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Cui L, Zhou H, Hao Y, Yang X, Li Z, Gao Y, Zhang Z, Ren L, Ji L, Sun R, Wang Y, Wang X. Effect of ferric citrate on hippocampal iron accumulation and widespread molecular alterations associated with cognitive disorder in an ovariectomized mice model. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e70018. [PMID: 39252474 PMCID: PMC11386256 DOI: 10.1111/cns.70018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nowadays, the prevalence of cognitive impairment in women has gradually increased, especially in postmenopausal women. There were few studies on the mechanistic effects of iron exposure on neurotoxicity in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of iron accumulation on cognitive ability in ovariectomized mice and its possible mechanism and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention of cognitive dysfunction in postmenopausal women. METHODS Female C57BL/6N ovariectomized model mice were induced with ferric citrate (FAC). The mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, sham, ovariectomized (Ovx), Ovx + 50 mg/kg FAC (Ovx + l), and Ovx + 100 mg/kg FAC (Ovx + h). The impact of motor and cognitive function was verified by a series of behavioral tests. The levels of serum iron parameters, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase were measured. The ultrastructure of mice hippocampal microglia was imaged by transmission electron microscopy. The differential expression of hippocampal proteins was analyzed by Tandem Mass Tag labeling. RESULTS Movement and cognitive function in Ovx + l/Ovx + h mice were significantly decreased compared to control and Sham mice. Then, iron exposure caused histopathological changes in the hippocampus of mice. In addition, proteomic analysis revealed that 29/27/41 proteins were differentially expressed in the hippocampus when compared by Ovx vs. Sham, Ovx + l vs. Ovx, as well as Ovx + h vs. Ovx + l groups, respectively. Moreover, transferrin receptor protein (TFR1) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) protein expression were significantly increased in the iron accumulation mice model with ovariectomy. CONCLUSION Iron exposure could cause histopathological damage in the hippocampus of ovariectomised mice and, by altering hippocampal proteomics, particularly the expression of hippocampal iron metabolism-related proteins, could further influence cognitive impairment in ovariectomized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Cui
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Huijun Zhou
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Yudan Hao
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Zhiqian Li
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Yuting Gao
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Zhengya Zhang
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Lina Ren
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Linpu Ji
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Ruijie Sun
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Yibo Wang
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Xian Wang
- College of Public HealthZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
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Spence H, Mengoa-Fleming S, Sneddon AA, McNeil CJ, Waiter GD. Associations between sex, systemic iron and inflammatory status and subcortical brain iron. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:5069-5085. [PMID: 39113267 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Brain iron increases in several neurodegenerative diseases are associated with disease progression. However, the causes of increased brain iron remain unclear. This study investigates relationships between subcortical iron, systemic iron and inflammatory status. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and blood plasma samples were collected from cognitively healthy females (n = 176, mean age = 61.4 ± 4.5 years, age range = 28-72 years) and males (n = 152, mean age = 62.0 ± 5.1 years, age range = 32-74 years). Regional brain iron was quantified using quantitative susceptibility mapping. To assess systemic iron, haematocrit, ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor were measured, and total body iron index was calculated. To assess systemic inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR), macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (MCSF), interleukin 6 (IL6) and interleukin 1β (IL1β) were measured. We demonstrated that iron levels in the right hippocampus were higher in males compared with females, while iron in the right caudate was higher in females compared with males. There were no significant associations observed between subcortical iron levels and blood markers of iron and inflammatory status indicating that such blood measures are not markers of brain iron. These results suggest that brain iron may be regulated independently of blood iron and so directly targeting global iron change in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease may have differential impacts on blood and brain iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Spence
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Stephanie Mengoa-Fleming
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Christopher J McNeil
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gordon D Waiter
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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3
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Cheng Z, Yang L, Liang C, Li M, Li X, Chen Y, Liang P, Wang Y, Zhang X, Wang N, Gao Y, Sui C, Guo L. Advancing cerebral small vessel disease diagnosis: Integrating quantitative susceptibility mapping with MRI-based radiomics. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e70022. [PMID: 39254181 PMCID: PMC11386328 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.70022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a neurodegenerative disease with hidden symptoms and difficult to diagnose. The diagnosis mainly depends on clinical symptoms and neuroimaging. Therefore, we explored the potential of combining clinical detection with MRI-based radiomics features for the diagnosis of CSVD in a large cohort. A total of 118 CSVD patients and 127 healthy controls underwent quantitative susceptibility mapping and 3D-T1 scans, and all completed multiple cognitive tests. Lasso regression was used to select features, and the radiomics model was constructed based on the regression coefficients of these features. Clinical cognitive and motor tests were added to the model to construct a hybrid model. All models were cross-validated to analyze the generalization ability of the models. The AUCs of the radiomics and hybrid models in the internal test set were 0.80 and 0.87, respectively. In the validation set, the AUCs were 0.77 and 0.79, respectively. The hybrid model demonstrated higher decision efficiency. The Trail Making Test, which enhances the diagnostic performance of the model, is associated with multiple brain regions, particularly the right cortical nuclei and the right fimbria. The hybrid model based on radiomics features and cognitive tests can achieve quantitative diagnosis of CSVD and improve the diagnostic efficiency. Furthermore, the reduced processing capacity due to atrophy of the right cortical nucleus and right fimbria suggests the importance of these regions in improving the diagnostic accuracy of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Cheng
- School of Medical ImagingBinzhou Medical UniversityYantaiShandongChina
| | - Linfeng Yang
- Department of RadiologyJinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Changhu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of RadiologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyJena University HospitalJenaGermany
| | - Xianglin Li
- School of Medical ImagingBinzhou Medical UniversityYantaiShandongChina
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of RadiologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Pengcheng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of RadiologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Medical ImagingBinzhou Medical UniversityYantaiShandongChina
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of RadiologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of RadiologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yian Gao
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of RadiologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Chaofan Sui
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of RadiologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Lingfei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Glucose & Lipids Metabolism and Brain Aging, Ministry of Education, Department of RadiologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
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Schulze M, Coghill D, Lux S, Philipsen A, Silk T. Assessing brain iron and its relationship to cognition and comorbidity in children with ADHD with quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024:S2451-9022(24)00250-7. [PMID: 39218036 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is a neuroimaging technique that detects local changes in magnetic susceptibility induced by brain iron. Brain iron and the dopaminergic system are linked since iron is an important cofactor for dopamine synthesis. ADHD is associated with dysregulation of dopaminergic transmission. Therefore, we applied QSM on subcortical structures, to study potential alterations in brain iron and its impact on cognition and mental health in children with ADHD. METHODS 3 Tesla QSM-data of 111 participants (nADHD= 58, mean age: 13.2 (0.63); nControls=53, mean age: 13.2 (0.51)) were analyzed. Subcortical regional brain iron values were extracted. ANOVAs examined group differences for each region of interest. For dimensional approaches, Pearson correlation analysis was performed across the cohort examining the association with symptoms, mental health, and cognition. RESULTS No significant differences were found in iron susceptibility between ADHD and control, between persistent and remitted ADHD, or between medication use. An unexpected finding was that children with internalising disorder had significantly higher iron susceptibility, but the result did not survive multiple comparison corrections. Higher brain iron was associated with sustained attention, but not on inhibition, IQ, and working memory. CONCLUSION This is the first study addressing brain iron susceptibility and its association with comorbidities and cognition in ADHD. Alterations in brain iron may not account for the full diagnosis of ADHD but may be an indicator of internalising problems in children. Alterations in brain iron content in children were linked to detrimental sustained attention and may represent developmental variation in cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Schulze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - David Coghill
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Mental Health, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Neurodevelopment and Disability Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Silke Lux
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tim Silk
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development and School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia; Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne VIC 3052, Australia.
