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Stanisławska-Sachadyn A, Krzemiński M, Zielonka D, Krygier M, Ziętkiewicz E, Sławek J, Limon J. Sex contribution to average age at onset of Huntington's disease depends on the number of (CAG) n repeats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15729. [PMID: 38977715 PMCID: PMC11231309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64105-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by the extension of the CAG repeats in exon 1 of the HTT gene and is transmitted in a dominant manner. The present study aimed to assess whether patients' sex, in the context of mutated and normal allele length, contributes to age on onset (AO) of HD. The study population comprised a large cohort of 3723 HD patients from the European Huntington's Disease Network's REGISTRY database collected at 160 sites across 17 European countries and in one location outside Europe. The data were analyzed using regression models and factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) considering both mutated allele length and sex as predictors of patients' AO. AO, as described by the rater's estimate, was found to be later in affected women than in men across the whole population. This difference was most pronounced in a subgroup of 1273 patients with relatively short variants of the mutated allele (40-45 CAG repeats) and normal alleles in a higher half of length distribution-namely, more than 17 CAG repeats; however, it was also observed in each group. Our results presented in this observational study point to sex-related differences in AO, most pronounced in the presence of the short mutated and long normal allele, which may add to understanding the dynamics of AO in Huntington's Disease.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01590589.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stanisławska-Sachadyn
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233, Gdańsk, Poland.
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland.
- BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Michał Krzemiński
- Institute of Applied Mathematics , Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Daniel Zielonka
- Department of Public Health, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-812, Poznan, Poland
| | - Magdalena Krygier
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-952, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Ziętkiewicz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jarosław Sławek
- Department of Neurology, St. Adalbert Hospital, Copernicus PL, 80-462,, Gdańsk, Poland
- Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Janusz Limon
- Department of Medical Ethics, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland
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2
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Li Z, Shue F, Zhao N, Shinohara M, Bu G. APOE2: protective mechanism and therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:63. [PMID: 33148290 PMCID: PMC7640652 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigations of apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, the major genetic risk modifier for Alzheimer's disease (AD), have yielded significant insights into the pathogenic mechanism. Among the three common coding variants, APOE*ε4 increases, whereas APOE*ε2 decreases the risk of late-onset AD compared with APOE*ε3. Despite increased understanding of the detrimental effect of APOE*ε4, it remains unclear how APOE*ε2 confers protection against AD. Accumulating evidence suggests that APOE*ε2 protects against AD through both amyloid-β (Aβ)-dependent and independent mechanisms. In addition, APOE*ε2 has been identified as a longevity gene, suggesting a systemic effect of APOE*ε2 on the aging process. However, APOE*ε2 is not entirely benign; APOE*ε2 carriers exhibit increased risk of certain cerebrovascular diseases and neurological disorders. Here, we review evidence from both human and animal studies demonstrating the protective effect of APOE*ε2 against AD and propose a working model depicting potential underlying mechanisms. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies designed to leverage the protective effect of APOE2 to treat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghua Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Francis Shue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Mitsuru Shinohara
- Department of Aging Neurobiology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-430 Morioka, Obu, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan.
