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Singh K, Jain D, Sethi P, Gupta JK, Tripathi AK, Kumar S, Sarker SD, Nahar L, Guru A. Emerging pharmacological approaches for Huntington's disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 980:176873. [PMID: 39117264 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive, motor, and psychiatric symptoms. Despite significant advances in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of HD, there is currently no cure or disease-modifying treatment available. Emerging pharmacological approaches offer promising strategies to alleviate symptoms and slow down disease progression. This comprehensive review aims to provide a critical appraisal of the latest developments in pharmacological interventions for HD. The review begins by discussing the pathogenesis of HD, focusing on the role of mutant huntingtin protein, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, and neuro-inflammation. It then explores emerging therapeutic targets, including the modulation of protein homeostasis, mitochondrial function, neuro-inflammation, and neurotransmitter systems. Pharmacological agents targeting these pathways are discussed, including small molecules, gene-based therapies, and neuroprotective agents. In recent years, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficiency of novel compounds for HD. This review presents an update on the outcomes of these trials, highlighting promising results and challenges encountered. Additionally, it discusses the potential of repurposing existing drugs approved for other indications as a cost-effective approach for HD treatment. The review concludes by summarizing the current state of pharmacological approaches for HD and outlining future directions in drug development. The integration of multiple therapeutic strategies, personalized medicine approaches, and combination therapies are highlighted as potential avenues to maximize treatment effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Divya Jain
- Department of Microbiology, School of Applied & Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Pranshul Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jeetendra Kumar Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Arpan Kumar Tripathi
- Kamla Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shri Shankaracharya Professional University Bhilai Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Shivendra Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Satyajit D Sarker
- Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, United Kingdom
| | - Lutfun Nahar
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
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2
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Arthur R, Jamwal S, Kumar P. A review on polyamines as promising next-generation neuroprotective and anti-aging therapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176804. [PMID: 38950837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of neurons and associated structures and are a major global issue growing more widespread as the global population's average age increases. Despite several investigations on their etiology, the specific cause of these disorders remains unknown. However, there are few symptomatic therapies to treat these disorders. Polyamines (PAs) (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) are being studied for their role in neuroprotection, aging and cognitive impairment. They are ubiquitous polycations which have relatively higher concentrations in the brain and possess pleiotropic biochemical activities, including regulation of gene expression, ion channels, mitochondria Ca2+ transport, autophagy induction, programmed cell death, and many more. Their cellular content is tightly regulated, and substantial evidence indicates that their altered levels and metabolism are strongly implicated in aging, stress, cognitive dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, dietary polyamine supplementation has been reported to induce anti-aging effects, anti-oxidant effects, and improve locomotor abnormalities, and cognitive dysfunction. Thus, restoring the polyamine level is considered a promising pharmacological strategy to counteract neurodegeneration. This review highlights PAs' physiological role and the molecular mechanism underpinning their proposed neuroprotective effect in aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richmond Arthur
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Sumit Jamwal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Puneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India.
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3
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Skv M, Abraham SM, Eshwari O, Golla K, Jhelum P, Maity S, Komal P. Tremendous Fidelity of Vitamin D3 in Age-related Neurological Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:7211-7238. [PMID: 38372958 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03989-w] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin D3 (VD) is a secosteroid hormone and shows a pleiotropic effect in brain-related disorders where it regulates redox imbalance, inflammation, apoptosis, energy production, and growth factor synthesis. Vitamin D3's active metabolic form, 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3 or calcitriol), is a known regulator of several genes involved in neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, neurotropism, and neuroinflammation. Multiple studies suggest that VD deficiency can be proposed as a risk factor for the development of several age-related neurological disorders. The evidence for low serum levels of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3 or calcidiol), the major circulating form of VD, is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), dementia, and cognitive impairment. Despite decades of evidence on low VD association with neurological disorders, the precise molecular mechanism behind its beneficial effect remains controversial. Here, we will be delving into the neurobiological importance of VD and discuss its benefits in different neuropsychiatric disorders. The focus will be on AD, PD, and HD as they share some common clinical, pathological, and epidemiological features. The central focus will be on the different attributes of VD in the aspect of its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-cholinesterase activity, and psychotropic effect in different neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjari Skv
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani (BITS-Pilani) Hyderabad campus, Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sharon Mariam Abraham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani (BITS-Pilani) Hyderabad campus, Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Omalur Eshwari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani (BITS-Pilani) Hyderabad campus, Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Kishore Golla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani (BITS-Pilani) Hyderabad campus, Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Priya Jhelum
