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Amoriello R, Ballerini C. Immunofluorescence Staining of Murine Spinal Cord Sections to Evaluate Microglial Activation and Astrogliosis. Methods Mol Biol 2025; 2857:159-167. [PMID: 39348064 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4128-6_15] [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] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Microglia and astrocytes are the main components of the central nervous system (CNS). Upon activation, microglia is able to phagocyte cell debris, pathogens, and toxins; astrocytes support neuronal functions, blood-brain barrier (BBB) homeostasis, and neurotransmitter uptake and metabolism. Furthermore, both cell types can produce cytokines and chemokines. Aging impacts microglia and astrocytes by promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, impairing microglial phagocytosis and motility and astrocyte glutamate uptake. During neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, the aging process may be accelerated contributing to the alteration of CNS glial cells functions. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, demyelinating disease in which immunosenescence can promote the conversion from relapsing-remitting form to progressive disease. The murine model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) allows to investigate MS pathogenesis. Furthermore, EAE can be developed as acute or progressive, mimicking different forms of human MS. Microglia and astrocytes report morphological and functional changes during neuroinflammation that can be investigated in different ways. We here present a protocol for the study of glial cell activation in the spinal cord tissue of EAE mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Amoriello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Clara Ballerini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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2
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Su Q, Liu Q, Li B, Ma Z, Bai F, Li Y, Yu X, Li M, Li J, Sun D. Exploration of plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease by targeted lipid metabolomics based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024:10.1007/s00702-024-02844-5. [PMID: 39382682 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02844-5] [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: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, but the disease lacks convenient and cost-effective alternative biomarkers currently. We utilized targeted lipid metabolomics based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify plasma biomarkers in AD patients. Our study was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 58 AD patients and 40 matched health controls (HCs). Firstly, we identified plasma lipid metabolites that were significantly different between the two groups based on P < 0.05 and variable importance in the projection (VIP) > 1. Then we examined the correlation between the lipid metabolites and cognitive function using partial correlation analysis and assessed the diagnostic ability of the lipid metabolites using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Seventeen lipoproteins showed significant differences between AD patients and HCs among 114 lipid metabolites. All 17 lipoproteins were subtypes of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Among them, LDL-3 particle number, LDL-3 apolipoprotein-B, LDL-3 phospholipids, LDL free cholesterol and LDL phospholipids were significantly correlated with cognitive function. The ROC curves showed that LDL-2 triglycerides (TG) and LDL-3 TG could significantly distinguish AD patients from HCs, with the area under the curve (AUC) above 0.7. In addition, we explored a strategy of combined diagnosis that significantly improved the diagnostic efficacy for AD (AUC = 0.879). Our study provides insight into the lipoprotein alterations associated with AD and potential biomarkers for its diagnosis and cognitive function assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Su
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Qinghe Liu
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Baozhu Li
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Zhonghui Ma
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Fengfeng Bai
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Yanzhe Li
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Xue Yu
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Meijuan Li
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Jie Li
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China.
| | - Daliang Sun
- Tianjin Mental Health Institute, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300222, China.
- Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
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3
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Haque A, Alenezi KM, Abdul Rasheed MSM. Identification of imidazole-based small molecules to combat cognitive disability caused by Alzheimer's disease: A molecular docking and MD simulations based approach. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 112:108152. [PMID: 39038422 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108152] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that is the primary cause of dementia. It is characterised by the gradual loss of brain cells, which results in memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. One of the hallmarks of AD is an abnormally upregulated glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase (QPCT or QC) enzyme. Not only AD, but QC has also been implicated with pathological conditions like Huntington's disease (HD), melanomas, carcinomas, atherosclerosis, and septic arthritis. Therefore, the inhibition of QC emerged as a potential strategy for preventing multiple pathological conditions. Considering this, we screened a library of 153,536 imidazole-based compounds against a doubly mutant (Y115E-Y117E) QC target. Molecular docking based virtual screening and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion/toxicity (ADME/T) predictions identified five compounds, namely 118981836, 136459842, 139388116, 139388226, and 139958725. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of 500 ns were conducted to investigate the behaviour of the identified compounds with the target receptor. The results were compared to the co-ligand by analysing RMSD, RMSF, and SASA parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first computational study that employed a protein with double mutation to identify new imidazole-based QC-inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashanul Haque
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Khalaf M Alenezi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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4
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Shah S, Mansour HM, Aguilar TM, Lucke-Wold B. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as a Neuroregeneration Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2113. [PMID: 39335626 PMCID: PMC11428860 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12092113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent kind of dementia and is a long-term degenerative disease. Pathologically, it is defined by the development of extracellular amyloid-β plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles made up of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. This causes neuronal death, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes have been identified as possibly therapeutic and have promise for Alzheimer's disease due to their regenerative characteristics. METHODS A systematic retrieval of information was performed on PubMed. A total of 60 articles were found in a search on mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, and Alzheimer's disease. A total of 16 ongoing clinical trials were searched and added from clinicaltrials.gov. We added 23 supporting articles to help provide information for certain sections. In total, we included 99 articles in this manuscript: 50 are review articles, 13 are preclinical studies, 16 are clinical studies, 16 are ongoing clinical trials, and 4 are observational studies. Appropriate studies were isolated, and important information from each of them was understood and entered into a database from which the information was used in this article. The clinical trials on mesenchymal stem cell exosomes for Alzheimer's disease were searched on clinicaltrials.gov. RESULTS Several experimental investigations have shown that MSC-Exo improves cognitive impairment in rats. In this review paper, we summarized existing understanding regarding the molecular and cellular pathways behind MSC-Exo-based cognitive function restoration, with a focus on MSC-Exo's therapeutic potential in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSION AD is a significant health issue in our culture and is linked to several important neuropathological characteristics. Exosomes generated from stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or neural stem cells (NSCs), have been examined more and more in a variety of AD models, indicating that they may be viable therapeutic agents for the treatment of diverse disorders. Exosome yields may be increased, and their therapeutic efficacy can be improved using a range of tailored techniques and culture conditions. It is necessary to provide standardized guidelines for exosome manufacture to carry out excellent preclinical and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Hadeel M Mansour
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Tania M Aguilar
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
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5
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Kale M, Wankhede N, Pawar R, Ballal S, Kumawat R, Goswami M, Khalid M, Taksande B, Upaganlawar A, Umekar M, Kopalli SR, Koppula S. AI-driven innovations in Alzheimer's disease: Integrating early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prognostic modelling. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 101:102497. [PMID: 39293530 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102497] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents a significant challenge in neurodegenerative research and clinical practice due to its complex etiology and progressive nature. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic modelling of AD holds promising potential to transform the landscape of dementia care. This review explores recent advancements in AI applications across various stages of AD management. In early diagnosis, AI-enhanced neuroimaging techniques, including MRI, PET, and CT scans, enable precise detection of AD biomarkers. Machine learning models analyze these images to identify patterns indicative of early cognitive decline. Additionally, AI algorithms are employed to detect genetic and proteomic biomarkers, facilitating early intervention. Cognitive and behavioral assessments have also benefited from AI, with tools that enhance the accuracy of neuropsychological tests and analyze speech and language patterns for early signs of dementia. Personalized treatment strategies have been revolutionized by AI-driven approaches. In drug discovery, virtual screening and drug repurposing, guided by predictive modelling, accelerate the identification of effective treatments. AI also aids in tailoring therapeutic interventions by predicting individual responses to treatments and monitoring patient progress, allowing for dynamic adjustment of care plans. Prognostic modelling, another critical area, utilizes AI to predict disease progression through longitudinal data analysis and risk prediction models. The integration of multi-modal data, combining clinical, genetic, and imaging information, enhances the accuracy of these predictions. Deep learning techniques are particularly effective in fusing diverse data types to uncover new insights into disease mechanisms and progression. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including ethical considerations, data privacy, and the need for seamless integration of AI tools into clinical workflows. This review underscores the transformative potential of AI in AD management while highlighting areas for future research and development. By leveraging AI, the healthcare community can improve early diagnosis, personalize treatments, and predict disease outcomes more accurately, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Kale
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India.
| | - Nitu Wankhede
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India.
| | - Rupali Pawar
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India.
| | - Suhas Ballal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - Rohit Kumawat
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Medical Sciences, NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Manish Goswami
- Chandigarh Pharmacy College, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, Mohali, Punjab 140307, India.
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Department of pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Brijesh Taksande
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India.
| | - Aman Upaganlawar
- SNJB's Shriman Sureshdada Jain College of Pharmacy, Neminagar, Chandwad, Nashik, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Milind Umekar
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India.
| | - Spandana Rajendra Kopalli
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sushruta Koppula
- College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju-Si, Chungju-Si, Chungcheongbuk Do 27478, Republic of Korea.
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Padalko V, Posnik F, Adamczyk M. Mitochondrial Aconitase and Its Contribution to the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9950. [PMID: 39337438 PMCID: PMC11431987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189950] [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: 08/06/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This survey reviews modern ideas on the structure and functions of mitochondrial and cytosolic aconitase isoenzymes in eukaryotes. Cumulative experimental evidence about mitochondrial aconitases (Aco2) as one of the main targets of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is generalized. The important role of Aco2 in maintenance of homeostasis of the intracellular iron pool and maintenance of the mitochondrial DNA is discussed. The role of Aco2 in the pathogenesis of some neurodegenerative diseases is highlighted. Inactivation or dysfunction of Aco2 as well as mutations found in the ACO2 gene appear to be significant factors in the development and promotion of various types of neurodegenerative diseases. A restoration of efficient mitochondrial functioning as a source of energy for the cell by targeting Aco2 seems to be one of the promising therapeutic directions to minimize progressive neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volodymyr Padalko
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
- School of Medicine, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Filip Posnik
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Adamczyk
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Vitali F, Torrandell-Haro G, Branigan G, Arias Aristizabal J, Reiman E, Bedrick EJ, Brinton RD, Weinkauf C. Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is associated with increased Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's disease dementia risk. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2024:svn-2024-003164. [PMID: 39266210 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2024-003164] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the absence of a cerebrovascular accident, whether asymptomatic extracranial carotid atherosclerotic disease (aECAD) affects Alzheimer's disease (AD) and non-AD dementia risk is not clear. Understanding whether aECAD is associated with an increased risk for AD is important as it is present in roughly 10% of the population over 60 and could represent a modifiable risk factor for AD and non-AD dementia. METHODS This retrospective cohort study analysed Mariner insurance claims. Enrolment criteria included patients aged 55 years or older with at least 5 years of data and no initial dementia diagnosis. Subjects with and without aECAD were evaluated for subsequent AD and non-AD dementia diagnoses. Propensity score matching was performed using confounding factors identified by logistic regression. χ2 tests and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to evaluate the impact of aECAD diagnosis on AD and non-AD dementia risk over time. RESULTS 767 354 patients met enrolment criteria. After propensity score matching, 62 963 subjects with aECAD and 62 963 subjects without ECAD were followed through data records. The aECAD cohort exhibited an increased relative risk of 1.22 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.29, p<0.001) for AD and 1.48 (95% CI 1.38 to 1.59, p<0.001) for non-AD dementias compared with the propensity score-matched cohort without aECAD. The increased AD risk associated with aECAD was evident in patients younger than 75 years old and was less apparent in patients over 75 years of age. CONCLUSIONS aECAD is associated with an increased risk of developing AD and non-AD dementias. These findings underscore the need for further prospective evaluation of interactions between aECAD and dementia, with potential implications for change of clinical care in both of these large patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Vitali
- Neurology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Center for Innovation In Brain Science, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Georgina Torrandell-Haro
- Center for Innovation In Brain Science, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Gregory Branigan
- The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Juan Arias Aristizabal
- Department of Surgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Eric Reiman
- Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Edward J Bedrick
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics, University of Arizona Medical Center - University Campus, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation In Brain Science, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Craig Weinkauf
- Department of Surgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Moawad MHED, Serag I, Alkhawaldeh IM, Abbas A, Sharaf A, Alsalah S, Sadeq MA, Shalaby MMM, Hefnawy MT, Abouzid M, Meshref M. Exploring the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease: An Educational Literature Review. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04468-y. [PMID: 39254911 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04468-y] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents a significant challenge to global health. It is characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration and increased rates of morbidity and mortality among older adults. Among the various pathophysiologies of AD, mitochondrial dysfunction, encompassing conditions such as increased reactive oxygen production, dysregulated calcium homeostasis, and impaired mitochondrial dynamics, plays a pivotal role. This review comprehensively investigates the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, focusing on aspects such as glucose metabolism impairment, mitochondrial bioenergetics, calcium signaling, protein tau and amyloid-beta-associated synapse dysfunction, mitophagy, aging, inflammation, mitochondrial DNA, mitochondria-localized microRNAs, genetics, hormones, and the electron transport chain and Krebs cycle. While lecanemab is the only FDA-approved medication to treat AD, we explore various therapeutic modalities for mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, including antioxidant drugs, antidiabetic agents, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (FDA-approved to manage symptoms), nutritional supplements, natural products, phenylpropanoids, vaccines, exercise, and other potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Hossam El Din Moawad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Clinical Department, Alexandria Main University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Serag
- Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | | | - Abdallah Abbas
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman Sharaf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Government Hospital, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Sumaya Alsalah
- Ministry of Health, Primary Care, Governmental Health Centers, Manama, Bahrain
| | | | | | | | - Mohamed Abouzid
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3 St., 60-806, Poznan, Poland.