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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3
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Hoffmann R, Schröder N, Brüne M, von Hein S, Saft C. Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms are Less Common in Huntington's Disease than Reported Earlier. J Huntingtons Dis 2020; 8:493-500. [PMID: 31424414 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-190351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research using the Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) has shown that compulsive symptoms in Huntington's disease (HD) occur in 10% to 52% of all cases. The "Hamburger-Zwangsinventar" (HZI), a self-rating questionnaire comprising 188 items, taps into the domain of compulsiveness in greater detail, but has not been used in HD so far. In addition, little is known about the association of obsessive-compulsive symptoms with pre-clinical stages of HD. OBJECTIVE Comparison of OC symptoms measured by the SCL-90-R and the HZI in pre-HD and HD. METHODS 29 premanifest mutation carriers (pre-HD) and 40 manifest HD patients completed both questionnaires. Clinical characteristics of HD were rated by using the UHDRS. RESULTS Compared to data from general population prevalence of OC symptoms were not higher as expected in preHD and only slightly elevated in manifest HD if using HZI. Both instruments detected more OC symptoms in HD patients compared to pre-HD. The SCL-90-R more often detects compulsivity than the HZI. Results of both questionnaires showed correlations to cognition, depression, and disease duration. Compared to findings from OCD patients, there was a subordinate role in the HZI subscale for "washing and cleaning" in HD. CONCLUSIONS OC symptoms in pre-HD occur not more often than in general population. The HZI appears to be useful for examining OC symptoms in detail in pre-HD and HD. HZI-subscale ratings for washing and cleaning compulsions were less pronounced in HD compared to OCD patients, possibly due to loss of disgust. The SCL-90-R might overestimate OC symptoms in both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Centre NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany.,Outpatient Treatment Centre for OCD Patients, Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Martin Brüne
- LWL University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sarah von Hein
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Centre NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Saft
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Centre NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
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4
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Rossi M, Farcy N, Starkstein SE, Merello M. Nosology and Phenomenology of Psychosis in Movement Disorders. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2020; 7:140-153. [PMID: 32071931 PMCID: PMC7011839 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, are part of the clinical picture of several conditions presenting movement disorders. Phenomenology and epidemiology of psychosis in Parkinson's disease have received wide attention; however, the presence of psychosis in other movement disorders is, comparatively, less well known. OBJECTIVES To review psychotic symptoms present in different movement disorders. METHODS A comprehensive and structured literature search was performed to identify and analyze data on patients with movement disorders and comorbid psychosis. RESULTS In monogenic parkinsonisms, such as PARK-GBA, PARK-LRRK2, and PARK-SNCA, visual hallucinations related to dopamine replacement therapy are frequent as well as are delusions in PARK-LRRK2 and PARK-SNCA, but not in PARK-GBA. Different types of delusions and hallucinations are found in Huntington's disease and other choreic disorders. In Tourette's syndrome, paranoid delusions as well as visual, olfactory, and auditory hallucinations have been described, which usually develop after an average of 10 years of disease. Delusions in ataxias are more frequent in ATX-TBP, ATX-ATN1, and ATX-ATXN3, whereas it is rare in Friedreich's ataxia. Psychosis is also a prominent and frequent clinical feature in Fahr's disease, Wilson's disease, neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, and some lysosomal storage disorders, whereas it is uncommon in atypical parkinsonisms and dystonia. Psychosis usually occurs at late disease stages, but may appear as onset symptoms of the disease, especially in Wilson's disease, Huntington's disease, late-onset Tays-Sachs, and Niemann-Pick. CONCLUSION Psychosis is a frequent comorbidity in most hyper- and hypokinetic movement disorders. Appropriate recognition is relevant both in the early and late disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malco Rossi
- Movement Disorders Section, Neuroscience DepartmentRaul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI)Buenos AiresArgentina
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina (UCA)Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Nicole Farcy
- Movement Disorders Section, Neuroscience DepartmentRaul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI)Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Sergio E. Starkstein
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Marcelo Merello
- Movement Disorders Section, Neuroscience DepartmentRaul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI)Buenos AiresArgentina
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina (UCA)Buenos AiresArgentina
- Argentine National Scientific and Technological Research Council (CONICET)Buenos AiresArgentina
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5
