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Wei X, Campagna JJ, Jagodzinska B, Wi D, Cohn W, Lee JT, Zhu C, Huang CS, Molnár L, Houser CR, John V, Mody I. A therapeutic small molecule enhances γ-oscillations and improves cognition/memory in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400420121. [PMID: 39106304 PMCID: PMC11331084 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400420121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain rhythms provide the timing for recruitment of brain activity required for linking together neuronal ensembles engaged in specific tasks. The γ-oscillations (30 to 120 Hz) orchestrate neuronal circuits underlying cognitive processes and working memory. These oscillations are reduced in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders, including early cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we report on a potent brain-permeable small molecule, DDL-920 that increases γ-oscillations and improves cognition/memory in a mouse model of AD, thus showing promise as a class of therapeutics for AD. We employed anatomical, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological, and behavioral methods to examine the effects of our lead therapeutic candidate small molecule. As a novel in central nervous system pharmacotherapy, our lead molecule acts as a potent, efficacious, and selective negative allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors most likely assembled from α1β2δ subunits. These receptors, identified through anatomical and pharmacological means, underlie the tonic inhibition of parvalbumin (PV) expressing interneurons (PV+INs) critically involved in the generation of γ-oscillations. When orally administered twice daily for 2 wk, DDL-920 restored the cognitive/memory impairments of 3- to 4-mo-old AD model mice as measured by their performance in the Barnes maze. Our approach is unique as it is meant to enhance cognitive performance and working memory in a state-dependent manner by engaging and amplifying the brain's endogenous γ-oscillations through enhancing the function of PV+INs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Wei
- Department of Neurology, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
- Department of Neurosurgery, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Jesus J. Campagna
- Department of Neurology, Drug Development Laboratory, Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Barbara Jagodzinska
- Department of Neurology, Drug Development Laboratory, Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Dongwook Wi
- Department of Neurology, Drug Development Laboratory, Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Whitaker Cohn
- Department of Neurology, Drug Development Laboratory, Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Jessica T. Lee
- Department of Neurology, Drug Development Laboratory, Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Chunni Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Drug Development Laboratory, Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Christine S. Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - László Molnár
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Târgu Mureş540485, Romania
| | - Carolyn R. Houser
- Department of Neurobiology, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Varghese John
- Department of Neurology, Drug Development Laboratory, Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Istvan Mody
- Department of Neurology, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
- Department of Physiology, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
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2
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Krothapalli M, Buddendorff L, Yadav H, Schilaty ND, Jain S. From Gut Microbiota to Brain Waves: The Potential of the Microbiome and EEG as Biomarkers for Cognitive Impairment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6678. [PMID: 38928383 PMCID: PMC11203453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126678] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and a leading cause of dementia. Aging is a significant risk factor for AD, emphasizing the importance of early detection since symptoms cannot be reversed once the advanced stage is reached. Currently, there is no established method for early AD diagnosis. However, emerging evidence suggests that the microbiome has an impact on cognitive function. The gut microbiome and the brain communicate bidirectionally through the gut-brain axis, with systemic inflammation identified as a key connection that may contribute to AD. Gut dysbiosis is more prevalent in individuals with AD compared to their cognitively healthy counterparts, leading to increased gut permeability and subsequent systemic inflammation, potentially causing neuroinflammation. Detecting brain activity traditionally involves invasive and expensive methods, but electroencephalography (EEG) poses as a non-invasive alternative. EEG measures brain activity and multiple studies indicate distinct patterns in individuals with AD. Furthermore, EEG patterns in individuals with mild cognitive impairment differ from those in the advanced stage of AD, suggesting its potential as a method for early indication of AD. This review aims to consolidate existing knowledge on the microbiome and EEG as potential biomarkers for early-stage AD, highlighting the current state of research and suggesting avenues for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahathi Krothapalli
- USF Center for Microbiome Research, Microbiomes Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (M.K.); (L.B.); (H.Y.)
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Lauren Buddendorff
- USF Center for Microbiome Research, Microbiomes Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (M.K.); (L.B.); (H.Y.)
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Hariom Yadav
- USF Center for Microbiome Research, Microbiomes Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (M.K.); (L.B.); (H.Y.)
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Nathan D. Schilaty
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Shalini Jain
- USF Center for Microbiome Research, Microbiomes Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (M.K.); (L.B.); (H.Y.)
