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Wu B, Liu Y, Li H, Zhu L, Zeng L, Zhang Z, Peng W. Liver as a new target organ in Alzheimer's disease: insight from cholesterol metabolism and its role in amyloid-beta clearance. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:695-714. [PMID: 38886936 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, the primary cause of dementia, is characterized by neuropathologies, such as amyloid plaques, synaptic and neuronal degeneration, and neurofibrillary tangles. Although amyloid plaques are the primary characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, targeting amyloid-beta clearance in the central nervous system has shown limited clinical efficacy in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Metabolic abnormalities are commonly observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The liver is the primary peripheral organ involved in amyloid-beta metabolism, playing a crucial role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Notably, impaired cholesterol metabolism in the liver may exacerbate the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we explore the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease and elucidate the role of the liver in amyloid-beta clearance and cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, we propose that restoring normal cholesterol metabolism in the liver could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lemei Zhu
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lingfeng Zeng
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Yangsheng College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
- Qinhuangdao Shanhaiguan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China
| | - Weijun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Jin S, Lv J, Li M, Feng N. The gut microbiota derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide: Its important role in cancer and other diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117031. [PMID: 38925016 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117031] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
An expanding body of research indicates a correlation between the gut microbiota and various diseases. Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota act as mediators between the gut microbiota and the host, interacting with multiple systems in the human body to regulate physiological or pathological functions. However, further investigation is still required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. One such metabolite involved in choline metabolism by gut microbes is trimethylamine (TMA), which can traverse the intestinal epithelial barrier and enter the bloodstream, ultimately reaching the liver where it undergoes oxidation catalyzed by flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) to form trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). While some TMAO is eliminated through renal excretion, remaining amounts circulate in the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial stress, and disruption of normal physiological functions in humans. As a representative microbial metabolite originating from the gut, TMAO has significant potential both as a biomarker for monitoring disease occurrence and progression and for tailoring personalized treatment strategies for patients. This review provides an extensive overview of TMAO sources and its metabolism in human blood, as well as its impact on several major human diseases. Additionally, we explore the latest research areas related to TMAO along with future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Zhou
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Nantong University Medical School, Nantong, China
| | - Shengkai Jin
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jing Lv
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Menglu Li
- Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China.
| | - Ninghan Feng
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; Nantong University Medical School, Nantong, China; Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China.
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Wang Y, Zheng AN, Yang H, Wang Q, Dai B, Wang JJ, Wan YT, Liu ZB, Liu SY. Olfactory Three-Needle Electroacupuncture Improved Synaptic Plasticity and Gut Microbiota of SAMP8 Mice by Stimulating Olfactory Nerve. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:729-741. [PMID: 37999886 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3614-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of olfactory three-needle (OTN) electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of the olfactory system on cognitive dysfunction, synaptic plasticity, and the gut microbiota in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. METHODS Thirty-six SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into the SAMP8 (P8), SAMP8+OTN (P8-OT), and SAMP8+nerve transection+OTN (P8-N-OT) groups according to a random number table (n=12 per group), and 12 accelerated senescence-resistant (SAMR1) mice were used as the control (R1) group. EA was performed at the Yintang (GV 29) and bilateral Yingxiang (LI 20) acupoints of SAMP8 mice for 4 weeks. The Morris water maze test, transmission electron microscopy, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, Nissl staining, Golgi staining, Western blot, and 16S rRNA sequencing were performed, respectively. RESULTS Compared with the P8 group, OTN improved the cognitive behavior of SAMP8 mice, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, increased neuronal activity, and attenuated hippocampal synaptic dysfunction (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the expression levels of synaptic plasticity-related proteins N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1), NMDAR2B, synaptophysin (SYN), and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD95) in hippocampus were increased by OTN treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, OTN greatly enhanced the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/cAMP-response element binding (CREB) signaling and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling compared with the P8 group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, the neuroprotective effect of OTN was attenuated by olfactory nerve truncation. Compared with the P8 group, OTN had a very limited effect on the fecal microbial structure and composition of SAMP8 mice, while specifically increased the genera Oscillospira and Sutterella (P<0.05). Interestingly, the P8-N-OT group showed an abnormal fecal microbiota with higher microbial α-diversity, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and pathogenic bacteria (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS OTN improved cognitive deficits and hippocampal synaptic plasticity by stimulating the olfactory nerve and activating the BDNF/CREB and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Although the gut microbiota was not the main therapeutic target of OTN for Alzheimer's disease, the olfactory nerve was essential to maintain the homeostasis of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- College of Acu-moxibustion and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
| | - A-Ni Zheng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712000, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 014040, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- College of Acu-moxibustion and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
| | - Biao Dai
- College of Acu-moxibustion and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
| | - Jia-Ju Wang
- College of Acu-moxibustion and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
| | - Yi-Tong Wan
- College of Acu-moxibustion and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Liu
- College of Acu-moxibustion and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
| | - Si-Yang Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China.
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Lu S, Zhao Q, Guan Y, Sun Z, Li W, Guo S, Zhang A. The communication mechanism of the gut-brain axis and its effect on central nervous system diseases: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117207. [PMID: 39067168 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117207] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota is involved in intricate and active metabolic processes the host's brain function, especially its role in immune responses, secondary metabolism, and symbiotic connections with the host. Gut microbiota can promote the production of essential metabolites, neurotransmitters, and other neuroactive chemicals that affect the development and treatment of central nervous system diseases. This article introduces the relevant pathways and manners of the communication between the brain and gut, summarizes a comprehensive overview of the current research status of key gut microbiota metabolites that affect the functions of the nervous system, revealing those adverse factors that affect typical communication between the brain-gut axis, and outlining the efforts made by researchers to alleviate these neurological diseases through targeted microbial interventions. The relevant pathways and manners of communication between the brain and gut contribute to the experimental design of new treatment plans and drug development. The factors that may cause changes in gut microbiota and affect metabolites, as well as current intervention methods are summarized, which helps improve gut microbiota brain dialogue, prevent adverse triggering factors from interfering with the gut microbiota system, and minimize neuropathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwen Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, GAP Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Qiqi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, GAP Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yu Guan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, GAP Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Zhiwen Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- School of Basic Medical Science of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Sifan Guo
- International Advanced Functional Omics Platform, Scientific Experiment Center, Hainan Medical University, Xueyuan Road 3, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- International Advanced Functional Omics Platform, Scientific Experiment Center, Hainan Medical University, Xueyuan Road 3, Haikou 571199, China; Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia.
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Huang Y, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Bai H, Peng R, Ruan W, Zhang Q, Cai E, Ma M, Zhao Y, Lu Y, Zheng L. Dynamic Changes in Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolite Trimethylamine-N-Oxide and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Potential for Dietary Changes in Diabetes Prevention. Nutrients 2024; 16:1711. [PMID: 38892643 PMCID: PMC11174887 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111711] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A gut-microbial metabolite, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), has been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Few previous prospective studies have addressed associations between the changes in TMAO and T2DM incidence. METHODS Data were derived from a longitudinal cohort conducted from 2019 to 2021 in rural areas of Fuxin County, Liaoning Province, China, and 1515 diabetes-free participants aged above 35 years were included. The concentrations of serum TMAO and its precursors were measured at two time points, namely in 2019 and 2021. TMAO and TMAO changes (ΔTMAO) were separately tested in a logistic regression model. For further examination, the odds ratios (ORs) for T2DM were calculated according to a combination of TMAO levels and ΔTMAO levels. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 1.85 years, 81 incident cases of T2DM (5.35%) were identified. Baseline TMAO levels exhibited a nonlinear relationship, first decreasing and then increasing, and only at the highest quartile was it associated with the risk of T2DM. The OR for T2DM in the highest quartile of serum TMAO was 3.35 (95%CI: 1.55-7.26, p = 0.002), compared with the lowest quartile. As for its precursors, only choline level was associated with T2DM risk and the OR for T2DM in the Q3 and Q4 of serum choline was 3.37 (95%CI: 1.41-8.05, p = 0.006) and 4.72 (95%CI: 1.47-15.13, p = 0.009), respectively. When considering both baseline TMAO levels and ΔTMAO over time, participants with sustained high TMAO levels demonstrated a significantly increased risk of T2DM, with a multivariable-adjusted OR of 8.68 (95%CI: 1.97, 38.34). CONCLUSION Both initial serum TMAO levels and long-term serum TMAO changes were collectively and significantly associated with the occurrence of subsequent T2DM events. Interventions aimed at normalizing TMAO levels, such as adopting a healthy dietary pattern, may be particularly beneficial in T2DM prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Huang
- Department of Acute Communicable Diseases Control and Prevention, Huangpu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200023, China;
| | - Yani Wu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.W.); (H.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - He Bai
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.W.); (H.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Ruiheng Peng
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.W.); (H.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Wenli Ruan
- Department of Physical and Chemical, Changning District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200051, China; (W.R.); (E.C.)
| | - Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China;
| | - Enmao Cai
- Department of Physical and Chemical, Changning District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200051, China; (W.R.); (E.C.)
| | - Mingfeng Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fenyang Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang 032200, China;
| | - Yueyang Zhao
- Library, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Physical and Chemical, Changning District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200051, China; (W.R.); (E.C.)
| | - Liqiang Zheng
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.W.); (H.B.); (R.P.)
