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Nieraad H, Pannwitz N, de Bruin N, Geisslinger G, Till U. Hyperhomocysteinemia: Metabolic Role and Animal Studies with a Focus on Cognitive Performance and Decline-A Review. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1546. [PMID: 34680179 PMCID: PMC8533891 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the one-carbon metabolism are often indicated by altered levels of the endogenous amino acid homocysteine (HCys), which is additionally discussed to causally contribute to diverse pathologies. In the first part of the present review, we profoundly and critically discuss the metabolic role and pathomechanisms of HCys, as well as its potential impact on different human disorders. The use of adequate animal models can aid in unravelling the complex pathological processes underlying the role of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCys). Therefore, in the second part, we systematically searched PubMed/Medline for animal studies regarding HHCys and focused on the potential impact on cognitive performance and decline. The majority of reviewed studies reported a significant effect of HHCys on the investigated behavioral outcomes. Despite of persistent controversial discussions about equivocal findings, especially in clinical studies, the present evaluation of preclinical evidence indicates a causal link between HHCys and cognition-related- especially dementia-like disorders, and points out the further urge for large-scale, well-designed clinical studies in order to elucidate the normalization of HCys levels as a potential preventative or therapeutic approach in human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Nieraad
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Nina Pannwitz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Natasja de Bruin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.P.); (N.d.B.); (G.G.)
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Uwe Till
- Former Institute of Pathobiochemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Nonnenplan 2, 07743 Jena, Germany;
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Brütting C, Hildebrand P, Brandsch C, Stangl GI. Ability of dietary factors to affect homocysteine levels in mice: a review. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:68. [PMID: 34193183 PMCID: PMC8243555 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Homocysteine is associated with several diseases, and a series of dietary factors are known to modulate homocysteine levels. As mice are often used as model organisms to study the effects of dietary hyperhomocysteinemia, we collected data about concentrations of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, methionine, cystine, and choline in mouse diets and the associated plasma/serum homocysteine levels. In addition, we more closely examined the composition of the control diet, the impact of the mouse strain, sex and age, and the duration of the dietary intervention on homocysteine levels. In total, 113 out of 1103 reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. In the experimental and control diets, homocysteine levels varied from 0.1 to 280 µmol/l. We found negative correlations between dietary vitamin B12 (rho = − 0.125; p < 0.05), vitamin B6 (rho = − 0.191; p < 0.01) and folate (rho = − 0.395; p < 0.001) and circulating levels of homocysteine. In contrast, a positive correlation was observed between dietary methionine and homocysteine (methionine: rho = 0.146; p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found for cystine or choline and homocysteine levels. In addition, there was no correlation between the duration of the experimental diets and homocysteine levels. More importantly, the data showed that homocysteine levels varied widely in mice fed control diets as well. When comparing control diets with similar nutrient concentrations (AIN-based), there were significant differences in homocysteine levels caused by the strain (ANOVA, p < 0.05) and age of the mice at baseline (r = 0.47; p < 0.05). When comparing homocysteine levels and sex, female mice tended to have higher homocysteine levels than male mice (9.3 ± 5.9 µmol/l vs. 5.8 ± 4.5 µmol/l; p = 0.069). To conclude, diets low in vitamin B12, vitamin B6, or folate and rich in methionine are similarly effective in increasing homocysteine levels. AIN recommendations for control diets are adequate with respect to the amounts of homocysteine-modulating dietary parameters. In addition, the mouse strain and the age of mice can affect the homocysteine level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Brütting
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Pia Hildebrand
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Corinna Brandsch
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gabriele I Stangl
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
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3
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Effects of Alzheimer-Like Pathology on Homocysteine and Homocysteic Acid Levels-An Exploratory In Vivo Kinetic Study. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020927. [PMID: 33477684 PMCID: PMC7831937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia has been suggested potentially to contribute to a variety of pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While the impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on AD has been investigated extensively, there are scarce data on the effect of AD on hyperhomocysteinemia. The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the kinetics of homocysteine (HCys) and homocysteic acid (HCA) and effects of AD-like pathology on the endogenous levels. The mice received a B-vitamin deficient diet for eight weeks, followed by the return to a balanced control diet for another eight weeks. Serum, urine, and brain tissues of AppNL-G-F knock-in and C57BL/6J wild type mice were analyzed for HCys and HCA using LC-MS/MS methods. Hyperhomocysteinemic levels were found in wild type and knock-in mice due to the consumption of the deficient diet for eight weeks, followed by a rapid normalization of the levels after the return to control chow. Hyperhomocysteinemic AppNL-G-F mice had significantly higher HCys in all matrices, but not HCA, compared to wild type control. Higher serum concentrations were associated with elevated levels in both the brain and in urine. Our findings confirm a significant impact of AD-like pathology on hyperhomocysteinemia in the AppNL-G-F mouse model. The immediate normalization of HCys and HCA after the supply of B-vitamins strengthens the idea of a B-vitamin intervention as a potentially preventive treatment option for HCys-related disorders such as AD.
