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Xie L, Wu Q, Li K, S Khan MA, Zhang A, Sinha B, Li S, Chang SL, Brody DL, Grinstaff MW, Zhou S, Alterovitz G, Liu P, Wang X. Tryptophan Metabolism in Alzheimer's Disease with the Involvement of Microglia and Astrocyte Crosstalk and Gut-Brain Axis. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0134. [PMID: 38916729 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disease characterized by extracellular Amyloid Aβ peptide (Aβ) deposition and intracellular Tau protein aggregation. Glia, especially microglia and astrocytes are core participants during the progression of AD and these cells are the mediators of Aβ clearance and degradation. The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a complex interactive network between the gut and brain involved in neurodegeneration. MGBA affects the function of glia in the central nervous system (CNS), and microbial metabolites regulate the communication between astrocytes and microglia; however, whether such communication is part of AD pathophysiology remains unknown. One of the potential links in bilateral gut-brain communication is tryptophan (Trp) metabolism. The microbiota-originated Trp and its metabolites enter the CNS to control microglial activation, and the activated microglia subsequently affect astrocyte functions. The present review highlights the role of MGBA in AD pathology, especially the roles of Trp per se and its metabolism as a part of the gut microbiota and brain communications. We (i) discuss the roles of Trp derivatives in microglia-astrocyte crosstalk from a bioinformatics perspective, (ii) describe the role of glia polarization in the microglia-astrocyte crosstalk and AD pathology, and (iii) summarize the potential of Trp metabolism as a therapeutic target. Finally, we review the role of Trp in AD from the perspective of the gut-brain axis and microglia, as well as astrocyte crosstalk, to inspire the discovery of novel AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lushuang Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China
| | - Qiaofeng Wu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China
| | - Kelin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mohammed A S Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Zhang
- Biomedical Cybernetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bharati Sinha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sihui Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China
| | - Sulie L Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
| | - David L Brody
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shuanhu Zhou
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gil Alterovitz
- Biomedical Cybernetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pinghua Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Sánchez-Juan P, Valeriano-Lorenzo E, Ruiz-González A, Pastor AB, Rodrigo Lara H, López-González F, Zea-Sevilla MA, Valentí M, Frades B, Ruiz P, Saiz L, Burgueño-García I, Calero M, del Ser T, Rábano A. Serum GFAP levels correlate with astrocyte reactivity, post-mortem brain atrophy and neurofibrillary tangles. Brain 2024; 147:1667-1679. [PMID: 38634687 PMCID: PMC11068326 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae035] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a proxy of astrocyte reactivity, has been proposed as biomarker of Alzheimer's disease. However, there is limited information about the correlation between blood biomarkers and post-mortem neuropathology. In a single-centre prospective clinicopathological cohort of 139 dementia patients, for which the time-frame between GFAP level determination and neuropathological assessment was exceptionally short (on average 139 days), we analysed this biomarker, measured at three time points, in relation to proxies of disease progression such as cognitive decline and brain weight. Most importantly, we investigated the use of blood GFAP to detect the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, while accounting for potential influences of the most frequent brain co-pathologies. The main findings demonstrated an association between serum GFAP level and post-mortem tau pathology (β = 12.85; P < 0.001) that was independent of amyloid deposits (β = 13.23; P = 0.02). A mediation analysis provided additional support for the role of astrocytic activation as a link between amyloid and tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between pre-mortem serum GFAP and brain weight at post-mortem (r = -0.35; P < 0.001). This finding, together with evidence of a negative correlation with cognitive assessments (r = -0.27; P = 0.005), supports the role of GFAP as a biomarker for disease monitoring, even in the late phases of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the diagnostic performance of GFAP in advanced dementia patients was explored, and its discriminative power (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve at baseline = 0.91) in differentiating neuropathologically-confirmed Alzheimer's disease dementias from non-Alzheimer's disease dementias was determined, despite the challenging scenario of advanced age and frequent co-pathologies in these patients. Independently of Alzheimer's disease, serum GFAP levels were shown to be associated with two other pathologies targeting the temporal lobes-hippocampal sclerosis (β = 3.64; P = 0.03) and argyrophilic grain disease (β = -6.11; P = 0.02). Finally, serum GFAP levels were revealed to be correlated with astrocyte reactivity, using the brain GFAP-immunostained area as a proxy (ρ = 0.21; P = 0.02). Our results contribute to increasing evidence suggesting a role for blood GFAP as an Alzheimer's disease biomarker, and the findings offer mechanistic insights into the relationship between blood GFAP and Alzheimer's disease neuropathology, highlighting its ties with tau burden. Moreover, the data highlighting an independent association between serum GFAP levels and other neuropathological lesions provide information for clinicians to consider when interpreting test results. The longitudinal design and correlation with post-mortem data reinforce the robustness of our findings. However, studies correlating blood biomarkers and neuropathological assessments are still scant, and further research is needed to replicate and validate these results in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascual Sánchez-Juan
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alicia Ruiz-González
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Pastor
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Hector Rodrigo Lara
- Banco de Cerebros de la Región de Murcia, Neuropathology Department, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Meritxell Valentí
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Belen Frades
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Ruiz
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Saiz
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Burgueño-García
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Calero
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Disease Programme, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teodoro del Ser
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Rábano
