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Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) for Therapeutic Targeting of Thrombin, a Key Mediator of Cerebrovascular and Neuronal Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081890. [PMID: 36009437 PMCID: PMC9405823 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although preclinical research and observer studies on patients with atrial fibrillation concluded that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) can protect against dementia like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), clinical investigation towards therapeutical approval is still pending. DOACs target pathological thrombin, which is, like toxic tau and amyloid-ß proteins (Aß), an early hallmark of AD. Especially in hippocampal and neocortical areas, the release of parenchymal Aß into the blood induces thrombin and proinflammatory bradykinin synthesis by activating factor XII of the contact system. Thrombin promotes platelet aggregation and catalyzes conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, leading to degradation-resistant, Aß-containing fibrin clots. Together with oligomeric Aß, these clots trigger vessel constriction and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) with vessel occlusion and hemorrhages, leading to vascular and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. As consequences, brain blood flow, perfusion, and supply with oxygen (hypoxia) and nutrients decrease. In parenchymal tissue, hypoxia stimulates Aß synthesis, leading to Aß accumulation, which is further enhanced by BBB-impaired perivascular Aß clearance. Aß trigger neuronal damage and promote tau pathologies. BBB dysfunction enables thrombin and fibrin(ogen) to migrate into parenchymal tissue and to activate glial cells. Inflammation and continued Aß production are the results. Synapses and neurons die, and cognitive abilities are lost. DOACs block thrombin by inhibiting its activity (dabigatran) or production (FXa-inhibitors, e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban). Therefore, DOAC use could preserve vascular integrity and brain perfusion and, thereby, could counteract vascular-driven neuronal and cognitive decline in AD. A conception for clinical investigation is presented, focused on DOAC treatment of patients with diagnosed AD in early-stage and low risk of major bleeding.
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2
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Jurcau A. Insights into the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Focus on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11847. [PMID: 34769277 PMCID: PMC8584731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As the population ages, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing. Due to intensive research, important steps in the elucidation of pathogenetic cascades have been made and significantly implicated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. However, the available treatment in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is mainly symptomatic, providing minor benefits and, at most, slowing down the progression of the disease. Although in preclinical setting, drugs targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress yielded encouraging results, clinical trials failed or had inconclusive results. It is likely that by the time of clinical diagnosis, the pathogenetic cascades are full-blown and significant numbers of neurons have already degenerated, making it impossible for mitochondria-targeted or antioxidant molecules to stop or reverse the process. Until further research will provide more efficient molecules, a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of dietary antioxidants and avoidance of exogenous oxidants may postpone the onset of neurodegeneration, while familial cases may benefit from genetic testing and aggressive therapy started in the preclinical stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Jurcau
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania;
- Neurology Ward, Clinical Municipal Hospital “dr. G. Curteanu” Oradea, 410154 Oradea, Romania
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3
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Zia A, Pourbagher-Shahri AM, Farkhondeh T, Samarghandian S. Molecular and cellular pathways contributing to brain aging. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2021; 17:6. [PMID: 34118939 PMCID: PMC8199306 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-021-00179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging is the leading risk factor for several age-associated diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the biology of aging mechanisms is essential to the pursuit of brain health. In this regard, brain aging is defined by a gradual decrease in neurophysiological functions, impaired adaptive neuroplasticity, dysregulation of neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis, neuroinflammation, and oxidatively modified molecules and organelles. Numerous pathways lead to brain aging, including increased oxidative stress, inflammation, disturbances in energy metabolism such as deregulated autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and IGF-1, mTOR, ROS, AMPK, SIRTs, and p53 as central modulators of the metabolic control, connecting aging to the pathways, which lead to neurodegenerative disorders. Also, calorie restriction (CR), physical exercise, and mental activities can extend lifespan and increase nervous system resistance to age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. The neuroprotective effect of CR involves increased protection against ROS generation, maintenance of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and inhibition of apoptosis. The recent evidence about the modem molecular and cellular methods in neurobiology to brain aging is exhibiting a significant potential in brain cells for adaptation to aging and resistance to neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliabbas Zia
