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Marino AL, Rex TS, Harrison FE. Modulation of microglia activation by the ascorbic acid transporter SVCT2. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:557-570. [PMID: 38972487 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a major characteristic of pathology in several neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia, the brain's resident myeloid cells, shift between activation states under neuroinflammatory conditions, both responding to, but also driving damage in the brain. Vitamin C (ascorbate) is an essential antioxidant for central nervous system function that may have a specific role in the neuroinflammatory response. Uptake of ascorbate throughout the central nervous system is facilitated by the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2). SVCT2 transports the reduced form of ascorbate into neurons and microglia, however the contribution of altered SVCT2 expression to the neuroinflammatory response in microglia is not well understood. In this study we demonstrate that SVCT2 expression modifies microglial response, as shown through changes in cell morphology and mRNA expression, following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in mice with decreased or increased expression of SVCT2. Results were supported by in vitro studies in an immortalized microglial cell line and in primary microglial cultures derived from SVCT2-heterozygous and transgenic animals. Overall, this work demonstrates the importance of SVCT2 and ascorbate in modulating the microglial response to mTBI and suggests a potential role for both in response to neuroinflammatory challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Marino
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Tonia S Rex
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Division of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Fiona E Harrison
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
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Guo D, Liao Y, Na J, Wu L, Yin Y, Mi Z, Fang S, Liu X, Huang Y. The Involvement of Ascorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2024; 29:2295. [PMID: 38792156 PMCID: PMC11123810 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102295] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC), also known as ascorbic acid, plays a crucial role as a water-soluble nutrient within the human body, contributing to a variety of metabolic processes. Research findings suggest that increased doses of VC demonstrate potential anti-tumor capabilities. This review delves into the mechanisms of VC absorption and its implications for cancer management. Building upon these foundational insights, we explore modern delivery systems for VC, evaluating its use in diverse cancer treatment methods. These include starvation therapy, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT), electrothermal therapy, immunotherapy, cellular reprogramming, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and various combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (D.G.); (Y.L.); (J.N.); (L.W.); (Y.Y.); (Z.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Yong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (D.G.); (Y.L.); (J.N.); (L.W.); (Y.Y.); (Z.M.); (S.F.)
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Barbugian F, Cadamuro F, Nicotra F, Riccardi C, Russo L. Plasma-treated collagen functionalized with chondroitin sulfate as bioactive and nanostructured extracellular matrix mimics. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024; 19:799-810. [PMID: 38385248 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0310] [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] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Cell microenvironment contains a plethora of information that influences cell modulation. Indeed, the extracellular matrix plays a central role in tissue development. Reproducing the cell-extracellular matrix crosstalk able to recapitulate both physical and biochemical signals is crucial to obtain functional tissue models or regenerative strategies. Materials & methods: Here, a combined method is proposed to easily functionalize collagen surface films, tailoring morphological properties. Oxygen nonthermal plasma treatment and glyco-conjugation with chondroitin sulfate are used to modify surface properties. Results: It results in higher adhesion, proliferation and morphological organization of U87 glioblastoma cells. Conclusion: Our finding suggests new promising strategies for the development of collagen-based biomaterials, which can be employed for advanced in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barbugian
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Vedano al Lambro, 20854, Italy
| | - Francesca Cadamuro
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Vedano al Lambro, 20854, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicotra
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Vedano al Lambro, 20854, Italy
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Physics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, 20126, Italy
| | - Laura Russo
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Vedano al Lambro, 20854, Italy
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Portugal CC. Ascorbate and its transporter SVCT2: The dynamic duo's integrated roles in CNS neurobiology and pathophysiology. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:448-462. [PMID: 38182073 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.040] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Ascorbate is a small antioxidant molecule essential for the proper development and function of the brain. Ascorbate is transported into the brain and between brain cells via the Sodium vitamin C co-transporter 2 (SVCT2). This review provides an in-depth analysis of ascorbate's physiology, including how ascorbate is absorbed from food into the CNS, emphasizing cellular mechanisms of ascorbate recycling and release in different CNS compartments. Additionally, the review delves into the various functions of ascorbate in the CNS, including its impact on epigenetic modulation, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmission. It also emphasizes ascorbate's role on neuromodulation and its involvement in neurodevelopmental processes and disorders. Furthermore, it analyzes the relationship between the duo ascorbate/SVCT2 in neuroinflammation, particularly its effects on microglial activation, cytokine release, and oxidative stress responses, highlighting its association with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Overall, this review emphasizes the crucial role of the dynamic duo ascorbate/SVCT2 in CNS physiology and pathology and the need for further research to fully comprehend its significance in a neurobiological context and its potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila C Portugal
- I3s - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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Kang J, Mao W, Wu J, Huang X, Casanova MF, Sokhadze EM, Li X, Geng X. Development of EEG connectivity from preschool to school-age children. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1277786. [PMID: 38274502 PMCID: PMC10808652 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1277786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many studies have collected normative developmental EEG data to better understand brain function in early life and associated changes during both aging and pathology. Higher cognitive functions of the brain do not normally stem from the workings of a single brain region that works but, rather, on the interaction between different brain regions. In this regard studying the connectivity between brain regions is of great importance towards understanding higher cognitive functions and its underlying mechanisms. Methods In this study, EEG data of children (N = 253; 3-10 years old; 113 females, 140 males) from pre-school to schoolage was collected, and the weighted phase delay index and directed transfer function method was used to find the electrophysiological indicators of both functional connectivity and effective connectivity. A general linear model was built between the indicators and age, and the change trend of electrophysiological indicators analyzed for age. Results The results showed an age trend for the functional and effective connectivity of the brain of children. Discussion The results are of importance in understanding normative brain development and in defining those conditions that deviate from typical growth trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Kang
