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King C, Plakke B. Maternal choline supplementation in neurodevelopmental disorders: mechanistic insights from animal models and future directions. Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-20. [PMID: 39046330 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2377084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To synthesize evidence from animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) using maternal choline supplementation, to characterize current knowledge on the mechanisms of choline's protective effects against NDD, and to identify gaps in knowledge for future study. METHODS A literature review was conducted in PubMed to identify studies using prenatal choline supplementation interventions in rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders. 24 studies were identified, and behavioral and biological findings were extracted from each. Studies examining both genetic and environmental risk factors were included. RESULTS Maternal choline supplementation during gestation is protective against both genetic and environmental NDD risk factors. Maternal choline supplementation improves both cognitive and affective outcomes throughout the lifespan in NDD models. Prenatal choline improved these outcomes through its participation in processes like neurogenesis, epigenetic regulation, and anti-inflammatory signaling. DISCUSSION Maternal choline supplementation improves behavioral and neurobiological outcomes in animal models of NDD, paralleling findings in humans. Animal models provide a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms by which gestational choline improves neurodevelopmental outcomes. This is especially important since nearly 90% of pregnant people in the United States are deficient in choline intake. However, much is still unknown about the mechanisms through which choline and its derivatives act. Further research into this topic, especially mechanistic studies in animal models, is critical to modernize maternal choline intake guidelines and to develop interventions to increase maternal choline intake in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole King
- Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Bethany Plakke
- Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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2
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Geiger M, Hurewitz SR, Pawlowski K, Baumer NT, Wilkinson CL. Alterations in aperiodic and periodic EEG activity in young children with Down syndrome. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.01.24306729. [PMID: 38746335 PMCID: PMC11092732 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.24306729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome is the most common cause of intellectual disability, yet little is known about the neurobiological pathways leading to cognitive impairments. Electroencephalographic (EEG) measures are commonly used to study neurodevelopmental disorders, but few studies have focused on young children with DS. Here we assess resting state EEG data collected from toddlers/preschoolers with DS (n=29, age 13-48 months old) and compare their aperiodic and periodic EEG features with both age-matched (n=29) and cognitive-matched (n=58) comparison groups. DS participants exhibited significantly reduced aperiodic slope, increased periodic theta power, and decreased alpha peak amplitude. A majority of DS participants displayed a prominent peak in the theta range, whereas a theta peak was not present in age-matched participants. Overall, similar findings were also observed when comparing DS and cognitive-matched groups, suggesting that EEG differences are not explained by delayed cognitive ability.
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Rabkin SW. Relationship between Alzheimer dementia and QT interval: A meta-analysis. Aging Med (Milton) 2024; 7:214-223. [PMID: 38725696 PMCID: PMC11077339 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12291] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
While the link between aging and mortality from dementia is widely appreciated, the mechanism is not clear. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a direct relationship between Alzheimer dementia (AD) and the QT interval, because the latter has been related to cardiac mortality. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted after a Medline and EMBASE search using terms "Alzheimer disease or Dementia AND QT interval, QT dispersion or cardiac repolarization." Four studies with control groups were identified. There were significant differences in QT interval between individuals with AD vs individuals without dementia (controls) (odds ratio (OR)1.665 [random effects model] and 1.879 [fixed effect model]) (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in QT interval between individuals with AD vs individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (OR 1.760 [random effects] and 1.810 [fixed effect]) (p < 0.001). A significant (p <0.001) correlation exists between the QTc and the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), a test of cognitive function. Two studies examined QT variability (the difference between the longest and shortest QT interval on a 12 lead ECG); the OR for QT variability AD vs MCI was 3.858 [random effects model] and 3.712 [fixed effects model] (p < 0.001). When compared to the control group, the OR for QT dispersion in AD was 6.358 [random effects model] or 5.143 ( P< 0.001) [fixed effects model]. A qualitative analysis of the data raised questions about paucity of data defining the nature of the control groups, the pathophysiologic mechanism, and the uniform use of a poor QT heart rate correction factor. The longer QT in AD, greater QT variability in AD, and the direct relationship between QT interval and AD severity supports a brain-heart connection in AD that might be fundamental to aging-induced AD and mortality. Issues with defining the control group, limited number of studies, conflicting data in population studies, and the lack of a strong electrophysiological basis underscore the need for additional research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon W. Rabkin