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Nieraad H, de Bruin N, Arne O, Hofmann MCJ, Schmidt M, Saito T, Saido TC, Gurke R, Schmidt D, Till U, Parnham MJ, Geisslinger G. Impact of Hyperhomocysteinemia and Different Dietary Interventions on Cognitive Performance in a Knock-in Mouse Model for Alzheimer's Disease. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113248. [PMID: 33114054 PMCID: PMC7690745 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered a possible contributor to the complex pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). For years, researchers in this field have discussed the apparent detrimental effects of the endogenous amino acid homocysteine in the brain. In this study, the roles of hyperhomocysteinemia driven by vitamin B deficiency, as well as potentially beneficial dietary interventions, were investigated in the novel AppNL-G-F knock-in mouse model for AD, simulating an early stage of the disease. METHODS Urine and serum samples were analyzed using a validated LC-MS/MS method and the impact of different experimental diets on cognitive performance was studied in a comprehensive behavioral test battery. Finally, we analyzed brain samples immunohistochemically in order to assess amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition. RESULTS Behavioral testing data indicated subtle cognitive deficits in AppNL-G-F compared to C57BL/6J wild type mice. Elevation of homocysteine and homocysteic acid, as well as counteracting dietary interventions, mostly did not result in significant effects on learning and memory performance, nor in a modified Aβ plaque deposition in 35-week-old AppNL-G-F mice. CONCLUSION Despite prominent Aβ plaque deposition, the AppNL-G-F model merely displays a very mild AD-like phenotype at the investigated age. Older AppNL-G-F mice should be tested in order to further investigate potential effects of hyperhomocysteinemia and dietary interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Nieraad
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Natasja de Bruin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Olga Arne
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Martine C. J. Hofmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Mike Schmidt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; (T.S.); (T.C.S.)
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takaomi C. Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; (T.S.); (T.C.S.)
| | - Robert Gurke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominik Schmidt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Uwe Till
- Former Institute of Pathobiochemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Nonnenplan 2, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Michael J. Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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5
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Braun DJ, Dimayuga E, Morganti JM, Van Eldik LJ. Microglial-associated responses to comorbid amyloid pathology and hyperhomocysteinemia in an aged knock-in mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:274. [PMID: 32943069 PMCID: PMC7499995 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01938-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated blood homocysteine levels, termed hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), is a prevalent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in elderly populations. While dietary supplementation of B-vitamins is a generally effective method to lower homocysteine levels, there is little if any benefit to cognition. In the context of amyloid pathology, dietary-induced HHcy is known to enhance amyloid deposition and certain inflammatory responses. Little is known, however, about whether there is a more specific effect on microglia resulting from combined amyloid and HHcy pathologies. METHODS The present study used a knock-in mouse model of amyloidosis, aged to 12 months, given 8 weeks of B-vitamin deficiency-induced HHcy to better understand how microglia are affected in this comorbidity context. RESULTS We found that HHcy-inducing diet increased amyloid plaque burden, altered the neuroinflammatory milieu, and upregulated the expression of multiple damage-associated and "homeostatic" microglial genes. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these data indicate complex effects of comorbid pathologies on microglial function that are not driven solely by increased amyloid burden. Given the highly dynamic nature of microglia, their central role in AD pathology, and the frequent occurrence of various comorbidities in AD patients, it is increasingly important to understand how microglia respond to mixed pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Braun
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 101 Sanders-Brown Bldg., 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Edgardo Dimayuga
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 101 Sanders-Brown Bldg., 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Josh M Morganti
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 101 Sanders-Brown Bldg., 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Linda J Van Eldik
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 101 Sanders-Brown Bldg., 800 S. Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. .,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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6
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Braun DJ, Abner E, Bakshi V, Goulding DS, Grau EM, Lin AL, Norris CM, Sudduth TL, Webster SJ, Wilcock DM, Van Eldik LJ. Blood Flow Deficits and Cerebrovascular Changes in a Dietary Model of Hyperhomocysteinemia. ASN Neuro 2019; 11:1759091419865788. [PMID: 31362539 PMCID: PMC6668175 DOI: 10.1177/1759091419865788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated homocysteine in the blood, or hyperhomocysteinemia, is a recognized risk factor for multiple causes of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. While reduction of homocysteine levels can generally be accomplished in a straightforward manner, the evidence regarding the cognitive benefits of this approach is less clear. To identify adjunct therapeutic targets that might more effectively restore cognition, the present series of experiments characterizes early and later cerebrovascular changes in a model of hyperhomocysteinemia. Sex-balanced groups of adult C57BL/6J mice were administered a diet deficient in vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (folate) and supplemented with excess methionine. They were subsequently assessed for changes in cerebral blood flow, memory, blood–brain barrier permeability, and selected vascular-associated genes. Blood flow deficits and barrier permeability changes occurred alongside changes in memory and in genes associated with metabolism, endothelial nitric oxide signaling, barrier integrity, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Significant sexually dimorphic responses to the diet were also detected. Taken together, these data deepen our understanding of a major contributor to dementia burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Braun
