstinence from chronic alcohol misuse compared to the degenerative and progressive course of Alzheimer's disease, and the characteristic presence of protein inclusions in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, which are absent in the brains of those with AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Zahr
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California. Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, California
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Smith CC, Stevens J, Novelli M, Maskey D, Sutherland GT. Phosphatidylethanol in post-mortem brain: Correlation with blood alcohol concentration and alcohol use disorder. Alcohol 2024; 119:17-22. [PMID: 38763230 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.05.001] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is an alcohol derivative that has been employed as a blood-based biomarker for regular alcohol use. This study investigates the utility of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) as a biomarker for assessing alcohol consumption in post-mortem brain tissue. Using samples from the New South Wales Brain Tissue Resource Centre, we analysed PEth(16:0/18:1) levels in the cerebellum and meninges of individuals with varying histories of alcohol use, including those diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and controls. Our findings demonstrate a significant correlation between PEth levels and blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of death, supporting the biomarker's sensitivity to recent alcohol intake. Furthermore, this study explores the potential of PEth levels in differentiating AUD cases from controls, taking into consideration the complexities of diagnosing AUD post-mortem. The study also examined the relationship between PEth levels and liver pathology, identifying a link with the severity of liver damage. These results underscore the value of PEth as a reliable indicator of alcohol consumption and its potential contributions to post-mortem diagnostics and consequently, research into alcohol-related brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caine C Smith
- New South Wales Brain Tissue Research Centre, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Julia Stevens
- New South Wales Brain Tissue Research Centre, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mario Novelli
- New South Wales Brain Tissue Research Centre, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Dhiraj Maskey
- New South Wales Brain Tissue Research Centre, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Greg T Sutherland
- New South Wales Brain Tissue Research Centre, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Rush A, Weil C, Siminoff L, Griffin C, Paul CL, Mahadevan A, Sutherland G. The Experts Speak: Challenges in Banking Brain Tissue for Research. Biopreserv Biobank 2024; 22:179-184. [PMID: 38621226 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2024.29135.ajr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Rush
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - C Weil
- Independent Consultant, Human Research Protections and Bioethics, Bethesda, USA
| | - L Siminoff
- College of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - C Griffin
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
- Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - C L Paul
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
- Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - A Mahadevan
- Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | - G Sutherland
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Balez R, Stevens CH, Lenk K, Maksour S, Sidhu K, Sutherland G, Ooi L. Increased Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in Alzheimer's Disease Mediates Spontaneous Calcium Signaling and Divergent Glutamatergic Calcium Responses. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024. [PMID: 38299492 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0395] [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: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Nitrosative stress is a feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aims: We aimed to identify the cause underpinning increased nitric oxide (NO) in neurons and the impact of NO on neuronal function in AD. Results: We analyzed neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein levels in postmortem tissue and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons from Alzheimer's patients and controls by immunohistochemistry and Western blots. Furthermore, we assessed the impact of modulating nNOS function or NO levels on neuronal glutamatergic signaling using calcium imaging. We show that nNOS protein levels are increased in early and severely affected brain regions of AD postmortem tissue, but not late and mildly affected regions, or cognitively normal individuals. The increased nNOS phenotype was also present in iPSC-derived neurons from late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) patients compared with controls, along with increased levels of nitrite, a stable marker of NO. Innovation: We observed a divergent functional impact of NO that included strengthening the calcium response in control neurons, while dysregulating calcium signaling and altering the amplitude and kinetics of the calcium responses to glutamate in the AD neurons. Pharmacological scavenging of NO or inhibition of nNOS prevented aberrant spontaneous calcium signaling in AD neurons. Conclusion: Together these data identify increases in nNOS protein in AD. Functional data suggest that NO modulation of glutamatergic calcium signaling is neuroprotective under nonpathogenic conditions, with increased nNOS and NO contributing to dysregulated spontaneous calcium signaling in AD neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Balez
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Claire H Stevens
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Kerstin Lenk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Institute of Neural Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Maksour
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Kuldip Sidhu
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CheBA), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Greg Sutherland
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Glebe, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Fitzpatrick L, Mortimore G. Alcohol-related dementia. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2023; 32:972-977. [PMID: 37938997 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2023.32.20.972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Dementia is one of the leading causes of death both in the UK and worldwide. Approximately 1 million people have been diagnosed with this condition in the UK. Although there are many types of dementia, this article will focus on alcohol-related dementia. Alcohol has become a leading cause of death in the 50-69-year age group in England, and with consumption rising rapidly, there is an increased risk that young and middle-aged people will develop alcohol-related dementia in the future. The aim of this article is to review the evidence base and discuss whether alcohol-related dementia is a sub-class of dementia or a separate entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Fitzpatrick
- Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Older People's Acute Mental Health Inpatient Services, Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust
| | - Gerri Mortimore
- Associate Professor, Department of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby
