1
|
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well known for its angiogenic activity, but recent evidence has revealed a neuroprotective action of this factor on injured or diseased neurons. In the present review, we summarize the most relevant findings that have contributed to establish a link between VEGF deficiency and neuronal degeneration. At issue, 1) mutant mice with reduced levels of VEGF show adult-onset muscle weakness and motoneuron degeneration resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 2) administration of VEGF to different animal models of motoneuron degeneration improves motor performance and ameliorates motoneuronal degeneration, and 3) there is an association between low plasmatic levels of VEGF and human ALS. Altogether, the results presented in this review highlight VEGF as an essential motoneuron neurotrophic factor endowed with promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of motoneuron disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Calvo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosendo G Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosa R de la Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rei N, Valente CA, Vaz SH, Farinha-Ferreira M, Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM. Changes in adenosine receptors and neurotrophic factors in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Modulation by chronic caffeine. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272104. [PMID: 36516126 PMCID: PMC9749988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of corticospinal tract motor neurons. Previous studies showed that adenosine-mediated neuromodulation is disturbed in ALS and that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a neuroprotective function in ALS mouse models. We evaluated how adenosine (A1R and A2AR) and VEGF (VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2) system markers are altered in the cortex and spinal cord of pre-symptomatic and symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. We then assessed if/how chronic treatment of SOD1G93A mice with a widely consumed adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine, modulates VEGF system and/or the levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), known to be under control of A2AR. We found out decreases in A1R and increases in A2AR levels even before disease onset. Concerning the VEGF system, we detected increases of VEGFB and VEGFR-2 levels in the spinal cord at pre-symptomatic stage, which reverses at the symptomatic stage, and decreases of VEGFA levels in the cortex, in very late disease states. Chronic treatment with caffeine rescued cortical A1R levels in SOD1G93A mice, bringing them to control levels, while rendering VEGF signaling nearly unaffected. In contrast, BDNF levels were significantly affected in SOD1G93A mice treated with caffeine, being decreased in the cortex and increased in spinal the cord. Altogether, these findings suggest an early dysfunction of the adenosinergic system in ALS and highlights the possibility that the negative influence of caffeine previously reported in ALS animal models results from interference with BDNF rather than with the VEGF signaling molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Rei
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia A. Valente
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra H. Vaz
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Farinha-Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim A. Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
A strong association between VEGF-A rs28357093 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a brazilian genetic study. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:9129-9133. [PMID: 35733060 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07647-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and promotes progressive muscle atrophy. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) plays multiple roles in the central nervous systems (CNS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) VEGF-A rs28357093 and ALS. METHODS AND RESULTS This case-control study was conducted in 101 ALS patients and 119 healthy individuals. Genotyping was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The statistical analysis was carried out using the RStudio® and SNPStats© software's. Analysis of genetic inheritance models was performed by logistic regression. Our findings demonstrated a strong association between VEGF- A rs28357093 and ALS in all genetic inheritance models, with a 9-fold increased risk for A/C - C/C genotypes (95%CI = 3.70-21.88; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The mutant allele was more frequent in ALS patients (p < 0.001) and this finding could be associated with ALS risk. This first study from the Brazilian central population was conducted to provide new insight into the pathogenesis of ALS.
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu E, Karpf L, Bohl D. Neuroinflammation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia and the Interest of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Study Immune Cells Interactions With Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:767041. [PMID: 34970118 PMCID: PMC8712677 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.767041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a shared hallmark between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). For long, studies were conducted on tissues of post-mortem patients and neuroinflammation was thought to be only bystander result of the disease with the immune system reacting to dying neurons. In the last two decades, thanks to improving technologies, the identification of causal genes and the development of new tools and models, the involvement of inflammation has emerged as a potential driver of the diseases and evolved as a new area of intense research. In this review, we present the current knowledge about neuroinflammation in ALS, ALS-FTD, and FTD patients and animal models and we discuss reasons of failures linked to therapeutic trials with immunomodulator drugs. Then we present the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and its interest as a new tool to have a better immunopathological comprehension of both diseases in a human context. The iPSC technology giving the unique opportunity to study cells across differentiation and maturation times, brings the hope to shed light on the different mechanisms linking neurodegeneration and activation of the immune system. Protocols available to differentiate iPSC into different immune cell types are presented. Finally, we discuss the interest in studying monocultures of iPS-derived immune cells, co-cultures with neurons and 3D cultures with different cell types, as more integrated cellular approaches. The hope is that the future work with human iPS-derived cells helps not only to identify disease-specific defects in the different cell types but also to decipher the synergistic effects between neurons and immune cells. These new cellular tools could help to find new therapeutic approaches for all patients with ALS, ALS-FTD, and FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Liu
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Léa Karpf
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Bohl
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schirò G, Balistreri CR. The close link between brain vascular pathological conditions and neurodegenerative diseases: Focus on some examples and potential treatments. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 142:106951. [PMID: 34942382 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A close relationship is emerging among the age-related neurodegenerative decline, and the age-related typical alterations, dysfunctions, and related diseases of the cerobro-and/or cardiovascular system, which contributes in a significative manner to the triggering and progressing of neurodegenerative diseases (NeuroDegD). Specifically, macroinfarcts, microinfarcts, micro-hemorrhages (and particularly their number), atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis and cerebral amyloid angiopathy have been documented to be significantly associated with the onset of the cognitive impairment. In addition, vascular alterations and dysfunctions resulting in a reduced cerebral blood flow, and anomalies in the brain blood barrier (BBB), have been also demonstrated to contribute to NeuroDegD pathophysiologic processes. At the same time, such vascular alterations are also observed in cognitively unimpaired subjects. Here, some of these aspects are described with a particular focus on some NeuroDegD, as well as potential strategies for delaying or stopping their onset and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Niccolai E, Di Pilato V, Nannini G, Baldi S, Russo E, Zucchi E, Martinelli I, Menicatti M, Bartolucci G, Mandrioli J, Amedei A. The Gut Microbiota-Immunity Axis in ALS: A Role in Deciphering Disease Heterogeneity? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070753. [PMID: 34209688 PMCID: PMC8301418 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with an unknown etiology and no effective treatment, and is characterized by large phenotypic heterogeneity, including variable sites, ages of symptom onset and rates of disease progression. Increasing data support the role of the microbiota-immunity axis in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we compared the inflammatory and microbiota profile of ALS patients with different clinical characteristics, with healthy family caregivers. Measuring a panel of 30 inflammatory cytokines in serum and fecal samples, we observed a distinct cytokine profile both at the systemic and intestinal level in patients compared to controls and even in patients with different clinical phenotypes and progression rates. The 16S targeted metagenome analysis revealed slight differences in patients compared to controls as well as in patients with slow progression, marked by the reduction of butyrate-producing bacteria and a decrease of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in ALS. Finally, the short chain fatty acid analysis did not show a different distribution among the groups. If confirmed in a larger number of patients, the inflammatory cytokine profile and the microbial composition could be appropriate biomarker candidates for deciphering ALS heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Niccolai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Giulia Nannini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Simone Baldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Edda Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Marta Menicatti
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Gianluca Bartolucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.A.); Tel.: +39-0593961700 (J.M.); +39-0552758330 (A.A.)