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Meng Y, Liu S, Yu M, Liang H, Tong Y, Song J, Shi J, Cai W, Wu Q, Wen Z, Wang J, Guo F. The Changes of Blood and CSF Ion Levels in Depressed Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:5369-5403. [PMID: 38191692 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies and excesses are closely related to developing and treating depression. Traditional and effective antidepressants include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and lithium. There is no consensus on the fluctuation of zinc (Zn2+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), copper (Cu2+), iron (Fe2+), and manganese (Mn2+) ion levels in depressed individuals before and after therapy. In order to determine whether there were changes in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of these ions in depressed patients compared with healthy controls and depressed patients treated with TCAs, SSRIs, or lithium, we applied a systematic review and meta-analysis. Using the Stata 17.0 software, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the changes in ion levels in human samples from healthy controls, depressive patients, and patients treated with TCAs, SSRIs, and lithium, respectively. By searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WAN FANG databases, 75 published analyzable papers were chosen. In the blood, the levels of Zn2+ and Mg2+ in depressed patients had decreased while the Ca2+ and Cu2+ levels had increased compared to healthy controls, Fe2+ and Mn2+ levels have not significantly changed. After treatment with SSRIs, the levels of Zn2+ and Ca2+ in depressed patients increased while Cu2+ levels decreased. Mg2+ and Ca2+ levels were increased in depressed patients after Lithium treatment. The findings of the meta-analysis revealed that micronutrient levels were closely associated with the onset of depression and prompted more research into the underlying mechanisms as well as the pathophysiological and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Shuangshuang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Science Experiment Center, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Hongyue Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Ji Song
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Wen Cai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Zhifeng Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Jialu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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Kittilukkana A, Intakhad J, Pilapong C. The role of labile iron on brain proteostasis; could it be an early event of neurodegenerative disease? Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 756:110020. [PMID: 38692471 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110020] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Iron deposits in the brain are a natural consequence of aging. Iron accumulation, especially in the form of labile iron, can trigger a cascade of adverse effects, eventually leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Aging also increases the dysfunction of cellular proteostasis. The question of whether iron alters proteostasis is now being pondered. Herein, we investigated the effect of ferric citrate, considered as labile iron, on various aspects of proteostasis of neuronal cell lines, and also established an animal model having a labile iron diet in order to evaluate proteostasis alteration in the brain along with behavioral effects. According to an in vitro study, labile iron was found to activate lysosome formation but inhibits lysosomal clearance function. Furthermore, the presence of labile iron can alter autophagic flux and can also induce the accumulation of protein aggregates. RNA-sequencing analysis further reveals the upregulation of various terms related to proteostasis along with neurodegenerative disease-related terms. According to an in vivo study, a labile iron-rich diet does not induce iron overload conditions and was not detrimental to the behavior of male Wistar rats. However, an iron-rich diet can promote iron accumulation in a region-dependent manner. By staining for autophagic markers and misfolding proteins in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, an iron-rich diet was actually found to alter autophagy and induce an accumulation of misfolding proteins. These findings emphasize the importance of labile iron on brain cell proteostasis, which could be implicated in developing of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyarin Kittilukkana
- Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Department of Radiologic Technology, Laboratory of BioMolecular Imaging, Molecular and Cellular Biology, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jannarong Intakhad
- Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Department of Radiologic Technology, Laboratory of BioMolecular Imaging, Molecular and Cellular Biology, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chalermchai Pilapong
- Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Department of Radiologic Technology, Laboratory of BioMolecular Imaging, Molecular and Cellular Biology, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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Nistri R, Ianniello A, Pozzilli V, Giannì C, Pozzilli C. Advanced MRI Techniques: Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Multiple Sclerosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1120. [PMID: 38893646 PMCID: PMC11171945 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111120] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain and spinal cord imaging plays a pivotal role in aiding clinicians with the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, the significance of magnetic resonance imaging in MS extends beyond its clinical utility. Advanced imaging modalities have facilitated the in vivo detection of various components of MS pathogenesis, and, in recent years, MRI biomarkers have been utilized to assess the response of patients with relapsing-remitting MS to the available treatments. Similarly, MRI indicators of neurodegeneration demonstrate potential as primary and secondary endpoints in clinical trials targeting progressive phenotypes. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest advancements in brain and spinal cord neuroimaging in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Nistri
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (C.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Antonio Ianniello
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (C.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Valeria Pozzilli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Giannì
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (C.G.); (C.P.)
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (C.G.); (C.P.)
- MS Center Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Mohammadi S, Ghaderi S, Fatehi F. Putamen iron quantification in diseases with neurodegeneration: a meta-analysis of the quantitative susceptibility mapping technique. Brain Imaging Behav 2024:10.1007/s11682-024-00895-6. [PMID: 38758278 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-024-00895-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is an MRI technique that accurately measures iron concentration in brain tissues. This meta-analysis synthesized evidence from 30 studies that used QSM to quantify the iron levels in the putamen. The PRISMA statement was adhered to when conducting the systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random-effects model, as well as subgroup analyses (disease type, geographic region, field strength, coil, disease type, age, and sex) and sensitivity analysis. A total of 1247 patients and 1035 controls were included in the study. Pooled results showed a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.41 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.64), with the strongest effect seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD) at 1.01 (95% CI 0.50 to 1.52). Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) also showed increased putaminal iron at 0.37 (95% CI 0.177 to 0.58). No significant differences were observed in Parkinson's disease (PD). No significant differences were found between subgroups based on geographic region, field strength, coil, disease type, age, and sex. The studies revealed significant heterogeneity, with field strength as the primary source, while other factors, such as disease type, location, age, sex, and coil type, may have contributed. The sensitivity analysis showed that these factors did not have a significant influence on the overall results. In summary, this meta-analysis supports abnormalities in putaminal iron content across different diseases with neurodegeneration, especially AD and RRMS, as measured by QSM. This highlights the potential of QSM as an imaging biomarker to better understand disease mechanisms involving disturbances in brain iron homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Mohammadi
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Ghaderi
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Fatehi
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Neurology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
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An D, Xu Y. Environmental risk factors provoke new thinking for prevention and treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30175. [PMID: 38707435 PMCID: PMC11068646 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30175] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, environmental factors have received attention in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Other than genetic factors, the identification of environmental factors and modifiable risk factors may create opportunities to delay the onset or slow the progression of Lewy body disease. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding environmental and modifiable risk factors over the past 30 years. To date, despite the increasing number of articles assessing risk factors for Lewy body disease, few reviews have focused on their role in its onset. In this review, we reviewed the literature investigating the relationship between Lewy body disease and several environmental and other modifiable factors. We found that some air pollutants, exposure to some metals, and infection with some microorganisms may increase the risk of Lewy body disease. Coffee intake and the Mediterranean diet are protective factors. However, it is puzzling that low educational levels and smoking may have some protective effects. In addition, we proposed specific protocols for subsequent research directions on risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases and improved methods. By conducting additional case-control studies, we could explore the role of these factors in the etiopathogenesis of Lewy body disease, establishing a foundation for strategies aimed at preventing and reducing the onset and burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinghao An
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Institute of Translational Medicine for Brain Critical Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Neurology Clinical Medical Center, Nanjing, China
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Morandini HAE, Watson PA, Barbaro P, Rao P. Brain iron concentration in childhood ADHD: A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:200-209. [PMID: 38547742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Iron deficiency may play a role in the pathophysiology of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Due to its preponderant function in monoamine catecholamine and myelin synthesis, brain iron concentration may be of primary interest in the investigation of iron dysregulation in ADHD. This study reviewed current evidence of brain iron abnormalities in children and adolescents with ADHD using magnetic resonance imaging methods, such as relaxometry and quantitative susceptibility mapping, to assess brain iron estimates. The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was performed for studies published between January 1, 2008 and July 7, 2023 in Medline, Scopus and Proquest. Regions of interest, brain iron index values and phenotypical information were extracted from the relevant studies. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool. Seven cross-sectional studies comparing brain iron estimates in children with ADHD with neurotypical children were included. Significantly reduced brain iron content in medication-naïve children with ADHD was a consistent finding. Two studies found psychostimulant use may increase and normalize brain iron concentration in children with ADHD. The findings were consistent across the studies despite differing methodologies and may lay the early foundation for the recognition of a potential biomarker in ADHD, although longitudinal prospective neuroimaging studies using larger sample sizes are required. Lastly, the effects of iron supplementation on brain iron concentration in children with ADHD need to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo A E Morandini
- Complex Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders Service, Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth, WA, Australia; Division of Psychiatry, UWA Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Prue A Watson
- Complex Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders Service, Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Parma Barbaro
- Complex Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders Service, Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Pradeep Rao
- Complex Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders Service, Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth, WA, Australia; Division of Psychiatry, UWA Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
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Tyczyńska M, Gędek M, Brachet A, Stręk W, Flieger J, Teresiński G, Baj J. Trace Elements in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: The Current State of Knowledge. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2381. [PMID: 38673657 PMCID: PMC11050856 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Changes in trace element concentrations are being wildly considered when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This study aims to present the role that trace elements play in the central nervous system. Moreover, we reviewed the mechanisms involved in their neurotoxicity. Low zinc concentrations, as well as high levels of copper, manganese, and iron, activate the signalling pathways of the inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress response. Neurodegeneration occurs due to the association between metals and proteins, which is then followed by aggregate formation, mitochondrial disorder, and, ultimately, cell death. In Alzheimer's disease, low Zn levels suppress the neurotoxicity induced by β-amyloid through the selective precipitation of aggregation intermediates. High concentrations of copper, iron and manganese cause the aggregation of intracellular α-synuclein, which results in synaptic dysfunction and axonal transport disruption. Parkinson's disease is caused by the accumulation of Fe in the midbrain dopaminergic nucleus, and the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis derives from Zn deficiency, leading to an imbalance between T cell functions. Aluminium disturbs the homeostasis of other metals through a rise in the production of oxygen reactive forms, which then leads to cellular death. Selenium, in association with iron, plays a distinct role in the process of ferroptosis. Outlining the influence that metals have on oxidoreduction processes is crucial to recognising the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and may provide possible new methods for both their avoidance and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Tyczyńska
- Department of Correct, Clinical and Imaging Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.T.); (W.S.)