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Du Y, Li L, Gong C, Li T, Xia Y. The diversity of the intestinal microbiota in patients with alcohol use disorder and its relationship to alcohol consumption and cognition. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1054685. [PMID: 36620654 PMCID: PMC9814012 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1054685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has evolved into a severe social and medical issue. However, the exact environmental factors triggering AUD pathophysiology remain unknown. A growing body of research has shown that environmental elements can affect the brain via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. METHODS We employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology to investigate the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota in 32 AUD males and 35 healthy controls (HCs), as well as its relationship on cognitive function. RESULTS Our findings showed that the alpha diversity indices in AUDs were much lower than HCs. The abundances of Faecalibacterium, Gemmiger, Lachnospiracea_incertae_sedis, Megamonas, and Escherichia were significantly different between AUD and HC groups and could be used as a basis for judging whether excessive drinking. The abundances of Faecalibacterium, Gemmiger, Escherichia, and Fusobacterium can be used to judge the cognitive function of the population. CONCLUSION These data suggested that the gut dysbiosis in AUD patients, and some specific microbiota were considered to be related to alcohol intake and cognitive function. This study provides important information for further study of the pathogenesis of AUD from the perspective of intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishan Du
- Mental Health Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Mental Health Institute, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Li
- Mental Health Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Mental Health Institute, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Chengcheng Gong
- Mental Health Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Mental Health Institute, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Ting Li
- Mental Health Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Mental Health Institute, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Xia
- Mental Health Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Mental Health Institute, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, Harbin, China
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Griffin CP, Paul CL, Alexander KL, Walker MM, Hondermarck H, Lynam J. Postmortem brain donations vs premortem surgical resections for glioblastoma research: viewing the matter as a whole. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdab168. [PMID: 35047819 PMCID: PMC8760897 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been limited improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of primary brain cancers, including glioblastoma, over the past 10 years. This is largely attributable to persistent deficits in understanding brain tumor biology and pathogenesis due to a lack of high-quality biological research specimens. Traditional, premortem, surgical biopsy samples do not allow full characterization of the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of glioblastoma, nor capture end-stage disease to allow full evaluation of the evolutionary and mutational processes that lead to treatment resistance and recurrence. Furthermore, the necessity of ensuring sufficient viable tissue is available for histopathological diagnosis, while minimizing surgically induced functional deficit, leaves minimal tissue for research purposes and results in formalin fixation of most surgical specimens. Postmortem brain donation programs are rapidly gaining support due to their unique ability to address the limitations associated with surgical tissue sampling. Collecting, processing, and preserving tissue samples intended solely for research provides both a spatial and temporal view of tumor heterogeneity as well as the opportunity to fully characterize end-stage disease from histological and molecular standpoints. This review explores the limitations of traditional sample collection and the opportunities afforded by postmortem brain donations for future neurobiological cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra P Griffin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Cancer Biobank: NSW Regional Biospecimen and Research Services, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine L Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kimberley L Alexander
- Neurosurgery Department, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Brainstorm Brain Cancer Research, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neuropathology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marjorie M Walker
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James Lynam
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Drăgoi AM, Voicu T, Chipeşiu AM, Costea RV. Morphopathological approaches in alcoholism. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY 2021; 61:345-351. [PMID: 33544786 PMCID: PMC7864312 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.2.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol morphopathology has been studied over time, being a central interest of specialists, due to the negative consequences it has on the brain and the entire central nervous system (CNS). This paper is a review of the literature that emphasizes one of the problems of the modern world, that of the compulsive consume of alcohol, having a great global spread. The studies analyzed are topical, being carried out in recent years and consider the harmful effects of alcohol on brain formations, such as corpus callosum, gray and white matter, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. At the same time, alcohol is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and in combination with other harmful substances, increases the risk of various diseases, such as neurodegeneration. Abusive alcohol consumption can bring epigenetic changes and alter the typical functioning of cognitive functions. This paper focuses on alcohol consumption on adolescents and young people, which is a serious problem nowadays. Alcohol also influences the way of behavioral expression, becoming a risk for the development of mental disorders. However, alcohol withdrawal is another problem with different effects and must be in the attention of specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Miruna Drăgoi
- Department of Psychiatry, Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia Clinical Hospital for Psychiatry, Bucharest, Romania;