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China;
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Yaqub A, Vojinovic D, Vernooij MW, Slagboom PE, Ghanbari M, Beekman M, van der Grond J, Hankemeier T, van Duijn CM, Ikram MA, Ahmad S. Plasma trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO): associations with cognition, neuroimaging, and dementia. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:113. [PMID: 38769578 PMCID: PMC11103865 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01480-1] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut-derived metabolite Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors - betaine, carnitine, choline, and deoxycarnitine - have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but their relation to cognition, neuroimaging markers, and dementia remains uncertain. METHODS In the population-based Rotterdam Study, we used multivariable regression models to study the associations between plasma TMAO, its precursors, and cognition in 3,143 participants. Subsequently, we examined their link to structural brain MRI markers in 2,047 participants, with a partial validation in the Leiden Longevity Study (n = 318). Among 2,517 participants, we assessed the risk of incident dementia using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Following this, we stratified the longitudinal associations by medication use and sex, after which we conducted a sensitivity analysis for individuals with impaired renal function. RESULTS Overall, plasma TMAO was not associated with cognition, neuroimaging markers or incident dementia. Instead, higher plasma choline was significantly associated with poor cognition (adjusted mean difference: -0.170 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.297;-0.043]), brain atrophy and more markers of cerebral small vessel disease, such as white matter hyperintensity volume (0.237 [95% CI: 0.076;0.397]). By contrast, higher carnitine concurred with lower white matter hyperintensity volume (-0.177 [95% CI: -0.343;-0.010]). Only among individuals with impaired renal function, TMAO appeared to increase risk of dementia (hazard ratio (HR): 1.73 [95% CI: 1.16;2.60]). No notable differences were observed in stratified analyses. CONCLUSIONS Plasma choline, as opposed to TMAO, was found to be associated with cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and markers of cerebral small vessel disease. These findings illustrate the complexity of relationships between TMAO and its precursors, and emphasize the need for concurrent study to elucidate gut-brain mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Yaqub
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, Rotterdam, CA, 3000, the Netherlands
| | - Dina Vojinovic
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, Rotterdam, CA, 3000, the Netherlands
- Section of Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meike W Vernooij
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, Rotterdam, CA, 3000, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P Eline Slagboom
- Section of Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mohsen Ghanbari
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, Rotterdam, CA, 3000, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Beekman
- Section of Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van der Grond
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Hankemeier
- Division of Analytical Biosciences, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, Rotterdam, CA, 3000, the Netherlands.
| | - Shahzad Ahmad
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, Rotterdam, CA, 3000, the Netherlands
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Nicolas S, Dohm-Hansen S, Lavelle A, Bastiaanssen TFS, English JA, Cryan JF, Nolan YM. Exercise mitigates a gut microbiota-mediated reduction in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and associated behaviours in rats. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:195. [PMID: 38658547 PMCID: PMC11043361 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02904-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle factors, especially exercise, impact the manifestation and progression of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as depression and Alzheimer's disease, mediated by changes in hippocampal neuroplasticity. The beneficial effects of exercise may be due to its promotion of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). Gut microbiota has also been showed to be altered in a variety of brain disorders, and disturbances of the microbiota have resulted in alterations in brain and behaviour. However, whether exercise can counteract the negative effects of altered gut microbiota on brain function remains under explored. To this end, chronic disruption of the gut microbiota was achieved using an antibiotic cocktail in rats that were sedentary or allowed voluntary access to running wheels. Sedentary rats with disrupted microbiota displayed impaired performance in hippocampal neurogenesis-dependent tasks: the modified spontaneous location recognition task and the novelty suppressed feeding test. Performance in the elevated plus maze was also impaired due to antibiotics treatment. These behaviours, and an antibiotics-induced reduction in AHN were attenuated by voluntary exercise. The effects were independent of changes in the hippocampal metabolome but were paralleled by caecal metabolomic changes. Taken together these data highlight the importance of the gut microbiota in AHN-dependent behaviours and demonstrate the power of lifestyle factors such as voluntary exercise to attenuate these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nicolas
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sebastian Dohm-Hansen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aonghus Lavelle
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Thomaz F S Bastiaanssen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jane A English
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Yvonne M Nolan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Qiao Q, Tian S, Zhang Y, Che L, Li Q, Qu Z, Wang W. A Ketogenic Diet may Improve Cognitive Function in Rats with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy by Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Synaptic Plasticity. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2249-2264. [PMID: 37870676 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03659-3] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
A ketogenic diet (KD) is often used in the treatment of refractory epilepsy. Many studies have found that it also has a positive impact on cognitive comorbidities, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. In many disease models, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and synaptic plasticity is considered a new therapeutic target for improving cognitive impairment, and it has become a research focus in recent years. Recently, studies have found that a KD has a certain regulatory effect on both ERS and synaptic plasticity, but this result has not been confirmed in epilepsy. To investigate the effect of a KD on ERS and synaptic plasticity. In this study, a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine was used. After the model was successfully established, the rats in each group were fed a normal diet or a KD for 28 days, and the effect of a KD on the latency and seizure frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) was observed via video monitoring. Subsequently, a Morris water maze was used to evaluate the spatial learning and memory abilities of the rats in each group; the ultrastructure of the ER and the synapses of the hippocampus were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the dendritic spine density of the hippocampus was analysed by Golgi staining. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was used to detect the synaptic plasticity of the rats' hippocampi, and the expression of ERS-related proteins and synapse-related proteins was detected by Western blotting. A KD effectively reduced the frequency of SRSs in rats with TLE and improved their learning and memory impairment. Further investigations found that a KD inhibited the up-regulation of glucose-regulated protein 78, phospho-protein kinase-like ER kinase, phosphorylated α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2, activating transcription factor 4 and C/EBP homologous protein expression in the hippocampi of rats with TLE and protected the ultrastructure of the neuronal ER, suggesting that a KD suppressed excessive ERS induced by epilepsy. Concurrently, we also found that a KD not only improved the synaptic ultrastructure and increased the density of dendritic spines in rats with TLE but also reversed the epilepsy-induced LTP deficit to some extent. More importantly, the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95, synaptotagmin-1 and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 in the hippocampi of rats with epilepsy was significantly increased after KD intervention. The study findings indicate that a KD improves learning and memory impairment in rats with epilepsy, possibly by regulating ERS and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Shuang Tian
- Department of Neurology, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Liqin Che
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Qing Li
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Zhenzhen Qu
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Weiping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
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Loh JS, Mak WQ, Tan LKS, Ng CX, Chan HH, Yeow SH, Foo JB, Ong YS, How CW, Khaw KY. Microbiota-gut-brain axis and its therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:37. [PMID: 38360862 PMCID: PMC10869798 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract is populated with a diverse microbial community. The vast genetic and metabolic potential of the gut microbiome underpins its ubiquity in nearly every aspect of human biology, including health maintenance, development, aging, and disease. The advent of new sequencing technologies and culture-independent methods has allowed researchers to move beyond correlative studies toward mechanistic explorations to shed light on microbiome-host interactions. Evidence has unveiled the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, referred to as the "microbiota-gut-brain axis". The microbiota-gut-brain axis represents an important regulator of glial functions, making it an actionable target to ameliorate the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases. As the gut microbiome provides essential cues to microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, we examine the communications between gut microbiota and these glial cells during healthy states and neurodegenerative diseases. Subsequently, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases using a metabolite-centric approach, while also examining the role of gut microbiota-related neurotransmitters and gut hormones. Next, we examine the potential of targeting the intestinal barrier, blood-brain barrier, meninges, and peripheral immune system to counteract glial dysfunction in neurodegeneration. Finally, we conclude by assessing the pre-clinical and clinical evidence of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in neurodegenerative diseases. A thorough comprehension of the microbiota-gut-brain axis will foster the development of effective therapeutic interventions for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sheng Loh
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Qi Mak
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Li Kar Stella Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chu Xin Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hong Hao Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shiau Hueh Yeow
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Jhi Biau Foo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yong Sze Ong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Wun How
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Kooi Yeong Khaw
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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10
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Zhuang H, Cao X, Tang X, Zou Y, Yang H, Liang Z, Yan X, Chen X, Feng X, Shen L. Investigating metabolic dysregulation in serum of triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease male mice: implications for pathogenesis and potential biomarkers. Amino Acids 2024; 56:10. [PMID: 38315232 PMCID: PMC10844422 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03375-1] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that lacks convenient and accessible peripheral blood diagnostic markers and effective drugs. Metabolic dysfunction is one of AD risk factors, which leaded to alterations of various metabolites in the body. Pathological changes of the brain can be reflected in blood metabolites that are expected to explain the disease mechanisms or be candidate biomarkers. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of targeted metabolites within peripheral blood of AD mouse model, with the purpose of exploring the disease mechanism and potential biomarkers. Targeted metabolomics was used to quantify 256 metabolites in serum of triple transgenic AD (3 × Tg-AD) male mice. Compared with controls, 49 differential metabolites represented dysregulation in purine, pyrimidine, tryptophan, cysteine and methionine and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Among them, adenosine, serotonin, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, and acetylcholine play a key role in regulating neural transmitter network. The alteration of S-adenosine-L-homocysteine, S-adenosine-L-methionine, and trimethylamine-N-oxide in AD mice serum can served as indicator of AD risk. The results revealed the changes of metabolites in serum, suggesting that metabolic dysregulation in periphery in AD mice may be related to the disturbances in neuroinhibition, the serotonergic system, sleep function, the cholinergic system, and the gut microbiota. This study provides novel insights into the dysregulation of several key metabolites and metabolic pathways in AD, presenting potential avenues for future research and the development of peripheral biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Zhuang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueshan Cao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Tang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongdong Zou
- Center for Instrumental Analysis, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Yang
- Center for Instrumental Analysis, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Liang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Yan
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolu Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingui Feng
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China.