- Division of CardiologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
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Granholm AC, Hamlett ED. The Role of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease and Down Syndrome. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1338. [PMID: 38592182 PMCID: PMC10932364 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051338] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit an almost complete penetrance of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology but are underrepresented in clinical trials for AD. The Tau protein is associated with microtubule function in the neuron and is crucial for normal axonal transport. In several different neurodegenerative disorders, Tau misfolding leads to hyper-phosphorylation of Tau (p-Tau), which may seed pathology to bystander cells and spread. This review is focused on current findings regarding p-Tau and its potential to seed pathology as a "prion-like" spreader. It also considers the consequences of p-Tau pathology leading to AD, particularly in individuals with Down syndrome. Methods: Scopus (SC) and PubMed (PM) were searched in English using keywords "tau AND seeding AND brain AND down syndrome". A total of 558 SC or 529 PM potentially relevant articles were identified, of which only six SC or three PM articles mentioned Down syndrome. This review was built upon the literature and the recent findings of our group and others. Results: Misfolded p-Tau isoforms are seeding competent and may be responsible for spreading AD pathology. Conclusions: This review demonstrates recent work focused on understanding the role of neurofibrillary tangles and monomeric/oligomeric Tau in the prion-like spreading of Tau pathology in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Charlotte Granholm
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Eric D. Hamlett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
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Cantone AF, Burgaletto C, Di Benedetto G, Pannaccione A, Secondo A, Bellanca CM, Augello E, Munafò A, Tarro P, Bernardini R, Cantarella G. Taming Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: Exploring Potential Implications of Choline Alphoscerate via α7 nAChR Modulation. Cells 2024; 13:309. [PMID: 38391922 PMCID: PMC10886565 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040309] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), marked by cognitive impairment, predominantly affects the brain regions regulated by cholinergic innervation, such as the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Cholinergic dysfunction, a key contributor to age-related cognitive decline, has spurred investigations into potential therapeutic interventions. We have previously shown that choline alphoscerate (α-GPC), a cholinergic neurotransmission-enhancing agent, protects from Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity. Herein, we investigated the effects of α-GPC on the microglial phenotype in response to Aβ via modulation of the nicotinic alpha-7 acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). BV2 microglial cells were pre-treated for 1 h with α-GPC and were treated for 24, 48, and 72 h with Aβ1-42 and/or α-BTX, a selective α7nAchR antagonist. Fluorescent immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that α-GPC was able to antagonize Aβ-induced inflammatory effects. Of note, α-GPC exerted its anti-inflammatory effect by directly activating the α7nAChR receptor, as suggested by the induction of an increase in [Ca2+]i and Ach-like currents. Considering that cholinergic transmission appears crucial in regulating the inflammatory profiles of glial cells, its modulation emerges as a potential pharmaco-therapeutic target to improve outcomes in inflammatory neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Flavia Cantone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Chiara Burgaletto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Antonio Munafò
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Paola Tarro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
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Zhang T, Kim BM, Lee TH. Death-associated protein kinase 1 as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:4. [PMID: 38195518 PMCID: PMC10775678 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00395-5] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia in the elderly and represents a major clinical challenge in the ageing society. Neuropathological hallmarks of AD include neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau, senile plaques derived from the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, brain atrophy induced by neuronal loss, and synaptic dysfunctions. Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system. Dysregulation of DAPK1 has been shown to contribute to various neurological diseases including AD, ischemic stroke and Parkinson's disease (PD). We have established an upstream effect of DAPK1 on Aβ and tau pathologies and neuronal apoptosis through kinase-mediated protein phosphorylation, supporting a causal role of DAPK1 in the pathophysiology of AD. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about how DAPK1 is involved in various AD pathological changes including tau hyperphosphorylation, Aβ deposition, neuronal cell death and synaptic degeneration. The underlying molecular mechanisms of DAPK1 dysregulation in AD are discussed. We also review the recent progress regarding the development of novel DAPK1 modulators and their potential applications in AD intervention. These findings substantiate DAPK1 as a novel therapeutic target for the development of multifunctional disease-modifying treatments for AD and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xuefu North Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Byeong Mo Kim
- Research Center for New Drug Development, AgingTarget Inc., 10F Ace Cheonggye Tower, 53, Seonggogae-Ro, Uiwang-Si, 16006, Gyeonggi-Do, Korea.
