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Patel Y, Woo A, Shi S, Ayoub R, Shin J, Botta A, Ketela T, Sung HK, Lerch J, Nieman B, Paus T, Pausova Z. Obesity and the cerebral cortex: Underlying neurobiology in mice and humans. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:637-647. [PMID: 38663773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by progressive atrophy of the cerebral cortex. The neurobiology of obesity contributions to AD is poorly understood. Here we show with in vivo MRI that diet-induced obesity decreases cortical volume in mice, and that higher body adiposity associates with lower cortical volume in humans. Single-nuclei transcriptomics of the mouse cortex reveals that dietary obesity promotes an array of neuron-adverse transcriptional dysregulations, which are mediated by an interplay of excitatory neurons and glial cells, and which involve microglial activation and lowered neuronal capacity for neuritogenesis and maintenance of membrane potential. The transcriptional dysregulations of microglia, more than of other cell types, are like those in AD, as assessed with single-nuclei cortical transcriptomics in a mouse model of AD and two sets of human donors with the disease. Serial two-photon tomography of microglia demonstrates microgliosis throughout the mouse cortex. The spatial pattern of adiposity-cortical volume associations in human cohorts interrogated together with in silico bulk and single-nucleus transcriptomic data from the human cortex implicated microglia (along with other glial cells and subtypes of excitatory neurons), and it correlated positively with the spatial profile of cortical atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment and AD. Thus, multi-cell neuron-adverse dysregulations likely contribute to the loss of cortical tissue in obesity. The dysregulations of microglia may be pivotal to the obesity-related risk of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Patel
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anita Woo
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sammy Shi
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ramy Ayoub
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jean Shin
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Botta
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Troy Ketela
- Princess Margaret Genomics Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hoon-Ki Sung
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Lerch
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, Great Britton
| | - Brian Nieman
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tomas Paus
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology and Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Zdenka Pausova
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Sanjay, Sood R, Jaiswal V, Kang SU, Park M, Lee HJ. Nobiletin regulates intracellular Ca 2+ levels via IP 3R and ameliorates neuroinflammation in Aβ42-induced astrocytes. Redox Biol 2024; 73:103197. [PMID: 38781730 PMCID: PMC11145555 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103197] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the major glial cells in the human brain and provide crucial metabolic and trophic support to neurons. The amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) alter the morphological and functional properties of astrocytes and induce inflammation and calcium dysregulation, contributing to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Recent studies highlight the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling in inflammation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated due to Aβ, induce apoptosis in the brain cells worsening AD progression. Astrocytic cell surface receptors, such as purinergic receptors (P2Y1 and P2Y2), metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGLUR)5, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), have been suggested to interact with inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to induce Ca2+ movement from ER to cytoplasm, causing Ca2+ dysregulation. We found that the citrus flavonoid nobiletin (NOB) protected primary astrocytes from Aβ42-induced cytotoxicity and inhibited TLR4/NF-κB signaling in Aβ42-induced primary rat astrocytes. NOB was found to regulate Aβ42-induced ROS levels through Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. The receptors P2Y1, P2Y2, mGLUR5, α7nAChR, and NMDARs induced intracellular Ca2+ levels by activating IP3R and NOB regulated them, thereby regulating intracellular Ca2+ levels. Molecular docking analysis revealed a possible interaction between NOB and IP3R in IP3R regulation. Furthermore, RNA sequencing revealed various NOB-mediated biological signaling pathways, such as the AD-presenilin, AD-amyloid secretase, and Wnt signaling pathway, suggesting possible neuroprotective roles of NOB. To conclude, NOB is a promising therapeutic agent for AD and works by modulating AD pathology at various levels in Aβ42-induced primary rat astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay
- Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition Research, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Rachit Sood
- Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition Research, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea; Department of Food and Nutrition, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Varun Jaiswal
- Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition Research, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea; Department of Food and Nutrition, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Ung Kang
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Miey Park
- Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition Research, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea; Department of Food and Nutrition, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hae-Jeung Lee
- Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition Research, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea; Department of Food and Nutrition, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.
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Bartman AE, Raeisi M, Peiris CD, Jacobsen IE, Martin DBC, Doorn JA. A Novel Analog of the Natural Product Fraxinellone Protects against Endogenous and Exogenous Neurotoxicants. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 38925635 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00090] [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: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous insults, both endogenous (e.g., glutamate) and exogenous (e.g., pesticides), compromise the function of the nervous system and pose risk factors for damage or later disease. In previous reports, limonoids such as fraxinellone showed significant neuroprotective activity against glutamate (Glu) excitotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro, albeit with minimal mechanistic information provided. Given these findings, a library of novel fraxinellone analogs (including analogs 1 and 2 described here) was synthesized with the goal of identifying compounds exhibiting neuroprotection against insults. Analog 2 was found to be protective against Glu-mediated excitotoxicity with a measured EC50 of 44 and 39 nM for in vitro assays using PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells, respectively. Pretreatment with analog 2 yielded rapid induction of antioxidant genes, namely, Gpx4, Sod1, and Nqo1, as measured via qPCR. Analog 2 mitigated Glu-mediated ROS. Cytoprotection could be replicated using sulforaphane (SFN), a Nrf2 activator, and inhibited via ML-385, which inhibits Nrf2 binding to regulatory DNA sequences, thereby blocking downstream gene expression. Nrf2 DNA-binding activity was demonstrated using a Nrf2 ELISA-based transcription factor assay. In addition, we found that pretreatment with the thiol N-acetyl Cys completely mitigated SFN-mediated induction of antioxidant genes but had no effect on the activity of analog 2, suggesting thiol modification is not critical for its mechanism of action. In summary, our data demonstrate a fraxinellone analog to be a novel, potent, and rapid activator of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense system, providing robust protection against insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Bartman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Mersad Raeisi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Clarence D Peiris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Isabella E Jacobsen
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - David B C Martin
- Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Jonathan A Doorn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
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Sood R, Anoopkumar-Dukie S, Rudrawar S, Hall S. Neuromodulatory Effects of Leukotriene receptor antagonists: A comprehensive review. Eur J Pharmacol 2024:176755. [PMID: 38909933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176755] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are central to the pathophysiology of asthma and various inflammatory disorders. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) effectively treat respiratory conditions by targeting cysteinyl leukotriene receptors, CysLT1 and CysLT2 subtypes. This review explores the multifaceted effects of LTs, extending beyond bronchoconstriction. CysLT receptors are not only present in the respiratory system but are also crucial in neuronal signaling pathways. LTRAs modulate these receptors, influencing downstream signaling, calcium levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress (OS) within neurons hinting at broader implications. Recent studies identify novel molecular targets, sparking interest in repurposing LTRAs for therapeutic use. Clinical trials are investigating their potential in neuroinflammation control, particularly in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD). However, montelukast, a long-standing LTRA since 1998, raises concerns due to neuropsychiatric adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Despite widespread use, understanding montelukast's metabolism and underlying ADR mechanisms remains limited. This review comprehensively examines LTRAs' diverse biological effects, emphasizing non-bronchoconstrictive activities. It also analyses plausible mechanisms behind LTRAs' neuronal effects, offering insights into their potential as neurodegenerative disease modulators. The aim is to inform clinicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical developers about LTRAs' expanding roles, particularly in neuroinflammation control and their promising repurposing for neurodegenerative disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Sood
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | | | - Santosh Rudrawar
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia
| | - Susan Hall
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Queensland, 4222, Australia.
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Ersoy B, Herzog ML, Pan W, Schilling S, Endres M, Göttert R, Kronenberg GD, Gertz K. The atypical antidepressant tianeptine confers neuroprotection against oxygen-glucose deprivation. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:777-791. [PMID: 37653354 PMCID: PMC11127858 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01685-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Proregenerative and neuroprotective effects of antidepressants are an important topic of inquiry in neuropsychiatric research. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) mimics key aspects of ischemic injury in vitro. Here, we studied the effects of 24-h pretreatment with serotonin (5-HT), citalopram (CIT), fluoxetine (FLU), and tianeptine (TIA) on primary mouse cortical neurons subjected to transient OGD. 5-HT (50 μM) significantly enhanced neuron viability as measured by MTT assay and reduced cell death and LDH release. CIT (10 μM) and FLU (1 μM) did not increase the effects of 5-HT and neither antidepressant conferred neuroprotection in the absence of supplemental 5-HT in serum-free cell culture medium. By contrast, pre-treatment with TIA (10 μM) resulted in robust neuroprotection, even in the absence of 5-HT. Furthermore, TIA inhibited mRNA transcription of candidate genes related to cell death and hypoxia and attenuated lipid peroxidation, a hallmark of neuronal injury. Finally, deep RNA sequencing of primary neurons subjected to OGD demonstrated that OGD induces many pathways relating to cell survival, the inflammation-immune response, synaptic dysregulation and apoptosis, and that TIA pretreatment counteracted these effects of OGD. In conclusion, this study highlights the comparative strength of the 5-HT independent neuroprotective effects of TIA and identifies the molecular pathways involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Ersoy
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Louise Herzog
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wen Pan
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Schilling
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site, Berlin, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZNE (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases), Partner site, Berlin, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ria Göttert
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Golo D Kronenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zürich, Lenggstrasse 31, P.O. Box 363, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karen Gertz
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site, Berlin, Germany.
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Oliveira RN, Carvalhinho-Lopes PS, Carvalho CPF, Hirata RYS, Vaz SH, Sebastião AM, Armada-Moreira A, Rosário BA, Lemes JA, Soares-Silva B, de Andrade JS, Santos JR, Ribeiro AM, Viana MB. Neuroprotective effects of platinum nanoparticle-based microreactors in bicuculline-induced seizures. Behav Brain Res 2024; 465:114956. [PMID: 38479475 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114956] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy designates a group of chronic brain disorders, characterized by the recurrence of hypersynchronous, repetitive activity, of neuronal clusters. Epileptic seizures are the hallmark of epilepsy. The primary goal of epilepsy treatment is to eliminate seizures with minimal side effects. Nevertheless, approximately 30% of patients do not respond to the available drugs. An imbalance between excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission, that leads to excitotoxicity, seizures, and cell death, has been proposed as an important mechanism regarding epileptogenesis. Recently, it has been shown that microreactors composed of platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NP) and glutamate dehydrogenase possess in vitro and in vivo activity against excitotoxicity. This study investigates the in vivo effects of these microreactors in an animal model of epilepsy induced by the administration of the GABAergic antagonist bicuculline. Male Wistar rats were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with the microreactors or saline and, five days later, injected with bicuculline or saline. Seizure severity was evaluated in an open field. Thirty min after behavioral measurements, animals were euthanized, and their brains processed for neurodegeneration evaluation and for neurogenesis. Treatment with the microreactors significantly increased the time taken for the onset of seizures and for the first tonic-clonic seizure, when compared to the bicuculline group that did not receive the microreactor. The administration of the microreactors also increased the time spent in total exploration and grooming. Treatment with the microreactors decreased bicuculline-induced neurodegeneration and increased neurogenesis in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. These observations suggest that treatment with Pt-NP-based microreactors attenuates the behavioral and neurobiological consequences of epileptiform seizure activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto N Oliveira
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Patrícia S Carvalhinho-Lopes
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Carolina P F Carvalho
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Rafael Y S Hirata
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz MB, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Ana Maria Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz MB, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Adam Armada-Moreira
- Neuronal Dynamics Laboratory, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, via Bonomea, Trieste 265 - 34136, Italy
| | - Bárbara A Rosário
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Jéssica A Lemes
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Soares-Silva
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - José S de Andrade
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - José Ronaldo Santos
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova Aracaju, Aracaju, Sergipe 49060-108, Brazil
| | - Alessandra M Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Milena B Viana
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil.