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Pourbagher-Shahri
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), 9717853577 Birjand, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
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4
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Queen NJ, Hassan QN, Cao L. Improvements to Healthspan Through Environmental Enrichment and Lifestyle Interventions: Where Are We Now? Front Neurosci 2020; 14:605. [PMID: 32655354 PMCID: PMC7325954 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is an experimental paradigm that is used to explore how a complex, stimulating environment can impact overall health. In laboratory animal experiments, EE housing conditions typically include larger-than-standard cages, abundant bedding, running wheels, mazes, toys, and shelters which are rearranged regularly to further increase stimulation. EE has been shown to improve multiple aspects of health, including but not limited to metabolism, learning and cognition, anxiety and depression, and immunocompetence. Recent advances in lifespan have led some researchers to consider aging as a risk factor for disease. As such, there is a pressing need to understand the processes by which healthspan can be increased. The natural and predictable changes during aging can be reversed or decreased through EE and its underlying mechanisms. Here, we review the use of EE in laboratory animals to understand mechanisms involved in aging, and comment on relative areas of strength and weakness in the current literature. We additionally address current efforts toward applying EE-like lifestyle interventions to human health to extend healthspan. Although increasing lifespan is a clear goal of medical research, improving the quality of this added time also deserves significant attention. Despite hurdles in translating experimental results toward clinical application, we argue there is great potential in using features of EE toward improving human healthy life expectancy or healthspan, especially in the context of increased global longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Queen
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Quais N. Hassan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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5
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Lipowski M, Walczak-Kozłowska T, Lipowska M, Kortas J, Antosiewicz J, Falcioni G, Ziemann E. Improvement of Attention, Executive Functions, and Processing Speed in Elderly Women as a Result of Involvement in the Nordic Walking Training Program and Vitamin D Supplementation. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11061311. [PMID: 31212617 PMCID: PMC6628124 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Research indicates that life satisfaction declines with age, and cognitive abilities are gradually reduced—mainly attentional functioning and cognitive processing speed. Therefore, scientists seek to find protective factors and test possible intervention programs; moderately intensive physical activity stands out as particularly promising. In this context, we evaluated the influence of Nordic Walking training supported by vitamin D supplementation (as this nutrient is especially deficient in older people in Poland) on the cognitive and psychological functioning of elderly women. A total of 52 healthy elderly women took part in a Nordic Walking training program complemented by vitamin D supplementation. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the Trail Making Test and the D2 Test of Attention. Quality of life and severity of depressive symptoms were measured with the Short Form Health Survey and the Beck Depression Inventory 2. Significant improvements in all aspects of cognitive functioning was observed (p = 0.01–0.47). The study also showed a decrease in depressive symptoms (p = 0.026). Physical activity and adequate levels of vitamin D can be the key factors in maintaining self-reliance in old age. Involvement in Nordic Walking training, supported by vitamin D supplementation, can strengthen the cognitive functioning of older people—reflected in higher attentional capabilities, better executive functions, and improved cognitive processing speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Lipowski
- Department of Health Psychology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland.
| | | | | | - Jakub Kortas
- Department of Recreation and Qualify Tourism, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Jędrzej Antosiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland.
| | | | - Ewa Ziemann
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland.