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Mostafa Meshref
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Megane Penalva YC, Paschkowsky S, Yang J, Recinto SJ, Cinkorpumin J, Hernandez MR, Xiao B, Nitu A, Yee-Li Wu H, Munter HM, Michalski B, Fahnestock M, Pastor W, Bennett DA, Munter LM. Loss of the APP regulator RHBDL4 preserves memory in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.22.579698. [PMID: 38464180 PMCID: PMC10925189 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.22.579698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Characteristic cerebral pathological changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) such as glucose hypometabolism or the accumulation of cleavage products of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), known as Aβ peptides, lead to sustained endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and neurodegeneration. To preserve ER homeostasis, cells activate their unfolded protein response (UPR). The rhomboid-like-protease 4 (RHBDL4) is an enzyme that participates in the UPR by targeting proteins for proteasomal degradation. We demonstrated previously that RHBLD4 cleaves APP in HEK293T cells, leading to decreased total APP and Aβ. More recently, we showed that RHBDL4 processes APP in mouse primary mixed cortical cultures as well. Here, we aim to examine the physiological relevance of RHBDL4 in the brain. We first found that brain samples from AD patients and an AD mouse model (APPtg) showed increased RHBDL4 mRNA and protein expression. To determine the effects of RHBDL4's absence on APP physiology in vivo, we crossed APPtg mice to a RHBDL4 knockout (R4-/-) model. RHBDL4 deficiency in APPtg mice led to increased total cerebral APP and amyloidogenic processing when compared to APPtg controls. Contrary to expectations, as assessed by cognitive tests, RHBDL4 absence rescued cognition in 5-month-old female APPtg mice. Informed by unbiased RNAseq data, we demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that RHBDL4 absence leads to greater levels of active β-catenin due to decreased proteasomal clearance. Decreased β-catenin activity is known to underlie cognitive defects in APPtg mice and AD. Our work suggests that RHBDL4's increased expression in AD, in addition to regulating APP levels, leads to aberrant degradation of β-catenin, contributing to cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylauna Christine Megane Penalva
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
- Cell Information Systems group, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale (CRBS), McGill University, Montréal H3G 0B1, Québec, Canada
| | - Sandra Paschkowsky
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Cell Information Systems group, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
| | - Jingyun Yang
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sherilyn Junelle Recinto
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
- Cell Information Systems group, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
| | | | - Marina Ruelas Hernandez
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
- Cell Information Systems group, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale (CRBS), McGill University, Montréal H3G 0B1, Québec, Canada
| | - Bin Xiao
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
- Cell Information Systems group, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale (CRBS), McGill University, Montréal H3G 0B1, Québec, Canada
| | - Albert Nitu
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4
- Cell Information Systems group, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale (CRBS), McGill University, Montréal H3G 0B1, Québec, Canada
| | - Helen Yee-Li Wu
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Cell Information Systems group, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
| | - Hans Markus Munter
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 0C7
| | - Bernadeta Michalski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret Fahnestock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - William Pastor
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lisa Marie Munter
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Cell Information Systems group, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 0B1
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale (CRBS), McGill University, Montréal H3G 0B1, Québec, Canada
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Parvand M, Liang JJH, Bozorgmehr T, Born D, Luna Cortes A, Rankin CH. A familial Alzheimer's disease associated mutation in presenilin-1 mediates amyloid-beta independent cell specific neurodegeneration. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289435. [PMID: 39240956 PMCID: PMC11379242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the presenilin (PS) genes are a predominant cause of familial Alzheimer's disease (fAD). An ortholog of PS in the genetic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is sel-12. Mutations in the presenilin genes are commonly thought to lead to fAD by upregulating the expression of amyloid beta (Aβ), however this hypothesis has been challenged by recent evidence. As C. elegans lack amyloid beta (Aβ), the goal of this work was to examine Aβ-independent effects of mutations in sel-12 and PS1/PS2 on behaviour and sensory neuron morphology across the lifespan in a C. elegans model. Olfactory chemotaxis experiments were conducted on sel-12(ok2078) loss-of-function mutant worms. Adult sel-12 mutant worms showed significantly lower levels of chemotaxis to odorants compared to wild-type worms throughout their lifespan, and this deficit increased with age. The chemotaxis phenotype in sel-12 mutant worms is rescued by transgenic over-expression of human wild-type PS1, but not the classic fAD-associated variant PS1C410Y, when expression was driven by either the endogenous sel-12 promoter (Psel-12), a pan-neuronal promoter (Primb-1), or by a promoter whose primary expression was in the sensory neurons responsible for the chemotaxis behavior (Psra-6, Podr-10). The behavioural phenotype was also rescued by over-expressing an atypical fAD-linked mutation in PS1 (PS1ΔS169) that has been reported to leave the Notch pathway intact. An examination of the morphology of polymodal nociceptive (ASH) neurons responsible for the chemotaxis behavior also showed increased neurodegeneration over time in sel-12 mutant worms that could be rescued by the same transgenes that rescued the behaviour, demonstrating a parallel with the observed behavioral deficits. Thus, we report an Aβ-independent neurodegeneration in C. elegans that was rescued by cell specific over-expression of wild-type human presenilin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahraz Parvand
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joseph J H Liang
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tahereh Bozorgmehr
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dawson Born
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alvaro Luna Cortes
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Catharine H Rankin
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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11
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Wu X, Xia P, Yang L, Lu C, Lu Z. The roles of long non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, treatment, and their involvement in Alzheimer's disease immune responses. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:659-666. [PMID: 38577023 PMCID: PMC10987299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent type of dementia, presenting a substantial danger to the health and well-being of the aged population. It has arisen as a significant public health problem with considerable socioeconomic repercussions. Unfortunately, no effective treatments or diagnostic tools are available for Alzheimer's disease. Despite substantial studies on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, the molecular pathways underpinning its development remain poorly understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) vary in size from 200 nucleotides to over 100 kilobytes and have been found to play critical roles in various vital biological processes that play critical in developing Alzheimer's disease. This review intends to examine the functions of long non-coding RNAs in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease and their participation in immunological responses associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoben Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Pengcheng Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Medical Engineering, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiming Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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12
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Gyasi RM, Asiedu HB, Siaw LP, Nyaaba E, Affum-Osei E, Lamptey RB, Muhonja F, Arthur DD, Asamoah E, Nimoh M, Adu-Gyamfi S. Food insecurity and mobility difficulty in middle-aged and older adults: The importance of bio-psychosocial factors. J Psychosom Res 2024; 184:111849. [PMID: 38950509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111849] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Food insecurity has been associated with mobility difficulty (MD) in old age. However, there is a scarcity of research on this topic from low- and middle-income countries, while the bio-psychological factors underlying this association are largely unknown. We investigated the food insecurity-MD link in Ghana and explored how sleep, anxiety, loneliness, and physical activity (PA) mediate the association. METHODS Community-based, representative cross-sectional data from the Aging, Health, Well-being, and Health-seeking Behavior Study were analyzed (N = 1201; Mage = 66.5; women = 63%). MD was assessed with items from the SF-36 of the Medical Outcomes Study. We assessed food insecurity with items on hunger and breakfast-skipping frequency due to lack of food and resources. Adjusted OLS and mediation models via bootstrapping technique evaluated the associations. RESULTS Results revealed the expected association between food insecurity and MD, such that greater food insecurity was significantly and positively associated with MD across paths (from β = 0.33 to β = 0.42, p < .001). Analyses of indirect effects showed that sleep problems (27.8%), anxiety (15.5%), loneliness (17.5%), and PA (18.0%) mediated the association between food insecurity and MD. Cross-level interactions revealed that food insecurity significantly modified the link between each mediator and MD. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide novel evidence that bio-psychological mechanisms may underlie the food insecurity-MD link and should, therefore, be considered relevant targets for interventions to prevent/manage MD in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razak M Gyasi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya; National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hubert Bimpeh Asiedu
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lawrencia Pokuah Siaw
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Nyaaba
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Affum-Osei
- Department of Human Resources, School of Business, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Bruce Lamptey
- College of Science Library, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Faith Muhonja
- School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kenya
| | - Dominic Degraft Arthur
- Department of History and Political Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Edward Asamoah
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Nimoh
- Department of History and Political Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of History and Political Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Fernandes S, Revanna J, Pratt J, Hayes N, Marchetto MC, Gage FH. Modeling Alzheimer's disease using human cell derived brain organoids and 3D models. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1434945. [PMID: 39156632 PMCID: PMC11328153 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1434945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease (AD), are challenging diseases for those affected with no cure and limited treatment options. Functional, human derived brain tissues that represent the diverse genetic background and cellular subtypes contributing to sporadic AD (sAD) are limited. Human stem cell derived brain organoids recapitulate some features of human brain cytoarchitecture and AD-like pathology, providing a tool for illuminating the relationship between AD pathology and neural cell dysregulation leading to cognitive decline. In this review, we explore current strategies for implementing brain organoids in the study of AD as well as the challenges associated with investigating age-related brain diseases using organoid models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Fernandes
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jasmin Revanna
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Joshua Pratt
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas Hayes
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, San Marcos, CA, United States
| | - Maria C. Marchetto
- Department of Anthropology, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Fred H. Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Longo S, Messi ML, Wang Z, Meeker W, Delbono O. Accelerated sarcopenia precedes learning and memory impairments in the P301S mouse model of tauopathies and Alzheimer's disease. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2024; 15:1358-1375. [PMID: 38646816 PMCID: PMC11294019 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) impairs cognitive functions and peripheral systems, including skeletal muscles. The PS19 mouse, expressing the human tau P301S mutation, shows cognitive and muscular pathologies, reflecting the central and peripheral atrophy seen in AD. METHODS We analysed skeletal muscle morphology and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) through immunohistochemistry and advanced image quantification. A factorial Analysis of Variance assessed muscle weight, NCAM expression, NMJ, myofibre type distribution, cross-sectional areas, expression of single or multiple myosin heavy-chain isoforms, and myofibre grouping in PS19 and wild type (WT) mice over their lifespan (1-12 months). RESULTS Significant weight differences in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles between WT and PS19 mice were noted by 7-8 months. For EDL muscle in females, WT weighed 0.0113 ± 0.0005 compared with PS19's 0.0071 ± 0.0008 (P < 0.05), and in males, WT was 0.0137 ± 0.0001 versus PS19's 0.0069 ± 0.0006 (P < 0.005). Similarly, soleus muscle showed significant differences; females (WT: 0.0084 ± 0.0004; PS19: 0.0057 ± 0.0005, P < 0.005) and males (WT: 0.0088 ± 0.0003; PS19: 0.0047 ± 0.0004, P < 0.0001). Analysis of the NMJ in PS19 mice revealed a marked reduction in myofibre innervation at 5 months, with further decline by 10 months. NMJ pre-terminals in PS19 mice became shorter and simpler by 5 months, showing a steep decline by 10 months. Genotype and age strongly influenced muscle NCAM immunoreactivity, denoting denervation as early as 5-6 months in EDL muscle Type II fibres, with earlier effects in soleus muscle Type I and II fibres at 3-4 months. Muscle denervation and subsequent myofibre atrophy were linked to a reduction in Type IIB fibres in the EDL muscle and Type IIA fibres in the soleus muscle, accompanied by an increase in hybrid fibres. The EDL muscle showed Type IIB fibre atrophy with WT females at 1505 ± 110 μm2 versus PS19's 1208 ± 94 μm2, and WT males at 1731 ± 185 μm2 versus PS19's 1227 ± 116 μm2. Similarly, the soleus muscle demonstrated Type IIA fibre atrophy from 5 to 6 months, with WT females at 1194 ± 52 μm2 versus PS19's 858 ± 62 μm2, and WT males at 1257 ± 43 μm2 versus PS19's 1030 ± 55 μm2. Atrophy also affected Type IIX, I + IIA, and IIA + IIX fibres in both muscles. The timeline for both myofibre and overall muscle atrophy in PS19 mice was consistent, indicating a simultaneous decline. CONCLUSIONS Progressive and accelerated neurogenic sarcopenia may precede and potentially predict cognitive deficits observed in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Longo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sections on Gerontology and Geriatric MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNCUSA