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Tu R, Xia J. Stroke and Vascular Cognitive Impairment: The Role of Intestinal Microbiota Metabolite TMAO. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:102-121. [PMID: 36740795 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230203140805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome interacts with the brain bidirectionally through the microbiome-gutbrain axis, which plays a key role in regulating various nervous system pathophysiological processes. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is produced by choline metabolism through intestinal microorganisms, which can cross the blood-brain barrier to act on the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that elevated plasma TMAO concentrations increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, but there are few studies on TMAO in cerebrovascular disease and vascular cognitive impairment. This review summarized a decade of research on the impact of TMAO on stroke and related cognitive impairment, with particular attention to the effects on vascular cognitive disorders. We demonstrated that TMAO has a marked impact on the occurrence, development, and prognosis of stroke by regulating cholesterol metabolism, foam cell formation, platelet hyperresponsiveness and thrombosis, and promoting inflammation and oxidative stress. TMAO can also influence the cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease via inducing abnormal aggregation of key proteins, affecting inflammation and thrombosis. However, although clinical studies have confirmed the association between the microbiome-gut-brain axis and vascular cognitive impairment (cerebral small vessel disease and post-stroke cognitive impairment), the molecular mechanism of TMAO has not been clarified, and TMAO precursors seem to play the opposite role in the process of poststroke cognitive impairment. In addition, several studies have also reported the possible neuroprotective effects of TMAO. Existing therapies for these diseases targeted to regulate intestinal flora and its metabolites have shown good efficacy. TMAO is probably a new target for early prediction and treatment of stroke and vascular cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxin Tu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xia
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
- Human Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease, Changsha, China
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12
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Massey WJ, Kay KE, Jaramillo TC, Horak AJ, Cao S, Osborn LJ, Banerjee R, Mrdjen M, Hamoudi MK, Silver DJ, Burrows AC, Brown AL, Reizes O, Lathia JD, Wang Z, Hazen SL, Brown JM. Metaorganismal choline metabolism shapes olfactory perception. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105299. [PMID: 37777156 PMCID: PMC10630631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105299] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbes living in the intestine can regulate key signaling processes in the central nervous system that directly impact brain health. This gut-brain signaling axis is partially mediated by microbe-host-dependent immune regulation, gut-innervating neuronal communication, and endocrine-like small molecule metabolites that originate from bacteria to ultimately cross the blood-brain barrier. Given the mounting evidence of gut-brain crosstalk, a new therapeutic approach of "psychobiotics" has emerged, whereby strategies designed to primarily modify the gut microbiome have been shown to improve mental health or slow neurodegenerative diseases. Diet is one of the most powerful determinants of gut microbiome community structure, and dietary habits are associated with brain health and disease. Recently, the metaorganismal (i.e., diet-microbe-host) trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) pathway has been linked to the development of several brain diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ischemic stroke. However, it is poorly understood how metaorganismal TMAO production influences brain function under normal physiological conditions. To address this, here we have reduced TMAO levels by inhibiting gut microbe-driven choline conversion to trimethylamine (TMA), and then performed comprehensive behavioral phenotyping in mice. Unexpectedly, we find that TMAO is particularly enriched in the murine olfactory bulb, and when TMAO production is blunted at the level of bacterial choline TMA lyase (CutC/D), olfactory perception is altered. Taken together, our studies demonstrate a previously underappreciated role for the TMAO pathway in olfactory-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Massey
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristen E Kay
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas C Jaramillo
- Rodent Behavior Core, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Anthony J Horak
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shijie Cao
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Lucas J Osborn
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rakhee Banerjee
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Marko Mrdjen
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael K Hamoudi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel J Silver
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Amy C Burrows
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Amanda L Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Zeneng Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Stanley L Hazen
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - J Mark Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Microbiome & Human Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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13
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Qiao CM, Quan W, Zhou Y, Niu GY, Hong H, Wu J, Zhao LP, Li T, Cui C, Zhao WJ, Shen YQ. Orally Induced High Serum Level of Trimethylamine N-oxide Worsened Glial Reaction and Neuroinflammation on MPTP-Induced Acute Parkinson's Disease Model Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5137-5154. [PMID: 37266763 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03392-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation mediated by brain glial cells is one of the pathological drivers of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies have shown that higher circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO, a gut microbiota-derived metabolite) can induce neuroinflammation and are strongly related to a variety of central nervous system diseases and adverse brain events. Herein, we explored the effect of pre-existing higher circulating TMAO on dopamine system and neuroinflammation in acute PD model mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydroxypyridine (MPTP). TMAO pretreatment was given by adding 3% (w/v) TMAO to drinking water of mice for 21 days to induce higher circulating TMAO status, then mice were administered with MPTP (20 mg/kg, i.p) for four times in one day to construct an acute PD model mice and treated with TMAO continuously until the end of the experiment. Results demonstrated that TMAO treatment significantly increased serum TMAO levels. Moreover, high serum TMAO significantly increased activation of microglia and astrocytes both in striatum and in substantia nigra. And strikingly, high serum TMAO significantly promoted the metabolism of striatal dopamine (DA) of PD model mice, although it had no significant effect on the number of dopaminergic neurons or the content of DA. Furthermore, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and RT-qPCR results of the hippocampus also showed that high serum TMAO significantly promoted the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the dentate gyrus, increased the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and upregulated gene expression of M1 microglia-related markers (including CD16, CD32, and iNOS) and A2 astrocyte-related markers (including S100a10, Ptx3, and Emp1) in mRNA levels. In summary, we found that pre-existing high serum levels of TMAO worsened the PD-related brain pathology by promoting DA metabolism, aggravating neuroinflammation and regulating glial cell polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Meng Qiao
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Quan
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gu-Yu Niu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Hong
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-Ping Zhao
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Li
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Cui
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei-Jiang Zhao
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan-Qin Shen
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China.
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14
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Gong Y, Luo H, Li Z, Feng Y, Liu Z, Chang J. Metabolic Profile of Alzheimer's Disease: Is 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic Acid a Pertinent Metabolic Adjuster? Metabolites 2023; 13:954. [PMID: 37623897 PMCID: PMC10456792 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13080954] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a significant public health concern in modern society. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), which includes diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity, represents a modifiable risk factor for AD. MetS and AD are interconnected through various mechanisms, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, insulin resistance (IR), vascular impairment, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Therefore, it is necessary to seek a multi-targeted and safer approach to intervention. Thus, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), a unique hydroxy fatty acid in royal jelly, has shown promising anti-neuroinflammatory, blood-brain barrier (BBB)-preserving, and neurogenesis-promoting properties. In this paper, we provide a summary of the relationship between MetS and AD, together with an introduction to 10-HDA as a potential intervention nutrient. In addition, molecular docking is performed to explore the metabolic tuning properties of 10-HDA with associated macromolecules such as GLP-1R, PPARs, GSK-3, and TREM2. In conclusion, there is a close relationship between AD and MetS, and 10-HDA shows potential as a beneficial nutritional intervention for both AD and MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jie Chang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Soochow University, 199 Ren’ai Road, Suzhou 215123, China; (Y.G.)
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15
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Choi H, Mook-Jung I. Functional effects of gut microbiota-derived metabolites in Alzheimer's disease. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 81:102730. [PMID: 37236067 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The precise causation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unknown, and the factors that contribute to its etiology are highly complicated. Numerous research has been conducted to investigate the potential impact of various factors to the risk of AD development or prevention against it. A growing body of evidence suggests to the importance of the gut microbiota-brain axis in the modulation of AD, which is characterized by altered gut microbiota composition. These changes can alter the production of microbial-derived metabolites, which may play a detrimental role in disease progression by being involved in cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and accumulation of Aβ and tau. The focus of this review is on the relationship between the key metabolic products of the gut microbiota and AD pathogenesis in the brain. Understanding the action of microbial metabolites can open up new avenues for the development of AD treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Choi
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Convergence Dementia Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inhee Mook-Jung
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Convergence Dementia Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Liu J, Zhou S, Wang Y, Liu J, Sun S, Sun Y, Xu P, Xu X, Zhu B, Wu H. ZeXieYin Formula alleviates TMAO-induced cognitive impairment by restoring synaptic plasticity damage. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116604. [PMID: 37178985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Treating cognitive impairment is a challenging and necessary research topic. ZeXieYin Formula (ZXYF), is a traditional herbal formula documented in the book of HuangDiNeiJing. Our previous studies demonstrated the ameliorative effects of ZXYF on atherosclerosis by reducing the plasma trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) level. TMAO is a metabolite of gut microorganisms, our recent research found that the increasing level of TMAO may have adverse effects on cognitive functions. AIM OF THE STUDY Our study mainly focused on the therapeutic effects of ZXYF on TMAO-induced cognitive impairment in mice and explored its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS After the TMAO-induced cognitive impairment mice models were established, we applied behavioral tests to estimate the learning and memory ability of the ZXYF intervention mice. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to quantify the TMAO levels in plasma and the brain. The effects of ZXYF on the hippocampal synaptic structure and the neurons were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Nissl staining. In addition, western-blotting (WB) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to detect the level of related proteins in the synaptic structure and further verify the changes in synaptic plasticity and the mTOR pathway after ZXYF administration. RESULTS Behavioral tests showed that the learning and memory ability of mice impaired after a period of TMAO intervention and ZXYF could alleviate these changes. A series of results showed that ZXYF partly restored the damage of hippocampal synapse and neurons in TMAO-induced mice, at the same time, the expression of synapse-related proteins and mTOR pathway-related proteins were significantly regulated compared with the damage caused by TMAO. CONCLUSION ZXYF could alleviate TMAO-induced cognitive impairment by improving synaptic function, reducing neuronal damage, regulating synapse-associated proteins, and regulating the mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - Shihan Zhou
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - Jinling Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - SuPing Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - Yan Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - Ping Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China
| | - Xu Xu
- Nantong TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Boran Zhu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China.
| | - Haoxin Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China.