| | - Tae Ho Lee
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xuefu North Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
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Gamage R, Rossetti I, Niedermayer G, Münch G, Buskila Y, Gyengesi E. Chronic neuroinflammation during aging leads to cholinergic neurodegeneration in the mouse medial septum. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:235. [PMID: 37833764 PMCID: PMC10576363 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02897-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-grade, chronic inflammation in the central nervous system characterized by glial reactivity is one of the major hallmarks for aging-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). The basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) provide the primary source of cholinergic innervation of the human cerebral cortex and may be differentially vulnerable in various neurodegenerative diseases. However, the impact of chronic neuroinflammation on the cholinergic function is still unclear. METHODS To gain further insight into age-related cholinergic decline, we investigated the cumulative effects of aging and chronic neuroinflammation on the structure and function of the septal cholinergic neurons in transgenic mice expressing interleukin-6 under the GFAP promoter (GFAP-IL6), which maintains a constant level of gliosis. Immunohistochemistry combined with unbiased stereology, single cell 3D morphology analysis and in vitro whole cell patch-clamp measurements were used to validate the structural and functional changes of BFCN and their microglial environment in the medial septum. RESULTS Stereological estimation of MS microglia number displayed significant increase across all three age groups, while a significant decrease in cholinergic cell number in the adult and aged groups in GFAP-IL6 mice compared to control. Moreover, we observed age-dependent alterations in the electrophysiological properties of cholinergic neurons and an increased excitability profile in the adult GFAP-IL6 group due to chronic neuroinflammation. These results complimented the significant decrease in hippocampal pyramidal spine density seen with aging and neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence of the significant impact of both aging and chronic glial activation on the cholinergic and microglial numbers and morphology in the MS, and alterations in the passive and active electrophysiological membrane properties of septal cholinergic neurons, resulting in cholinergic dysfunction, as seen in AD. Our results indicate that aging combined with gliosis is sufficient to cause cholinergic disruptions in the brain, as seen in dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Gamage
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Ilaria Rossetti
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Garry Niedermayer
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Gerald Münch
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Erika Gyengesi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
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8
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Hirota Y, Sakakibara Y, Takei K, Nishijima R, Sekiya M, Iijima KM. Alzheimer's Disease-Related Phospho-Tau181 Signals Are Localized to Demyelinated Axons of Parvalbumin-Positive GABAergic Interneurons in an App Knock-In Mouse Model of Amyloid-β Pathology. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230121. [PMID: 37212118 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tau protein phosphorylated at Thr181 (p-tau181) in cerebrospinal fluid and blood is a sensitive biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increased p-tau181 levels correlate well with amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology and precede neurofibrillary tangle formation in the early stage of AD; however, the relationship between p-tau181 and Aβ-mediated pathology is less well understood. We recently reported that p-tau181 represents axonal abnormalities in mice with Aβ pathology (AppNLGF). However, from which neuronal subtype(s) these p-tau181-positive axons originate remains elusive. OBJECTIVE The main purpose of this study is to differentiate neuronal subtype(s) and elucidate damage associated with p-tau181-positive axons by immunohistochemical analysis of AppNLGF mice brains. METHODS Colocalization between p-tau181 and (1) unmyelinated axons positive for vesicular acetylcholine transporter or norepinephrine transporter and (2) myelinated axons positive for vesicular glutamate transporter, vesicular GABA transporter, or parvalbumin in the brains of 24-month-old AppNLGF and control mice without Aβ pathology were analyzed. The density of these axons was also compared. RESULTS Unmyelinated axons of cholinergic or noradrenergic neurons did not overlap with p-tau181. By contrast, p-tau181 signals colocalized with myelinated axons of parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons but not of glutamatergic neurons. Interestingly, the density of unmyelinated axons was significantly decreased in AppNLGF mice, whereas that of glutamatergic, GABAergic, or p-tau181-positive axons was less affected. Instead, myelin sheaths surrounding p-tau181-positive axons were significantly reduced in AppNLGF mice. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that p-tau181 signals colocalize with axons of parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons with disrupted myelin sheaths in the brains of a mouse model of Aβ pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hirota
