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O’Hare N, Millican K, Ebong EE. Unraveling neurovascular mysteries: the role of endothelial glycocalyx dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1394725. [PMID: 39027900 PMCID: PMC11254711 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1394725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
While cardiovascular disease, cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mortality rates have decreased over the past 20 years, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) deaths have risen by 145% since 2010. Despite significant research efforts, effective AD treatments remain elusive due to a poorly defined etiology and difficulty in targeting events that occur too downstream of disease onset. In hopes of elucidating alternative treatment pathways, now, AD is commonly being more broadly defined not only as a neurological disorder but also as a progression of a variety of cerebrovascular pathologies highlighted by the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. The endothelial glycocalyx (GCX), which is an essential regulator of vascular physiology, plays a crucial role in the function of the neurovascular system, acting as an essential vascular mechanotransducer to facilitate ultimate blood-brain homeostasis. Shedding of the cerebrovascular GCX could be an early indication of neurovascular dysfunction and may subsequently progress neurodegenerative diseases like AD. Recent advances in in vitro modeling, gene/protein silencing, and imaging techniques offer new avenues of scrutinizing the GCX's effects on AD-related neurovascular pathology. Initial studies indicate GCX degradation in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases and have begun to demonstrate a possible link to GCX loss and cerebrovascular dysfunction. This review will scrutinize the GCX's contribution to known vascular etiologies of AD and propose future work aimed at continuing to uncover the relationship between GCX dysfunction and eventual AD-associated neurological deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas O’Hare
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Karina Millican
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eno E. Ebong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Loeffler DA. Enhancing of cerebral Abeta clearance by modulation of ABC transporter expression: a review of experimental approaches. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1368200. [PMID: 38872626 PMCID: PMC11170721 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1368200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Clearance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) from the brain is impaired in both early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mechanisms for clearing cerebral Aβ include proteolytic degradation, antibody-mediated clearance, blood brain barrier and blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier efflux, glymphatic drainage, and perivascular drainage. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are membrane efflux pumps driven by ATP hydrolysis. Their functions include maintenance of brain homeostasis by removing toxic peptides and compounds, and transport of bioactive molecules including cholesterol. Some ABC transporters contribute to lowering of cerebral Aβ. Mechanisms suggested for ABC transporter-mediated lowering of brain Aβ, in addition to exporting of Aβ across the blood brain and blood cerebrospinal fluid barriers, include apolipoprotein E lipidation, microglial activation, decreased amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein, and restricting the entrance of Aβ into the brain. The ABC transporter superfamily in humans includes 49 proteins, eight of which have been suggested to reduce cerebral Aβ levels. This review discusses experimental approaches for increasing the expression of these ABC transporters, clinical applications of these approaches, changes in the expression and/or activity of these transporters in AD and transgenic mouse models of AD, and findings in the few clinical trials which have examined the effects of these approaches in patients with AD or mild cognitive impairment. The possibility that therapeutic upregulation of ABC transporters which promote clearance of cerebral Aβ may slow the clinical progression of AD merits further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Loeffler
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Research Institute, Corewell Health, Royal Oak, MI, United States
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Schiera G, Di Liegro CM, Schirò G, Sorbello G, Di Liegro I. Involvement of Astrocytes in the Formation, Maintenance, and Function of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Cells 2024; 13:150. [PMID: 38247841 PMCID: PMC10813980 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental structure that protects the composition of the brain by determining which ions, metabolites, and nutrients are allowed to enter the brain from the blood or to leave it towards the circulation. The BBB is structurally composed of a layer of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) bound to each other through tight junctions (TJs). However, its development as well as maintenance and properties are controlled by the other brain cells that contact the BCECs: pericytes, glial cells, and even neurons themselves. Astrocytes seem, in particular, to have a very important role in determining and controlling most properties of the BBB. Here, we will focus on these latter cells, since the comprehension of their roles in brain physiology has been continuously expanding, even including the ability to participate in neurotransmission and in complex functions such as learning and memory. Accordingly, pathological conditions that alter astrocytic functions can alter the BBB's integrity, thus compromising many brain activities. In this review, we will also refer to different kinds of in vitro BBB models used to study the BBB's properties, evidencing its modifications under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienzee Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (C.M.D.L.)
| | - Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienzee Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (C.M.D.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
- Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC), Foundation Institute “G. Giglio”, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sorbello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.S.); (G.S.)
