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Gonçalves PB, Sodero ACR, Cordeiro Y. Natural products targeting amyloid-β oligomer neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116684. [PMID: 39032401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) constitutes a major global health issue, characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment, for which no curative treatment is currently available. Current therapeutic approaches are focused on symptom management, highlighting the critical need for disease-modifying therapy. The hallmark pathology of AD involves the aggregation and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain. Consequently, drug discovery efforts in recent decades have centered on the Aβ aggregation cascade, which includes the transition of monomeric Aβ peptides into toxic oligomers and, ultimately, mature fibrils. Historically, anti-Aβ strategies focused on the clearance of amyloid fibrils using monoclonal antibodies. However, substantial evidence has highlighted the critical role of Aβ oligomers (AβOs) in AD pathogenesis. Soluble AβOs are now recognized as more toxic than fibrils, directly contributing to synaptic impairment, neuronal damage, and the onset of AD. Targeting AβOs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate cognitive decline in AD. Natural products (NPs) have demonstrated promise against AβO neurotoxicity through various mechanisms, including preventing AβO formation, enhancing clearance mechanisms, or converting AβOs into non-toxic species. Understanding the mechanisms by which anti-AβO NPs operate is useful for developing disease-modifying treatments for AD. In this review, we explore the role of NPs in mitigating AβO neurotoxicity for AD drug discovery, summarizing key evidence from biophysical methods, cellular assays, and animal models. By discussing how NPs modulate AβO neurotoxicity across various experimental systems, we aim to provide valuable insights into novel therapeutic strategies targeting AβOs in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yraima Cordeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21949-900, Brazil
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2
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Tiwari V, Buvarp E, Borbolis F, Puligilla C, Croteau DL, Palikaras K, Bohr VA. Loss of DNA glycosylases improves health and cognitive function in a C. elegans model of human tauopathy. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae705. [PMID: 39149885 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder representing a major burden on families and society. Some of the main pathological hallmarks of AD are the accumulation of amyloid plaques (Aβ) and tau neurofibrillary tangles. However, it is still unclear how Aβ and tau aggregates promote specific phenotypic outcomes and lead to excessive oxidative DNA damage, neuronal cell death and eventually to loss of memory. Here we utilized a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of human tauopathy to investigate the role of DNA glycosylases in disease development and progression. Transgenic nematodes expressing a pro-aggregate form of tau displayed altered mitochondrial content, decreased lifespan, and cognitive dysfunction. Genetic ablation of either of the two DNA glycosylases found in C. elegans, NTH-1 and UNG-1, improved mitochondrial function, lifespan, and memory impairment. NTH-1 depletion resulted in a dramatic increase of differentially expressed genes, which was not apparent in UNG-1 deficient nematodes. Our findings clearly show that in addition to its enzymatic activity, NTH-1 has non-canonical functions highlighting its modulation as a potential therapeutic intervention to tackle tau-mediated pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Tiwari
- Section on DNA Repair, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Elisabeth Buvarp
- Section on DNA Repair, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Fivos Borbolis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Chandrakala Puligilla
- Section for Telomere Maintenance, LGG, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Deborah L Croteau
- Section on DNA Repair, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Computational Biology & Genomics Core, LGG, NIA, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Konstantinos Palikaras
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Section on DNA Repair, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, 2200 N, Denmark
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3
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Sethi P, Bhaskar R, Singh KK, Gupta S, Han SS, Avinash D, Abomughaid MM, Koul A, Rani B, Ghosh S, Jha NK, Sinha JK. Exploring advancements in early detection of Alzheimer's disease with molecular assays and animal models. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102411. [PMID: 38986845 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102411] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a challenging neurodegenerative condition, with overwhelming implications for affected individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Animal models have played a crucial role in studying AD pathogenesis and testing therapeutic interventions. Remarkably, studies on the genetic factors affecting AD risk, such as APOE and TREM2, have provided valuable insights into disease mechanisms. Early diagnosis has emerged as a crucial factor in effective AD management, as demonstrated by clinical studies emphasizing the benefits of initiating treatment at early stages. Novel diagnostic technologies, including RNA sequencing of microglia, offer promising avenues for early detection and monitoring of AD progression. Therapeutic strategies remain to evolve, with a focus on targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology. Advances in animal models, such as APP-KI mice, and the advancement of anti-Aβ drugs signify progress towards more effective treatments. Therapeutically, the focus has shifted towards intricate approaches targeting multiple pathological pathways simultaneously. Strategies aimed at reducing Aβ plaque accumulation, inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation, and modulating neuroinflammation are actively being explored, both in preclinical models and clinical trials. While challenges continue in developing validated animal models and translating preclinical findings to clinical success, the continuing efforts in understanding AD at molecular, cellular, and clinical levels offer hope for improved management and eventual prevention of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paalki Sethi
- GloNeuro, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - Rakesh Bhaskar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Krishna Kumar Singh
- Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology (SCIT), Rajiv Gandhi InfoTech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411057, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - D Avinash
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, India
| | - Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Apurva Koul
- Chandigarh Pharmacy College, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, Mohali, Punjab 140307, India
| | - Bindu Rani
- Department of Medicine, National Institute of Medical Sciences, NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajsthan, India
| | - Shampa Ghosh
- GloNeuro, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India.