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6
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Liester MB, Sullivan EE. A review of epigenetics in human consciousness. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2019.1668222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell B. Liester
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, P.O. Box 302 153 N. Washington Street, Suite 103, Monument, CO 80132, USA
| | - Erin E. Sullivan
- Computer Science, University of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 302, Monument, CO 80132, USA
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7
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Wild HM, Heckemann RA, Studholme C, Hammers A. Gyri of the human parietal lobe: Volumes, spatial extents, automatic labelling, and probabilistic atlases. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180866. [PMID: 28846692 PMCID: PMC5573296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurately describing the anatomy of individual brains enables interlaboratory communication of functional and developmental studies and is crucial for possible surgical interventions. The human parietal lobe participates in multimodal sensory integration including language processing and also contains the primary somatosensory area. We describe detailed protocols to subdivide the parietal lobe, analyze morphological and volumetric characteristics, and create probabilistic atlases in MNI152 stereotaxic space. The parietal lobe was manually delineated on 3D T1 MR images of 30 healthy subjects and divided into four regions: supramarginal gyrus (SMG), angular gyrus (AG), superior parietal lobe (supPL) and postcentral gyrus (postCG). There was the expected correlation of male gender with larger brain and intracranial volume. We examined a wide range of anatomical features of the gyri and the sulci separating them. At least a rudimentary primary intermediate sulcus of Jensen (PISJ) separating SMG and AG was identified in nearly all (59/60) hemispheres. Presence of additional gyri in SMG and AG was related to sulcal features and volumetric characteristics. The parietal lobe was slightly (2%) larger on the left, driven by leftward asymmetries of the postCG and SMG. Intersubject variability was highest for SMG and AG, and lowest for postCG. Overall the morphological characteristics tended to be symmetrical, and volumes also tended to covary between hemispheres. This may reflect developmental as well as maturation factors. To assess the accuracy with which the labels can be used to segment newly acquired (unlabelled) T1-weighted brain images, we applied multi-atlas label propagation software (MAPER) in a leave-one-out experiment and compared the resulting automatic labels with the manually prepared ones. The results showed strong agreement (mean Jaccard index 0.69, corresponding to a mean Dice index of 0.82, average mean volume error of 0.6%). Stereotaxic probabilistic atlases of each subregion were obtained. They illustrate the physiological brain torque, with structures in the right hemisphere positioned more anteriorly than in the left, and right/left positional differences of up to 10 mm. They also allow an assessment of sulcal variability, e.g. low variability for parietooccipital fissure and cingulate sulcus. Illustrated protocols, individual label sets, probabilistic atlases, and a maximum-probability atlas which takes into account surrounding structures are available for free download under academic licences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M. Wild
- Neurodis Foundation, Lyon, France
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, Bron, France
| | - Rolf A. Heckemann
- Neurodis Foundation, Lyon, France
- MedTech West at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Colin Studholme
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Alexander Hammers
- Neurodis Foundation, Lyon, France
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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8
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Ramsden DB, Waring RH, Barlow DJ, Parsons RB. Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase in Health and Cancer. Int J Tryptophan Res 2017; 10:1178646917691739. [PMID: 35185340 PMCID: PMC8851132 DOI: 10.1177/1178646917691739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the roles of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase and its product 1-methyl nicotinamide have emerged from playing merely minor roles in phase 2 xenobiotic metabolism as actors in some of the most important scenes of human life. In this review, the structures of the gene, messenger RNA, and protein are discussed, together with the role of the enzyme in many of the common cancers that afflict people today.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Ramsden
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - David J Barlow
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Richard B Parsons
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London, UK
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9
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Comprehensive investigation of temporal and autism-associated cell type composition-dependent and independent gene expression changes in human brains. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28646201 PMCID: PMC5482876 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04356-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of human brains highly depend on the precise temporal regulation of gene expression, and the temporal brain transcriptome profile across lifespan has been observed. The substantial transcriptome alteration in neural disorders like autism has also been observed and is thought to be important for the pathology. While the cell type composition is known to be variable in brains, it remains unclear how it contributes to the temporal and pathological transcriptome changes in brains. Here, we applied a transcriptome deconvolution procedure to an age series RNA-seq dataset of healthy and autism samples, to quantify the contribution of cell type composition in shaping the temporal and autism pathological transcriptome in human brains. We estimated that composition change was the primary factor of both types of transcriptome changes. On the other hand, genes with substantial composition-independent expression changes were also observed in both cases. Those temporal and autism pathological composition-independent changes, many of which are related to synaptic functions, indicate the important intracellular regulatory changes in human brains in both processes.
