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Brooks J, Everett J, Hill E, Billimoria K, Morris CM, Sadler PJ, Telling N, Collingwood JF. Nanoscale synchrotron x-ray analysis of intranuclear iron in melanised neurons of Parkinson's substantia nigra. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1024. [PMID: 39164395 PMCID: PMC11335769 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06636-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromelanin-pigmented neurons of the substantia nigra are selectively lost during the progression of Parkinson's disease. These neurons accumulate iron in the disease state, and iron-mediated neuron damage is implicated in cell death. Animal models of Parkinson's have evidenced iron loading inside the nucleoli of nigral neurons, however the nature of intranuclear iron deposition in the melanised neurons of the human substantia nigra is not understood. Here, scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) is used to probe iron foci in relation to the surrounding ultrastructure in melanised neurons of human substantia nigra from a confirmed Parkinson's case. In addition to the expected neuromelanin-bound iron, iron deposits are also associated with the edge of the cell nucleolus. Speciation analysis confirms these deposits to be ferric (Fe3+) iron. The function of intranuclear iron in these cells remains unresolved, although both damaging and protective mechanisms are considered. This finding shows that STXM is a powerful label-free tool for the in situ, nanoscale chemical characterisation of both organic and inorganic intracellular components. Future applications are likely to shed new light on incompletely understood biochemical mechanisms, such as metal dysregulation and morphological changes to cell nucleoli, that are important in understanding the pathogenesis of Parkinson's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Brooks
- School of Engineering, Library Road, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - James Everett
- School of Engineering, Library Road, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, UK
| | - Emily Hill
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Kharmen Billimoria
- School of Engineering, Library Road, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Christopher M Morris
- Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Peter J Sadler
- Department of Chemistry, Library Road, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Neil Telling
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, UK
| | - Joanna F Collingwood
- School of Engineering, Library Road, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Aschner M, Skalny AV, Santamaria A, Rocha JBT, Mansouri B, Tizabi Y, Madeddu R, Lu R, Lee E, Tinkov AA. Epigenetic Mechanisms of Aluminum-Induced Neurotoxicity and Alzheimer's Disease: A Focus on Non-Coding RNAs. Neurochem Res 2024:10.1007/s11064-024-04214-9. [PMID: 39060769 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04214-9] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) is known to induce neurotoxic effects, potentially contributing to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Recent studies suggest that epigenetic modification may contribute to Al neurotoxicity, although the mechanisms are still debatable. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to summarize existing data on the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in Al-induced neurotoxicity, especially AD-type pathology. Existing data demonstrate that Al exposure induces disruption in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression in brains. Alterations in DNA methylation following Al exposure were shown to be mediated by changes in expression and activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation proteins (TETs). Al exposure was shown to reduce histone acetylation by up-regulating expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and impair histone methylation, ultimately contributing to down-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling. Neurotoxic effects of Al exposure were also associated with aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miR). Al-induced patterns of miR expression were involved in development of AD-type pathology by increasing amyloid β (Aβ) production through up-regulation of Aβ precursor protein (APP) and β secretase (BACE1) expression (down-regulation of miR-29a/b, miR-101, miR-124, and Let-7c expression), increasing in neuroinflammation through NF-κB signaling (up-regulation of miR-9, miR-125b, miR-128, and 146a), as well as modulating other signaling pathways. Furthermore, reduced global DNA methylation, altered histone modification, and aberrant miRNA expression were associated with cognitive decline in Al-exposed subjects. However, further studies are required to evaluate the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to Al-induced neurotoxicity and/or AD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Sovetskaya Str. 14, Yaroslavl, 150000, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Bolshaya Pirogovskaya St., 2-4, Moscow, 119146, Russia
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Nanotecnología y Nanomedicina, Departamento de Atención a la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Mexico City, 04960, Mexico
| | - Joao B T Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Borhan Mansouri
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Roberto Madeddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences-Histology, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Rongzu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Eunsook Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Sovetskaya Str. 14, Yaroslavl, 150000, Russia.