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab 140401, India; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India.
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4
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Rodriguez P, Blakely RD. Sink or swim: Does a worm paralysis phenotype hold clues to neurodegenerative disease? J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31125. [PMID: 37795580 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Receiving a neurodegenerative disease (NDD) diagnosis, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is devastating, particularly given the limited options for treatment. Advances in genetic technologies have allowed for efficient modeling of NDDs in animals and brought hope for new disease-modifying medications. The complexity of the mammalian brain and the costs and time needed to identify and develop therapeutic leads limits progress. Modeling NDDs in invertebrates, such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, offers orders of magnitude increases in speed of genetic analysis and manipulation, and can be pursued at substantially reduced cost, providing an important, platform complement and inform research with mammalian NDD models. In this review, we describe how our efforts to exploit C. elegans for the study of neural signaling and health led to the discovery of a paralytic phenotype (swimming-induced paralysis) associated with altered dopamine signaling and, surprisingly, to the discovery of a novel gene and pathway whose dysfunction in glial cells triggers neurodegeneration. Research to date on swip-10 and its putative mammalian ortholog MBLAC1, suggests that a tandem analysis will offer insights into NDD mechanisms and insights into novel, disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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5
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Yu X, Tao J, Xiao T, Duan X. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde protects Caenorhabditis elegans from oxidative stress and β-amyloid toxicity. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1414956. [PMID: 38841104 PMCID: PMC11150654 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1414956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastrodia elata is the dried tuber of the orchid Gastrodia elata Bl. It is considered a food consisting of a source of precious medicinal herbs, whose chemical composition is relatively rich. Gastrodia elata and its extracted fractions have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde (p-HBA), as one of the main active components of Gastrodia elata, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and cerebral protective effects, which has potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to verify the role of p-HBA in AD treatment and to investigate its mechanism of action in depth based using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. Methods In this study, we used paralysis, lifespan, behavioral and antistress experiments to investigate the effects of p-HBA on AD and aging. Furthermore, we performed reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, thioflavin S staining, RNA-seq analysis, qPCR validation, PCR Array, and GFP reporter gene worm experiment to determine the anti-AD effects of p-HBA, as well as in-depth studies on its mechanisms. Results p-HBA was able to delay paralysis, improve mobility and resistance to stress, and delay aging in the AD nematode model. Further mechanistic studies showed that ROS and lipofuscin levels, Aβ aggregation, and toxicity were reduced after p-HBA treatment, suggesting that p-HBA ameliorated Aβ-induced toxicity by enhancing antioxidant and anti-aging activity and inhibiting Aβ aggregation. p-HBA had a therapeutic effect on AD by improving stress resistance, as indicated by the down-regulation of NLP-29 and UCR-11 expression and up-regulation of PQN-75 and LYS-3 expression. In addition, the gene microarray showed that p-HBA treatment played a positive role in genes related to AD, anti-aging, ribosomal protein pathway, and glucose metabolism, which were collectively involved in the anti-AD mechanism of p-HBA. Finally, we also found that p-HBA promoted nuclear localization of DAF-16 and increased the expression of SKN-1, SOD-3, and GST-4, which contributed significantly to inhibition of Aβ toxicity and enhancement of antioxidative stress. Conclusion Our work suggests that p-HBA has some antioxidant and anti-aging activities. It may be a viable candidate for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaohua Duan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Dai and Yi Medicines, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Romussi S, Giunti S, Andersen N, De Rosa MJ. C. elegans: a prominent platform for modeling and drug screening in neurological disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:565-585. [PMID: 38509691 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2329103] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases (NDevDs and NDegDs, respectively) encompass a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the nervous system with an increasing incidence. In this context, the nematode C. elegans, has emerged as a benchmark model for biological research, especially in the field of neuroscience. AREAS COVERED The authors highlight the numerous advantages of this tiny worm as a model for exploring nervous system pathologies and