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Li XY, Zhang YB, Xu M, Cheng HR, Dong Y, Ni W, Li HL, Wu ZY. Effect of Apolipoprotein E Genotypes on Huntington's Disease Phenotypes in a Han Chinese Population. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:756-762. [PMID: 30887245 PMCID: PMC6616567 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00360-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant degenerative disease that mainly encompasses movement, cognition, and behavioral symptoms. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is thought to be associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we enrolled a cohort of 223 unrelated Han Chinese patients with HD and 1241 unrelated healthy controls in Southeastern China and analyzed the correlation between APOE genotypes and HD phenotypes. The results showed that the frequency of the E4 allele (7.1%) in HD patients was statistically less than that in controls (12.0%) (P =0.004). In addition, we divided patients into motor-onset and non-motor-onset groups, and analyzed the relationship with APOE genotypes. The results, however, were negative. Furthermore, the age at onset (AAO), defined as the age at the onset of motor symptoms, was compared in each APOE genotype subgroup and multivariate regression analysis was used to exclude the interference of CAG repeat length on AAO, but no association was found between APOE genotypes and AAO. Finally, we analyzed adult-onset HD to exclude the interference caused by juvenile HD (n = 13), and the results were negative. Therefore, our study suggests that APOE may not be a genetic modifier for HD, especially for adult-onset HD among Chinese of Han ethnicity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the correlation between APOE genotypes and HD phenotypes in a Han Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Li
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yan-Bin Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200041, China
| | - Hong-Rong Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Wang Ni
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Hong-Lei Li
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Zhi-Ying Wu
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Joint Institute for Genetics and Genome Medicine between Zhejiang University and University of Toronto, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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6
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Chen Z, Sequeiros J, Tang B, Jiang H. Genetic modifiers of age-at-onset in polyglutamine diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 48:99-108. [PMID: 30355507 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases. Expansion size correlates with age-at-onset (AO) and severity, and shows a critical threshold for each polyQ disease. Although an expanded CAG tract is sufficient to trigger disease, not all variation in AO is explained by (CAG)n length, which suggests the contribution of other modifying factors. Methods used to identify genetic modifiers in polyQ diseases have progressed from candidate genes to unbiased genome-wide searches. Inconsistency of results from candidate-genes studies are partly explained by sample size, study design and variable population frequency of "polymorphisms"; a genome-wide search may help elucidating more precise disease mechanisms underlying specific interaction networks. We review known genetic modifiers for polyQ diseases, and discuss developing strategies to find modulation, from common variants to networks disclosing small cumulative effects of key genes and modifying pathways. This may lead to a better understanding of genotype-phenotype correlation and the proposal of new potential targets for therapeutical interventions.
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7
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Arning L. The search for modifier genes in Huntington disease – Multifactorial aspects of a monogenic disorder. Mol Cell Probes 2016; 30:404-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Sun YM, Zhang YB, Wu ZY. Huntington's Disease: Relationship Between Phenotype and Genotype. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:342-348. [PMID: 26742514 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9662-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant inherited neurodegenerative disease with the typical manifestations of involuntary movements, psychiatric and behavior disorders, and cognitive impairment. It is caused by the dynamic mutation in CAG triplet repeat number in exon 1 of huntingtin (HTT) gene. The symptoms of HD especially the age at onset are related to the genetic characteristics, both the CAG triplet repeat and the modified factors. Here, we reviewed the recent advancement on the genotype-phenotype relationship of HD, mainly focus on the characteristics of different expanded CAG repeat number, genetic modifiers, and CCG repeat number in the 3' end of CAG triplet repeat and their effects on the phenotype. We also reviewed the special forms of HD (juvenile HD, atypical onset HD, and homozygous HD) and their phenotype-genotype correlations. The review will aid clinicians to predict the onset age and disease course of HD, give the genetic counseling, and accelerate research into the HD mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Min Sun
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Bin Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Wu
- Department of Neurology and Research Center of Neurology in Second Affiliated Hospital, and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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9
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Vinther-Jensen T, Nielsen T, Budtz-Jørgensen E, Larsen I, Hansen M, Hasholt L, Hjermind L, Nielsen J, Nørremølle A. Psychiatric and cognitive symptoms in Huntington's disease are modified by polymorphisms in catecholamine regulating enzyme genes. Clin Genet 2015; 89:320-7. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Vinther-Jensen
- Neurogenetics Clinic, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Section of Neurogenetics; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - T.T. Nielsen
- Neurogenetics Clinic, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Neurogenetics Research Laboratory, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - E. Budtz-Jørgensen
- Department of Biostatistics; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - I.U. Larsen
- Neurogenetics Clinic, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Psychology; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - M.M. Hansen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Section of Neurogenetics; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - L. Hasholt
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Section of Neurogenetics; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - L.E. Hjermind
- Neurogenetics Clinic, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Section of Neurogenetics; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - J.E. Nielsen
- Neurogenetics Clinic, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Section of Neurogenetics; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Neurogenetics Research Laboratory, Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - A. Nørremølle