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Xie C, Schaefer L, Iozzo RV. Global impact of proteoglycan science on human diseases. iScience 2023; 26:108095. [PMID: 37867945 PMCID: PMC10589900 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this comprehensive review, we will dissect the impact of research on proteoglycans focusing on recent developments involved in their synthesis, degradation, and interactions, while critically assessing their usefulness in various biological processes. The emerging roles of proteoglycans in global infections, specifically the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and their rising functions in regenerative medicine and biomaterial science have significantly affected our current view of proteoglycans and related compounds. The roles of proteoglycans in cancer biology and their potential use as a next-generation protein-based adjuvant therapy to combat cancer is also emerging as a constructive and potentially beneficial therapeutic strategy. We will discuss the role of proteoglycans in selected and emerging areas of proteoglycan science, such as neurodegenerative diseases, autophagy, angiogenesis, cancer, infections and their impact on mammalian diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Xie
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, the Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Renato V. Iozzo
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, the Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Ozsan McMillan I, Li JP, Wang L. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan in Alzheimer's disease: aberrant expression and functions in molecular pathways related to amyloid-β metabolism. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C893-C909. [PMID: 36878848 PMCID: PMC10069967 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00247.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Currently, there is no effective treatment for AD, as its etiology remains poorly understood. Mounting evidence suggests that the accumulation and aggregation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ), which constitute amyloid plaques in the brain, is critical for initiating and accelerating AD pathogenesis. Considerable efforts have been dedicated to shedding light on the molecular basis and fundamental origins of the impaired Aβ metabolism in AD. Heparan sulfate (HS), a linear polysaccharide of the glycosaminoglycan family, co-deposits with Aβ in plaques in the AD brain, directly binds and accelerates Aβ aggregation, and mediates Aβ internalization and cytotoxicity. Mouse model studies demonstrate that HS regulates Aβ clearance and neuroinflammation in vivo. Previous reviews have extensively explored these discoveries. Here, this review focuses on the recent advancements in understanding abnormal HS expression in the AD brain, the structural aspects of HS-Aβ interaction, and the molecules involved in modulating Aβ metabolism through HS interaction. Furthermore, this review presents a perspective on the potential effects of abnormal HS expression on Aβ metabolism and AD pathogenesis. In addition, the review highlights the importance of conducting further research to differentiate the spatiotemporal components of HS structure and function in the brain and AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilayda Ozsan McMillan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
- Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Jin-Ping Li
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology & The Biomedical Center, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
- SciLifeLab Uppsala, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lianchun Wang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
- Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
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Liu Y, Tan Y, Zhang Z, Li H, Yi M, Zhang Z, Hui S, Peng W. Neuroimmune mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease: Insights into central and peripheral immune cell crosstalk. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 84:101831. [PMID: 36565960 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly life-threatening neurodegenerative disease. Dysregulation of the immune system plays a critical role in promoting AD, which has attracted extensive attention recently. Central and peripheral immune responses are involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Immune changes precede Aβ-associated senile plaque formation and tau-related neurofibrillary tangles, which are the recognised pathological features of AD. Therefore, elucidating immune-related mechanisms underlying the development of AD can help to prevent and treat AD at the source by blocking its progression before the development of pathological changes. To understand the specific pathogenesis of AD, it is important to examine the role of central and peripheral immunity in AD. This review summarises immune-related mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AD, focusing on the effect of various central and peripheral immune cells, and describes the possible crosstalk between central and peripheral immunity during the development of AD. This review provides novel insights into the treatment of AD and offers a new direction for immune-related research on AD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Yejun Tan
- School of Mathematics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Zheyu Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Hongli Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Min Yi
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- YangSheng College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Shan Hui
- Department of Geratology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China.
| | - Weijun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha 410011, China.
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Rodríguez-Giraldo M, González-Reyes RE, Ramírez-Guerrero S, Bonilla-Trilleras CE, Guardo-Maya S, Nava-Mesa MO. Astrocytes as a Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease-Comprehensive Review and Recent Developments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13630. [PMID: 36362415 PMCID: PMC9654484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a frequent and disabling neurodegenerative disorder, in which astrocytes participate in several pathophysiological processes including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism (along with a critical role in apolipoprotein E function). Current evidence shows that astrocytes have both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects depending on the disease stage and microenvironmental factors. Furthermore, astrocytes appear to be affected by the presence of amyloid-beta (Aβ), with alterations in calcium levels, gliotransmission and proinflammatory activity via RAGE-NF-κB pathway. In addition, astrocytes play an important role in the metabolism of tau and clearance of Aβ through the glymphatic system. In this review, we will discuss novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments focused on astrocytes as therapeutic targets for AD. These interventions include effects on anti-inflammatory/antioxidant systems, glutamate activity, lipid metabolism, neurovascular coupling and glymphatic system, calcium dysregulation, and in the release of peptides which affects glial and neuronal function. According to the AD stage, these therapies may be of benefit in either preventing or delaying the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mauricio O. Nava-Mesa
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
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Wang D, Wang T, Zhu M, Sun J, Zhou Z, Chen J, Teng L. A Preliminary Study on the Relationship between Serum Heparan Sulfate and Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: The Moderating Role of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Colorectal Cancer. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:2681-2694. [PMID: 35448193 PMCID: PMC9025203 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29040219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has been frequently reported in colorectal cancer survivors. Heparan sulfate (HS) was gradually considered to be related to cognitive disorders. The effect and potential mechanism of HS on CRCI in colorectal cancer patients were unexplored. In this study, all participants were divided into a cognitive impaired group and a cognitive normal group. The concentrations of oxidative stress factors and HS in serum were detected. Associations among HS, oxidative stress factors and CRCI were evaluated. Participants with cognitive impairment exhibited increased levels of HS, GSH, SOD and MDA, compared to the patients with normal cognitive performance. The independent significant association was found between HS and CRCI after controlling for various covariates. The higher concentrations of HS were related to the decreased cognitive performance among survivors who reported higher levels of GSH (β = 0.080, p = 0.002). Moreover, the nonlinear association between the level of HS and cognitive scores was confirmed using the restricted cubic splines (p < 0.001). These results indicated that the increased concentrations of circulating HS had a nonlinear negative connection with cognitive performance in colorectal cancer survivors, which was moderated by GSH. HS might be a new biomolecule for the identification and management of patients with CRCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danhui Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Teng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China;
| | - Min Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Jun Sun
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Jinghua Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China;
| | - Liping Teng
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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