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Tanaka M, Battaglia S, Giménez-Llort L, Chen C, Hepsomali P, Avenanti A, Vécsei L. Innovation at the Intersection: Emerging Translational Research in Neurology and Psychiatry. Cells 2024; 13:790. [PMID: 38786014 PMCID: PMC11120114 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational research in neurological and psychiatric diseases is a rapidly advancing field that promises to redefine our approach to these complex conditions [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Simone Battaglia
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Lydia Giménez-Llort
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Campus Bellaterra, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chong Chen
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan;
| | - Piril Hepsomali
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6ET, UK;
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
- Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Center (CINPSI Neurocog), Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - László Vécsei
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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8
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Colognesi M, Shkodra A, Gabbia D, Kawamata H, Manfredi PL, Manfredi G, De Martin S. Sex-dependent effects of the uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist REL-1017 in G93A-SOD1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1384829. [PMID: 38765264 PMCID: PMC11100767 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1384829] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by the demise of motor neurons has been linked to excitotoxicity caused by excessive calcium influx via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), suggesting that uncompetitive NMDAR antagonism could be a strategy to attenuate motor neuron degeneration. REL-1017, the dextro-isomer of racemic methadone, is a low-affinity uncompetitive NMDAR antagonist. Importantly, in humans REL-1017 has shown excellent tolerability in clinical trials for major depression. Methods Here, we tested if REL-1017 improves the disease phenotypes in the G93A SOD1 mouse, a well-established model of familial ALS, by examining survival and motor functions, as well as the expression of genes and proteins involved in neuroplasticity. Results We found a sex-dependent effect of REL-1017 in G93A SOD1 mice. A delay of ALS symptom onset, assessed as 10%-decrease of body weight (p < 0.01 vs. control untreated mice) and an extension of lifespan (p < 0.001 vs. control untreated mice) was observed in male G93A SOD1 mice. Female G93A SOD1 mice treated with REL-1017 showed an improvement of muscle strength (p < 0.01 vs. control untreated mice). Both males and females treated with REL-1017 showed a decrease in hind limb clasping. Sex-dependent effects of REL-1017 were also detected in molecular markers of neuronal plasticity (PSD95 and SYN1) in the spinal cord and in the GluN1 NMDAR subunit in quadricep muscles. Conclusion In conclusion, this study provides preclinical in vivo evidence supporting the clinical evaluation of REL-1017 in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colognesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Atea Shkodra
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Hibiki Kawamata
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Chatterjee N, González-Durruthy M, Costa MD, Ribeiro AR, Vilas-Boas V, Vilasboas-Campos D, Maciel P, Alfaro-Moreno E. Differential impact of diesel exhaust particles on glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans: A neurodegenerative perspective. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108597. [PMID: 38579453 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108597] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The growing body of evidence links exposure to particulate matter pollutants with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether diesel exhaust particles can induce neurobehavioral alterations associated with neurodegenerative effects on glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Exposure to DEP at concentrations of 0.167 µg/cm2 and 1.67 µg/cm2 resulted in significant developmental delays and altered locomotion behaviour. These effects were accompanied by discernible alterations in the expressions of antioxidant genes sod-3 and gst-4 observed in transgenic strains. Behaviour analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in average speed (p < 0.001), altered paths, and decreased swimming activities (p < 0.01), particularly at mid and high doses. Subsequent assessment of neurodegeneration markers in glutamatergic (DA1240) and dopaminergic (BZ555) transgenic worms revealed notable glutamatergic neuron degeneration at 0.167 μg/cm2 (∼30 % moderate, ∼20 % advanced) and 1.67 μg/cm2 (∼28 % moderate, ∼24 % advanced, p < 0.0001), while dopaminergic neurons exhibited structural deformities (∼16 %) without significant degeneration in terms of blebs and breaks. Furthermore, in silico docking simulations suggest the presence of an antagonistic competitive inhibition induced by DEP in the evaluated neuro-targets, stronger for the glutamatergic transporter than for the dopaminergic receptor from the comparative binding affinity point of view. The results underscore DEP's distinctive neurodegenerative effects and suggest a link between locomotion defects and glutamatergic neurodegeneration in C. elegans, providing insights into environmental health risks assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita Chatterjee
- NanoSafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal.
| | | | - Marta Daniela Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimaraes, Portugal
| | - Ana R Ribeiro
- NanoSafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Vânia Vilas-Boas
- NanoSafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Daniela Vilasboas-Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimaraes, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimaraes, Portugal
| | - Ernesto Alfaro-Moreno
- NanoSafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal.
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10
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Costa-Pinto S, Gonçalves-Ribeiro J, Tedim-Moreira J, Socodato R, Relvas JB, Sebastião AM, Vaz SH. Communication defects with astroglia contribute to early impairments in the motor cortex plasticity of SOD1 G93A mice. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106435. [PMID: 38336279 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106435] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease, involving the selective degeneration of cortical upper synapses in the primary motor cortex (M1). Excitotoxicity in ALS occurs due to an imbalance between excitation and inhibition, closely linked to the loss/gain of astrocytic function. Using the ALS SOD1G93A mice, we investigated the astrocytic contribution for the electrophysiological alterations observed in the M1 of SOD1G93A mice, throughout disease progression. Results showed that astrocytes are involved in synaptic dysfunction observed in presymptomatic SOD1G93A mice, since astrocytic glutamate transport currents are diminished and pharmacological inhibition of astrocytes only impaired long-term potentiation and basal transmission in wild-type mice. Proteomic analysis revealed major differences in neuronal transmission, metabolism, and immune system in upper synapses, confirming early communication deficits between neurons and astroglia. These results provide valuable insights into the early impact of upper synapses in ALS and the lack of supportive functions of cortical astrocytes, highlighting the possibility of manipulating astrocytes to improve synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Costa-Pinto
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Joana Gonçalves-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Joana Tedim-Moreira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Renato Socodato
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - João B Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal.
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11
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Takahashi K, Rensing NR, Eultgen EM, Wang SH, Nelvagal HR, Le SQ, Roberts MS, Doray B, Han EB, Dickson PI, Wong M, Sands MS, Cooper JD. GABAergic interneurons contribute to the fatal seizure phenotype of CLN2 disease mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.29.587276. [PMID: 38585903 PMCID: PMC10996664 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.29.587276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
GABAergic interneuron deficits have been implicated in the epileptogenesis of multiple neurological diseases. While epileptic seizures are a key clinical hallmark of CLN2 disease, a childhood-onset neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1), the etiology of these seizures remains elusive. Given that Cln2 R207X/R207X mice display fatal spontaneous seizures and an early loss of several cortical interneuron populations, we hypothesized that those two events might be causally related. To address this hypothesis, we first generated an inducible transgenic mouse expressing lysosomal membrane-tethered TPP1 (TPP1LAMP1) on the Cln2 R207X/R207X genetic background to study the cell-autonomous effects of cell-type-specific TPP1 deficiency. We crossed the TPP1LAMP1 mice with Vgat-Cre mice to introduce interneuron-specific TPP1 deficiency. Vgat-Cre ; TPP1LAMP1 mice displayed storage material accumulation in several interneuron populations both in cortex and striatum, and increased susceptibility to die after PTZ-induced seizures. Secondly, to test the role of GABAergic interneuron activity in seizure progression, we selectively activated these cells in Cln2 R207X/R207X mice using Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) in in Vgat-Cre : Cln2 R207X/R207X mice. EEG monitoring revealed that DREADD-mediated activation of interneurons via chronic deschloroclozapine administration accelerated the onset of spontaneous seizures and seizure-associated death in Vgat-Cre : Cln2 R207X/R207X mice, suggesting that modulating interneuron activity can exert influence over epileptiform abnormalities in CLN2 disease. Taken together, these results provide new mechanistic insights into the underlying etiology of seizures and premature death that characterize CLN2 disease.