| | - María Laura Messi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sections on Gerontology and Geriatric MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNCUSA
| | - Zhong‐Min Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sections on Gerontology and Geriatric MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNCUSA
| | - William Meeker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sections on Gerontology and Geriatric MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNCUSA
| | - Osvaldo Delbono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sections on Gerontology and Geriatric MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNCUSA
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15
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Baset A, Huang F. Shedding light on subiculum's role in human brain disorders. Brain Res Bull 2024; 214:110993. [PMID: 38825254 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110993] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Subiculum is a pivotal output component of the hippocampal formation, a structure often overlooked in neuroscientific research. Here, this review aims to explore the role of the subiculum in various brain disorders, shedding light on its significance within the functional-neuroanatomical perspective on neurological diseases. The subiculum's involvement in multiple brain disorders was thoroughly examined. In Alzheimer's disease, subiculum alterations precede cognitive decline, while in epilepsy, the subiculum plays a critical role in seizure initiation. Stress involves the subiculum's impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Moreover, the subiculum exhibits structural and functional changes in anxiety, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease, contributing to cognitive deficits. Bipolar disorder is linked to subiculum structural abnormalities, while autism spectrum disorder reveals an alteration of inward deformation in the subiculum. Lastly, frontotemporal dementia shows volumetric differences in the subiculum, emphasizing its contribution to the disorder's complexity. Taken together, this review consolidates existing knowledge on the subiculum's role in brain disorders, and may facilitate future research, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic interventions for various neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Baset
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Fengwen Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
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16
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Li KY, Chien CF, Huang LC, Lim K, Yang YH. Exploring the impact of 40 Hz multi-luminaire light exposure in Alzheimer's dementia: insights from a convenient sampling, non-randomized case-control study. J Neurol 2024; 271:5425-5432. [PMID: 38884789 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12486-y] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies propose 40 Hz neural activity induction as a promising approach for managing Alzheimer's dementia (AD). However, traditional flickering light is suboptimal in addressing cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of AD. This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of a novel multi-luminaire lighting technology, with reduced perceptible flickering, for treating AD NPS. METHODS This study is a prospective, convenient sampling, non-randomized case-control investigation involving seventy-eight clinically diagnosed AD patients from 7 daycare centers. Thirty-five were exposed to 40 Hz light through Delta M + BrainCare Light (M +), 4 h daily, 5 days/week, for 12 weeks. The other 43 patients served as controls. Sum of boxes of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR-SB) scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) were assessed at baseline and the 13th week. RESULTS At baseline, the cases had worse cognitive function, lower cognitive score (Mini-Mental State Examination, p = 0.04; Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument, p = 0.04), and advanced caregiver burden with higher ZBI scores (p < 0.01) than the controls. After the intervention, the cases had significant improvements in NPS as assessed using the NPI (p = 0.02), especially depression and euphoria symptoms (p = 0.04 and < 0.01, respectively) and less caregiver burden (ZBI score, p < 0.01). In global function, the control group showed a significant decline in CDR-SB score (p < 0.01), while the cases did not. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest M + may slow global function decline, preserve cognitive function, improve NPS, and reduce caregiver burden in AD patients. Larger studies with biomarkers are needed to explore underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Ying Li
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Fang Chien
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chun Huang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kelly Lim
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Han Yang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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17
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Lombardo FL, Lorenzini P, Mayer F, Massari M, Piscopo P, Bacigalupo I, Ancidoni A, Sciancalepore F, Locuratolo N, Remoli G, Salemme S, Cappa S, Perani D, Spadin P, Tagliavini F, Redolfi A, Cotelli M, Marra C, Caraglia N, Vecchio F, Miraglia F, Rossini PM, Vanacore N. Development of a prediction model of conversion to Alzheimer's disease in people with mild cognitive impairment: the statistical analysis plan of the INTERCEPTOR project. Diagn Progn Res 2024; 8:11. [PMID: 39049042 PMCID: PMC11271065 DOI: 10.1186/s41512-024-00172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, significant efforts have been directed towards the research and development of disease-modifying therapies for dementia. These drugs focus on prodromal (mild cognitive impairment, MCI) and/or early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Literature evidence indicates that a considerable proportion of individuals with MCI do not progress to dementia. Identifying individuals at higher risk of developing dementia is essential for appropriate management, including the prescription of new disease-modifying therapies expected to become available in clinical practice in the near future. METHODS The ongoing INTERCEPTOR study is a multicenter, longitudinal, interventional, non-therapeutic cohort study designed to enroll 500 individuals with MCI aged 50-85 years. The primary aim is to identify a biomarker or a set of biomarkers able to accurately predict the conversion from MCI to AD dementia within 3 years of follow-up. The biomarkers investigated in this study are neuropsychological tests (mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and delayed free recall), brain glucose metabolism ([18F]FDG-PET), MRI volumetry of the hippocampus, EEG brain connectivity, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers (p-tau, t-tau, Aβ1-42, Aβ1-42/1-40 ratio, Aβ1-42/p-Tau ratio) and APOE genotype. The baseline visit includes a full cognitive and neuropsychological evaluation, as well as the collection of clinical and socio-demographic information. Prognostic models will be developed using Cox regression, incorporating individual characteristics and biomarkers through stepwise selection. Model performance will be evaluated in terms of discrimination and calibration and subjected to internal validation using the bootstrapping procedure. The final model will be visually represented as a nomogram. DISCUSSION This paper contains a detailed description of the statistical analysis plan to ensure the reproducibility and transparency of the analysis. The prognostic model developed in this study aims to identify the population with MCI at higher risk of developing AD dementia, potentially eligible for drug prescriptions. The nomogram could provide a valuable tool for clinicians for risk stratification and early treatment decisions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03834402. Registered on February 8, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia L Lombardo
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Lorenzini
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Mayer
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Massari
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Piscopo
- Department of Neuroscience, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bacigalupo
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ancidoni
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Sciancalepore
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Locuratolo
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Remoli
- Neurology Department and Brain Health Service, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Simone Salemme
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Cappa
- University Institute of Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Perani
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Spadin
- "Associazione Italiana Malattia di Alzheimer" - AIMA, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Redolfi
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Cotelli
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Camillo Marra
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Memory Clinic, Foundation Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Naike Caraglia
- Memory Clinic, Foundation Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vecchio
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Como, Italy
| | - Francesca Miraglia
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Como, Italy
| | - Paolo Maria Rossini
- Memory Clinic, Foundation Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Brain Connectivity Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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Malek N, Gladysz R, Stelmach N, Drag M. Targeting Microglial Immunoproteasome: A Novel Approach in Neuroinflammatory-Related Disorders. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2532-2544. [PMID: 38970802 PMCID: PMC11258690 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00099] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that the aging process is linked to the accumulation of damaged and misfolded proteins. This phenomenon is accompanied by a decrease in proteasome (c20S) activity, concomitant with an increase in immunoproteasome (i20S) activity. These changes can be attributed, in part, to the chronic neuroinflammation that occurs in brain tissues. Neuroinflammation is a complex process characterized by the activation of immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) in response to injury, infection, and other pathological stimuli. In certain cases, this immune response becomes chronic, contributing to the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, including chronic pain, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain traumatic injury, and others. Microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain, play a crucial role in the neuroinflammatory response. Recent research has highlighted the involvement of i20S in promoting neuroinflammation, increased activity of which may lead to the presentation of self-antigens, triggering an autoimmune response against the CNS, exacerbating inflammation, and contributing to neurodegeneration. Furthermore, since i20S plays a role in breaking down accumulated proteins during inflammation within the cell body, any disruption in its activity could lead to a prolonged state of inflammation and subsequent cell death. Given the pivotal role of i20S in neuroinflammation, targeting this proteasome subtype has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for managing neuroinflammatory diseases. This review delves into the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and microglia activation, exploring the potential of i20S inhibitors as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Malek
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Gladysz
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Stelmach
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
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Iyer S, Bhat I, Bangera Sheshappa M. Lutein and the Underlying Neuroprotective Promise against Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300409. [PMID: 38487969 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD) are the two most common progressive neurodegenerative diseases with limited knowledge on their cause and, presently, have no cure. There is an existence of multiple treatment methods that target only the symptoms temporarily and do not stop the progression or prevent the onset of disease. Neurodegeneration is primarily attributed to the natural process of aging and the deleterious effects of heightened oxidative stress within the brain, whether via direct or indirect mechanisms. Emerging evidence suggests that certain nutritional aspects play a crucial role in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases. Lutein, a dietary carotenoid, has been studied for its antioxidant properties for more than a decade with several applications against age-related macular degeneration. It is high antioxidant potential and selective accumulation in the brain makes it a versatile compound for combatting various neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the studies exhibiting neuroprotective properties of lutein against neurodegenerative conditions, more specifically AD and PD in various model systems as well as clinical observations have been reviewed. Accordingly, the concerns associated with lutein absorption and potential strategies to improve its bioavailability have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisree Iyer
- Department of Food Safety and Nutrition, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), Paneer Campus, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Ishani Bhat
- Department of Food Safety and Nutrition, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), Paneer Campus, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Mamatha Bangera Sheshappa
- Department of Food Safety and Nutrition, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), Paneer Campus, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, 575018, India
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20
