1
|
Zhong W, Yang Q, Wang F, Lin X, Chen Z, Xue J, Zhao W, Liu X, Rao B, Zhang J. Cell-specific localization of β-synuclein in the mouse retina. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:1279-1298. [PMID: 38703218 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02799-z] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
β-synuclein, a member of the synuclein family, is frequently co-expressed with α-synuclein in the neural system, where it serves to inhibit abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein in neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond its role in pathological conditions, β-synuclein plays various functions independently of α-synuclein. In our investigation, we discovered a broader expression of β-synuclein in the mouse retina compared to α-synuclein. This widespread pattern implies its potential significance in the retina. Through detailed examination via light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry, we identified β-synuclein expression from the inner segment (IS) and outer segment (OS) of photoreceptor cells to the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Our findings unveiled unique features, including β-synuclein immunoreactive IS and OS of cones, higher expression in cone pedicles than in rod spherules, absence in horizontal cells, limited expression in cone bipolar dendrites and somas, higher expression in cone bipolar terminals, presence in most amacrine cells, and expression in almost majority of somas in GCL with an absence in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGCs) processes. Notably, all cholinergic amacrine cells express high β- but not α-synuclein, while dopaminergic amacrine cells express α-synuclein exclusively. These distinctive expression patterns offer valuable insights for further exploration into the functions of β-synuclein and its potential role in synuclein pathology within the retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Qingwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Fenglan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Zhongqun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jing Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Wenna Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Bilin Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Laboratory of Retinal Physiology and Disease, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
García-Sánchez A, Sotolongo-Grau O, Tartari JP, Sanabria Á, Esteban-De Antonio E, Pérez-Cordón A, Alegret M, Pytel V, Martínez J, Aguilera N, de Rojas I, Cano A, García-González P, Puerta R, Olivé C, Capdevila M, García-Gutiérrez F, Vivas A, Gómez-Chiari M, Giménez J, Tejero MÁ, Castilla-Martí M, Castilla-Martí L, Tárraga L, Valero S, Ruiz A, Boada M, Marquié M. Macular vessel density in the superficial plexus is not a proxy of cerebrovascular damage in non-demented individuals: data from the NORFACE cohort. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:42. [PMID: 38378643 PMCID: PMC10877901 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a novel tool that allows the detection of retinal vascular changes. We investigated the association of macular vessel density (VD) in the superficial plexus assessed by OCT-A with measures of cerebrovascular pathology and atrophy quantified by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in non-demented individuals. METHODS Clinical, demographical, OCT-A, and brain MRI data from non-demented research participants were included. We analyzed the association of regional macular VD with brain vascular burden using the Fazekas scale assessed in a logistic regression analysis, and the volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) assessed in a multiple linear regression analysis. We also explored the associations of macular VD with hippocampal volume, ventricle volume and Alzheimer disease cortical signature (ADCS) thickness assessed in multiple linear regression analyses. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, syndromic diagnosis and cardiovascular variables. RESULTS The study cohort comprised 188 participants: 89 with subjective cognitive decline and 99 with mild cognitive impairment. No significant association of regional macular VD with the Fazekas categories (all, p > 0.111) and WMH volume (all, p > 0.051) were detected. VD in the nasal quadrant was associated to hippocampal volume (p = 0.007), but no other associations of macular VD with brain atrophy measures were detected (all, p > 0.05). DISCUSSION Retinal vascular measures were not a proxy of cerebrovascular damage in non-demented individuals, while VD in the nasal quadrant was associated with hippocampal atrophy independently of the amyloid status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa García-Sánchez
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Sotolongo-Grau
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Tartari
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ángela Sanabria
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alba Pérez-Cordón
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Alegret
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Pytel
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Martínez
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Aguilera
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Itziar de Rojas
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amanda Cano
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo García-González
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Puerta
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clàudia Olivé
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Capdevila
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Assumpta Vivas
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Clínica Corachan, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Juan Giménez
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Clínica Corachan, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Miguel Castilla-Martí
- Clínica Oftalmológica Dr. Castilla, Barcelona, Spain
- Vista Alpina Eye Clinic, Visp, Switzerland
| | - Luis Castilla-Martí
- PhD Programme in Surgery and Morphological Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, Fondation Asiles Des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lluís Tárraga
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergi Valero
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Ruiz
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercè Boada
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Marquié