as a platform for drug discovery. There is a particular focus given to describing the existing models of C. elegans for the study of NDevDs and NDegDs. Specifically, the authors underscore their strong applicability in preclinical drug development. Furthermore, they place particular emphasis on detailing the common techniques employed to explore the nervous system in both healthy and diseased states. EXPERT OPINION Drug discovery constitutes a long and expensive process. The incorporation of invertebrate models, such as C. elegans, stands as an exemplary strategy for mitigating costs and expediting timelines. The utilization of C. elegans as a platform to replicate nervous system pathologies and conduct high-throughput automated assays in the initial phases of drug discovery is pivotal for rendering therapeutic options more attainable and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Romussi
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giunti
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Natalia Andersen
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - María José De Rosa
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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7
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Valdés A, Sánchez-Martínez JD, Gallego R, Ibáñez E, Herrero M, Cifuentes A. In vivo neuroprotective capacity of a Dunaliella salina extract - comprehensive transcriptomics and metabolomics study. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:4. [PMID: 38200022 PMCID: PMC10782027 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-023-00246-7] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, an exhaustive chemical characterization of a Dunaliella salina (DS) microalga extract obtained using supercritical fluids has been performed, and its neuroprotective capacity has been evaluated in vivo using an Alzheimer's disease (AD) transgenic model of Caenorhabditis elegans (strain CL4176). More than 350 compounds were annotated in the studied DS extract, with triacylglycerols, free fatty acids (FAs), carotenoids, apocarotenoids and glycerol being the most abundant. DS extract significantly protects C. elegans in a dose-dependent manner against Aβ-peptide paralysis toxicity, after 32 h, 53% of treated worms at 50 µg/mL were not paralyzed. This concentration was selected to further evaluate the transcriptomics and metabolomics changes after 26 h by using advanced analytical methodologies. The RNA-Seq data showed an alteration of 150 genes, mainly related to the stress and detoxification responses, and the retinol and lipid metabolism. The comprehensive metabolomics and lipidomics analyses allowed the identification of 793 intracellular metabolites, of which 69 were significantly altered compared to non-treated control animals. Among them, different unsaturated FAs, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, nucleosides, dipeptides and modified amino acids that have been previously reported as beneficial during AD progression, were assigned. These compounds could explain the neuroprotective capacity observed, thus, providing with new evidences of the protection mechanisms of this promising extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Valdés
- Laboratory of Foodomics, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL, CSIC-UAM), Calle Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José David Sánchez-Martínez
- Laboratory of Foodomics, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL, CSIC-UAM), Calle Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Gallego
- Laboratory of Foodomics, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL, CSIC-UAM), Calle Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Ibáñez
- Laboratory of Foodomics, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL, CSIC-UAM), Calle Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Herrero
- Laboratory of Foodomics, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL, CSIC-UAM), Calle Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cifuentes
- Laboratory of Foodomics, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL, CSIC-UAM), Calle Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Wu Y, Chen Y, Yu X, Zhang M, Li Z. Towards Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:443. [PMID: 38203614 PMCID: PMC10778690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010443] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The elevated occurrence of debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), demands urgent disease-modifying therapeutics. Owing to the evolutionarily conserved molecular signalling pathways with mammalian species and facile genetic manipulation, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) emerges as a powerful and manipulative model system for mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we review several representative C. elegans models established for five common neurodegenerative diseases, which closely simulate disease phenotypes specifically in the gain-of-function aspect. We exemplify applications of high-throughput genetic and drug screenings to illustrate the potential of C. elegans to probe novel therapeutic targets. This review highlights the utility of C. elegans as a comprehensive and versatile platform for the dissection of neurodegenerative diseases at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhaoyu Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.)