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17
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Kaur N, LaForce G, Mallela DP, Saha PP, Buffa J, Li XS, Sangwan N, Rothenberg K, Zhu W. Exploratory Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals the Role of Gut Microbiota in Vascular Dementia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098091. [PMID: 37175797 PMCID: PMC10178712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098091] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is the second most common cause of cognitive impairment and dementia. Vascular dementia (VaD), a cognitive impairment following a stroke, is common and significantly impacts the quality of life. We recently demonstrated via gut microbe transplant studies that the gut microbe-dependent trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) pathway impacts stroke severity, both infarct size and long-term cognitive outcomes. However, the molecular mechanisms that underly the role of the microbiome in VaD have not been explored in depth. To address this issue, we performed a comprehensive RNA-sequencing analysis to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes in the ischemic cerebral cortex of mouse brains at pre-stroke and post-stroke day 1 and day 3. A total of 4016, 3752 and 7861 DE genes were identified at pre-stroke and post-stroke day 1 and day 3, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated pathways of neurodegeneration in multiple diseases, chemokine signaling, calcium signaling, and IL-17 signaling as the key enriched pathways. Inflammatory response genes interleukin-1 beta (Il-1β), chemokines (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10), chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2)), and immune system genes (S100 calcium binding protein 8 (S100a8), lipocalin-2 (Lcn2)) were among the most significantly upregulated genes. Hypocretin neuropeptide precursor (Hcrt), a neuropeptide, and transcription factors such as neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4), GATA binding protein 3 (Gata3), and paired box 7 (Pax7) were among the most significantly downregulated genes. In conclusion, our results indicate that higher plasma TMAO levels induce differential mRNA expression profiles in the ischemic brain tissue in our pre-clinical stroke model, and the predicted pathways provide the molecular basis for regulating the TMAO-enhanced neuroinflammatory response in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navdeep Kaur
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Geneva LaForce
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Deepthi P Mallela
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Prasenjit Prasad Saha
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jennifer Buffa
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Xinmin S Li
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Naseer Sangwan
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Microbial Sequencing & Analytics Resource (MSAAR) Facility, Shared Laboratory Resources (SLR), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kasia Rothenberg
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Weifei Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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18
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Osredkar J, Baškovič BŽ, Finderle P, Bobrowska-Korczak B, Gątarek P, Rosiak A, Giebułtowicz J, Vrhovšek MJ, Kałużna-Czaplińska J. Relationship between Excreted Uremic Toxins and Degree of Disorder of Children with ASD. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7078. [PMID: 37108238 PMCID: PMC10138607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder in which communication and behavior are affected. A number of studies have investigated potential biomarkers, including uremic toxins. The aim of our study was to determine uremic toxins in the urine of children with ASD (143) and compare the results with healthy children (48). Uremic toxins were determined with a validated high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. We observed higher levels of p-cresyl sulphate (pCS) and indoxyl sulphate (IS) in the ASD group compared to the controls. Moreover, the toxin levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were lower in ASD patients. Similarly, for pCS and IS in children classified, according to the intensity of their symptoms, into mild, moderate, and severe, elevated levels of these compounds were observed. For mild severity of the disorder, elevated levels of TMAO and comparable levels of SDMA and ADMA for ASD children as compared to the controls were observed in the urine. For moderate severity of ASD, significantly elevated levels of TMAO but reduced levels of SDMA and ADMA were observed in the urine of ASD children as compared to the controls. When the results obtained for severe ASD severity were considered, reduced levels of TMAO and comparable levels of SDMA and ADMA were observed in ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joško Osredkar
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Njegoseva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.Ž.B.); (P.F.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Žvar Baškovič
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Njegoseva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.Ž.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Petra Finderle
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Njegoseva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.Ž.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Barbara Bobrowska-Korczak
- Department of Toxicology and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory Medicine Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paulina Gątarek
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (P.G.); (A.R.)
- CONEM Poland Chemistry and Nutrition Research Group, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Angelina Rosiak
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (P.G.); (A.R.)
- CONEM Poland Chemistry and Nutrition Research Group, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Giebułtowicz
- Department of Bioanalysis and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory Medicine Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Maja Jekovec Vrhovšek
- Center for Autism, Unit of Child Psychiatry, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška c.002, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Joanna Kałużna-Czaplińska
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (P.G.); (A.R.)
- CONEM Poland Chemistry and Nutrition Research Group, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
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19
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Zhou S, Liu J, Sun Y, Xu P, Liu JL, Sun S, Zhu B, Wu H. Dietary choline metabolite TMAO impairs cognitive function and induces hippocampal synaptic plasticity declining through the mTOR/P70S6K/4EBP1 pathway. Food Funct 2023; 14:2881-2895. [PMID: 36883968 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo03874a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate state between "healthy" and "dementia", which affects memory and cognitive function. Timely intervention and treatment of MCI can effectively prevent it from developing into an incurable neurodegenerative disease. Lifestyle factors, such as dietary habits, were highlighted as risk factors for MCI. The effect of a high-choline diet on cognitive function is contentious. In this study, we focus our attention on the choline metabolite trimethylamine-oxide (TMAO), an acknowledged pathogenic molecule of cardiovascular disease (CVD). With recent studies indicating that TMAO also plays a potential role in the central nervous system (CNS), we aim to explore the effect of TMAO on synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, the basic structure of studying and memory. Using various hippocampal-dependent spatial references or working memory-related behavioral texts, we found that TMAO treatment caused both long-term memory (LTM) and short-term memory (STM) deficits in vivo. Simultaneously, the plasm and whole brain levels of choline and TMAO were measured by employing liquid phase mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Furthermore, the effects of TMAO on the hippocampus were further explored by applying Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, the expression of synaptic plasticity-related proteins, including synaptophysin (SYN), postsynaptic density protein95 (PSD95), and N-methyl-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), was examined by western blotting and immunohistochemical (IHC). The results showed that TMAO treatment contributes to neuron loss, synapse ultrastructure alteration, and synaptic plasticity impairments. In mechanism, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates synaptic function, and the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway was observed in TMAO groups. In conclusion, this study confirmed that the choline metabolite TMAO can induce hippocampal-dependent learning and memory ability impairment with synaptic plasticity deficits by activating the mTOR signaling pathway. The effects of choline metabolites on cognitive function may provide a theoretical basis for establishing the daily reference intakes (DRIs) of choline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihan Zhou
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Ling Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Suping Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Boran Zhu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haoxin Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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20
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Zhang L, Yu F, Xia J. Trimethylamine N-oxide: role in cell senescence and age-related diseases. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:525-541. [PMID: 36219234 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-03011-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hayflick and Moorhead first demonstrated cell senescence as the irreversible growth arrest of cells after prolonged cultivation. Telomere shortening and oxidative stress are the fundamental mechanisms that drive cell senescence. Increasing studies have shown that TMAO is closely associated with cellular aging and age-related diseases. An emerging body of evidence from animal models, especially mice, has identified that TMAO contributes to senescence from multiple pathways and appears to accelerate many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, the specific mechanism of how TMAO speeds aging is still not completely clear. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this review, we summarize some key findings in TMAO, cell senescence, and age-related diseases. We focused particular attention on the potential mechanisms for clinical transformation to find ways to interfere with the aging process. CONCLUSION TMAO can accelerate cell senescence by causing mitochondrial damage, superoxide formation, and promoting the generation of pro-inflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Fang Yu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Xia
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China. .,Clinical Research Center for Cerebrovascular Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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21
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Constantino-Jonapa LA, Espinoza-Palacios Y, Escalona-Montaño AR, Hernández-Ruiz P, Amezcua-Guerra LM, Amedei A, Aguirre-García MM. Contribution of Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) to Chronic Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020431. [PMID: 36830968 PMCID: PMC9952918 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite produced by the gut microbiota and has been mainly associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in humans. There are factors that affect one's TMAO level, such as diet, drugs, age, and hormones, among others. Gut dysbiosis in the host has been studied recently as a new approach to understanding chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and Alzheimer's disease. These disease types as well as COVID-19 are known to modulate host immunity. Diabetic and obese patients have been observed to have an increase in their level of TMAO, which has a direct correlation with CVDs. This metabolite is attributed to enhancing the inflammatory pathways through cholesterol and bile acid dysregulation, promoting foam cell formation. Additionally, TMAO activates the transcription factor NF-κB, which, in turn, triggers cytokine production. The result can be an exaggerated inflammatory response capable of inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, which is responsible for various diseases. Due to the deleterious effects that this metabolite causes in its host, it is important to search for new therapeutic agents that allow a reduction in the TMAO levels of patients and that, thus, allow patients to be able to avoid a severe cardiovascular event. The present review discussed the synthesis of TMAO and its contribution to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Constantino-Jonapa
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Yoshua Espinoza-Palacios
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Alma R. Escalona-Montaño
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Paulina Hernández-Ruiz
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Luis M. Amezcua-Guerra
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Internal Medicine Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - María M. Aguirre-García
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-5573-2911 (ext. 27316)
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22
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Swer NM, Venkidesh BS, Murali TS, Mumbrekar KD. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites and their importance in neurological disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1663-1675. [PMID: 36399245 PMCID: PMC9889412 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08038-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microbial-derived metabolites are the intermediate or end products of bacterial digestion. They are one of the most important molecules for the gut to connect with the brain. Depending on the levels of specific metabolites produced in the host, it can exert beneficial or detrimental effects on the brain and have been linked to several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Insight into these mechanisms could reveal new pathways or targets, resulting in novel treatment approaches targeting neurodegenerative diseases. We have reviewed selected metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, aromatic amino acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide, urolithin A, anthocyanins, equols, imidazole, and propionate to highlight their mechanism of action, underlying role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and regulating neuro-immunoendocrine function. Further discussed on how altered metabolite levels can influence the gut-brain axis could lead to new prevention strategies or novel treatment approaches to neural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Mary Swer
- Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - B S Venkidesh
- Department of Radiation Biology & Toxicology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Thokur Sreepathy Murali
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Kamalesh Dattaram Mumbrekar
- Department of Radiation Biology & Toxicology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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23