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Vornholt E, Drake J, Mamdani M, McMichael G, Taylor ZN, Bacanu SA, Miles MF, Vladimirov VI. Network preservation reveals shared and unique biological processes associated with chronic alcohol abuse in NAc and PFC. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243857. [PMID: 33332381 PMCID: PMC7745987 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic alcohol abuse has been linked to the disruption of executive function and allostatic conditioning of reward response dysregulation in the mesocorticolimbic pathway (MCL). Here, we analyzed genome-wide mRNA and miRNA expression from matched cases with alcohol dependence (AD) and controls (n = 35) via gene network analysis to identify unique and shared biological processes dysregulated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). We further investigated potential mRNA/miRNA interactions at the network and individual gene expression levels to identify the neurobiological mechanisms underlying AD in the brain. By using genotyped and imputed SNP data, we identified expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) uncovering potential genetic regulatory elements for gene networks associated with AD. At a Bonferroni corrected p≤0.05, we identified significant mRNA (NAc = 6; PFC = 3) and miRNA (NAc = 3; PFC = 2) AD modules. The gene-set enrichment analyses revealed modules preserved between PFC and NAc to be enriched for immune response processes, whereas genes involved in cellular morphogenesis/localization and cilia-based cell projection were enriched in NAc modules only. At a Bonferroni corrected p≤0.05, we identified significant mRNA/miRNA network module correlations (NAc = 6; PFC = 4), which at an individual transcript level implicated miR-449a/b as potential regulators for cellular morphogenesis/localization in NAc. Finally, we identified eQTLs (NAc: mRNA = 37, miRNA = 9; PFC: mRNA = 17, miRNA = 16) which potentially mediate alcohol's effect in a brain region-specific manner. Our study highlights the neurotoxic effects of chronic alcohol abuse as well as brain region specific molecular changes that may impact the development of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vornholt
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Integrative Life Sciences Doctoral Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - John Drake
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mohammed Mamdani
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Gowon McMichael
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Zachary N. Taylor
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Silviu-Alin Bacanu
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Miles
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- VCU-Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Vladimir I. Vladimirov
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Francisco DMF, Marchetti L, Rodríguez-Lorenzo S, Frías-Anaya E, Figueiredo RM, Winter P, Romero IA, de Vries HE, Engelhardt B, Bruggmann R. Advancing brain barriers RNA sequencing: guidelines from experimental design to publication. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:51. [PMID: 32811511 PMCID: PMC7433166 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00207-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) in its varied forms has become an indispensable tool for analyzing differential gene expression and thus characterization of specific tissues. Aiming to understand the brain barriers genetic signature, RNA seq has also been introduced in brain barriers research. This has led to availability of both, bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq datasets over the last few years. If appropriately performed, the RNA-Seq studies provide powerful datasets that allow for significant deepening of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms that establish the brain barriers. However, RNA-Seq studies comprise complex workflows that require to consider many options and variables before, during and after the proper sequencing process. MAIN BODY In the current manuscript, we build on the interdisciplinary experience of the European PhD Training Network BtRAIN ( https://www.btrain-2020.eu/ ) where bioinformaticians and brain barriers researchers collaborated to analyze and establish RNA-Seq datasets on vertebrate brain barriers. The obstacles BtRAIN has identified in this process have been integrated into the present manuscript. It provides guidelines along the entire workflow of brain barriers RNA-Seq studies starting from the overall experimental design to interpretation of results. Focusing on the vertebrate endothelial blood-brain barrier (BBB) and epithelial blood-cerebrospinal-fluid barrier (BCSFB) of the choroid plexus, we provide a step-by-step description of the workflow, highlighting the decisions to be made at each step of the workflow and explaining the strengths and weaknesses of individual choices made. Finally, we propose recommendations for accurate data interpretation and on the information to be included into a publication to ensure appropriate accessibility of the data and reproducibility of the observations by the scientific community. CONCLUSION Next generation transcriptomic profiling of the brain barriers provides a novel resource for understanding the development, function and pathology of these barrier cells, which is essential for understanding CNS homeostasis and disease. Continuous advancement and sophistication of RNA-Seq will require interdisciplinary approaches between brain barrier researchers and bioinformaticians as successfully performed in BtRAIN. The present guidelines are built on the BtRAIN interdisciplinary experience and aim to facilitate collaboration of brain barriers researchers with bioinformaticians to advance RNA-Seq study design in the brain barriers community.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M F Francisco
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luca Marchetti
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabela Rodríguez-Lorenzo
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Frías-Anaya
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Ricardo M Figueiredo
- GenXPro GmbH, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | | | - Ignacio Andres Romero
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Helga E de Vries
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rémy Bruggmann
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Farris SP, Tiwari GR, Ponomareva O, Lopez MF, Mayfield RD, Becker HC. Transcriptome Analysis of Alcohol Drinking in Non-Dependent and Dependent Mice Following Repeated Cycles of Forced Swim Stress Exposure. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10050275. [PMID: 32370184 PMCID: PMC7288165 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10050275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is a known contributing factor to the development of drug and alcohol addiction. Animal models have previously shown that repeated forced swim stress promotes escalated alcohol consumption in dependent animals. To investigate the underlying molecular adaptations associated with stress and chronic alcohol exposure, RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were conducted on the prefrontal cortex (CTX) of male C57BL/6J mice that were behaviorally tested for either non-dependent alcohol consumption (CTL), chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor dependent alcohol consumption, repeated bouts of forced swim stress alone (FSS), and chronic intermittent ethanol with forced swim stress (CIE + FSS). Brain tissue from each group was collected at 0-h, 72-h, and 168-h following the final test to determine long-lasting molecular changes associated with maladaptive behavior. Our results demonstrate unique temporal patterns and persistent changes in coordinately regulated gene expression systems with respect to the tested behavioral group. For example, increased expression of genes involved in “transmitter-gated ion channel activity” was only determined for CIE + FSS. Overall, our results provide a summary of transcriptomic adaptations across time within the CTX that are relevant to understanding the neurobiology of chronic alcohol exposure and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P. Farris
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
| | - Gayatri R. Tiwari
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; (G.R.T.); (O.P.); (R.D.M.)
| | - Olga Ponomareva
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; (G.R.T.); (O.P.); (R.D.M.)
| | - Marcelo F. Lopez
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 28425, USA;
| | - R. Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; (G.R.T.); (O.P.); (R.D.M.)