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience and Brain Program, The Research Instituteof the, McGill University Health Centre , Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shuvadeep Maity
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani (BITS-Pilani) Hyderabad campus, Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Pragya Komal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani (BITS-Pilani) Hyderabad campus, Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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4
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Jing Y, Dogan I, Reetz K, Romanzetti S. Neurochemical changes in the progression of Huntington's disease: A meta-analysis of in vivo 1H-MRS studies. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106574. [PMID: 38914172 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106574] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) allows measuring specific brain metabolic alterations in Huntington's disease (HD), and these metabolite profiles may serve as non-invasive biomarkers associated with disease progression. Despite this potential, previous findings are inconsistent. Accordingly, we performed a meta-analysis on available in vivo1H-MRS studies in premanifest (Pre-HD) and symptomatic HD stages (Symp-HD), and quantified neurometabolic changes relative to controls in 9 Pre-HD studies (227 controls and 188 mutation carriers) and 14 Symp-HD studies (326 controls and 306 patients). Our results indicated decreased N-acetylaspartate and creatine in the basal ganglia in both Pre-HD and Symp-HD. The overall level of myo-inositol was decreased in Pre-HD while increased in Symp-HD. Besides, Symp-HD patients showed more severe metabolism disruption than Pre-HD patients. Taken together, 1H-MRS is important for elucidating progressive metabolite changes from Pre-HD to clinical conversion; N-acetylaspartate and creatine in the basal ganglia are already sensitive at the preclinical stage and are promising biomarkers for tracking disease progression; overall myo-inositol is a possible characteristic metabolite for distinguishing HD stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Jing
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sandro Romanzetti
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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5
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Saade J, Mestre TA. Huntington's Disease: Latest Frontiers in Therapeutics. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:255-264. [PMID: 38861215 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01345-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant disorder caused by a pathological expansion of a trinucleotide repeat (CAG) on exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. HD is characterized by the presence of chorea, alongside other hyperkinesia, parkinsonism and a combination of cognitive and behavioural features. Currently, there are no disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for HD, and the only intervention(s) with approved indication target the treatment of chorea. This article reviews recent research on the clinical development of DMTs and newly developed tools that enhance clinical trial design towards a successful DMT in the future. RECENT FINDINGS HD is living in an era of target-specific drug development with emphasis on the mechanisms related to mutant Huntingtin (HTT) protein. Examples include antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), splicing modifiers and microRNA molecules that aim to reduce the levels of mutant HTT protein. After initial negative results with ASO molecules Tominersen and WVE-120101/ WVE-120102, the therapeutic landscape continues to expand, with various trials currently under development to document proof-of-concept and safety/tolerability. Immune-targeted therapies have also been evaluated in early-phase clinical trials, with promising preliminary findings. The possibility of quantifying mHTT in CSF, along with the development of an integrated biological staging system in HD are important innovations applicable to clinical trial design that enhance the drug development process. Although a future in HD with DMTs remains a hope for those living with HD, care partners and care providers, the therapeutic landscape is promising, with various drug development programs underway following a targeted approach supported by disease-specific biomarkers and staging frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Saade
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tiago A Mestre
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- The University of Ottawa Brain and Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Clinic, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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6
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Kerkis I, da Silva ÁP, Araldi RP. The impact of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and mesenchymal stem cell-derived IL-6 on neurological conditions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400533. [PMID: 39015561 PMCID: PMC11249726 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a versatile cytokine crucial for immune response modulation, inflammation regulation, and various physiological processes in the body. Its wide-ranging functions underscore its importance in maintaining health. Dysregulated IL-6 is closely associated with many diseases, making it a key research and therapeutic target. Elevated IL-6 levels in the central nervous system worsen neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases by activating microglia and astrocytes and releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic molecules. Moreover, dysregulated IL-6 weakens the blood-brain barrier, exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal damage by allowing peripheral immune cells and inflammatory mediators to enter the brain. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise in modulating neuroinflammation by regulating IL-6 levels. They effectively suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, while promoting anti-inflammatory factors. This therapeutic approach highlights the importance of targeting IL-6 and other inflammatory mediators to alleviate neuroinflammation and its adverse effects on neurological disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of IL-6's involvement in neurological disorders, examining endogenous IL-6 and IL-6 derived from MSCs. We explore IL-6's mechanisms affecting neuronal function, survival, and immune modulation in the central nervous system. Additionally, we discuss the potential of MSC-derived IL-6 in neuroregeneration and neuroprotection. By elucidating IL-6's interplay with neurological pathologies, this review offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies targeting IL-6 signaling pathways for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kerkis
- Genetics Laboratory, Center of Development and Innovation, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Prieto da Silva
- Genetics Laboratory, Center of Development and Innovation, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pinheiro Araldi