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Section of Neurogenetics; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
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10
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Vital M, Bidegain E, Raggio V, Esperon P. Molecular characterization of genes modifying the age at onset in Huntington's disease in Uruguayan patients. Int J Neurosci 2015; 126:510-513. [DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2015.1036422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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11
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Zhou Q, Ni W, Dong Y, Wang N, Gan SR, Wu ZY. The role of apolipoprotein E as a risk factor for an earlier age at onset for Machado-Joseph disease is doubtful. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111356. [PMID: 25369462 PMCID: PMC4219713 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the ATXN3 gene. Although the principal genetic determinant of the age at onset (AAO) is the length of the expanded CAG repeat, the additional genetic contribution of MJD toward the AAO has mostly not yet been clarified. It was recently suggested in two independent studies that apolipoprotein E (APOE) might be associated with AAO variability in MJD patients. To identify the potential modifier effect of APOE polymorphisms on the AAO of MJD patients, 403 patients with MJD (confirmed by molecular tests) from eastern and southeastern China were enrolled in the present study. CAG repeats in the ATXN3 and APOE polymorphisms were genotyped. Data were analyzed using a statistical package. No contribution of APOE polymorphisms to the variance in disease onset was observed using ANCOVA (F = 0.183, P = 0.947). However, significant effects on the AAO of MJD were found for the normal ATXN3 allele and for the interaction of mutant and normal ATXN3 alleles in a multiple linear regression model (P = 0.043 and P = 0.035, respectively). Our study does not support a role for APOE as a genetic modifier of the AAO of MJD. Additionally, our study presents evidence that the normal ATXN3 allele and its interaction with mutant alleles contribute toward AAO variance in MJD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wang Ni
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shi-Rui Gan
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- * E-mail: (SRG); (ZYW)
| | - Zhi-Ying Wu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (SRG); (ZYW)
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12
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Hottman DA, Chernick D, Cheng S, Wang Z, Li L. HDL and cognition in neurodegenerative disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 72 Pt A:22-36. [PMID: 25131449 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are a heterogeneous group of lipoproteins composed of various lipids and proteins. HDL is formed both in the systemic circulation and in the brain. In addition to being a crucial player in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway, HDL possesses a wide range of other functions including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, pro-endothelial function, anti-thrombosis, and modulation of immune function. It has been firmly established that high plasma levels of HDL protect against cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that the beneficial role of HDL extends to many other systems including the central nervous system. Cognition is a complex brain function that includes all aspects of perception, thought, and memory. Cognitive function often declines during aging and this decline manifests as cognitive impairment/dementia in age-related and progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A growing concern is that no effective therapy is currently available to prevent or treat these devastating diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that HDL may play a pivotal role in preserving cognitive function under normal and pathological conditions. This review attempts to summarize recent genetic, clinical and experimental evidence for the impact of HDL on cognition in aging and in neurodegenerative disorders as well as the potential of HDL-enhancing approaches to improve cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Hottman
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Dustin Chernick
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Shaowu Cheng
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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13
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Peng H, Wang C, Chen Z, Sun Z, Jiao B, Li K, Huang F, Hou X, Wang J, Shen L, Xia K, Tang B, Jiang H. APOE ε2 allele may decrease the age at onset in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 or Machado-Joseph disease from the Chinese Han population. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 35:2179.e15-8. [PMID: 24746364 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene has been defined as a modifying factor for age at onset (AO) in neurodegenerative disorders. The AO of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 or Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3 or MJD) is inversely correlated with expanded CAG repeat lengths in the ATXN3 gene; however, AO is only partially explained by the expanded CAG repeats. We performed a case-control study to explore whether APOE genotypes play a role in AO of SCA3 or MJD from the Chinese Han population. The APOE genotypes were analyzed in an independent cohort of 155 patients with SCA3 or MJD and 191 controls both from Mainland China. Our study demonstrated that SCA3 or MJD patients experienced an earlier onset if they were carriers of APOE ε2 allele, which decreased the AO by nearly 4 years. This study may also reconfirm the effect of the APOE gene on SCA3 or MJD patients from different races and indicated that certain APOE alleles might be genetic modifiers for AO in SCA3 or MJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Chunrong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Zhanfang Sun
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Bin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Fengzhen Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Hou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China; State Key Lab of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Kun Xia
- State Key Lab of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China; State Key Lab of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China; State Key Lab of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China.