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Saaoud F, Liu L, Xu K, Cueto R, Shao Y, Lu Y, Sun Y, Snyder NW, Wu S, Yang L, Zhou Y, Williams DL, Li C, Martinez L, Vazquez-Padron RI, Zhao H, Jiang X, Wang H, Yang X. Aorta- and liver-generated TMAO enhances trained immunity for increased inflammation via ER stress/mitochondrial ROS/glycolysis pathways. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e158183. [PMID: 36394956 PMCID: PMC9870092 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We determined whether gut microbiota-produced trimethylamine (TMA) is oxidized into trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in nonliver tissues and whether TMAO promotes inflammation via trained immunity (TI). We found that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress genes were coupregulated with MitoCarta genes in chronic kidney diseases (CKD); TMAO upregulated 190 genes in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs); TMAO synthesis enzyme flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) was expressed in human and mouse aortas; TMAO transdifferentiated HAECs into innate immune cells; TMAO phosphorylated 12 kinases in cytosol via its receptor PERK and CREB, and integrated with PERK pathways; and PERK inhibitors suppressed TMAO-induced ICAM-1. TMAO upregulated 3 mitochondrial genes, downregulated inflammation inhibitor DARS2, and induced mitoROS, and mitoTEMPO inhibited TMAO-induced ICAM-1. β-Glucan priming, followed by TMAO restimulation, upregulated TNF-α by inducing metabolic reprogramming, and glycolysis inhibitor suppressed TMAO-induced ICAM-1. Our results have provided potentially novel insights regarding TMAO roles in inducing EC activation and innate immune transdifferentiation and inducing metabolic reprogramming and TI for enhanced vascular inflammation, and they have provided new therapeutic targets for treating cardiovascular diseases (CVD), CKD-promoted CVD, inflammation, transplantation, aging, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lu Liu
- Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Keman Xu
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research and
| | - Ramon Cueto
- Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ying Shao
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research and
| | - Yifan Lu
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research and
| | - Yu Sun
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research and
| | - Nathaniel W. Snyder
- Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sheng Wu
- Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David L. Williams
- Department of Surgery, Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chuanfu Li
- Department of Surgery, Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Laisel Martinez
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Roberto I. Vazquez-Padron
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Huaqing Zhao
- Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Education and Data Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research and
- Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Centers for Cardiovascular Research and
- Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Huang J, Wu Y, Chai X, Wang S, Zhao Y, Hou Y, Ma Y, Chen S, Zhao S, Zhu X. β-Hydroxybutyric acid improves cognitive function in a model of heat stress by promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis. STRESS BIOLOGY 2022; 2:57. [PMID: 37676574 PMCID: PMC10441921 DOI: 10.1007/s44154-022-00079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress has multiple potential effects on the brain, such as neuroinflammation, neurogenesis defects, and cognitive impairment. β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) has been demonstrated to play neuroprotective roles in various models of neurological diseases. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of BHBA in alleviating heat stress-induced impairments of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Mice were exposed to 43 ℃ for 15 min for 14 days after administration with saline, BHBA, or minocycline. Here, we showed for the first time that BHBA normalized memory ability in the heat stress-treated mice and attenuated heat stress-impaired hippocampal neurogenesis. Consistently, BHBA noticeably improved the synaptic plasticity in the heat stress-treated hippocampal neurons by inhibiting the decrease of synapse-associated proteins and the density of dendritic spines. Moreover, BHBA inhibited the expression of cleaved caspase-3 by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the heat stress-treated hippocampus by activating the protein kinase B (Akt)/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) pathways. These findings indicate that BHBA is a potential agent for improving cognitive functions in heat stress-treated mice. The action may be mediated by ER stress, and Akt-CREB-BDNF and MeCP2 pathways to improve adult hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongji Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Chai
- Department of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongkang Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanting Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Short Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism in Relation to Gut Microbiota and Genetic Variability. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245361. [PMID: 36558520 PMCID: PMC9788597 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that the gut microbiota plays a significant role in modulating inflammatory and immune responses of their host. In recent years, the host-microbiota interface has gained relevance in understanding the development of many non-communicable chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmunity and neurodegeneration. Importantly, dietary fibre (DF) and associated compounds digested by the microbiota and their resulting metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), were significantly associated with health beneficial effects, such as via proposed anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, SCFA metabolic pathways are not fully understood. Major steps include production of SCFA by microbiota, uptake in the colonic epithelium, first-pass effects at the liver, followed by biodistribution and metabolism at the host's cellular level. As dietary patterns do not affect all individuals equally, the host genetic makeup may play a role in the metabolic fate of these metabolites, in addition to other factors that might influence the microbiota, such as age, birth through caesarean, medication intake, alcohol and tobacco consumption, pathogen exposure and physical activity. In this article, we review the metabolic pathways of DF, from intake to the intracellular metabolism of fibre-derived products, and identify possible sources of inter-individual variability related to genetic variation. Such variability may be indicative of the phenotypic flexibility in response to diet, and may be predictive of long-term adaptations to dietary factors, including maladaptation and tissue damage, which may develop into disease in individuals with specific predispositions, thus allowing for a better prediction of potential health effects following personalized intervention with DF.
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The Molecular Gut-Brain Axis in Early Brain Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315389. [PMID: 36499716 PMCID: PMC9739658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Millions of nerves, immune factors, and hormones in the circulatory system connect the gut and the brain. In bidirectional communication, the gut microbiota play a crucial role in the gut-brain axis (GBA), wherein microbial metabolites of the gut microbiota regulate intestinal homeostasis, thereby influencing brain activity. Dynamic changes are observed in gut microbiota as well as during brain development. Altering the gut microbiota could serve as a therapeutic target for treating abnormalities associated with brain development. Neurophysiological development and immune regulatory disorders are affected by changes that occur in gut microbiota composition and function. The molecular aspects relevant to the GBA could help develop targeted therapies for neurodevelopmental diseases. Herein, we review the findings of recent studies on the role of the GBA in its underlying molecular mechanisms in the early stages of brain development. Furthermore, we discuss the bidirectional regulation of gut microbiota from mother to infant and the potential signaling pathways and roles of posttranscriptional modifications in brain functions. Our review summarizes the role of molecular GBA in early brain development and related disorders, providing cues for novel therapeutic targets.
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Wen Y, Sun Z, Xie S, Hu Z, Lan Q, Sun Y, Yuan L, Zhai C. Intestinal Flora Derived Metabolites Affect the Occurrence and Development of Cardiovascular Disease. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:2591-2603. [PMID: 36388628 PMCID: PMC9656419 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s367591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that the gut microbiota and their metabolites play a pivotal role in human health and diseases, especially the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Intestinal flora imbalance (changes in the composition and function of intestinal flora) accelerates the progression of CVDs. The intestinal flora breaks down the food ingested by the host into a series of metabolically active products, including trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), primary and secondary bile acids, tryptophan and indole derivatives, phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) and branched chain amino acids (BCAA). These metabolites participate in the occurrence and development of CVDs via abnormally activating these signaling pathways more swiftly when the gut barrier integrity is broken down. This review focuses on the production and metabolism of TMAO and SCFAs. At the same time, we summarize the roles of intestinal flora metabolites in the occurrence and development of coronary heart disease and hypertension, pulmonary hypertension and other CVDs. The theories of "gut-lung axis" and "gut-heart axis" are provided, aiming to explore the potential targets for the treatment of CVDs based on the roles of the intestinal flora in the CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Wen
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, People’s Republic of China
- The First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zefan Sun
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuoyin Xie
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, People’s Republic of China
- The First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zixuan Hu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, People’s Republic of China
- The First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qicheng Lan
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, People’s Republic of China
- The First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yupeng Sun
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, People’s Republic of China
- The First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linbo Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changlin Zhai
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, People’s Republic of China
- The First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, People’s Republic of China
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Lu Y, Xu K, Lin D, Wang S, Fu R, Deng X, Croppi G, Zhang J. Multi-omics analysis reveals neuroinflammation, activated glial signaling, and dysregulated synaptic signaling and metabolism in the hippocampus of aged mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:964429. [PMID: 36408109 PMCID: PMC9669972 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.964429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an intricate biological event that occurs in both vertebrates and invertebrates. During the aging process, the brain, a vulnerable organ, undergoes structural and functional alterations, resulting in behavioral changes. The hippocampus has long been known to be critically associated with cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease during aging; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that altered metabolic and gene expression profiles promote the aging process in the hippocampus. Behavioral tests showed that exploration, locomotion, learning, and memory activities were reduced in aged mice. Metabolomics analysis identified 69 differentially abundant metabolites and showed that the abundance of amino acids, lipids, and microbiota-derived metabolites (MDMs) was significantly altered in hippocampal tissue of aged animals. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis identified 376 differentially expressed genes in the aged hippocampus. A total of 35 differentially abundant metabolites and 119 differentially expressed genes, constituting the top 200 correlations, were employed for the co-expression network. The multi-omics analysis showed that pathways related to inflammation, microglial activation, synapse, cell death, cellular/tissue homeostasis, and metabolism were dysregulated in the aging hippocampus. Our data revealed that metabolic perturbations and gene expression alterations in the aged hippocampus were possibly linked to their behavioral changes in aged mice; we also provide evidence that altered MDMs might mediate the interaction between gut and brain during the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinzhong Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yinzhong Lu,
| | - Kejia Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongyang Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobei Deng
- Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Junjie Zhang,
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Mudimela S, Vishwanath NK, Pillai A, Morales R, Marrelli SP, Barichello T, Giridharan VV. Clinical significance and potential role of trimethylamine N-oxide in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103334. [PMID: 35998800 PMCID: PMC10392962 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the past three decades, research on the gut microbiome and its metabolites, such as trimethylamines (TMA), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), bile acids, tryptophan and indole derivatives, has attracted the attention of many scientists and industrialists. Among these metabolites, TMAO is produced from dietary choline, phosphatidylcholine, carnitine,andbetaine. TMAO and other gut metabolites, such as TMA and SCFAs, reach the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and are involved in brain development, neurogenesis, and behavior. Gut-microbiota composition is influenced by diet, lifestyle, antibiotics, and age. Several studies have confirmed that altered TMAO levels contribute to metabolic, vascular, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. This review focuses on how altered TMAO levels impact oxidative stress, microglial activation, and the apoptosis of neurons, and may lead to neuroinflammation, which can subsequently result in the development of psychiatric, cognitive, and behavioral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowjanya Mudimela
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, PES University, HN-Campus, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Anilkumar Pillai
- Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Research and Development, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sean P Marrelli
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tatiana Barichello
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Translational Psychiatry Program, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Experimental Physiopathology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Vijayasree V Giridharan
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Translational Psychiatry Program, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.
