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Liu W, Li W, Liu Z, Li Y, Wang X, Guo M, Wang S, Wang S, Li Y, Jia J. Cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein adds the risk of cognitive decline and is associated with tau pathology among non-demented older adults. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:103. [PMID: 38725083 PMCID: PMC11084056 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01463-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of α-synuclein in dementia has been recognized, yet its exact influence on cognitive decline in non-demented older adults is still not fully understood. METHODS A total of 331 non-demented individuals were included in the study from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Participants were divided into two distinct groups based on their α-synuclein levels: one with lower levels (α-synuclein-L) and another with higher levels (α-synuclein-H). Measurements included neuropsychiatric scales, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, and blood transcriptomics. The linear mixed-effects model investigated the longitudinal changes in cognition. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model were utilized to evaluate the effects of different levels of α-synuclein on dementia. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to investigate the biological pathways related to cognitive impairment. Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression models, and mediation analysis were employed to investigate the relationship between α-synuclein and neurodegenerative biomarkers, and their potential mechanisms affecting cognition. RESULTS Higher CSF α-synuclein levels were associated with increased risk of cognitive decline and progression to dementia. Enrichment analysis highlighted the activation of tau-associated and immune response pathways in the α-synuclein-H group. Further correlation and regression analysis indicated that the CSF α-synuclein levels were positively correlated with CSF total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau) 181, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Mediation analysis further elucidated that the detrimental effects of CSF α-synuclein on cognition were primarily mediated through CSF t-tau and p-tau. Additionally, it was observed that CSF α-synuclein influenced CSF t-tau and p-tau181 levels via inflammatory pathways involving CSF TNFR1 and ICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS These findings elucidate a significant connection between elevated levels of CSF α-synuclein and the progression of cognitive decline, highlighting the critical roles of activated inflammatory pathways and tau pathology in this association. They underscore the importance of monitoring CSF α-synuclein levels as a promising biomarker for identifying individuals at increased risk of cognitive deterioration and developing dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Liu
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Zhaojun Liu
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yan Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuechu Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Guo
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Shuheng Wang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yan Li
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Clinical Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Memory Impairment, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China.
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Tolea MI, Ezzeddine R, Camacho S, Galvin JE. Emerging drugs for dementia with Lewy Bodies: a review of Phase II & III trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2023; 28:167-180. [PMID: 37531299 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2023.2244425] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite faster cognitive decline and greater negative impact on patients and family caregivers, drug development efforts in Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) fall behind those for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Current off-label drug DLB treatment options are limited to symptomatic agents developed to address cognitive deficits in AD, motor deficits in Parkinson's Disease, or behavioral symptoms in psychiatric disease. Aided by recent improvements in DLB diagnosis, a new focus on the development of disease-modifying agents (DMA) is emerging. AREAS COVERED Driven by evidence supporting different pathological mechanisms in DLB and PDD, this review assesses the evidence on symptomatic drug treatments and describes current efforts in DMA development in DLB. Specifically, our goals were to: (1) review evidence supporting the use of symptomatic drug treatments in DLB; (2) review the current DMA pipeline in DLB with a focus on Phase II and III clinical trials; and (3) identify potential issues with the development of DMA in DLB. Included in this review were completed and ongoing drug clinical trials in DLB registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (no time limits set for the search) or disseminated at the 2023 international conference on Clinical Trials in AD. Drug clinical trials registered in non-US clinical trial registries were not included. EXPERT OPINION Adoption of current symptomatic drug treatments used off-label in DLB relied on efficacy of benefits in other disorders rather than evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials. Symptoms remain difficult to manage. Several DMA drugs are currently being evaluated as either repurposing candidates or novel small molecules. Continued improvement in methodological aspects including development of DLB-specific outcome measures and biomarkers is needed to move the field of DMA drug development forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena I Tolea
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Lewy Body Dementia Research Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Reem Ezzeddine
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Lewy Body Dementia Research Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Simone Camacho
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Lewy Body Dementia Research Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James E Galvin