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Weydt P, Soyal SM, Landwehrmeyer GB, Patsch W. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the coding region of PGC-1α is a male-specific modifier of Huntington disease age-at-onset in a large European cohort. BMC Neurol 2014; 14:1. [PMID: 24383721 PMCID: PMC3880172 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-14-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic modifiers are important clues for the identification of therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative diseases. Huntington disease (HD) is one of the most common autosomal dominant inherited neurodegenerative diseases. The clinical symptoms include motor abnormalities, cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances. Symptom onset is typically between 40 and 50 years of age, but can vary by several decades in extreme cases and this is in part determined by modifying genetic factors. The metabolic master regulator PGC-1α, coded by the PPARGC1A gene, coordinates cellular respiration and was shown to play a role in neurodegenerative diseases, including HD. Methods Using a candidate gene approach we analyzed a large European cohort (n = 1706) from the REGISTRY study for associations between PPARGC1A genotype and age at onset (AO) in HD. Results We report that a coding variant (rs3736265) in PPARGC1A is associated with an earlier motor AO in men but not women carrying the HD mutation. Conclusions These results further strengthen the evidence for a role of PGC-1α in HD and unexpectedly suggest a gender effect.
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Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (Apo-E) is a major cholesterol carrier that supports lipid transport and injury repair in the brain. APOE polymorphic alleles are the main genetic determinants of Alzheimer disease (AD) risk: individuals carrying the ε4 allele are at increased risk of AD compared with those carrying the more common ε3 allele, whereas the ε2 allele decreases risk. Presence of the APOE ε4 allele is also associated with increased risk of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and age-related cognitive decline during normal ageing. Apo-E-lipoproteins bind to several cell-surface receptors to deliver lipids, and also to hydrophobic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, which is thought to initiate toxic events that lead to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration in AD. Apo-E isoforms differentially regulate Aβ aggregation and clearance in the brain, and have distinct functions in regulating brain lipid transport, glucose metabolism, neuronal signalling, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial function. In this Review, we describe current knowledge on Apo-E in the CNS, with a particular emphasis on the clinical and pathological features associated with carriers of different Apo-E isoforms. We also discuss Aβ-dependent and Aβ-independent mechanisms that link Apo-E4 status with AD risk, and consider how to design effective strategies for AD therapy by targeting Apo-E.