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Howard C. Becker
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 28425, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC 20401, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Kozlov EM, Grechko AV, Chegodaev YS, Wu WK, Orekhov AN. Contribution of Neurotrophins to the Immune System Regulation and Possible Connection to Alcohol Addiction. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9040063. [PMID: 32231011 PMCID: PMC7235771 DOI: 10.3390/biology9040063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The first references to neurotrophic factors date back to the middle of the 20th century when the nerve growth factor (NGF) was first discovered. Later studies delivered a large amount of data on neurotrophic factors. However, many questions regarding neurotrophin signaling still remain unanswered. One of the principal topics in neurotrophin research is their role in the immune system regulation. Another important research question is the possible involvement of neurotrophin signaling in the pathological processes associated with alcoholism. Among known neurotrophins, NT-4 remains the least studied and appears to be involved in alcoholism and chronic stress pathogenesis. In this review we discuss known neurotrophin signaling cascades mediated by different neurotrophin receptors, as well as provide a generalization of the data regarding the influence of neurotrophins NGF, BDNF, and NT-4 on the immune system and their potential contribution to the pathogenesis of alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii M. Kozlov
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Biotechnology of Bacteriophages G.N. Gabrichevsky Moscow Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 125212 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Andrey V. Grechko
- Federal Scientific Clinical Center for Resuscitation and Rehabilitation, 109240 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Yegor S. Chegodaev
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Wei-Kai Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Alexander N. Orekhov
- Laboratory of Infection Pathology and Molecular Microecology, Institute of Human Morphology, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-903-169-08-66
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13
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Yan T, Zhao Y. Acetaldehyde induces phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1 and mitochondrial dysfunction via elevating intracellular ROS and Ca 2+ levels. Redox Biol 2019; 28:101381. [PMID: 31756635 PMCID: PMC6879985 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption impairs brain function and has been associated with an earlier onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Acetaldehyde, the most toxic metabolite of alcohol, has been speculated to mediate the neurotoxicity induced by alcohol abuse. However, the precise mechanisms by which acetaldehyde induces neurotoxicity remain elusive. In this study, it was found that acetaldehyde treatment induced excessive mitochondrial fragmentation, impaired mitochondrial function and caused cytotoxicity in cortical neurons and SH-SY5Y cells. Further analyses showed that acetaldehyde induced the phosphorylation of mitochondrial fission related protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) at Ser616 and promoted its translocation to mitochondria. The elevation of Drp1 phosphorylation was partly dependent on the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), as N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment inhibited the activation of JNK and p38 MAPK while attenuating Drp1 phosphorylation in acetaldehyde-treated cells. In addition, acetaldehyde treatment elevated intracellular Ca2+ level and activated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Pretreatment of CaMKII inhibitor prevented Drp1 phosphorylation in acetaldehyde-treated cells and ameliorated acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity, suggesting that CaMKII was a key effector mediating acetaldehyde-induced Drp1 phosphorylation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Taken together, acetaldehyde induced cytotoxicity by promoting excessive Drp1 phosphorylation and mitochondrial fragmentation. Both ROS and Ca2+-mediated signaling pathways played important roles in acetaldehyde-induced Drp1 phosphorylation. The results also suggested that prevention of oxidative stress by antioxidants might be beneficial for preventing neurotoxicity associated with acetaldehyde and alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yan
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, 264209, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, 264209, Shandong, China.
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Brinkman TM, Lown EA, Li C, Olsson IT, Marchak JG, Stuber ML, Vuotto S, Srivastava D, Nathan PC, Leisenring W, Armstrong GT, Robison LL, Krull KR. Alcohol consumption behaviors and neurocognitive dysfunction and emotional distress in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Addiction 2019; 114:226-235. [PMID: 30194889 PMCID: PMC6421854 DOI: 10.1111/add.14439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate the level of alcohol consumption behaviors in adult survivors of childhood cancer and to test associations between alcohol consumption behaviors and symptoms of neurocognitive impairment and emotional distress. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study with longitudinal follow-up of self-reported health outcomes. SETTING Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), a 26-center study of ≥ 5-year survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed ≤ 21 years of age between 1970 and 1986 in the United States and Canada. PARTICIPANTS A total of 4484 adult survivors of childhood cancer [mean (standard deviation) age at evaluation = 34.8 (6.1) years; time from diagnosis = 24.8 (4.4) years] and 1651 sibling controls who completed surveys reporting on alcohol use, neurocognitive impairment and emotional distress. MEASUREMENTS Survivor report of alcohol use included age at drinking initiation and quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. Neurocognition was assessed using the CCSS Neurocognitive Questionnaire. Emotional distress symptoms were measured using the Brief Symptoms Inventory-18 and the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale. FINDINGS After adjustment for childhood cancer treatment exposures, including cranial radiation therapy, drinking initiation prior to 18 years of age was associated with 30% increased risk of subsequent memory problems [risk ratio (RR) = 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-1.5]. Younger age at drinking initiation was associated with future risk of depression (RR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1-1.5), anxiety (RR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.3-2.1), and somatization (RR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.4). Persistent heavy/risky drinking was associated with 80% increased risk of persistent psychological distress (RR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.4-2.3). CONCLUSIONS Drinking initiation during adolescence is associated with modest increased risk for memory impairment and emotional distress in adult survivors of childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M. Brinkman
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | - E. Anne Lown
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco
| | - Chenghong Li
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | - Ingrid Tonning Olsson
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | | | | | - Stefanie Vuotto
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | | | - Paul C. Nathan
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, The University of Toronto
| | - Wendy Leisenring
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center
| | - Gregory T. Armstrong
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | - Leslie L. Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | - Kevin R. Krull
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use has been identified as a risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline. However, some patterns of drinking have been associated with beneficial effects. METHODS AND RESULTS To clarify the relationship between alcohol use and dementia, we conducted a scoping review based on a systematic search of systematic reviews published from January 2000 to October 2017 by using Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO. Overall, 28 systematic reviews were identified: 20 on the associations between the level of alcohol use and the incidence of cognitive impairment/dementia, six on the associations between dimensions of alcohol use and specific brain functions, and two on induced dementias. Although causality could not be established, light to moderate alcohol use in middle to late adulthood was associated with a decreased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Heavy alcohol use was associated with changes in brain structures, cognitive impairments, and an increased risk of all types of dementia. CONCLUSION Reducing heavy alcohol use may be an effective dementia prevention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, CAMH, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1 Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, M5S 1A1 Ontario Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, 250 College Street, Toronto, M5T 1R8 Ontario Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, M5S 1A8 Ontario Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, M5T 1R8 Ontario Canada