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Buawangpong N, Pinyopornpanish K, Phrommintikul A, Chindapan N, Devahastin S, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. Increased plasma trimethylamine- N-oxide levels are associated with mild cognitive impairment in high cardiovascular risk elderly population. Food Funct 2022; 13:10013-10022. [PMID: 36069253 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02021a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease and cognitive impairment. The association between early stages of cognitive impairment and TMAO in a high CV risk population has not been previously investigated. This study aimed to investigate the association between the plasma TMAO level and cognitive function in a population with a high risk of CV disease. Participants at a high risk of CV were included. The cognition was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. A score lower than 25 out of 30 was used to indicate mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Blood samples of all participants (n = 233) were collected to measure the plasma levels of TMAO and other metabolic parameters, including fasting blood sugar and lipid profiles. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between MCI and high plasma TMAO levels, adjusted for confounding factors. Of 233 patients, the mean age of patients in this study was 64 years old (SD 8.4). The median TMAO level was 4.31 μM (IQR 3.95). The high TMAO level was an independent risk factor of MCI (aOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.02 to 5.47; p 0.046), when adjusted for age, gender, health care service scheme, smoking history, metabolic syndrome, and history of established CV events. The high TMAO level was associated with MCI, after adjustment for potential confounding factors. These findings demonstrate that plasma TMAO levels can serve for target prediction as an independent risk factor for MCI in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Buawangpong
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
| | - Kanokporn Pinyopornpanish
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
| | - Arintaya Phrommintikul
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
| | - Nathamol Chindapan
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science, Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand 10160
| | - Sakamon Devahastin
- Advanced Food Processsing Rsesearch Laboratory, Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand 10140.,The Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand 10300
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200. .,Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
| | - Siriporn C Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200. .,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200.,Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
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Chen X, Gu M, Hong Y, Duan R, Zhou J. Association of Trimethylamine N-Oxide with Normal Aging and Neurocognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091203. [PMID: 36138939 PMCID: PMC9497232 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging-related neurocognitive disorder (NCD) is a growing health concern. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite from dietary precursors, might emerge as a promising biomarker of cognitive dysfunction within the context of brain aging and NCD. TMAO may increase among older adults, Alzheimer’s disease patients, and individuals with cognitive sequelae of stroke. Higher circulating TMAO would make them more vulnerable to age- and NCD-related cognitive decline, via mechanisms such as promoting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and reducing synaptic plasticity and function. However, these observations are contrary to the cognitive benefit reported for TMAO through its positive effects on blood–brain barrier integrity, as well as from the supplementation of TMAO precursors. Hence, current disputable evidence does not allow definite conclusions as to whether TMAO could serve as a critical target for cognitive health. This article provides a comprehensive overview of TMAO documented thus far on cognitive change due to aging and NCD.
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Hasavci D, Blank T. Age-dependent effects of gut microbiota metabolites on brain resident macrophages. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:944526. [PMID: 36072564 PMCID: PMC9441744 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.944526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, development of age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as other brain disorders, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia have been shown to be associated with changes in the gut microbiome. Several factors can induce an alteration in the bacterial composition of the host's gastrointestinal tract. Besides dietary changes and frequent use of antibiotics, the microbiome is also profoundly affected by aging. Levels of microbiota-derived metabolites are elevated in older individuals with age-associated diseases and cognitive defects compared to younger, healthy age groups. The identified metabolites with higher concentration in aged hosts, which include choline and trimethylamine, are known risk factors for age-related diseases. While the underlying mechanisms and pathways remain elusive for the most part, it has been shown, that these metabolites are able to trigger the innate immunity in the central nervous system by influencing development and activation status of brain-resident macrophages. The macrophages residing in the brain comprise parenchymal microglia and non-parenchymal macrophages located in the perivascular spaces, meninges, and the choroid plexus. In this review, we highlight the impact of age on the composition of the microbiome and microbiota-derived metabolites and their influence on age-associated diseases caused by dysfunctional brain-resident macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Blank
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Ji X, Tian L, Niu S, Yao S, Qu C. Trimethylamine N-oxide promotes demyelination in spontaneous hypertension rats through enhancing pyroptosis of oligodendrocytes. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:963876. [PMID: 36072486 PMCID: PMC9441869 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.963876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), a brain microvessels dysfunction accompanied by white matter lesions (WML). Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite of intestinal flora, is correlated with cardiovascular and aging diseases. Here, we explored the effect of TMAO on the demyelination of WML. Methods Spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs) and primary oligodendrocytes were used to explore the effect of TMAO on demyelination in vivo and in vitro. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was applied to characterize the white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in rats. TMAO level was evaluated using LC-MS/MS assay. The histopathological changes of corpus callosum were measured by hematoxylin-eosin and luxol fast blue staining. And the related markers were detected by IHC, IF and western blot assay. Mito Tracker Red probe, DCFH-DA assay, flow cytometry based on JC-1 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were conducted to evaluate the mitochondrial function, intracellular ROS levels and cell apoptosis. Results SHRs exhibited stronger WMH signals and a higher TMAO level than age-matched normotensive Wistar-kyoto rats (WKY). The corpus callosum region of SHR showed decreased volumes and enhanced demyelination when treated with TMAO. Furthermore, TMAO significantly elevated ROS production and induced NLRP3 inflammasome and impairment of mitochondrial function of oligodendrocytes. More importantly, TMAO enhanced the pyroptosis-related inflammatory death of oligodendrocytes. Conclusion TMAO could cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and promote oligodendrocytes pyroptosis via ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction to promote demyelination, revealing a new diagnostic marker for WML under hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotan Ji
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Jining No. 1 People’s Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Long Tian
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shenna Niu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shumei Yao
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanqiang Qu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Chuanqiang Qu,
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The Role of a Gut Microbial-Derived Metabolite, Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO), in Neurological Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:6684-6700. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02990-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Lee Y, Kang JS, Ham OJ, Son MY, Lee MO. Gut metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide induces aging-associated phenotype of midbrain organoids for the induced pluripotent stem cell-based modeling of late-onset disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:925227. [PMID: 36051303 PMCID: PMC9426463 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.925227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids are valuable research models for human development and disease since they mimic the various cell compositions and structures of the human brain; however, they have challenges in presenting aging phenotypes for degenerative diseases. This study analyzed the association between aging and the gut metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which is highly found in the midbrain of elderly and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. TMAO treatment in midbrain organoid induced aging-associated molecular changes, including increased senescence marker expression (P21, P16), p53 accumulation, and epigenetic alterations. In addition, TMAO-treated midbrain organoids have shown parts of neurodegeneration phenotypes, including impaired brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, loss of dopaminergic neurons, astrocyte activation, and neuromelanin accumulation. Moreover, we found TMAO treatment-induced pathophysiological phosphorylation of α-synuclein protein at Ser-129 residues and Tau protein at Ser202/Thr205. These results suggest a role of TMAO in the aging and pathogenesis of the midbrain and provide insight into how intestinal dysfunction increases the risk of PD. Furthermore, this system can be utilized as a novel aging model for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based modeling of late-onset diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngsun Lee
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Ji Su Kang
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - On-Ju Ham
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Mi-Young Son
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
- Mi-Young Son,
| | - Mi-Ok Lee
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Mi-Ok Lee,
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Wang F, Gu Y, Xu C, Du K, Zhao C, Zhao Y, Liu X. Transplantation of fecal microbiota from APP/PS1 mice and Alzheimer’s disease patients enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress in the cerebral cortex of wild-type mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:858130. [PMID: 35966768 PMCID: PMC9367971 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.858130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose The gut-brain axis is bidirectional and the imbalance of the gut microbiota usually coexists with brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Accumulating evidence indicates that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a core lesion in AD and persistent ER stress promotes AD pathology and impairs cognition. However, whether the imbalance of the gut microbiota is involved in triggering the ER stress in the brain remains unknown. Materials and methods In the present study, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed with gut microbiota from AD patients and APP/PS1 mice, respectively, resulting in two mouse models with dysregulated gut microbiota. The ER stress marker protein levels in the cerebral cortex were assessed using western blotting. The composition of the gut microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results Excessive ER stress was induced in the cerebral cortex of mice after FMT. Elevated ER stress marker proteins (p-perk/perk, p-eIF2α/eIF2α) were observed, which were rescued by 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB). Notably, DMB is a compound that significantly attenuates serum trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite of the gut microbiota widely reported to affect cognition. Conclusion The findings indicate that imbalance of the gut microbiota induces ER stress in the cerebral cortex, which may be mediated by TMAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yongzhe Gu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenhaoyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kangshuai Du
- Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chence Zhao
- School of Nursing, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanxin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yanxin Zhao,
| | - Xueyuan Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Xueyuan Liu,
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Mediterranean Diet on Sleep: A Health Alliance. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142998. [PMID: 35889954 PMCID: PMC9318336 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet is a plant-based, antioxidant-rich, unsaturated fat dietary pattern that has been consistently associated with lower rates of noncommunicable diseases and total mortality, so that it is considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns. Clinical trials and mechanistic studies have demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet and its peculiar foods and nutrients exert beneficial effects against inflammation, oxidative stress, dysmetabolism, vascular dysfunction, adiposity, senescence, cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and tumorigenesis, thus preventing age-associated chronic diseases and improving wellbeing and health. Nocturnal sleep is an essential physiological function, whose alteration is associated with health outcomes and chronic diseases. Scientific evidence suggests that diet and sleep are related in a bidirectional relationship, and the understanding of this association is important given their role in disease prevention. In this review, we surveyed the literature concerning the current state of evidence from epidemiological studies on the impact of the Mediterranean diet on nighttime sleep quantity and quality. The available studies indicate that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with adequate sleep duration and with several indicators of better sleep quality. Potential mechanisms mediating the effect of the Mediterranean diet and its foods and nutrients on sleep are described, and gap-in-knowledge and new research agenda to corroborate findings are discussed.