| | - Marta Gędek
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.G.); (A.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Adam Brachet
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.G.); (A.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Wojciech Stręk
- Department of Correct, Clinical and Imaging Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.T.); (W.S.)
| | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Teresiński
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.G.); (A.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Correct, Clinical and Imaging Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.T.); (W.S.)
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12
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Lee EY, Kim J, Prado-Rico JM, Du G, Lewis MM, Kong L, Yanosky JD, Eslinger P, Kim BG, Hong YS, Mailman RB, Huang X. Effects of mixed metal exposures on MRI diffusion features in the medial temporal lobe. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.07.18.23292828. [PMID: 37503124 PMCID: PMC10371112 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.18.23292828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Environmental exposure to metal mixtures is common and may be associated with increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. Objective This study examined associations of mixed metal exposures with medial temporal lobe (MTL) MRI structural metrics and neuropsychological performance. Methods Metal exposure history, whole blood metal, and neuropsychological tests were obtained from subjects with/without a history of mixed metal exposure from welding fumes (42 exposed subjects; 31 controls). MTL structures (hippocampus, entorhinal and parahippocampal cortices) were assessed by morphologic (volume, cortical thickness) and diffusion tensor imaging [mean (MD), axial (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), and fractional anisotropy (FA)] metrics. In exposed subjects, correlation, multiple linear, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and mediation analyses were employed to examine effects of single- or mixed-metal predictor(s) and their interactions on MTL structural and neuropsychological metrics; and on the path from metal exposure to neuropsychological consequences. Results Compared to controls, exposed subjects had higher blood Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Pb, Se, and Zn levels (p's<0.026) and poorer performance in processing/psychomotor speed, executive, and visuospatial domains (p's<0.046). Exposed subjects displayed higher MD, AD, and RD in all MTL ROIs (p's<0.040) and lower FA in entorhinal and parahippocampal cortices (p's<0.033), but not morphological differences. Long-term mixed-metal exposure history indirectly predicted lower processing speed performance via lower parahippocampal FA (p=0.023). Higher whole blood Mn and Cu predicted higher entorhinal diffusivity (p's<0.043) and lower Delayed Story Recall performance (p=0.007) without overall metal mixture or interaction effects. Discussion Mixed metal exposure predicted MTL structural and neuropsychological features that are similar to Alzheimer's disease at-risk populations. These data warrant follow-up as they may illuminate the path for environmental exposure to Alzheimer's disease-related health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Young Lee
- Department of Health Care and Science, Dong-A University, Busan, South-Korea
| | - Juhee Kim
- Department of Health Care and Science, Dong-A University, Busan, South-Korea
| | - Janina Manzieri Prado-Rico
- Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
| | - Guangwei Du
- Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
| | - Mechelle M. Lewis
- Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
| | - Lan Kong
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
| | - Jeff D. Yanosky
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
| | - Paul Eslinger
- Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
| | - Byoung-Gwon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Young-Seoub Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Richard B. Mailman
- Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
| | - Xuemei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
- Department of Radiology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA 17033, USA
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13
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Fonseca Ó, Ramos AS, Gomes LTS, Gomes MS, Moreira AC. New Perspectives on Circulating Ferritin: Its Role in Health and Disease. Molecules 2023; 28:7707. [PMID: 38067440 PMCID: PMC10708148 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of iron disturbances usually includes the evaluation of serum parameters. Serum iron is assumed to be entirely bound to transferrin, and transferrin saturation-the ratio between the serum iron concentration and serum transferrin-usually reflects iron availability. Additionally, serum ferritin is commonly used as a surrogate of tissue iron levels. Low serum ferritin values are interpreted as a sign of iron deficiency, and high values are the main indicator of pathological iron overload. However, in situations of inflammation, serum ferritin levels may be very high, independently of tissue iron levels. This presents a particularly puzzling challenge for the clinician evaluating the overall iron status of the patient in the presence of an inflammatory condition. The increase in serum ferritin during inflammation is one of the enigmas regarding iron metabolism. Neither the origin, the mechanism of release, nor the effects of serum ferritin are known. The use of serum ferritin as a biomarker of disease has been rising, and it has become increasingly diverse, but whether or not it contributes to controlling the disease or host pathology, and how it would do it, are important, open questions. These will be discussed here, where we spotlight circulating ferritin and revise the recent clinical and preclinical data regarding its role in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Fonseca
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (Ó.F.); (A.S.R.); (L.T.S.G.); (M.S.G.)
| | - Ana S. Ramos
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (Ó.F.); (A.S.R.); (L.T.S.G.); (M.S.G.)
- FCUP—Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Leonor T. S. Gomes
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (Ó.F.); (A.S.R.); (L.T.S.G.); (M.S.G.)