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (G.N.); (S.B.); (E.R.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.A.); Tel.: +39-0593961700 (J.M.); +39-0552758330 (A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin J, Huang P, Chen W, Ye C, Su H, Yao X. Key Molecules and Pathways Underlying Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Integrated Analysis on Gene Expression Profiles of Motor Neurons. Front Genet 2020; 11:578143. [PMID: 33240324 PMCID: PMC7680998 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.578143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons. The complex mechanisms underlying ALS are yet to be elucidated, while the lack of disease biomarkers and therapeutic options are associated with the poor prognosis of ALS patients. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis to clarify potential mechanisms in sporadic ALS (sALS). We compared three gene expression profiles (GSE18920, GSE56500, and GSE68605) of motor neurons obtained from sALS patients and healthy controls to discover differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and then performed integrated bioinformatics analyses to identify key molecules and pathways underlying sALS. We found that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the structure and functions of extracellular matrix (ECM), while functional enrichment in blood vessel morphogenesis was less correlated with motor neurons. The clustered subnetworks of the constructed protein-protein interaction network for DEGs and the group of selected hub genes were more significantly involved in the organization of collagen-containing ECM. The transcriptional factors database proposed RelA and NF-κB1 from NF-κB family as the key regulators of these hub genes. These results mainly demonstrated the alternations in ECM-related gene expression in motor neurons and suggested the role of NF-κB regulatory pathway in the pathogenesis of sALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pian Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weineng Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenghui Ye
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Xiaoli Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Modgil S, Khosla R, Tiwari A, Sharma K, Anand A. Association of Plasma Biomarkers for Angiogenesis and Proteinopathy in Indian Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2020; 11:573-580. [PMID: 33144793 PMCID: PMC7595776 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare motor neuron disease with progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Various molecules have been explored to provide the early diagnostic/prognostic tool for ALS without getting much success in the field and miscellaneous reports studied in various population. Objective The study was aimed to see the differential expression of proteins involved in angiogenesis (angiogenin [ANG], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 [VEGFR2], etc), proteinopathy (transactive response DNA binding protein-43 [TDP-43] and optineurin [OPTN]), and neuroinflammation (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1[MCP-1]) based on the characteristics of ALS pathology. Though, suitable panel based on protein expression profile can be designed to robust the ALS identification by enhancing the prognostic and diagnostic efficacy for ALS. Methods A total of 89 ALS patients and 98 nonneurological controls were analyzed for the protein expression. Expression of angiogenic (VEGF, VEGFR2, and ANG), neuroinflammation (MCP-1), and proteinopathy (TDP-43 and OPTN) markers were estimated in plasma of the participants. Proteins were normalized with respective value of total protein before employing statistical analysis. Results Analysis has exhibited significantly reduced expression of angiogenic, proteinopathy, and neuroinflammation biomarkers in ALS patients in comparison to controls. Spearman's correlation analysis has showed the positive correlation to each protein. Conclusion Altered expression of these proteins is indicating the prominent function in ALS pathology which may be interdependent and may have a synergistic role. Hence, a panel of expression can be proposed to diagnose ALS patient which may also suggest the modulation of therapeutic strategy according to expression profile of patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Modgil
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Radhika Khosla
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Abha Tiwari
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kaushal Sharma
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Akshay Anand
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Lab, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khosla R, Rain M, Chawathey S, Modgil S, Tyagi R, Thakur K, Pannu V, Sharma SK, Anand A. Identifying putative cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a north Indian population. Muscle Nerve 2020; 62:528-533. [PMID: 32696574 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27026] [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: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence-based information about cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of biomarkers in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is limited. METHODS Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), optineurin (OPTN), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), angiogenin (ANG), and TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunoassay in the CSF of 54 patients with sporadic ALS and 32 controls in a case-control study design. RESULTS CSF levels of VEGF (P = .014) and ANG (P = .009) were decreased, whereas VEGFR2 was higher (P = .002) in patients with ALS than in controls. TDP-43 positively correlated with MCP-1 (P = .003), VEGF (P < .001), and VEGFR2 (P < .001) in patients with ALS. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest possible utility of VEGF, VEGFR2, and ANG as biomarkers for use in ALS treatment trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Manjari Rain
- Neuroscience Research Lab, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Shweta Modgil
- Neuroscience Research Lab, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rahul Tyagi
- Neuroscience Research Lab, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Keshav Thakur
- Neuroscience Research Lab, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Viraaj Pannu
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Akshay Anand
- Neuroscience Research Lab, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Saul J, Hutchins E, Reiman R, Saul M, Ostrow LW, Harris BT, Van Keuren-Jensen K, Bowser R, Bakkar N. Global alterations to the choroid plexus blood-CSF barrier in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:92. [PMID: 32586411 PMCID: PMC7318439 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00968-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The choroid plexus (CP) is a highly vascularized structure located in the ventricles that forms the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) and separates the blood from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In addition to its role as a physical barrier, the CP functions in CSF secretion, transport of nutrients into the central nervous system (CNS) and a gated point of entry of circulating immune cells into the CNS. Aging and neurodegeneration have been reported to affect CP morphology and function and increase protein leakage from blood to the CSF. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with both upper and lower motor neuron loss, as well as altered proteomic and metabolomic signatures in the CSF. The role of the BCSFB and the CP in ALS is unknown. Here we describe a transcriptomic and ultrastructural analysis of BCSFB and CP alterations in human postmortem tissues from ALS and non-neurologic disease controls. ALS-CP exhibited widespread disruptions in tight junctional components of the CP epithelial layer and vascular integrity. In addition, we detected loss of pericytes around ALS blood vessels, accompanied by activation of platelet aggregation markers vWF and Fibrinogen, reminiscent of vascular injury. To investigate the immune component of ALS-CP, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of cytokines and chemokine panels in CP lysates and found a significant down-regulation of M-CSF and V-CAM1 in ALS, as well as up-regulation of VEGF-A protein. This phenotype was accompanied by an infiltration of MERTK positive macrophages into the parenchyma of the ALS-CP when compared to controls. Taken together, we demonstrate widespread structural and functional disruptions of the BCSFB in human ALS increasing our understanding of the disease pathology and identifying potential new targets for ALS therapeutic development.