- Alzheimer’s Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Research Platforms, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Xu Y, Jia B, Li J, Li Q, Luo C. The Interplay between Ferroptosis and Neuroinflammation in Central Neurological Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:395. [PMID: 38671843 PMCID: PMC11047682 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Central neurological disorders are significant contributors to morbidity, mortality, and long-term disability globally in modern society. These encompass neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic brain diseases, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, depression, and more. The involved pathogenesis is notably intricate and diverse. Ferroptosis and neuroinflammation play pivotal roles in elucidating the causes of cognitive impairment stemming from these diseases. Given the concurrent occurrence of ferroptosis and neuroinflammation due to metabolic shifts such as iron and ROS, as well as their critical roles in central nervous disorders, the investigation into the co-regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis and neuroinflammation has emerged as a prominent area of research. This paper delves into the mechanisms of ferroptosis and neuroinflammation in central nervous disorders, along with their interrelationship. It specifically emphasizes the core molecules within the shared pathways governing ferroptosis and neuroinflammation, including SIRT1, Nrf2, NF-κB, Cox-2, iNOS/NO·, and how different immune cells and structures contribute to cognitive dysfunction through these mechanisms. Researchers' findings suggest that ferroptosis and neuroinflammation mutually promote each other and may represent key factors in the progression of central neurological disorders. A deeper comprehension of the common pathway between cellular ferroptosis and neuroinflammation holds promise for improving symptoms and prognosis related to central neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejia Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Bowen Jia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
- School of Forensic Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Chengliang Luo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
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He L, Duan X, Li S, Zhang R, Dai X, Lu M. Unveiling the role of astrocytes in postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102223. [PMID: 38325753 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102223] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive cognitive decline and the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques, tau tangles, and neuroinflammation in the brain. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by cognitive decline following neuroinflammation and oxidative stress induced by procedures. POCD and AD are two conditions that share similarities in the underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology. Compared to normal aging individuals, individuals with POCD are at a higher risk for developing AD. Emerging evidence suggests that astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, play a critical role in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Comprehensive functions of astrocyte in AD has been extensively explored, but very little is known about POCD may experience late-onset AD pathogenesis. Herein, in this context, we mainly explore the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in the context of POCD, highlighting their involvement in neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter regulation, synaptic plasticity and neurotrophic support, and discuss how POCD may augment the onset of AD. Additionally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting astrocytes to mitigate or prevent POCD, which hold promise for improving the quality of life for patients undergoing surgeries and against AD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yan'an Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650051, China.
| | - Xiyuan Duan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yan'an Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Shikuo Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yan'an Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Ruqiang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yan'an Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Xulei Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Xingtai Medical College, Xingtai 050054, China
| | - Meilin Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China.
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Czuczwar SJ, Kocki J, Miziak B, Bogucki J, Bogucka-Kocka A, Pluta R. Alpha-, Beta-, and Gamma-Secretase, Amyloid Precursor Protein, and Tau Protein Genes in the Hippocampal CA3 Subfield in an Ischemic Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Survival up to 2 Years. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:151-161. [PMID: 38393914 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231333] [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: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background Understanding the phenomena underlying the non-selective susceptibility to ischemia of pyramidal neurons in the CA3 is important from the point of view of elucidating the mechanisms of memory loss and the development of dementia. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate changes in genes expression of amyloid precursor protein, its cleaving enzymes and tau protein in CA3 post-ischemia with survival of 12-24 months. Methods We used an ischemic model of Alzheimer's disease to study the above genes using an RT-PCR protocol. Results The expression of the amyloid precursor protein gene was above the control values at all times post-ischemia. The expression of the α-secretase gene also exceeded the control values post-ischemia. The expression of the β-secretase gene increased 12 and 24 months post-ischemia, and 18 months was below control values. Presenilin 1 and 2 genes expression was significantly elevated at all times post-ischemia. Also, tau protein gene expression was significantly elevated throughout the observation period, and peak gene expression was present 12 months post-ischemia. Conclusions The study suggests that the genes studied are involved in the non-amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein. Additionally data indicate that brain ischemia with long-term survival causes damage and death of pyramidal neurons in the CA3 area of the hippocampus in a modified tau protein-dependent manner. Thus defining a new and important mechanism of pyramidal neuronal death in the CA3 area post-ischemia. In addition expression of tau protein gene modification after brain ischemia is useful in identifying ischemic mechanisms occurring in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Miziak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Bogucki
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ryszard Pluta
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Lopez-Ortiz AO, Eyo UB. Astrocytes and microglia in the coordination of CNS development and homeostasis. J Neurochem 2023:10.1111/jnc.16006. [PMID: 37985374 PMCID: PMC11102936 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16006] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Glia have emerged as important architects of central nervous system (CNS) development and maintenance. While traditionally glial contributions to CNS development and maintenance have been studied independently, there is growing evidence that either suggests or documents that glia may act in coordinated manners to effect developmental patterning and homeostatic functions in the CNS. In this review, we focus on astrocytes, the most abundant glia in the CNS, and microglia, the earliest glia to colonize the CNS highlighting research that documents either suggestive or established coordinated actions by these glial cells in various CNS processes including cell and/or debris clearance, neuronal survival and morphogenesis, synaptic maturation, and circuit function, angio-/vasculogenesis, myelination, and neurotransmission. Some molecular mechanisms underlying these processes that have been identified are also described. Throughout, we categorize the available evidence as either suggestive or established interactions between microglia and astrocytes in the regulation of the respective process and raise possible avenues for further research. We conclude indicating that a better understanding of coordinated astrocyte-microglial interactions in the developing and mature brain holds promise for developing effective therapies for brain pathologies where these processes are perturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aída Oryza Lopez-Ortiz
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ukpong B Eyo
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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