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10
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Pérez LM, Pareja-Galeano H, Sanchis-Gomar F, Emanuele E, Lucia A, Gálvez BG. 'Adipaging': ageing and obesity share biological hallmarks related to a dysfunctional adipose tissue. J Physiol 2016; 594:3187-207. [PMID: 26926488 DOI: 10.1113/jp271691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing ageing of our societies is accompanied by a pandemic of obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders. Progressive dysfunction of the white adipose tissue is increasingly recognized as an important hallmark of the ageing process, which in turn contributes to metabolic alterations, multi-organ damage and a systemic pro-inflammatory state ('inflammageing'). On the other hand, obesity, the paradigm of adipose tissue dysfunction, shares numerous biological similarities with the normal ageing process such as chronic inflammation and multi-system alterations. Accordingly, understanding the interplay between accelerated ageing related to obesity and adipose tissue dysfunction is critical to gain insight into the ageing process in general as well as into the pathophysiology of obesity and other related conditions. Here we postulate the concept of 'adipaging' to illustrate the common links between ageing and obesity and the fact that, to a great extent, obese adults are prematurely aged individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Pérez
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Helios Pareja-Galeano
- Universidad Europea de Madrid, Spain.,Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre ('i+12'), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Alejandro Lucia
- Universidad Europea de Madrid, Spain.,Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre ('i+12'), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz G Gálvez
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Universidad Europea de Madrid, Spain
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11
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Sensory Cortical Plasticity Participates in the Epigenetic Regulation of Robust Memory Formation. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:7254297. [PMID: 26881129 PMCID: PMC4735916 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7254297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity remodels sensory cortex across the lifespan. A function of adult sensory cortical plasticity may be capturing available information during perception for memory formation. The degree of experience-dependent remodeling in sensory cortex appears to determine memory strength and specificity for important sensory signals. A key open question is how plasticity is engaged to induce different degrees of sensory cortical remodeling. Neural plasticity for long-term memory requires the expression of genes underlying stable changes in neuronal function, structure, connectivity, and, ultimately, behavior. Lasting changes in transcriptional activity may depend on epigenetic mechanisms; some of the best studied in behavioral neuroscience are DNA methylation and histone acetylation and deacetylation, which, respectively, promote and repress gene expression. One purpose of this review is to propose epigenetic regulation of sensory cortical remodeling as a mechanism enabling the transformation of significant information from experiences into content-rich memories of those experiences. Recent evidence suggests how epigenetic mechanisms regulate highly specific reorganization of sensory cortical representations that establish a widespread network for memory. Thus, epigenetic mechanisms could initiate events to establish exceptionally persistent and robust memories at a systems-wide level by engaging sensory cortical plasticity for gating what and how much information becomes encoded.
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12
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Sleep and physical activity as modifiable risk factors in age-associated cognitive decline. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s41105-015-0002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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13
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Rae EA, Brown RE. The problem of genotype and sex differences in life expectancy in transgenic AD mice. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 57:238-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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14
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Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in the expression of genes and can be influenced by both the quality and quantity of diet. Dietary compounds such as sulforaphane (SFN) found in cruciferous vegetables and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea exhibit the ability to affect various epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibition, histone modifications via histone deacetylase (HDAC), histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibition, or noncoding RNA expression. Regulation of these epigenetic mechanisms has been shown to have notable influences on the formation and progression of various neoplasms. We have shown that an epigenetic diet can influence both cellular longevity and carcinogenesis through the modulation of certain key genes that encode telomerase and p16. Caloric restriction (CR) can also play a crucial role in aging and cancer. Reductions in caloric intake have been shown to increase both the life- and health-span in a variety of animal models. Moreover, restriction of glucose has been demonstrated to decrease the incidence of age-related diseases such as cancer and diabetes. A diet rich in compounds such as genistein, SFN and EGCG can positively modulate the epigenome and lead to many health benefits. Also, reducing the quantity of calories and glucose in the diet can confer an increased health-span, including reduced cancer incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Daniel
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1802 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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15