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12
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Zhang J, Cui X, Zhao S, Chang Z, Zhang J, Chen Y, Liu J, Sun G, Wang Y, Liu Y. Establishment of a pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics model of Schisandra lignans against hippocampal neurotransmitters in AD rats based on microdi-alysis liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1342121. [PMID: 38529184 PMCID: PMC10961592 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1342121] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Our previous studies substantiated that the biological activity of Schisandra chinensis lignans during the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was mediated by neurotransmitter levels, and 15 of its active components were identified. However, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationship of Schisandra chinensis lignans has been less studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Schisandra chinensis lignans in the treatment of AD, and to establish a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model. Methods and Results: Herein, we established a microdialysis-ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadruple mass spectrometry (MD-LC-TQ-MS) technique that could simultaneously and continuously collect and quantitatively analyze the active compounds and neurotransmitters related to the therapeutic effects of Schisandra chinensis in awake AD rats. Eight lignans were detected in the hippocampus, and a PK-PD model was established. The fitted curves highlighted a temporal lag between the maximum drug concentration and the peak drug effect. Following treatment, the levels of four neurotransmitters tended to converge with those observed in the sham operation group. Conclusion: By establishing a comprehensive concentration-time-effect relationship for Schisandra chinensis lignans in AD treatment, our study provides novel insights into the in vivo effects of these lignans in AD rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
- Qian Xi Nan Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Xingyi, China
| | - Xinyuan Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Shuo Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Zenghui Chang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Junshuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Yufeng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Jiale Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Guohao Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Yiyuan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
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13
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Eisen A, Nedergaard M, Gray E, Kiernan MC. The glymphatic system and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 234:102571. [PMID: 38266701 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102571] [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] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The glymphatic system and the meningeal lymphatic vessels provide a pathway for transport of solutes and clearance of toxic material from the brain. Of specific relevance to ALS, this is applicable for TDP-43 and glutamate, both major elements in disease pathogenesis. Flow is propelled by arterial pulsation, respiration, posture, as well as the positioning and proportion of aquaporin-4 channels (AQP4). Non-REM slow wave sleep is the is key to glymphatic drainage which discontinues during wakefulness. In Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, sleep impairment is known to predate the development of characteristic clinical features by several years and is associated with progressive accumulation of toxic proteinaceous products. While sleep issues are well described in ALS, consideration of preclinical sleep impairment or the potential of a failing glymphatic system in ALS has rarely been considered. Here we review how the glymphatic system may impact ALS. Preclinical sleep impairment as an unrecognized major risk factor for ALS is considered, while potential therapeutic options to improve glymphatic flow are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Eisen
- Department of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical School and Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emma Gray
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
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14
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Kouba BR, de Araujo Borba L, Borges de Souza P, Gil-Mohapel J, Rodrigues ALS. Role of Inflammatory Mechanisms in Major Depressive Disorder: From Etiology to Potential Pharmacological Targets. Cells 2024; 13:423. [PMID: 38474387 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050423] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The involvement of central and peripheral inflammation in the pathogenesis and prognosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been demonstrated. The increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α) in individuals with depression may elicit neuroinflammatory processes and peripheral inflammation, mechanisms that, in turn, can contribute to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Together, neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis induce alterations in tryptophan metabolism, culminating in decreased serotonin synthesis, impairments in neuroplasticity-related mechanisms, and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. This review aims to highlight the inflammatory mechanisms (neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, and gut dysbiosis) involved in the pathophysiology of MDD and to explore novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches for this psychiatric disturbance. Several lines of evidence have indicated that in addition to antidepressants, physical exercise, probiotics, and nutraceuticals (agmatine, ascorbic acid, and vitamin D) possess anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to their antidepressant properties. Further studies are necessary to explore the therapeutic benefits of these alternative therapies for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna R Kouba
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Laura de Araujo Borba
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Pedro Borges de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
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15
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Kolić D, Kovarik Z. N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors: Structure, function, and role in organophosphorus compound poisoning. Biofactors 2024. [PMID: 38415801 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Acute organophosphorus compound (OP) poisoning induces symptoms of the cholinergic crises with the occurrence of severe epileptic seizures. Seizures are induced by hyperstimulation of the cholinergic system, but are enhanced by hyperactivation of the glutamatergic system. Overstimulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors by the elevated acetylcholine causes glutamatergic hyperexcitation and an increased influx of Ca2+ into neurons through a type of ionotropic glutamate receptors, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDAR). These excitotoxic signaling processes generate reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and activation of the neuroinflammatory response, which can lead to recurrent epileptic seizures, neuronal cell death, and long-term neurological damage. In this review, we illustrate the NMDAR structure, complexity of subunit composition, and the various receptor properties that change accordingly. Although NMDARs are in normal physiological conditions important for controlling synaptic plasticity and mediating learning and memory functions, we elaborate the detrimental role NMDARs play in neurotoxicity of OPs and focus on the central role NMDAR inhibition plays in suppressing neurotoxicity and modulating the inflammatory response. The limited efficacy of current medical therapies for OP poisoning concerning the development of pharmacoresistance and mitigating proinflammatory response highlights the importance of NMDAR inhibitors in preventing neurotoxic processes and points to new avenues for exploring therapeutics for OP poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Kolić
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zrinka Kovarik
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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16
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Hammer M, Krzyzaniak C, Bahramnejad E, Smelser K, Hack J, Watkins J, Ronaldson P. Sex differences in physiological response to increased neuronal excitability in a knockin mouse model of pediatric epilepsy. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:205-223. [PMID: 38348743 PMCID: PMC10881277 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231572] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a common neurological disease; however, few if any of the currently marketed antiseizure medications prevent or cure epilepsy. Discovery of pathological processes in the early stages of epileptogenesis has been challenging given the common use of preclinical models that induce seizures in physiologically normal animals. Moreover, despite known sex dimorphism in neurological diseases, females are rarely included in preclinical epilepsy models. METHODS We characterized sex differences in mice carrying a pathogenic knockin variant (p.N1768D) in the Scn8a gene that causes spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures (TCs) at ∼3 months of age and found that heterozygous females are more resilient than males in mortality and morbidity. To investigate the cellular mechanisms that underlie female resilience, we utilized blood-brain barrier (BBB) and hippocampal transcriptomic analyses in heterozygous mice before seizure onset (pre-TC) and in mice that experienced ∼20 TCs (post-TC). RESULTS In the pre-TC latent phase, both sexes exhibited leaky BBB; however, patterns of gene expression were sexually dimorphic. Females exhibited enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and protein biogenesis, while males activated gliosis and CREB signaling. After seizure onset (chronic phase), females exhibited a metabolic switch to lipid metabolism, while males exhibited increased gliosis and BBB dysfunction and a strong activation of neuroinflammatory pathways. CONCLUSION The results underscore the central role of oxidative stress and BBB permeability in the early stages of epileptogenesis, as well as sex dimorphism in response to increasing neuronal hyperexcitability. Our results also highlight the need to include both sexes in preclinical studies to effectively translate results of drug efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Hammer
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
| | | | - Erfan Bahramnejad
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
| | | | - Joshua B. Hack
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
| | - Joseph C. Watkins
- Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
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17
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Jos S, Poulose R, Kambaru A, Gogoi H, Dalavaikodihalli Nanjaiah N, Padmanabhan B, Mehta B, Padavattan S. Tau-S214 Phosphorylation Inhibits Fyn Kinase Interaction and Increases the Decay Time of NMDAR-mediated Current. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168445. [PMID: 38218365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168445] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Fyn kinase SH3 domain interaction with PXXP motif in the Tau protein is implicated in AD pathology and is central to NMDAR function. Among seven PXXP motifs localized in proline-rich domain of Tau protein, tandem 5th and 6th PXXP motifs are critical to Fyn-SH3 domain interaction. Here, we report the crystal structure of Fyn-SH3 -Tau (207-221) peptide consisting of 5th and 6th PXXP motif complex to 1.01 Å resolution. Among five AD-specific phosphorylation sites encompassing the 5th and 6th PXXP motifs, only S214 residue showed interaction with SH3 domain. Biophysical studies showed that Tau (207-221) with S214-phosphorylation (pS214) inhibits its interaction with Fyn-SH3 domain. The individual administration of Tau (207-221) with/without pS214 peptides to a single neuron increased the decay time of evoked NMDA current response. Recordings of spontaneous NMDA EPSCs at +40 mV indicate an increase in frequency and amplitude of events for the Tau (207-221) peptide. Conversely, the Tau (207-221) with pS214 peptide exhibited a noteworthy amplitude increase alongside a prolonged decay time. These outcomes underscore the distinctive modalities of action associated with each peptide in the study. Overall, this study provides insights into how Tau (207-221) with/without pS214 affects the molecular framework of NMDAR signaling, indicating its involvement in Tau-related pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Jos
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India
| | - Roshni Poulose
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India
| | - Archanalakshmi Kambaru
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India
| | - Hemanga Gogoi
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India
| | | | - Balasundaram Padmanabhan
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India
| | - Bhupesh Mehta
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India.
| | - Sivaraman Padavattan
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India.
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18
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Gordon-Blake J, Ratia K, Weidig V, Velma GR, Ackerman-Berrier M, Penton C, Musku SR, Alves ET, Driver T, Tai L, Thatcher GRJ. Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase Positive Allosteric Modulators Attenuate Neuronal Oxidative Stress. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:205-214. [PMID: 38352833 PMCID: PMC10860701 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence supports boosting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to counteract oxidative stress in aging and neurodegenerative disease. One approach is to enhance the activity of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). Novel NAMPT positive allosteric modulators (N-PAMs) were identified. A cocrystal structure confirmed N-PAM binding to the NAMPT rear channel. Early hit-to-lead efforts led to a 1.88-fold maximum increase in the level of NAD+ in human THP-1 cells. Select N-PAMs were assessed for mitigation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HT-22 neuronal cells subject to inflammatory stress using tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). N-PAMs that increased NAD+ more effectively in THP-1 cells attenuated TNFα-induced ROS more effectively in HT-22 cells. The most efficacious N-PAM completely attenuated ROS elevation in glutamate-stressed HT-22 cells, a model of neuronal excitotoxicity. This work demonstrates for the first time that N-PAMs are capable of mitigating elevated ROS in neurons stressed with TNFα and glutamate and provides support for further N-PAM optimization for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Gordon-Blake
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Resources Center, Department of Chemistry, and Department of
Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of
Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Kiira Ratia
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Resources Center, Department of Chemistry, and Department of
Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of
Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Victoria Weidig
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Resources Center, Department of Chemistry, and Department of
Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of
Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Ganga Reddy Velma
- Department
of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Martha Ackerman-Berrier
- Department
of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Christopher Penton
- Department
of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Soumya Reddy Musku
- Department
of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Erick T.M. Alves
- Department
of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Tom Driver
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Resources Center, Department of Chemistry, and Department of
Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of
Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Leon Tai
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Resources Center, Department of Chemistry, and Department of
Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of
Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Gregory R. J. Thatcher
- Department
of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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19
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Vassileff N, Spiers JG, Lee JD, Woodruff TM, Ebrahimie E, Mohammadi Dehcheshmeh M, Hill AF, Cheng L. A Panel of miRNA Biomarkers Common to Serum and Brain-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Identified in Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-023-03857-z. [PMID: 38252383 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03857-z] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease characterised by the deposition of aggregated proteins including TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in vulnerable motor neurons and the brain. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) facilitate the spread of neurodegenerative diseases and can be easily accessed in the bloodstream. This study aimed to identify a panel of EV miRNAs that can capture the pathology occurring in the brain and peripheral circulation. EVs were isolated from the cortex (BDEVs) and serum (serum EVs) of 3 month-old and 6-month-old TDP-43*Q331K and TDP-43*WT mice. Following characterisation and miRNA isolation, the EVs underwent next-generation sequencing where 24 differentially packaged miRNAs were identified in the TDP-43*Q331K BDEVs and 7 in the TDP-43*Q331K serum EVs. Several miRNAs, including miR-183-5p, were linked to ALS. Additionally, miR-122-5p and miR-486b-5p were identified in both panels, demonstrating the ability of the serum EVs to capture the dysregulation occurring in the brain. This is the first study to identify miRNAs common to both the serum EVs and BDEVs in a mouse model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Vassileff
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jereme G Spiers
- Clear Vision Research, Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
- School of Medicine and Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - John D Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Trent M Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Esmaeil Ebrahimie
- Genomics Research Platform, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5371, Australia
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Andrew F Hill
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lesley Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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20