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Bolshaya Pirogovskaya St., 2-4, Moscow, 119146, Russia.
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3
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Cirovic A, Cirovic A, Orisakwe OE, Lima RR. Local and Systemic Hypoxia as Inductors of Increased Aluminum and Iron Brain Accumulation Promoting the Onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:5134-5142. [PMID: 36757557 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Human environment is highly contaminated with aluminum, and aluminum is toxic to majority of tissues, particularly to neurons. In previous decades, aluminum exposure was frequently linked with the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and increased levels of Al were detected in the brains of individuals with AD. People who live in a certain area are exposed to aluminum in a similar way (they eat the same vegetable and other foodstuffs, use similar cosmetics, and buy medications from the same manufacturer), nevertheless not all of them develop Alzheimer's disease. Majority of known risk factors for AD promote atherosclerosis and consequently reduce brain blood supply. In this review, we highlighted the significance of local (carotid disease and atherosclerosis of intracranial blood vessels) and systemic hypoxia (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anemia) in the development of AD. Nerve tissue is very sophisticated and sensitive to hypoxia and aluminum toxicity. As a side effect of compensatory mechanisms in case of hypoxia, neurons start to uptake aluminum and iron to a greater extent. This makes perfect a background for the gradual onset and development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cirovic
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Cirovic
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Orish E Orisakwe
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Augusto Corrêa Street, n. 01, Guamá, Belém, Pará, 66075-110, Brazil
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Mateo D, Marquès M, Torrente M. Metals linked with the most prevalent primary neurodegenerative dementias in the elderly: A narrative review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116722. [PMID: 37487923 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116722] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The ageing population has been steadily increasing worldwide, leading to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Environmental toxicants, particularly metals, have been identified as modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment. Continuous exposure to metals occurs mainly through dietary sources, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. However, imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, have also been associated with dementia. A literature review was conducted to explore the potential role of metals in the development of cognitive decline and the most prevalent primary neurodegenerative dementias, as well as their interaction with the gut microbiota. High levels of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), while low selenium (Se) levels are linked to poor cognitive status. Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) is associated with elevated levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), but the role of copper (Cu) remains unclear. The relationship between metals and Lewy body dementia (LBD) requires further investigation. High aluminium (Al) exposure is associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and elevated selenium (Se) levels may be linked to its onset. Challenges in comparing studies arise from the heterogeneity of metal analysis matrices and analytical techniques, as well as the limitations of small study cohorts. More research is needed to understand the influence of metals on cognition through the gut microbiota (GMB) and its potential relevance in the development of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mateo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology - TecnATox, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain
| | - Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology - TecnATox, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain
| | - Margarita Torrente
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology - TecnATox, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain; Department of Psychology, CRAMC (Research Center for Behaviour Assessment), Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Crta. de Valls s/n, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute Lerin Neurocognitive, Alzheimer and other Neurocognitive Disorders Association, Av. D'Antoni Planas i Marca, 13, 43205, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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5
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Sanajou S, Erkekoğlu P, Şahin G, Baydar T. Role of aluminum exposure on Alzheimer's disease and related glycogen synthase kinase pathway. Drug Chem Toxicol 2023; 46:510-522. [PMID: 35443844 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2065291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) is an environmentally abundant metal that is not essential for life. There is considerable evidence that Al as a neurotoxic xenobiotic may play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Exposure to aluminum has been shown to cause neuronal damage that resembles the symptoms of AD. In this review, we will summarize recent data about Al as the possible risk of incidence of AD. Then glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) contributes to the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, the main component of neurofibrillary tangles, one of the hallmarks of AD as one of the mechanisms behind Al neurotoxicity will be covered. Overall, there is still a need for epidemiological studies and more in vivo and in vitro studies to determine the exact mechanisms of its neurotoxicity and the role of GSK3β in both Al toxic effect and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Sanajou
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Via Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Pınar Erkekoğlu
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gönül Şahin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Via Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Terken Baydar
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Busser B, Bulin AL, Gardette V, Elleaume H, Pelascini F, Bouron A, Motto-Ros V, Sancey L. Visualizing the cerebral distribution of chemical elements: A challenge met with LIBS elemental imaging. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 379:109676. [PMID: 35850297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109676] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biological tissues contain various metals and metalloids ions with central role in the regulation of several pathophysiological functions. In parallel, the development and the evaluation of novel nanocompounds for biomedicine require the monitoring of their biodistribution in tissues of interest. Therefore, researchers need to use reliable and accessible techniques to detect and quantify major and trace elements in space-resolved manner. In this communication, we report how Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) can be used to image the distribution of chemical elements in brain tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Busser
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS, UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), 38000 Grenoble, France; Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, 38700 Grenoble, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), France.