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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3
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Wei X, Campagna JJ, Jagodzinska B, Wi D, Cohn W, Lee J, Zhu C, Huang CS, Molnár L, Houser CR, John V, Mody I. A therapeutic small molecule lead enhances γ-oscillations and improves cognition/memory in Alzheimer's disease model mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.04.569994. [PMID: 38106006 PMCID: PMC10723366 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.04.569994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Brain rhythms provide the timing and concurrence of brain activity required for linking together neuronal ensembles engaged in specific tasks. In particular, the γ-oscillations (30-120 Hz) orchestrate neuronal circuits underlying cognitive processes and working memory. These oscillations are reduced in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders, including early cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we report on a potent brain permeable small molecule, DDL-920 that increases γ-oscillations and improves cognition/memory in a mouse model of AD, thus showing promise as a new class of therapeutics for AD. As a first in CNS pharmacotherapy, our lead candidate acts as a potent, efficacious, and selective negative allosteric modulator (NAM) of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA A Rs) assembled from α1β2δ subunits. We identified these receptors through anatomical and pharmacological means to mediate the tonic inhibition of parvalbumin (PV) expressing interneurons (PV+INs) critically involved in the generation of γ-oscillations. Our approach is unique as it is meant to enhance cognitive performance and working memory in a state-dependent manner by engaging and amplifying the brain's endogenous γ-oscillations through enhancing the function of PV+INs.
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4
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Arulchelvan E, Vanneste S. Promising neurostimulation routes for targeting the hippocampus to improve episodic memory: A review. Brain Res 2023:148457. [PMID: 37315722 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148457] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to highlight modern neurostimulation approaches that are effectively activating the hippocampus and enhancing episodic memory performance. The hippocampus is a brain region known to play an essential role in episodic memory processes. However, as it is nestled deep within the brain, it has been a challenging target for traditional neurostimulation approaches, with studies reporting inconsistent memory effects. Recent studies suggest more than half of the electrical current from non-invasive transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) methods may be attenuated by the human scalp, skull, and cerebral spinal fluid. Thus, this review aims to highlight novel neurostimulation approaches that are showing promise as alternative routes for activating hippocampal circuitry. Early evidence suggests temporal interference, closed-loop and individualized protocols, sensory stimulation and peripheral nerve-targeted tES protocols warrant further investigation. These approaches each provide promising routes for activating the hippocampus by a) increasing its functional connectiveness to key brain regions, b) strengthening synaptic plasticity mechanisms, or c) enhancing neural entrainment specifically within and between theta and gamma frequencies in these regions. Importantly, these three functional mechanisms and the hippocampus' structural integrity are negatively impacted throughout the progression of Alzheimer's Disease, with episodic memory deficits likewise evident in early stages. Consequently, depending on further validation of the approaches reviewed here, these techniques could offer significant applied therapeutic value for patients suffering from memory deficits or neurodegenerative diseases including amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elva Arulchelvan
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, Trinity Institute for Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sven Vanneste
- Global Brain Health Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Yin YY, Lai ZK, Yan JZ, Wei QQ, Wang B, Zhang LM, Li YF. The interaction between social hierarchy and depression/anxiety: Involvement of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Neurobiol Stress 2023; 24:100536. [PMID: 37057073 PMCID: PMC10085780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Social hierarchy greatly impacts physical and mental health, but the relationship between social hierarchy and depression/anxiety and the underlying neural mechanism remain unclear. The present study used the tube test to determine the social hierarchy status of mice and then performed several behavioral tests to evaluate depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors. Electrophysiological techniques were used to record the firing activities of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons and local field potentials in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The results suggested that the mice in each cage (4 per cage) established a stable social hierarchy after 2 weeks. Subordinate mice displayed significantly fewer pushing and advancing behaviors, and more retreat behaviors compared with dominant mice. Furthermore, subordinate mice had significantly more immobility durations in the TST, but significantly fewer distances, entries, and time into the center in the OFT, as well as significantly less percent of distances, entries, and time into the open arms in the EPMT, compared with dominant mice, which indicated that subordinate mice displayed depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. In addition, chronic restraint stress (CRS) significantly induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice and altered social dominance behaviors in the tube test. CRS mice displayed significantly fewer pushing and advancing behaviors, and more retreat behaviors compared with control mice. Furthermore, low social rank and CRS significantly decreased the firing of pyramidal neurons and γ-oscillation activity in the mPFC. Taken together, the present study revealed an inverse relationship between social hierarchy and depression/anxiety, and the neural basis underlying this association might be the excitability of pyramidal neurons and γ oscillation in the mPFC. These findings established an important foundation for a depression/anxiety model based on social hierarchy and provided a new avenue for the development of therapies for stress-related mood disorders.