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Monov D, Molodozhnikova N. Biochemical parameters as a tool to assess the nutritional status of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1258224. [PMID: 38313408 PMCID: PMC10836144 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1258224] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The research aimed to analyze blood biochemical parameters in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to determine whether they can be used to assess their nutritional status. Methods The study included 45 patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): 28 (62.2%) were men and 17 (37.8%) were women. The mean age of the study participants was 50.69 ± 7.24 years. The control group consisted of 30 practically healthy individuals. Results Compared with practically healthy individuals, patients with ALS had significantly lower blood parameters, including total lymphocyte count (1.49 ± 0.11 vs. 2.86 ± 0.25, p < 0.05), total protein (60.55 ± 2.38 vs. 77.80 ± 4.41, p < 0.05), albumin (33.70 ± 2.03 vs. 46.49 ± 3.22, p < 0.05), urea (3.09 ± 0.36 vs. 5.37 ± 0.50, p < 0.05), creatinine (51.28 ± 4.42 vs. 70.91 ± 5.13, p < 0.05), and transferrin (1.84 ± 0.12 vs. 2.32 ± 0.10, p < 0.05). These parameters correspond to first-degree malnutrition. There were direct correlations between anthropometric and biochemical parameters in the ALS group. BMI correlated with the blood levels of total protein (r = 0.22, p < 0.05), albumin (r = 0.27, p < 0.05), urea (r = 0.33, p < 0.05), creatinine (r = 0.30, p < 0.05), transferrin (r = 0.18, p < 0.05), and total lymphocyte count (r = 0.20, p < 0.05). PNI correlated with the blood levels of total protein (r = 0.53, p < 0.05), albumin (r = 0.87, p < 0.05), total cholesterol (r = 0.34, p < 0.05), transferrin (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), total lymphocyte count (r = 0.79, p < 0.05), urea (r = 0, 37, p < 0.05), and creatinine (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). Conclusion The study presents compelling evidence supporting the utilization of biochemical parameters, including total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, transferrin, and total lymphocyte count, for potentially evaluating the nutritional status of individuals diagnosed with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Monov
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Natalia Molodozhnikova
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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21
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Geraci J, Bhargava R, Qorri B, Leonchyk P, Cook D, Cook M, Sie F, Pani L. Machine learning hypothesis-generation for patient stratification and target discovery in rare disease: our experience with Open Science in ALS. Front Comput Neurosci 2024; 17:1199736. [PMID: 38260713 PMCID: PMC10801647 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2023.1199736] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Advances in machine learning (ML) methodologies, combined with multidisciplinary collaborations across biological and physical sciences, has the potential to propel drug discovery and development. Open Science fosters this collaboration by releasing datasets and methods into the public space; however, further education and widespread acceptance and adoption of Open Science approaches are necessary to tackle the plethora of known disease states. Motivation In addition to providing much needed insights into potential therapeutic protein targets, we also aim to demonstrate that small patient datasets have the potential to provide insights that usually require many samples (>5,000). There are many such datasets available and novel advancements in ML can provide valuable insights from these patient datasets. Problem statement Using a public dataset made available by patient advocacy group AnswerALS and a multidisciplinary Open Science approach with a systems biology augmented ML technology, we aim to validate previously reported drug targets in ALS and provide novel insights about ALS subpopulations and potential drug targets using a unique combination of ML methods and graph theory. Methodology We use NetraAI to generate hypotheses about specific patient subpopulations, which were then refined and validated through a combination of ML techniques, systems biology methods, and expert input. Results We extracted 8 target classes, each comprising of several genes that shed light into ALS pathophysiology and represent new avenues for treatment. These target classes are broadly categorized as inflammation, epigenetic, heat shock, neuromuscular junction, autophagy, apoptosis, axonal transport, and excitotoxicity. These findings are not mutually exclusive, and instead represent a systematic view of ALS pathophysiology. Based on these findings, we suggest that simultaneous targeting of ALS has the potential to mitigate ALS progression, with the plausibility of maintaining and sustaining an improved quality of life (QoL) for ALS patients. Even further, we identified subpopulations based on disease onset. Conclusion In the spirit of Open Science, this work aims to bridge the knowledge gap in ALS pathophysiology to aid in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies and pave the way for the development of personalized treatments tailored to the individual's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Geraci
- NetraMark Corp, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination, School of Physical Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ravi Bhargava
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Queens University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Science and Research, Roche Integrated Informatics, F. Hoffmann La-Roche, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Douglas Cook
- NetraMark Corp, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Moses Cook
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fanny Sie
- Science and Research, Roche Integrated Informatics, F. Hoffmann La-Roche, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Luca Pani
- NetraMark Corp, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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22
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Sulak R, Liu X, Smedowski A. The concept of gene therapy for glaucoma: the dream that has not come true yet. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:92-99. [PMID: 37488850 PMCID: PMC10479832 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.375319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies, despite of being a relatively new therapeutic approach, have a potential to become an important alternative to current treatment strategies in glaucoma. Since glaucoma is not considered a single gene disease, the identified goals of gene therapy would be rather to provide neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells, especially, in intraocular-pressure-independent manner. The most commonly reported type of vector for gene delivery in glaucoma studies is adeno-associated virus serotype 2 that has a high tropism to retinal ganglion cells, resulting in long-term expression and low immunogenic profile. The gene therapy studies recruit inducible and genetic animal models of optic neuropathy, like DBA/2J mice model of high-tension glaucoma and the optic nerve crush-model. Reported gene therapy-based neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells is targeting specific genes translating to growth factors (i.e., brain derived neurotrophic factor, and its receptor TrkB), regulation of apoptosis and neurodegeneration (i.e., Bcl-xl, Xiap, FAS system, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2, Digit3 and Sarm1), immunomodulation (i.e., Crry, C3 complement), modulation of neuroinflammation (i.e., erythropoietin), reduction of excitotoxicity (i.e., CamKIIα) and transcription regulation (i.e., Max, Nrf2). On the other hand, some of gene therapy studies focus on lowering intraocular pressure, by impacting genes involved in both, decreasing aqueous humor production (i.e., aquaporin 1), and increasing outflow facility (i.e., COX2, prostaglandin F2α receptor, RhoA/RhoA kinase signaling pathway, MMP1, Myocilin). The goal of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art and the direction of development of gene therapy strategies for glaucomatous neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sulak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
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Gusev E, Sarapultsev A. Interplay of G-proteins and Serotonin in the Neuroimmunoinflammatory Model of Chronic Stress and Depression: A Narrative Review. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:180-214. [PMID: 38151838 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128285578231218102020] [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: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This narrative review addresses the clinical challenges in stress-related disorders such as depression, focusing on the interplay between neuron-specific and pro-inflammatory mechanisms at the cellular, cerebral, and systemic levels. OBJECTIVE We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking chronic psychological stress with low-grade neuroinflammation in key brain regions, particularly focusing on the roles of G proteins and serotonin (5-HT) receptors. METHODS This comprehensive review of the literature employs systematic, narrative, and scoping review methodologies, combined with systemic approaches to general pathology. It synthesizes current research on shared signaling pathways involved in stress responses and neuroinflammation, including calcium-dependent mechanisms, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and key transcription factors like NF-κB and p53. The review also focuses on the role of G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors (GPCRs) in immune and pro-inflammatory responses, with a detailed analysis of how 13 of 14 types of human 5-HT receptors contribute to depression and neuroinflammation. RESULTS The review reveals a complex interaction between neurotransmitter signals and immunoinflammatory responses in stress-related pathologies. It highlights the role of GPCRs and canonical inflammatory mediators in influencing both pathological and physiological processes in nervous tissue. CONCLUSION The proposed Neuroimmunoinflammatory Stress Model (NIIS Model) suggests that proinflammatory signaling pathways, mediated by metabotropic and ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, are crucial for maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Chronic mental stress can disrupt this balance, leading to increased pro-inflammatory states in the brain and contributing to neuropsychiatric and psychosomatic disorders, including depression. This model integrates traditional theories on depression pathogenesis, offering a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gusev
- Laboratory of Inflammation Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Ekaterinburg 620049, Russia
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Laboratory of Immunopathophysiology, Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Ekaterinburg 620049, Russia
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24
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Shin J, Patel Y, Parker N, Paus T, Pausova Z. Prediabetic HbA1c and Cortical Atrophy: Underlying Neurobiology. Diabetes Care 2023; 46:2267-2272. [PMID: 37824790 DOI: 10.2337/dc23-1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and cerebral cortical thickness (CT) and identify potential cellular mechanisms involved. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A cohort of 30,579 adults age 45 to 81 (mean ± SD: 64 ± 7.5) years with available data on brain MRI and blood HbA1c levels was analyzed. The relationship between HbA1c and CT was probed using independent spatial profiles of cell-specific gene expression. Lastly, a genome-wide association study was conducted on the shared variance between HbA1c and CT. RESULTS The HbA1c-CT association was noncontinuous, emerging negatively within the prediabetic range (39.6 mmol/mol). This association was strongest in brain regions with higher expression of genes specific to excitatory neurons and lower expression of genes specific to astrocytes and microglia. A significant locus implicated mitochondrial maintenance and ATP generation. CONCLUSIONS Effective glycemia control at prediabetic levels is warranted to preserve brain health and prevent prediabetes-related neurobiologic perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Shin
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yash Patel
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadine Parker
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tomas Paus
- ECOGENE-21, Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Psychiatry and Addictology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zdenka Pausova
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ECOGENE-21, Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada
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25
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Paquette SE, Martin NR, Rodd A, Manz KE, Allen E, Camarillo M, Weller HI, Pennell K, Plavicki JS. Evaluation of Neural Regulation and Microglial Responses to Brain Injury in Larval Zebrafish Exposed to Perfluorooctane Sulfonate. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:117008. [PMID: 37966802 PMCID: PMC10650473 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are biopersistent, global pollutants. Although some in vitro and epidemiological studies have explored the neurotoxic potential of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a prevalent PFAS congener, it is unknown how developmental PFOS exposure affects neuronal signaling, microglia development, and microglial-neuron communication. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the extent to which PFOS exposure disrupts brain health, neuronal activity, and microglia-neuron communication during development. In addition, although PFOS impairs humoral immunity, its impact on innate immune cells, including resident microglia, is unclear. As such, we investigated whether microglia are cellular targets of PFOS, and, if so, whether disrupted microglial development or function could contribute to or is influenced by PFOS-induced neural dysfunction. METHODS Zebrafish were chronically exposed to either a control solution [0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)], 7 μ M PFOS, 14 μ M PFOS, 28 μ M PFOS, or 64 μ M perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). We used in vivo imaging and gene expression analysis to assess microglial populations in the developing brain and to determine shifts in the microglia state. We functionally challenged microglia state using a brain injury model and, to assess the neuronal signaling environment, performed functional neuroimaging experiments using the photoconvertible calcium indicator calcium-modulated photoactivatable ratiometric integrator (CaMPARI). These studies were paired with optogenetic manipulations of neurons and microglia, an untargeted metabolome-wide association study (MWAS), and behavioral assays. RESULTS Developmental PFOS exposure resulted in a shift away from the homeostatic microglia state, as determined by functional and morphological differences in exposed larvae, as well as up-regulation of the microglia activation gene p2ry12. PFOS-induced effects on microglia state exacerbated microglia responses to brain injury in the absence of increased cell death or inflammation. PFOS exposure also heightened neural activity, and optogenetic silencing of neurons or microglia independently was sufficient to normalize microglial responses to injury. An untargeted MWAS of larval brains revealed PFOS-exposed larvae had neurochemical signatures of excitatory-inhibitory imbalance. Behaviorally, PFOS-exposed larvae also exhibited anxiety-like thigmotaxis. To test whether the neuronal and microglial phenotypes were specific to PFOS, we exposed embryos to PFOA, a known immunotoxic PFAS. PFOA did not alter thigmotaxis, neuronal activity, or microglial responses, further supporting a role for neuronal activity as a critical modifier of microglial function following PFOS exposure. DISCUSSION Together, this study provides, to our knowledge, the first detailed account of the effects of PFOS exposure on neural cell types in the developing brain in vivo and adds neuronal hyperactivity as an important end point to assess when studying the impact of toxicant exposures on microglia function. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12861.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E. Paquette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Nathan R. Martin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - April Rodd
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Katherine E. Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eden Allen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Manuel Camarillo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Hannah I. Weller
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kurt Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jessica S. Plavicki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Ricciardelli A, Pollio A, Costantini M, Zupo V. Harmful and beneficial properties of cyanotoxins: Two sides of the same coin. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108235. [PMID: 37567398 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108235] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyanotoxins are by definition "harmful agents" produced by cyanobacteria. Their toxicity has been extensively studied and reviewed over the years. Cyanotoxins have been commonly classified, based on their poisonous effects on mammals, into three main classes, neurotoxins, hepatotoxins and dermatotoxins, and, considering their chemical features, mainly identified as peptides, alkaloids and lipopolysaccharides. Here we propose a broader subdivision of cyanotoxins into eight distinct classes, taking into account their molecular structures, biosynthesis and modes of action: alkaloids, non-ribosomal peptides, polyketides, non-protein amino acids, indole alkaloids, organophosphates, lipopeptides and lipoglycans. For each class, the structures and primary mechanisms of toxicity of the main representative cyanotoxins are reported. Despite their powerful biological activities, only recently scientists have considered the biotechnological potential of cyanotoxins, and their applications both in medical and in industrial settings, even if only a few of these have reached the biotech market. In this perspective, we discuss the potential uses of cyanotoxins as anticancer, antimicrobial, and biocidal agents, as common applications for cytotoxic compounds. Furthermore, taking into account their mechanisms of action, we describe peculiar potential bioactivities for several cyanotoxin classes, such as local anaesthetics, antithrombotics, neuroplasticity promoters, immunomodulating and antifouling agents. In this review, we aim to stimulate research on the potential beneficial roles of cyanotoxins, which require interdisciplinary cooperation to facilitate the discovery of innovative biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Ricciardelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, via Cinthìa, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonino Pollio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, via Cinthìa, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Costantini
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton, 80133 Naples, Italy.
| | - Valerio Zupo
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia Marine Centre, Punta San Pietro, 80077 Naples, Italy.