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Lewy Body Dementia Research Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Sun A, Liu H, Sun M, Yang W, Liu J, Lin Y, Shi X, Sun J, Liu L. Emerging nanotherapeutic strategies targeting gut-X axis against diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115577. [PMID: 37757494 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115577] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota can coordinate with different tissues and organs to maintain human health, which derives the concept of the gut-X axis. Conversely, the dysbiosis of gut microbiota leads to the occurrence and development of various diseases, such as neurological diseases, liver diseases, and even cancers. Therefore, the modulation of gut microbiota offers new opportunities in the field of medicines. Antibiotics, probiotics or other treatments might restore unbalanced gut microbiota, which effects do not match what people have expected. Recently, nanomedicines with the high targeting ability and reduced toxicity make them an appreciative choice for relieving disease through targeting gut-X axis. Considering this paradigm-setting trend, the current review summarizes the advancements in gut microbiota and its related nanomedicines. Specifically, this article introduces the immunological effects of gut microbiota, summarizes the gut-X axis-associated diseases, and highlights the nanotherapeutics-mediated treatment via remolding the gut-X axis. Moreover, this review also discusses the challenges in studies related to nanomedicines targeting the gut microbiota and offers the future perspective, thereby aiming at charting a course toward clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Sun
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, China Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China; Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Mengchi Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Weiguang Yang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xianbao Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
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Iba M, Kim C, Kwon S, Szabo M, Horan-Portelance L, Peer CJ, Figg WD, Reed X, Ding J, Lee SJ, Rissman RA, Cookson MR, Overk C, Wrasidlo W, Masliah E. Inhibition of p38α MAPK restores neuronal p38γ MAPK and ameliorates synaptic degeneration in a mouse model of DLB/PD. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq6089. [PMID: 37163617 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq6089] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Activation of the p38α MAPK isoform and mislocalization of the p38γ MAPK isoform are associated with neuroinflammation and synaptic degeneration in DLB and PD. Therefore, we hypothesized that p38α might be associated with neuronal p38γ distribution and synaptic dysfunction in these diseases. To test this hypothesis, we treated in vitro cellular and in vivo mouse models of DLB/PD with SKF-86002, a compound that attenuates inflammation by inhibiting p38α/β, and then investigated the effects of this compound on p38γ and neurodegenerative pathology. We found that inhibition of p38α reduced neuroinflammation and ameliorated synaptic, neurodegenerative, and motor behavioral deficits in transgenic mice overexpressing human α-synuclein. Moreover, treatment with SKF-86002 promoted the redistribution of p38γ to synapses and reduced the accumulation of α-synuclein in mice overexpressing human α-synuclein. Supporting the potential value of targeting p38 in DLB/PD, we found that SKF-86002 promoted the redistribution of p38γ in neurons differentiated from iPS cells derived from patients with familial PD (carrying the A53T α-synuclein mutation) and healthy controls. Treatment with SKF-86002 ameliorated α-synuclein-induced neurodegeneration in these neurons only when microglia were pretreated with this compound. However, direct treatment of neurons with SKF-86002 did not affect α-synuclein-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting that SKF-86002 treatment inhibits α-synuclein-induced neurotoxicity mediated by microglia. These findings provide a mechanistic connection between p38α and p38γ as well as a rationale for targeting this pathway in DLB/PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiyo Iba
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Changyoun Kim
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Somin Kwon
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marcell Szabo
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Liam Horan-Portelance
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xylena Reed
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jinhui Ding
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Computational Biology Group, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Seung-Jae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, and Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mark R Cookson
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wolf Wrasidlo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Calabresi P, Mechelli A, Natale G, Volpicelli-Daley L, Di Lazzaro G, Ghiglieri V. Alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies: from overt neurodegeneration back to early synaptic dysfunction. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:176. [PMID: 36859484 PMCID: PMC9977911 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05672-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Although the discovery of the critical role of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is now twenty-five years old, it still represents a milestone in PD research. Abnormal forms of α-syn trigger selective and progressive neuronal death through mitochondrial impairment, lysosomal dysfunction, and alteration of calcium homeostasis not only in PD but also in other α-syn-related neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Furthermore, α-syn-dependent early synaptic and plastic alterations and the underlying mechanisms preceding overt neurodegeneration have attracted great interest. In particular, the presence of early inflammation in experimental models and PD patients, occurring before deposition and spreading of α-syn, suggests a mechanistic link between inflammation and synaptic dysfunction. The knowledge of these early mechanisms is of seminal importance to support the research on reliable biomarkers to precociously identify the disease and possible disease-modifying therapies targeting α-syn. In this review, we will discuss these critical issues, providing a state of the art of the role of this protein in early PD and other synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Calabresi