- FCUP—Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Salomé Gomes
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (Ó.F.); (A.S.R.); (L.T.S.G.); (M.S.G.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Moreira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (Ó.F.); (A.S.R.); (L.T.S.G.); (M.S.G.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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14
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Lee SY, Paolillo EW, Saloner R, Cobigo Y, Diaz VE, Gontrum EQ, VandeBunte A, Chatterjee A, Tucker M, Kramer JH, Casaletto KB. Moderating role of physical activity on hippocampal iron deposition and memory outcomes in typically aging older adults. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 131:124-131. [PMID: 37633118 PMCID: PMC11424099 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) is linked to better cognitive and brain health, though its mechanisms are unknown. While brain iron is essential for normal function, levels increase with age and, when excessive, can cause detrimental neural effects. We examined how objectively measured PA relates to cerebral iron deposition and memory functioning in normal older adults. Sixty-eight cognitively unimpaired older adults from the UCSF Memory and Aging Center completed neuropsychological testing and brain magnetic resonance imaging, followed by 30-day Fitbit monitoring. Magnetic resonance imaging quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) quantified iron deposition. PA was operationalized as average daily steps. Linear regression models examined memory as a function of hippocampal QSM, PA, and their interaction. Higher bilateral hippocampal iron deposition correlated with worse memory but was not strongly related to PA. Covarying for demographics, PA moderated the relationship between bilateral hippocampal iron deposition and memory such that the negative effect of hippocampal QSM on memory performances was no longer significant above 9120 daily steps. PA may mitigate adverse iron-related pathways for memory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Y Lee
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily W Paolillo
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rowan Saloner
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yann Cobigo
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Valentina E Diaz
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eva Q Gontrum
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anna VandeBunte
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ankita Chatterjee
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Miwa Tucker
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joel H Kramer
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kaitlin B Casaletto
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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15
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Noh B, Blasco‐Conesa MP, Rahman SM, Monga S, Ritzel R, Guzman G, Lai Y, Ganesh BP, Urayama A, McCullough LD, Moruno‐Manchon JF. Iron overload induces cerebral endothelial senescence in aged mice and in primary culture in a sex-dependent manner. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13977. [PMID: 37675802 PMCID: PMC10652299 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron imbalance in the brain negatively affects brain function. With aging, iron levels increase in the brain and contribute to brain damage and neurological disorders. Changes in the cerebral vasculature with aging may enhance iron entry into the brain parenchyma, leading to iron overload and its deleterious consequences. Endothelial senescence has emerged as an important contributor to age-related changes in the cerebral vasculature. Evidence indicates that iron overload may induce senescence in cultured cell lines. Importantly, cells derived from female human and mice generally show enhanced senescence-associated phenotype, compared with males. Thus, we hypothesize that cerebral endothelial cells (CEC) derived from aged female mice are more susceptible to iron-induced senescence, compared with CEC from aged males. We found that aged female mice, but not males, showed cognitive deficits when chronically treated with ferric citrate (FC), and their brains and the brain vasculature showed senescence-associated phenotype. We also found that primary culture of CEC derived from aged female mice, but not male-derived CEC, exhibited senescence-associated phenotype when treated with FC. We identified that the transmembrane receptor Robo4 was downregulated in the brain vasculature and in cultured primary CEC derived from aged female mice, compared with those from male mice. We discovered that Robo4 downregulation contributed to enhanced vulnerability to FC-induced senescence. Thus, our study identifies Robo4 downregulation as a driver of senescence induced by iron overload in primary culture of CEC and a potential risk factor of brain vasculature impairment and brain dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Noh
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Maria Pilar Blasco‐Conesa
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Syed Mushfiqur Rahman
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Sheelu Monga
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Rodney Ritzel
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Gary Guzman
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Yun‐Ju Lai
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
- Solomont School of NursingZuckerberg College of Health SciencesUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMassachusettsUSA
| | - Bhanu Priya Ganesh
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Akihiko Urayama
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Jose Felix Moruno‐Manchon
- Department of NeurologyMcGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
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16
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Gustavsson J, Johansson J, Falahati F, Andersson M, Papenberg G, Avelar-Pereira B, Bäckman L, Kalpouzos G, Salami A. The iron-dopamine D1 coupling modulates neural signatures of working memory across adult lifespan. Neuroimage 2023; 279:120323. [PMID: 37582419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120323] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain iron overload and decreased integrity of the dopaminergic system have been independently reported as brain substrates of cognitive decline in aging. Dopamine (DA), and iron are co-localized in high concentrations in the striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC), but follow opposing age-related trajectories across the lifespan. DA contributes to cellular iron homeostasis and the activation of D1-like DA receptors (D1DR) alleviates oxidative stress-induced inflammatory responses, suggesting a mutual interaction between these two fundamental components. Still, a direct in-vivo study testing the iron-D1DR relationship and their interactions on brain function and cognition across the lifespan is rare. Using PET and MRI data from the DyNAMiC study (n=180, age=20-79, %50 female), we showed that elevated iron content was related to lower D1DRs in DLPFC, but not in striatum, suggesting that dopamine-rich regions are less susceptible to elevated iron. Critically, older individuals with elevated iron and lower D1DR exhibited less frontoparietal activations during the most demanding task, which in turn was related to poorer working-memory performance. Together, our findings suggest that the combination of elevated iron load and reduced D1DR contribute to disturbed PFC-related circuits in older age, and thus may be targeted as two modifiable factors for future intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Gustavsson
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Sweden.
| | - Jarkko Johansson
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Sweden; Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Farshad Falahati
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Micael Andersson
- Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Goran Papenberg
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Bárbara Avelar-Pereira
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA
| | - Lars Bäckman
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Grégoria Kalpouzos
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Alireza Salami
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Sweden; Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden
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17
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Schreiner OD, Schreiner TG. Iron chelators as a therapeutic option for Alzheimer's disease-A mini-review. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1234958. [PMID: 37602277 PMCID: PMC10433644 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1234958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), remain a great challenge regarding the finding of effective treatment, one main reason being the incomplete understanding of their etiology. With many intensely debated hypotheses, a newer approach based on the impact of iron imbalance in sustaining neurodegeneration in the central nervous system becomes increasingly popular. Altered iron homeostasis leads to increased iron accumulation in specific brain areas, explaining the clinical picture of AD patients. Moreover, growing evidence sustains the significant impact of iron metabolism in relationship to other pathological processes encountered in the AD-affected brain, such as the amyloidogenic pathway, chronic inflammation, or oxidative stress. In this context, this mini-review aims to summarize the novel data from the continuously expanding literature on this topic in a didactic manner. Thus, in the first part, the authors briefly highlight the most relevant aspects related to iron absorption, transport, regulation, and elimination at the cerebral level, focusing on the role of the blood-brain barrier and the newer concept of ferroptosis. Subsequently, currently available iron chelation therapies are discussed, including an overview of the most relevant clinical trials on this topic. In the final part, based on the latest results from in vitro and in vivo studies, new research directions are suggested to enhance the development of effective antidementia therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Daniel Schreiner
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
- Medical Oncology Department, Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi, Romania
| | - Thomas Gabriel Schreiner
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
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18
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Wang C, Xie L, Xing Y, Liu M, Yang J, Gao N, Cai Y. Iron-overload-induced ferroptosis in mouse cerebral toxoplasmosis promotes brain injury and could be inhibited by Deferiprone. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011607. [PMID: 37651502 PMCID: PMC10508604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is a trace metal element that is essential for the survival of cells and parasites. The role of iron in cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT) is still unclear. Deferiprone (DFP) is the orally active iron chelator that binds iron in a molar ratio of 3:1 (ligand:iron) and promotes urinary iron excretion to remove excess iron from the body. The aims of this experiment were to observe the alterations in iron in brains with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) acute infections and to investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis in CT using DFP. We established a cerebral toxoplasmosis model in vivo using TgCtwh3, the dominant strains of which are prevalent in China, and treated the mice with DFP at a dose of 75 mg/kg/d. Meanwhile, we treated the HT-22 cells with 100 μM DFP for half an hour and then infected cells with TgCtwh3 in vitro. A qRT-PCR assay of TgSAG1 levels showed a response to the T. gondii burden. We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, an iron ion assay kit, Western blot analysis, glutathione and glutathione disulfide assay kits, a malonaldehyde assay kit, and immunofluorescence to detect the ferroptosis-related indexes in the mouse hippocampus and HT-22 cells. The inflammatory factors interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, and arginase 1 in the hippocampus and cells were detected using the Western blot assay. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, and the Morris water maze experiment were used to evaluate the brain injuries of the mice. The results showed that TgCtwh3 infection is followed by the activation of ferroptosis-related signaling pathways and hippocampal pathological damage in mice. The use of DFP led to ferroptosis resistance and attenuated pathological changes, inflammatory reactions and T. gondii burden of the mice, prolonging their survival time. The HT-22 cells with TgCtwh3 activated the ferroptosis pathway and was inhibit by DFP in vitro. In TgCtwh3-infected cells, inflammatory response and mitochondrial damage were severe, but these effects could be reduced by DFP. Our study elucidates the mechanism by which T. gondii interferes with the host's iron metabolism and activates ferroptosis, complementing the pathogenic mechanism of CT and further demonstrating the potential value of DFP for the treatment of CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Wang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Linding Xie
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yien Xing
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nannan Gao
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yihong Cai
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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19