- BioDecision Analytics Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Paulista School of Medicine Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Federal University of São Paulo Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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Wu Y, Wang Y, Lu Y, Yan J, Zhao H, Yang R, Pan J. Research advances in huntingtin-associated protein 1 and its application prospects in diseases. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1402996. [PMID: 38975245 PMCID: PMC11224548 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1402996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) was the first protein discovered to interact with huntingtin. Besides brain, HAP1 is also expressed in the spinal cord, dorsal root ganglion, endocrine, and digestive systems. HAP1 has diverse functions involving in vesicular transport, receptor recycling, gene transcription, and signal transduction. HAP1 is strongly linked to several neurological diseases, including Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, ischemic stroke, and depression. In addition, HAP1 has been proved to participate in cancers and diabetes mellitus. This article provides an overview of HAP1 regarding the tissue distribution, cell localization, functions, and offers fresh perspectives to investigate its role in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jingying Pan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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8
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Dias Pinto JR, Faustinoni Neto B, Sanches Fernandes JM, Kerkis I, Araldi RP. How does the age of control individuals hinder the identification of target genes for Huntington's disease? Front Genet 2024; 15:1377237. [PMID: 38978875 PMCID: PMC11228582 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1377237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies have compared the transcriptome across various brain regions in Huntington's disease (HD) gene-positive and neurologically normal individuals to identify potential differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that could be pharmaceutical or prognostic targets for HD. Despite adhering to technical recommendations for optimal RNA-Seq analysis, none of the genes identified as upregulated in these studies have yet demonstrated success as prognostic or therapeutic targets for HD. Earlier studies included samples from neurologically normal individuals older than the HD gene-positive group. Considering the gradual transcriptional changes induced by aging in the brain, we posited that utilizing samples from older controls could result in the misidentification of DEGs. To validate our hypothesis, we reanalyzed 146 samples from this study, accessible on the SRA database, and employed Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to create a "virtual" control group with a statistically comparable age distribution to the HD gene-positive group. Our study underscores the adverse impact of using neurologically normal individuals over 75 as controls in gene differential expression analysis, resulting in false positives and negatives. We conclusively demonstrate that using such old controls leads to the misidentification of DEGs, detrimentally affecting the discovery of potential pharmaceutical and prognostic markers. This underscores the pivotal role of considering the age of control samples in RNA-Seq analysis and emphasizes its inclusion in evaluating best practices for such investigations. Although our primary focus is HD, our findings suggest that judiciously selecting age-appropriate control samples can significantly improve best practices in differential expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Rafael Dias Pinto
- BioDecision Analytics Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Paulista School of Medicine (EPM), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Irina Kerkis
- Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pinheiro Araldi
- BioDecision Analytics Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Paulista School of Medicine (EPM), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Suleiman Khoury Z, Sohail F, Wang J, Mendoza M, Raake M, Tahoor Silat M, Reddy Bathinapatta M, Sadeghzadegan A, Meghana P, Paul J. Neuroinflammation: A Critical Factor in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cureus 2024; 16:e62310. [PMID: 39006715 PMCID: PMC11246070 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This review offers a comprehensive review of the signals and the paramount role neuroinflammation plays in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The study explores the sophisticated interactions between microglial, astrocytic, and dendritic cells and how neuroinflammation affects long-term neuronal damage and dysfunction. There are specific pathways related to the mentioned inflammatory processes, including Janus kinases/signal transducer and activator of transcriptions, nuclear factor-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways. Neuroinflammation is argued to be a double-edged sword, being not only a protective agent that prevents further neuron damage but also the causative factor in more cell injury development. This concept of contrasting inflammation with neuroprotection advocates for the use of therapeutic techniques that seek to modulate neuroinflammatory responses as part of the neurodegeneration treatment. The recent research findings are integrated with the established knowledge to help present a comprehensive image of neuroinflammation's impact on neurodegenerative diseases and its implications for future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatima Sohail
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Jada Wang
- Department of Medicine, St. George's University, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Moises Mendoza
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, VEN
| | - Mohammed Raake
- Department of Medicine, Annamalai University, Chennai, IND
| | | | | | - Amirali Sadeghzadegan
- Department of General Practice, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Patel Meghana
- Department of Medicine, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, IND
| | - Janisha Paul
- Department of Medicine, Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, Jalandhar, IND
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10
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Adamu A, Li S, Gao F, Xue G. The role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases: current understanding and future therapeutic targets. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1347987. [PMID: 38681666 PMCID: PMC11045904 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1347987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation refers to a highly complicated reaction of the central nervous system (CNS) to certain stimuli such as trauma, infection, and neurodegenerative diseases. This is a cellular immune response whereby glial cells are activated, inflammatory mediators are liberated and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are synthesized. Neuroinflammation is a key process that helps protect the brain from pathogens, but inappropriate, or protracted inflammation yields pathological states such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative disorders that showcase various pathways of neurodegeneration distributed in various parts of the CNS. This review reveals the major neuroinflammatory signaling pathways associated with neurodegeneration. Additionally, it explores promising therapeutic avenues, such as stem cell therapy, genetic intervention, and nanoparticles, aiming to regulate neuroinflammation and potentially impede or decelerate the advancement of these conditions. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate connection between neuroinflammation and these diseases is pivotal for the development of future treatment strategies that can alleviate the burden imposed by these devastating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Guofang Xue