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, Dresden, 01187 Germany
| | - Omer S. M. Hasan
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, CAMH, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1 Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, M5S 1A1 Ontario Canada
| | - Sandra E. Black
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, M5S 1A8 Ontario Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, M4N 3M5 Ontario Canada
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, M4N 3M5 Ontario Canada
| | - Kevin D. Shield
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, CAMH, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1 Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, M5S 1A1 Ontario Canada
| | - Michaël Schwarzinger
- Translational Health Economics Network (THEN), 39 quai de Valmy, Paris, 75010 Paris France
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Barone M, Shahini E, Iannone A, Viggiani MT, Corvace V, Principi M, Di Leo A. Critical flicker frequency test predicts overt hepatic encephalopathy and survival in patients with liver cirrhosis. Dig Liver Dis 2018. [PMID: 29530628 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.01.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A critical flicker frequency (CFF) ≤39 Hz identifies cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE) and predicts the risk of both overt hepatic encephalopathy (oHE) and mortality in patients with previous episodes of decompensation and/or oHE. AIMS Herein, we evaluated the effectiveness of CFF in predicting the first episode of oHE and survival in cirrhotics who had never experienced an episode of oHE. METHODS Our cohort study of 134 patients and 150 healthy subjects were examined. A CFF > 39 Hz was considered normal and pathological when ≤39 Hz. The median follow up was 36 months. RESULTS At baseline, all controls had CFF > 39 Hz. Ninety-three patients had a CFF > 39 Hz and 41 had a CFF ≤ 39 Hz. The prevalence of CFF ≤ 39 Hz significantly increased with the progression of the Child-Pugh class (p = 0.003). Moreover, the risk of oHE was increased by CFF ≤ 39 (p < 0.001, by log-rank test) [HR = 7.57; CI(3.27-17.50); p < 0.0001, by Cox model] and ammonia [HR = 1.02 CI(1.01-1.03), p = 0.0009]. Both a CFF value ≤ 39 Hz and Child-Pugh class were independent predictors of mortality by Cox model [HR = 1.97; CI(1.01-3.95), p = 0.049; HR = 3.85 CI(1.68-8.83), p = 0.003]. CONCLUSIONS CFF predicts the first episode of oHE in cirrhotics that had never experienced oHE, and predicts mortality risk. These findings suggest that cirrhotic patients should be routinely screened by CFF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Dept. of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Italy
| | - Endrit Shahini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Dept. of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Iannone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Dept. of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Viggiani
- Gastroenterology Unit, Dept. of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Italy
| | | | - Mariabeatrice Principi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Dept. of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Dept. of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Italy.
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17
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Rivas-Grajales AM, Sawyer KS, Karmacharya S, Papadimitriou G, Camprodon JA, Harris GJ, Kubicki M, Oscar-Berman M, Makris N. Sexually dimorphic structural abnormalities in major connections of the medial forebrain bundle in alcoholism. Neuroimage Clin 2018; 19:98-105. [PMID: 30035007 PMCID: PMC6051309 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The mesocorticolimbic system is particularly susceptible to the effects of chronic alcoholism. Disruption of this system has been linked to drug seeking and the development of Reward Deficiency Syndrome, a neurobiological framework for describing the development and relapsing patterns of addictions. In this study, we evaluated the association of alcoholism and sex with major connections of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), a prominent mesocorticolimbic fiber pathway connecting the ventral tegmental area with the basal forebrain. Given sex differences in clinical consequences of alcohol consumption, we hypothesized that alcoholic men and women would differ in structural abnormalities of the MFB. Methods Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data were acquired from 30 abstinent long-term alcoholic individuals (ALC; 9 men) and 25 non-alcoholic controls (NC; 8 men). Major connections of the MFB were extracted using multi-tensor tractography. We compared groups on MFB volume, fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD), with hemisphere and sex as independent variables. We also evaluated associations between abnormal structural measures and drinking measures. Results Analyses revealed significant group-by-sex interactions for FA and RD: while ALC men had lower FA and higher RD compared to NC men, ALC women had higher FA and lower RD compared to NC women. We also detected a significant negative association between FA and number of daily drinks in ALC women. Conclusion Alcoholism is associated with sexually dimorphic structural abnormalities in the MFB. The results expand upon other findings of differences in brain reward circuitry of alcoholic men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Rivas-Grajales
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kayle S Sawyer
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Sawyer Scientific, LLC, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarina Karmacharya
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George Papadimitriou
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joan A Camprodon
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Gordon J Harris
- Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Radiology Computer Aided Diagnostics Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marek Kubicki
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marlene Oscar-Berman
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nikos Makris
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Morphometric Analysis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Imaging mass spectrometry of frontal white matter lipid changes in human alcoholics. Alcohol 2018; 67:51-63. [PMID: 29425959 PMCID: PMC5864118 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic alcohol use disorders (AUD) are associated with white matter (WM) degeneration with altered myelin integrity. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) enables high throughput analysis of myelin lipid biochemical histopathology to help characterize disease mechanisms. PURPOSE This study utilized MALDI-IMS to investigate frontal lobe WM myelin lipid abnormalities in AUD. METHODS Standardized cores of formalin-fixed WM from Brodmann Area 4 (BA4) and BA8/9 of 20 postmortem AUD and 19 control adult human brains were embedded in carboxymethyl-cellulose, cryo-sectioned (8 μm), thaw-mounted onto indium tin oxide (ITO) -coated glass slides, and sublimed with 2,5-dihydroxybenzxoic acid (DHB) matrix. Lipids were imaged by MALDI-time of flight in the negative ionization mode. Data were visualized with FlexImaging software v4.0 and analyzed with ClinProTools v3.0. RESULTS Principal component analysis (PCA) and data bar plots of MALDI-IMS data differentiated AUD from control WM. The dominant effect of AUD was to broadly reduce expression of sphingolipids (sulfatides and ceramides) and phospholipids. Data bar plots demonstrated overall similar responses to AUD in BA4 and BA8/9. However, differential regional effects of AUD on WM lipid profiles were manifested by non-overlapping expression or discordant responses to AUD for a subset of lipid ions. CONCLUSIONS Human AUD is associated with substantial inhibition of frontal lobe WM lipid expression with regional variability in these effects. MALDI-IMS can be used to characterize the nature of AUD-associated lipid biochemical abnormalities for correlation with lifetime exposures and WM degeneration, altered gene expression, and responses to abstinence or treatment.