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6
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van den Berg M, Toen D, Verhoye M, Keliris GA. Alterations in theta-gamma coupling and sharp wave-ripple, signs of prodromal hippocampal network impairment in the TgF344-AD rat model. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1081058. [PMID: 37032829 PMCID: PMC10075364 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1081058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder caused by the accumulation of toxic proteins, amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau, which eventually leads to dementia. Disease-modifying therapies are still lacking, due to incomplete insights into the neuropathological mechanisms of AD. Synaptic dysfunction is known to occur before cognitive symptoms become apparent and recent studies have demonstrated that imbalanced synaptic signaling drives the progression of AD, suggesting that early synaptic dysfunction could be an interesting therapeutic target. Synaptic dysfunction results in altered oscillatory activity, which can be detected with electroencephalography and electrophysiological recordings. However, the majority of these studies have been performed at advanced stages of AD, when extensive damage and cognitive symptoms are already present. The current study aimed to investigate if the hippocampal oscillatory activity is altered at pre-plaque stages of AD. The rats received stereotactic surgery to implant a laminar electrode in the CA1 layer of the right hippocampus. Electrophysiological recordings during two consecutive days in an open field were performed in 4-5-month-old TgF344-AD rats when increased concentrations of soluble Aβ species were observed in the brain, in the absence of Aβ-plaques. We observed a decreased power of high theta oscillations in TgF344-AD rats compared to wild-type littermates. Sharp wave-ripple (SWR) analysis revealed an increased SWR power and a decreased duration of SWR during quiet wake in TgF344-AD rats. The alterations in properties of SWR and the increased power of fast oscillations are suggestive of neuronal hyperexcitability, as has been demonstrated to occur during presymptomatic stages of AD. In addition, decreased strength of theta-gamma coupling, an important neuronal correlate of memory encoding, was observed in the TgF344-AD rats. Theta-gamma phase amplitude coupling has been associated with memory encoding and the execution of cognitive functions. Studies have demonstrated that mild cognitive impairment patients display decreased coupling strength, similar to what is described here. The current study demonstrates altered hippocampal network activity occurring at pre-plaque stages of AD and provides insights into prodromal network dysfunction in AD. The alterations observed could aid in the detection of AD during presymptomatic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica van den Berg
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Monica van den Berg, ; Georgios A. Keliris,
| | - Daniëlle Toen
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marleen Verhoye
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Georgios A. Keliris
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- *Correspondence: Monica van den Berg, ; Georgios A. Keliris,
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7
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FSTL1-knockdown improves neural oscillation via decreasing neuronal-inflammation regulating apoptosis in Aβ 1-42 induced AD model mice. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114231. [PMID: 36162512 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114231] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin like protein 1 (FSTL1) is a famous growth regulatory protein. FSTL1 has been noticed in many diseases, including heart and lung ischemia, cerebral ischemia, glioma, schizophrenia, and Autism. The role of FSTL1 has been declared in the genetics and development of the central nervous system. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate the function and the role of FSTL1 in Alzheimer's disease. Firstly, we noticed upregulated expression level of FSTL1 among four to six-month-old 5XFAD AD mice. Accordingly, we hypothesized that FSTL1-Knockdown improved AD model mice's cognitive function and recover from Alzheimer's disease. Thus, AD model mice were made by single intracerebroventricular injections of Aβ1-42 peptides in FSTL1+/- and CON mice. Next, our results concluded that FSTL1-knockdown effectively improved cognitive functions. FSTL1-knockdown enhanced the pattern of neural oscillations, and synaptic plasticity in Aβ1-42 treated FSTL1-Knockdown mice compared to Aβ1-42 induced AD model mice. Next, FSTL1-Knockdown inhibited the activation of microglia and binding of TLR-4 with microglia. Further, inactivated microglia stopped the formation of MyD88. Thus, our data revealed that FSTL1-Knockdown is slowing down the caspase/BAX/Bcl-2/TLR-4 regulating apoptosis pathway, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of Aβ1-42 inserted FSTL1-Knockdown mice. Overall, all these data illuminate the clinical significance role of down-regulated FSTL1. FSTL1-Knockdown reduced the amyloid-beta by affecting microglia, neural-inflammation and apoptosis in AD-like model mice. Finally, down regulation of FSTL1 improved synaptic plasticity, neural oscillations, and cognitive behaviours in the Aβ1-42 induced AD model mice.