Collapse
|
11
|
Hariyanto W, Wulandari L, Pradjoko I, Soegiarto G. Comparison of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) Level in Pleural Fluid of Patients with Malignant and Nonmalignant Pleural Effusion. Indian J Surg 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12262-020-02204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
|
12
|
Abou-Fadel J, Vasquez M, Grajeda B, Ellis C, Zhang J. Systems-wide analysis unravels the new roles of CCM signal complex (CSC). Heliyon 2019; 5:e02899. [PMID: 31872111 PMCID: PMC6909108 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are characterized by abnormally dilated intracranial capillaries that result in increased susceptibility to stroke. Three genes have been identified as causes of CCMs; KRIT1 (CCM1), MGC4607 (CCM2) and PDCD10 (CCM3); one of them is disrupted in most CCM cases. It was demonstrated that both CCM1 and CCM3 bind to CCM2 to form a CCM signaling complex (CSC) to modulate angiogenesis. In this report, we deployed both RNA-seq and proteomic analysis of perturbed CSC after depletion of one of three CCM genes to generate interactomes for system-wide studies. Our results demonstrated a unique portrait detailing alterations in angiogenesis and vascular integrity. Interestingly, only in-direct overlapped alterations between RNA and protein levels were detected, supporting the existence of multiple layers of regulation in CSC cascades. Notably, this is the first report identifying that both β4 integrin and CAV1 signaling are downstream of CSC, conveying the angiogenic signaling. Our results provide a global view of signal transduction modulated by the CSC, identifies novel regulatory signaling networks and key cellular factors associated with CSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan Abou-Fadel
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79905, USA
| | - Mariana Vasquez
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79905, USA
| | - Brian Grajeda
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79905, USA
| | - Cameron Ellis
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79905, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine (MTM), Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mazzini L, Gelati M, Profico DC, Sorarù G, Ferrari D, Copetti M, Muzi G, Ricciolini C, Carletti S, Giorgi C, Spera C, Frondizi D, Masiero S, Stecco A, Cisari C, Bersano E, De Marchi F, Sarnelli MF, Querin G, Cantello R, Petruzzelli F, Maglione A, Zalfa C, Binda E, Visioli A, Trombetta D, Torres B, Bernardini L, Gaiani A, Massara M, Paolucci S, Boulis NM, Vescovi AL. Results from Phase I Clinical Trial with Intraspinal Injection of Neural Stem Cells in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Long-Term Outcome. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 8:887-897. [PMID: 31104357 PMCID: PMC6708070 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this phase I trial was to assess the feasibility and safety of microtransplanting human neural stem cell (hNSC) lines into the spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Eighteen patients with a definite diagnosis of ALS received microinjections of hNSCs into the gray matter tracts of the lumbar or cervical spinal cord. Patients were monitored before and after transplantation by clinical, psychological, neuroradiological, and neurophysiological assessment. For up to 60 months after surgery, none of the patients manifested severe adverse effects or increased disease progression because of the treatment. Eleven patients died, and two underwent tracheotomy as a result of the natural history of the disease. We detected a transitory decrease in progression of ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised, starting within the first month after surgery and up to 4 months after transplantation. Our results show that transplantation of hNSC is a safe procedure that causes no major deleterious effects over the short or long term. This study is the first example of medical transplantation of a highly standardized cell drug product, which can be reproducibly and stably expanded ex vivo, comprising hNSC that are not immortalized, and are derived from the forebrain of the same two donors throughout this entire study as well as across future trials. Our experimental design provides benefits in terms of enhancing both intra‐ and interstudy reproducibility and homogeneity. Given the potential therapeutic effects of the hNSCs, our observations support undertaking future phase II clinical studies in which increased cell dosages are studied in larger cohorts of patients. stem cells translational medicine2019;8:887&897
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Mazzini
- Eastern Piedmont University, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Dipartimento di Neurologia, Novara
| | - Maurizio Gelati
- Laboratorio Cellule Staminali, Cell Factory e Biobanca, Terni Hospital, Italy.,Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Advanced Therapies Production Unit, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Daniela Celeste Profico
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Advanced Therapies Production Unit, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrari
- Biotechnology and Bioscience Department Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Copetti
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Biostatistic Unit, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Muzi
- Laboratorio Cellule Staminali, Cell Factory e Biobanca, Terni Hospital, Italy
| | - Claudia Ricciolini
- Laboratorio Cellule Staminali, Cell Factory e Biobanca, Terni Hospital, Italy
| | - Sandro Carletti
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, "Santa Maria" Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Cesare Giorgi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, "Santa Maria" Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Cristina Spera
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, "Santa Maria" Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Domenico Frondizi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, "Santa Maria" Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Stefano Masiero
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Stecco
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, "Eastern Piedmont" University, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Novara
| | - Carlo Cisari
- Department of Physical Therapy, "Eastern Piedmont" University, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Novara
| | - Enrica Bersano
- Eastern Piedmont University, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Dipartimento di Neurologia, Novara
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- Eastern Piedmont University, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Dipartimento di Neurologia, Novara
| | - Maria Francesca Sarnelli
- Eastern Piedmont University, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Dipartimento di Neurologia, Novara
| | - Giorgia Querin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Roberto Cantello
- Eastern Piedmont University, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Dipartimento di Neurologia, Novara
| | - Francesco Petruzzelli
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Maglione
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Cristina Zalfa
- Biotechnology and Bioscience Department Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Binda
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Cancer Stem Cells Unit, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Trombetta
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Department of Oncology, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Barbara Torres
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Cytogenetics Unit, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Laura Bernardini
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Cytogenetics Unit, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Maurilio Massara
- Eastern Piedmont University, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Dipartimento di Neurologia, Novara
| | - Silvia Paolucci
- Eastern Piedmont University, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital, Dipartimento di Neurologia, Novara
| | | | - Angelo L Vescovi