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | - Erin Abner
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | - Vikas Bakshi
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth M. Grau
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | - Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | - Tiffany L. Sudduth
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | - Scott J. Webster
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | - Donna M. Wilcock
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
| | - Linda J. Van Eldik
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA
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7
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Cora MC, Gwinn W, Wilson R, King D, Waidyanatha S, Kissling GE, Brar SS, Olivera D, Blystone C, Travlos G. A Black Cohosh Extract Causes Hematologic and Biochemical Changes Consistent with a Functional Cobalamin Deficiency in Female B6C3F1/N Mice. Toxicol Pathol 2017; 45:614-623. [PMID: 28618975 PMCID: PMC5544593 DOI: 10.1177/0192623317714343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Black cohosh rhizome, available as a dietary supplement, is most commonly marketed as a remedy for dysmenorrhea and menopausal symptoms. A previous subchronic toxicity study of black cohosh dried ethanolic extract (BCE) in female mice revealed a dose-dependent ineffective erythropoiesis with a macrocytosis consistent with the condition known as megaloblastic anemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential mechanisms by which BCE induces these particular hematological changes. B6C3F1/N female mice (32/group) were exposed by gavage to vehicle or 1,000 mg/kg BCE for 92 days. Blood samples were analyzed for hematology, renal and hepatic clinical chemistry, serum folate and cobalamin, red blood cell (RBC) folate, and plasma homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA). Folate levels were measured in liver and kidney. Hematological changes included decreased RBC count; increased mean corpuscular volume; and decreased reticulocyte, white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts. Blood smear evaluation revealed increased Howell-Jolly bodies and occasional basophilic stippling in treated animals. Plasma homocysteine and MMA concentrations were increased in treated animals. Under the conditions of our study, BCE administration caused hematological and clinical chemistry changes consistent with a functional cobalamin, and possibly folate, deficiency. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism by which BCE causes increases in homocysteine and MMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Cora
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - William Gwinn
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ralph Wilson
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Debra King
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Suramya Waidyanatha
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Grace E Kissling
- 2 Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sukhdev S Brar
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dorian Olivera
- 3 Alion Science and Technology, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chad Blystone
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Greg Travlos
- 1 Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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8
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Roohi J, Kang B, Bernard D, Bedja D, Dietz HC, Brody LC. Moderately Elevated Homocysteine Does Not Contribute to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Mice. J Nutr 2017; 147:1290-1295. [PMID: 28539414 DOI: 10.3945/jn.117.251173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is an attractive target for intervention because it is present in 5-7% of the population and can be reversed by diet. This approach presupposes that hyperhomocysteinemia is directly involved in the disease process. Epidemiologic studies have indicated that moderately elevated homocysteine may contribute to thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) dilatation and dissection in humans. In vitro, elevated homocysteine disrupts the structure and function of extracellular matrix components, suggesting that moderate hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to the development and/or progression of TAA.Objective: We investigated moderately elevated homocysteine in the development and progression of TAA in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome (MFS) and in isogenic wild-type mice. The MFS mouse is a well-described model of a systemic connective tissue disorder characterized by thoracic aortic dilatation, dissection, and rupture. We used this model as a sensitized indicator system to examine the impact of homocysteine on the progression of TAA.Methods: Murine fibrillin 1 gene (Fbn1)C1039G/+ MFS and C57BL/6J wild-type mice were fed a cobalamin-restricted diet to induce moderate hyperhomocysteinemia from weaning until the age of 32 wk. Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid were measured and aortic root diameter assessed with the use of echocardiography in mice aged 3, 7, 15, and 32 wk.Results: Cobalamin-restricted mice exhibited significantly higher homocysteine (P < 0.0001) and methylmalonic acid (P < 0.0001) in the blood. For both strains, no significant difference in thoracic aortic diameter was observed in mice on the cobalamin-restricted diet compared with those on the control diet.Conclusions:Fbn1C1039G/+ mice are a well-characterized model of progressive aortic root dilation. Hyperhomocysteinemia in the physiologic range did not induce abnormal aortic growth in wild-type mice and did not accelerate or otherwise influence aortic root growth and pathologic progression in mice with an underlying predisposition for aortic dilatation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Roohi
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine and.,National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD.,Division of Clinical Genetics, Columbia University School of Medicine, New York, NY.,Clinical Genetics, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD
