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Sun F, Huang X, Wang H, Lin B, Li H, Wang X, Liu Q. Exploring Dimethylsulfoniopropionate as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease: A study using the 3 × Tg-AD mouse model. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155788. [PMID: 38838634 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder, affects a broad spectrum of aging populations. AD is characterized by pathological amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to neural degeneration and cognitive decline. The lack of effective treatments for AD highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents, particularly in the early stages. Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a natural marine compound with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. However, studies on the efficacy of DMSP in the treatment of AD and its associated mechanisms are limited. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of DMSP as an AD treatment using a preclinical 3 × Tg-AD mouse model. METHODS The research involved administering DMSP (7 μg/mL and 11 μg/mL in drinking water) to four-month-old 3 × Tg-AD mice consecutively for three months. The Y-maze test, novel object recognition test, and Morris water maze test were used to assess memory and learning ability. The relative expression levels and distribution of proteins relevant to Aβ and tau pathology, synapses, and glial cells were analyzed using western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Additionally, proteomic and bioinformatics approaches were used to explore the potential targets of DMSP treatment. RESULTS DMSP-treated AD mice showed significantly enhanced cognitive function, suggesting that DMSP mitigates memory and learning impairments in AD. Moreover, DMSP diminished the abnormal accumulation of Aβ and phosphorylated tau in both the cortex and hippocampus, which are crucial hallmarks of AD pathology. In addition to its neuroprotective properties, DMSP restored synaptic density and the expression of synaptic and neuronal proteins, which are essential for proper brain function. DMSP displayed anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by its ability to suppress inflammatory astrocytes and maintain microglial homeostasis. Notably, DMSP facilitated the maturation of oligodendrocytes (OLs) from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), a critical process in the development of the brain myelination architecture. Proteomic analysis revealed that DMSP positively influenced biological processes crucial for oligodendrocyte development, myelination, and axonal ensheathment, which are often compromised in patients with AD. Protein validation and brain tissue staining supported the role of DMSP in preserving myelin enrichment and sheath integrity. These therapeutic effects were largely attributed to the enhanced expression of myelin-associated glycoprotein (Mag) and tetraspanin Cd9. CONCLUSION Overall, our findings highlight DMSP as a promising novel therapeutic candidate for AD, offering multifaceted benefits in cognitive and memory enhancement, reduction of Aβ and tau pathology, neuronal synapse protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and myelin sheath restoration as an innovative target compared to other studies. In addition to being a potentially effective treatment for AD, DMSP may also have the potential to address other neurodegenerative diseases that are closely associated with myelin impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanfan Sun
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences & Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and System of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Xuelian Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences & Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hongshuang Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Baoyi Lin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences & Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hongyuan Li
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Qiong Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences & Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and System of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen 518033, China.
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Singh R, Rai S, Bharti PS, Zehra S, Gorai PK, Modi GP, Rani N, Dev K, Inampudi KK, Y VV, Chatterjee P, Nikolajeff F, Kumar S. Circulating small extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer's disease: a case-control study of neuro-inflammation and synaptic dysfunction. BMC Med 2024; 22:254. [PMID: 38902659 PMCID: PMC11188177 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03475-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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Chronic inflammation and synaptic dysfunction lead to disease progression and cognitive decline. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are implicated in AD progression by facilitating the spread of pathological proteins and inflammatory cytokines. This study investigates synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation protein markers in plasma-derived sEVs (PsEVs), their association with Amyloid-β and tau pathologies, and their correlation with AD progression. METHODS A total of 90 [AD = 35, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) = 25, and healthy age-matched controls (AMC) = 30] participants were recruited. PsEVs were isolated using a chemical precipitation method, and their morphology was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Using nanoparticle tracking analysis, the size and concentration of PsEVs were determined. Antibody-based validation of PsEVs was done using CD63, CD81, TSG101, and L1CAM antibodies. Synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation were evaluated with synaptophysin, TNF-α, IL-1β, and GFAP antibodies. AD-specific markers, amyloid-β (1-42), and p-Tau were examined within PsEVs using Western blot and ELISA. RESULTS Our findings reveal higher concentrations of PsEVs in AD and MCI compared to AMC (p < 0.0001). Amyloid-β (1-42) expression within PsEVs is significantly elevated in MCI and AD compared to AMC. We could also differentiate between the amyloid-β (1-42) expression in AD and MCI. Similarly, PsEVs-derived p-Tau exhibited elevated expression in MCI compared with AMC, which is further increased in AD. Synaptophysin exhibited downregulated expression in PsEVs from MCI to AD (p = 0.047) compared to AMC, whereas IL-1β, TNF-α, and GFAP showed increased expression in MCI and AD compared to AMC. The correlation between the neuropsychological tests and PsEVs-derived proteins (which included markers for synaptic integrity, neuroinflammation, and disease pathology) was also performed in our study. The increased number of PsEVs correlates with disease pathological markers, synaptic dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS Elevated PsEVs, upregulated amyloid-β (1-42), and p-Tau expression show high diagnostic accuracy in AD. The downregulated synaptophysin expression and upregulated neuroinflammatory markers in AD and MCI patients suggest potential synaptic degeneration and neuroinflammation. These findings support the potential of PsEV-associated biomarkers for AD diagnosis and highlight synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sanskriti Rai
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Prahalad Singh Bharti
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sadaqa Zehra
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Priya Kumari Gorai
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Gyan Prakash Modi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Varanasi, India
| | - Neerja Rani
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kapil Dev
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Vishnu V Y
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Prasun Chatterjee
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Fredrik Nikolajeff
- Department of Health, Education, and Technology, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, 97187, Sweden
| | - Saroj Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
- Department of Health, Education, and Technology, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, 97187, Sweden.