- Laboratorio Cellule Staminali, Cell Factory e Biobanca, Terni Hospital, Italy.,Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Advanced Therapies Production Unit, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.,Biotechnology and Bioscience Department Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Körner S, Thau-Habermann N, Kefalakes E, Bursch F, Petri S. Expression of the axon-guidance protein receptor Neuropilin 1 is increased in the spinal cord and decreased in muscle of a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 49:1529-1543. [PMID: 30589468 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative motor neuron disorder. It is supposed that ALS is at least in part an axonopathy. Neuropilin 1 is an important receptor of the axon repellent Semaphorin 3A and a co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor. It is probably involved in neuronal and axonal de-/regeneration and might be of high relevance for ALS pathogenesis and/or disease progression. To elucidate whether the expression of either Neuropilin1 or Semaphorin3A is altered in ALS we investigated these proteins in human brain, spinal cord and muscle tissue of ALS-patients and controls as well as transgenic SOD1G93A and control mice. Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A gene and protein expression were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry. Groups were compared using either Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. We observed a consistent increase of Neuropilin1 expression in the spinal cord and decrease of Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A in muscle tissue of transgenic SOD1G93A mice at the mRNA and protein level. Previous studies have shown that damage of neurons physiologically causes Neuropilin1 and Semaphorin3A increase in the central nervous system and decrease in the peripheral nervous system. Our results indicate that this also occurs in ALS. Pharmacological modulation of expression and function of axon repellents could be a promising future therapeutic option in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Körner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ekaterini Kefalakes
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Bursch
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hu Y, Cao C, Qin XY, Yu Y, Yuan J, Zhao Y, Cheng Y. Increased peripheral blood inflammatory cytokine levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a meta-analysis study. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9094. [PMID: 28831083 PMCID: PMC5567306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with poorly understood etiology. Increasing evidence suggest that inflammation may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ALS. Several studies have demonstrated altered levels of blood cytokines in ALS, but results were inconsistent. Therefore, we did a systematic review of studies comparing blood inflammatory cytokines between ALS patients and control subjects, and quantitatively combined the clinical data with a meta-analysis. The systematic review of Pubmed and Web of Science identified 25 studies encompassing 812 ALS patients and 639 control subjects. Random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated that blood tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF; Hedges' g = 0.655; p = 0.001), TNF receptor 1 (Hedges' g = 0.741; p < 0.001), interleukin 6 (IL-6; Hedges' g = 0.25; p = 0.005), IL-1β (Hedges' g = 0.296; p = 0.038), IL-8 (Hedges' g = 0.449; p < 0.001) and vascular endothelial growth factor (Hedges' g = 0.891; p = 0.003) levels were significantly elevated in patients with ALS compared with control subjects. These results substantially enhance our knowledge of the inflammatory response in ALS, and peripheral blood inflammatory cytokines may be used as diagnostic biomarkers for ALS in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chang Cao
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Qin
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Inflammatory role of dendritic cells in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis revealed by an analysis of patients' peripheral blood. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7853. [PMID: 28798369 PMCID: PMC5552769 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08233-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is one of the causes of neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here we examined whether circulating dendritic cells (DCs) can contribute to disease progression. We found ALS patients show a significant reduction in the number of circulating DCs. Also, patients' DCs present an increased expression of CD62L and a tendency to overexpress CCR2 compared with healthy donors. Moreover, DCs derived from a subpopulation of ALS patients produced higher levels of IL-8 and CCL-2 upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation. Finally, we found a significant inverse correlation between the time from onset of the pathology to its diagnosis and the levels of IL-6 secretion induced by LPS. Our data support the hypothesis, in a subpopulation of patients, DCs recruited at the diseased tissue produce high levels of CCL-2 and IL-8 and contribute to the inflammatory process promoting the recruitment of other inflammatory cells. An increased efficiency of IL-6 production may accelerate only the initial phases of disease progression. Blood DC analysis can be used to identify ALS patients with an altered course of inflammatory cell recruitment at the diseased central nervous system (CNS). The high levels of CD62L expression suggests this molecule could be a target for treatment of CNS inflammation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Jara JH, Genç B, Stanford MJ, Pytel P, Roos RP, Weintraub S, Mesulam MM, Bigio EH, Miller RJ, Özdinler PH. Evidence for an early innate immune response in the motor cortex of ALS. J Neuroinflammation 2017. [PMID: 28651542 PMCID: PMC5485686 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0896-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent evidence indicates the importance of innate immunity and neuroinflammation with microgliosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology. The MCP1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and CCR2 (CC chemokine receptor 2) signaling system has been strongly associated with the innate immune responses observed in ALS patients, but the motor cortex has not been studied in detail. Methods After revealing the presence of MCP1 and CCR2 in the motor cortex of ALS patients, to elucidate, visualize, and define the timing, location and the extent of immune response in relation to upper motor neuron vulnerability and progressive degeneration in ALS, we developed MCP1-CCR2-hSOD1G93A mice, an ALS reporter line, in which cells expressing MCP1 and CCR2 are genetically labeled by monomeric red fluorescent protein-1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein, respectively. Results In the motor cortex of MCP1-CCR2-hSOD1G93A mice, unlike in the spinal cord, there was an early increase in the numbers of MCP1+ cells, which displayed microglial morphology and selectively expressed microglia markers. Even though fewer CCR2+ cells were present throughout the motor cortex, they were mainly infiltrating monocytes. Interestingly, MCP1+ cells were found in close proximity to the apical dendrites and cell bodies of corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN), further implicating the importance of their cellular interaction to neuronal pathology. Similar findings were observed in the motor cortex of ALS patients, where MCP1+ microglia were especially in close proximity to the degenerating apical dendrites of Betz cells. Conclusions Our findings reveal that the intricate cellular interplay between immune cells and upper motor neurons observed in the motor cortex of ALS mice is indeed recapitulated in ALS patients. We generated and characterized a novel model system, to study the cellular and molecular basis of this close cellular interaction and how that relates to motor neuron vulnerability and progressive degeneration in ALS. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-017-0896-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier H Jara
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Ave. Ward 10-120, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Barış Genç
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Ave. Ward 10-120, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Macdonell J Stanford
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Ave. Ward 10-120, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Peter Pytel
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Raymond P Roos
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - M Marsel Mesulam
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Eileen H Bigio
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Richard J Miller
- Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - P Hande Özdinler
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Ave. Ward 10-120, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Milk has been considered as a natural source of nutrition for decades. Milk is known to be nutrient-rich which aids the growth and development of the human body. Milk contains both macro- and micronutrients. Breast milk is widely regarded as the optimal source of neonatal nutrition due to its composition of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and antibodies. However, despite the wide use of milk products, investigations into the role of milk in degenerative diseases have been limited. This review will examine the relationship between the β-casein gene found in bovine milk and disease states by using age-related macular degeneration as an example.