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8
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Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Yuwen T, Huo J, Zheng E, Zhang W, Li J. Hyper-excitability of corticothalamic PT neurons in mPFC promotes irritability in the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111577. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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9
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Shing N, Walker MC, Chang P. The Role of Aberrant Neural Oscillations in the Hippocampal-Medial Prefrontal Cortex Circuit in Neurodevelopmental and Neurological Disorders. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2022; 195:107683. [PMID: 36174886 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2022.107683] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus (HPC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) have well-established roles in cognition, emotion, and sensory processing. In recent years, interests have shifted towards developing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying interactions between the HPC and mPFC in achieving these functions. Considerable research supports the idea that synchronized activity between the HPC and the mPFC is a general mechanism by which brain functions are regulated. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the hippocampal-medial prefrontal cortex (HPC-mPFC) circuit in normal brain function with a focus on oscillations and highlight several neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders associated with aberrant HPC-mPFC circuitry. We further discuss oscillatory dynamics across the HPC-mPFC circuit as potentially useful biomarkers to assess interventions for neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. Finally, advancements in brain stimulation, gene therapy and pharmacotherapy are explored as promising therapies for disorders with aberrant HPC-mPFC circuit dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathanael Shing
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR17BH, UK
| | - Matthew C Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Pishan Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT.
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10
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Katsuki F, Gerashchenko D, Brown RE. Alterations of sleep oscillations in Alzheimer's disease: A potential role for GABAergic neurons in the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus. Brain Res Bull 2022; 187:181-198. [PMID: 35850189 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sleep abnormalities are widely reported in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are linked to cognitive impairments. Sleep abnormalities could be potential biomarkers to detect AD since they are often observed at the preclinical stage. Moreover, sleep could be a target for early intervention to prevent or slow AD progression. Thus, here we review changes in brain oscillations observed during sleep, their connection to AD pathophysiology and the role of specific brain circuits. Slow oscillations (0.1-1 Hz), sleep spindles (8-15 Hz) and their coupling during non-REM sleep are consistently reduced in studies of patients and in AD mouse models although the timing and magnitude of these alterations depends on the pathophysiological changes and the animal model studied. Changes in delta (1-4 Hz) activity are more variable. Animal studies suggest that hippocampal sharp-wave ripples (100-250 Hz) are also affected. Reductions in REM sleep amount and slower oscillations during REM are seen in patients but less consistently in animal models. Thus, changes in a variety of sleep oscillations could impact sleep-dependent memory consolidation or restorative functions of sleep. Recent mechanistic studies suggest that alterations in the activity of GABAergic neurons in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamic reticular nucleus mediate sleep oscillatory changes in AD and represent a potential target for intervention. Longitudinal studies of the timing of AD-related sleep abnormalities with respect to pathology and dysfunction of specific neural networks are needed to identify translationally relevant biomarkers and guide early intervention strategies to prevent or delay AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumi Katsuki
- VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, Dept. of Psychiatry, West Roxbury, MA 02132, USA.