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Provenzano F, Torazza C, Bonifacino T, Bonanno G, Milanese M. The Key Role of Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Commitment to Glutamate Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15430. [PMID: 37895110 PMCID: PMC10607805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015430] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been increasing evidence supporting non-neuronal cells as active contributors to neurodegenerative disorders. Among glial cells, astrocytes play a pivotal role in driving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression, leading the scientific community to focus on the "astrocytic signature" in ALS. Here, we summarized the main pathological mechanisms characterizing astrocyte contribution to MN damage and ALS progression, such as neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, energy metabolism impairment, miRNAs and extracellular vesicles contribution, autophagy dysfunction, protein misfolding, and altered neurotrophic factor release. Since glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the most relevant ALS features, we focused on the specific contribution of ALS astrocytes in this aspect, highlighting the known or potential molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes participate in increasing the extracellular glutamate level in ALS and, conversely, undergo the toxic effect of the excessive glutamate. In this scenario, astrocytes can behave as "producers" and "targets" of the high extracellular glutamate levels, going through changes that can affect themselves and, in turn, the neuronal and non-neuronal surrounding cells, thus actively impacting the ALS course. Moreover, this review aims to point out knowledge gaps that deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Statsenko Y, Kuznetsov NV, Morozova D, Liaonchyk K, Simiyu GL, Smetanina D, Kashapov A, Meribout S, Gorkom KNV, Hamoudi R, Ismail F, Ansari SA, Emerald BS, Ljubisavljevic M. Reappraisal of the Concept of Accelerated Aging in Neurodegeneration and Beyond. Cells 2023; 12:2451. [PMID: 37887295 PMCID: PMC10605227 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202451] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic and epigenetic changes, oxidative stress and inflammation influence the rate of aging, which diseases, lifestyle and environmental factors can further accelerate. In accelerated aging (AA), the biological age exceeds the chronological age. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to reappraise the AA concept critically, considering its weaknesses and limitations. METHODS We reviewed more than 300 recent articles dealing with the physiology of brain aging and neurodegeneration pathophysiology. RESULTS (1) Application of the AA concept to individual organs outside the brain is challenging as organs of different systems age at different rates. (2) There is a need to consider the deceleration of aging due to the potential use of the individual structure-functional reserves. The latter can be restored by pharmacological and/or cognitive therapy, environment, etc. (3) The AA concept lacks both standardised terminology and methodology. (4) Changes in specific molecular biomarkers (MBM) reflect aging-related processes; however, numerous MBM candidates should be validated to consolidate the AA theory. (5) The exact nature of many potential causal factors, biological outcomes and interactions between the former and the latter remain largely unclear. CONCLUSIONS Although AA is commonly recognised as a perspective theory, it still suffers from a number of gaps and limitations that assume the necessity for an updated AA concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yauhen Statsenko
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Big Data Analytic Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nik V. Kuznetsov
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
| | - Daria Morozova
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
| | - Katsiaryna Liaonchyk
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
| | - Gillian Lylian Simiyu
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Darya Smetanina
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Aidar Kashapov
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Sarah Meribout
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Klaus Neidl-Van Gorkom
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (Y.S.); (G.L.S.); (D.S.); (A.K.); (S.M.); (K.N.-V.G.)
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2PS, UK
| | - Fatima Ismail
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Suraiya Anjum Ansari
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bright Starling Emerald
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Milos Ljubisavljevic
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 27272, United Arab Emirates; (D.M.); (K.L.); (R.H.); (S.A.A.); (B.S.E.); (M.L.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Zierfuss B, Wang Z, Jackson AN, Moezzi D, Yong VW. Iron in multiple sclerosis - Neuropathology, immunology, and real-world considerations. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 78:104934. [PMID: 37579645 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential element involved in a multitude of bodily processes. It is tightly regulated, as elevated deposition in tissues is associated with diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Iron accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS) of MS patients is linked to neurotoxicity through mechanisms including oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, misfolding of proteins, and ferroptosis. In the past decade, the combination of MRI and histopathology has enhanced our understanding of iron deposition in MS pathophysiology, including in the pro-inflammatory and neurotoxicity of iron-laden rims of chronic active lesions. In this regard, iron accumulation may not only have an impact on different CNS-resident cells but may also promote the innate and adaptive immune dysfunctions in MS. Although there are discordant results, most studies indicate lower levels of iron but higher amounts of the iron storage molecule ferritin in the circulation of people with MS. Considering the importance of iron, there is a need for evidence-guided recommendation for dietary intake in people living with MS. Potential novel therapeutic approaches include the regulation of iron levels using next generation iron chelators, as well as therapies to interfere with toxic consequences of iron overload including antioxidants in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Zierfuss
- The Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal H2X 0A9, Québec, Canada
| | - Zitong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Alexandra N Jackson
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Dorsa Moezzi
- The Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - V Wee Yong
- The Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
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30
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Ramos V, Reis M, Ferreira L, Silva AM, Ferraz R, Vieira M, Vasconcelos V, Martins R. Stalling the Course of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Could Cyanobacteria Constitute a New Approach toward Therapy? Biomolecules 2023; 13:1444. [PMID: 37892126 PMCID: PMC10604708 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101444] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by progressive and irreversible neuronal loss, accompanied by a range of pathological pathways, including aberrant protein aggregation, altered energy metabolism, excitotoxicity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Some of the most common NDs include Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's Disease (HD). There are currently no available cures; there are only therapeutic approaches that ameliorate the progression of symptoms, which makes the search for new drugs and therapeutic targets a constant battle. Cyanobacteria are ancient prokaryotic oxygenic phototrophs whose long evolutionary history has resulted in the production of a plethora of biomedically relevant compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties, that can be valuable in this field. This review summarizes the major NDs and their pathophysiology, with a focus on the anti-neurodegenerative properties of cyanobacterial compounds and their main effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitória Ramos
- School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (V.R.); (A.M.S.); (R.F.); (M.V.)
| | - Mariana Reis
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.R.); (L.F.); (V.V.)
| | - Leonor Ferreira
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.R.); (L.F.); (V.V.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Silva
- School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (V.R.); (A.M.S.); (R.F.); (M.V.)
| | - Ricardo Ferraz
- School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (V.R.); (A.M.S.); (R.F.); (M.V.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry—Network of Chemistry and Technology (LAQV-REQUIMTE), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica Vieira
- School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (V.R.); (A.M.S.); (R.F.); (M.V.)
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO/ESS/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vitor Vasconcelos
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.R.); (L.F.); (V.V.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosário Martins
- School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (V.R.); (A.M.S.); (R.F.); (M.V.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.R.); (L.F.); (V.V.)
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Sanghai N, Tranmer GK. Biochemical and Molecular Pathways in Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Integrated View. Cells 2023; 12:2318. [PMID: 37759540 PMCID: PMC10527779 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are defined by a myriad of complex aetiologies. Understanding the common biochemical molecular pathologies among NDDs gives an opportunity to decipher the overlapping and numerous cross-talk mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Numerous interrelated pathways lead to the progression of neurodegeneration. We present evidence from the past pieces of literature for the most usual global convergent hallmarks like ageing, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity-induced calcium butterfly effect, defective proteostasis including chaperones, autophagy, mitophagy, and proteosome networks, and neuroinflammation. Herein, we applied a holistic approach to identify and represent the shared mechanism across NDDs. Further, we believe that this approach could be helpful in identifying key modulators across NDDs, with a particular focus on AD, PD, and ALS. Moreover, these concepts could be applied to the development and diagnosis of novel strategies for diverse NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitesh Sanghai
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada;
| | - Geoffrey K. Tranmer
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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32
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Vergnes L, Foucaud B, Cepeda C, Espinosa-Jeffrey A. Metabolomics Profile of the Secretome of Space-Flown Oligodendrocytes. Cells 2023; 12:2249. [PMID: 37759473 PMCID: PMC10528075 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracranial hypertension (ICP) and visual impairment intracranial pressure (VIIP) are some of the sequels of long-term space missions. Here we sought to determine how space microgravity (µG) impacts the metabolomics profile of oligodendrocyte progenitors (OLPs), the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system. We report increased glutamate and energy metabolism while the OLPs were in space for 26 days. We also show that after space flight, OLPs (SPC OLPs) display significantly increased mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. These data are in agreement with our previous work using simulated microgravity. In addition, our global metabolomics approach allowed for the discovery of endogenous metabolites secreted by OLPs while in space that are significantly modulated by microgravity. Our results provide, for the first time, relevant information about the energetic state of OLPs while in space and after space flight. The functional and molecular relevance of these specific pathways are promising targets for therapeutic intervention for humans in long-term space missions to the moon, Mars and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Vergnes
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Bernard Foucaud
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (B.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (B.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Araceli Espinosa-Jeffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (B.F.); (C.C.)
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Dunn E, Steinert JR, Stone A, Sahota V, Williams RSB, Snowden S, Augustin H. Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Rescue Motor Function and Neuromuscular Junction Degeneration in a Drosophila Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:2163. [PMID: 37681895 PMCID: PMC10486503 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive degeneration of the motor neurones. An expanded GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat in C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause of ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD); therefore, the resulting disease is known as C9ALS/FTD. Here, we employ a Drosophila melanogaster model of C9ALS/FTD (C9 model) to investigate a role for specific medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in reversing pathogenic outcomes. Drosophila larvae overexpressing the ALS-associated dipeptide repeats (DPRs) in the nervous system exhibit reduced motor function and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) defects. We show that two MCFAs, nonanoic acid (NA) and 4-methyloctanoic acid (4-MOA), can ameliorate impaired motor function in C9 larvae and improve NMJ degeneration, although their mechanisms of action are not identical. NA modified postsynaptic glutamate receptor density, whereas 4-MOA restored defects in the presynaptic vesicular release. We also demonstrate the effects of NA and 4-MOA on metabolism in C9 larvae and implicate various metabolic pathways as dysregulated in our ALS model. Our findings pave the way to identifying novel therapeutic targets and potential treatments for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Dunn
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX, UK; (E.D.); (R.S.B.W.)
| | - Joern R. Steinert
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (J.R.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Aelfwin Stone
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (J.R.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Virender Sahota
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX, UK; (E.D.); (R.S.B.W.)
| | - Robin S. B. Williams
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX, UK; (E.D.); (R.S.B.W.)
| | - Stuart Snowden
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX, UK; (E.D.); (R.S.B.W.)
| | - Hrvoje Augustin
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX, UK; (E.D.); (R.S.B.W.)