Collapse
|
19
|
Revisiting the dilution factor as vital parameter for sensitivity of ELISA assay in CSF and Plasma. Ann Neurosci 2015; 22:37-42. [PMID: 26124549 PMCID: PMC4410526 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.220108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is very sensitive assay which provides quantitative data about expression of antigens. However, its utility is based on certain parameters which vary in the experimental situations. Purpose We aimed to analyse the dilution factor as an important parameter for determining the sensitivity of ELISA in human samples. Methods Total of n = 57 ALS patients and n = 48 normal controls were selected for the study. All the patients were recruited from, Department for Neurology and Anaesthesia, PGIMER. Blood and CSF sample was collected and ELISA run was performed in both plasma and blood sample. ELISA of OPTN and TDP-43 was employed to check the respective protein concentration in CSF and Plasma. Results There was no significant difference which was reported for Plasma as well as CSF values of TDP-43 and OPTN. Dilution test prior to actual experiment made a significant impact in deciding the actual concentration of sample and led to overshootingbeyond range of reference protein. Conclusion Negative results from our study highlights the significance of determining the dilution factor as an important parameter for conduct of ELISA.
Collapse
|
20
|
Comparison of neurophysiological and MRI findings of patients with multiple sclerosis using oligoclonal band technique. Ann Neurosci 2014; 20:149-54. [PMID: 25206039 PMCID: PMC4117134 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.200406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The correlation of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and intrathecal IgG synthesis are not yet clear in multiple sclerosis (MS). Purpose In this study, we investigated the OCB situation and IgG index, cranial and cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and also compared visual evoked potentials (VEP) and somatosensorial evoked potentials (SEP) in order to better understand the OCB pattern and pathogenesis. Methods Retrospective study included 40 patients (19 male, 21 female, mean age 29 ± 4,24) with precise MS diagnosis according to McDonald criteria. Result Sixteen of the patients were OCB negative, and 24 patients were positive. The different between the OCB situation and number of plaques in cranial and cervical MRI, atrophy, oedema and contrast material retention were insignificant. The different between the OCB situation and VEP and SEP were insignificant. Conclusion These laboratory findings are all specific, all developing via independent mechanisms and are not related to each other during the silence periods of patients.
Collapse
|
21
|
Study of five novel non-synonymous polymorphisms in human brain-expressed genes in a Colombian sample. Ann Neurosci 2014; 21:138-43. [PMID: 25452674 PMCID: PMC4248474 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.210405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in brain-expressed genes represent interesting candidates for genetic research in neuropsychiatric disorders. Purpose To study novel nsSNPs in brain-expressed genes in a sample of Colombian subjects. Methods We applied an approach based on in silico mining of available genomic data to identify and select novel nsSNPs in brain-expressed genes. We developed novel genotyping assays, based in allele-specific PCR methods, for these nsSNPs and genotyped them in 171 Colombian subjects. Results Five common nsSNPs (rs6855837; p.Leu395Ile, rs2305160; p.Thr394Ala, rs10503929; p.Met289Thr, rs2270641; p.Thr4Pro and rs3822659; p.Ser735Ala) were studied, located in the CLOCK, NPAS2, NRG1, SLC18A1 and WWC1 genes. We reported allele and genotype frequencies in a sample of South American healthy subjects. There is previous experimental evidence, arising from genome-wide expression and association studies, for the involvement of these genes in several neuropsychiatric disorders and endophenotypes, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders or memory performance. Conclusions Frequencies for these nsSNPSs in the Colombian samples varied in comparison to different HapMap populations. Future study of these nsSNPs in brain-expressed genes, a synaptogenomics approach, will be important for a better understanding of neuropsychiatric diseases and endophenotypes in different populations.