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Juan SMA, Daglas M, Truong PH, Mawal C, Adlard PA. Alterations in iron content, iron-regulatory proteins and behaviour without tau pathology at one year following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:118. [PMID: 37464280 PMCID: PMC10353227 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01603-z] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (r-mTBI) has increasingly become recognised as a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, many of which are characterised by tau pathology, metal dyshomeostasis and behavioural impairments. We aimed to characterise the status of tau and the involvement of iron dyshomeostasis in repetitive controlled cortical impact injury (5 impacts, 48 h apart) in 3-month-old C57Bl6 mice at the chronic (12-month) time point. We performed a battery of behavioural tests, characterised the status of neurodegeneration-associated proteins (tau and tau-regulatory proteins, amyloid precursor protein and iron-regulatory proteins) via western blot; and metal levels using bulk inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We report significant changes in various ipsilateral iron-regulatory proteins following five but not a single injury, and significant increases in contralateral iron, zinc and copper levels following five impacts. There was no evidence of tau pathology or changes in tau-regulatory proteins following five impacts, although some changes were observed following a single injury. Five impacts resulted in significant gait deficits, mild anhedonia and mild cognitive deficits at 9-12 months post-injury, effects not seen following a single injury. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to describe chronic changes in metals and iron-regulatory proteins in a mouse model of r-mTBI, providing a strong indication towards an overall increase in brain iron levels (and other metals) in the chronic phase following r-mTBI. These results bring to question the relevance of tau and highlight the involvement of iron dysregulation in the development and/or progression of neurodegeneration following injury, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney M A Juan
- Synaptic Neurobiology Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Maria Daglas
- Synaptic Neurobiology Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Phan H Truong
- Synaptic Neurobiology Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Celeste Mawal
- Synaptic Neurobiology Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Paul A Adlard
- Synaptic Neurobiology Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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20
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Ravanfar P, Syeda WT, Rushmore RJ, Moffat B, Lyall AE, Merritt AH, Devenyi GA, Chakravarty MM, Desmond P, Cropley VL, Makris N, Shenton ME, Bush AI, Velakoulis D, Pantelis C, Walterfang M. Investigation of Brain Iron in Niemann-Pick Type C: A 7T Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:768-775. [PMID: 37348967 PMCID: PMC10337610 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE While brain iron dysregulation has been observed in several neurodegenerative disorders, its association with the progressive neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick type C is unknown. Systemic iron abnormalities have been reported in patients with Niemann-Pick type C and in animal models of Niemann-Pick type C. In this study, we examined brain iron using quantitative susceptibility mapping MR imaging in individuals with Niemann-Pick type C compared with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort of 10 patients with adolescent- and adult-onset Niemann-Pick type C and 14 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent 7T brain MR imaging with T1 and quantitative susceptibility mapping acquisitions. A probing whole-brain voxelwise comparison of quantitative susceptibility mapping between groups was conducted. Mean quantitative susceptibility mapping in the ROIs (thalamus, hippocampus, putamen, caudate nucleus, and globus pallidus) was further compared. The correlations between regional volume, quantitative susceptibility mapping values, and clinical features, which included disease severity on the Iturriaga scale, cognitive function, and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale, were explored as secondary analyses. RESULTS We observed lower volume in the thalamus and voxel clusters of higher quantitative susceptibility mapping in the pulvinar nuclei bilaterally in patients with Niemann-Pick type C compared with the control group. In patients with Niemann-Pick type C, higher quantitative susceptibility mapping in the pulvinar nucleus clusters correlated with lower volume of the thalamus on both sides. Moreover, higher quantitative susceptibility mapping in the right pulvinar cluster was associated with greater disease severity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest iron deposition in the pulvinar nucleus in Niemann-Pick type C disease, which is associated with thalamic atrophy and disease severity. This preliminary evidence supports the link between iron and neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick type C, in line with existing literature on other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ravanfar
- From Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre (P.R., W.T.S., A.H.M., V.L.C., D.V., C.P., M.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory (P.R., R.J.R., A.E.L., N.M., M.E.S.)
| | - W T Syeda
- From Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre (P.R., W.T.S., A.H.M., V.L.C., D.V., C.P., M.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia
| | - R J Rushmore
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory (P.R., R.J.R., A.E.L., N.M., M.E.S.)
- Center for Morphometric Analysis (R.J.R., N.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology (R.J.R.), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - B Moffat
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit (B.M.), Department of Radiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - A E Lyall
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory (P.R., R.J.R., A.E.L., N.M., M.E.S.)
- Department of Psychiatry (A.E.L., M.E.S.)
- Department of Psychiatry (A.E.L., M.E.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - A H Merritt
- From Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre (P.R., W.T.S., A.H.M., V.L.C., D.V., C.P., M.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia
| | - G A Devenyi
- Cerebral Imaging Center (G.A.D., M.M.C.), Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Psychiatry (G.A.D., M.M.C.)
| | - M M Chakravarty
- Cerebral Imaging Center (G.A.D., M.M.C.), Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Psychiatry (G.A.D., M.M.C.)
- Biomedical Engineering (M.M.C.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - V L Cropley
- From Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre (P.R., W.T.S., A.H.M., V.L.C., D.V., C.P., M.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Makris
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory (P.R., R.J.R., A.E.L., N.M., M.E.S.)
- Center for Morphometric Analysis (R.J.R., N.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - M E Shenton
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory (P.R., R.J.R., A.E.L., N.M., M.E.S.)
- Department of Psychiatry (A.E.L., M.E.S.)
- Department of Radiology (M.E.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry (A.E.L., M.E.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - A I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre (A.I.B.)
| | - D Velakoulis
- From Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre (P.R., W.T.S., A.H.M., V.L.C., D.V., C.P., M.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia
- Neuropsychiatry (D.V., M.W.), Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Pantelis
- From Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre (P.R., W.T.S., A.H.M., V.L.C., D.V., C.P., M.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (C.P.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Walterfang
- From Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre (P.R., W.T.S., A.H.M., V.L.C., D.V., C.P., M.W.), the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia
- Neuropsychiatry (D.V., M.W.), Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Jäschke D, Steiner KM, Chang DI, Claaßen J, Uslar E, Thieme A, Gerwig M, Pfaffenrot V, Hulst T, Gussew A, Maderwald S, Göricke SL, Minnerop M, Ladd ME, Reichenbach JR, Timmann D, Deistung A. Age-related differences of cerebellar cortex and nuclei: MRI findings in healthy controls and its application to spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA6) patients. Neuroimage 2023; 270:119950. [PMID: 36822250 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.119950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding cerebellar alterations due to healthy aging provides a reference point against which pathological findings in late-onset disease, for example spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6), can be contrasted. In the present study, we investigated the impact of aging on the cerebellar nuclei and cerebellar cortex in 109 healthy controls (age range: 16 - 78 years) using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Findings were compared with 25 SCA6 patients (age range: 38 - 78 years). A subset of 16 SCA6 (included: 14) patients and 50 controls (included: 45) received an additional MRI scan at 7 Tesla and were re-scanned after one year. MRI included T1-weighted, T2-weighted FLAIR, and multi-echo T2*-weighted imaging. The T2*-weighted phase images were converted to quantitative susceptibility maps (QSM). Since the cerebellar nuclei are characterized by elevated iron content with respect to their surroundings, two independent raters manually outlined them on the susceptibility maps. T1-weighted images acquired at 3T were utilized to automatically identify the cerebellar gray matter (GM) volume. Linear correlations revealed significant atrophy of the cerebellum due to tissue loss of cerebellar cortical GM in healthy controls with increasing age. Reduction of the cerebellar GM was substantially stronger in SCA6 patients. The volume of the dentate nuclei did not exhibit a significant relationship with age, at least in the age range between 18 and 78 years, whereas mean susceptibilities of the dentate nuclei increased with age. As previously shown, the dentate nuclei volumes were smaller and magnetic susceptibilities were lower in SCA6 patients compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The significant dentate volume loss in SCA6 patients could also be confirmed with 7T MRI. Linear mixed effects models and individual paired t-tests accounting for multiple comparisons revealed no statistical significant change in volume and susceptibility of the dentate nuclei after one year in neither patients nor controls. Importantly, dentate volumes were more sensitive to differentiate between SCA6 (Cohen's d = 3.02) and matched controls than the cerebellar cortex volume (d = 2.04). In addition to age-related decline of the cerebellar cortex and atrophy in SCA6 patients, age-related increase of susceptibility of the dentate nuclei was found in controls, whereas dentate volume and susceptibility was significantly decreased in SCA6 patients. Because no significant changes of any of these parameters was found at follow-up, these measures do not allow to monitor disease progression at short intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Jäschke
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Katharina M Steiner
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany; LVR-Hospital Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Dae-In Chang
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany; Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum 44791, Germany
| | - Jens Claaßen
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany; Fachklinik für Neurologie, MEDICLIN Klinik Reichshof, Reichshof-Eckenhagen 51580, Germany
| | - Ellen Uslar
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Andreas Thieme
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Marcus Gerwig
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Viktor Pfaffenrot
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45141, Germany
| | - Thomas Hulst
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany; Erasmus University College, Rotterdam 3011 HP, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Gussew
- University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Radiology, Department for Radiation Medicine, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Stefan Maderwald
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45141, Germany
| | - Sophia L Göricke
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45141, Germany
| | - Martina Minnerop
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich 52425, Germany; Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany; Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Mark E Ladd
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45141, Germany; Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Faculty of Physics and Astronomy and Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Jürgen R Reichenbach
- Medical Physics Group, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany; Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45141, Germany
| | - Andreas Deistung
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany; University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Radiology, Department for Radiation Medicine, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany; Medical Physics Group, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07743, Germany.