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Abstract
The National PTSD Brain Bank (NPBB) is a brain tissue biorepository established to support research on the causes, progression, and treatment of PTSD. It is a six-part consortium led by VA's National Center for PTSD with participating sites at VA medical centers in Boston, MA; Durham, NC; Miami, FL; West Haven, CT; and White River Junction, VT along with the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. It is also well integrated with VA's Boston-based brain banks that focus on Alzheimer's disease, ALS, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and other neurological disorders. This article describes the organization and operations of NPBB with specific attention to: tissue acquisition, tissue processing, diagnostic assessment, maintenance of a confidential data biorepository, adherence to ethical standards, governance, accomplishments to date, and future challenges. Established in 2014, NPBB has already acquired and distributed brain tissue to support research on how PTSD affects brain structure and function.
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20
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Warden AS, Mayfield RD. Gene expression profiling in the human alcoholic brain. Neuropharmacology 2017; 122:161-174. [PMID: 28254370 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Long-term alcohol use causes widespread changes in gene expression in the human brain. Aberrant gene expression changes likely contribute to the progression from occasional alcohol use to alcohol use disorder (including alcohol dependence). Transcriptome studies have identified individual gene candidates that are linked to alcohol-dependence phenotypes. The use of bioinformatics techniques to examine expression datasets has provided novel systems-level approaches to transcriptome profiling in human postmortem brain. These analytical advances, along with recent developments in next-generation sequencing technology, have been instrumental in detecting both known and novel coding and non-coding RNAs, alternative splicing events, and cell-type specific changes that may contribute to alcohol-related pathologies. This review offers an integrated perspective on alcohol-responsive transcriptional changes in the human brain underlying the regulatory gene networks that contribute to alcohol dependence. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Alcoholism".
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Warden
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, C7000, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - R Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Palmer-Aronsten B, Sheedy D, McCrossin T, Kril J. An International Survey of Brain Banking Operation and Characterization Practices. Biopreserv Biobank 2016; 14:464-469. [PMID: 27399803 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2016.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain banks continue to make a major contribution to the study of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The current complexity and scope of research heighten the need for well-characterized cases and the demand for larger cohorts and necessitate strategies, such as the establishment of bank networks based in regional areas. While individual brain banks have developed protocols that meet researchers' needs within the confines of resources and funding, to further promote collaboration, standardization and scientific validity and understanding of the current protocols of participating banks are required. A survey was sent to brain banks, identified by an Internet search, to investigate operational protocols, case characterization, cohort management, data collection, standardization, and degree of collaboration between banks. The majority of the 24 banks that returned the survey have been established for more than 20 years, and most are affiliated with a regional network. While prospective donor programs were the primary source of donation, the data collected on donors varied. Longitudinal information assists case characterization and enhances the analysis capabilities of research. However, acquiring this information depended on the availability of qualified staff. Respondents indicated a high level of importance for standardization, but only 8 of 24 considered this occurred between banks. Standard diagnostic criteria were not achieved in the classification of controls, and some banks relied on the researcher to indicate the criteria for classification of controls. Although the capacity to collaborate with other banks was indicated by 16 of 24 banks, this occurred infrequently. Engagement of all brain banks to participate toward a consensus of diagnostic tools, especially for controls, will strengthen collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Palmer-Aronsten
- 1 NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre, Charles Perkins Centre, and Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney , Sydney, Australia .,2 Schizophrenia Research Institute , Randwick, Australia
| | - Donna Sheedy
- 1 NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre, Charles Perkins Centre, and Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney , Sydney, Australia
| | - Toni McCrossin
- 1 NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre, Charles Perkins Centre, and Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney , Sydney, Australia
| | - Jillian Kril
- 1 NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre, Charles Perkins Centre, and Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney , Sydney, Australia
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Sutherland G, Sheedy D, Stevens J, McCrossin T, Smith C, van Roijen M, Kril J. The NSW brain tissue resource centre: Banking for alcohol and major neuropsychiatric disorders research. Alcohol 2016; 52:33-39. [PMID: 27139235 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The New South Wales Brain Tissue Resource Centre (NSWBTRC) at the University of Sydney (Australia) is an established human brain bank providing tissue to the neuroscience research community for investigations on alcohol-related brain damage and major psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia. The NSWBTRC relies on wide community engagement to encourage those with and without neuropsychiatric illness to consent to donation through its allied research programs. The subsequent provision of high-quality samples relies on standardized operational protocols, associated clinical data, quality control measures, integrated information systems, robust infrastructure, and governance. These processes are continually augmented to complement the changes in internal and external governance as well as the complexity and diversity of advanced investigation techniques. This report provides an overview of the dynamic process of brain banking and discusses the challenges of meeting the future needs of researchers, including synchronicity with other disease-focus collections.