- Child Rehabilitation Division, Ningbo Rehabilitation Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Wenqin Mao
- Child Rehabilitation Division, Ningbo Rehabilitation Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Juanmei Wu
- Child Rehabilitation Division, Ningbo Rehabilitation Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Xinping Huang
- Child Rehabilitation Division, Ningbo Rehabilitation Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Manuel F. Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Campus, Prisma Health System, Greenville, SC, United States
| | - Estate M. Sokhadze
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Campus, Prisma Health System, Greenville, SC, United States
- Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Xiaoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinling Geng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Salazar K, Jara N, Ramírez E, de Lima I, Smith-Ghigliotto J, Muñoz V, Ferrada L, Nualart F. Role of vitamin C and SVCT2 in neurogenesis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1155758. [PMID: 37424994 PMCID: PMC10324519 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1155758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Different studies have established the fundamental role of vitamin C in proliferation, differentiation, and neurogenesis in embryonic and adult brains, as well as in in vitro cell models. To fulfill these functions, the cells of the nervous system regulate the expression and sorting of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2), as well as the recycling of vitamin C between ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) via a bystander effect. SVCT2 is a transporter preferentially expressed in neurons and in neural precursor cells. In developmental stages, it is concentrated in the apical region of the radial glia, and in adult life, it is expressed preferentially in motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, starting on postnatal day 1. In neurogenic niches, SVCT2 is preferentially expressed in precursors with intermediate proliferation, where a scorbutic condition reduces neuronal differentiation. Vitamin C is a potent epigenetic regulator in stem cells; thus, it can induce the demethylation of DNA and histone H3K27m3 in the promoter region of genes involved in neurogenesis and differentiation, an effect mediated by Tet1 and Jmjd3 demethylases, respectively. In parallel, it has been shown that vitamin C induces the expression of stem cell-specific microRNA, including the Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting region and miR-143, which promotes stem cell self-renewal and suppresses de novo expression of the methyltransferase gene Dnmt3a. The epigenetic action of vitamin C has also been evaluated during gene reprogramming of human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent cells, where it has been shown that vitamin C substantially improves the efficiency and quality of reprogrammed cells. Thus, for a proper effect of vitamin C on neurogenesis and differentiation, its function as an enzymatic cofactor, modulator of gene expression and antioxidant is essential, as is proper recycling from DHA to AA by various supporting cells in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katterine Salazar
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Nery Jara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Eder Ramírez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Isabelle de Lima
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Javiera Smith-Ghigliotto
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Valentina Muñoz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Luciano Ferrada
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
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Vitamin C Deficiency Reduces Neurogenesis and Proliferation in the SVZ and Lateral Ventricle Extensions of the Young Guinea Pig Brain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11102030. [PMID: 36290753 PMCID: PMC9598632 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11102030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Although scurvy, the severe form of vitamin C deficiency, has been almost eradicated, the prevalence of subclinical vitamin C deficiency is much higher than previously estimated and its impact on human health might not be fully understood. Vitamin C is an essential molecule, especially in the central nervous system where it performs numerous, varied and critical functions, including modulation of neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. Although it was originally considered to occur only in the embryonic brain, it is now widely accepted that neurogenesis also takes place in the adult brain. The subventricular zone (SVZ) is the neurogenic niche where the largest number of new neurons are born; however, the effect of vitamin C deficiency on neurogenesis in this key region of the adult brain is unknown. Therefore, through BrdU labeling, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we analyzed the proliferation and cellular composition of the SVZ and the lateral ventricle (LVE) of adult guinea pigs exposed to a vitamin-C-deficient diet for 14 and 21 days. We found that neuroblasts in the SVZ and LVE were progressively and significantly decreased as the days under vitamin C deficiency elapsed. The neuroblasts in the SVZ and LVE decreased by about 50% in animals with 21 days of deficiency; this was correlated with a reduction in BrdU positive cells in the SVZ and LVE. In addition, the reduction in neuroblasts was not restricted to a particular rostro–caudal area, but was observed throughout the LVE. We also found that vitamin C deficiency altered cellular morphology at the ultrastructural level, especially the cellular and nuclear morphology of ependymal cells of the LVE. Therefore, vitamin C is essential for the maintenance of the SVZ cell populations required for normal activity of the SVZ neurogenic niche in the adult guinea pig brain. Based on our results from the guinea pig brain, we postulate that vitamin C deficiency could also affect neurogenesis in the human brain.
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Crosstalk between Neuron and Glial Cells in Oxidative Injury and Neuroprotection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413315. [PMID: 34948108 PMCID: PMC8709409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To counteract oxidative stress and associated brain diseases, antioxidant systems rescue neuronal cells from oxidative stress by neutralizing reactive oxygen species and preserving gene regulation. It is necessary to understand the communication and interactions between brain cells, including neurons, astrocytes and microglia, to understand oxidative stress and antioxidant mechanisms. Here, the role of glia in the protection of neurons against oxidative injury and glia–neuron crosstalk to maintain antioxidant defense mechanisms and brain protection are reviewed. The first part of this review focuses on the role of glia in the morphological and physiological changes required for brain homeostasis under oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms. The second part focuses on the essential crosstalk between neurons and glia for redox balance in the brain for protection against oxidative stress.
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