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22
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Adams AR, Li X, Byanyima JI, Vesslee SA, Nguyen TD, Wang Y, Moon B, Pond T, Kranzler HR, Witschey WR, Shi Z, Wiers CE. Peripheral and Central Iron Measures in Alcohol Use Disorder and Aging: A Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4461. [PMID: 36901892 PMCID: PMC10002495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic excessive alcohol use has neurotoxic effects, which may contribute to cognitive decline and the risk of early-onset dementia. Elevated peripheral iron levels have been reported in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but its association with brain iron loading has not been explored. We evaluated whether (1) serum and brain iron loading are higher in individuals with AUD than non-dependent healthy controls and (2) serum and brain iron loading increase with age. A fasting serum iron panel was obtained and a magnetic resonance imaging scan with quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) was used to quantify brain iron concentrations. Although serum ferritin levels were higher in the AUD group than in controls, whole-brain iron susceptibility did not differ between groups. Voxel-wise QSM analyses revealed higher susceptibility in a cluster in the left globus pallidus in individuals with AUD than controls. Whole-brain iron increased with age and voxel-wise QSM indicated higher susceptibility with age in various brain areas including the basal ganglia. This is the first study to analyze both serum and brain iron loading in individuals with AUD. Larger studies are needed to examine the effects of alcohol use on iron loading and its associations with alcohol use severity, structural and functional brain changes, and alcohol-induced cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiden R. Adams
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St Ste 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xinyi Li
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St Ste 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Juliana I. Byanyima
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St Ste 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sianneh A. Vesslee
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St Ste 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thanh D. Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Brianna Moon
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, South Pavilion, Room 11-155, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Timothy Pond
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St Ste 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Henry R. Kranzler
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St Ste 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Walter R. Witschey
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, South Pavilion, Room 11-155, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhenhao Shi
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St Ste 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Corinde E. Wiers
- Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St Ste 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, South Pavilion, Room 11-155, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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23
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Revisiting the Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Alzheimer's Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020415. [PMID: 36829974 PMCID: PMC9952129 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by memory loss, impaired learning and thinking, and difficulty in performing regular daily activities. Despite nearly two decades of collective efforts to develop novel medications that can prevent or halt the disease progression, we remain faced with only a few options with limited effectiveness. There has been a recent growth of interest in the role of nutrition in brain health as we begin to gain a better understanding of what and how nutrients affect hormonal and neural actions that not only can lead to typical cardiovascular or metabolic diseases but also an array of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients, are elements that are indispensable for functions including nutrient metabolism, immune surveillance, cell development, neurotransmission, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, we provide an overview on some of the most common vitamins and minerals and discuss what current studies have revealed on the link between these essential micronutrients and cognitive performance or AD.
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24
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Spindler M, Thiel CM. Hypothalamic microstructure and function are related to body mass, but not mental or cognitive abilities across the adult lifespan. GeroScience 2023; 45:277-291. [PMID: 35896889 PMCID: PMC9886766 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00630-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical, mental, and cognitive resources are essential for healthy aging. Aging impacts on the structural integrity of various brain regions, including the hippocampus. Even though recent rodent studies hint towards a critical role of the hypothalamus, there is limited evidence on functional consequences of age-related changes of this region in humans. Given its central role in metabolic regulation and affective processing and its connections to the hippocampus, it is plausible that hypothalamic integrity and connectivity are associated with functional age-related decline. We used data of n = 369 participants (18-88 years) from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience repository to determine functional impacts of potential changes in hypothalamic microstructure across the lifespan. First, we identified age-related changes in microstructure as a function of physical, mental, and cognitive health and compared those findings to changes in hippocampal microstructure. Second, we investigated the relationship of hypothalamic microstructure and resting-state functional connectivity and related those changes to age as well as physical health. Our results showed that hypothalamic microstructure is not affected by depressive symptoms (mental health), cognitive performance (cognitive health), and comparatively stable across the lifespan, but affected by body mass (physical health). Furthermore, body mass changes connectivity to limbic regions including the hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens, suggesting functional alterations in the metabolic and reward systems. Our results demonstrate that hypothalamic structure and function are affected by body mass, focused on neural density and dispersion, but not inflammation. Still, observed effect sizes were small, encouraging detailed investigations of individual hypothalamic subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Spindler
- Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl Von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Christiane M Thiel
- Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl Von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all", Carl Von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Carl Von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
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25
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Nikolova S, Chong CD, Dumkrieger GM, Li J, Wu T, Schwedt TJ. Longitudinal differences in iron deposition in periaqueductal gray matter and anterior cingulate cortex are associated with response to erenumab in migraine. Cephalalgia 2023; 43:3331024221144783. [PMID: 36756979 DOI: 10.1177/03331024221144783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this longitudinal study was to determine whether brain iron accumulation, measured using magnetic resonance imaging magnetic transverse relaxation rates (T2*), is associated with response to erenumab for the treatment of migraine. METHODS Participants (n = 28) with migraine, diagnosed using international classification of headache disorders 3rd edition criteria, were eligible if they had six to 25 migraine days during a four-week headache diary run-in phase. Participants received two treatments with 140 mg erenumab, one immediately following the pre-treatment run-in phase and a second treatment four weeks later. T2* data were collected immediately following the pre-treatment phase, and at two weeks and eight weeks following the first erenumab treatment. Patients were classified as erenumab responders if their migraine-day frequency at five-to-eight weeks post-initial treatment was reduced by at least 50% compared to the pre-treatment run-in phase. A longitudinal Sandwich estimator approach was used to compare longitudinal group differences (responders vs non-responders) in T2* values, associated with iron accumulation. Group visit effects were calculated with a significance threshold of p = 0.005 and cluster forming threshold of 250 voxels. T2* values of 19 healthy controls were used for a reference. The average of each significant region was compared between groups and visits with Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons with significance defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS Pre- and post-treatment longitudinal imaging data were available from 28 participants with migraine for a total of 79 quantitative T2* images. Average subject age was 42 ± 13 years (25 female, three male). Of the 28 subjects studied, 53.6% were erenumab responders. Comparing longitudinal T2* between erenumab responders vs non-responders yielded two comparisons which survived the significance threshold of p < 0.05 after correction for multiple comparisons: the difference at eight weeks between the erenumab-responders and non-responders in the periaqueductal gray (mean ± standard error; responders 43 ± 1 ms vs non-responders 32.5 ± 1 ms, p = 0.002) and the anterior cingulate cortex (mean ± standard error; responders 50 ± 1 ms vs non-responders 40 ± 1 ms, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Erenumab response is associated with higher T2* in the periaqueductal gray and anterior cingulate cortex, regions that participate in pain processing and modulation. T2* differences between erenumab responders vs non-responders, a measure of brain iron accumulation, are seen at eight weeks post-treatment. Less iron accumulation in the periaqueductal gray and anterior cingulate cortex might play a role in the therapeutic mechanisms of migraine reduction associated with erenumab.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Daniela Chong
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,ASU-Mayo Center for Innovative Imaging, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | - Jing Li
- Georgia Tech, School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia, USA
| | - Teresa Wu
- ASU-Mayo Center for Innovative Imaging, Tempe, AZ, USA.,School of Computing, Informatics, Decision Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ, USA
| | - Todd J Schwedt
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,ASU-Mayo Center for Innovative Imaging, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Tan H, Hubertus S, Thomas S, Lee AM, Gerhardt S, Gerchen MF, Sommer WH, Kiefer F, Schad L, Vollstädt-Klein S. Association between iron accumulation in the dorsal striatum and compulsive drinking in alcohol use disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:249-257. [PMID: 36577866 PMCID: PMC9879829 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Brain iron accumulation has been observed in neuropsychiatric disorders and shown to be related to neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVES In this study, we used quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), an emerging MRI technique developed for quantifying tissue magnetic susceptibility, to examine brain iron accumulation in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and its relation to compulsive drinking. METHODS Based on our previous projects, QSM was performed as a secondary analysis with gradient echo sequence images, in 186 individuals with AUD and 274 healthy participants. Whole-brain susceptibility values were calculated with morphology-enabled dipole inversion and referenced to the cerebrospinal fluid. Then, the susceptibility maps were compared between AUD individuals and healthy participants. The relationship between drinking patterns and susceptibility was explored. RESULTS Whole-brain analyses showed that the susceptibility in the dorsal striatum (putamen and caudate) among AUD individuals was higher than healthy participants and was positively related to the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) scores and the amount of drinking in the past three months. CONCLUSIONS Increased susceptibility suggests higher iron accumulation in the dorsal striatum in AUD. This surrogate for the brain iron level was linearly associated with the compulsive drinking pattern and the recent amount of drinking, which provides us a new clinical perspective in relation to brain iron accumulation, and also might indicate an association of AUD with neuroinflammation as a consequence of brain iron accumulation. The iron accumulation in the striatum is further relevant for functional imaging studies in AUD by potentially producing signal dropout and artefacts in fMRI images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoye Tan