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Farris SP, Pietrzykowski AZ, Miles MF, O'Brien MA, Sanna PP, Zakhari S, Mayfield RD, Harris RA. Applying the new genomics to alcohol dependence. Alcohol 2015; 49:825-36. [PMID: 25896098 PMCID: PMC4586299 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the proceedings of a symposium presented at the "Alcoholism and Stress: A Framework for Future Treatment Strategies" conference held in Volterra, Italy on May 6-9, 2014. The overall goal of the symposium titled "Applying the New Genomics to Alcohol Dependence", chaired by Dr. Adron Harris, was to highlight recent genomic discoveries and applications for profiling alcohol use disorder (AUD). Dr. Sean Farris discussed the gene expression networks related to lifetime consumption of alcohol within human prefrontal cortex. Dr. Andrzej Pietrzykowski presented the effects of alcohol on microRNAs in humans and animal models. Alcohol-induced alterations in the synaptic transcriptome were discussed by Dr. Michael Miles. Dr. Pietro Sanna examined methods to probe the gene regulatory networks that drive excessive alcohol drinking, and Dr. Samir Zakhari served as a panel discussant and summarized the proceedings. Collectively, the presentations emphasized the power of integrating multiple levels of genetics and transcriptomics with convergent biological processes and phenotypic behaviors to determine causal factors of AUD. The combined use of diverse data types demonstrates how unique approaches and applications can help categorize genetic complexities into relevant biological networks using a systems-level model of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Farris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrzej Z Pietrzykowski
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Michael F Miles
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Megan A O'Brien
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Pietro P Sanna
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samir Zakhari
- Office of Science, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Washington, DC, USA
| | - R Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - R Adron Harris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Transcriptome organization for chronic alcohol abuse in human brain. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:1438-47. [PMID: 25450227 PMCID: PMC4452464 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder characterized by high genetic heritability and neuroadaptations occurring from repeated drug exposure. Through an integrated systems approach we observed consistent differences in transcriptome organization within postmortem human brain tissue associated with the lifetime consumption of alcohol. Molecular networks, determined using high-throughput RNA sequencing, for drinking behavior were dominated by neurophysiological targets and signaling mechanisms of alcohol. The systematic structure of gene sets demonstrates a novel alliance of multiple ion channels, and related processes, underlying lifetime alcohol consumption. Coordinate expression of these transcripts was enriched for genome-wide association signals in alcohol dependence and a meta-analysis of alcohol self-administration in mice. Further dissection of genes within alcohol consumption networks revealed the potential interaction of alternatively spliced transcripts. For example, expression of a human-specific isoform of the voltage-gated sodium channel subunit SCN4B was significantly correlated to lifetime alcohol consumption. Overall, our work demonstrates novel convergent evidence for biological networks related to excessive alcohol consumption, which may prove fundamentally important in the development of pharmacotherapies for alcohol dependence.
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Yang F, Luo J. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Ethanol Neurotoxicity. Biomolecules 2015; 5:2538-53. [PMID: 26473940 PMCID: PMC4693246 DOI: 10.3390/biom5042538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethanol abuse affects virtually all organ systems and the central nervous system (CNS) is particularly vulnerable to excessive ethanol exposure. Ethanol exposure causes profound damages to both the adult and developing brain. Prenatal ethanol exposure induces fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) which is associated with mental retardation and other behavioral deficits. A number of potential mechanisms have been proposed for ethanol-induced brain damage; these include the promotion of neuroinflammation, interference with signaling by neurotrophic factors, induction of oxidative stress, modulation of retinoid acid signaling, and thiamine deficiency. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) regulates posttranslational protein processing and transport. The accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER lumen triggers ER stress and induces unfolded protein response (UPR) which are mediated by three transmembrane ER signaling proteins: pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). UPR is initiated to protect cells from overwhelming ER protein loading. However, sustained ER stress may result in cell death. ER stress has been implied in various CNS injuries, including brain ischemia, traumatic brain injury, and aging-associated neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, effects of ethanol on ER stress in the CNS receive less attention. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the study of ER stress in ethanol-induced neurotoxicity. We also examine the potential mechanisms underlying ethanol-mediated ER stress and the interaction among ER stress, oxidative stress and autophagy in the context of ethanol neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanmuyi Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 132 Health Sciences Research Building, 1095 Veterans Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 132 Health Sciences Research Building, 1095 Veterans Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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Schunck RVA, Torres IL, Laste G, de Souza A, Macedo IC, Valle MTC, Salomón JL, Moreira S, Kuo J, Arbo MD, Dallegrave E, Leal MB. Protracted alcohol abstinence induces analgesia in rats: Possible relationships with BDNF and interleukin-10. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 135:64-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Mills JD, Sheahan PJ, Lai D, Kril JJ, Janitz M, Sutherland GT. The alternative splicing of the apolipoprotein E gene is unperturbed in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:6365-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Sutherland GT, Sheedy D, Sheahan PJ, Kaplan W, Kril JJ. Comorbidities, confounders, and the white matter transcriptome in chronic alcoholism. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:994-1001. [PMID: 24460866 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol abuse is the world's third leading cause of disease and disability, and one potential sequel of chronic abuse is alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). This clinically manifests as cognitive dysfunction and pathologically as atrophy of white matter (WM) in particular. The mechanism linking chronic alcohol intoxication with ARBD remains largely unknown but it is also complicated by common comorbidities such as liver damage and nutritional deficiencies. Liver cirrhosis, in particular, often leads to hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a primary glial disease. METHODS In a novel transcriptomic study, we targeted the WM only of chronic alcoholics in an attempt to tease apart the pathogenesis of ARBD. Specifically, in alcoholics with and without HE, we explored both the prefrontal and primary motor cortices, 2 regions that experience differential levels of neuronal loss. RESULTS Our results suggest that HE, along with 2 confounders, gray matter contamination, and low RNA quality are major drivers of gene expression in ARBD. All 3 exceeded the effects of alcohol itself. In particular, low-quality RNA samples were characterized by an up-regulation of translation machinery, while HE was associated with a down-regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism pathways. CONCLUSIONS The findings in HE alcoholics are consistent with the metabolic acidosis seen in this condition. In contrast non-HE alcoholics had widespread but only subtle changes in gene expression in their WM. Notwithstanding the latter result, this study demonstrates that significant confounders in transcriptomic studies of human postmortem brain tissue can be identified, quantified, and "removed" to reveal disease-specific signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg T Sutherland
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Gorini G, Nunez YO, Mayfield RD. Integration of miRNA and protein profiling reveals coordinated neuroadaptations in the alcohol-dependent mouse brain. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82565. [PMID: 24358208 PMCID: PMC3865091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol dependence involve different neurochemical systems and are brain region-dependent. Chronic Intermittent Ethanol (CIE) procedure, combined with a Two-Bottle Choice voluntary drinking paradigm, represents one of the best available animal models for alcohol dependence and relapse drinking. MicroRNAs, master regulators of the cellular transcriptome and proteome, can regulate their targets in a cooperative, combinatorial fashion, ensuring fine tuning and control over a large number of cellular functions. We analyzed cortex and midbrain microRNA expression levels using an integrative approach to combine and relate data to previous protein profiling from the same CIE-subjected samples, and examined the significance of the data in terms of relative contribution to alcohol consumption and dependence. MicroRNA levels were significantly altered in CIE-exposed dependent mice compared with their non-dependent controls. More importantly, our integrative analysis identified modules of coexpressed microRNAs that were highly correlated with CIE effects and predicted target genes encoding differentially expressed proteins. Coexpressed CIE-relevant proteins, in turn, were often negatively correlated with specific microRNA modules. Our results provide evidence that microRNA-orchestrated translational imbalances are driving the behavioral transition from alcohol consumption to dependence. This study represents the first attempt to combine ex vivo microRNA and protein expression on a global scale from the same mammalian brain samples. The integrative systems approach used here will improve our understanding of brain adaptive changes in response to drug abuse and suggests the potential therapeutic use of microRNAs as tools to prevent or compensate multiple neuroadaptations underlying addictive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Gorini
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Yury O. Nunez
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - R. Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
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Gorini G, Roberts AJ, Mayfield RD. Neurobiological signatures of alcohol dependence revealed by protein profiling. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82656. [PMID: 24358215 PMCID: PMC3865151 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol abuse causes dramatic neuroadaptations in the brain, which contribute to tolerance, dependence, and behavioral modifications. Previous proteomic studies in human alcoholics and animal models have identified candidate alcoholism-related proteins. However, recent evidences suggest that alcohol dependence is caused by changes in co-regulation that are invisible to single protein-based analysis. Here, we analyze global proteomics data to integrate differential expression, co-expression networks, and gene annotations to unveil key neurobiological rearrangements associated with the transition to alcohol dependence modeled by a Chronic Intermittent Ethanol (CIE), two-bottle choice (2BC) paradigm. We analyzed cerebral cortices (CTX) and midbrains (MB) from male C57BL/6J mice subjected to a CIE, 2BC paradigm, which induces heavy drinking and represents one of the best available animal models for alcohol dependence and relapse drinking. CIE induced significant changes in protein levels in dependent mice compared with their non-dependent controls. Multiple protein isoforms showed region-specific differential regulation as a result of post-translational modifications. Our integrative analysis identified modules of co-expressed proteins that were highly correlated with CIE treatment. We found that modules most related to the effects of CIE treatment coordinate molecular imbalances in endocytic- and energy-related pathways, with specific proteins involved, such as dynamin-1. The qRT-PCR experiments validated both differential and co-expression analyses, and the correspondence among our data and previous genomic and proteomic studies in humans and rodents substantiates our findings. The changes identified above may play a key role in the escalation of ethanol consumption associated with dependence. Our approach to alcohol addiction will advance knowledge of brain remodeling mechanisms and adaptive changes in response to drug abuse, contribute to understanding of organizational principles of CTX and MB proteomes, and define potential new molecular targets for treating alcohol addiction. The integrative analysis employed here highlight the advantages of systems approaches in studying the neurobiology of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Gorini
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Amanda J. Roberts
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - R. Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
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