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Bravo-Miana RDC, Arizaga-Echebarria JK, Otaegui D. Central nervous system-derived extracellular vesicles: the next generation of neural circulating biomarkers? Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:32. [PMID: 38898538 PMCID: PMC11186231 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00418-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is integrated by glial and neuronal cells, and both release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that participate in CNS homeostasis. EVs could be one of the best candidates to operate as nanosized biological platforms for analysing multidimensional bioactive cargos, which are protected during systemic circulation of EVs. Having a window into the molecular level processes that are happening in the CNS could open a new avenue in CNS research. This raises a particular point of interest: can CNS-derived EVs in blood serve as circulating biomarkers that reflect the pathological status of neurological diseases? L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a widely reported biomarker to identify CNS-derived EVs in peripheral blood. However, it has been demonstrated that L1CAM is also expressed outside the CNS. Given that principal data related to neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease were obtained using L1CAM-positive EVs, efforts to overcome present challenges related to its specificity are required. In this sense, other surface biomarkers for CNS-derived EVs, such as glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), among others, have started to be used. Establishing a panel of EV biomarkers to analyse CNS-derived EVs in blood could increase the specificity and sensitivity necessary for these types of studies. This review covers the main evidence related to CNS-derived EVs in cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples of patients with neurological diseases, focusing on the reported biomarkers and the technical possibilities for their isolation. EVs are emerging as a mirror of brain physiopathology, reflecting both localized and systemic changes. Therefore, when the technical hindrances for EV research and clinical applications are overcome, novel disease-specific panels of EV biomarkers would be discovered to facilitate transformation from traditional medicine to personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Del Carmen Bravo-Miana
- Multiple Sclerosis Group, Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, 20014, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
| | - Jone Karmele Arizaga-Echebarria
- Multiple Sclerosis Group, Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, 20014, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - David Otaegui
- Multiple Sclerosis Group, Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, 20014, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
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Xiao J, Huang J, Yolken RH. Elevated matrix Metalloproteinase-9 associated with reduced cerebellar perineuronal nets in female mice with toxoplasmosis. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 36:100728. [PMID: 38323226 PMCID: PMC10844038 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain infection by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is thought to impair learning and memory, although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Recent studies suggest that perineuronal nets (PNNs) and their key regulator, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), have essential roles in synaptic plasticity associated with learning and memory. We investigated their roles in a chronic toxoplasmosis model using female mice. In mice with a high parasite burden of chronic infection, we found that MMP-9 expression was increased in the peripheral circulation and the brain. A correlation was found between the serum levels of MMP-9 and antibodies to the Toxoplasma matrix antigen MAG1, a surrogate marker for Toxoplasma tissue cysts in the brain. MMP-9 elevation was accompanied by increased expression of its endogenous regulators, TIMP-1 and NGAL. An increase in the levels of GSK-3α/β was observed, alongside a decrease in inhibitory GSK-3α/β (Ser-21/Ser-9) phosphorylation. MMP-9 expression was notably associated with the loss of PNNs but increased expression of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin. There was a trend toward a negative correlation between MMP-9 and aggrecan expression, a critical PNN component. Together, these results suggest that chronic Toxoplasma infection can cause an increase in MMP-9 expression, resulting in the degradation of PNNs, which provides a possible mechanism for Toxoplasma-associated deficits in learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchun Xiao
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jing Huang
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Robert H. Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