| | | | - David Bernard
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Djahida Bedja
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Harry C Dietz
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine and.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD; and
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9
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Knight BS, Pennell CE, Shah R, Lye SJ. Strain Differences in the Impact of Dietary Restriction on Fetal Growth and Pregnancy in Mice. Reprod Sci 2016; 14:81-90. [PMID: 17636220 DOI: 10.1177/1933719106298217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The association between suboptimal intrauterine environment and developmental origins of adult health and disease is variable, suggesting that genotype may contribute to eventual outcome. The objective of this study was to characterize maternal and fetal responses to maternal dietary restriction during pregnancy in 2 phylogenetically distant strains of mice. Pregnant A/J (n=35) and C57BL/6J (B6) (n=36) mice underwent either a 30% dietary restriction (DR) from day 6.5 until day 17.5 of gestation or were fed ad libitum. Seven mothers from each strain and diet were randomly selected for dissection on day 18.5 to assess fetal body and organ weights and maternal endocrine status through the collection of serum to measure progesterone, corticosterone, cortisol, and estradiol levels. The remaining mice were allowed to deliver spontaneously to assess gestational effects. Both strains showed similar responses to maternal DR during pregnancy in terms of reductions in maternal weight gain during pregnancy, reductions in fetal body weight, increased pup death within 24 hours of birth, and decreased placental 11beta-HSD2 protein expression. The impact of maternal DR was greater in B6 mice than A/J when assessing reductions in fetal kidney weight, embryo-placenta ratio, increases in placental weight, fetal brain-liver ratio, and maternal corticosterone and cortisol levels. Moreover, preterm delivery was significantly increased in DR B6 mice compared to DR A/J mice. The observed strain variations in response to dietary restriction may offer a unique opportunity to investigate gene-environment interactions associated with developmental origins of adult health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Knight
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Hainsworth AH, Yeo NE, Weekman EM, Wilcock DM. Homocysteine, hyperhomocysteinemia and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1862:1008-17. [PMID: 26689889 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Homocysteine is produced physiologically in all cells, and is present in plasma of healthy individuals (plasma [HCy]: 3-10μM). While rare genetic mutations (CBS, MTHFR) cause severe hyperhomocysteinemia ([HCy]: 100-200μM), mild-moderate hyperhomocysteinemia ([HCy]: 10-100μM) is common in older people, and is an independent risk factor for stroke and cognitive impairment. As B-vitamin supplementation (B6, B12 and folate) has well-validated homocysteine-lowering efficacy, this may be a readily-modifiable risk factor in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Here we review the biochemical and cellular actions of HCy related to VCID. Neuronal actions of HCy were at concentrations above the clinically-relevant range. Effects of HCy <100μM were primarily vascular, including myocyte proliferation, vessel wall fibrosis, impaired nitric oxide signalling, superoxide generation and pro-coagulant actions. HCy-lowering clinical trials relevant to VCID are discussed. Extensive clinical and preclinical data support HCy as a mediator for VCID. In our view further trials of combined B-vitamin supplementation are called for, incorporating lessons from previous trials and from recent experimental work. To maximise likelihood of treatment effect, a future trial should: supply a high-dose, combination supplement (B6, B12 and folate); target the at-risk age range; and target cohorts with low baseline B-vitamin status. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia edited by M. Paul Murphy, Roderick A. Corriveau and Donna M. Wilcock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atticus H Hainsworth
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Natalie E Yeo
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Erica M Weekman
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40536, USA
| | - Donna M Wilcock
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40536, USA.
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Impaired hydrogen sulfide synthesis and IL-10 signaling underlie hyperhomocysteinemia-associated exacerbation of colitis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:13559-64. [PMID: 25187563 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413390111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B deficiencies, which can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy), are commonly reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may be a causative underlying factor. However, the mechanism for this effect is not known. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous mediator that promotes tissue repair and resolution of inflammation. In experimental colitis, a marked increase in colonic H2S synthesis drives ulcer healing and resolution of inflammation. Because H2S synthesis is in part dependent upon enzymes that require vitamin B6 as a cofactor, we tested the hypothesis that Hhcy in rodent models would increase the susceptibility to colitis. In all three models tested, diet-induced Hhcy significantly exacerbated colitis. The usual elevation of colonic H2S synthesis after induction of colitis was absent in all three models of colitis. Administration of an H2S donor to Hhcy rats significantly decreased the severity of colitis. Compared with wild-type mice, interleukin (IL) 10-deficient mice on a normal diet had decreased levels of colonic H2S synthesis, a 40% increase in serum homocysteine, and a phenotype similar to wild-type mice with Hhcy. IL-10-deficient mice fed the vitamin B-deficient diet exhibited more severe colonic inflammation, but the normal elevation of colonic H2S synthesis was absent. Administration of IL-10 to the IL-10-deficient mice restored colonic H2S synthesis and significantly decreased serum homocysteine levels. These results suggest that the exacerbation of colitis in Hhcy is due in part to impaired colonic H2S synthesis. Moreover, IL-10 plays a novel role in promoting H2S production and homocysteine metabolism, which may have therapeutic value in conditions characterized by Hhcy.