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Roikjær SG, Skou ST, Walløe S, Tang LH, Beck M, Simonÿ C, Asgari N. Experiences of integrating and sustaining physical activity in life with multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and ischaemic heart disease: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:2979-2988. [PMID: 37584422 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2244424] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The effects of physical activity on health are well-established for chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and ischaemic heart disease (IHD). However, sustaining physical activity in everyday life is difficult. Lifeworld knowledge can help qualify interventions aimed at resolving this public health issue, but there is a gap in regard to synthesized research on peoples' experiences with integrating and sustaining physical activity. Hence, the purpose of this review is to explore and present the available evidence on experiences with integrating and sustaining physical activity in a lived life with MS, AD, and IHD. METHODS We conducted a scoping review with qualitative analysis and narrative syntheses in accordance with PRISMA-ScR. Based on SPIDER we ran a systematic search in Cinahl, Embase, Medline, and PsychInfo for primary qualitative research papers published until December 2022. RESULTS 43 papers were included. A thematic content analysis found that individuals who have MS, AD or IHD find integrating and sustaining physical activity in everyday life meaningful on several levels: Physical activity can facilitate meaningful movement with outcomes of physical, psychosocial, and existential importance. CONCLUSION The research literature presents a meaning to physical activity that extends the idea of physical fitness to one of existential movement and personal growth. In addition, our review finds that people are more likely to integrate and sustain physical activity if they feel acknowledged, supported and believe that physical activity has a meaningful purpose reflecting their sense of self. Taking a more person-centred approach in rehabilitative care might help qualify the content of physical activity in terms of integration into everyday life, but more research is needed on how to implement a person-centred approach in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine G Roikjær
- Department of Neurology Næstved, Slagelse and Ringsted Hospitals, CNF, the Center for Neurological Research, Slagelse, Denmark
- The Research Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Næstved, Slagelse and Ringsted Hospitals, Slagelse, Denmark
- Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Søren T Skou
- The Research Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Næstved, Slagelse and Ringsted Hospitals, Slagelse, Denmark
- Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sisse Walløe
- The Research Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Næstved, Slagelse and Ringsted Hospitals, Slagelse, Denmark
- The Research Unit OPEN, Open Patient data Explorative Network, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars H Tang
- The Research Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Næstved, Slagelse and Ringsted Hospitals, Slagelse, Denmark
- Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Malene Beck
- Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Simonÿ
- The Research Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Næstved, Slagelse and Ringsted Hospitals, Slagelse, Denmark
- Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nasrin Asgari
- Department of Neurology Næstved, Slagelse and Ringsted Hospitals, CNF, the Center for Neurological Research, Slagelse, Denmark
- Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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21
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Melendez J, Sung YJ, Orr M, Yoo A, Schindler S, Cruchaga C, Bateman R. An interpretable machine learning-based cerebrospinal fluid proteomics clock for predicting age reveals novel insights into brain aging. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14230. [PMID: 38923730 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14230] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Machine learning can be used to create "biologic clocks" that predict age. However, organs, tissues, and biofluids may age at different rates from the organism as a whole. We sought to understand how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes with age to inform the development of brain aging-related disease mechanisms and identify potential anti-aging therapeutic targets. Several epigenetic clocks exist based on plasma and neuronal tissues; however, plasma may not reflect brain aging specifically and tissue-based clocks require samples that are difficult to obtain from living participants. To address these problems, we developed a machine learning clock that uses CSF proteomics to predict the chronological age of individuals with a 0.79 Pearson correlation and mean estimated error (MAE) of 4.30 years in our validation cohort. Additionally, we analyzed proteins highly weighted by the algorithm to gain insights into changes in CSF and uncover novel insights into brain aging. We also demonstrate a novel method to create a minimal protein clock that uses just 109 protein features from the original clock to achieve a similar accuracy (0.75 correlation, MAE 5.41). Finally, we demonstrate that our clock identifies novel proteins that are highly predictive of age in interactions with other proteins, but do not directly correlate with chronological age themselves. In conclusion, we propose that our CSF protein aging clock can identify novel proteins that influence the rate of aging of the central nervous system (CNS), in a manner that would not be identifiable by examining their individual relationships with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Melendez
- Tracy Family SILQ Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yun Ju Sung
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Miranda Orr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine Section of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew Yoo
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Suzanne Schindler
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carlos Cruchaga
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Randall Bateman
- Tracy Family SILQ Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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22
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Amiri B, Yazdani Tabrizi M, Naziri M, Moradi F, Arzaghi M, Archin I, Behaein F, Bagheri Pour A, Ghannadikhosh P, Imanparvar S, Akhtari Kohneshahri A, Sanaye Abbasi A, Zerangian N, Alijanzadeh D, Ghayyem H, Azizinezhad A, Ahmadpour Youshanlui M, Poudineh M. Neuroprotective effects of flavonoids: endoplasmic reticulum as the target. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1348151. [PMID: 38957188 PMCID: PMC11218733 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1348151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of neurological disorders, particularly age-related neurodegenerative pathologies, exhibits an alarming upward trend, while current pharmacological interventions seldom achieve curative outcomes. Despite their diverse clinical presentations, neurological diseases often share a common pathological thread: the aberrant accumulation of misfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This phenomenon, known as ER stress, arises when the cell's intrinsic quality control mechanisms fail to cope with the protein-folding burden. Consequently, misfolded proteins accumulate in the ER lumen, triggering a cascade of cellular stress responses. Recognizing this challenge, researchers have intensified their efforts over the past two decades to explore natural compounds that could potentially slow or even reverse these devastating pathologies. Flavonoids constitute a vast and heterogeneous class of plant polyphenols, with over 10,000 identified from diverse natural sources such as wines, vegetables, medicinal plants, and organic products. Flavonoids are generally divided into six different subclasses: anthocyanidins, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, and flavonols. The diverse family of flavonoids, featuring a common phenolic ring backbone adorned with varying hydroxyl groups and additional modifications, exerts its antioxidant activity by inhibiting the formation of ROS, as evidenced by research. Also, studies suggest that polyphenols such as flavonoids can regulate ER stress through apoptosis and autophagy. By understanding these mechanisms, we can unlock the potential of flavonoids as novel therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, this review critically examines the literature exploring the modulatory effects of flavonoids on various steps of the ER stress in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Amiri
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Yazdani Tabrizi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdyieh Naziri
- Student Research Committee, School of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Moradi
- Student Research Committee, School of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Arzaghi
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science-Nutrition, Branch Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Archin
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Parna Ghannadikhosh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saba Imanparvar
- School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Ata Akhtari Kohneshahri
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Sanaye Abbasi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Nasibeh Zerangian
- PhD Student in Health Education and Health Promotion, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Dorsa Alijanzadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hani Ghayyem
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Azizinezhad
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mohadeseh Poudineh
- Student Research Committee, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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23
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Weaver DF. Chemists Invent Drugs and Drugs Save Lives. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400074. [PMID: 38616345 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400074] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Drug molecules are the centrepiece of modern medical therapies, providing relief from pain, combatting infections and providing a myriad of other therapeutic effects. The quest for new and improved drug molecules drives medical research, and the introduction of a new drug frequently becomes a newsworthy event capturing the attention of the press and general public. And yet, misconceptions abound. Often, the general public thinks that drug molecules are designed, created, and invented by physicians rather than chemists - a misunderstanding that is merely one aspect of a widespread general underappreciation of the role of chemistry in the health and socioeconomic well-being of humankind. Chemistry as a discipline needs to change this narrative. Our journals, conferences, societies, mass media presence and social media postings need to better inform the general public about the societal value of chemistry. Though it is an arduous and time-demanding process, chemists, both in academia and industry, invent the drugs that are advancing medical care. We chemists need to do a better job educating policy makers, politicians, opinion leaders and fundraisers about the valuable contributions of chemistry. We need to have people know what we do, and why we became chemists; we need to engage the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald F Weaver
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 3H6
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5T 0S8
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24
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Newell ME, Babbrah A, Aravindan A, Rathnam R, Kiernan R, Driver EM, Bowes DA, Halden RU. Prevalence rates of neurodegenerative diseases versus human exposures to heavy metals across the United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172260. [PMID: 38583622 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Novel means are needed to identify individuals and subpopulations susceptible to and afflicted by neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). This study aimed to utilize geographic distribution of heavy metal sources and sinks to investigate a potential human health risk of developing NDDs. Known or hypothesized environmental factors driving disease prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are heavy metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn) and mercury (Hg). Lead (Pb) has been associated with AD and ALS. Analyzable mediums of human exposure to heavy metals (i.e., toxic metals and metalloids), or proxies thereof, include infant blood, topsoil, sewage sludge, and well water. U.S. concentrations of heavy metals in topsoil, sewage sludge, well water, and infant blood were mapped and compared to prevalence rates of major NDDs. Data from federal and state agencies (i.e., CDC, EPA, and the US Geological Survey) on heavy metal concentrations, age distribution, and NDD prevalence rates were geographically represented and statistically analyzed to quantify possible correlations. Aside from an expected significant association between NDD prevalence and age (p < 0.0001), we found significant associations between the prevalence of the sum of three major NDDs with: Pb in topsoil (p = 0.0433); Cd (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) in sewage sludge; Pb in infant blood (p < 0.0001). Concentrations in sewage sludge of Cd and Pb were significantly correlated with NDD prevalence rates with an odds ratio of 2.91 (2.04, 4.225 95%CI) and 4.084 (3.14, 5.312 95%CI), respectively. The presence of toxic metals in the U.S. environment in multiple matrices, including sewage sludge, was found to be significantly associated with NDD prevalence. This is the first use of sewage sludge as an environmental proxy matrix to infer risk of developing NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Engstrom Newell
- Arizona State University, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, USA; School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, USA
| | - Ayesha Babbrah
- Arizona State University, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, USA; Barrett The Honors College, USA
| | - Anumitha Aravindan
- Arizona State University, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, USA
| | - Raj Rathnam
- Arizona State University, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, USA; Barrett The Honors College, USA
| | - Rya Kiernan
- Arizona State University, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, USA
| | - Erin M Driver
- Arizona State University, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, USA
| | - Devin A Bowes
- Arizona State University, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, USA
| | - Rolf U Halden
- Arizona State University, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, USA; School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, USA; Barrett The Honors College, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, USA; OneWaterOneHealth, USA; Correspoding author at: Biodesign Institute Building B, 1001 S McAllister Ave B249, Tempe, AZ, USA 85287..