| | - Anne-Laure Bulin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS, UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), 38000 Grenoble, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, UA07 STROBE, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Vincent Gardette
- Institut Lumière Matière, UMR 5306, Univ. Lyon 1, CNRS, 69622 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Hélène Elleaume
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, UA07 STROBE, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | | | - Alexandre Bouron
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, UMR 1292, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Vincent Motto-Ros
- Institut Lumière Matière, UMR 5306, Univ. Lyon 1, CNRS, 69622 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Lucie Sancey
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS, UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), 38000 Grenoble, France.
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7
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Zhang ZY, Jiang HR, Sun XR, Wang XC, Niu Q, Meng HX, Du JF, Yang GQ, Zhang H, Tan Y. Monitoring mild cognitive impairment of workers exposed to occupational aluminium based on quantitative susceptibility mapping. Clin Radiol 2022; 77:840-847. [PMID: 35817609 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.06.007] [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: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of aluminium (Al) workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS The basic data of 53 workers in an Al factory were collected and divided into the MCI group and normal control (NC) group by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. All participants were tested for plasma Al concentration and had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The QSM values of many areas of the brain were delineated and measured. Independent two-sample t-tests or non-parametric tests were used to compare the parameter values between the two groups. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed between QSM values, MoCA scores, and plasma Al concentration. The receiver operating characteristic curve and z test were performed to assess diagnostic efficacy and the best parameter. RESULTS There was no difference in age and educational level. Plasma Al concentration of the MCI group was higher than that of NC group (p=0.057). QSM values of the left hippocampus, left dentate nucleus, right substantia nigra, and left putamen in MCI group were higher than that of NC group (p<0.05), and the left hippocampus had the best diagnostic efficacy. QSM values correlated negatively with MoCA scores. No correlation was found between QSM values and plasma Al concentration (p>0.05). CONCLUSION QSM might be a neuroimaging marker for the diagnosis of MCI. The left hippocampus showed the best diagnostic efficacy. Plasma Al concentration of the MCI group was higher than that of the NC group. A correlation between QSM and plasma Al concentration was not found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Y Zhang
- College of Medical Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - H R Jiang
- College of Medical Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - X R Sun
- College of Medical Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - X C Wang
- Department of Radiology, First Clinical Medical Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, 85 Jiefang South Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Q Niu
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - H X Meng
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - J F Du
- Department of Radiology, First Clinical Medical Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, 85 Jiefang South Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - G Q Yang
- Department of Radiology, First Clinical Medical Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, 85 Jiefang South Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - H Zhang
- Department of Radiology, First Clinical Medical Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, 85 Jiefang South Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China.
| | - Y Tan
- Department of Radiology, First Clinical Medical Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, 85 Jiefang South Road, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China.