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy. .,Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mechelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Istituto di Neurologia, Università "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Natale
- Sezione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Laura Volpicelli-Daley
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Giulia Di Lazzaro
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghiglieri
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy.,Università Telematica San Raffaele, Rome, 00166, Italy
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Richter F, Stanojlovic M, Käufer C, Gericke B, Feja M. A Mouse Model to Test Novel Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease: an Update on the Thy1-aSyn ("line 61") Mice. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:97-116. [PMID: 36715870 PMCID: PMC10119371 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01338-0] [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] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of neuroprotective therapeutics for Parkinson's disease (PD) is facing a lack of translation from pre-clinical to clinical trials. One strategy for improvement is to increase predictive validity of pre-clinical studies by using extensively characterized animal models with a comprehensive set of validated pharmacodynamic readouts. Mice over-expressing full-length, human, wild-type alpha-synuclein under the Thy-1 promoter (Thy1-aSyn line 61) reproduce key features of sporadic PD, such as progressive loss of striatal dopamine, alpha-synuclein pathology, deficits in motor and non-motor functions, and elevation of inflammatory markers. Extensive work with this model by multiple laboratories over the past decade further increased confidence in its robustness and validity, especially for analyzing pathomechanisms of alpha-synuclein pathology and down-stream pathways, and for pre-clinical drug testing. Interestingly, while postnatal transgene expression is widespread in central and peripheral neurons, the extent and progression of down-stream pathology differs between brain regions, thereby replicating the characteristic selective vulnerability of neurodegenerative diseases. In-depth characterization of these readouts in conjunction with behavioral deficits has led to more informative endpoints for pre-clinical trials. Each drug tested in Thy1-aSyn line 61 enhances knowledge on how molecular targets, pathology, and functional behavioral readouts are interconnected, thereby further optimizing the platform towards predictive validity for clinical trials. Here, we present the current state of the art using Thy1-aSyn line 61 for drug target discovery, validation, and pre-clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Richter
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
- Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Milos Stanojlovic
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christopher Käufer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Birthe Gericke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Malte Feja
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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7
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Li N, Gao X, Zheng L, Huang Q, Zeng F, Chen H, Farag MA, Zhao C. Advances in fucoxanthin chemistry and management of neurodegenerative diseases. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 105:154352. [PMID: 35917771 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative diseases are chronic, currently incurable, diseases of the elderly, which are characterized by protein misfolding and neuronal damage. Fucoxanthin, derived from marine brown algae, presents a promising candidate for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. HYPOTHESIS AND PURPOSE The relationship between neurodegenerative disease management and fucoxanthin has not yet been clarified. This study focuses on the fundamental mechanisms and targets of fucoxanthin in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease management, showing that communication between the brain and the gut contributes to neurodegenerative diseases and early diagnosis of ophthalmic diseases. This paper also presents, new insights for future therapeutic directions based on the integrated application of artificial intelligence. CONCLUSION Fucoxanthin primarily binds to amyloid fibrils with spreading properties such as Aβ, tau, and α-synuclein to reduce their accumulation levels, alleviate inflammatory factors, and restore mitochondrial membranes to prevent oxidative stress via Nrf2 and Akt signaling pathways, involving reduction of specific secretases. In addition, fucoxanthin may serve as a preventive diagnosis for neurodegenerative diseases through ophthalmic disorders. It can modulate gut microbes and has potential for the alleviation and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Lingjun Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qihui Huang
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feng Zeng
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hongbin Chen
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Oceanology and Food Science, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou 362000, China.
| | - Mohamed A Farag
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Chao Zhao
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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8
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Dong S, Sun M, He C, Cheng H. Brain-gut-microbiota axis in Parkinson's disease: a historical review and future perspective. Brain Res Bull 2022; 183:84-93. [PMID: 35245613 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Dong
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Mei Sun
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215228, China.