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Pait MC, Kaye SD, Su Y, Kumar A, Singh S, Gironda SC, Vincent S, Anwar M, Carroll CM, Snipes JA, Lee J, Furdui CM, Deep G, Macauley SL. Novel method for collecting hippocampal interstitial fluid extracellular vesicles (EV ISF ) reveals sex-dependent changes in microglial EV proteome in response to Aβ pathology. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12398. [PMID: 38191961 PMCID: PMC10774707 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12398] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an active role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), relaying important physiological information about their host tissues. The internal cargo of EVs is protected from degradation, making EVs attractive AD biomarkers. However, it is unclear how circulating EVs relate to EVs isolated from disease-vulnerable brain regions. We developed a novel method for collecting EVs from the hippocampal interstitial fluid (ISF) of live mice. EVs (EVISF ) were isolated via ultracentrifugation and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, immunogold labelling, and flow cytometry. Mass spectrometry and proteomic analyses were performed on EVISF cargo. EVISF were 40-150 nm in size and expressed CD63, CD9, and CD81. Using a model of cerebral amyloidosis (e.g., APPswe, PSEN1dE9 mice), we found protein concentration increased but protein diversity decreased with Aβ deposition. Genotype, age, and Aβ deposition modulated proteostasis- and immunometabolic-related pathways. Changes in the microglial EVISF proteome were sexually dimorphic and associated with a differential response of plaque associated microglia. We found that female APP/PS1 mice have more amyloid plaques, less plaque associated microglia, and a less robust- and diverse- EVISF microglial proteome. Thus, in vivo microdialysis is a novel technique for collecting EVISF and offers a unique opportunity to explore the role of EVs in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan C. Pait
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sarah D. Kaye
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Yixin Su
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sangeeta Singh
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Stephen C. Gironda
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Samantha Vincent
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Maria Anwar
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Caitlin M. Carroll
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - James Andy Snipes
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jingyun Lee
- Department of Internal MedicineSection on Molecular MedicineWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Shared ResourceWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Cristina M. Furdui
- Department of Internal MedicineSection on Molecular MedicineWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Shared ResourceWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer CenterWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Gagan Deep
- Department of Cancer BiologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer CenterWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Center for Research on Substance Use and AddictionWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- J Paul Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's PreventionWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Shannon L. Macauley
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- J Paul Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's PreventionWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Internal MedicineWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Center for Diabetes and MetabolismWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Cardiovascular Sciences CenterWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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Sevastre-Berghian AC, Ielciu I, Bab T, Olah NK, Neculicioiu VS, Toma VA, Sevastre B, Mocan T, Hanganu D, Bodoki AE, Roman I, Lucaciu RL, Hangan AC, Hașaș AD, Decea RM, Băldea I. Betula pendula Leaf Extract Targets the Interplay between Brain Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and NFkB Pathways in Amyloid Aβ 1-42-Treated Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2110. [PMID: 38136229 PMCID: PMC10740548 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is known as the primary and most common cause of dementia in the middle-aged and elderly population worldwide. Chemical analyses of B. pendula leaf extract (BPE), performed using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods (LC/MS), revealed high amounts of polyphenol carboxylic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, trans-p-coumaric, ferulic, and salicylic acids), as well as flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, naringenin, hyperoside, quercetin, and quercitrin). Four groups of Wistar rats were used in this experiment (n = 7/group): control (untreated), Aβ1-42 (2 μg/rat intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.), Aβ1-42 + BPE (200 mg/Kg b.w.), and DMSO (10 μL/rat). On the first day, one dose of Aβ1-42 was intracerebroventricularly administered to animals in groups 2 and 3. Subsequently, BPE was orally administered for the next 15 days to group 3. On the 16th day, behavioral tests were performed. Biomarkers of brain oxidative stress Malondialdehyde (MDA), (Peroxidase (PRx), Catalase (CAT), and Superoxid dismutase (SOD) and inflammation (cytokines: tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2)) in plasma and hippocampus homogenates were assessed. Various protein expressions (Phospho-Tau (Ser404) (pTau Ser 404), Phospho-Tau (Ser396) (pTau Ser 396), synaptophysin, and the Nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) signaling pathway) were analyzed using Western blot and immunohistochemistry in the hippocampus. The results show that BPE diminished lipid peroxidation and neuroinflammation, modulated specific protein expression, enhanced the antioxidant capacity, and improved spontaneous alternation behavior, suggesting that it has beneficial effects in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Cristina Sevastre-Berghian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-C.S.-B.); (T.M.); (R.M.D.); (I.B.)