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Jiang Y, MacNeil LT. Simple model systems reveal conserved mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:82. [PMID: 37950311 PMCID: PMC10638731 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00664-x] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of effective therapies that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental cellular mechanisms underlying these diseases. Model organisms, including yeast, worms, and flies, provide simple systems with which to investigate the mechanisms of disease. The evolutionary conservation of cellular pathways regulating proteostasis and stress response in these organisms facilitates the study of genetic factors that contribute to, or protect against, neurodegeneration. Here, we review genetic modifiers of neurodegeneration and related cellular pathways identified in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, focusing on models of AD and related tauopathies. We further address the potential of simple model systems to better understand the fundamental mechanisms that lead to AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lesley T MacNeil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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10
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Sánchez-Martínez JD, Cifuentes A, Valdés A. Omics approaches to investigate the neuroprotective capacity of a Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) extract in a Caenorhabditis elegans Alzheimer's model. Food Res Int 2023; 172:113128. [PMID: 37689893 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Citrus sinensis by-products are a promising source of neuroprotective molecules. In this study, a pressurized liquid extract of Citrus by-products (PLE100) has been extensively characterized, and its neuroprotective capacity tested in the Caenorhabditis elegans strain CL4176, a validated in vivo model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). More than 450 compounds have been annotated in the extract, being triacylglycerols (TGs), stigmastanes, fatty acids (FAs) and carbohydrates the most abundant. The results demonstrate that worms PLE100-treated are significantly protected in a dose-dependent manner against the Aβ-peptide paralysis toxicity. The RNA-Seq data showed an alteration of 294 genes mainly related to the stress response defense along with genes involved in the lipid transport and metabolism. Moreover, the comprehensive metabolomics study allowed the identification of 818 intracellular metabolites, of which 54 were significantly altered (mainly lipids). The integration of these and previous results provides with new evidences of the protection mechanisms of this promising extract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro Cifuentes
- Foodomics Laboratory, CIAL, CSIC-UAM, Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Valdés
- Foodomics Laboratory, CIAL, CSIC-UAM, Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Wang Y, Liu W, Dong X, Sun Y. Design of Self-Assembled Nanoparticles as a Potent Inhibitor and Fluorescent Probe for β-Amyloid Fibrillization. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:12576-12589. [PMID: 37624641 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains incurable due to its complex pathogenesis. The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain appears much earlier than any clinical symptoms and plays an essential role in the occurrence and development of AD neuropathology, which implies the importance of early theranostics. Herein, we designed a self-assembled bifunctional nanoparticle (LC8-pCG-fLC8) for Aβ fluorescent diagnosis and inhibition. The nanoparticle was synthesized by click chemistry from Aβ-targeting peptide Ac-LVFFARKC-NH2 (LC8) and an Aβ fluorescent probe f with the zwitterionic copolymer poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate-glycidyl methacrylate) (p(CBMA-GMA), pCG). Owing to the high reactivity of epoxy groups, the peptide concentration of LC8-pCG-fLC8 nanoparticles reached about 4 times higher than that of the existing inhibitor LVFFARK@poly(carboxybetaine) (LK7@pCB). LC8-pCG-fLC8 exhibited remarkable inhibitory capability (suppression efficiency of 83.0% at 20 μM), altered the aggregation pathway of Aβ, and increased the survival rate of amyloid-induced cultured cells from 76.5% to 98.0% at 20 μM. Notably, LC8-pCG-fLC8 possessed excellent binding affinity, good biostability, and high fluorescence responsivity to β-sheet-rich Aβ oligomers and fibrils, which could be used for the early diagnosis of Aβ aggregation. More importantly, in vivo tests using transgenic C. elegans CL2006 stain showed that LC8-pCG-fLC8 could specifically image Aβ plaques, prolong the lifespan (from 13 to 17 days), and attenuate the AD-like symptoms (reducing paralysis and Aβ deposition). Therefore, self-assembled nanoparticles hold great potential in AD theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
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12