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Sanders OD, Rajagopal L, Rajagopal JA. The oxidatively damaged DNA and amyloid-β oligomer hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 179:403-412. [PMID: 34506904 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomer hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) still dominates the field, yet the clinical trial evidence does not robustly support it. A falsifiable prediction of the hypothesis is that Aβ oligomer levels should be elevated in the brain regions and at the disease stages where and when neuron death and synaptic protein loss begin and are the most severe, but we review previous evidence to demonstrate that this is not consistently the case. To rescue the Aβ oligomer hypothesis from falsification, we propose the novel ad-hoc hypothesis that the exceptionally vulnerable hippocampus may normally produce Aβ peptides even in healthily aging individuals, and hippocampal oxidatively damaged DNA, pathogen DNA, and metal ions such as zinc may initiate and drive Aβ peptide aggregation into oligomers and spreading, neuron death, synaptic dysfunction, and other aspects of AD neurodegeneration. We highlight additional evidence consistent with the underwhelming efficacy of Aβ oligomer-lowering agents, such as aducanumab, and of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, versus the so far isolated case report that DNase-I treatment for 2 months resulted in a severe AD patient's Mini-Mental State Exam score increasing from 3 to 18, reversing his diagnosis to moderate AD, according to the Mini-Mental State Exam.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lekshmy Rajagopal
- Seven Hills Hospital, Marol Maroshi Rd, Shivaji Nagar JJC, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400059, India
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Lanuza J, Postils V, Lopez X. Can aluminum, a non-redox metal, alter the thermodynamics of key biological redox processes? The DPPH-QH 2 radical scavenging reaction as a test case. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 179:200-207. [PMID: 34973365 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.12.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The increased bioavailability of aluminum has led to a concern about its toxicity on living systems. Among the most important toxic effects, it has been proven that aluminum increases oxidative stress in biological systems, a controversial fact, however, due to its non-redox nature. In the present work, we characterize in detail how aluminum can alter redox equilibriums by analyzing its effects on the thermodynamics of the redox scavenging reaction between DPPH., a radical compound often used as a reactive oxygen species model, and hydroquinones, a potent natural antioxidant. For the first time, theoretical and experimental redox potentials within aluminum biochemistry are directly compared. Our results fully agree with experimental reduction and oxidation potentials, unequivocally revealing how aluminum alters the spontaneity of the reaction by stabilizing the reduction of DPPH⋅ to DPPH- and promoting a proton transfer to the diazine moiety, leading to the production of a DPPH-H species. The capability of aluminum to modify redox potentials shown here confirms previous experimental findings on the role of aluminum to interfere with free radical scavenging reactions, affecting the natural redox processes of living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Lanuza
- Polimero eta Material Aurreratuak, Kimika eta Teknologia Saila, Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), 20 018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20 018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Verònica Postils
- Polimero eta Material Aurreratuak, Kimika eta Teknologia Saila, Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), 20 018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20 018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Xabier Lopez
- Polimero eta Material Aurreratuak, Kimika eta Teknologia Saila, Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), 20 018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20 018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
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10
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Radulović S, Sunkara S, Maurer C, Leitinger G. Digging Deeper: Advancements in Visualization of Inhibitory Synapses in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12470. [PMID: 34830352 PMCID: PMC8623765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has provided strong evidence that neurodegeneration may develop from an imbalance between synaptic structural components in the brain. Lately, inhibitory synapses communicating via the neurotransmitters GABA or glycine have come to the center of attention. Increasing evidence suggests that imbalance in the structural composition of inhibitory synapses affect deeply the ability of neurons to communicate effectively over synaptic connections. Progressive failure of synaptic plasticity and memory are thus hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. In order to prove that structural changes at synapses contribute to neurodegeneration, we need to visualize single-molecule interactions at synaptic sites in an exact spatial and time frame. This visualization has been restricted in terms of spatial and temporal resolution. New developments in electron microscopy and super-resolution microscopy have improved spatial and time resolution tremendously, opening up numerous possibilities. Here we critically review current and recently developed methods for high-resolution visualization of inhibitory synapses in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. We present advantages, strengths, weaknesses, and current limitations for selected methods in research, as well as present a future perspective. A range of new options has become available that will soon help understand the involvement of inhibitory synapses in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snježana Radulović
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (S.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Sowmya Sunkara
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (S.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Christa Maurer
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Division of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Gerd Leitinger
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (S.R.); (S.S.)