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Sakakibara
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kimi Takei
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Risa Nishijima
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Michiko Sekiya
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koichi M Iijima
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
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Wu D, Yu N, Gao Y, Xiong R, Liu L, Lei H, Jin S, Liu J, Liu Y, Xie J, Liu E, Zhou Q, Liu Y, Li S, Wei L, Lv J, Yu H, Zeng W, Zhou Q, Xu F, Luo MH, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Wang JZ. Targeting a vulnerable septum-hippocampus cholinergic circuit in a critical time window ameliorates tau-impaired memory consolidation. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:23. [PMID: 37060096 PMCID: PMC10103508 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00614-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal tau accumulation and cholinergic degeneration are hallmark pathologies in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the sensitivity of cholinergic neurons to AD-like tau accumulation and strategies to ameliorate tau-disrupted spatial memory in terms of neural circuits still remain elusive. METHODS To investigate the effect and mechanism of the cholinergic circuit in Alzheimer's disease-related hippocampal memory, overexpression of human wild-type Tau (hTau) in medial septum (MS)-hippocampus (HP) cholinergic was achieved by specifically injecting pAAV-EF1α-DIO-hTau-eGFP virus into the MS of ChAT-Cre mice. Immunostaining, behavioral analysis and optogenetic activation experiments were used to detect the effect of hTau accumulation on cholinergic neurons and the MS-CA1 cholinergic circuit. Patch-clamp recordings and in vivo local field potential recordings were used to analyze the influence of hTau on the electrical signals of cholinergic neurons and the activity of cholinergic neural circuit networks. Optogenetic activation combined with cholinergic receptor blocker was used to detect the role of cholinergic receptors in spatial memory. RESULTS In the present study, we found that cholinergic neurons with an asymmetric discharge characteristic in the MS-hippocampal CA1 pathway are vulnerable to tau accumulation. In addition to an inhibitory effect on neuronal excitability, theta synchronization between the MS and CA1 subsets was significantly disrupted during memory consolidation after overexpressing hTau in the MS. Photoactivating MS-CA1 cholinergic inputs within a critical 3 h time window during memory consolidation efficiently improved tau-induced spatial memory deficits in a theta rhythm-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Our study not only reveals the vulnerability of a novel MS-CA1 cholinergic circuit to AD-like tau accumulation but also provides a rhythm- and time window-dependent strategy to target the MS-CA1 cholinergic circuit, thereby rescuing tau-induced spatial cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqin Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Nana Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Rui Xiong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Luping Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Huiyang Lei
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Sen Jin
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiale Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yingzhou Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiazhao Xie
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Enjie Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qiuzhi Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanchao Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shihong Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Linyu Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jingru Lv
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Huilin Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wenbo Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Min-Hua Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Endocrine Department of Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China.
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China.