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25
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Mili M, Bachu V, Kuri PR, Singh NK, Goswami P. Improving synthesis and binding affinities of nucleic acid aptamers and their therapeutics and diagnostic applications. Biophys Chem 2024; 309:107218. [PMID: 38547671 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107218] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers have captivated the attention of analytical and medicinal scientists globally due to their several advantages as recognition molecules over conventional antibodies because of their small size, simple and inexpensive synthesis, broad target range, and high stability in varied environmental conditions. These recognition molecules can be chemically modified to make them resistant to nuclease action in blood serum, reduce rapid renel clearance, improve the target affinity and selectivity, and make them amenable to chemically conjugate with a support system that facilitates their selective applications. This review focuses on the development of efficient aptamer candidates and their application in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic applications. Significant advances have been made in aptamer-based diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Collaterally, the progress made in therapeutic applications of aptamers is encouraging, as evident from their use in diagnosing cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, microbial infection, and in imaging. This review also updates the progress on clinical trials of many aptamer-based products of commercial interests. The key development and critical issues on the subject have been summarized in the concluding remarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malaya Mili
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Vinay Bachu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Pooja Rani Kuri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | | | - Pranab Goswami
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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26
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Ching P, Chang C, Pan C, Chiang Y, Kuo H, Hsu T, Chu C. Factors associated with cognitive function in patient with Alzheimer's disease with newly prescribed acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: A 1-year retrospective cohort study. Aging Med (Milton) 2024; 7:312-319. [PMID: 38975305 PMCID: PMC11222751 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective We aimed to examine the factors associated with treatment outcomes in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) after 1 year of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) treatment. Method We obtained electronic medical records from a medical center in Southern Taiwan between January 2015 and September 2021. Participants aged ≥60 who were newly diagnosed with AD and had been prescribed AChEIs were included. Cognitive assessments were performed before the AChEIs were prescribed and at the 1 year follow-up. Cognition progressors were defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination decline of >3 or a Clinical Dementia Rating decline of ≥1 after 1 year of AChEI treatment. The relationship between the baseline characteristics and cognitive status after follow-up was investigated using logistic regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounders. Results A total of 1370 patients were included in our study (mean age, 79.86 ± 8.14 years). After adjustment, the body mass index (BMI) was found to be significantly lower in the progressor group [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.970, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs): 0.943 to 0.997, P = 0.033]. The usage of antipsychotics was significantly higher in the progressor group (AOR: 1.599, 95% CIs: 1.202 to 2.202, P = 0.001). The usage of benzodiazepine receptor agonists also tended to be significantly higher in the progressor group (AOR: 1.290, 95% CIs: 0.996 to 1.697, p = 0.054). Conclusion These results suggest that patients with AD who receive 1 year of AChEI treatment and have a lower BMI or concurrent treatment with antipsychotics and benzodiazepine receptor agonists are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pao‐Yuan Ching
- Department of PsychiatryKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Cheng‐Ho Chang
- Department of PsychiatryKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Chih‐Chuan Pan
- Department of PsychiatryKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
- Center for Geriatric and GerontologyKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Yung‐Chih Chiang
- Department of PsychiatryKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Hsin‐ya Kuo
- Department of PsychiatryKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
- Center for Geriatric and GerontologyKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Tien‐Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, E‐DA Dachang HospitalI‐Shou UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, E‐DA HospitalI‐Shou UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Che‐Sheng Chu
- Department of PsychiatryKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
- Center for Geriatric and GerontologyKaohsiung Veterans General HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
- Non‐invasive Neuromodulation Consortium for Mental DisordersSociety of PsychophysiologyTaipeiTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
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27
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Zhang H, Cai W, Dong L, Yang Q, Li Q, Ran Q, Liu L, Wang Y, Li Y, Weng X, Zhu X, Chen Y. Jiaohong pills attenuate neuroinflammation and amyloid-β protein-induced cognitive deficits by modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor kappa-B pathway. Animal Model Exp Med 2024; 7:222-233. [PMID: 38177948 PMCID: PMC11228096 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12369] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Jiaohong pills (JHP) consist of Pericarpium Zanthoxyli (PZ) and Radix Rehmanniae, two herbs that have been extensively investigated over many years due to their potential protective effects against cognitive decline and memory impairment. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects remain elusive. Here, research studies were conducted to investigate and validate the therapeutic effects of JHP on Alzheimer's disease. METHODS BV-2 cell inflammation was induced by lipopolysaccharide. AD mice were administered amyloid-β (Aβ). Behavioral experiments were used to evaluate learning and memory ability. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the phosphorylation level of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) were detected using Western blot. Nissl staining was used to detect neuronal degeneration. RESULTS The results demonstrated that an alcoholic extract of PZ significantly decreased the levels of NO, IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS; increased the expression level of IL-10; and significantly decreased the phosphorylation levels of MAPK and NF-κB. These inhibitory effects were further confirmed in the AD mouse model. Meanwhile, JHP improved learning and memory function in AD mice, reduced neuronal damage, and enriched the Nissl bodies in the hippocampus. Moreover, IL-1β and TNF-α in the cortex were significantly downregulated after JHP administration, whereas IL-10 showed increased expression. CONCLUSIONS It was found that JHP reduced neuroinflammatory response in AD mice by targeting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiyan Cai
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijinchuan Dong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingsen Ran
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaogang Weng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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28
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Huang ST, Loh CH, Lin CH, Hsiao FY, Chen LK. Trends in dementia incidence and mortality, and dynamic changes in comorbidity and healthcare utilization from 2004 to 2017: A Taiwan national cohort study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 121:105330. [PMID: 38341955 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105330] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to ascertain dementia incidence from 2004 to 2017 in Taiwan, and to examine the disease course in comorbidity, treatments, healthcare usage, and mortality among older people with incident dementia preceding the diagnosis of dementia and afterwards. METHODS Taiwan National Health Insurance data on people aged ≥ 65 years with incident dementia from January 2004 to December 2017 were excerpted to estimate annual incidence rates and annualized percentage changes(APCs). For people diagnosed before 2013, annual mortality rates and causes of death during 5-years' follow-up were determined. Changes in 22 diseases/conditions, hospital visits and admissions, and psychotropic medication prescriptions commonly associated with dementia, were examined from 3 years preceding the index diagnosis until 5 years afterwards. RESULTS From 2004 to 2017, the annual incidence of dementia in Taiwan increased from 30,606 to 50,651, and by > 90 % in women; age-standardized annual incidence increased significantly, with an APC of 0.4 %(p = 0.02). For 372,203 incident cases from 2004 to 2013, annual mortality was∼12 % during 5-years' follow-up. The prevalence of most comorbidities increased by 65-150 % after being diagnosed with dementia. People with incident dementia had increased healthcare usage 1 year before diagnosis, which peaked 1 year afterwards. Psychotropic medication prescriptions increased gradually over 3 years before diagnosis, peaked 3 months afterwards, gradually declined during the next 2 years, then remained stable. CONCLUSION The incidence of dementia in Taiwan has increased gradually over time, with an annual mortality risk of∼12 %. Older people with dementia had more healthcare needs and comorbid conditions after dementia diagnosis, highlighting the exigency of person-centered dementia care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Tsung Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hui Loh
- Center for Healthy Longevity, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hung Lin
- Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fei-Yuan Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Liang-Kung Chen
- Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Li N, Su Q, Yao T, Ba M, Wang G. Landmark-based spherical quasi-conformal mapping for hippocampal surface registration. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:3997-4014. [PMID: 38846272 PMCID: PMC11151239 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Background The cognitive decline induced by Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely related to changes in hippocampal structure captured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To accurately analyze the morphological changes of the hippocampus induced by AD, it is necessary to establish a one-to-one surface correspondence to compare the morphological measurements across different hippocampal surfaces. However, most existing landmark-based registration methods cannot satisfy both landmark matching and diffeomorphism under large deformations. To address these challenges, we propose a landmark-based spherical registration method via quasi-conformal mapping to establish a one-to-one correspondence between different hippocampal surfaces. Methods In our approach, we use the eigen-graph of the hippocampal surface to extract the intrinsic and unified landmarks of all the hippocampal surfaces and then realize the parameterization process from the hippocampal surface to a unit sphere according to the barycentric coordinate theory and the triangular mesh optimization algorithm. Finally, through the local stereographic projection, the alignment of the landmarks is achieved based on the quasi-conformal mapping on a two-dimensional (2D) plane under the constraints of Beltrami coefficients which can effectively control the topology distortion. Results We verified the proposed registration method on real hippocampus data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database and created AD and normal control (NC) groups. Our registration algorithm achieved an area distortion index (ADI) of 0.4362e-4±0.7800e-5 in the AD group and 0.5671e-4±0.602e-5 in the NC group, and it achieved an angle distortion index (Eangle) of 0.6407±0.0258 in the AD group and 0.6271±0.0194 in the NC group. The accuracy of support vector machine (SVM) classification for the AD vs. NC groups based on the morphological features extracted from the registered hippocampal surfaces reached 94.2%. Conclusions This landmark-based spherical quasi-conformal mapping for hippocampal surface registration algorithm can maintain precise alignment of the landmarks and bijectivity in the presence of large deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- School of Information and Electrical Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Qingtang Su
- School of Information and Electrical Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Tao Yao
- School of Information and Electrical Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Maowen Ba
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Gang Wang
- School of Ulsan Ship and Ocean College, Ludong University, Yantai, China
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Meur S, Mukherjee S, Roy S, Karati D. Role of PIM Kinase Inhibitor in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04257-7. [PMID: 38816674 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04257-7] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is the most prevalent form of senile dementia, causing progressive deterioration of cognition, behavior, and rational skills. Neuropathologically, AD is characterized by two hallmark proteinaceous aggregates: amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formed of hyperphosphorylated tau. A significant study has been done to understand how Aβ and/or tau accumulation can alter signaling pathways that affect neuronal function. A conserved protein kinase known as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is essential for maintaining the proper balance between protein synthesis and degradation. Overwhelming evidence shows mTOR signaling's primary role in age-dependent cognitive decline and the pathogenesis of AD. Postmortem human AD brains consistently show an upregulation of mTOR signaling. Confocal microscopy findings demonstrated a direct connection between mTOR and intraneuronal Aβ42 through molecular processes of PRAS40 phosphorylation. By attaching to the mTORC1 complex, PRAS40 inhibits the activity of mTOR. Furthermore, inhibiting PRAS40 phosphorylation can stop the Aβ-mediated increase in mTOR activity, indicating that the accumulation of Aβ may aid in PRAS40 phosphorylation. Physiologically, PRAS40 is phosphorylated by PIM1 which is a serine/threonine kinase of proto-oncogene PIM kinase family. Pharmacological inhibition of PIM1 activity prevents the Aβ-induced mTOR hyperactivity in vivo by blocking PRAS40 phosphorylation and restores cognitive impairments by enhancing proteasome function. Recently identified small-molecule PIM1 inhibitors have been developed as potential therapeutic to reduce AD-neuropathology. This comprehensive study aims to address the activity of PIM1 inhibitor that has been tested for the treatment of AD, in addition to the pharmacological and structural aspects of PIM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyasi Meur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata, 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Swarupananda Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, 124, B.L Saha Road, Kolkata, 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Souvik Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, 124, B.L Saha Road, Kolkata, 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Dipanjan Karati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata, 700091, West Bengal, India.