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11
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Zimmer TS, David B, Broekaart DWM, Schidlowski M, Ruffolo G, Korotkov A, van der Wel NN, van Rijen PC, Mühlebner A, van Hecke W, Baayen JC, Idema S, François L, van Eyll J, Dedeurwaerdere S, Kessels HW, Surges R, Rüber T, Gorter JA, Mills JD, van Vliet EA, Aronica E. Seizure-mediated iron accumulation and dysregulated iron metabolism after status epilepticus and in temporal lobe epilepsy. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 142:729-759. [PMID: 34292399 PMCID: PMC8423709 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02348-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal dysfunction due to iron accumulation in conjunction with reactive oxygen species (ROS) could represent an important, yet underappreciated, component of the epileptogenic process. However, to date, alterations in iron metabolism in the epileptogenic brain have not been addressed in detail. Iron-related neuropathology and antioxidant metabolic processes were investigated in resected brain tissue from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS), post-mortem brain tissue from patients who died after status epilepticus (SE) as well as brain tissue from the electrically induced SE rat model of TLE. Magnetic susceptibility of the presumed seizure-onset zone from three patients with focal epilepsy was compared during and after seizure activity. Finally, the cellular effects of iron overload were studied in vitro using an acute mouse hippocampal slice preparation and cultured human fetal astrocytes. While iron-accumulating neurons had a pyknotic morphology, astrocytes appeared to acquire iron-sequestrating capacity as indicated by prominent ferritin expression and iron retention in the hippocampus of patients with SE or TLE. Interictal to postictal comparison revealed increased magnetic susceptibility in the seizure-onset zone of epilepsy patients. Post-SE rats had consistently higher hippocampal iron levels during the acute and chronic phase (when spontaneous recurrent seizures are evident). In vitro, in acute slices that were exposed to iron, neurons readily took up iron, which was exacerbated by induced epileptiform activity. Human astrocyte cultures challenged with iron and ROS increased their antioxidant and iron-binding capacity, but simultaneously developed a pro-inflammatory phenotype upon chronic exposure. These data suggest that seizure-mediated, chronic neuronal iron uptake might play a role in neuronal dysfunction/loss in TLE-HS. On the other hand, astrocytes sequester iron, specifically in chronic epilepsy. This function might transform astrocytes into a highly resistant, pro-inflammatory phenotype potentially contributing to pro-epileptogenic inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till S Zimmer
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastian David
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Diede W M Broekaart
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Schidlowski
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriele Ruffolo
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Anatoly Korotkov
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole N van der Wel
- Department Cell Biology and Histology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Electron Microscopy Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C van Rijen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Centre, Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van Hecke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C Baayen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Idema
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth François
- Neurosciences Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Jonathan van Eyll
- Neurosciences Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | | | - Helmut W Kessels
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Theodor Rüber
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan A Gorter
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James D Mills
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - Erwin A van Vliet
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands.