Collapse
|
22
|
Kasarpalkar NJ, Kothari ST, Dave UP. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ann Neurosci 2014; 21:129-33. [PMID: 25452672 PMCID: PMC4248479 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.210403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobehavioral syndrome with no known biomarker so far for early detection. It has been challenging, both to classify typical autism and associate a suitable biomarker with clinical phenotype spectrum. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a key neurotrophin regulating synaptic plasticity, neuronal differentiation and survival. PURPOSE Recently, BDNF depletion is reported in neurodegenerative as well as in psychiatric disorders, associated with severity of neurological dysfunction. Role of BDNF as a biomarker in ASD is gaining significance. Pre-clinical results have linked BDNF depletion in autism and mental retardation, however, with conflicting findings. METHODS In view of this, a preliminary study was carried out to measure serum BDNF levels in 48 children with ASD and mental retardation, and 29 age-matched controls. RESULTS Serum BDNF levels were found significantly higher (p<0.001) in atypical autistic subjects (clinically milder phenotype) as compared to controls, but not in typical ASD cases (clinically severe phenotype). BDNF levels were significantly lower in females with typical/Rett Syndrome (p<0.05), but not in males with typical autism (p>0.1), as compared to controls. Lower BDNF levels indicate impairment in neuroprotective mechanism, while higher levels may imply a manifested protective response. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the differential BDNF response based on the severity of neurobehavioral deficit, indicating a possible neuroprotective role of this molecule and supporting its exploration in targeted therapy in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Usha P Dave
- Haffkine Institute and Director- MILS International India, Mumbai
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Morenko A. Brain processes during the perception of sensory signals in men with high and low output α-frequencies. Ann Neurosci 2014; 21:144-9. [PMID: 25452675 PMCID: PMC4248477 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.210406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human functional capabilities largely depend upon genetic qualities of person's nervous system. The registration of the spontaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) is among the physiological technigues allowing making a direct estimation of specific features of the nervous system, in particular, the human brain activity. PURPOSE The study is devoted to the investigation of brain processes in men with high and low levels of individual α-frequency determined in a quiescent state during the perception of sensory signals. METHODS A test group consisting of 104 right-hand healthy men from the ages of 19 to 21 was divided into two groups according to the magnitude of their individual α- frequency (IAF) median - groups with high (n = 53, IA ≥ 10,04 Hz) and low (n = 51, IAF≤10,03 Hz) levels of IAF. The power and coherence of the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex as well as inter group differences were evaluated in a quiescent state and during the perception of sensory signals by Subjects. RESULTS A localized power increase of the EEG α1-waves are registered in frontal areas, β1, β2- oscillations - in the anterior cortex, γ- activity - around the scalp and its decrease is present in the posterior temporal, parietal and occipital cortex leads, especially in the α- and β- frequency spectrum during the perception of sensory signals in men with a high IAF. The generalized depression of the θ-, α- and β- activity of the cortex is fixed in individuals with a low IAF while the expression of γ- waves is more local. The generalized increase of data in EEG coherence fluctuations throughout the frequency spectrum of the EEG in the cortex is set in all Subjects. The dextrocerebral preponderance is observable in posterior structures of the Subjects' right hemisphere. A localized decrease of the coherence concerning θ-, α1-, α3-, β- and γ- oscillations are traced in the frontal and anterior temporal areas of the left hemisphere. CONCLUSION We are of the opinion that the establishment of such common factors in the studied groups is an important step towards the release of the clear prognostic criteria for the functionality of men in the sensory area according to the congenital features of brain function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alevtyna Morenko
- Lesia Ukrainka Eastern European National University, 13 Voli Avenue, Lutsk, UKRAINE 43000
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Italiani P, Carlesi C, Giungato P, Puxeddu I, Borroni B, Bossù P, Migliorini P, Siciliano G, Boraschi D. Evaluating the levels of interleukin-1 family cytokines in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2014; 11:94. [PMID: 24884937 PMCID: PMC4039322 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-11-94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease leading to the death of affected individuals within years. The involvement of inflammation in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, is increasingly recognized but still not well understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of inflammation-related IL-1 family cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-33, IL-37) and their endogenous inhibitors (IL-1Ra, sIL-1R2, IL-18BP, sIL-1R4) in patients with sporadic ALS (sALS), METHODS: Sera were collected from 144 patients (125 patients were characterized by disease form, duration, and disability, using the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) and from 40 matched controls. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from 54 patients with sALS and 65 patients with other non-infectious non-oncogenic diseases as controls. Cytokines and inhibitors were measured by commercial ELISA. RESULTS Among the IL-1 family cytokines tested total IL-18, its endogenous inhibitor IL-18BP, and the active form of the cytokine (free IL-18) were significantly higher in the sALS sera than in controls. No correlation between these soluble mediators and different clinical forms of sALS or the clinical setting of the disease was found. IL-18BP was the only mediator detectable in the CSF of patients. CONCLUSIONS Among the IL-1 family cytokines, only IL-18 correlates with this disease and may therefore have a pathological role in sALS. The increase of total IL-18 suggests the activation of IL-18-cleaving inflammasome. Whether IL-18 upregulation in circulation of sALS patients is a consequence of inflammation or one of the causes of the pathology still needs to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Diana Boraschi
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Cytokines, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Via G, Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Carilho R, de Carvalho M, Swash M, Pinto S, Pinto A, Costa J. Vascular endothelial growth factor and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the interplay with exercise and noninvasive ventilation. Muscle Nerve 2014; 49:545-50. [PMID: 23868282 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Revised: 06/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We evaluated plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with reference to the effects of respiratory failure, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and exercise. METHODS We studied plasma VEGF levels in 83 ALS patients, 20 healthy controls, and 10 patients with other disorders. There were 4 groups of ALS patients: G1, 27 patients without respiratory problems; G2, 14 patients stabilized on nocturnal NIV; G3, 30 patients presenting with respiratory failure; G4, 12 patients on an aerobic exercise protocol. RESULTS VEGF plasma levels did not differ significantly between ALS patients and controls, or between ALS groups. In G3, the mean VEGF levels increased 75% during NIV. In G4, the mean VEGF level increased by 300% during the exercise program. VEGF levels did not change during the course of the disease. CONCLUSIONS VEGF levels in ALS depend on changes in ventilation and exercise but are probably not affected by the disease process itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Carilho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Anand A, Gupta PK, Prabhakar S, Sharma S, Thakur K. Analysis of smoking and LPO in ALS. Neurochem Int 2014; 71:47-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
27
|
Pronto-Laborinho AC, Pinto S, de Carvalho M. Roles of vascular endothelial growth factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:947513. [PMID: 24987705 PMCID: PMC4022172 DOI: 10.1155/2014/947513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal devastating neurodegenerative disorder, involving progressive degeneration of motor neurons in spinal cord, brainstem, and motor cortex. Riluzole is the only drug approved in ALS but it only confers a modest improvement in survival. In spite of a high number of clinical trials no other drug has proved effectiveness. Recent studies support that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), originally described as a key angiogenic factor, also plays a key role in the nervous system, including neurogenesis, neuronal survival, neuronal migration, and axon guidance. VEGF has been used in exploratory clinical studies with promising results in ALS and other neurological disorders. Although VEGF is a very promising compound, translating the basic science breakthroughs into clinical practice is the major challenge ahead. VEGF-B, presenting a single safety profile, protects motor neurons from degeneration in ALS animal models and, therefore, it will be particularly interesting to test its effects in ALS patients. In the present paper the authors make a brief description of the molecular properties of VEGF and its receptors and review its different features and therapeutic potential in the nervous system/neurodegenerative disease, particularly in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Pronto-Laborinho
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Pinto
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
ALS and oxidative stress: the neurovascular scenario. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2013; 2013:635831. [PMID: 24367722 PMCID: PMC3866720 DOI: 10.1155/2013/635831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and angiogenic factors have been placed as the prime focus of scientific investigations after an establishment of link between vascular endothelial growth factor promoter (VEGF), hypoxia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Deletion of the hypoxia-response element in the vascular endothelial growth factor promoter and mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) which are characterised by atrophy and muscle weakness resulted in phenotype resembling human ALS in mice. This results in lower motor neurodegeneration thus establishing an important link between motor neuron degeneration, vasculature, and angiogenic molecules. In this review, we have presented human, animal, and in vitro studies which suggest that molecules like VEGF have a therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic potential in ALS. Involvement of vascular growth factors and hypoxia response elements also highlights the converging role of oxidative stress and neurovascular network for understanding and treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders like ALS.