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Sudduth TL, Weekman EM, Brothers HM, Braun K, Wilcock DM. β-amyloid deposition is shifted to the vasculature and memory impairment is exacerbated when hyperhomocysteinemia is induced in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2014; 6:32. [PMID: 24991237 PMCID: PMC4078260 DOI: 10.1186/alzrt262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, it is estimated that almost half of all AD patients have significant cerebrovascular disease comorbid with their AD pathology. We hypothesized that cerebrovascular disease significantly impacts AD pathological progression. Methods We used a dietary model of cerebrovascular disease that relies on the induction of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). HHcy is a significant clinical risk factor for stroke, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we induced HHcy in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Results While total β-amyloid (Aβ) load is unchanged across groups, Congophilic amyloid deposition was decreased in the parenchyma and significantly increased in the vasculature as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA; vascular amyloid deposition) in HHcy APP/PS1 mice. We also found that HHcy induced more microhemorrhages in the APP/PS1 mice than in the wild-type mice and that it switched the neuroinflammatory phenotype from an M2a biased state to an M1 biased state. Associated with these changes was an induction of the matrix metalloproteinase protein 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 systems. Interestingly, after 6 months of HHcy, the APP/PS1 mice were cognitively worse than wild-type HHcy mice or APP/PS1 mice, indicative of an additive effect of the cerebrovascular pathology and amyloid deposition. Conclusions These data show that cerebrovascular disease can significantly impact Aβ distribution in the brain, favoring vascular deposition. We predict that the presence of cerebrovascular disease with AD will have a significant impact on AD progression and the efficacy of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany L Sudduth
- Department of Physiology, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Erica M Weekman
- Department of Physiology, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Holly M Brothers
- Department of Physiology, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Braun
- Department of Physiology, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Donna M Wilcock
- Department of Physiology, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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Witham KL, Butcher NJ, Sugamori KS, Brenneman D, Grant DM, Minchin RF. 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate and the S-adenosylmethionine cycle in C57BL/6J mouse tissues: gender differences and effects of arylamine N-acetyltransferase-1 deletion. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77923. [PMID: 24205029 PMCID: PMC3808426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Folate catabolism involves cleavage of the C9-N10 bond to form p-aminobenzoylgluamate (PABG) and pterin. PABG is then acetylated by human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) before excretion in the urine. Mice null for the murine NAT1 homolog (Nat2) show several phenotypes consistent with altered folate homeostasis. However, the exact role of Nat2 in the folate pathway in vivo has not been reported. Here, we examined the effects of Nat2 deletion in male and female mice on the tissue levels of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate and the methionine-S-adenosylmethionine cycle. We found significant gender differences in hepatic and renal homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine and methionine levels consistent with a more active methionine-S-adenosylmethionine cycle in female tissues. In addition, methionine levels were significantly higher in female liver and kidney. PABG was higher in female liver tissue but lower in kidney compared to male tissues. In addition, qPCR of mRNA extracted from liver tissue suggested a significantly lower level of Nat2 expression in female animals. Deletion of Nat2 affected liver 5- methyl-tetrahydrofolate in female mice but had little effect on other components of the methionine-S-adenosylmethionine cycle. No N-acetyl-PABG was observed in any tissues in Nat2 null mice, consistent with the role of Nat2 in PABG acetylation. Surprisingly, tissue PABG levels were similar between wild type and Nat2 null mice. These results show that Nat2 is not required to maintain tissue PABG homeostasis in vivo under normal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katey L. Witham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Neville J. Butcher
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kim S. Sugamori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Debbie Brenneman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Denis M. Grant
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rodney F. Minchin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Abais JM, Zhang C, Xia M, Liu Q, Gehr TWB, Boini KM, Li PL. NADPH oxidase-mediated triggering of inflammasome activation in mouse podocytes and glomeruli during hyperhomocysteinemia. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 18:1537-48. [PMID: 23088210 PMCID: PMC3613176 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2012.4666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Our previous studies have shown that NOD-like receptor protein (NALP3) inflammasome activation is importantly involved in podocyte dysfunction and glomerular sclerosis induced by hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcys). The present study was designed to test whether nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-mediated redox signaling contributes to homocysteine (Hcys)-induced activation of NALP3 inflammasomes, an intracellular inflammatory machinery in podocytes in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS In vitro confocal microscopy and size-exclusion chromatography revealed that upon NADPH oxidase inhibition by gp91(phox) siRNA, gp91ds-tat peptide, diphenyleneiodonium, or apocynin, aggregation of inflammasome proteins NALP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and caspase-1 was significantly attenuated in mouse podocytes. This NADPH oxidase inhibition also resulted in diminished Hcys-induced inflammasome activation, evidenced by reduced caspase-1 activity and interleukin-1β production. Similar findings were observed in vivo where gp91(phox-/-) mice and mice receiving a gp91ds-tat treatment exhibited markedly reduced inflammasome formation and activation. Further, in vivo NADPH oxidase inhibition protected the glomeruli and podocytes from hHcys-induced injury as shown by attenuated proteinuria, albuminuria, and glomerular sclerotic changes. This might be attributed to the fact that gp91(phox-/-) and gp91ds-tat-treated mice had abolished infiltration of macrophages and T-cells into the glomeruli during hHcys. INNOVATION Our study for the first time links NADPH oxidase to the formation and activation of NALP3 inflammasomes in podocytes. CONCLUSION Hcys-induced NADPH oxidase activation is importantly involved in the switching on of NALP3 inflammasomes within podocytes, which leads to the downstream recruitment of immune cells, ultimately resulting in glomerular injury and sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine M Abais