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Microbial-derived metabolites as a risk factor of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:43. [PMID: 35715821 PMCID: PMC9204954 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00548-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A consequence of our progressively ageing global population is the increasing prevalence of worldwide age-related cognitive decline and dementia. In the absence of effective therapeutic interventions, identifying risk factors associated with cognitive decline becomes increasingly vital. Novel perspectives suggest that a dynamic bidirectional communication system between the gut, its microbiome, and the central nervous system, commonly referred to as the microbiota-gut-brain axis, may be a contributing factor for cognitive health and disease. However, the exact mechanisms remain undefined. Microbial-derived metabolites produced in the gut can cross the intestinal epithelial barrier, enter systemic circulation and trigger physiological responses both directly and indirectly affecting the central nervous system and its functions. Dysregulation of this system (i.e., dysbiosis) can modulate cytotoxic metabolite production, promote neuroinflammation and negatively impact cognition. In this review, we explore critical connections between microbial-derived metabolites (secondary bile acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), tryptophan derivatives and others) and their influence upon cognitive function and neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular interest in their less-explored role as risk factors of cognitive decline.
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Díaz-Hung ML, Hetz C. Proteostasis and resilience: on the interphase between individual's and intracellular stress. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:305-317. [PMID: 35337729 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.02.003] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A long proportion of the population is resilient to the negative consequences of stress. Glucocorticoids resulting from endocrine responses to stress are essential adaptive mediators, but also drive alterations to brain function, negatively impacting neuronal connectivity, synaptic plasticity, and memory-related processes. Recent evidence has indicated that organelle function and cellular stress responses are relevant determinant of vulnerability and resistance to environmental stress. At the molecular level, a fundamental mechanism of cellular stress adaptation is the maintenance of proteostasis, which also have key roles in sustaining basal neuronal function. Here, we discuss recent evidence suggesting that proteostasis unbalance at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum, the main site for protein folding in the cell, represents a possible mechanistic link between individuals and cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Li Díaz-Hung
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA.
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Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) Is Critical for Dioxin-Induced Reorganization of the Gut Microbiome and Host Insulin Sensitivity. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12040364. [PMID: 35448550 PMCID: PMC9029240 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12040364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to some environmental pollutants can have potent endocrine-disrupting effects, thereby promoting hormone imbalance and cardiometabolic diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetes, and cardiorenal diseases. Recent evidence also suggests that many environmental pollutants can reorganize the gut microbiome to potentially impact these diverse human diseases. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is among the most potent endocrine-disrupting dioxin pollutants, yet our understanding of how TCDD impacts the gut microbiome and systemic metabolism is incompletely understood. Here, we show that TCDD exposure in mice profoundly stimulates the hepatic expression of flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (Fmo3), which is a hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme that is also responsible for the production of the gut microbiome-associated metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Interestingly, an enzymatic product of FMO3 (TMAO) has been associated with the same cardiometabolic diseases that these environmental pollutants promote. Therefore, here, we examined TCDD-induced alterations in the gut microbiome, host liver transcriptome, and glucose tolerance in Fmo3+/+ and Fmo3-/- mice. Our results show that Fmo3 is a critical component of the transcriptional response to TCDD, impacting the gut microbiome, host liver transcriptome, and systemic glucose tolerance. Collectively, this work uncovers a previously underappreciated role for Fmo3 in integrating diet-pollutant-microbe-host interactions.
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Bairamian D, Sha S, Rolhion N, Sokol H, Dorothée G, Lemere CA, Krantic S. Microbiota in neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction: a focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:19. [PMID: 35248147 PMCID: PMC8898063 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00522-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The implication of gut microbiota in the control of brain functions in health and disease is a novel, currently emerging concept. Accumulating data suggest that the gut microbiota exert its action at least in part by modulating neuroinflammation. Given the link between neuroinflammatory changes and neuronal activity, it is plausible that gut microbiota may affect neuronal functions indirectly by impacting microglia, a key player in neuroinflammation. Indeed, increasing evidence suggests that interplay between microglia and synaptic dysfunction may involve microbiota, among other factors. In addition to these indirect microglia-dependent actions of microbiota on neuronal activity, it has been recently recognized that microbiota could also affect neuronal activity directly by stimulation of the vagus nerve.
Main messages
The putative mechanisms of the indirect and direct impact of microbiota on neuronal activity are discussed by focusing on Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most studied neurodegenerative disorders and the prime cause of dementia worldwide. More specifically, the mechanisms of microbiota-mediated microglial alterations are discussed in the context of the peripheral and central inflammation cross-talk. Next, we highlight the role of microbiota in the regulation of humoral mediators of peripheral immunity and their impact on vagus nerve stimulation. Finally, we address whether and how microbiota perturbations could affect synaptic neurotransmission and downstream cognitive dysfunction.
Conclusions
There is strong increasing evidence supporting a role for the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, including effects on synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation, which contribute to cognitive decline. Putative early intervention strategies based on microbiota modulation appear therapeutically promising for Alzheimer’s disease but still require further investigation.
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Cinar H, Oliva R, Wu H, Zhang M, Chan HS, Winter R. Effects of Cosolvents and Crowding Agents on the Stability and Phase Transition Kinetics of the SynGAP/PSD-95 Condensate Model of Postsynaptic Densities. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:1734-1741. [PMID: 35171623 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The SynGAP/PSD-95 binary protein system serves as a simple mimicry of postsynaptic densities (PSDs), which are protein assemblies based largely on liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), that are located underneath the plasma membrane of excitatory synapses. Surprisingly, the LLPS of the SynGAP/PSD-95 system is much more pressure sensitive than typical folded states of proteins or nucleic acids. It was found that phase-separated SynGAP/PSD-95 droplets dissolve into a homogeneous solution at a pressure of tens to hundred bar. Since organisms in the deep sea are exposed to pressures of up to ∼1000 bar, this observation suggests that deep-sea organisms must counteract the high pressure sensitivity of PSDs to avoid neurological impairment. We demonstrate here that the compatible osmolyte trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) as well as macromolecular crowding agents at moderate concentrations can mitigate the deleterious effect of pressure on SynGAP/PSD-95 droplet stability, extending stable LLPS up to almost a kbar level. Moreover, the formation of SynGAP/PSD-95 droplets is a very rapid process that can be switched on and off in seconds. In contrast with the marked effects of the cosolutes on droplet stability, at the cosolutes' respective biologically relevant concentrations, their impact on the phase transformation kinetics is rather small. Only a high TMAO concentration results in a significant kinetic retardation of LLPS. Taken together, these findings offer new biophysical insights into the neurological effects of hydrostatic pressure. In particular, our results indicate how pressure-induced neurological disorders might be alleviated by upregulating certain cosolutes in the cellular milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Cinar
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Haowei Wu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China.,School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hue Sun Chan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Roland Winter
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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Zarbock KR, Han JH, Singh AP, Thomas SP, Bendlin BB, Denu JM, Yu JPJ, Rey FE, Ulland TK. Trimethylamine N-Oxide Reduces Neurite Density and Plaque Intensity in a Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:585-597. [PMID: 36155509 PMCID: PMC9881463 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common aging-associated neurodegenerative disease; nevertheless, the etiology and progression of the disease is still incompletely understood. We have previously shown that the microbially-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of individuals with cognitive impairment due to AD and positively correlates with increases in CSF biomarkers for tangle, plaque, and neuronal pathology. OBJECTIVE We assessed the direct impact of TMAO on AD progression. METHODS To do so, transgenic 5XFAD mice were supplemented with TMAO for 12 weeks. Neurite density was assessed through quantitative brain microstructure imaging with neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Label-free, quantitative proteomics was performed on cortex lysates from TMAO-treated and untreated animals. Amyloid-β plaques, astrocytes, and microglia were assessed by fluorescent immunohistochemistry and synaptic protein expression was quantified via western blot. RESULTS Oral TMAO administration resulted in significantly reduced neurite density in several regions of the brain. Amyloid-β plaque mean intensity was reduced, while plaque count and size remained unaltered. Proteomics analysis revealed that TMAO treatment impacted the expression of 30 proteins (1.5-fold cut-off) in 5XFAD mice, including proteins known to influence neuronal health and amyloid-β precursor protein processing. TMAO treatment did not alter astrocyte and microglial response nor cortical synaptic protein expression. CONCLUSION These data suggest that elevated plasma TMAO impacts AD pathology via reductions in neurite density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie R. Zarbock
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Bacteriology
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
| | - Jessica H. Han
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Bacteriology
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Biomolecular Chemistry
| | - Ajay P. Singh
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology
| | - Sydney P. Thomas
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Biomolecular Chemistry
| | - Barbara B. Bendlin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
| | - John M. Denu
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Biomolecular Chemistry
| | - John-Paul J. Yu
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology
| | | | - Tyler K. Ulland
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
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Wasén C, Simonsen E, Ekwudo MN, Profant MR, Cox LM. The emerging role of the microbiome in Alzheimer's disease. MICROBIOME IN NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE 2022; 167:101-139. [PMID: 36427953 PMCID: PMC10170863 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia and can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies suggest that the intestinal microbiota is altered in AD patients when compared to healthy individuals and may play a role in disease onset and progression. Aging is the greatest risk factor for AD, and age-related changes in the microbiota can affect processes that contribute to cognitive decline. The microbiota may affect AD by modulating peripheral and central immunity or by secreting factors that influence neurogenesis or neuronal cell death. Finally, probiotic and dietary interventions that target the microbiome may have therapeutic potential to prevent or treat AD.