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Abbott CW, Kozanian OO, Huffman KJ. The effects of lifelong blindness on murine neuroanatomy and gene expression. Front Aging Neurosci 2015; 7:144. [PMID: 26257648 PMCID: PMC4513570 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian neocortical development is regulated by neural patterning mechanisms, with distinct sensory and motor areas arising through the process of arealization. This development occurs alongside developing central or peripheral sensory systems. Specifically, the parcellation of neocortex into specific areas of distinct cytoarchitecture, connectivity and function during development is reliant upon both cortically intrinsic mechanisms, such as gene expression, and extrinsic processes, such as input from the sensory receptors. This developmental program shifts from patterning to maintenance as the animal ages and is believed to be active throughout life, where the brain’s organization is stable yet plastic. In this study, we characterize the long-term effects of early removal of visual input via bilateral enucleation at birth. To understand the long-term effects of early blindness we conducted anatomical and molecular assays 18 months after enucleation, near the end of lifespan in the mouse. Bilateral enucleation early in life leads to long-term, stable size reductions of the thalamic lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and the primary visual cortex (V1) alongside a increase in individual whisker barrel size. Neocortical gene expression in the aging brain has not been previously identified; we document cortical expression of multiple regionalization genes. Expression patterns of Ephrin A5, COUP-TFI, and RZRβ and patterns of intraneocortical connectivity (INC) are altered in the neocortices of aging blind mice. Sensory inputs from different modalities during development likely play a major role in the development of cortical areal and thalamic nuclear boundaries. We suggest that early patterning by prenatal retinal activity combined with persistent gene expression within the thalamus and cortex is sufficient to establish and preserve a small but present LGN and V1 into late adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W Abbott
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Olga O Kozanian
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Kelly J Huffman
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA ; Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA
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16
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Dauncey MJ. Nutrition, the brain and cognitive decline: insights from epigenetics. Eur J Clin Nutr 2014; 68:1179-85. [PMID: 25182020 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nutrition affects the brain throughout life, with profound implications for cognitive decline and dementia. These effects are mediated by changes in expression of multiple genes, and responses to nutrition are in turn affected by individual genetic variability. An important layer of regulation is provided by the epigenome: nutrition is one of the many epigenetic regulators that modify gene expression without changes in DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms are central to brain development, structure and function, and include DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-protein-coding RNAs. They enable cell-specific and age-related gene expression. Although epigenetic events can be highly stable, they can also be reversible, highlighting a critical role for nutrition in prevention and treatment of disease. Moreover, they suggest key mechanisms by which nutrition is involved in the pathogenesis of age-related cognitive decline: many nutrients, foods and diets have both immediate and long-term effects on the epigenome, including energy status, that is, energy intake, physical activity, energy metabolism and related changes in body composition, and micronutrients involved in DNA methylation, for example, folate, vitamins B6 and B12, choline, methionine. Optimal brain function results from highly complex interactions between numerous genetic and environmental factors, including food intake, physical activity, age and stress. Future studies linking nutrition with advances in neuroscience, genomics and epigenomics should provide novel approaches to the prevention of cognitive decline, and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Dauncey
- Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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17
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Stettler O, Moya KL. Distinct roles of homeoproteins in brain topographic mapping and in neural circuit formation. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 35:165-72. [PMID: 25042849 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The construction of the brain is a highly regulated process, requiring coordination of various cellular and molecular mechanisms that together ensure the stability of the cerebrum architecture and functions. The mature brain is an organ that performs complex computational operations using specific sensory information from the outside world and this requires precise organization within sensory networks and a separation of sensory modalities during development. We review here the role of homeoproteins in the arealization of the brain according to sensorimotor functions, the micropartition of its cytoarchitecture, and the maturation of its sensory circuitry. One of the most interesting observation about homeoproteins in recent years concerns their ability to act both in a cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous manner. The highlights in the present review collectively show how these two modes of action of homeoproteins confer various functions in shaping cortical maps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Stettler
- Laboratoire CRRET EAC 7149, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 61, Av. du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil Cedex, France.
| | - Kenneth L Moya
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM U1050, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris, France; Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, France
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Martin SL, Hardy TM, Tollefsbol TO. Medicinal chemistry of the epigenetic diet and caloric restriction. Curr Med Chem 2014; 20:4050-9. [PMID: 23895687 DOI: 10.2174/09298673113209990189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The pronounced effects of the epigenetic diet (ED) and caloric restriction (CR) have on epigenetic gene regulation have been documented in many pre-clinical and clinical studies. Understanding epigenetics is of high importance because of the concept that external factors such as nutrition and diet may possess the ability to alter gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. The ED introduces bioactive medicinal chemistry compounds such as sulforaphane (SFN), curcumin (CCM), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol (RSV) that are thought to aid in extending the human lifespan. CR, although similar to ED in the target of longevity, mildly reduces the total daily calorie intake while concurrently providing all beneficial nutrients. Both CR and ED may act as epigenetic modifiers to slow the aging process through histone modification, DNA methylation, and by modulating microRNA expression. CR and ED have been proposed as two important mechanisms that modulate and potentially slow the progression of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, obesity, Alzheimer's and osteoporosis to name a few. While many investigators have examined CR and ED as separate entities, this review will primarily focus on both as they relate to age-related diseases, their epigenetic effects and their medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Martin
- CH175, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-1170 USA.