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10
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Lorenzon N, Musoles-Lleó J, Turrisi F, Gomis-González M, De La Torre R, Dierssen M. State-of-the-art therapy for Down syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023. [PMID: 36692980 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, an important effort was made in the field of Down syndrome to find new interventions that improve cognition. These therapies have added to the traditional symptomatic treatments and to the drugs for treating Alzheimer disease in the general population repurposed for Down syndrome. Defining next-generation therapeutics will involve biomarker-based therapeutic decision-making, and preventive and multimodal interventions. However, translation of specific findings into effective therapeutic strategies has been disappointingly slow and has failed in many cases at the clinical level, leading to reduced credibility of mouse studies. This is aggravated by a tendency to favour large-magnitude effects and highly significant findings, leading to high expectations but also to a biased view of the complex pathophysiology of Down syndrome. Here, we review some of the most recent and promising strategies for ameliorating the cognitive state of individuals with Down syndrome. We studied the landscape of preclinical and clinical studies and conducted a thorough literature search on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for articles published between June 2012 and August 2022 on therapies for ameliorating cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome. We critically assess current therapeutic approaches, why therapies fail in clinical trials in Down syndrome, and what could be the path forward. We discuss some intrinsic difficulties for translational research, and the need for a framework that improves the detection of drug efficacy to avoid discarding compounds too early from the companies' pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lorenzon
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juanluis Musoles-Lleó
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federica Turrisi
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Gomis-González
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael De La Torre
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Pathological trajectory in the Ts65Dn model of Down syndrome. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:295-297. [PMID: 36707069 PMCID: PMC9925689 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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12
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Preclinical and randomized clinical evaluation of the p38α kinase inhibitor neflamapimod for basal forebrain cholinergic degeneration. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5308. [PMID: 36130946 PMCID: PMC9492778 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32944-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endosome-associated GTPase Rab5 is a central player in the molecular mechanisms leading to degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN), a long-standing target for drug development. As p38α is a Rab5 activator, we hypothesized that inhibition of this kinase holds potential as an approach to treat diseases associated with BFCN loss. Herein, we report that neflamapimod (oral small molecule p38α inhibitor) reduces Rab5 activity, reverses endosomal pathology, and restores the numbers and morphology of BFCNs in a mouse model that develops BFCN degeneration. We also report on the results of an exploratory (hypothesis-generating) phase 2a randomized double-blind 16-week placebo-controlled clinical trial (Clinical trial registration: NCT04001517/EudraCT #2019-001566-15) of neflamapimod in mild-to-moderate dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a disease in which BFCN degeneration is an important driver of disease expression. A total of 91 participants, all receiving background cholinesterase inhibitor therapy, were randomized 1:1 between neflamapimod 40 mg or matching placebo capsules (taken orally twice-daily if weight <80 kg or thrice-daily if weight >80 kg). Neflamapimod does not show an effect in the clinical study on the primary endpoint, a cognitive-test battery. On two secondary endpoints, a measure of functional mobility and a dementia rating-scale, improvements were seen that are consistent with an effect on BFCN function. Neflamapimod treatment is well-tolerated with no study drug associated treatment discontinuations. The combined preclinical and clinical observations inform on the validity of the Rab5-based pathogenic model of cholinergic degeneration and provide a foundation for confirmatory (hypothesis-testing) clinical evaluation of neflamapimod in DLB.
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13
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Biochemical Discrimination of the Down Syndrome-Related Metabolic and Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress Alterations from the Physiologic Age-Related Changes through the Targeted Metabolomic Analysis of Serum. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061208. [PMID: 35740106 PMCID: PMC9219806 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061208] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by an accelerated aging process, frequently associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous studies evidenced that DS patients have various metabolic anomalies, easily measurable in their serum samples, although values that were found in DS patients were compared with those of age-matched non-DS patients, thus hampering to discriminate the physiologic age-related changes of serum metabolites from those that are truly caused by the pathologic processes associated with DS. In the present study we performed a targeted metabolomic evaluation of serum samples from DS patients without dementia of two age classes (Younger DS Patients, YDSP, aging 20–40 years; Aged DS Patients, ADSP, aging 41–60 years), comparing the results with those that were obtained in two age classes of non-DS patients (Younger non-DS Patients, YnonDSP, aging 30–60 years; Aged-nonDS Patients, AnonDSP, aging 75–90 years). Of the 36 compounds assayed, 30 had significantly different concentrations in Pooled non-DS Patients (PnonDSP), compared to Pooled DS Patients (PDSP). Age categorization revealed that 11/30 compounds were significantly different in AnonDSP, compared to YnonDSP, indicating physiologic, age-related changes of their circulating concentrations. A comparison between YDSP and ADSP showed that 19/30 metabolites had significantly different values from those found in the corresponding classes of non-DS patients, strongly suggesting pathologic, DS-associated alterations of their serum levels. Twelve compounds selectively and specifically discriminated PnonDSP from PDSP, whilst only three discriminated YDSP from ADSP. The results allowed to determine, for the first time and to the best of our knowledge, the true, age-independent alterations of metabolism that are measurable in serum and attributable only to DS. These findings may be of high relevance for better strategies (pharmacological, nutritional) aiming to specifically target the dysmetabolism and decreased antioxidant defenses that are associated with DS.