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Induction of hyperhomocysteinemia models vascular dementia by induction of cerebral microhemorrhages and neuroinflammation. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2013; 33:708-15. [PMID: 23361394 PMCID: PMC3652696 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2013.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second leading cause of dementia behind Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is a frequent comorbidity with AD, estimated to occur in as many as 40% of AD patients. The causes of VaD are varied and include chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, microhemorrhages, hemorrhagic infarcts, or ischemic infarcts. We have developed a model of VaD by inducing hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in wild-type mice. By placing wild-type mice on a diet deficient in folate, B6, and B12 and supplemented with excess methionine, we induced a moderate HHcy (plasma level homocysteine 82.93 ± 3.561 μmol). After 11 weeks on the diet, the hyperhomocysteinemic mice showed a spatial memory deficit as assessed by the 2-day radial-arm water maze. Also, magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent histology revealed significant microhemorrhage occurrence. We found neuroinflammation induced in the hyperhomocysteinemic mice as determined by elevated interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, and IL-6 in brain tissue. Finally, we found increased expression and increased activity of the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 systems that are heavily implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral hemorrhage. Overall, we have developed a dietary model of VaD that will be valuable for studying the pathophysiology of VaD and also for studying the comorbidity of VaD with other dementias and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Glier MB, Ngai YF, Sulistyoningrum DC, Aleliunas RE, Bottiglieri T, Devlin AM. Tissue-specific relationship of S-adenosylhomocysteine with allele-specific H19/Igf2 methylation and imprinting in mice with hyperhomocysteinemia. Epigenetics 2012; 8:44-53. [PMID: 23221482 DOI: 10.4161/epi.23063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is linked to homocysteine metabolism through the generation of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) and S-Adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy). The ratio of AdoMet/AdoHcy is often considered an indicator of tissue methylation capacity. The goal of this study is to determine the relationship of tissue AdoMet and AdoHcy concentrations to allele-specific methylation and expression of genomically imprinted H19/Igf2. Expression of H19/Igf2 is regulated by a differentially methylated domain (DMD), with H19 paternally imprinted and Igf2 maternally imprinted. F1 hybrid C57BL/6J x Castaneous/EiJ (Cast) mice with (+/-), and without (+/+), heterozygous disruption of cystathionine-β-synthase (Cbs) were fed a control diet or a diet (called HH) to induce hyperhomocysteinemia and changes in tissue AdoMet and AdoHcy. F1 Cast x Cbs+/- mice fed the HH diet had significantly higher plasma total homocysteine concentrations, higher liver AdoHcy, and lower AdoMet/AdoHcy ratios and this was accompanied by lower liver maternal H19 DMD allele methylation, lower liver Igf2 mRNA levels, and loss of Igf2 maternal imprinting. In contrast, we found no significant differences in AdoMet and AdoHcy in brain between the diet groups but F1 Cast x Cbs+/- mice fed the HH diet had higher maternal H19 DMD methylation and lower H19 mRNA levels in brain. A significant negative relationship between AdoHcy and maternal H19 DMD allele methylation was found in liver but not in brain. These findings suggest the relationship of AdoMet and AdoHcy to gene-specific DNA methylation is tissue-specific and that changes in DNA methylation can occur without changes in AdoMet and AdoHcy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B Glier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Boini KM, Xia M, Abais JM, Xu M, Li CX, Li PL. Acid sphingomyelinase gene knockout ameliorates hyperhomocysteinemic glomerular injury in mice lacking cystathionine-β-synthase. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45020. [PMID: 23024785 PMCID: PMC3443210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) has been implicated in the development of hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcys)-induced glomerular oxidative stress and injury. However, it remains unknown whether genetically engineering of ASM gene produces beneficial or detrimental action on hHcys-induced glomerular injury. The present study generated and characterized the mice lacking cystathionine β-synthase (Cbs) and Asm mouse gene by cross breeding Cbs(+/-) and Asm(+/-) mice. Given that the homozygotes of Cbs(-/-/)Asm(-/-) mice could not survive for 3 weeks. Cbs(+/-/)Asm(+/+), Cbs(+/-/)Asm(+/-) and Cbs(+/-/)Asm(-/-) as well as their Cbs wild type littermates were used to study the role of Asm(-/-) under a background of Cbs(+/-) with hHcys. HPLC analysis revealed that plasma Hcys level was significantly elevated in Cbs heterozygous (Cbs(+/-)) mice with different copies of Asm gene compared to Cbs(+/+) mice with different Asm gene copies. Cbs(+/-/)Asm(+/+) mice had significantly increased renal Asm activity, ceramide production and O(2.)(-) level compared to Cbs(+/+)/Asm(+/+), while Cbs(+/-/)Asm(-/-) mice showed significantly reduced renal Asm activity, ceramide production and O(2.)(-) level due to increased plasma Hcys levels. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that colocalization of podocin with ceramide was much lower in Cbs(+/-/)Asm(-/-) mice compared to Cbs(+/-/)Asm(+/+) mice, which was accompanied by a reduced glomerular damage index, albuminuria and proteinuria in Cbs(+/-/)Asm(-/-) mice. Immunofluorescent analyses of the podocin, nephrin and desmin expression also illustrated less podocyte damages in the glomeruli from Cbs(+/-/)Asm(-/-) mice compared to Cbs(+/-/)Asm(+/+) mice. In in vitro studies of podocytes, hHcys-enhanced O(2.)(-) production, desmin expression, and ceramide production as well as decreases in VEGF level and podocin expression in podocytes were substantially attenuated by prior treatment with amitriptyline, an Asm inhibitor. In conclusion, Asm gene knockout or corresponding enzyme inhibition protects the podocytes and glomeruli from hHcys-induced oxidative stress and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna M. Boini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Min Xia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Justine M. Abais