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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9
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Rabies virus glycoprotein- and transferrin-functionalized liposomes to elevate epigallocatechin gallate and FK506 activity and mediate MAPK against neuronal apoptosis in Parkinson's disease. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Asih PR, Stefanoska K, Prikas E, Ittner A. High Level Forebrain Expression of Active Tau Kinase p38γ Exacerbates Cognitive Dysfunction in Aged APP-transgenic Alzheimer's Mice. Neuroscience 2022; 484:53-65. [PMID: 35031398 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Persistent improvement of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common form of dementia, is an unattained therapeutic objective. Gene therapy holds promise for treatment of familial and sporadic forms of AD. p38γ, a member of the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, inhibits amyloid-β toxicity through regulation of tau phosphorylation. We recently showed that a gene delivery approach increasing p38γ resulted in markedly better learning and memory performance in mouse models of AD at advanced stages of amyloid-β- and tau-mediated cognitive impairment. Notably, low-to-moderate expression of p38γ had beneficial outcomes on cognition. The impact of high levels of p38γ on neuronal function remain unclear. Therefore, we addressed the outcomes of high levels of active p38γ on brain function, by direct injection of p38γ-encoding adeno-associated virus (AAV) into the forebrain of aged mice of an APP transgenic AD mouse model. While motor function in p38γ-expressing APP transgenic mice 2 months post-injection was comparable to control treated APP mice, their activity was markedly reduced in the open field test and included frequent bouts of immobility. Moreover, their learning and memory function was markedly impaired compared to control-treated aged APP mice. These results suggest that high neuronal levels of active p38γ emphasize a stress kinase role of p38γ, perturbing circuit function in motivation, navigation, and spatial learning. Overall, this work shows excessive neuronal p38γ levels can aggravate circuit dysfunction and advises adjustable expression systems will be required for sustainable AD gene therapy based on p38γ activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prita R Asih
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kristie Stefanoska
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Prikas
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
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11
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Efficacy and immunogenicity of MultiTEP-based DNA vaccines targeting human α-synuclein: prelude for IND enabling studies. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:1. [PMID: 35013319 PMCID: PMC8748802 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00424-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of misfolded proteins such as amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, and α-synuclein (α-Syn) in the brain leads to synaptic dysfunction, neuronal damage, and the onset of relevant neurodegenerative disorder/s. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are characterized by the aberrant accumulation of α-Syn intracytoplasmic Lewy body inclusions and dystrophic Lewy neurites resulting in neurodegeneration associated with inflammation. Cell to cell propagation of α-Syn aggregates is implicated in the progression of PD/DLB, and high concentrations of anti-α-Syn antibodies could inhibit/reduce the spreading of this pathological molecule in the brain. To ensure sufficient therapeutic concentrations of anti-α-Syn antibodies in the periphery and CNS, we developed four α-Syn DNA vaccines based on the universal MultiTEP platform technology designed especially for the elderly with immunosenescence. Here, we are reporting on the efficacy and immunogenicity of these vaccines targeting three B-cell epitopes of hα-Syn aa85–99 (PV-1947D), aa109–126 (PV-1948D), aa126–140 (PV-1949D) separately or simultaneously (PV-1950D) in a mouse model of synucleinopathies mimicking PD/DLB. All vaccines induced high titers of antibodies specific to hα-Syn that significantly reduced PD/DLB-like pathology in hα-Syn D line mice. The most significant reduction of the total and protein kinase resistant hα-Syn, as well as neurodegeneration, were observed in various brain regions of mice vaccinated with PV-1949D and PV-1950D in a sex-dependent manner. Based on these preclinical data, we selected the PV-1950D vaccine for future IND enabling preclinical studies and clinical development.
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Zheng SY, Li HX, Xu RC, Miao WT, Dai MY, Ding ST, Liu HD. Potential roles of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in Parkinson's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 69:101347. [PMID: 33905953 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complicated neurodegenerative disease attributed to multifactorial changes. However, its pathological mechanism remains undetermined. Accumulating evidence has revealed the emerging functions of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites, which can affect both the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Accordingly, intestinal dysbiosis might be closely associated with PD. This review explores alterations to gut microbiota, correlations with clinical manifestations of PD, and briefly probes the underlying mechanisms. Next, the highly controversial roles of microbial metabolites including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), H2 and H2S are discussed. Finally, the pros and cons of the current treatments for PD, including those targeting microbiota, are assessed. Advancements in research techniques, further studies on levels of specific strains and longitudinal prospective clinical trials are urgently needed for the identification of early diagnostic markers and the development of novel therapeutic approaches for PD.