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBERNED, Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gharat R, Dixit G, Khambete M, Prabhu A. Targets, trials and tribulations in Alzheimer therapeutics. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 962:176230. [PMID: 38042464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176230] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular amyloid beta senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in the parts of the brain responsible for cognition. The therapeutic burden for the management of AD relies solely on cholinesterase inhibitors that provide only symptomatic relief. The urgent need for disease-modifying drugs has resulted in intensive research in this domain, which has led to better understanding of the disease pathology and identification of a plethora of new pathological targets. Currently, there are over a hundred and seventy clinical trials exploring disease modification, cognitive enhancement, and reduction of neuro-psychiatric complications. However, the path to developing safe and efficacious AD therapeutics has not been without challenges. Several clinical trials have been terminated in advanced stages due to lack of therapeutic translation or increased incidence of adverse events. This review presents an in-depth look at the various therapeutic targets of AD and the lessons learnt during their clinical assessment. Comprehensive understanding of the implication of modulating various aspects of Alzheimer brain pathology is crucial for development of drugs with potential to halt disease progression in Alzheimer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruchita Gharat
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, VM Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gargi Dixit
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, VM Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mihir Khambete
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arati Prabhu
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, VM Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen S, Zhang D, Zheng H, Cao T, Xia K, Su M, Meng Q. The association between retina thinning and hippocampal atrophy in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1232941. [PMID: 37680540 PMCID: PMC10481874 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1232941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The retina is the "window" of the central nervous system. Previous studies discovered that retinal thickness degenerates through the pathological process of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum. Hippocampal atrophy is one of the typical clinical features and diagnostic criteria of AD. Former studies have described retinal thinning in normal aging subjects and AD patients, yet the association between retinal thickness and hippocampal atrophy in AD is unclear. The optical coherence tomography (OCT) technique has access the non-invasive to retinal images and magnetic resonance imaging can outline the volume of the hippocampus. Thus, we aim to quantify the correlation between these two parameters to identify whether the retina can be a new biomarker for early AD detection. Methods We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 2023 for studies investigating the correlation between retinal thickness and hippocampal volume. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used to assess the study quality. Pooled correlation coefficient r values were combined after Fisher's Z transformation. Moderator effects were detected through subgroup analysis and the meta-regression method. Results Of the 1,596 citations initially identified, we excluded 1,062 studies after screening the titles and abstract (animal models, n = 99; irrelevant literature, n = 963). Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, among which three studies were excluded due to unextractable data. Nine studies were eligible for this meta-analysis. A positive moderate correlation between the retinal thickness was discovered in all participants of with AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and normal controls (NC) (r = 0.3469, 95% CI: 0.2490-0.4377, I2 = 5.0%), which was significantly higher than that of the AD group (r = 0.1209, 95% CI:0.0905-0.1510, I2 = 0.0%) (p < 0.05). Among different layers, the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) indicated a moderate positive correlation with hippocampal volume (r = 0.1209, 95% CI:0.0905-0.1510, I2 = 0.0%). The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) was also positively correlated [r = 0.1421, 95% CI:(-0.0447-0.3192), I2 = 84.1%]. The retinal layers and participants were the main overall heterogeneity sources. Correlation in the bilateral hemisphere did not show a significant difference. Conclusion The correlation between RNFL thickness and hippocampal volume is more predominant in both NC and AD groups than other layers. Whole retinal thickness is positively correlated to hippocampal volume not only in AD continuum, especially in MCI, but also in NC. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42022328088.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuntai Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Honggang Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Cao
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Department of Respiratory, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingwan Su
- Department of Respiratory, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinggang Meng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hu Z, Wang L, Zhu D, Qin R, Sheng X, Ke Z, Shao P, Zhao H, Xu Y, Bai F. Retinal Alterations as Potential Biomarkers of Structural Brain Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease Spectrum Patients. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030460. [PMID: 36979270 PMCID: PMC10046312 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal imaging being a potential biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease is gradually attracting the attention of researchers. However, the association between retinal parameters and AD neuroimaging biomarkers, particularly structural changes, is still unclear. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 25 cognitively impaired (CI) and 21 cognitively normal (CN) individuals. All subjects underwent retinal layer thickness and microvascular measurements with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Gray matter and white matter (WM) data such as T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging, respectively, were also collected. In addition, hippocampal subfield volumes and WM tract microstructural alterations were investigated as classical AD neuroimaging biomarkers. The microvascular and retinal features and their correlation with brain structural imaging markers were further analyzed. We observed a reduction in vessel density (VD) at the inferior outer (IO) sector (p = 0.049), atrophy in hippocampal subfield volumes, such as the subiculum (p = 0.012), presubiculum (p = 0.015), molecular_layer_HP (p = 0.033), GC-ML-DG (p = 0.043) and whole hippocampus (p = 0.033) in CI patients. Altered microstructural integrity of WM tracts in CI patients was also discovered in the cingulum hippocampal part (CgH). Importantly, we detected significant associations between retinal VD and gray matter volumes of the hippocampal subfield in CI patients. These findings suggested that the retinal microvascular measures acquired by OCTA may be markers for the early prediction of AD-related structural brain changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheqi Hu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lianlian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ruomeng Qin