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simon Hubertus
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Thomas
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alycia M. Lee
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sarah Gerhardt
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Fungisai Gerchen
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.455092.fBernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Heidelberg/Mannheim, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H. Sommer
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,Bethania Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Feuerlein Center on Translational Addiction Medicine, Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lothar Schad
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sabine Vollstädt-Klein
- Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany. .,Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
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Decreased basal ganglia and thalamic iron in early psychotic spectrum disorders are associated with increased psychotic and schizotypal symptoms. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:5144-5153. [PMID: 36071113 PMCID: PMC9772130 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01740-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Iron deficits have been reported as a risk factor for psychotic spectrum disorders (PSD). However, examinations of brain iron in PSD remain limited. The current study employed quantitative MRI to examine iron content in several iron-rich subcortical structures in 49 young adult individuals with PSD (15 schizophrenia, 17 schizoaffective disorder, and 17 bipolar disorder with psychotic features) compared with 35 age-matched healthy controls (HC). A parametric approach based on a two-pool magnetization transfer model was applied to estimate longitudinal relaxation rate (R1), which reflects both iron and myelin, and macromolecular proton fraction (MPF), which is specific to myelin. To describe iron content, a synthetic effective transverse relaxation rate (R2*) was modeled using a linear fitting of R1 and MPF. PSD patients compared to HC showed significantly reduced R1 and synthetic R2* across examined regions including the pallidum, ventral diencephalon, thalamus, and putamen areas. This finding was primarily driven by decreases in the subgroup with schizophrenia, followed by schizoaffective disorder. No significant group differences were noted for MPF between PSD and HC while for regional volume, significant reductions in patients were only observed in bilateral caudate, suggesting that R1 and synthetic R2* reductions in schizophrenia and schizoaffective patients likely reflect iron deficits that either occur independently or precede structural and myelin changes. Subcortical R1 and synthetic R2* were also found to be inversely related to positive symptoms within the PSD group and to schizotypal traits across the whole sample. These findings that decreased iron in subcortical regions are associated with PSD risk and symptomatology suggest that brain iron deficiencies may play a role in PSD pathology and warrant further study.
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Spence H, McNeil CJ, Waiter GD. Cognition and brain iron deposition in whole grey matter regions and hippocampal subfields. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:6039-6054. [PMID: 36215153 PMCID: PMC10092357 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15838] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Regional brain iron accumulation is observed in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and is associated with cognitive decline. We explored associations between age, cognition and iron content in grey matter regions and hippocampal subfields in 380 participants of the Aberdeen children of the 1950s cohort and their first-generation relatives (aged 26-72 years). Participants underwent cognitive assessment at the time of MRI scanning. Quantitative susceptibility mapping of these MRI data was used to assess iron content in grey matter regions and in hippocampal subfields. Principle component analysis was performed on cognitive test scores to create a general cognition score. Spline analysis was used with the Akaike information criterion to determine if order 1, 2 or 3 natural splines were optimal for assessing non-linear relationships between regional iron and age. Multivariate linear models were used to assess associations between regional iron and cognition. Higher iron correlated with older age in the left putamen across all ages and in the right putamen of only participants over 58. Whereas a decrease in iron with older age was observed in the right thalamus and left pallidum across all ages. Right amygdala iron levels were associated with poorer general cognition scores and poorer immediate recall scores. Iron was not associated with any measures of cognitive performance in other regions of interest. Our results suggest that, whilst iron in some regions was associated with cognitive performance, there is an overall lack of association between regional iron content and cognitive ability in cognitively healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Spence
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Chris J McNeil
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gordon D Waiter
- Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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29
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Cunliffe G, Lim YT, Chae W, Jung S. Alternative Pharmacological Strategies for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Neuromodulator Function. Biomedicines 2022; 10:3064. [PMID: 36551821 PMCID: PMC9776382 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, comprising 70% of dementia diagnoses worldwide and affecting 1 in 9 people over the age of 65. However, the majority of its treatments, which predominantly target the cholinergic system, remain insufficient at reversing pathology and act simply to slow the inevitable progression of the disease. The most recent neurotransmitter-targeting drug for AD was approved in 2003, strongly suggesting that targeting neurotransmitter systems alone is unlikely to be sufficient, and that research into alternate treatment avenues is urgently required. Neuromodulators are substances released by neurons which influence neurotransmitter release and signal transmission across synapses. Neuromodulators including neuropeptides, hormones, neurotrophins, ATP and metal ions display altered function in AD, which underlies aberrant neuronal activity and pathology. However, research into how the manipulation of neuromodulators may be useful in the treatment of AD is relatively understudied. Combining neuromodulator targeting with more novel methods of drug delivery, such as the use of multi-targeted directed ligands, combinatorial drugs and encapsulated nanoparticle delivery systems, may help to overcome limitations of conventional treatments. These include difficulty crossing the blood-brain-barrier and the exertion of effects on a single target only. This review aims to highlight the ways in which neuromodulator functions are altered in AD and investigate how future therapies targeting such substances, which act upstream to classical neurotransmitter systems, may be of potential therapeutic benefit in the sustained search for more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Cunliffe
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667, Singapore
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Yi Tang Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667, Singapore
- Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Woori Chae
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667, Singapore
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangyong Jung
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138667, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
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30
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Nakhid D, McMorris C, Sun H, Gibbard WB, Tortorelli C, Lebel C. Brain volume and magnetic susceptibility differences in children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1797-1807. [PMID: 36016464 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14928] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can negatively affect brain development thereby increasing the risk of cognitive deficits, behavioral challenges, and mental health problems. Brain iron is important for a number of physiological processes for healthy brain development. Animal studies show that PAE reduced brain iron; however, this has not been investigated in human children with PAE. METHODS We studied 20 children and adolescents with PAE and 44 unexposed children and adolescents aged 7.5 to 15 years. All children underwent quantitative susceptibility mapping and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans. Susceptibility and volume measurements of the caudate, putamen, pallidum, thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens were extracted using FreeSurfer. ANCOVAs were used to compare volume and susceptibility between groups for each region of interest, controlling for age and gender. For structures where susceptibility differed by group, we also tested for an association between intelligence quotient (IQ) and susceptibility. RESULTS There were no significant group differences in susceptibility after multiple comparison correction, though the PAE group had higher susceptibility in the thalamus compared to unexposed participants before correction (p = 0.032, q = 0.230). There was no association between IQ and thalamus susceptibility. The PAE group had significantly lower volume in the bilateral caudate, bilateral pallidum, and left putamen. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest susceptibility may be altered in children and adolescents with PAE, though more research is needed. Volume reductions are consistent with previous literature and likely underlie cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Nakhid
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carly McMorris
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,School and Applied Child Psychology, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hongfu Sun
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - William Benton Gibbard
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christina Tortorelli
- Department of Child Studies and Social Work, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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31
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Cerebral Iron Deposition in Neurodegeneration. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050714. [PMID: 35625641 PMCID: PMC9138489 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of cerebral iron regulation appears to have a role in aging and in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. Possible unfavorable impacts of iron accumulation include reactive oxygen species generation, induction of ferroptosis, and acceleration of inflammatory changes. Whole-brain iron-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques allow the examination of macroscopic patterns of brain iron deposits in vivo, while modern analytical methods ex vivo enable the determination of metal-specific content inside individual cell-types, sometimes also within specific cellular compartments. The present review summarizes the whole brain, cellular, and subcellular patterns of iron accumulation in neurodegenerative diseases of genetic and sporadic origin. We also provide an update on mechanisms, biomarkers, and effects of brain iron accumulation in these disorders, focusing on recent publications. In Parkinson’s disease, Friedreich’s disease, and several disorders within the neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation group, there is a focal siderosis, typically in regions with the most pronounced neuropathological changes. The second group of disorders including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis shows iron accumulation in the globus pallidus, caudate, and putamen, and in specific cortical regions. Yet, other disorders such as aceruloplasminemia, neuroferritinopathy, or Wilson disease manifest with diffuse iron accumulation in the deep gray matter in a pattern comparable to or even more extensive than that observed during normal aging. On the microscopic level, brain iron deposits are present mostly in dystrophic microglia variably accompanied by iron-laden macrophages and in astrocytes, implicating a role of inflammatory changes and blood–brain barrier disturbance in iron accumulation. Options and potential benefits of iron reducing strategies in neurodegeneration are discussed. Future research investigating whether genetic predispositions play a role in brain Fe accumulation is necessary. If confirmed, the prevention of further brain Fe uptake in individuals at risk may be key for preventing neurodegenerative disorders.