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34
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Rodríguez-Chávez V, Flores-Soto E, Molina-Salinas G, Martínez-Razo LD, Montaño LM, Cerbón M. Prolactin reduces the kainic acid-induced increase in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration, leading to neuroprotection of hippocampal neurons. Neurosci Lett 2023; 810:137344. [PMID: 37315731 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137344] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prolactin (PRL) on intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration and its neuroprotective role in a model of kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. Cell viability and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were determined by MTT and Fura-2 assays, respectively, either after induction by KA as an agonist or after treatment with NBQX antagonist alone or in combination with PRL administration. Expression of ionotropic glutamatergic receptors (iGluRs) subunits in neuronal cells was determined by RT-qPCR. Dose-response treatments with KA or glutamate (Glu), the latter used as endogenous agonist control, induced a significant increase in neuronal intracellular Ca2+ concentration followed by a significant decrease in hippocampal neuronal viability. Administration of PRL induced a significant increase in neuronal viability after treatment with KA. Furthermore, administration of PRL decreased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations induced by KA treatment. Independent administration of the AMPAR-KAR antagonist reversed cell death and reduced intracellular Ca2+ concentration in a similar manner as PRL. Additionally, mRNA expression of AMPAR, KAR and NMDAR subtypes were detected in hippocampal neurons; however, no significant changes in iGluRs subunit expression were observed due to excitotoxicity or PRL treatment. The results suggest that PRL inhibits the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by KA, leading to neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rodríguez-Chávez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX 04510, Mexico
| | - E Flores-Soto
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX 04360, Mexico
| | - G Molina-Salinas
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX 04510, Mexico
| | - L D Martínez-Razo
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX 04510, Mexico
| | - L M Montaño
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX 04360, Mexico
| | - M Cerbón
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX 04510, Mexico.
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Torazza C, Provenzano F, Gallia E, Cerminara M, Balbi M, Bonifacino T, Tessitore S, Ravera S, Usai C, Musante I, Puliti A, Van Den Bosch L, Jafar-nejad P, Rigo F, Milanese M, Bonanno G. Genetic Downregulation of the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type 5 Dampens the Reactive and Neurotoxic Phenotype of Adult ALS Astrocytes. Cells 2023; 12:1952. [PMID: 37566031 PMCID: PMC10416852 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Astrocytes display a toxic phenotype in ALS, which results in MN damage. Glutamate (Glu)-mediated excitotoxicity and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) play a pathological role in the disease progression. We previously demonstrated that in vivo genetic ablation or pharmacological modulation of mGluR5 reduced astrocyte activation and MN death, prolonged survival and ameliorated the clinical progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. This study aimed to investigate in vitro the effects of mGluR5 downregulation on the reactive spinal cord astrocytes cultured from adult late symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. We observed that mGluR5 downregulation in SOD1G93A astrocytes diminished the cytosolic Ca2+ overload under resting conditions and after mGluR5 simulation and reduced the expression of the reactive glial markers GFAP, S100β and vimentin. In vitro exposure to an anti-mGluR5 antisense oligonucleotide or to the negative allosteric modulator CTEP also ameliorated the altered reactive astrocyte phenotype. Downregulating mGluR5 in SOD1G93A mice reduced the synthesis and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and ameliorated the cellular bioenergetic profile by improving the diminished oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis and by lowering the excessive lactate dehydrogenase activity. Most relevantly, mGluR5 downregulation hampered the neurotoxicity of SOD1G93A astrocytes co-cultured with spinal cord MNs. We conclude that selective reduction in mGluR5 expression in SOD1G93A astrocytes positively modulates the astrocyte reactive phenotype and neurotoxicity towards MNs, further supporting mGluR5 as a promising therapeutic target in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Elena Gallia
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Maria Cerminara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.C.); (A.P.)
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Tessitore
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B. 2, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cesare Usai
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Musante
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Aldamaria Puliti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.C.); (A.P.)
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- VIB-Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA; (P.J.-n.); (F.R.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
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36
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Zheng W, Han X, Han B, Li G, Gan J, Wang T, Xu B, He J, Du W, Cao X, Wang Z. LAR Downregulation Protects the Astrocytic U251 and Cocultured SH-SY5Y Cells in a Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease Cell Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11111. [PMID: 37446291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte common antigen-related protein tyrosine phosphatase (LAR) is a member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family that serves as a key regulator of cellular survival. It is also involved in neurodevelopment and brain disorders. This study was designed to investigate the role of LAR in a cell-based model of Parkinson's disease (PD) in which U251 and SH-SY5Y cells were used as models of astrocytes and dopaminergic neurons, respectively. Cell viability, cell death, cell morphology, protein phosphorylation and expression, ATP levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed in the wild-type (WT) and heterozygous LAR-knockout astrocytoma U251 cells to assess the cell state, signal transduction, and mitochondrial function. LAR downregulation showed a protective effect in rotenone-exposed U251 cells by increasing cell viability, reducing cell mortality, and restoring appropriate cellular morphology. LAR downregulation enhanced IGF-1R phosphorylation and downstream signal transduction as evidenced by increases in the Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation, as well as the upregulation of NRF2 and HO-1. The downregulation of LAR also augmented DJ-1 levels in these cells. The enhanced Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation contributed to a reduced Bax/Bcl2 ratio and suppressed apoptosis after rotenone exposure. Heterozygous LAR-knockout U251 cells exhibited higher mitochondrial function evidenced by increased mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP contents, and reduced ROS production compared to the WT cells following rotenone exposure. Further studies showed that the astrocytic protection mediated by the heterozygous knockout of LAR was associated with the activation of Akt. A specific Akt inhibitor, MK2206, reduced the cell viability, Akt and GSK3β phosphorylation, and HO-1 and NRF2 expression in U251 cells exposed to rotenone. Astrocytes provide structural and metabolic support to maintain neuronal health. Astrocytic glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) production is vital for dopaminergic neuron survival. Heterozygous LAR-knockout U251 cells produced higher amounts of GDNF than the WT cells. The SH-SY5Y cells cocultured with heterozygous LAR-knockout U251 cells exhibited greater viability than that of cells cocultured with WT U251 cells in response to rotenone. Together, these findings demonstrate that the heterozygous knockout of LAR in astrocytes can play a key role in protecting both astrocytic cells and cocultured neurons in a rotenone-induced cell-based model of PD. This neuroprotective effect is attributable to the augmentation of IGF1R-Akt-GDNF signaling and the maintenance of astrocytic mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zheng
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Bing Han
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Gang Li
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Jing Gan
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Tian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Jie He
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Wenxiao Du
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaolin Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zhenhua Wang
- Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
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Takahashi K, Eultgen EM, Wang SH, Rensing NR, Nelvagal HR, Dearborn JT, Danos O, Buss N, Sands MS, Wong M, Cooper JD. Gene therapy ameliorates spontaneous seizures associated with cortical neuron loss in a Cln2R207X mouse model. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e165908. [PMID: 37104037 PMCID: PMC10266778 DOI: 10.1172/jci165908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a disease-modifying therapy for classic late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 disease) exists, poor understanding of cellular pathophysiology has hampered the development of more effective and persistent therapies. Here, we investigated the nature and progression of neurological and underlying neuropathological changes in Cln2R207X mice, which carry one of the most common pathogenic mutations in human patients but are yet to be fully characterized. Long-term electroencephalography recordings revealed progressive epileptiform abnormalities, including spontaneous seizures, providing a robust, quantifiable, and clinically relevant phenotype. These seizures were accompanied by the loss of multiple cortical neuron populations, including those stained for interneuron markers. Further histological analysis revealed early localized microglial activation months before neuron loss started in the thalamocortical system and spinal cord, which was accompanied by astrogliosis. This pathology was more pronounced and occurred in the cortex before the thalamus or spinal cord and differed markedly from the staging seen in mouse models of other forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Neonatal administration of adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated gene therapy ameliorated the seizure and gait phenotypes and prolonged the life span of Cln2R207X mice, attenuating most pathological changes. Our findings highlight the importance of clinically relevant outcome measures for judging preclinical efficacy of therapeutic interventions for CLN2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Joshua T. Dearborn
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Mark S. Sands
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Jonathan D. Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Neurology, and
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Xu T, Zhu E, Zhang C, Calandrelli R, Lin P, Zhong S. High-Resolution Characterization of Human Brain Cortex with High-Fidelity Spatial Transcriptomic Slides (HiFi-Slides). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.12.544625. [PMID: 37398363 PMCID: PMC10312654 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.544625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Spatial transcriptomic tools and platforms help researchers to inspect tissues and cells with fine details of how they differentiate in expressions and how they orient themselves. With the higher resolution we get and higher throughput of expression targets, spatial analysis can truly become the core player for cell clustering, migration study, and, eventually, the novel model for pathological study. We present the demonstration of HiFi-slide, a whole transcriptomic sequencing technique that recycles used sequenced-by-synthesis flow cell surfaces to a high-resolution spatial mapping tool that can be directly applied to tissue cell gradient analysis, gene expression analysis, cell proximity analysis, and other cellular-level spatial studies.
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Pathak D, Sriram K. Neuron-astrocyte omnidirectional signaling in neurological health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1169320. [PMID: 37363320 PMCID: PMC10286832 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1169320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are an abundantly distributed population of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that perform myriad functions in the normal and injured/diseased brain. Astrocytes exhibit heterogeneous phenotypes in response to various insults, a process known as astrocyte reactivity. The accuracy and precision of brain signaling are primarily based on interactions involving neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, pericytes, and dendritic cells within the CNS. Astrocytes have emerged as a critical entity within the brain because of their unique role in recycling neurotransmitters, actively modulating the ionic environment, regulating cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism, and influencing cellular crosstalk in diverse neural injury conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. However, little is known about how an astrocyte functions in synapse formation, axon specification, neuroplasticity, neural homeostasis, neural network activity following dynamic surveillance, and CNS structure in neurological diseases. Interestingly, the tripartite synapse hypothesis came to light to fill some knowledge gaps that constitute an interaction of a subpopulation of astrocytes, neurons, and synapses. This review highlights astrocytes' role in health and neurological/neurodegenerative diseases arising from the omnidirectional signaling between astrocytes and neurons at the tripartite synapse. The review also recapitulates the disruption of the tripartite synapse with a focus on perturbations of the homeostatic astrocytic function as a key driver to modulate the molecular and physiological processes toward neurodegenerative diseases.