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Chen B, Schneeberger M. Neuro-Adipokine Crosstalk in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5932. [PMID: 38892118 PMCID: PMC11173274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115932] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The connection between body weight alterations and Alzheimer's disease highlights the intricate relationship between the brain and adipose tissue in the context of neurological disorders. During midlife, weight gain increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, whereas in late life, weight gain becomes a protective factor. Despite their substantial impact on metabolism, the role of adipokines in the transition from healthy aging to neurological disorders remains largely unexplored. We aim to investigate how the adipose tissue milieu and the secreted adipokines are involved in the transition between biological and pathological aging, highlighting the bidirectional relationship between the brain and systemic metabolism. Understanding the function of these adipokines will allow us to identify biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and uncover novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandy Chen
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Marc Schneeberger
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
- Wu Tsai Institute for Mind and Brain, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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32
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Norouzkhani N, Afshari S, Sadatmadani SF, Mollaqasem MM, Mosadeghi S, Ghadri H, Fazlizade S, Alizadeh K, Akbari Javar P, Amiri H, Foroughi E, Ansari A, Mousazadeh K, Davany BA, Akhtari kohnehshahri A, Alizadeh A, Dadkhah PA, Poudineh M. Therapeutic potential of berries in age-related neurological disorders. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1348127. [PMID: 38783949 PMCID: PMC11112503 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1348127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging significantly impacts several age-related neurological problems, such as stroke, brain tumors, oxidative stress, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia), neuroinflammation, and neurotoxicity. Current treatments for these conditions often come with side effects like hallucinations, dyskinesia, nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress. Given the widespread availability and cultural acceptance of natural remedies, research is exploring the potential effectiveness of plants in common medicines. The ancient medical system used many botanical drugs and medicinal plants to treat a wide range of diseases, including age-related neurological problems. According to current clinical investigations, berries improve motor and cognitive functions and protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, berries may influence signaling pathways critical to neurotransmission, cell survival, inflammation regulation, and neuroplasticity. The abundance of phytochemicals in berries is believed to contribute to these potentially neuroprotective effects. This review aimed to explore the potential benefits of berries as a source of natural neuroprotective agents for age-related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Norouzkhani
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Afshari
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | | | | | - Shakila Mosadeghi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Hani Ghadri
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safa Fazlizade
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Keyvan Alizadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Pouyan Akbari Javar
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Amiri
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Elaheh Foroughi
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arina Ansari
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Kourosh Mousazadeh
- School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ata Akhtari kohnehshahri
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alaleh Alizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parisa Alsadat Dadkhah
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Poudineh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Barsoum S, Latimer CS, Nolan AL, Barrett A, Chang K, Troncoso J, Keene CD, Benjamini D. Resiliency to Alzheimer's disease neuropathology can be distinguished from dementia using cortical astrogliosis imaging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.592719. [PMID: 38766087 PMCID: PMC11100587 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.592719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Despite the presence of significant Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, characterized by amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and phosphorylated tau (pTau) tangles, some cognitively normal elderly individuals do not inevitably develop dementia. These findings give rise to the notion of cognitive 'resilience', suggesting maintained cognitive function despite the presence of AD neuropathology, highlighting the influence of factors beyond classical pathology. Cortical astroglial inflammation, a ubiquitous feature of symptomatic AD, shows a strong correlation with cognitive impairment severity, potentially contributing to the diversity of clinical presentations. However, noninvasively imaging neuroinflammation, particularly astrogliosis, using MRI remains a significant challenge. Here we sought to address this challenge and to leverage multidimensional (MD) MRI, a powerful approach that combines relaxation with diffusion MR contrasts, to map cortical astrogliosis in the human brain by accessing sub-voxel information. Our goal was to test whether MD-MRI can map astroglial pathology in the cerebral cortex, and if so, whether it can distinguish cognitive resiliency from dementia in the presence of hallmark AD neuropathological changes. We adopted a multimodal approach by integrating histological and MRI analyses using human postmortem brain samples. Ex vivo cerebral cortical tissue specimens derived from three groups comprised of non-demented individuals with significant AD pathology postmortem, individuals with both AD pathology and dementia, and non-demented individuals with minimal AD pathology postmortem as controls, underwent MRI at 7 T. We acquired and processed MD-MRI, diffusion tensor, and quantitative T 1 and T 2 MRI data, followed by histopathological processing on slices from the same tissue. By carefully co-registering MRI and microscopy data, we performed quantitative multimodal analyses, leveraging targeted immunostaining to assess MD-MRI sensitivity and specificity towards Aβ, pTau, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker for astrogliosis. Our findings reveal a distinct MD-MRI signature of cortical astrogliosis, enabling the creation of predictive maps for cognitive resilience amid AD neuropathological changes. Multiple linear regression linked histological values to MRI changes, revealing that the MD-MRI cortical astrogliosis biomarker was significantly associated with GFAP burden (standardized β=0.658, pFDR<0.0001), but not with Aβ (standardized β=0.009, p FDR =0.913) or pTau (standardized β=-0.196, p FDR =0.051). Conversely, none of the conventional MRI parameters showed significant associations with GFAP burden in the cortex. While the extent to which pathological glial activation contributes to neuronal damage and cognitive impairment in AD is uncertain, developing a noninvasive imaging method to see its affects holds promise from a mechanistic perspective and as a potential predictor of cognitive outcomes.
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Korinek K, Zimmer Z, Teerawichitchainan B, Young Y, Cao Manh L, Toan TK. Cognitive function following early life war-time stress exposure in a cohort of Vietnamese older adults. Soc Sci Med 2024; 349:116800. [PMID: 38640743 PMCID: PMC11105098 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116800] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Although Alzheimer's Disease is a leading cause of death in Vietnam and other post-conflict, low- and middle-income countries, aside from studies of veterans in western populations, research on war-related violence and deprivation as risk factors for cognitive disorders remains sparse. Using data from the Vietnam Health and Aging Study, which relied upon a multistage probability sample of 2447 older adults residing in districts of northern Vietnam differentially exposed to wartime bombing and numerous war-related stressors, this paper investigates associations between early-life war-related stressors and later-life cognitive function in a cohort whose transition to adulthood took place during the American-Vietnam War. Relationships among experiences of severe childhood hunger, war-related violence and environmental hardships, military service, and cognitive function in an analytical sample of 2162 Vietnamese older adults are estimated using quantile regression. Cognitive function is assessed by a modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Analyses also address posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cardiovascular health, and health behaviors as potential mediators between early life war-related stressors and current cognitive function. Results indicate that experiences of severe hunger in childhood and environmental hardships are associated with poorer cognitive function in older adulthood. PTSD, cardiovascular risk (i.e., hypertension) and disease (i.e., stroke), each of which is heightened by exposure to wartime stressors, are associated with lower cognitive scores. Results suggest that certain war exposures, like involvement in combat duties, are associated with higher cognitive function scores, suggesting that military service either positively selects for cognitive function, or certain forms of service may impart cognitive resilience. Following recent calls to incorporate population-specific stressors to advance explanatory models of cognitive function, these findings suggest that it is critical to assess the enduring scars and resilience of armed conflict in global efforts to understand, prevent, and treat cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and related dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Korinek
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - Zachary Zimmer
- Department of Family Studies and Gerontology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Yvette Young
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Long Cao Manh
- Family Medicine Department, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Tran Khanh Toan
- Family Medicine Department, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
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McDermott EA, Watson N, Tam J, Centola J, Kurucu King H, Mackenzie J, Summers D, Green A, Barria MA, Smith C, Pal S. Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in adults over 80 years: a 10-year review of United Kingdom surveillance. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae086. [PMID: 38706391 PMCID: PMC11070723 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae086] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease with public health implications. Mean age of onset is 68 years. Age-specific incidence declines after 80 years. This may arise from under-ascertainment or other biological features of the disease. Accurate characterisation of late-onset sCJD is important for early diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary investigations and improving ascertainment for public health purposes. OBJECTIVE To phenotype the clinical features and investigation profile of sCJD in adults >80 years. METHODS We analysed all probable and definite sCJD cases identified by the UK National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit over a 10-year period (2011-2021). Individuals were grouped by age of onset. Clinical features and investigation profiles were compared. RESULTS 10.3% (123/1196) had an age of onset over 80. Median survival was shorter (3.2 vs 4.3 months; P < 0.001). Pyramidal signs (48.3% vs 34.2%; P = 0.008) and akinetic mutism (55.1% vs 33.2%; P < 0.001) were more frequent. Psychiatric symptoms (26.3% vs 39.6%; P = 0.01) and cerebellar signs (65.4% vs 78.6%, P = 0.007) were less frequent. Cognitive impairment and myoclonus were highly prevalent regardless of age. Between age groups, the diagnostic sensitivity of cerebrospinal fluid real-time quaking-induced conversion (CSF RT-QuIC) (92.9% vs 91.9%, P = 0.74) was comparable, electroencephalography was superior (41.5% vs 25.4%; P = 0.006) and MRI was inferior (67.8% vs 91.4%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Late-onset sCJD has distinct clinical features, shorter survival and a different profile of investigation sensitivity. CSF RT-QuIC, MRI brain and specialist CJD review is recommended in older adults with a rapidly progressive neurological disorder. Autopsy is valuable when the cause remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Ace McDermott
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Neil Watson
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Johnny Tam
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - John Centola
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hatice Kurucu King
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jan Mackenzie
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Summers
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alison Green
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marcelo A Barria
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Colin Smith
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Kothandan D, Singh DS, Yerrakula G, D B, N P, Santhana Sophia B V, A R, Ramya Vg S, S K, M J. Advanced Glycation End Products-Induced Alzheimer's Disease and Its Novel Therapeutic Approaches: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e61373. [PMID: 38947632 PMCID: PMC11214645 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in the brain, leading to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The pathophysiology of AD is influenced by receptors for AGEs and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Protein glycation results in irreversible AGEs through a complicated series of reactions involving the formation of Schiff's base, the Amadori reaction, followed by the Maillard reaction, which causes abnormal brain glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, malfunctioning mitochondria, plaque deposition, and neuronal death. Amyloid plaque and other stimuli activate macrophages, which are crucial immune cells in AD development, triggering the production of inflammatory molecules and contributing to the disease's pathogenesis. The risk of AD is doubled by risk factors for atherosclerosis, dementia, advanced age, and type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM). As individuals age, the prevalence of neurological illnesses such as AD increases due to a decrease in glyoxalase levels and an increase in AGE accumulation. Insulin's role in proteostasis influences hallmarks of AD-like tau phosphorylation and amyloid β peptide clearance, affecting lipid metabolism, inflammation, vasoreactivity, and vascular function. The high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, a key initiator and activator of a neuroinflammatory response, has been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. The TLR4 inhibitor was found to improve memory and learning impairment and decrease Aβ build-up. Therapeutic research into anti-glycation agents, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) inhibitors, and AGE breakers offers hope for intervention strategies. Dietary and lifestyle modifications can also slow AD progression. Newer therapeutic approaches targeting AGE-related pathways are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhivya Kothandan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, C.L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Chennai, IND
| | - Daniel S Singh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, C.L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Chennai, IND
| | - Goutham Yerrakula
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Vacoas, MUS
| | - Backkiyashree D
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, C.L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Chennai, IND
| | - Pratibha N
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, C.L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Chennai, IND
| | | | - Ramya A
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, C.L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Chennai, IND
| | - Sapthami Ramya Vg
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, C.L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Chennai, IND
| | - Keshavini S
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, C.L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Chennai, IND
| | - Jagadheeshwari M
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, C.L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Chennai, IND
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Cevik SE, Skaar DA, Jima DD, Liu AJ, Østbye T, Whitson HE, Jirtle RL, Hoyo C, Planchart A. DNA methylation of imprint control regions associated with Alzheimer's disease in non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:58. [PMID: 38658973 PMCID: PMC11043040 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01672-4] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevalence is twice as high in non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) as in non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). The objective of this study was to determine whether aberrant methylation at imprint control regions (ICRs) is associated with AD. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were bioinformatically identified from whole-genome bisulfite sequenced DNA derived from brain tissue of 9 AD (5 NHBs and 4 NHWs) and 8 controls (4 NHBs and 4 NHWs). We identified DMRs located within 120 regions defined as candidate ICRs in the human imprintome ( https://genome.ucsc.edu/s/imprintome/hg38.AD.Brain_track ). Eighty-one ICRs were differentially methylated in NHB-AD, and 27 ICRs were differentially methylated in NHW-AD, with two regions common to both populations that are proximal to the inflammasome gene, NLRP1, and a known imprinted gene, MEST/MESTIT1. These findings indicate that early developmental alterations in DNA methylation of regions regulating genomic imprinting may contribute to AD risk and that this epigenetic risk differs between NHBs and NHWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebnem E Cevik
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David A Skaar
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dereje D Jima
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Andy J Liu
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Truls Østbye
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Heather E Whitson
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke/UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC), Durham, NC, USA
| | - Randy L Jirtle
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Antonio Planchart
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Harding E, Sullivan MP, Camic PM, Yong KXX, Stott J, Crutch SJ. "I Want to Do Something" - Exploring What Makes Activities Meaningful for Community-Dwelling People Living With Dementia: A Focused Ethnographic Study. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:10497323241239487. [PMID: 38648467 DOI: 10.1177/10497323241239487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Supporting ageing in place, quality of life, and activity engagement are public health priorities for people with dementia. The importance of maintaining opportunities for meaningful activities has been widely acknowledged for those with dementia in long-term care, but little is known about what makes activities meaningful for, and how they are experienced by, people with different types of dementia in their own homes. This study used focussed ethnographic methods to explore the motivations and meanings of everyday activity engagement within the homes of 10 people with memory-led Alzheimer's disease and 10 people with posterior cortical atrophy. While participants' interactions with their everyday environments were challenged by their diagnoses, they were all finding ways to continue meaning-making via various activities. The main findings are encapsulated in three themes: (1) The fun and the function of activities; (2) Reciprocities of care, and (3) The constitution and continuity of (a changing) self. Ongoing engagement with both fun and functional activities offered participants living with different dementias opportunities to connect with others, to offer care and support (as well as receive it), and to maintain a sense of self and identity. Implications are discussed regarding the development and delivery of tailored interventions and support to enable continued engagement in meaningful activities for people with different types of dementia living in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Harding