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19
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Zamfir AD. Neurological Analyses: Focus on Gangliosides and Mass Spectrometry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 806:153-204. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-06068-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Eisen A, Turner MR. Does variation in neurodegenerative disease susceptibility and phenotype reflect cerebral differences at the network level? Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 14:487-93. [PMID: 23879681 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.812660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is 10-fold more frequent than Parkinson's disease (PD), which in turn is 10-fold more frequent than amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The differences between these neurodegenerative diseases have been ascribed to a selective vulnerability of specific neuronal sub-types that then determine each disorder. However, there are non-neuronal cells that are ubiquitously and possibly primarily involved in all of them, and they share regulatory mechanisms through similar interneurons and, typically inhibitory, neurotransmitters. There is recognized clinical and neuropathological overlap between AD, PD and ALS, the best example being Guamanian Lytico-Bodig, but increasingly recognized in larger populations, e.g. carriers of C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions. From early embryogenesis to adulthood, genetic and experience-dependent functional neural networks develop primarily in relation to the neocortex. From an evolutionary standpoint, cognition, memory, executive function, linguistics and fine motor function are most prominent in humans. It is concluded that neural networks, rather than specific neuronal sub-types defined regionally or by individual transmitters, underlie the marked differences between neurodegenerative disorders in terms of susceptibility and clinical features. This requires the continued development of strategies to study brain function in health and disease as the 'system', greater than the sum of its parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Eisen
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia , Canada
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21
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Alcedo J, Flatt T, Pasyukova EG. The role of the nervous system in aging and longevity. Front Genet 2013; 4:124. [PMID: 23818894 PMCID: PMC3694294 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joy Alcedo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University Detroit, MI, USA
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Markowitsch HJ. Memory and self-neuroscientific landscapes. ISRN NEUROSCIENCE 2013; 2013:176027. [PMID: 24967303 PMCID: PMC4045540 DOI: 10.1155/2013/176027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Relations between memory and the self are framed from a number of perspectives-developmental aspects, forms of memory, interrelations between memory and the brain, and interactions between the environment and memory. The self is seen as dividable into more rudimentary and more advanced aspects. Special emphasis is laid on memory systems and within them on episodic autobiographical memory which is seen as a pure human form of memory that is dependent on a proper ontogenetic development and shaped by the social environment, including culture. Self and episodic autobiographical memory are seen as interlocked in their development and later manifestation. Aside from content-based aspects of memory, time-based aspects are seen along two lines-the division between short-term and long-term memory and anterograde-future-oriented-and retrograde-past-oriented memory. The state dependency of episodic autobiographical is stressed and implications of it-for example, with respect to the occurrence of false memories and forensic aspects-are outlined. For the brain level, structural networks for encoding, consolidation, storage, and retrieval are discussed both by referring to patient data and to data obtained in normal participants with functional brain imaging methods. It is elaborated why descriptions from patients with functional or dissociative amnesia are particularly apt to demonstrate the facets in which memory, self, and personal temporality are interwoven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans J. Markowitsch
- Physiological Psychology, University of Bielefeld, Universitaetsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Center of Excellence “Cognitive Interaction Technology” (CITEC), University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Hanse Institute of Advanced Science, P. O. Box 1344, 27733 Delmenhorst, Germany
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Alcedo J, Flatt T, Pasyukova EG. Neuronal inputs and outputs of aging and longevity. Front Genet 2013; 4:71. [PMID: 23653632 PMCID: PMC3644678 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An animal’s survival strongly depends on its ability to maintain homeostasis in response to the changing quality of its external and internal environment. This is achieved through intracellular and intercellular communication within and among different tissues. One of the organ systems that plays a major role in this communication and the maintenance of homeostasis is the nervous system. Here we highlight different aspects of the neuronal inputs and outputs of pathways that affect aging and longevity. Accordingly, we discuss how sensory inputs influence homeostasis and lifespan through the modulation of different types of neuronal signals, which reflects the complexity of the environmental cues that affect physiology. We also describe feedback, compensatory, and feed-forward mechanisms in these longevity-modulating pathways that are necessary for homeostasis. Finally, we consider the temporal requirements for these neuronal processes and the potential role of natural genetic variation in shaping the neurobiology of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Alcedo
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research Basel, Switzerland ; Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University Detroit, MI, USA
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