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Elevated IgG Antibody to Aluminum Bound to Human Serum Albumin in Patients with Crohn's, Celiac and Alzheimer's Disease. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9090212. [PMID: 34564363 PMCID: PMC8473134 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9090212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aluminum is in our water and food, and is used as an adjuvant in vaccines. About 40% of the ingested dose accumulates within the intestinal mucosa, making the gut the main target of inflammation and autoimmunity; about 1% accumulates in the skeletal system and brain, inducing the cross-linking of amyloid-β-42 peptide and the formation of amyloid aggregates associated with Alzheimer's disease. To examine whether the accumulation of aluminum in the gut and brain tissues results in neoantigen formation, we bound aluminum compounds to human serum albumin. We used ELISA to measure IgG antibody in 94 different sera from healthy controls and 47 sera from each group of patients: anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody-positive (Crohn's), and positive for deamidated α-gliadin and transglutaminase-2 IgA antibodies (celiac disease), autoimmune disorders associated with intestinal tissue antigens. Because earlier studies have shown that aluminum exposure is linked to Alzheimer's disease etiology, and high aluminum content is detected in Alzheimer's patients' brain tissue, we also measured aluminum antibody in the blood of these patients. Additionally, we measured aluminum antibody in the sera of mixed connective tissue disease patients who were positive for antinuclear antibodies, and used them as disease controls. We found significant IgG antibody elevation against all three aluminum compounds in the sera of patients with Crohn's, celiac and Alzheimer's disease, but not in patients with mixed connective tissue disease. We concluded that aluminum ingestion and absorption from the GI tract and brain may contribute to Crohn's, celiac and Alzheimer's disease, but not to mixed connective tissue disease.
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Amanzadeh Jajin E, Esmaeili A, Rahgozar S, Noorbakhshnia M. Quercetin-Conjugated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Protect AlCl 3-Induced Neurotoxicity in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease via Antioxidant Genes, APP Gene, and miRNA-101. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:598617. [PMID: 33716639 PMCID: PMC7947204 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.598617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with cognitive impairment. Oxidative stress in neurons is considered as a reason for development of AD. Antioxidant agents such as quercetin slow down AD progression, but the usage of this flavonoid has limitations because of its low bioavailability. We hypothesized that quercetin-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (QT-SPIONs) have a better neuroprotective effect on AD than free quercetin and regulates the antioxidant, apoptotic, and APP gene, and miRNA-101. In this study, male Wistar rats were subjected to AlCl3, AlCl3 + QT, AlCl3 + SPION, and AlCl3 + QT-SPION for 42 consecutive days. Behavioral tests and qPCR were used to evaluate the efficiency of treatments. Results of behavioral tests revealed that the intensity of cognitive impairment was decelerated at both the middle and end of the treatment period. The effect of QT-SPIONs on learning and memory deficits were closely similar to the control group. The increase in expression levels of APP gene and the decrease in mir101 led to the development of AD symptoms in rats treated with AlCl3 while these results were reversed in the AlCl3 + QT-SPIONs group. This group showed similar results with the control group. QT-SPION also decreased the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes along with increases in expression levels of anti-apoptotic genes. Accordingly, the antioxidant effect of QT-SPION inhibited progression of cognitive impairment via sustaining the balance of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus of AD model rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Amanzadeh Jajin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Esmaeili
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soheila Rahgozar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Noorbakhshnia
- Department of Plant and Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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Nano-imaging trace elements at organelle levels in substantia nigra overexpressing α-synuclein to model Parkinson's disease. Commun Biol 2020; 3:364. [PMID: 32647232 PMCID: PMC7347932 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-1084-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sub-cellular trace element quantifications of nano-heterogeneities in brain tissues offer unprecedented ways to explore at elemental level the interplay between cellular compartments in neurodegenerative pathologies. We designed a quasi-correlative method for analytical nanoimaging of the substantia nigra, based on transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence. It combines ultrastructural identifications of cellular compartments and trace element nanoimaging near detection limits, for increased signal-to-noise ratios. Elemental composition of different organelles is compared to cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments in dopaminergic neurons of rat substantia nigra. They exhibit 150–460 ppm of Fe, with P/Zn/Fe-rich nucleoli in a P/S-depleted nuclear matrix and Ca-rich rough endoplasmic reticula. Cytoplasm analysis displays sub-micron Fe/S-rich granules, including lipofuscin. Following AAV-mediated overexpression of α-synuclein protein associated with Parkinson’s disease, these granules shift towards higher Fe concentrations. This effect advocates for metal (Fe) dyshomeostasis in discrete cytoplasmic regions, illustrating the use of this method to explore neuronal dysfunction in brain diseases. Lemelle et al. describe the use of TEM and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence for quasi-correlative nanoimaging and sub-cellular trace element quantification of rat brain tissue. They further observe elemental (iron and sulfur) dyshomeostasis in cytoplasmic granules when overexpressing α-synuclein protein associated with Parkinson’s disease, demonstrating the usefulness of this method to further explore dysfunctions at organelle levels in brain diseases.