Collapse
|
29
|
Nikodemova M, Small AL, Smith SMC, Mitchell GS, Watters JJ. Spinal but not cortical microglia acquire an atypical phenotype with high VEGF, galectin-3 and osteopontin, and blunted inflammatory responses in ALS rats. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 69:43-53. [PMID: 24269728 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of microglia, CNS resident immune cells, is a pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons. Despite evidence that microglia contribute to disease progression, the exact role of these cells in ALS pathology remains unknown. We immunomagnetically isolated microglia from different CNS regions of SOD1(G93A) rats at three different points in disease progression: presymptomatic, symptom onset and end-stage. We observed no differences in microglial number or phenotype in presymptomatic rats compared to wild-type controls. Although after disease onset there was no macrophage infiltration, there were significant increases in microglial numbers in the spinal cord, but not cortex. At disease end-stage, microglia were characterized by high expression of galectin-3, osteopontin and VEGF, and concomitant downregulated expression of TNFα, IL-6, BDNF and arginase-1. Flow cytometry revealed the presence of at least two phenotypically distinct microglial populations in the spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry showed that galectin-3/osteopontin positive microglia were restricted to the ventral horns of the spinal cord, regions with severe motor neuron degeneration. End-stage SOD1(G93A) microglia from the cortex, a less affected region, displayed similar gene expression profiles to microglia from wild-type rats, and displayed normal responses to systemic inflammation induced by LPS. On the other hand, end-stage SOD1(G93A) spinal microglia had blunted responses to systemic LPS suggesting that in addition to their phenotypic changes, they may also be functionally impaired. Thus, after disease onset, microglia acquired unique characteristics that do not conform to typical M1 (inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes. This transformation was observed only in the most affected CNS regions, suggesting that overexpression of mutated hSOD1 is not sufficient to trigger these changes in microglia. These novel observations suggest that microglial regional and phenotypic heterogeneity may be an important consideration when designing new therapeutic strategies targeting microglia and neuroinflammation in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nikodemova
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alissa L Small
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stephanie M C Smith
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gordon S Mitchell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jyoti J Watters
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Réaux-Le Goazigo A, Van Steenwinckel J, Rostène W, Mélik Parsadaniantz S. Current status of chemokines in the adult CNS. Prog Neurobiol 2013; 104:67-92. [PMID: 23454481 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines - chemotactic cytokines - are small secreted proteins that attract and activate immune and non-immune cells in vitro and in vivo. It has been suggested that chemokines and their receptors play a role in the central nervous system (CNS), in addition to their well established role in the immune system. We focus here on three chemokines-CXCL12 (C-X-C motif ligand 12), CCL2 (C-C motif ligand 2), and CX3CL1 (C-X-3C motif ligand 1) - and their principal receptors - CXCR4 (C-X-C motif receptor 4), CCR2 (C-C motif receptor 2) and CX3CR1 (C-X-3C motif receptor 1), respectively. We first introduce the classification of chemokines and their G-protein coupled receptors and the main signaling pathways triggered by receptor activation. We then discuss the cellular distribution of CXCL12/CXCR4, CCL2/CCR2 and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in adult brain and the neurotransmission and neuromodulation effects controlled by these chemokines in the adult CNS. Changes in the expression of CXCL12, CCL2 and CX3CL1 and their respective receptors are also increasingly being implicated in the pathogenesis of CNS disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, HIV-associated encephalopathy, stroke and multiple sclerosis, and are therefore plausible targets for future pharmacological intervention. The final section thus discusses the role of these chemokines in these pathophysiological states. In conclusion, the role of these chemokines in cellular communication may make it possible: (i) to identify new pathways of neuron-neuron, glia-glia or neuron-glia communications relevant to both normal brain function and neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases; (ii) to develop new therapeutic approaches for currently untreatable brain diseases.
Collapse
|
31
|
Tillib SV, Ivanova TI, Lyssuk EY, Larin SS, Kibardin AV, Korobko EV, Vikhreva PN, Gnuchev NV, Georgiev GP, Korobko IV. Nanoantibodies for detection and blocking of bioactivity of human vascular endothelial growth factor a165. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2012; 77:659-65. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297912060132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
32
|
Gupta PK, Prabhakar S, Sharma NK, Anand A. Possible association between expression of chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients of North India. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38382. [PMID: 22685564 PMCID: PMC3369904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives We earlier reported elevated chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) in Indian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. We now analysed chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2), the receptor of CCL2, in these ALS patients. Methods Indian sporadic ALS patients (n = 50) were included on the basis of El Escorial criteria. Percentage (%) of CCR2 expressing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated using Flow Cytometry. Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to quantitate CCR2 mRNA expression in PBMCs. Normal controls (n = 40) were also included for comparison. Results Flow Cytometry revealed significantly reduced CCR2 expressing PBMCs in the ALS patients. We also found a significant decline in number of CCR2 expressing PBMCs in limb onset ALS when compared to bulbar onset ALS. PBMCs from ALS patients showed substantial down-regulation of CCR2 mRNA. CCR2 mRNA expression was found to be decreased among limb ALS patients as compared to bulbar onset ALS. Further, the count of CCR2+ PBMCs and CCR2 mRNA transcript in PBMCs was significantly lower in severe and moderate ALS as compared to ALS patients with mild impairments. Conclusions Downregulation of PBMCs CCR2 may indicate its etio-pathological relevance in ALS pathogenesis. Reduced PBMCs CCR2 may result in decreased infiltration of leukocytes at the site of degeneration as a compensatory response to ALS. CCR2 levels measurements in hematopoietic stem cells and estimation of comparative PBMCs count among ALS, disease controls and normal controls can unveil its direct neuroprotective role. However, the conclusions are restricted by the absence of neurological/non-neurological disease controls in the study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawan K. Gupta
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sudesh Prabhakar
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Neel K. Sharma
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Akshay Anand