| | - Dmitry Gerashchenko
- VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, Dept. of Psychiatry, West Roxbury, MA 02132, USA
| | - Ritchie E Brown
- VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, Dept. of Psychiatry, West Roxbury, MA 02132, USA
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11
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Casula EP, Pellicciari MC, Bonnì S, Borghi I, Maiella M, Assogna M, Minei M, Motta C, D'Acunto A, Porrazzini F, Pezzopane V, Mencarelli L, Roncaioli A, Rocchi L, Spampinato DA, Caltagirone C, Santarnecchi E, Martorana A, Koch G. Decreased frontal gamma activity in Alzheimer's disease patients. Ann Neurol 2022; 92:464-475. [PMID: 35713198 PMCID: PMC9543336 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26444] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objective In Alzheimer disease (AD) animal models, synaptic dysfunction has recently been linked to a disorder of high‐frequency neuronal activity. In patients, a clear relation between AD and oscillatory activity remains elusive. Here, we attempt to shed light on this relation by using a novel approach combining transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS‐EEG) to probe oscillatory activity in specific hubs of the frontoparietal network in a sample of 60 mild‐to‐moderate AD patients. Methods Sixty mild‐to‐moderate AD patients and 21 age‐matched healthy volunteers (HVs) underwent 3 TMS‐EEG sessions to assess cortical oscillations over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the precuneus, and the left posterior parietal cortex. To investigate the relations between oscillatory activity, cortical plasticity, and cognitive decline, AD patients underwent a TMS‐based neurophysiological characterization and a cognitive evaluation at baseline. The latter was repeated after 24 weeks to monitor clinical evolution. Results AD patients showed a significant reduction of frontal gamma activity as compared to age‐matched HVs. In addition, AD patients with a more prominent decrease of frontal gamma activity showed a stronger impairment of long‐term potentiation–like plasticity and a more pronounced cognitive decline at subsequent follow‐up evaluation at 24 weeks. Interpretation Our data provide novel evidence that frontal lobe gamma activity is dampened in AD patients. The current results point to the TMS‐EEG approach as a promising technique to measure individual frontal gamma activity in patients with AD. This index could represent a useful biomarker to predict disease progression and to evaluate response to novel pharmacological therapies. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:464–475
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias P Casula
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, La Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria C Pellicciari
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Bonnì
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Borghi
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Maiella
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Assogna
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy.,Memory Clinic, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Minei
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Motta
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia D'Acunto
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Porrazzini
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Pezzopane
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy.,Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Mencarelli
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Roncaioli
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Rocchi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Via Università 40, 09042, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Danny A Spampinato
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Santarnecchi
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, 02114, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alessandro Martorana
- Memory Clinic, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Behavioural and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina 354, 00179, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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12
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Panagaki T, Lozano-Montes L, Janickova L, Zuhra K, Szabo MP, Majtan T, Rainer G, Maréchal D, Herault Y, Szabo C. Overproduction of hydrogen sulfide, generated by cystathionine β-synthase, disrupts brain wave patterns and contributes to neurobehavioral dysfunction in a rat model of down syndrome. Redox Biol 2022; 51:102233. [PMID: 35042677 PMCID: PMC9039679 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a novel rat model of Down syndrome (DS), the functional role of the cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS)/hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pathway was investigated on the pathogenesis of brain wave pattern alterations and neurobehavioral dysfunction. Increased expression of CBS and subsequent overproduction of H2S was observed in the brain of DS rats, with CBS primarily localizing to astrocytes and the vasculature. DS rats exhibited neurobehavioral defects, accompanied by a loss of gamma brain wave activity and a suppression of the expression of multiple pre- and postsynaptic proteins. Aminooxyacetate, a prototypical pharmacological inhibitor of CBS, increased the ability of the DS brain tissue to generate ATP in vitro and reversed the electrophysiological and neurobehavioral alterations in vivo. Thus, the CBS/H2S pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of neurological dysfunction in DS, most likely through dysregulation of cellular bioenergetics and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Panagaki
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laura Lozano-Montes
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Visual Cognition Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Janickova
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Karim Zuhra
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Marcell P Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Majtan
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Rainer
- Visual Cognition Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Damien Maréchal
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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13
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Traikapi A, Konstantinou N. Gamma Oscillations in Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Potential Therapeutic Role. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:782399. [PMID: 34966263 PMCID: PMC8710538 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.782399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) remains a lethal neurodegenerative disorder for which there are no effective treatments. This review examines the latest evidence of a novel and newly introduced perspective, which focuses on the restoration of gamma oscillations and investigates their potential role in the treatment of AD. Gamma brain activity (∼25–100 Hz) has been well-known for its role in cognitive function, including memory, and it is fundamental for healthy brain activity and intra-brain communication. Aberrant gamma oscillations have been observed in both mice AD models and human AD patients. A recent line of work demonstrated that gamma entrainment, through auditory and visual sensory stimulation, can effectively attenuate AD pathology and improve cognitive function in mice models of the disease. The first evidence from AD patients indicate that gamma entrainment therapy can reduce loss of functional connectivity and brain atrophy, improve cognitive function, and ameliorate several pathological markers of the disease. Even though research is still in its infancy, evidence suggests that gamma-based therapy may have a disease-modifying effect and has signified a new and promising era in AD research.
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