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Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat within exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Although the variation in age at onset is partly explained by the lengths of the expanded repeat, the unexplained variation is heritable, emphasizing the role of the so-called genetic background on disease expression. Identification of modifier genes can confirm intracellular pathways already suspected to be involved in pathophysiological processes related to HD pathogenesis, but it may also point to completely new pathways and processes that have not yet been considered. Most importantly, confirmed modifier genes provide new targets for the development of therapies. Up to now, a wide range of susceptible HD modifier genes related to different biochemical pathways has been examined. On the basis of the published literature in this field, this review provides an overview of HD modifiers and integrates them into selected pathophysiology aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg T Epplen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstr., 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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17
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Leduc V, Domenger D, De Beaumont L, Lalonde D, Bélanger-Jasmin S, Poirier J. Function and comorbidities of apolipoprotein e in Alzheimer's disease. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2011; 2011:974361. [PMID: 21559182 PMCID: PMC3089878 DOI: 10.4061/2011/974361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD)—the most common type of dementia among the elderly—represents one of the most challenging and urgent medical mysteries affecting our aging population. Although dominant inherited mutation in genes involved in the amyloid metabolism can elicit familial AD, the overwhelming majority of AD cases, dubbed sporadic AD, do not display this Mendelian inheritance pattern. Apolipoprotein E (APOE), the main lipid carrier protein in the central nervous system, is the only gene that has been robustly and consistently associated with AD risk. The purpose of the current paper is thus to highlight the pleiotropic roles and the structure-function relationship of APOE to stimulate both the functional characterization and the identification of novel lipid homeostasis-related molecular targets involved in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Leduc
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Perry Pavilion, E-3207.1, 6875 Lasalle Boulevard, Verdun, QC, Canada H4H1R3
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18
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Kurz MW, Dekomien G, Nilsen OB, Larsen JP, Aarsland D, Alves G. APOE alleles in Parkinson disease and their relationship to cognitive decline: a population-based, longitudinal study. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2009; 22:166-70. [PMID: 19321880 DOI: 10.1177/0891988709332945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E gene alleles have been linked to various cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. There have been conflicting reports of associations between Apolipoprotein E alleles and Parkinson disease and Parkinson disease dementia. To investigate the role of Apolipoprotein E alleles in Parkinson disease and Parkinson disease dementia, we have determined Apolipoprotein E genotypes in a group of patients with Parkinson disease (n = 95) and compared them with those of healthy control participants (n = 73). Additionally, in 64 longitudinally followed patients with Parkinson disease, the allele types were correlated to development and progression of dementia and to time from onset of Parkinson disease to dementia using multivariate and survival analyses. The Apolipoprotein E e4e4 genotype was more common in patients with Parkinson disease (7.4%) than in healthy controls (1.4%; P = .03). No significant associations between the Apolipoprotein E genotype and development and progression of dementia or time to dementia were found. More studies with larger Parkinson disease samples are warranted.
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19
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Abstract
For almost three decades, Huntington's disease has been a prototype for the application of genetic strategies to human disease. HD, the Huntington's disease gene, was the first autosomal defect mapped using only DNA markers, a finding in 1983 that helped to spur similar studies in many other disorders and contributed to the concept of the human genome project. The search for the genetic defect itself pioneered many mapping and gene-finding technologies, and culminated in the identification of the HD gene, its mutation and its novel protein product in 1993. Since that time, extensive investigations into the pathogenic mechanism have utilized the knowledge of the disease gene and its defect but, with notable exceptions, have rarely relied for guidance on the genetic findings in human patients to interpret the relevance of findings in non-human model systems. However, the human patient still has much to teach us through a detailed analysis of genotype and phenotype. Such studies have implicated the existence of genetic modifiers - genes whose natural polymorphic variation contributes to altering the development of Huntington's disease symptoms. The search for these modifiers, much as the search for the HD gene did in the past, offers to open new entrées into the process of Huntington's disease pathogenesis by unlocking the biochemical changes that occur many years before diagnosis, and thereby providing validated target proteins and pathways for development of rational therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Gusella
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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20