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Qneibi M, Jaradat N, Al-Maharik N, Hawash M, Issa L, Suboh S, Yahya L, Khait AA, Warasneh A, Bdir S. The effect of Lavandula Coronopifolia essential oil on the biophysical properties of desensitization and deactivation gating currents in ionotropic receptors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8417. [PMID: 37225859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35698-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence of cancer and the lack of effective therapeutic interventions for many neurological illnesses like Alzheimer's and epilepsy has prompted us to investigate the composition and effects of the Lavandula coronopifolia oil from Palestine on cancer cells and AMPA receptor subunits in the brain due to the vast range of beneficial properties of Lavandula coronopifolia essential oil (EO). GC/MS was used to analyze L. coronopifolia's EO chemistry. EO's cytotoxicity and biophysical effects on AMPA receptors were investigated using MTS and electrophysiological techniques. The GC-MS results revealed that L. coronopifolia EO has a high content of eucalyptol (77.23%), β-pinene (6.93%), and α-pinene (4.95%). The EO showed more significant antiproliferative selectivity activities against HepG2 cancer cell lines than HEK293T cell lines with IC50 values of 58.51 and 133.22 µg/mL, respectively. The EO of L. coronopifolia affected AMPA receptor kinetics (desensitization and deactivation) and preferred homomeric GluA1 and heteromeric GluA1/A2 receptors. These findings indicate the potential therapeutic use of L. coronopifolia EO in the selective treatment of HepG2 cancer cell lines and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Qneibi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Nidal Jaradat
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Nawaf Al-Maharik
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Hawash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Linda Issa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Shorooq Suboh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Leen Yahya
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Adan Abu Khait
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Amjaad Warasneh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Sosana Bdir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Sabbir MG, Swanson M, Speth RC, Albensi BC. Hippocampal versus cortical deletion of cholinergic receptor muscarinic 1 in mice differentially affects post-translational modifications and supramolecular assembly of respiratory chain-associated proteins, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and respiration: implications in Alzheimer's disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1179252. [PMID: 37293125 PMCID: PMC10246746 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1179252] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In a previous retrospective study using postmortem human brain tissues, we demonstrated that loss of Cholinergic Receptor Muscarinic 1 (CHRM1) in the temporal cortex of a subset of Alzheimer's patients was associated with poor survival, whereas similar loss in the hippocampus showed no such association. Mitochondrial dysfunction underlies Alzheimer's pathogenesis. Therefore, to investigate the mechanistic basis of our findings, we evaluated cortical mitochondrial phenotypes in Chrm1 knockout (Chrm1-/-) mice. Cortical Chrm1 loss resulted in reduced respiration, reduced supramolecular assembly of respiratory protein complexes, and caused mitochondrial ultrastructural abnormalities. These mouse-based findings mechanistically linked cortical CHRM1 loss with poor survival of Alzheimer's patients. However, evaluation of the effect of Chrm1 loss on mouse hippocampal mitochondrial characteristics is necessary to fully understand our retrospective human tissue-based observations. This is the objective of this study. Methods: Enriched hippocampal and cortical mitochondrial fractions (EHMFs/ECMFs, respectively) derived from wild-type and Chrm1-/- mice were used to measure respiration by quantifying real-time oxygen consumption, supramolecular assembly of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-associated proteins by blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, post-translational modifications (PTMs) by isoelectric focusing (IEF), and mitochondrial ultrastructure by electron microscopy. Results: In contrast to our previous observations in Chrm1-/- ECMFs, EHMFs of Chrm1-/- mice significantly increased respiration with a concomitant increase in the supramolecular assembly of OXPHOS-associated proteins, specifically Atp5a and Uqcrc2, with no mitochondrial ultrastructural alterations. IEF of ECMFs and EHMFs from Chrm1-/- mice showed a decrease and an increase, respectively in a negatively charged (pH∼3) fraction of Atp5a relative to the wild-type mice, with a corresponding decrease or increase in the supramolecular assembly of Atp5a and respiration indicating a tissue-specific signaling effect. Discussion: Our findings indicate that loss of Chrm1 in the cortex causes structural, and physiological alterations to mitochondria that compromise neuronal function, whereas Chrm1 loss in the hippocampus may benefit neuronal function by enhancing mitochondrial function. This brain region-specific differential effect of Chrm1 deletion on mitochondrial function supports our human brain region-based findings and Chrm1-/- mouse behavioral phenotypes. Furthermore, our study indicates that Chrm1-mediated brain region-specific differential PTMs of Atp5a may alter complex-V supramolecular assembly which in turn regulates mitochondrial structure-function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Golam Sabbir
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Alzo Biosciences Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
- Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Barry & Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Mamiko Swanson
- Alzo Biosciences Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
- Barry & Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Robert C. Speth
- Barry & Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Benedict C. Albensi
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Barry & Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Cheng A, Zhang Y, Sun J, Huang D, Sulaiman JE, Huang X, Wu L, Ye W, Wu C, Lam H, Shi Y, Qian PY. Pterosin sesquiterpenoids from Pteris laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. protect cells from glutamate excitotoxicity by modulating mitochondrial signals. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 308:116308. [PMID: 36822346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116308] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Pteris (Pteridaceae) has been used as a traditional herb for a long time. In particular, Pteris laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat nervous system diseases and some pterosin sesquiterpenes from Pteris show neuroprotective activity, but their underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, to investigate the neuroprotective activity and working mechanism of pterosin sesquiterpenes from P. laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. will provide a better understanding and guidance in using P. laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. as a traditional Chinese medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY We aim to develop effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases from pterosin sesquiterpenes by evaluating their neuroprotective activity and investigating their working mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary screening on the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity cell model was assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. Fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to analyze the activation level of glutamate receptors and mitochondria membrane potential after treatment. Transcriptomics and proteomics analysis was performed to identify possible targets of pterosin B. The key pathways were enriched by the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis through the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The core targets were visualized by a protein-protein interaction network using STRING. The mRNA and protein expressions were evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and western blot, respectively. Immunocytochemistry was performed to monitor mitochondrial and apoptotic proteins. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by ROS assay, and Ca2+ was stained with Fluo-4 AM to quantify intracellular Ca2+ levels. RESULTS We found pterosin B from Pteris laeta Wall. ex Ettingsh. showed significant neuroprotective activity against glutamate excitotoxicity, enhancing cell viability from 43.8% to 105% (p-value: <0.0001). We demonstrated that pterosin B worked on the downstream signaling pathways of glutamate excitotoxicity rather than directly blocking the activation of glutamate receptors. Pterosin B restored mitochondria membrane potentials, alleviated intracellular calcium overload from 107.4% to 95.47% (p-value: 0.0006), eliminated cellular ROS by 36.55% (p-value: 0.0143), and partially secured cells from LPS-induced inflammation by increasing cell survival from 46.75% to 58.5% (p-value: 0.0114). Notably, pterosin B enhanced the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by 2.86-fold (p-value: 0.0006) and 4.24-fold (p-value: 0.0012), and down-regulated Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) expression by 2.5-fold (p-value: 0.0107), indicating that it possibly promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy to maintain mitochondria quality control and homeostasis, and ultimately inhibits apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSIONS Our work revealed that pterosin B protected cells from glutamate excitotoxicity by targeting the downstream mitochondrial signals, making it a valuable candidate for developing potential therapeutic agents in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifang Cheng
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China; Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Duli Huang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China; Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jordy Evan Sulaiman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China; Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Long Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Wenkang Ye
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China; Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, China; SZU-HKUST Joint Ph.D. Program in Marine Environmental Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Chuanhai Wu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China; Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Henry Lam
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yusheng Shi
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Drug-Research and Development (R&D) of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; Academy of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China; Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
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Pershina EV, Chernomorets IY, Fedorov DA, Arkhipov VI. Pharmacological Modulation of Excitotoxicity through the Combined Use of NMDA Receptor Inhibition and Group III mGlu Activation Reduces TMT-Induced Neurodegeneration in the Rat Hippocampus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098249. [PMID: 37175959 PMCID: PMC10179112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied the neuroprotective properties of the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine, in combination with a positive allosteric modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptors of Group III, VU 0422288. The treatment was started 48 h after the injection of neurotoxic agent trimethyltin (TMT) at 7.5 mg/kg. Three weeks after TMT injection, functional and morphological changes in a rat hippocampus were evaluated, including the expression level of genes characterizing glutamate transmission and neuroinflammation, animal behavior, and hippocampal cell morphology. Significant neuronal cell death occurred in the CA3 and CA4 regions, and to a lesser extent, in the CA1 and CA2 regions. The death of neurons in the CA1 field was significantly reduced in animals with a combined use of memantine and VU 0422288. In the hippocampus of these animals, the level of expression of genes characterizing glutamatergic synaptic transmission (Grin2b, Gria1, EAAT2) did not differ from the level in control animals, as well as the expression of genes characterizing neuroinflammation (IL1b, TGF beta 1, Aif1, and GFAP). However, the expression of genes characterizing neuroinflammation was markedly increased in the hippocampus of animals treated with memantine or VU 0422288 alone after TMT. The results of immunohistochemical studies confirmed a significant activation of microglia in the hippocampus three weeks after TMT injection. In contrast to the hilus, microglia in the CA1 region had an increase in rod-like cells. Moreover, in the CA1 field of the hippocampus of the animals of the MEM + VU group, the amount of such microglia was close to the control. Thus, the short-term modulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission by memantine and subsequent activation of Group III mGluR significantly affected the dynamics of neurodegeneration in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Pershina
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Irina Yu Chernomorets
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Fedorov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Vladimir I Arkhipov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
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He M, Kolesar TA, Goertzen AL, Ng MC, Ko JH. Do Epilepsy Patients with Cognitive Impairment Have Alzheimer's Disease-like Brain Metabolism? Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041108. [PMID: 37189726 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Although not classically considered together, there is emerging evidence that Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epilepsy share a number of features and that each disease predisposes patients to developing the other. Using machine learning, we have previously developed an automated fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) reading program (i.e., MAD), and demonstrated good sensitivity (84%) and specificity (95%) for differentiating AD patients versus healthy controls. In this retrospective chart review study, we investigated if epilepsy patients with/without mild cognitive symptoms also show AD-like metabolic patterns determined by the MAD algorithm. Scans from a total of 20 patients with epilepsy were included in this study. Because AD diagnoses are made late in life, only patients aged ≥40 years were considered. For the cognitively impaired patients, four of six were identified as MAD+ (i.e., the FDG-PET image is classified as AD-like by the MAD algorithm), while none of the five cognitively normal patients was identified as MAD+ (χ2 = 8.148, p = 0.017). These results potentially suggest the usability of FDG-PET in prognosticating later dementia development in non-demented epilepsy patients, especially when combined with machine learning algorithms. A longitudinal follow-up study is warranted to assess the effectiveness of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael He
- Undergraduate Medical Education, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
| | - Tiffany A Kolesar
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Neuroscience Research Program, Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3J7, Canada
| | - Andrew L Goertzen
- Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Price Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6, Canada
| | - Marcus C Ng
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Price Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6, Canada
- Section of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Ji Hyun Ko
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Neuroscience Research Program, Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3J7, Canada
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Price Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6, Canada
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Balbi M, Bonanno G, Bonifacino T, Milanese M. The Physio-Pathological Role of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Expressed by Microglia in Health and Disease with a Focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065240. [PMID: 36982315 PMCID: PMC10048889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065240] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia cells are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. They act as the first-line immune guardians of nervous tissue and central drivers of neuroinflammation. Any homeostatic alteration that can compromise neuron and tissue integrity could activate microglia. Once activated, microglia exhibit highly diverse phenotypes and functions related to either beneficial or harmful consequences. Microglia activation is associated with the release of protective or deleterious cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that can in turn determine defensive or pathological outcomes. This scenario is complicated by the pathology-related specific phenotypes that microglia can assume, thus leading to the so-called disease-associated microglia phenotypes. Microglia express several receptors that regulate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory features, sometimes exerting opposite actions on microglial functions according to specific conditions. In this context, group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are molecular structures that may contribute to the modulation of the reactive phenotype of microglia cells, and this is worthy of exploration. Here, we summarize the role of group I mGluRs in shaping microglia cells' phenotype in specific physio-pathological conditions, including some neurodegenerative disorders. A significant section of the review is specifically focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since it represents an entirely unexplored topic of research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Johnston JL, Reda SM, Setti SE, Taylor RW, Berthiaume AA, Walker WE, Wu W, Moebius HJ, Church KJ. Fosgonimeton, a Novel Positive Modulator of the HGF/MET System, Promotes Neurotrophic and Procognitive Effects in Models of Dementia. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:431-451. [PMID: 36538176 PMCID: PMC10121968 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01325-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
All types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, are debilitating neurodegenerative conditions marked by compromised cognitive function for which there are few effective treatments. Positive modulation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET, a critical neurotrophic signaling system, may promote neuronal health and function, thereby addressing neurodegeneration in dementia. Here, we evaluate a series of novel small molecules for their ability to (1) positively modulate HGF/MET activity, (2) induce neurotrophic changes and protect against neurotoxic insults in primary neuron culture, (3) promote anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, and (4) reverse cognitive deficits in animal models of dementia. Through screening studies, the compound now known as fosgonimeton-active metabolite (fosgo-AM) was identified by use of immunocytochemistry to be the most potent positive modulator of HGF/MET and was selected for further testing. Primary hippocampal neurons treated with fosgo-AM showed enhanced synaptogenesis and neurite outgrowth, supporting the neurotrophic effects of positive modulators of HGF/MET. Additionally, fosgo-AM protected against neurotoxic insults in primary cortical neuron cultures. In vivo, treatment with fosgo-AM rescued cognitive deficits in the rat scopolamine amnesia model of dementia. Although fosgo-AM demonstrated several procognitive effects in vitro and in vivo, a prodrug strategy was used to enhance the pharmacological properties of fosgo-AM, resulting in the development of fosgonimeton (ATH-1017). The effect of fosgonimeton on cognition was confirmed in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory mouse model of dementia. Together, the results of these studies support the potential of positive modulators of HGF/MET to be used as novel therapeutics and suggest the drug candidate fosgonimeton might protect against neurodegeneration and be therapeutic in the management of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jewel L Johnston
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Sherif M Reda
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Sharay E Setti
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Robert W Taylor
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | | | - William E Walker
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Hans J Moebius
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Kevin J Church
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA.