| | - Irina Ielciu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Timea Bab
- PlantExtrakt Ltd., Rădaia, 407059 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (T.B.); (N.-K.O.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Neli-Kinga Olah
- PlantExtrakt Ltd., Rădaia, 407059 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (T.B.); (N.-K.O.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Vasile Goldiş” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Vlad Sever Neculicioiu
- Department of Microbiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad Alexandru Toma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babes-Bolyai University, 400371 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan Sevastre
- Department of Clinical and Paraclinical Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.S.); (A.-D.H.)
| | - Teodora Mocan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-C.S.-B.); (T.M.); (R.M.D.); (I.B.)
| | - Daniela Hanganu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Andreea Elena Bodoki
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.E.B.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Ioana Roman
- Department of Experimental Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Research, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Roxana Liana Lucaciu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Adriana Corina Hangan
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.E.B.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Alina-Diana Hașaș
- Department of Clinical and Paraclinical Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.S.); (A.-D.H.)
| | - Roxana Maria Decea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-C.S.-B.); (T.M.); (R.M.D.); (I.B.)
| | - Ioana Băldea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-C.S.-B.); (T.M.); (R.M.D.); (I.B.)
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Couch Y. Challenges associated with using extracellular vesicles as biomarkers in neurodegenerative disease. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:1091-1105. [PMID: 37916853 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2277373] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hunt for new biomarkers - for the diagnosis of subcategories of disease, or for the monitoring of the efficacy of novel therapeutics - is an increasingly relevant challenge in the current era of precision medicine. In neurodegenerative research, the aim is to look for simple tools which can predict cognitive or motor decline early, and to determine whether these can also be used to test the efficacy of new interventions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are thought to play an important role in intercellular communication and have been shown to play a vital role in a number of diseases. AREAS COVERED The aim of this review is to examine what we know about EVs in neurodegeneration and to discuss their potential to be diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in the future. It will cover the techniques used to isolate and study EVs and what is currently known about their presence in neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, we will discuss what is required for standardization in biomarker research, and the challenges associated with using EVs within this framework. EXPERT OPINION The technical challenges associated with isolating EVs consistently, combined with the complex techniques required for their efficient analysis, might preclude 'pure' EV populations from being used as effective biomarkers. Whilst biomarker discovery is important for more effective diagnosis, monitoring, prediction and prognosis in neurodegenerative disease, reproducibility and ease-of-use should be the priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Couch
- Acute Stroke Program, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Kansakar U, Trimarco V, Mone P, Varzideh F, Lombardi A, Santulli G. Choline supplements: An update. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1148166. [PMID: 36950691 PMCID: PMC10025538 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this comprehensive review, we examine the main preclinical and clinical investigations assessing the effects of different forms of choline supplementation currently available, including choline alfoscerate (C8H20NO6P), also known as alpha-glycerophosphocholine (α-GPC, or GPC), choline bitartrate, lecithin, and citicoline, which are cholinergic compounds and precursors of acetylcholine. Extensively used as food supplements, they have been shown to represent an effective strategy for boosting memory and enhancing cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urna Kansakar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Pasquale Mone
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, United States
- ASL Avellino, Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, United States
| | - Fahimeh Varzideh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, United States
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Angela Lombardi,
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, United States
- University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Montefiore Health System, New York, NY, United States
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Tzioras M, McGeachan RI, Durrant CS, Spires-Jones TL. Synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:19-38. [PMID: 36513730 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00749-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline in older individuals accompanied by the presence of two pathological protein aggregates - amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau - in the brain. The disease results in brain atrophy caused by neuronal loss and synapse degeneration. Synaptic loss strongly correlates with cognitive decline in both humans and animal models of AD. Indeed, evidence suggests that soluble forms of amyloid-β and tau can cause synaptotoxicity and spread through neural circuits. These pathological changes are accompanied by an altered phenotype in the glial cells of the brain - one hypothesis is that glia excessively ingest synapses and modulate the trans-synaptic spread of pathology. To date, effective therapies for the treatment or prevention of AD are lacking, but understanding how synaptic degeneration occurs will be essential for the development of new interventions. Here, we highlight the mechanisms through which synapses degenerate in the AD brain, and discuss key questions that still need to be answered. We also cover the ways in which our understanding of the mechanisms of synaptic degeneration is leading to new therapeutic approaches for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makis Tzioras
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert I McGeachan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,The Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Claire S Durrant
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tara L Spires-Jones
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. .,UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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