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Gut Metabolite Trimethylamine N-Oxide Protects INS-1 β-Cell and Rat Islet Function under Diabetic Glucolipotoxic Conditions. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121892. [PMID: 34944536 PMCID: PMC8699500 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum accumulation of the gut microbial metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is associated with high caloric intake and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Impaired pancreatic β-cell function is a hallmark of diet-induced T2D, which is linked to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. While TMAO production via the gut microbiome-liver axis is well defined, its molecular effects on metabolic tissues are unclear, since studies in various tissues show deleterious and beneficial TMAO effects. We investigated the molecular effects of TMAO on functional β-cell mass. We hypothesized that TMAO may damage functional β-cell mass by inhibiting β-cell viability, survival, proliferation, or function to promote T2D pathogenesis. We treated INS-1 832/13 β-cells and primary rat islets with physiological TMAO concentrations and compared functional β-cell mass under healthy standard cell culture (SCC) and T2D-like glucolipotoxic (GLT) conditions. GLT significantly impeded β-cell mass and function by inducing oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. TMAO normalized GLT-mediated damage in β-cells and primary islet function. Acute 40µM TMAO recovered insulin production, insulin granule formation, and insulin secretion by upregulating the IRE1α unfolded protein response to GLT-induced ER and oxidative stress. These novel results demonstrate that TMAO protects β-cell function and suggest that TMAO may play a beneficial molecular role in diet-induced T2D conditions.
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Chen Y, Wang M. New Insights of Anti-Hyperglycemic Agents and Traditional Chinese Medicine on Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes. Drug Des Devel Ther 2021; 15:4849-4863. [PMID: 34876807 PMCID: PMC8643148 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s334325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Human microbiota, which is regarded as a “hidden organ”, plays an important role in the initiation and development of T2DM. In addition, anti-hyperglycemic agents and traditional Chinese medicine may affect the composition of gut microbiota and consequently improve glucose metabolism. However, the relationship between gut microbiota, T2DM and anti-hyperglycemic agents or traditional Chinese medicine is poorly understood. In this review, we summarized pre-clinical and clinical studies to elucidate the possible underlying mechanism. Some anti-hyperglycemic agents and traditional Chinese medicine may partly exert hypoglycemic effects by altering the gut microbiota composition in ways that reduce metabolic endotoxemia, maintain the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier, promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), decrease trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and regulate bile acid metabolism. In conclusion, gut microbiota may provide some new therapeutic targets for treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People's Republic of China
| | - Mian Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People's Republic of China
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Buawangpong N, Pinyopornpanish K, Siri-Angkul N, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. The role of trimethylamine-N-Oxide in the development of Alzheimer's disease. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1661-1685. [PMID: 34812510 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is associated with multiple risk factors and is the most common type of dementia. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota metabolite derived from dietary choline and carnitine, has recently been identified as a potential risk factor of Alzheimer's disease. It has been demonstrated that TMAO is associated with Alzheimer's disease through various pathophysiological pathways. As a result of molecular crowding effects, TMAO causes the aggregation of the two proteins, amyloid-beta peptide and tau protein. The aggregation of these proteins is the main pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, it has been found that TMAO can activate astrocytes, and inflammatory response. Besides molecular investigation, animal and human studies have also supported the existence of a functional relationship between TMAO and cognitive decline. This article comprehensively summarizes the relationship between TMAO and Alzheimer's disease including emerging evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. We hope that this knowledge will improve the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Buawangpong
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Natthapat Siri-Angkul
- Department of Physiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Physiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siriporn C Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Glinert A, Turjeman S, Elliott E, Koren O. Microbes, metabolites and (synaptic) malleability, oh my! The effect of the microbiome on synaptic plasticity. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:582-599. [PMID: 34734461 PMCID: PMC9298272 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The microbiome influences the emotional and cognitive phenotype of its host, as well as the neurodevelopment and pathophysiology of various brain processes and disorders, via the well‐established microbiome–gut–brain axis. Rapidly accumulating data link the microbiome to severe neuropsychiatric disorders in humans, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Moreover, preclinical work has shown that perturbation of the microbiome is closely associated with social, cognitive and behavioural deficits. The potential of the microbiome as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool is currently undercut by a lack of clear mechanistic understanding of the microbiome–gut–brain axis. This review establishes the hypothesis that the mechanism by which this influence is carried out is synaptic plasticity – long‐term changes to the physical and functional neuronal structures that enable the brain to undertake learning, memory formation, emotional regulation and more. By examining the different constituents of the microbiome–gut–brain axis through the lens of synaptic plasticity, this review explores the diverse aspects by which the microbiome shapes the behaviour and mental wellbeing of the host. Key elements of this complex bi‐directional relationship include neurotransmitters, neuronal electrophysiology, immune mediators that engage with both the central and enteric nervous systems and signalling cascades that trigger long‐term potentiation of synapses. The importance of establishing mechanistic correlations along the microbiome–gut–brain axis cannot be overstated as they hold the potential for furthering current understanding regarding the vast fields of neuroscience and neuropsychiatry. This review strives to elucidate the promising theory of microbiome‐driven synaptic plasticity in the hope of enlightening current researchers and inspiring future ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayala Glinert
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, 8 Henrietta Szold, Safed, 1311502, Israel
| | - Sondra Turjeman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, 8 Henrietta Szold, Safed, 1311502, Israel
| | - Evan Elliott
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, 8 Henrietta Szold, Safed, 1311502, Israel
| | - Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, 8 Henrietta Szold, Safed, 1311502, Israel
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Yang G, Zhang X. TMAO promotes apoptosis and oxidative stress of pancreatic acinar cells by mediating IRE1α-XBP-1 pathway. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:361-369. [PMID: 34755714 PMCID: PMC8656330 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_12_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis caused by hyperlipidemia is a severe life-threatening condition. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new therapeutic methods to treat this disease. METHODS Cell viability was determined by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Western blotting (WB) was used to detect the expression levels of apoptotic and endoribonuclease inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)/X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1) pathway-associated proteins. The induction of cell apoptosis was determined using flow cytometry. The expression levels of the oxidative stress indicators were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS WB analysis and the CCK-8 assay demonstrated that trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) decreased cell viability and facilitated apoptosis of MPC-83 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the induction of oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating the levels of specific markers, including hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and superoxide dismutase. The levels of the aforementioned markers were increased in the TMAO-treated group. Subsequently, the IRE1α/XBP-1 pathway-associated proteins were analyzed by WB analysis and the data demonstrated that the regulatory effects of TMAO on MPC-83 cells were meditated by the IRE1α/XBP-1 signaling pathway. Subsequently, rescue experiments were performed to further assess the effects of TMAO. CONCLUSION The present study provides evidence on the application of TMAO as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for the therapeutic intervention of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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50
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Li X, Hong J, Wang Y, Pei M, Wang L, Gong Z. Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Pathway: A Potential Target for the Treatment of MAFLD. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:733507. [PMID: 34660695 PMCID: PMC8517136 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.733507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a molecular metabolite derived from the gut flora, which has recently emerged as a candidate risk factor for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). TMAO is mainly derived from gut, where the gut microbiota converts TMA precursors into TMA, which is absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal mucosa, and then transformed into TMAO by hepatic flavin monooxygenases (FMOs) in the liver. High-nutrient diets rich in TMA precursors, such as red meat, eggs, and fish, are the main sources of TMAO. Excessively consuming such diets not only directly affects energy metabolism in liver, but also increases the concentration of TMAO in plasma, which promotes the development of MAFLD by affecting bile acid metabolism, unfolded protein response, and oxidative stress. In this review, we focused on the relationship between TMAO and MAFLD and summarized intervention strategies for reducing circulating TMAO concentration, aiming at providing new targets for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Maohua Pei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Luwen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zuojiong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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