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Mary Pat Sullivan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Education and Professional Studies, Nipissing University, Nipissing, ON, Canada
| | - Paul M Camic
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Keir X X Yong
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Joshua Stott
- UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Sebastian J Crutch
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
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Ogonowski NS, García-Marín LM, Fernando AS, Flores-Ocampo V, Rentería ME. Impact of genetic predisposition to late-onset neurodegenerative diseases on early life outcomes and brain structure. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:185. [PMID: 38605018 PMCID: PMC11009228 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02898-9] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Most patients with late-onset neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's have a complex aetiology resulting from numerous genetic risk variants of small effects located across the genome, environmental factors, and the interaction between genes and environment. Over the last decade, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and post-GWAS analyses have shed light on the polygenic architecture of these diseases, enabling polygenic risk scores (PRS) to estimate an individual's relative genetic liability for presenting with the disease. PRS can screen and stratify individuals based on their genetic risk, potentially years or even decades before the onset of clinical symptoms. An emerging body of evidence from various research studies suggests that genetic susceptibility to late-onset neurodegenerative diseases might impact early life outcomes, including cognitive function, brain structure and function, and behaviour. This article summarises recent findings exploring the potential impact of genetic susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases on early life outcomes. A better understanding of the impact of genetic susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases early in life could be valuable in disease screening, detection, and prevention and in informing treatment strategies before significant neural damage has occurred. However, ongoing studies have limitations. Overall, our review found several studies focused on APOE haplotypes and Alzheimer's risk, but a limited number of studies leveraging polygenic risk scores or focused on genetic susceptibility to other late-onset conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia S Ogonowski
- Mental Health & Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Luis M García-Marín
- Mental Health & Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Amali S Fernando
- Mental Health & Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Victor Flores-Ocampo
- Mental Health & Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Miguel E Rentería
- Mental Health & Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Svensson JE, Bolin M, Thor D, Williams PA, Brautaset R, Carlsson M, Sörensson P, Marlevi D, Spin-Neto R, Probst M, Hagman G, Morén AF, Kivipelto M, Plavén-Sigray P. Evaluating the effect of rapamycin treatment in Alzheimer's disease and aging using in vivo imaging: the ERAP phase IIa clinical study protocol. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:111. [PMID: 38575854 PMCID: PMC10993488 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03596-1] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapamycin is an inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein kinase, and preclinical data demonstrate that it is a promising candidate for a general gero- and neuroprotective treatment in humans. Results from mouse models of Alzheimer's disease have shown beneficial effects of rapamycin, including preventing or reversing cognitive deficits, reducing amyloid oligomers and tauopathies and normalizing synaptic plasticity and cerebral glucose uptake. The "Evaluating Rapamycin Treatment in Alzheimer's Disease using Positron Emission Tomography" (ERAP) trial aims to test if these results translate to humans through evaluating the change in cerebral glucose uptake following six months of rapamycin treatment in participants with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. METHODS ERAP is a six-month-long, single-arm, open-label, phase IIa biomarker-driven study evaluating if the drug rapamycin can be repurposed to treat Alzheimer's disease. Fifteen patients will be included and treated with a weekly dose of 7 mg rapamycin for six months. The primary endpoint will be change in cerebral glucose uptake, measured using [18F]FDG positron emission tomography. Secondary endpoints include changes in cognitive measures, markers in cerebrospinal fluid as well as cerebral blood flow measured using magnetic resonance imaging. As exploratory outcomes, the study will assess change in multiple age-related pathological processes, such as periodontal inflammation, retinal degeneration, bone mineral density loss, atherosclerosis and decreased cardiac function. DISCUSSION The ERAP study is a clinical trial using in vivo imaging biomarkers to assess the repurposing of rapamycin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. If successful, the study would provide a strong rationale for large-scale evaluation of mTOR-inhibitors as a potential disease-modifying treatment in Alzheimer's disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06022068, date of registration 2023-08-30.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas E Svensson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Bolin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Thor
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics and Nuclear Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rune Brautaset
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Carlsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peder Sörensson
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Marlevi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rubens Spin-Neto
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Section for Oral Radiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Monika Probst
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Göran Hagman
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Forsberg Morén
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit (AGE), School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pontus Plavén-Sigray
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Katariya RA, Sammeta SS, Kale MB, Kotagale NR, Umekar MJ, Taksande BG. Agmatine as a novel intervention for Alzheimer's disease: Pathological insights and cognitive benefits. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102269. [PMID: 38479477 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102269] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and a significant societal burden. Despite extensive research and efforts of the multidisciplinary scientific community, to date, there is no cure for this debilitating disease. Moreover, the existing pharmacotherapy for AD only provides symptomatic support and does not modify the course of the illness or halt the disease progression. This is a significant limitation as the underlying pathology of the disease continues to progress leading to the deterioration of cognitive functions over time. In this milieu, there is a growing need for the development of new and more efficacious treatments for AD. Agmatine, a naturally occurring molecule derived from L-arginine, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for AD. Besides this, agmatine has been shown to modulate amyloid beta (Aβ) production, aggregation, and clearance, key processes implicated in AD pathogenesis. It also exerts neuroprotective effects, modulates neurotransmitter systems, enhances synaptic plasticity, and stimulates neurogenesis. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical studies have provided evidence supporting the cognition-enhancing effects of agmatine in AD. Therefore, this review article explores the promising role of agmatine in AD pathology and cognitive function. However, several limitations and challenges exist, including the need for large-scale clinical trials, optimal dosing, and treatment duration. Future research should focus on mechanistic investigations, biomarker studies, and personalized medicine approaches to fully understand and optimize the therapeutic potential of agmatine. Augmenting the use of agmatine may offer a novel approach to address the unmet medical need in AD and provide cognitive enhancement and disease modification for individuals affected by this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj A Katariya
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Shivkumar S Sammeta
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Mayur B Kale
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Nandkishor R Kotagale
- Government College of Pharmacy, Kathora Naka, VMV Road, Amravati, Maharashtra 444604, India
| | - Milind J Umekar
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India
| | - Brijesh G Taksande
- Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra 441002, India.
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Nazarian A, Abedinifar F, Hamedifar H, Hashempur MH, Mahdavi M, Sepehri N, Iraji A. Anticholinesterase activities of novel isoindolin-1,3-dione-based acetohydrazide derivatives: design, synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular dynamic study. BMC Chem 2024; 18:64. [PMID: 38561813 PMCID: PMC10985906 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-024-01169-4] [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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In pursuit of developing novel cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors through molecular hybridization theory, a novel series of isoindolin-1,3-dione-based acetohydrazides (compounds 8a-h) was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as possible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. In vitro results revealed IC50 values ranging from 0.11 ± 0.05 to 0.86 ± 0.02 µM against AChE and 5.7 ± 0.2 to 30.2 ± 2.8 µM against BChE. A kinetic study was conducted on the most potent compound, 8a, to ascertain its mode of inhibition, revealing its competitive mode against AChE. Furthermore, the binding interaction modes of the most active compound within the AChE active site was elucidated. Molecular dynamics simulations of compound 8a were performed to assess the stability of the 8a-AChE complex. In silico pharmacokinetic predictions for the most potent compounds indicated their potential as promising lead structure for the development of new anti-Alzheimer's disease (anti-AD) agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Nazarian
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahime Abedinifar
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haleh Hamedifar
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- CinnaGen Research and Production Co., Alborz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hashem Hashempur
- Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Department of Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdavi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Sepehri
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
- CinnaGen Research and Production Co., Alborz, Iran.
| | - Aida Iraji
- Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Department of Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Haghdel A, Smith N, Glodzik L, Li Y, Wang X, Crowder T, Zhu YS, Butler T, Blennow K, McIntire LB, Pahlajani S, Osborne J, Chiang G, de Leon M, Ivanidze J. Evidence of Pericyte Damage in a Cognitively Normal Cohort: Association With CSF and PET Biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2024; 38:107-111. [PMID: 38752577 PMCID: PMC11132093 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000623] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is emerging as an important pathophysiologic factor in Alzheimer disease (AD). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRβ) is a biomarker of BBB pericyte injury and has been implicated in cognitive impairment and AD. METHODS We aimed to study CSF PDGFRβ protein levels, along with CSF biomarkers of brain amyloidosis and tau pathology in a well-characterized population of cognitively unimpaired individuals and correlated CSF findings with amyloid-PET positivity. We performed an institutional review board (IRB)-approved cross-sectional analysis of a prospectively enrolled cohort of 36 cognitively normal volunteers with available CSF, Pittsburgh compound B PET/CT, Mini-Mental State Exam score, Global Deterioration Scale, and known apolipoprotein E ( APOE ) ε4 status. RESULTS Thirty-six subjects were included. Mean age was 63.3 years; 31 of 36 were female, 6 of 36 were amyloid-PET-positive and 12 of 36 were APOE ε4 carriers. We found a moderate positive correlation between CSF PDGFRβ and both total Tau (r=0.45, P =0.006) and phosphorylated Tau 181 (r=0.51, P =0.002). CSF PDGFRβ levels were not associated with either the CSF Aβ42 or the amyloid-PET. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a moderate positive correlation between PDGFRβ and both total Tau and phosphorylated Tau 181 in cognitively normal individuals. Our data support the hypothesis that BBB dysfunction represents an important early pathophysiologic step in AD, warranting larger prospective studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00094939.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yi Li
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine
| | | | - Tamara Crowder
- Clinical and Translational Science Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Yuan-Shan Zhu
- Clinical and Translational Science Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | - Kaj Blennow
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
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Griñán‐Ferré C, Jarné‐Ferrer J, Bellver‐Sanchís A, Codony S, Puigoriol‐Illamola D, Sanfeliu C, Oh Y, Lee S, Vázquez S, Pallàs M. Novel molecular mechanism driving neuroprotection after soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition: Insights for Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14511. [PMID: 37905690 PMCID: PMC11017401 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14511] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation is widely recognized as a significant hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To combat neuroinflammation, the inhibition of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme has been demonstrated crucial. Importantly, sEH inhibition could be related to other neuroprotective pathways described in AD. AIMS The aim of the study was to unveil new molecular pathways driving neuroprotection through sEH, we used an optimized, potent, and selective sEH inhibitor (sEHi, UB-SCG-51). MATERIALS AND METHODS UB-SCG-51 was tested in neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y, in primary mouse and human astrocytes cultures challenged with proinflammatory insults and in microglia cultures treated with amyloid oligomers, as well as in mice AD model (5XFAD). RESULTS UB-SCG-51 (10 and 30 μM) prevented neurotoxic reactive-astrocyte conversion in primary mouse astrocytes challenged with TNF-α, IL-1α, and C1q (T/I/C) combination for 24 h. Moreover, in microglial cultures, sEHi reduced inflammation and glial activity. In addition, UB-SCG-51 rescued 5XFAD cognitive impairment, reducing the number of Amyloid-β plaques and Tau hyperphosphorylation accompanied by a reduction in neuroinflammation and apoptotic markers. Notably, a transcriptional profile analysis revealed a new pathway modulated by sEHi treatment. Specifically, the eIF2α/CHOP pathway, which promoted the endoplasmic reticulum response, was increased in the 5XFAD-treated group. These findings were confirmed in human primary astrocytes by combining sEHi and eIF2α inhibitor (eIF2αi) treatment. Besides, combining both treatments resulted in increased in C3 gene expression after T/I/C compared with the group treated with sEHi alone in cultures. DISCUSSION Therefore, sEHi rescued cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration in AD mice model, based on the reduction of inflammation and eIF2α/CHOP signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS In whole, our results support the concept that targeting neuroinflammation through sEH inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy to fight against Alzheimer's disease with additive and/or synergistic activities targeting neuroinflammation and cell stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Griñán‐Ferré
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic ChemistryInstitut de Neurociències‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Júlia Jarné‐Ferrer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic ChemistryInstitut de Neurociències‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Aina Bellver‐Sanchís
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic ChemistryInstitut de Neurociències‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Sandra Codony
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB)University of Barcelona (UB)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Dolors Puigoriol‐Illamola
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic ChemistryInstitut de Neurociències‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Coral Sanfeliu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Yumin Oh
- Neuraly Inc.MarylandGaithersburgUSA
| | | | - Santiago Vázquez
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB)University of Barcelona (UB)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic ChemistryInstitut de Neurociències‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
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Ceylan B, Düz E, Çakir T. Personalized Protein-Protein Interaction Networks Towards Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2120-2135. [PMID: 37855983 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03690-4] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly heterogenous neurodegenerative disease, and several omic-based datasets were generated in the last decade from the patients with the disease. However, the vast majority of studies evaluate these datasets in bulk by considering all the patients as a single group, which obscures the molecular differences resulting from the heterogeneous nature of the disease. In this study, we adopted a personalized approach and analyzed the transcriptome data from 403 patients individually by mapping the data on a human protein-protein interaction network. Patient-specific subnetworks were discovered and analyzed in terms of the genes in the subnetworks, enriched functional terms, and known AD genes. We identified several affected pathways that could not be captured by the bulk comparison. We also showed that our personalized findings point to patterns of alterations consistent with the recently suggested AD subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Ceylan
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, 41400, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Elif Düz
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, 41400, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Tunahan Çakir
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, 41400, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey.