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32
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Can Nutrients and Dietary Supplements Potentially Improve Cognitive Performance Also in Esports? Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020186. [PMID: 35206801 PMCID: PMC8872051 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Factors influencing brain function and cognitive performance can be critical to athletic performance of esports athletes. This review aims to discuss the potential beneficial effects of micronutrients, i.e., vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances on cognitive functions of e-athletes. Minerals (iodine, zinc, iron, magnesium) and vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins E, D, and C) are significant factors that positively influence cognitive functions. Prevention of deficiencies of the listed ingredients and regular examinations can support cognitive processes. The beneficial effects of caffeine, creatine, and probiotics have been documented so far. There are many plant products, herbal extracts, or phytonutrients that have been shown to affect precognitive activity, but more research is needed. Beetroot juice and nootropics can also be essential nutrients for cognitive performance. For the sake of players’ eyesight, it would be useful to use lutein, which, in addition to improving vision and protecting against eye diseases, can also affect cognitive functions. In supporting the physical and mental abilities of e-athletes the base is a well-balanced diet with adequate hydration. There is a lack of sufficient evidence that has investigated the relationship between dietary effects and improved performance in esports. Therefore, there is a need for randomized controlled trials involving esports players.
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33
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Gong Z, Song W, Gu M, Zhou X, Tian C. Association between serum iron concentrations and cognitive impairment in older adults aged 60 years and older: A dose-response analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255595. [PMID: 34339453 PMCID: PMC8328322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence on peripheral iron and cognitive impairment in older adults is sparse and limited. Results on serum iron and cognitive impairment in older adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey have not been reported. Data on serum iron and cognitive impairment from individuals ≥ 60 years of age were obtained from the 2011–2014 NHANES (N = 3,131). Serum iron concentrations were determined with DcX800 method. Cognitive impairment was assessed with four cognitive tests: the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), the Animal Fluency (AF), the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Delayed Recall (CERAD-DR) and Word Learning (CERAD-WL) tests. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were adopted to explore the dose-response relationship between serum iron concentrations and cognitive impairment. Comparing the highest to lowest tertile of serum iron concentrations, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of scoring low on the DSST were 0.70 (0.49–1.00), 0.88 (0.65–1.20) for CERAD-WL, 0.65 (0.48–0.88) for CERAD-DR, and 0.78 (0.53–1.15) for AF. Stratified analyses by sex showed that the above-mentioned associations were mainly found in men; however, the interaction with sex was not significant. Dose-response analysis showed that relationships between serum iron and cognitive impairment evaluated by DSST and CERAD-DR were linear, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonglin Gong
- Department of Integrated Services, Kunshan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenlei Song
- Department of Integrated Services, Kunshan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minjun Gu
- Department of Disease Control, Kunshan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Integrated Services, Kunshan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changwei Tian
- Department of Integrated Services, Kunshan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
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Kalpouzos G, Mangialasche F, Falahati F, Laukka EJ, Papenberg G. Contributions of HFE polymorphisms to brain and blood iron load, and their links to cognitive and motor function in healthy adults. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2021; 41:393-404. [PMID: 34291615 PMCID: PMC8411306 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brain iron overload is linked to brain deterioration, and cognitive and motor impairment in neurodegenerative disorders and normal aging. Mutations in the HFE gene are associated with iron dyshomeostasis and are risk factors for peripheral iron overload. However, links to brain iron load and cognition are less consistent and data are scarce. Aims and methods Using quantitative susceptibility mapping with magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated whether C282Y and H63D contributed to aging‐related increases in brain iron load and lower cognitive and motor performance in 208 healthy individuals aged 20‐79 years. We also assessed the modulatory effects of HFE mutations on associations between performance and brain iron load, as well as peripheral iron metabolism. Results Independent of age, carriers of either C282Y and/or H63D (HFE‐pos group, n = 66) showed a higher load of iron in putamen than non‐carriers (HFE‐neg group, n = 142), as well as higher transferrin saturation and lower transferrin and transferrin receptors in blood. In the HFE‐neg group, higher putaminal iron was associated with lower working memory. In the HFE‐pos group, higher putaminal iron was instead linked to higher executive function, and lower plasma transferrin was related to higher episodic memory. Iron‐performance associations were modest albeit reliable. Conclusion Our findings suggest that HFE status is characterized by higher regional brain iron load across adulthood, and support the presence of a modulatory effect of HFE status on the relationships between iron load and cognition. Future studies in healthy individuals are needed to confirm the reported patterns. This study investigated the contribution of genetic polymorphisms in the HFE gene (C282Y and H63D) on blood and brain iron load, and their relationships with cognition, in a healthy sample of adults. The findings indicated that carriers of C282Y and/or H63D displayed higher iron load in putamen and higher transferrin saturation in blood. Results further suggested that in carriers, higher iron load may be beneficial for cognitive performance, independent of age.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoria Kalpouzos
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesca Mangialasche
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Farshad Falahati
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erika J Laukka
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Goran Papenberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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35
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Gozt A, Hellewell S, Ward PGD, Bynevelt M, Fitzgerald M. Emerging Applications for Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping in the Detection of Traumatic Brain Injury Pathology. Neuroscience 2021; 467:218-236. [PMID: 34087394 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.05.030] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common but heterogeneous injury underpinned by numerous complex and interrelated pathophysiological mechanisms. An essential trace element, iron is abundant within the brain and involved in many fundamental neurobiological processes, including oxygen transportation, oxidative phosphorylation, myelin production and maintenance, as well as neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism. Excessive levels of iron are neurotoxic and thus iron homeostasis is tightly regulated in the brain, however, many details about the mechanisms by which this is achieved are yet to be elucidated. A key mediator of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammatory response, iron dysregulation is an important contributor to secondary injury in TBI. Advances in neuroimaging that leverage magnetic susceptibility properties have enabled increasingly comprehensive investigations into the distribution and behaviour of iron in the brain amongst healthy individuals as well as disease states such as TBI. Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) is an advanced neuroimaging technique that promises quantitative estimation of local magnetic susceptibility at the voxel level. In this review, we provide an overview of brain iron and its homeostasis, describe recent advances enabling applications of QSM within the context of TBI and summarise the current state of the literature. Although limited, the emergent research suggests that QSM is a promising neuroimaging technique that can be used to investigate a host of pathophysiological changes that are associated with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Gozt
- Curtin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, WA Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA Australia
| | - Sarah Hellewell
- Curtin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, WA Australia
| | - Phillip G D Ward
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, VIC Australia; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, VIC Australia
| | - Michael Bynevelt
- Neurological Intervention and Imaging Service of Western Australia, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA Australia
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Curtin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, WA Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA Australia.
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36
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Greenwood EK, Brown DR. Senescent Microglia: The Key to the Ageing Brain? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4402. [PMID: 33922383 PMCID: PMC8122783 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing represents the single biggest risk factor for development of neurodegenerative disease. Despite being such long-lived cells, microglia have been relatively understudied for their role in the ageing process. Reliably identifying aged microglia has proven challenging, not least due to the diversity of cell populations, and the limitations of available models, further complicated by differences between human and rodent cells. Consequently, the literature contains multiple descriptions and categorisations of microglia with neurotoxic phenotypes, including senescence, without any unifying markers. The role of microglia in brain homeostasis, particularly iron storage and metabolism, may provide a key to reliable identification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David R. Brown
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK;
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