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Sanders O, Rajagopal L. Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials and Epidemiology with a Mechanistic Rationale. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2020; 4:185-215. [PMID: 32715279 PMCID: PMC7369141 DOI: 10.3233/adr-200191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies, clinical trials, and reviews suggest increasing 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) with phosphodiesterase inhibitors is disease-modifying in Alzheimer's disease (AD). cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and cGMP/protein kinase G (PKG) signaling are disrupted in AD. cAMP/PKA and cGMP/PKG activate cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). CREB binds mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, inducing synaptogenesis, memory, and neuronal survival gene (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α). cAMP/PKA and cGMP/PKG activate Sirtuin-1, which activates PGC1α. PGC1α induces mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant genes (e.g.,Nrf2) and represses BACE1. cAMP and cGMP inhibit BACE1-inducing NFκB and tau-phosphorylating GSK3β. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We review efficacy-testing clinical trials, epidemiology, and meta-analyses to critically investigate whether phosphodiesteraseinhibitors prevent or treat AD. RESULTS Caffeine and cilostazol may lower AD risk. Denbufylline and sildenafil clinical trials are promising but preliminary and inconclusive. PF-04447943 and BI 409,306 are ineffective. Vinpocetine, cilostazol, and nicergoline trials are mixed. Deprenyl/selegiline trials show only short-term benefits. Broad-spectrum phosphodiesterase inhibitor propentofylline has been shown in five phase III trials to improve cognition, dementia severity, activities of daily living, and global assessment in mild-to-moderate AD patients on multiple scales, including the ADAS-Cogand the CIBIC-Plus in an 18-month phase III clinical trial. However, two books claimed based on a MedScape article an 18-month phase III trial failed, so propentofylline was discontinued. Now, propentofylline is used to treat canine cognitive dysfunction, which, like AD, involves age-associated wild-type Aβ deposition. CONCLUSION Phosphodiesterase inhibitors may prevent and treat AD.
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Abstract
Nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling is compromised in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), which degrades cGMP, is upregulated. Sildenafil inhibits PDE5 and increases cGMP levels. Integrating previous findings, we determine that most doses of sildenafil (especially low doses) likely activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) via protein kinase G-mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and/or Sirtuin-1 activation and PGC1α deacetylation. Via PGC1α signaling, low-dose sildenafil likely suppresses β-secretase 1 expression and amyloid-β (Aβ) generation, upregulates antioxidant enzymes, and induces mitochondrial biogenesis. Plus, sildenafil should increase brain perfusion, insulin sensitivity, long-term potentiation, and neurogenesis while suppressing neural apoptosis and inflammation. A systematic review of sildenafil in AD was undertaken. In vitro, sildenafil protected neural mitochondria from Aβ and advanced glycation end products. In transgenic AD mice, sildenafil was found to rescue deficits in CREB phosphorylation and memory, upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor, reduce reactive astrocytes and microglia, decrease interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, decrease neural apoptosis, increase neurogenesis, and reduce tau hyperphosphorylation. All studies that tested Aβ levels reported significant improvements except the two that used the highest dosage, consistent with the dose-limiting effect of cGMP-induced phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) activation and cAMP depletion on PGC1α signaling. In AD patients, a single dose of sildenafil decreased spontaneous neural activity, increased cerebral blood flow, and increased the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen. A randomized control trial of sildenafil (ideally with a PDE2 inhibitor) in AD patients is warranted.
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