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Arning L, Saft C, Wieczorek S, Andrich J, Kraus PH, Epplen JT. NR2A and NR2B receptor gene variations modify age at onset in Huntington disease in a sex-specific manner. Hum Genet 2007; 122:175-82. [PMID: 17569088 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-007-0393-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2007] [Accepted: 06/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the pathogenetic CAG repeat expansion other genetic factors play a significant role in determining age at onset (AO) in Huntington disease (HD), e.g. variations in the NR2A and NR2B glutamate receptor subunit genes (GRIN2A, GRIN2B). In order to expand these findings we fine-mapped a larger HD patient panel (n = 250) using densely spaced markers flanking the originally associated SNPs in GRIN2A and GRIN2B. In GRIN2A association fine-mapping based on eight additional SNPs confirmed intron 2 as the region of strongest association. In GRIN2B fine-mapping with seven additional SNPs consolidated C2664T as causal genetic variation. Gender stratification of patients revealed differences in the variability in AO attributable to the CAG repeat number and highly significant differences in the AO association with the C2664T and rs8057394/ rs2650427 variations. Addition of the corresponding genotype variations to the effect of CAG repeat lengths resulted in a significant increase of the R2 values only in females. The sex-specific effect for C2664T is underscored by differences in the genotype and allele frequencies observed for female versus male HD patients (P = 0.01) caused by decreased CC frequency in females. Overall, female HD patients homozygous for the CC genotype tended to have later AO compared to the other two genotypes. Stratification of the results by presumed menopausal status demonstrated that the significant findings were predominantly observed in pre-menopausal patients. We speculate that altered hormone levels herald protective effects of this genotype. Together, GRIN2A and GRIN2B genotype variations explain 7.2% additional variance in AO for HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Arning
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
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21
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Andresen JM, Gayán J, Cherny SS, Brocklebank D, Alkorta-Aranburu G, Addis EA, Cardon LR, Housman DE, Wexler NS. Replication of twelve association studies for Huntington's disease residual age of onset in large Venezuelan kindreds. J Med Genet 2007; 44:44-50. [PMID: 17018562 PMCID: PMC2597910 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2006.045153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2006] [Revised: 08/26/2006] [Accepted: 09/01/2006] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major determinant of age of onset in Huntington's disease is the length of the causative triplet CAG repeat. Significant variance remains, however, in residual age of onset even after repeat length is factored out. Many genetic polymorphisms have previously shown evidence of association with age of onset of Huntington's disease in several different populations. OBJECTIVE To replicate these genetic association tests in 443 affected people from a large set of kindreds from Venezuela. METHODS Previously tested polymorphisms were analysed in the HD gene itself (HD), the GluR6 kainate glutamate receptor (GRIK2), apolipoprotein E (APOE), the transcriptional coactivator CA150 (TCERG1), the ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), p53 (TP53), caspase-activated DNase (DFFB), and the NR2A and NR2B glutamate receptor subunits (GRIN2A, GRIN2B). RESULTS The GRIN2A single-nucleotide polymorphism explains a small but considerable amount of additional variance in residual age of onset in our sample. The TCERG1 microsatellite shows a trend towards association but does not reach statistical significance, perhaps because of the uninformative nature of the polymorphism caused by extreme allele frequencies. We did not replicate the genetic association of any of the other genes. CONCLUSIONS GRIN2A and TCERG1 may show true association with residual age of onset for Huntington's disease. The most surprising negative result is for the GRIK2 (TAA)(n) polymorphism, which has previously shown association with age of onset in four independent populations with Huntington's disease. The lack of association in the Venezuelan kindreds may be due to the extremely low frequency of the key (TAA)(16) allele in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Andresen
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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22
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the contributions of cardiovascular disease to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. METHODS Review of the literature. RESULTS Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia both share significant risk attributable to cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia at midlife are significant risk factors for both subsequent dementia. Diabetes and obesity are also risk factors for dementia. Stressful medical procedures, such as coronary artery bypass and graft operations also appear to contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Apolipoprotein E is the major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Apolipoprotein E does not appear to contribute to Alzheimer's disease by increasing serum cholesterol, but it might contribute to the disease through a mechanism involving both Abeta and an increase in neuronal vulnerability to stress. DISCUSSION The strong association of cardiovascular risk factors with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia suggest that these diseases share some biologic pathways in common. The contribution of cardiovascular disease to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia suggest that cardiovascular therapies might prove useful in treating or preventing dementia. Antihypertensive medications appear to be beneficial in preventing vascular dementia. Statins might be beneficial in preventing the progression of dementia in subjects with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wolozin
- Department of Pharmacology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118-2526, USA.