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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11
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Castro-Gomez S, Heneka MT. Innate immune activation in neurodegenerative diseases. Immunity 2024; 57:790-814. [PMID: 38599171 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Activation of the innate immune system following pattern recognition receptor binding has emerged as one of the major pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative disease. Experimental, epidemiological, pathological, and genetic evidence underscores the meaning of innate immune activation during the prodromal as well as clinical phases of several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia. Importantly, innate immune activation and the subsequent release of inflammatory mediators contribute mechanistically to other hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases such as aberrant proteostatis, pathological protein aggregation, cytoskeleton abnormalities, altered energy homeostasis, RNA and DNA defects, and synaptic and network disbalance and ultimately to the induction of neuronal cell death. In this review, we discuss common mechanisms of innate immune activation in neurodegeneration, with particular emphasis on the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and other receptors involved in the detection of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Castro-Gomez
- Center for Neurology, Department of Parkinson, Sleep and Movement Disorders, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg; Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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12
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Levi S, Ripamonti M, Moro AS, Cozzi A. Iron imbalance in neurodegeneration. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1139-1152. [PMID: 38212377 PMCID: PMC11176077 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02399-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Iron is an essential element for the development and functionality of the brain, and anomalies in its distribution and concentration in brain tissue have been found to be associated with the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases. When magnetic resonance techniques allowed iron quantification in vivo, it was confirmed that the alteration of brain iron homeostasis is a common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether iron is the main actor in the neurodegenerative process, or its alteration is a consequence of the degenerative process is still an open question. Because the different iron-related pathogenic mechanisms are specific for distinctive diseases, identifying the molecular mechanisms common to the various pathologies could represent a way to clarify this complex topic. Indeed, both iron overload and iron deficiency have profound consequences on cellular functioning, and both contribute to neuronal death processes in different manners, such as promoting oxidative damage, a loss of membrane integrity, a loss of proteostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, with the attempt to elucidate the consequences of iron dyshomeostasis for brain health, we summarize the main pathological molecular mechanisms that couple iron and neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Levi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy.
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.
| | | | - Andrea Stefano Moro
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Cozzi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
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13
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Nittari G, Roy P, Martinelli I, Bellitto V, Tomassoni D, Traini E, Tayebati SK, Amenta F. Rodent Models of Huntington's Disease: An Overview. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3331. [PMID: 38137552 PMCID: PMC10741199 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123331] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant inherited neurological disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the IT15 gene. This neurodegenerative disorder is caused by a polyglutamine repeat expansion mutation in the widely expressed huntingtin (HTT) protein. HD is characterized by the degeneration of basal ganglia neurons and progressive cell death in intrinsic neurons of the striatum, accompanied by dementia and involuntary abnormal choreiform movements. Animal models have been extensively studied and have proven to be extremely valuable for therapeutic target evaluations. They reveal the hallmark of the age-dependent formation of aggregates or inclusions consisting of misfolded proteins. Animal models of HD have provided a therapeutic strategy to treat HD by suppressing mutant HTT (mHTT). Transgenic animal models have significantly increased our understanding of the molecular processes and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the HD behavioral phenotype. Since effective therapies to cure or interrupt the course of the disease are not yet available, clinical research will have to make use of reliable animal models. This paper reviews the main studies of rodents as HD animal models, highlighting the neurological and behavioral differences between them. The choice of an animal model depends on the specific aspect of the disease to be investigated. Toxin-based models can still be useful, but most experimental hypotheses depend on success in a genetic model, whose choice is determined by the experimental question. There are many animal models showing similar HD symptoms or pathologies. They include chemical-induced HDs and genetic HDs, where cell-free and cell culture, lower organisms (such as yeast, Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish), rodents (mice, rats), and non-human primates are involved. These models provide accessible systems to study molecular pathogenesis and test potential treatments. For developing more effective pharmacological treatments, better animal models must be available and used to evaluate the efficacy of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Nittari
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Proshanta Roy
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Vincenzo Bellitto
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Enea Traini
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (G.N.); (P.R.); (I.M.); (V.B.); (E.T.); (S.K.T.)