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Fessel J. Personalized, Precision Medicine to Cure Alzheimer's Dementia: Approach #1. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3909. [PMID: 38612719 PMCID: PMC11012190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073909] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of the treatment for Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is the cure of dementia. A literature review revealed 18 major elements causing AD and 29 separate medications that address them. For any individual with AD, one is unlikely to discern which major causal elements produced dementia. Thus, for personalized, precision medicine, all causal elements must be treated so that each individual patient will have her or his causal elements addressed. Twenty-nine drugs cannot concomitantly be administered, so triple combinations of drugs taken from that list are suggested, and each triple combination can be administered sequentially, in any order. Ten combinations given over 13 weeks require 2.5 years, or if given over 26 weeks, they require 5.0 years. Such sequential treatment addresses all 18 elements and should cure dementia. In addition, any comorbid risk factors for AD whose first presence or worsening was within ±1 year of when AD first appeared should receive appropriate, standard treatment together with the sequential combinations. The article outlines a randomized clinical trial that is necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of the proposed treatments; it includes a triple-drug Rx for equipoise. Clinical trials should have durations of both 2.5 and 5.0 years unless the data safety monitoring board (DSMB) determines earlier success or futility since it is uncertain whether three or six months of treatment will be curative in humans, although studies in animals suggest that the briefer duration of treatment might be effective and restore defective neural tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Fessel
- Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, 2069 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA
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47
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Liu S, Lu Y, Tian D, Zhang T, Zhang C, Hu CY, Chen P, Meng Y. Hydroxytyrosol Alleviates Obesity-Induced Cognitive Decline by Modulating the Expression Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors and Inflammatory Factors in Mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:6250-6264. [PMID: 38491001 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Hydroxytyrosol (HT; 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl ethanol) is an important functional polyphenol in olive oil. Our study sought to evaluate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of HT on obesity-induced cognitive impairment. A high-fat and high-fructose-diet-induced obese mice model was treated with HT for 14 weeks. The results show that HT improved the learning and memory abilities and enhanced the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs) and postsynaptic density proteins, protecting neuronal and synaptic functions in obese mice. Transcriptomic results further confirmed that HT improved cognitive impairment by regulating gene expression in neural system development and synaptic function-related pathways. Moreover, HT treatment alleviated neuroinflammation in the brain of obese mice. To sum up, our results indicated that HT can alleviate obesity-induced cognitive dysfunction by enhancing BDNF expression and alleviating neuroinflammation in the brain, which also means that HT may become a potentially useful nutritional supplement to alleviate obesity-induced cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenlin Liu
- The Engineering Research Center of High-Valued Utilization of Fruit Resources in Western China, Ministry of Education; National Research & Development Center of Apple Processing Technology; College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Changan Avenue, Xian, Shaanxi 710119, P. R. China
| | - Yalong Lu
- The Engineering Research Center of High-Valued Utilization of Fruit Resources in Western China, Ministry of Education; National Research & Development Center of Apple Processing Technology; College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Changan Avenue, Xian, Shaanxi 710119, P. R. China
| | - Dan Tian
- The Engineering Research Center of High-Valued Utilization of Fruit Resources in Western China, Ministry of Education; National Research & Development Center of Apple Processing Technology; College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Changan Avenue, Xian, Shaanxi 710119, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- The Engineering Research Center of High-Valued Utilization of Fruit Resources in Western China, Ministry of Education; National Research & Development Center of Apple Processing Technology; College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Changan Avenue, Xian, Shaanxi 710119, P. R. China
| | - Chaoqun Zhang
- The Engineering Research Center of High-Valued Utilization of Fruit Resources in Western China, Ministry of Education; National Research & Development Center of Apple Processing Technology; College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Changan Avenue, Xian, Shaanxi 710119, P. R. China
| | - Ching Yuan Hu
- The Engineering Research Center of High-Valued Utilization of Fruit Resources in Western China, Ministry of Education; National Research & Development Center of Apple Processing Technology; College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Changan Avenue, Xian, Shaanxi 710119, P. R. China
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1955 East-West Road, AgSci. 415J, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, United States
| | - Ping Chen
- Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xian, Shaanxi 710054, P. R. China
| | - Yonghong Meng
- The Engineering Research Center of High-Valued Utilization of Fruit Resources in Western China, Ministry of Education; National Research & Development Center of Apple Processing Technology; College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Changan Avenue, Xian, Shaanxi 710119, P. R. China
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Chakraborty R, Kobayashi LC, Jock J, Wing C, Chen X, Phillips M, Berkman L, Kahn K, Kabudula CW, Rosenberg M. Child support grant expansion and cognitive function among women in rural South Africa: Findings from a natural experiment in the HAALSI cohort. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297673. [PMID: 38446751 PMCID: PMC10917272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297673] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cash transfers are a promising but understudied intervention that may protect cognitive function in adults. Although South Africa has a rapidly ageing population, little is known about the nature of association between cash transfers and cognitive function in this setting. OBJECTIVES We leveraged age-eligibility expansions to South Africa's Child Support Grant (CSG) to investigate the association between duration of CSG eligibility and cognitive function of biological mothers of child beneficiaries in South Africa. METHODS We analysed 2014/2015 baseline data from 944 women, aged 40-59 years with at least one CSG-eligible child, enrolled in the population-representative HAALSI cohort in Agincourt, South Africa. Duration of CSG eligibility for each mother was calculated based on the birth dates of all their children and the CSG age-eligibility expansion years (2003-2012). Cognitive function was measured using a cognitive battery administered at the HAALSI baseline interview. Linear regression was used to estimate the association between duration of CSG eligibility, dichotomized as low (≤10 years) and high (>10 years) eligibility, and cognitive function z-scores of the mothers. RESULTS High vs. low duration of CSG eligibility, was associated with higher cognitive function z-scores in the full sample [β: 0.15 SD units; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.26; p-value = 0.01]. In mothers with one to four lifetime children, but not five or more, high vs. low duration of CSG eligibility, was associated with higher cognitive function z-scores [β: 0.19 SD units; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.34, p-value = 0.02]. CONCLUSION Government cash transfers given to support raising children may confer substantial protective effects on the subsequent cognitive function of mothers. Further studies are needed to understand how parity may influence this relationship. Our findings bring evidence to policymakers for designing income supplementation programmes to promote healthy cognitive ageing in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishika Chakraborty
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Lindsay C. Kobayashi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Janet Jock
- O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Coady Wing
- O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Xiwei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Meredith Phillips
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Lisa Berkman
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bartman S, Coppotelli G, Ross JM. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Key Player in Brain Aging and Diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1987-2026. [PMID: 38534746 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030130] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are thought to have become incorporated within the eukaryotic cell approximately 2 billion years ago and play a role in a variety of cellular processes, such as energy production, calcium buffering and homeostasis, steroid synthesis, cell growth, and apoptosis, as well as inflammation and ROS production. Considering that mitochondria are involved in a multitude of cellular processes, mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to play a role within several age-related diseases, including cancers, diabetes (type 2), and neurodegenerative diseases, although the underlying mechanisms are not entirely understood. The significant increase in lifespan and increased incidence of age-related diseases over recent decades has confirmed the necessity to understand the mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction impacts the process of aging and age-related diseases. In this review, we will offer a brief overview of mitochondria, along with structure and function of this important organelle. We will then discuss the cause and consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction in the aging process, with a particular focus on its role in inflammation, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. We will offer insight into therapies and interventions currently used to preserve or restore mitochondrial functioning during aging and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Bartman
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Giuseppe Coppotelli
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Jaime M Ross
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
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50
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Marsh DT, Sugiyama A, Imai Y, Kato R, Smid SD. The structurally diverse phytocannabinoids cannabichromene, cannabigerol and cannabinol significantly inhibit amyloid β-evoked neurotoxicity and changes in cell morphology in PC12 cells. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:293-309. [PMID: 37697481 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13943] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytocannabinoids (pCBs) have been shown to inhibit the aggregation and neurotoxicity of the neurotoxic Alzheimer's disease protein beta amyloid (Aβ). We characterized the capacity of six pCBs-cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC)-to disrupt Aβ aggregation and protect against Aβ-evoked neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. METHODS Neuroprotection against lipid peroxidation and Aβ-induced cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay. Transmission electron microscopy was used to visualize pCB effects on Aβ aggregation and fluorescence microscopy, with morphometrics and principal component analysis to assess PC12 cell morphology. RESULTS CBD inhibited lipid peroxidation with no significant effect on Aβ toxicity, whilst CBN, CBDV and CBG provided neuroprotection. CBC, CBG and CBN inhibited Aβ1-42 -induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, as did Δ9 -THC, CBD and CBDV. CBC, CBN and CBDV inhibited Aβ aggregation, whilst Δ9 -THC reduced aggregate density. Aβ1-42 induced morphological changes in PC12 cells, including a reduction in neuritic projections and rounded cell morphology. CBC and CBG inhibited this effect, whilst Δ9 -THC, CBD and CBDV did not alter Aβ1-42 effects on cell morphology. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the neuroprotective activity of CBC, CBG and CBN as novel pCBs associated with variable effects on Aβ-evoked neurite damage and inhibition of amyloid β aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan T Marsh
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ayato Sugiyama
- Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuta Imai
- Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kato
- Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Nano-Life-Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Glyco-core Research (IGCORE), Nagoya University, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Scott D Smid
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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