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Cai-xia Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Pin-Lan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Saadat N, IglayReger HB, Myers MG, Bodary P, Gupta SV. Differences in metabolomic profiles of male db/db and s/s, leptin receptor mutant mice. Physiol Genomics 2012; 44:374-81. [PMID: 22318992 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00081.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin, a protein hormone secreted by adipose tissue, plays an important role in regulating energy metabolism and the immune response. Despite similar extremes of adiposity, mutant mouse models, db/db, carrying spontaneous deletion of the active form of the leptin receptor (LEPR-B) intracellular signaling domain, and the s/s, carrying a specific point mutation leading to a dysfunctional LEPR-B-STAT3 signaling pathway, have been shown to have robust differences in glucose homeostasis. This suggests specific effects of leptin, mediated by non-STAT3 LEPR-B pathways. Differences in the LEPR-B signaling pathways in these two LEPR-B mutant mice models are expected to lead to differences in metabolism. In the current study, the hypothesized differences in metabolism were investigated using the metabolomics approach. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)HNMR) was conducted on 24 h urine samples in deuterium oxide using a 500 MHz instrument at 25°C. Principle Component Analysis showed clear separation of urine NMR spectra between the groups (P < 0.05). The CHENOMX metabolite database was used to identify several metabolites that differed between the two mouse models. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in metabolites associated with the glycine, serine, and homocysteine metabolism were observed. The results demonstrate that the metabolomic profile of db/db and s/s mice are fundamentally different and provide insight into the unique metabolic effects of leptin exerted through non-STAT3 LEPR-B pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Saadat
- Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Miller VM, Kaplan JR, Schork NJ, Ouyang P, Berga SL, Wenger NK, Shaw LJ, Webb RC, Mallampalli M, Steiner M, Taylor DA, Merz CNB, Reckelhoff JF. Strategies and methods to study sex differences in cardiovascular structure and function: a guide for basic scientists. Biol Sex Differ 2011; 2:14. [PMID: 22152231 PMCID: PMC3292512 DOI: 10.1186/2042-6410-2-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of death worldwide. In the US, deaths due to cardiovascular disease for women exceed those of men. While cultural and psychosocial factors such as education, economic status, marital status and access to healthcare contribute to sex differences in adverse outcomes, physiological and molecular bases of differences between women and men that contribute to development of cardiovascular disease and response to therapy remain underexplored. Methods This article describes concepts, methods and procedures to assist in the design of animal and tissue/cell based studies of sex differences in cardiovascular structure, function and models of disease. Results To address knowledge gaps, study designs must incorporate appropriate experimental material including species/strain characteristics, sex and hormonal status. Determining whether a sex difference exists in a trait must take into account the reproductive status and history of the animal including those used for tissue (cell) harvest, such as the presence of gonadal steroids at the time of testing, during development or number of pregnancies. When selecting the type of experimental animal, additional consideration should be given to diet requirements (soy or plant based influencing consumption of phytoestrogen), lifespan, frequency of estrous cycle in females, and ability to investigate developmental or environmental components of disease modulation. Stress imposed by disruption of sleep/wake cycles, patterns of social interaction (or degree of social isolation), or handling may influence adrenal hormones that interact with pathways activated by the sex steroid hormones. Care must be given to selection of hormonal treatment and route of administration. Conclusions Accounting for sex in the design and interpretation of studies including pharmacological effects of drugs is essential to increase the foundation of basic knowledge upon which to build translational approaches to prevent, diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M Miller
- Departments of Surgery, Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Akahoshi N, Kobayashi C, Ishizaki Y, Izumi T, Himi T, Suematsu M, Ishii I. Genetic background conversion ameliorates semi-lethality and permits behavioral analyses in cystathionine β-synthase-deficient mice, an animal model for hyperhomocysteinemia. Hum Mol Genet 2008; 17:1994-2005. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddn097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Ji H, Bachmanov AA. Differences in postingestive metabolism of glutamate and glycine between C57BL/6ByJ and 129P3/J mice. Physiol Genomics 2007; 31:475-82. [PMID: 17895396 PMCID: PMC3627546 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00013.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acids are essential nutrients for living organisms. There are genetic differences in voluntary consumption of amino acids among mouse strains. In two-bottle preference tests, C57BL/6ByJ (B6) mice consume more glutamate (Glu) and glycine (Gly) solutions than do 129P3/J (129) mice. To examine the role of postingestive metabolism of these amino acids in regulation of their intake, we compared metabolism of orally administered Glu and Gly in B6 and 129 mice. After administration of Glu, there were increases in circulating glucose and insulin in B6 mice, whereas 129 mice had elevated blood alanine and body temperature. After ingestion of Gly, B6 mice had increases in blood glucose, whereas there was an elevation of body temperature in 129 mice. These data suggest that B6 mice preferentially convert ingested Glu and Gly to glucose in contrast to 129 mice, which preferentially use them for thermogenesis. This study strongly supports the hypothesis that the metabolic fate of a nutrient plays an important regulatory role in control of its intake. This is the first detailed study of mouse strain differences in amino acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ji