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Matias I, Diniz LP, Araujo APB, Damico IV, de Moura P, Cabral-Miranda F, Diniz F, Parmeggiani B, de Mello Coelho V, Leite REP, Suemoto CK, Ferreira GC, Kubrusly RCC, Gomes FCA. Age-Associated Upregulation of Glutamate Transporters and Glutamine Synthetase in Senescent Astrocytes In Vitro and in the Mouse and Human Hippocampus. ASN Neuro 2023; 15:17590914231157974. [PMID: 36815213 PMCID: PMC9950616 DOI: 10.1177/17590914231157974] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is marked by complex and progressive physiological changes, including in the glutamatergic system, that lead to a decline of brain function. Increased content of senescent cells in the brain, such as glial cells, has been reported to impact cognition both in animal models and human tissue during normal aging and in the context of neurodegenerative disease. Changes in the glutamatergic synaptic activity rely on the glutamate-glutamine cycle, in which astrocytes handle glutamate taken up from synapses and provide glutamine for neurons, thus maintaining excitatory neurotransmission. However, the mechanisms of glutamate homeostasis in brain aging are still poorly understood. Herein, we showed that mouse senescent astrocytes in vitro undergo upregulation of GLT-1, GLAST, and glutamine synthetase (GS), along with the increased enzymatic activity of GS and [3H]-D-aspartate uptake. Furthermore, we observed higher levels of GS and increased [3H]-D-aspartate uptake in the hippocampus of aged mice, although the activity of GS was similar between young and old mice. Analysis of a previously available RNAseq dataset of mice at different ages revealed upregulation of GLAST and GS mRNA levels in hippocampal astrocytes during aging. Corroborating these rodent data, we showed an increased number of GS + cells, and GS and GLT-1 levels/intensity in the hippocampus of elderly humans. Our data suggest that aged astrocytes undergo molecular and functional changes that control glutamate-glutamine homeostasis upon brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Matias
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, Isadora Matias, Instituto de Ciências
Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde,
Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-902 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
| | - Luan Pereira Diniz
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Ana Paula Bergamo Araujo
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Isabella Vivarini Damico
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Pâmella de Moura
- Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal
Fluminense, Niterói, Brasil
| | - Felipe Cabral-Miranda
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Fabiola Diniz
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Belisa Parmeggiani
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Valeria de Mello Coelho
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Renata E. P. Leite
- Biobanco para Estudos em Envelhecimento, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de
São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil,Divisão de Geriatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São
Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Claudia K. Suemoto
- Divisão de Geriatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São
Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Gustavo Costa Ferreira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | - Flávia Carvalho Alcantara Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de
Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil,Flávia Carvalho Alcantara Gomes. Instituto
de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de
Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-902 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ,
Brasil.
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Sarlo GL, Kao A, Holton KF. Investigation of the low glutamate diet as an adjunct treatment for pediatric epilepsy: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Seizure 2023; 106:138-147. [PMID: 36867910 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.02.013] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current dietary therapies for epilepsy have side effects and are low in nutrients, which would make an alternative dietary treatment, which addresses these issues, advantageous. One potential option is the low glutamate diet (LGD). Glutamate is implicated in seizure activity. Blood brain barrier permeability in epilepsy could enable dietary glutamate to reach the brain and contribute to ictogenesis. OBJECTIVE to assess the LGD as an adjunct treatment for pediatric epilepsy. METHODS This study was a nonblinded, parallel, randomized clinical trial. The study was conducted virtually due to COVID-19 and registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04545346). Participants were eligible if they were between the ages of 2 and 21 with ≥4 seizures per month. Baseline seizures were assessed for 1-month, then participants were allocated via block randomization to the intervention month (N=18), or a wait-listed control month followed by the intervention month (N=15). Outcome measures included seizure frequency, caregiver global impression of change (CGIC), non-seizure improvements, nutrient intake, and adverse events. RESULTS Nutrient intake significantly increased during the intervention. No significant differences in seizure frequency were observed between intervention and control groups. However, efficacy was assessed at 1-month compared to the standard 3-months in diet research. Additionally, 21% of participants were observed to be clinical responders to the diet. Overall health (CGIC) significantly improved in 31%, 63% experienced ≥1 non-seizure improvements, and 53% experienced adverse events. Clinical response likelihood decreased with increasing age (0.71 [0.50-0.99], p=0.04), as did the likelihood of overall health improvement (0.71 [0.54-0.92], p=0.01). DISCUSSION This study provides preliminary support for the LGD as an adjunct treatment before epilepsy becomes drug resistant, which is in contrast to the role of current dietary therapies in drug resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle L Sarlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Behavior, Cognition and Neuroscience Program, American University, Washington DC, United States; Children's National Research Institute, Center for Neuroscience, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Amy Kao
- Division of Neurophysiology, Epilepsy, and Critical Care, Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States; Division of Neurology 2, Office of Neuroscience, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen F Holton
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington DC, United States; Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington DC, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington DC, United States.
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Qi XJ, Huang CY, Zuo MT, Gong MD, Huang SJ, Tang MH, Liu ZY. Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification to Unveil the Mechanism of N-Methyl-D-Aspartic Acid Rescue Humantenirine-Induced Excitotoxicity. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020195. [PMID: 36837814 PMCID: PMC9966887 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020195] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gelsemium is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat various diseases, but it is also well-known for its high toxicity. Complex alkaloids are considered the main poisonous components in Gelsemium. However, the toxic mechanism of Gelsemium remains ambiguous. In this work, network pharmacology and experimental verification were combined to systematically explore the specific mechanism of Gelsemium toxicity. The alkaloid compounds and candidate targets of Gelsemium, as well as related targets of excitotoxicity, were collected from public databases. The crucial targets were determined by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to explore the bioprocesses and signaling pathways involved in the excitotoxicity corresponding to alkaloids in Gelsemium. Then, the binding affinity between the main poisonous alkaloids and key targets was verified by molecular docking. Finally, animal experiments were conducted to further evaluate the potential mechanisms of Gelsemium toxicity. A total of 85 alkaloids in Gelsemium associated with 214 excitotoxicity-related targets were predicted by network pharmacology. Functional analysis showed that the toxicity of Gelsemium was mainly related to the protein phosphorylation reaction and plasma membrane function. There were also 164 pathways involved in the toxic mechanism, such as the calcium signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that alkaloids have high affinity with core targets, including MAPK3, SRC, MAPK1, NMDAR2B and NMDAR2A. In addition, the difference of binding affinity may be the basis of toxicity differences among different alkaloids. Humantenirine showed significant sex differences, and the LD50 values of female and male mice were 0.071 mg·kg-1 and 0.149 mg·kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, we found that N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), a specific NMDA receptor agonist, could significantly increase the survival rate of acute humantenirine-poisoned mice. The results also show that humantenirine could upregulate the phosphorylation level of MAPK3/1 and decrease ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential in hippocampal tissue, while NMDA could rescue humantenirine-induced excitotoxicity by restoring the function of mitochondria. This study revealed the toxic components and potential toxic mechanism of Gelsemium. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further study of the toxic mechanism of Gelsemium and potential therapeutic strategies for Gelsemium poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Jia Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Chong-Yin Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Meng-Ting Zuo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Meng-Die Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Si-Juan Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Mo-Huan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhao-Ying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Correspondence:
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50
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Pichardo-Rojas D, Pichardo-Rojas PS, Cornejo-Bravo JM, Serrano-Medina A. Memantine as a neuroprotective agent in ischemic stroke: Preclinical and clinical analysis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1096372. [PMID: 36743806 PMCID: PMC9893121 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1096372] [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: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary mechanism for neuron death after an ischemic stroke is excitotoxic injury. Excessive depolarization leads to NMDA-mediated calcium entry to the neuron and, subsequently, cellular death. Therefore, the inhibition of the NMDA channel has been proposed as a neuroprotective measure in ischemic stroke. The high morbimortality associated with stroke warrants new therapies that can improve the functional prognosis of patients. Memantine is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist which has gained attention as a potential drug for ischemic stroke. Here we analyze the available preclinical and clinical evidence concerning the use of memantine following an ischemic stroke. Preclinical evidence shows inhibition of the excitotoxic cascade, as well as improved outcomes in terms of motor and sensory function with the use of memantine. The available clinical trials of high-dose memantine in patients poststroke have found that it can improve patients' NIHSS and Barthel index and help patients with poststroke aphasia and intracranial hemorrhage. These results suggest that memantine has a clinically relevant neuroprotective effect; however, small sample sizes and other study shortcomings limit the impact of these findings. Even so, current studies show promising results that should serve as a basis to promote future research to conclusively determine if memantine does improve the outcomes of patients' post-ischemic stroke. We anticipate that future trials will fill current gaps in knowledge, and these latter results will broaden the therapeutic arsenal for clinicians looking to improve the prognosis of patients poststroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Pichardo-Rojas
- Facultad de Medicina y Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana, Mexico
| | - Pavel Salvador Pichardo-Rojas
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - José Manuel Cornejo-Bravo
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana, Mexico
| | - Aracely Serrano-Medina
- Facultad de Medicina y Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana, Mexico,*Correspondence: Aracely Serrano-Medina,
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