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14
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Manjari SKV, Abraham SM, Poornima R, Chaturvedi RK, Maity S, Komal P. Unprecedented effect of vitamin D3 on T-cell receptor beta subunit and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression in a 3-nitropropionic acid induced mouse model of Huntington's disease. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 15:116-125. [PMID: 38204575 PMCID: PMC10776327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction 3-NP induction in rodent models has been shown to induce selective neurodegeneration in the striatum followed by the cortex (Brouillet, 2014). However, it remains unclear whether, under such a neurotoxic condition, characterized by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, the gene expression of the immune resident protein, T-cell receptor beta subunit (TCR-β), α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChRs), the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), and antioxidants (Cat and GpX4) get modulated on Vitamin D3 (VD) supplementation in the central nervous system. Methods In the present study, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to study the expression of respective genes. Male C57BL/6 mice (8-12 weeks) were divided into four groups namely, Group I: Control (saline); Group II: 3-NP induction via i.p (HD); Group III: Vitamin D3 (VD) and Group IV: (HD + VD) (Manjari et al., 2022). Results On administration of 500IU/kg/day of VD, HD mice showed a significant reduction in the gene expression of the immune receptor, TCR-β subunit, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), inflammatory cytokines, and key antioxidants, followed by a decrease in the acetylcholinesterase activity. Conclusion A novel neuroprotective effect of VD in HD is demonstrated by combating the immune receptor, TCR-β gene expression, antioxidant markers, and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, HD mice on VD administration for 0-15 days showed an enhancement in cholinergic signaling with restoration in α7 nAChRs mRNA and protein expression in the striatum and cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- SKV Manjari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS)-Pilani (Hyderabad Campus), Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Sharon Mariam Abraham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS)-Pilani (Hyderabad Campus), Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - R. Poornima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS)-Pilani (Hyderabad Campus), Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Rajneesh Kumar Chaturvedi
- Department of Toxicology and health assessment, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg P.O. Box No. 80, Lucknow 226 001 Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shuvadeep Maity
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS)-Pilani (Hyderabad Campus), Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Pragya Komal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS)-Pilani (Hyderabad Campus), Shameerpet-Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500078, India
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15
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Sneha NP, Dharshini SAP, Taguchi YH, Gromiha MM. Investigating Neuron Degeneration in Huntington's Disease Using RNA-Seq Based Transcriptome Study. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1801. [PMID: 37761940 PMCID: PMC10530489 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused due to a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The primary symptoms of HD include motor dysfunction such as chorea, dystonia, and involuntary movements. The primary motor cortex (BA4) is the key brain region responsible for executing motor/movement activities. Investigating patient and control samples from the BA4 region will provide a deeper understanding of the genes responsible for neuron degeneration and help to identify potential markers. Previous studies have focused on overall differential gene expression and associated biological functions. In this study, we illustrate the relationship between variants and differentially expressed genes/transcripts. We identified variants and their associated genes along with the quantification of genes and transcripts. We also predicted the effect of variants on various regulatory activities and found that many variants are regulating gene expression. Variants affecting miRNA and its targets are also highlighted in our study. Co-expression network studies revealed the role of novel genes. Function interaction network analysis unveiled the importance of genes involved in vesicle-mediated transport. From this unified approach, we propose that genes expressed in immune cells are crucial for reducing neuron death in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nela Pragathi Sneha
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; (N.P.S.); (S.A.P.D.)
| | - S. Akila Parvathy Dharshini
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; (N.P.S.); (S.A.P.D.)
| | - Y.-h. Taguchi
- Department of Physics, Chuo University, Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan;
| | - M. Michael Gromiha
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; (N.P.S.); (S.A.P.D.)
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