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Gallou-Kabani C, Vigé A, Gross MS, Rabès JP, Boileau C, Larue-Achagiotis C, Tomé D, Jais JP, Junien C. C57BL/6J and A/J mice fed a high-fat diet delineate components of metabolic syndrome. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2007; 15:1996-2005. [PMID: 17712117 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2007.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of A/J and C57BL/6J mice of both sexes as models of some components of the human metabolic syndrome (MetS) under nutritional conditions more comparable with the actual worldwide diet responsible for the increased incidence of the MetS. RESEARCH METHODS We fed large cohorts (n = 515) of two strains of mice, A/J and the C57BL/6J, and of both sexes a high-fat diet (HFD; 60% fat) that, in contrast with most previous reports using saturated fats, was enriched in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, thus more closely mimicking most Western diets, or a control diet (10% fat), for 20 weeks. RESULTS In sharp contrast to previous reports, weight gain and hyperleptinemia were similar in both strains and sexes. Hyperinsulinemia, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and hypercholesterolemia were observed, although with important differences between strains and sexes. A/J males displayed severely impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. However, in contrast with C57BL6/J mice, which displayed overt type 2 diabetes, A/J mice of both sexes remained normoglycemic. DISCUSSION With important differences in magnitude and time course, the phenotypic and metabolic characteristics of both strains and both sexes on this HFD demonstrate that these models are very useful for identifying the mechanisms underlying progression or resistance to subsequent type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Gallou-Kabani
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Descartes, Faculté de Médecine, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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Knight BS, Pennell CE, Adamson SL, Lye SJ. The impact of murine strain and sex on postnatal development after maternal dietary restriction during pregnancy. J Physiol 2007; 581:873-81. [PMID: 17347274 PMCID: PMC2075185 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2006.126573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize offspring responses to maternal dietary restriction (DR) in two phylogenetically distant strains of mice: A/J and C57BL/6J (B6). Pregnant mice were fed 100% or 70% of ad libitum between 6.5 and 17.5 days (d) gestation. Offspring were fed 100% ad libitum postweaning. All comparisons were made to strain and sex matched controls. Male DR-B6 offspring initially grew slower than controls; however, by 77 d and 182 d they were significantly heavier (P<0.05). Further, they had an increase percentage fat mass (+70%, P<0.01) by 182 d and were glucose intolerant at both 80 d (P<0.001) and 186 d (P<0.05). In contrast, weight, %Fat mass and glucose tolerance in DR-A/J males during postnatal life were not different from controls. Female DR-B6 mice showed catch-up growth during the first 77 d of life; however, their weight, %Fat mass and glucose tolerance were not different from controls at 80 d and 186 d. Although female DR-A/J were heavier than controls at 182 d (P<0.05), their %Fat mass and glucose tolerance were not different from controls at 182 d and 186 d. The observed strain and sex differences offer a unique opportunity to begin to define gene-environment interactions that contribute to developmental origins of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Knight
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
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Hoover-Plow J, Shchurin A, Hart E, Sha J, Hill AE, Singer JB, Nadeau JH. Genetic background determines response to hemostasis and thrombosis. BMC HEMATOLOGY 2006; 6:6. [PMID: 17022820 PMCID: PMC1617083 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2326-6-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2006] [Accepted: 10/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Thrombosis is the fatal and disabling consequence of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Western countries. Two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J and A/J, have marked differences in susceptibility to obesity, atherosclerosis, and vessel remodeling. However, it is unclear how these diverse genetic backgrounds influence pathways known to regulate thrombosis and hemostasis. The objective of this study was to evaluate thrombosis and hemostasis in these two inbred strains and determine the phenotypic response of A/J chromosomes in the C57BL/6J background. Methods A/J and C57Bl/6J mice were evaluated for differences in thrombosis and hemostasis. A thrombus was induced in the carotid artery by application of the exposed carotid to ferric chloride and blood flow measured until the vessel occluded. Bleeding and rebleeding times, as surrogate markers for thrombosis and hemostasis, were determined after clipping the tail and placing in warm saline. Twenty-one chromosome substitution strains, A/J chromosomes in a C57BL/6J background, were screened for response to the tail bleeding assay. Results Thrombus occlusion time was markedly decreased in the A/J mice compared to C57BL/6J mice. Tail bleeding time was similar in the two strains, but rebleeding time was markedly increased in the A/J mice compared to C57BL/6J mice. Coagulation times and tail morphology were similar, but tail collagen content was higher in A/J than C57BL/6J mice. Three chromosome substitution strains, B6-Chr5A/J, B6-Chr11A/J, and B6-Chr17A/J, were identified with increased rebleeding time, a phenotype similar to A/J mice. Mice heterosomic for chromosomes 5 or 17 had rebleeding times similar to C57BL/6J mice, but when these two chromosome substitution strains, B6-Chr5A/J and B6-Chr17A/J, were crossed, the A/J phenotype was restored in these doubly heterosomic progeny. Conclusion These results indicate that susceptibility to arterial thrombosis and haemostasis is remarkably different in C57BL/and A/J mice. Three A/J chromosome substitution strains were identified that expressed a phenotype similar to A/J for rebleeding, the C57Bl/6J background could modify the A/J phenotype, and the combination of two A/J QTL could restore the phenotype. The diverse genetic backgrounds and differences in response to vascular injury induced thrombosis and the tail bleeding assay, suggest the potential for identifying novel genetic determinants of thrombotic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Hoover-Plow
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Joseph J. Jacobs Center for Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Aleksey Shchurin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Joseph J. Jacobs Center for Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Erika Hart
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Joseph J. Jacobs Center for Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jingfeng Sha
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Joseph J. Jacobs Center for Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Annie E Hill
- Department of Genetics, Case University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jonathan B Singer
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph H Nadeau
- Department of Genetics, Case University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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