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Inoue S, Takemoto M, Chishaki A, Ide T, Nishizaka M, Miyazono M, Sawatari H, Sunagawa K. Leg heating using far infra-red radiation in patients with chronic heart failure acutely improves the hemodynamics, vascular endothelial function, and oxidative stress. Intern Med 2012; 51:2263-70. [PMID: 22975533 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.51.7115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic thermal therapy (STT) has been associated with beneficial effects in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The fact, however, that it requires a dedicated as well as spacious facility and trained personnel makes it difficult to practice in the daily care of patients with CHF. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether the leg thermal therapy (LTT) has a positive impact similar to that of STT in patients with CHF. Methods and Results Twenty patients with CHF (57 ± 17 years old, left ventricular ejection fraction=30 ± 10%) received LTT (45°C) for 20 minutes. Immediately after the treatment, the core temperature had increased (+0.3 ± 0.3°C) (p<0.01). While the LTT had no significant effects on the heart rate, systolic arterial pressure, and diastolic blood pressure, it increased the cardiac output (mixed venous oxygen saturation; +2 ± 3%) and decrease the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (-2 ± 2 mmHg). The LTT significantly improved the flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) from 4.8 ± 2.6 to 7.1 ± 3.6%, the antioxidative markers, thiol from 4.0 ± 0.7 to 4.5 ± 0.9 μmoL/g, and the marker of oxidative deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, urine 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) from 100 to 82 ± 3%, respectively (p<0.05). No patient had any adverse effects associated with LTT. Conclusion LTT acutely improved FMD, and oxidative stress in patients with CHF. Although the long-term effect of LTT remains to be investigated, its practicality which is comparable to that of STT would make it an attractive therapeutic strategy for patients with CHF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shujiro Inoue
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gupta PK, Prabhakar S, Sharma S, Anand A. Erratum to: Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. J Neuroinflammation 2011. [PMCID: PMC3199788 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-8-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Correction to Gupta P K, Prabhakar S, Sharma S, Anand A. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Journal of Neuroinflammation 8:47.
Collapse
|
35
|
Anand A, Gupta PK, Sharma NK, Prabhakar S. Soluble VEGFR1 (sVEGFR1) as a novel marker of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the North Indian ALS patients. Eur J Neurol 2011; 19:788-92. [PMID: 21978169 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2011.03548.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE North Indian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibit substantially extended survival time after onset of the disease as compared to their Western counterparts. Earlier, we found that vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) may be associated with increased survival of these patients. We now measured soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR1), an inhibitor receptor for VEGF-A, in these patients with ALS. METHODS Patients with sporadic ALS (n = 36) attending the Neurology Outpatient at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) at Chandigarh were included on the basis of El Escorial criteria. The sVEGFR1 levels were analyzed in serum of these patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared with normal controls (n = 36). RESULTS Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 was found to be decreased significantly in serum of patients with ALS. Serum obtained from definite ALS revealed significantly lower sVEGFR1 as compared to probable ALS. However, there was no difference in serum sVEGFR1 levels between male and female patients with ALS. CONCLUSIONS Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 downregulation may result in increased serum VEGF-A reported previously in our patients with ALS and may indicate the activation of compensatory mechanism in response to neurodegeneration. The lower serum sVEGFR1 levels may have a possible clinicopathological association, if not causal, to the extended survival of North Indian patients with ALS; however, the result needs further investigations particularly in comparable Caucasian ALS population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Anand
- Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gupta PK, Prabhakar S, Abburi C, Sharma NK, Anand A. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A and chemokine ligand (CCL2) genes are upregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in Indian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. J Neuroinflammation 2011; 8:114. [PMID: 21906274 PMCID: PMC3177897 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-8-114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have earlier shown that protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) were elevated in Indian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Here, we report the mRNA levels of VEGF-A and CCL2 in Indian ALS patients since they display extended survival after disease onset. Methods VEGF-A and CCL2 mRNA levels were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 50 sporadic Indian ALS patients using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and compared with normal controls (n = 50). Their levels were adjusted for possible confounders like cigarette smoking, alcohol and meat consumption. Results VEGF-A and CCL2 mRNA levels were found to be significantly elevated in PBMCs in ALS patients as compared to controls. PBMCs from definite ALS revealed higher VEGF-A mRNA expression as compared to probable and possible ALS. CCL2 mRNA levels were found to be unaltered when definite, probable and possible ALS were compared. PBMCs from patients with respiratory dysfunction showed much higher VEGF-A and CCL2 elevation when compared to patients without respiratory dysfunction. No association of smoking, alcohol and meat consumption with VEGF-A and CCL2 was observed after analyzing the data with univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusion VEGF-A and CCL2 mRNA upregulation in PBMCs may have a clinico-pathological/etiological/epidemiological association with ALS pathogenesis. The cross-cultural and cross-ethnic investigations of these molecules could determine if they have any role in enhancing the mean survival time unique to Indian ALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawan K Gupta
- Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
A predictive model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. J Neurol Sci 2011; 312:68-72. [PMID: 21907354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2011.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The clinical diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) usually takes several months. The delay in diagnosis compromises the effective therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the present study was aimed to develop a statistical model for predicting the risk of ALS at earlier stages for better management of ALS patients. METHODS The study recruited 44 sporadic ALS patients and 29 normal controls. Thirteen different independent variables (predictors) which were believed to be associated with ALS were included in the study. Forward stepwise (likelihood ratio) binary logistic regression was used to find significant variables and probability of disease prediction. RESULTS The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit statistic (χ(2)=4.379, df=8, p=0.821) indicate the appropriateness of forward stepwise (likelihood ratio) binary logistic regression model. Serum chemokine ligand-2, chemokine ligand-2 mRNA, vascular endothelial growth factor-A mRNA, smoking and alcohol consumption are the independent variables found significant to predict risk of ALS (p<0.05). The current model yielded 93.2% sensitivity and 86.2% specificity with 90.4% overall validity of correct ALS prediction. CONCLUSION Forward stepwise (likelihood ratio) binary logistic regression model is an accurate method to predict ALS in the presence of serum CCL2, CCL2 mRNA, VEGFA mRNA, smoking and alcohol consumption with high sensitivity and specificity. However, bed side diagnostic utility of these variables needs to be validated further in larger ALS cohorts.
Collapse
|