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14
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Tallino S, Winslow W, Bartholomew SK, Velazquez R. Temporal and brain region-specific elevations of soluble Amyloid-β 40-42 in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13590. [PMID: 35290711 PMCID: PMC9009111 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a leading cause of intellectual disability that also results in hallmark Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies such as amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau. The Ts65Dn mouse model is commonly used to study DS, as trisomic Ts65Dn mice carry 2/3 of the triplicated gene homologues as occur in human DS. The Ts65Dn strain also allows investigation of mechanisms common to DS and AD pathology, with many of these triplicated genes implicated in AD; for example, trisomic Ts65Dn mice overproduce amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is then processed into soluble Aβ40-42 fragments. Notably, Ts65Dn mice show alterations to the basal forebrain, which parallels the loss of function in this region observed in DS and AD patients early on in disease progression. However, a complete picture of soluble Aβ40-42 accumulation in a region-, age-, and sex-specific manner has not yet been characterized in the Ts65Dn model. Here, we show that trisomic mice accumulate soluble Aβ40-42 in the basal forebrain, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum in an age-specific manner, with elevation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus as early as 4 months of age. Furthermore, we detected sex differences in accumulation of Aβ40-42 within the basal forebrain, with females having significantly higher Aβ40-42 at 7-8 months of age. Lastly, we show that APP expression in the basal forebrain and hippocampus inversely correlates with Aβ40-42 levels. This spatial and temporal characterization of soluble Aβ40-42 in the Ts65Dn model allows for further exploration of the role soluble Aβ plays in the progression of other AD-like pathologies in these key brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Tallino
- Arizona State University‐Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at the Biodesign Institute Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
- School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Wendy Winslow
- Arizona State University‐Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at the Biodesign Institute Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Samantha K. Bartholomew
- Arizona State University‐Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at the Biodesign Institute Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Ramon Velazquez
- Arizona State University‐Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center at the Biodesign Institute Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
- School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium Phoenix Arizona USA
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15
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Bashir S, Uzair M, Abualait T, Arshad M, Khallaf RA, Niaz A, Thani Z, Yoo WK, Túnez I, Demirtas-Tatlidede A, Meo SA. Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on neurobiological changes in Alzheimer's disease (Review). Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:109. [PMID: 35119081 PMCID: PMC8845030 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and brain neuronal loss. A pioneering field of research in AD is brain stimulation via electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which may produce clinical benefits. Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), have been developed to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. The purpose of the present review is to identify neurobiological changes, including inflammatory, neurodegenerative, apoptotic, neuroprotective and genetic changes, which are associated with repetitive TMS (rTMS) treatment in patients with AD. Furthermore, it aims to evaluate the effect of TMS treatment in patients with AD and to identify the associated mechanisms. The present review highlights the changes in inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms, mitochondrial enzymatic activities, and modulation of gene expression (microRNA expression profiles) associated with rTMS or sham procedures. At the molecular level, it has been suggested that EMFs generated by TMS may affect the cell redox status and amyloidogenic processes. TMS may also modulate gene expression by acting on both transcriptional and post‑transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. TMS may increase brain cortical excitability, induce specific potentiation phenomena, and promote synaptic plasticity and recovery of impaired functions; thus, it may re‑establish cognitive performance in patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Bashir
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Eastern Province 32253, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Uzair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Turki Abualait
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Eastern Province 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Arshad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Roaa A. Khallaf
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Eastern Province 32253, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Niaz
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Eastern Province 32253, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziyad Thani
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Eastern Province 32253, Saudi Arabia
| | - Woo-Kyoung Yoo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Isaac Túnez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing/ Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), University of Cordoba, Cordoba 14071, Spain
- Cooperative Research Thematic Excellent Network on Brain Stimulation (REDESTIM), Ministry for Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sultan Ayoub Meo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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