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiaoning Sheng
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhihong Ke
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Pengfei Shao
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Feng Bai
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Geriatric Medicine Center, Affiliated Taikang Xianlin Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-25-83105960
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao B, Yan Y, Wu X, Geng Z, Wu Y, Xiao G, Wang L, Zhou S, Wei L, Wang K, Liao R. The correlation of retinal neurodegeneration and brain degeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease using optical coherence tomography angiography and MRI. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1089188. [PMID: 37122375 PMCID: PMC10130430 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1089188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease can cause retina and optic nerve degeneration. The retinal changes are correlated with cognitive function. This study aimed to explore the relationship of retinal differences with neuroimaging in patients with Alzheimer's disease, analyze the association of cognitive function with retinal structure and vascular density, and identify potential additional biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Method We performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and neuropsychological assessments in 28 patients with mild Alzheimer's disease and 28 healthy controls. Retinal structure and vascular density were evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between neuroimaging and OCTA parameters in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease with adjustment for age, gender, years of education, and hypertension. Results In patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, OCTA-detected retinal parameters were not significantly correlated with MRI-detected neuroimaging parameters after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Under multivariable analysis controlled for age, gender, years of education, and hypertension, the S-Hemi (0-3) sector of macular thickness was significantly associated with Mini-cog (β = 0.583, P = 0.002) with Bonferroni-corrected threshold at P < 0.003. Conclusion Our findings suggested decreased macular thickness might be associated with cognitive function in mild AD patients. However, the differences in retinal parameters didn't correspond to MRI-detected parameters in this study. Whether OCTA can be used as a new detection method mirroring MRI for evaluating the effect of neuronal degeneration in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease still needs to be investigated by more rigorous and larger studies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingying Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yibing Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Xingqi Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Geng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Guixian Xiao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Kai Wang,
| | - Rongfeng Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Rongfeng Liao,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bazzari FH, Bazzari AH. BACE1 Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease: The Past, Present and Any Future? MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248823. [PMID: 36557955 PMCID: PMC9785888 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. The complexity of AD has hindered the development of either a cure or a disease-modifying therapy to halt the disease progression. Numerous hypotheses were presented in order to explain the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AD. Introduced in 1992, the "Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis" had a huge impact on the field and inspired the rise of various drug candidates, especially amyloid-beta (Aβ)-directed drugs; including beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) inhibitors. Adopted by a number of pharmaceutical companies, the development of BACE1 inhibitors has gained momentum in the past decade with promising results from experimental and early clinical-phase studies. Nevertheless, nearly all BACE1 inhibitors failed in later phases of clinical trials, due to safety and/or efficacy issues, and others were discontinued early in favor of second-generation small-molecule candidates. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of all BACE1 inhibitors to ever reach clinical trials, and we discuss the challenges and different perspectives on whether BACE1 inhibitors are to be reconsidered or revitalized in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firas H. Bazzari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jerash University, Al-Urdon St., Jerash 26150, Jordan
- Correspondence:
| | - Amjad H. Bazzari
- Department of Basic Scientific Sciences, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jeremic D, Jiménez-Díaz L, Navarro-López JD. Past, present and future of therapeutic strategies against amyloid-β peptides in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 72:101496. [PMID: 34687956 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in ageing, affecting around 46 million people worldwide but few treatments are currently available. The etiology of AD is still puzzling, and new drugs development and clinical trials have high failure rates. Urgent outline of an integral (multi-target) and effective treatment of AD is needed. Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is considered one of the fundamental neuropathological pillars of the disease, and its dyshomeostasis has shown a crucial role in AD onset. Therefore, many amyloid-targeted therapies have been investigated. Here, we will systematically review recent (from 2014) investigational, follow-up and review studies focused on anti-amyloid strategies to summarize and analyze their current clinical potential. Combination of anti-Aβ therapies with new developing early detection biomarkers and other therapeutic agents acting on early functional AD changes will be highlighted in this review. Near-term approval seems likely for several drugs acting against Aβ, with recent FDA approval of a monoclonal anti-Aβ oligomers antibody -aducanumab- raising hopes and controversies. We conclude that, development of oligomer-epitope specific Aβ treatment and implementation of multiple improved biomarkers and risk prediction methods allowing early detection, together with therapies acting on other factors such as hyperexcitability in early AD, could be the key to slowing this global pandemic.
Collapse
|