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Wolozin B, Manger J, Bryant R, Cordy J, Green RC, McKee A. Re-assessing the relationship between cholesterol, statins and Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neurol Scand 2006; 185:63-70. [PMID: 16866913 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2006.00687.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This communication integrates the purported role of cholesterol and statins in Alzheimer's disease (AD) with recent data. Meta-analysis of association studies relevant to AD indicates that apolipoprotein (apo)E4 is the only cholesterol-related polymorphism that shows clear association with AD. This suggests that the effect of apoE4 on the pathophysiology of AD occurs via a mechanism that is not directly related to cholesterol, such as fibrillization of Abeta. Despite the lack of genetic association, cholesterol and statins clearly modulate amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing in cell culture and animal models. Statins appear to act by a pleiotropic mechanism, involving both cholesterol (via lipid rafts) and isoprenylation. The pleiotropic mechanism of statin action clarifies conflicting data from clinical studies, where statins exert an action on Abeta and AD that might be dose dependent because of actions on both cholesterol and isoprenylation. Reduced isoprenylation can also inhibit inflammation. Our own studies of brains from Alzheimer subjects +/- statins indicate that statins inhibit inflammation in humans but might not reduce cerebral Abeta load. These results suggest that the primary action of statins in humans with AD might be to reduce inflammation rather than decrease Abeta load.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Wolozin
- Department of Pharmacology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA.
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24
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Hill JM, Bhattacharjee PS, Neumann DM. Apolipoprotein E alleles can contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous clinical conditions including HSV-1 corneal disease. Exp Eye Res 2006; 84:801-11. [PMID: 17007837 PMCID: PMC2217677 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2006.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2006] [Revised: 07/19/2006] [Accepted: 08/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) alleles have been reported to affect the clinical outcome of numerous cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and viral infectious diseases, including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease (AD), hepatitis C, and HIV. The major alleles of ApoE are 2, 3, and 4. ApoE genotypes have been hypothesized to regulate many biological functions, resulting in significant changes in the onset and/or outcome (severity and duration) of several clinical conditions. Based on genetic analyses in human and animal studies using knockout (ApoE -/-) mice and mice transgenic for human 3 and 4, we present evidence that strongly suggests that the ApoE alleles can regulate the pathogenesis of ocular herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections. This review will summarize the major studies that support this hypothesis. Significant gender based differences in HSV-1 pathogenesis have also been reported, suggesting that hormonal regulation combined with ApoE genotype plays a significant role in HSV-1 pathogenesis. Identification of specific mechanisms in ocular HSV-1 infections related to the ApoE alleles and gender could lead to therapeutic intervention based on the properties of the apoE isoforms. While many clinical investigations have been reported and, to a lesser extent, transgenic mouse studies have been conducted, no specific mechanisms of how ApoE induces or alters clinical disease are known.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Hill
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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Panegyres PK, Beilby J, Bulsara M, Toufexis K, Wong C. A Study of Potential Interactive Genetic Factors in Huntington’s Disease. Eur Neurol 2006; 55:189-92. [PMID: 16772714 DOI: 10.1159/000093867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2006] [Accepted: 03/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the role of genetic factors, other than the CAG repeat length, on the development of Huntington's disease (HD) in an isolated Caucasian population in the south-west of Western Australia. METHODS 114 patients with symptomatic HD according to the Unified HD Rating Scale research criteria were examined along with 51 control patients. The length of the CAG repeat sequence in the IT15 gene and the adjacent CCG and Delta2642 polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction along with common genotypes of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genes. RESULTS The CAG expansion was associated with age of onset and the development of neurological dysfunction. We found no effect of the expanded CCG allele on age of onset, neurological dysfunction or the size of the CAG expansion. We observed a twofold increase in the Delta2642 polymorphism and the risk of developing symptomatic HD which was not significant (OR 2.06; 95% CI 0.60-7.07). The presence of an APOE epsilon4 allele was associated with an increased risk of HD which was not significant either (OR 1.04-1.73; 95% CI 0.10-10.68). ACE genotypes showed no association with risk factors for the disease. CONCLUSION In our study of a geographically isolated Caucasian HD population in the south-west of Western Australia we have not observed that the expanded CCG allele, the Delta2642 polymorphism, the APOE epsilon4 allele and ACE genotypes are associated with an increased risk for the development of symptomatic HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Panegyres
- Neurosciences Unit, Department of Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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