1
|
Li Z, Jiang YY, Long C, Peng X, Tao J, Pu Y, Yue R. Bridging metabolic syndrome and cognitive dysfunction: role of astrocytes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1393253. [PMID: 38800473 PMCID: PMC11116704 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1393253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive dysfunction pose significant challenges to global health and the economy. Systemic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and autoregulatory impairment drive neurodegeneration and microcirculatory damage in MetS. Due to their unique anatomy and function, astrocytes sense and integrate multiple metabolic signals, including peripheral endocrine hormones and nutrients. Astrocytes and synapses engage in a complex dialogue of energetic and immunological interactions. Astrocytes act as a bridge between MetS and cognitive dysfunction, undergoing diverse activation in response to metabolic dysfunction. This article summarizes the alterations in astrocyte phenotypic characteristics across multiple pathological factors in MetS. It also discusses the clinical value of astrocytes as a critical pathologic diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for MetS-associated cognitive dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-yi Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiyi Long
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiajing Tao
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueheng Pu
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rensong Yue
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schiera G, Di Liegro CM, Schirò G, Sorbello G, Di Liegro I. Involvement of Astrocytes in the Formation, Maintenance, and Function of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Cells 2024; 13:150. [PMID: 38247841 PMCID: PMC10813980 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental structure that protects the composition of the brain by determining which ions, metabolites, and nutrients are allowed to enter the brain from the blood or to leave it towards the circulation. The BBB is structurally composed of a layer of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) bound to each other through tight junctions (TJs). However, its development as well as maintenance and properties are controlled by the other brain cells that contact the BCECs: pericytes, glial cells, and even neurons themselves. Astrocytes seem, in particular, to have a very important role in determining and controlling most properties of the BBB. Here, we will focus on these latter cells, since the comprehension of their roles in brain physiology has been continuously expanding, even including the ability to participate in neurotransmission and in complex functions such as learning and memory. Accordingly, pathological conditions that alter astrocytic functions can alter the BBB's integrity, thus compromising many brain activities. In this review, we will also refer to different kinds of in vitro BBB models used to study the BBB's properties, evidencing its modifications under pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienzee Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (C.M.D.L.)
| | - Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienzee Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (C.M.D.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
- Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC), Foundation Institute “G. Giglio”, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sorbello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ebrahimi M, Thompson P, Lauer AK, Sivaprasad S, Perry G. The retina-brain axis and diabetic retinopathy. Eur J Ophthalmol 2023; 33:2079-2095. [PMID: 37259525 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231172229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major contributor to permanent vision loss and blindness. Changes in retinal neurons, glia, and microvasculature have been the focus of intensive study in the quest to better understand DR. However, the impact of diabetes on the rest of the visual system has received less attention. There are reports of associations of changes in the visual system with preclinical and clinical manifestations of diabetes. Simultaneous investigation of the retina and the brain may shed light on the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in diabetics. Additionally, investigating the links between DR and other neurodegenerative disorders of the brain including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease may reveal shared mechanisms for neurodegeneration and potential therapy options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moein Ebrahimi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Paul Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andreas K Lauer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - George Perry
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas and San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Meng F, Fu J, Zhang L, Guo M, Zhuang P, Yin Q, Zhang Y. Function and therapeutic value of astrocytes in diabetic cognitive impairment. Neurochem Int 2023; 169:105591. [PMID: 37543309 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) is a complex complication of diabetes in the central nervous system, and its pathological mechanism is still being explored. Astrocytes are abundant glial cells in central nervous system that perform diverse functions in health and disease. Accumulating excellent research has identified astrocyte dysfunction in many neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease, aging and Parkinson's disease), and summarized and discussed its pathological mechanisms and potential therapeutic value. However, the contribution of astrocytes to DCI has been largely overlooked. In this review, we first systematically summarized the effects and mechanisms of diabetes on brain astrocytes, and found that the diabetic environment (such as hyperglycemia, advanced glycation end products and cerebral insulin resistance) mediated brain reactive astrogliosis, which was specifically reflected in the changes of cell morphology and the remodeling of signature molecules. Secondly, we emphasized the contribution and potential targets of reactive astrogliosis to DCI, and found that reactive astrogliosis-induced increased blood-brain barrier permeability, glymphatic system dysfunction, neuroinflammation, abnormal cell communication and cholesterol metabolism dysregulation worsened cognitive function. In addition, we summarized effective strategies for treating DCI by targeting astrocytes. Finally, we discuss the application of new techniques in astrocytes, including single-cell transcriptome, in situ sequencing, and prospected new functions, new subsets and new targets of astrocytes in DCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanyu Meng
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jiafeng Fu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Mengqing Guo
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Pengwei Zhuang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Qingsheng Yin
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Z, Jiang Y, Long C, Peng Q, Yue R. The gut microbiota-astrocyte axis: Implications for type 2 diabetic cognitive dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29 Suppl 1:59-73. [PMID: 36601656 PMCID: PMC10314112 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is one of the most insidious complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can seriously affect the ability to self-monitoring of blood glucose and the quality of life in the elderly. Previous pathological studies of cognitive dysfunction have focused on neuronal dysfunction, characterized by extracellular beta-amyloid deposition and intracellular tau hyperphosphorylation. In recent years, astrocytes have been recognized as a potential therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunction and important participants in the central control of metabolism. The disorder of gut microbiota and their metabolites have been linked to a series of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The imbalance of intestinal flora has the effect of promoting the occurrence and deterioration of several diabetes-related complications. Gut microbes and their metabolites can drive astrocyte activation. AIMS We reviewed the pathological progress of DCD related to the "gut microbiota-astrocyte" axis in terms of peripheral and central inflammation, intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, systemic and brain energy metabolism disorders to deepen the pathological research progress of DCD and explore the potential therapeutic targets. CONCLUSION "Gut microbiota-astrocyte" axis, unique bidirectional crosstalk in the brain-gut axis, mediates the intermediate pathological process of neurocognitive dysfunction secondary to metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi‐Han Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Ya‐Yi Jiang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Cai‐Yi Long
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Qian Peng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Ren‐Song Yue
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jones JC, Bodenstine TM. Connexins and Glucose Metabolism in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710172. [PMID: 36077565 PMCID: PMC9455984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that regulate diverse cellular functions. Originally characterized for their ability to mediate direct intercellular communication through the formation of highly regulated membrane channels, their functions have been extended to the exchange of molecules with the extracellular environment, and the ability to modulate numerous channel-independent effects on processes such as motility and survival. Notably, connexins have been implicated in cancer biology for their context-dependent roles that can both promote or suppress cancer cell function. Moreover, connexins are able to mediate many aspects of cellular metabolism including the intercellular coupling of nutrients and signaling molecules. During cancer progression, changes to substrate utilization occur to support energy production and biomass accumulation. This results in metabolic plasticity that promotes cell survival and proliferation, and can impact therapeutic resistance. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of connexin and cancer biology, however, delineating the roles these multi-faceted proteins play in metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is just beginning. Glucose represents a major carbon substrate for energy production, nucleotide synthesis, carbohydrate modifications and generation of biosynthetic intermediates. While cancer cells often exhibit a dependence on glycolytic metabolism for survival, cellular reprogramming of metabolic pathways is common when blood perfusion is limited in growing tumors. These metabolic changes drive aggressive phenotypes through the acquisition of functional traits. Connections between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells and the surrounding stroma are now apparent, however much remains to be discovered regarding these relationships. This review discusses the existing evidence in this area and highlights directions for continued investigation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Involvement of astrocyte senescence in Alzheimer's disease. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 76:102594. [PMID: 35779313 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|