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Svanbergsson A, Ek F, Martinsson I, Rodo J, Liu D, Brandi E, Haikal C, Torres-Garcia L, Li W, Gouras G, Olsson R, Björklund T, Li JY. FRET-Based Screening Identifies p38 MAPK and PKC Inhibition as Targets for Prevention of Seeded α-Synuclein Aggregation. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1692-1709. [PMID: 34258749 PMCID: PMC8609038 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein is associated with neurodegeneration and a hallmark pathology in synucleinopathies. These aggregates are thought to function as prion-like particles where the conformation of misfolded α-synuclein determines the traits of the induced pathology, similar to prion diseases. Still, little is known about the molecular targets facilitating the conformation-specific biological effects, but their identification could form the basis for new therapeutic interventions. High-throughput screening of annotated compound libraries could facilitate mechanistic investigation by identifying targets with impact on α-synuclein aggregation. To this end, we developed a FRET-based cellular reporter in HEK293T cells, with sensitivity down to 6.5 nM α-synuclein seeds. Using this model system, we identified GF109203X, SB202190, and SB203580 as inhibitors capable of preventing induction of α-synuclein aggregation via inhibition of p38 MAPK and PKC, respectively. We further investigated the mechanisms underlying the protective effects and found alterations in the endo-lysosomal system to be likely candidates of the protection. We found the changes did not stem from a reduction in uptake but rather alteration of lysosomal abundance and degradative capacity. Our findings highlight the value high-throughput screening brings to the mechanistic investigation of α-synuclein aggregation while simultaneously identifying novel therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Svanbergsson
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Neural Plasticity and Repair, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Ek
- Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Medicinal Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Isak Martinsson
- Experimental Dementia Research, Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jordi Rodo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Neural Plasticity and Repair, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Neural Plasticity and Repair, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Edoardo Brandi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Neural Plasticity and Repair, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Caroline Haikal
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Neural Plasticity and Repair, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Laura Torres-Garcia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Neural Plasticity and Repair, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Experimental Dementia Research, Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Neural Plasticity and Repair, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Gouras
- Experimental Dementia Research, Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Roger Olsson
- Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Medicinal Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Björklund
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Neural Plasticity and Repair, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110112, China.
- Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Ittner A, Asih PR, Tan ARP, Prikas E, Bertz J, Stefanoska K, Lin Y, Volkerling AM, Ke YD, Delerue F, Ittner LM. Reduction of advanced tau-mediated memory deficits by the MAP kinase p38γ. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 140:279-294. [PMID: 32725265 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02191-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylation of the neuronal tau protein contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) by promoting tau pathology and neuronal and cognitive deficits. In contrast, we have previously shown that site-specific tau phosphorylation can inhibit toxic signals induced by amyloid-β (Aβ) in mouse models. The post-synaptic mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase p38γ mediates this site-specific phosphorylation on tau at Threonine-205 (T205). Using a gene therapeutic approach, we draw on this neuroprotective mechanism to improve memory in two Aβ-dependent mouse models of AD at stages when advanced memory deficits are present. Increasing activity of post-synaptic kinase p38γ that targets T205 in tau reduced memory deficits in symptomatic Aβ-induced AD models. Reconstitution experiments with wildtype human tau or phosphorylation-deficient tauT205A showed that T205 modification is critical for downstream effects of p38γ that prevent memory impairment in APP-transgenic mice. Furthermore, genome editing of the T205 codon in the murine Mapt gene showed that this single side chain in endogenous tau critically modulates memory deficits in APP-transgenic Alzheimer's mice. Ablating the protective effect of p38γ activity by genetic p38γ deletion in a tau transgenic mouse model that expresses non-pathogenic tau rendered tau toxic and resulted in impaired memory function in the absence of human Aβ. Thus, we propose that modulating neuronal p38γ activity serves as an intrinsic tau-dependent therapeutic approach to augment compromised cognition in advanced dementia.
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