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Hernández-Cruz E, Eugenio-Pérez D, Ramírez-Magaña KJ, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Effects of Vegetal Extracts and Metabolites against Oxidative Stress and Associated Diseases: Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:8936-8959. [PMID: 36936291 PMCID: PMC10018526 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a natural physiological process where the levels of oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS), exceed the strategy of antioxidant defenses, culminating in the interruption of redox signaling and control. Oxidative stress is associated with multiple pathologies, including premature aging, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and arthritis. It is not yet clear whether oxidative stress is the cause or consequence of these diseases; however, it has been shown that using compounds with antioxidant properties, particularly compounds of natural origin, could prevent or slow down the progress of different pathologies. Within this context, the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model has served to study the effect of different metabolites and natural compounds, which has helped to decipher molecular targets and the effect of these compounds on premature aging and some diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases and dyslipidemia. This article lists the studies carried out on C. elegans in which metabolites and natural extracts have been tested against oxidative stress and the pathologies associated with providing an overview of the discoveries in the redox area made with this nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefani
Yaquelin Hernández-Cruz
- Department
of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National
Autonomous University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Postgraduate
in Biological Sciences, National Autonomous
University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dianelena Eugenio-Pérez
- Department
of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National
Autonomous University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Postgraduate
in Biochemical Sciences, National Autonomous
University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karla Jaqueline Ramírez-Magaña
- Department
of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National
Autonomous University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Postgraduate
in Biochemical Sciences, National Autonomous
University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Department
of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National
Autonomous University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
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13
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Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model System to Study Human Neurodegenerative Disorders. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030478. [PMID: 36979413 PMCID: PMC10046667 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in science and technology have improved our quality of life, enabling us to tackle diseases and increase human life expectancy. However, longevity is accompanied by an accretion in the frequency of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, creating a growing burden, with pervasive social impact for human societies. The cost of managing such chronic disorders and the lack of effective treatments highlight the need to decipher their molecular and genetic underpinnings, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. In this effort, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans serves as a powerful tool to recapitulate several disease-related phenotypes and provides a highly malleable genetic model that allows the implementation of multidisciplinary approaches, in addition to large-scale genetic and pharmacological screens. Its anatomical transparency allows the use of co-expressed fluorescent proteins to track the progress of neurodegeneration. Moreover, the functional conservation of neuronal processes, along with the high homology between nematode and human genomes, render C. elegans extremely suitable for the study of human neurodegenerative disorders. This review describes nematode models used to study neurodegeneration and underscores their contribution in the effort to dissect the molecular basis of human diseases and identify novel gene targets with therapeutic potential.
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14
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Epigallocatechin gallate-derived carbonized polymer dots: A multifunctional scavenger targeting Alzheimer's β-amyloid plaques. Acta Biomater 2023; 157:524-537. [PMID: 36503076 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The design of high-efficiency scavengers targeting β-amyloid protein (Aβ) plaques in the progress of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been recognized as an effective way to prevent and treat AD. Herein, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-derived carbonized polymer dots (E-CPDs) were synthesized for the first time via a hydrothermal method using EGCG, an Aβ inhibitor, as one of the raw materials. The inhibitory efficiency and fluorescent property of E-CPDs were elegantly modulated by adjusting the molar ratio of EGCG to nitrogen-containing dopant, o-phenylenediamine (oPD), and 75E-CPDs fabricated with 75 mM EGCG and 50 mM oPD showed the highest inhibitory capability. The multifunctionality of 75E-CPDs on inhibition of Aβ fibrillization, Aβ fibrils disaggregation, amyloid fluorescent detection, and intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging was demonstrated. 75E-CPDs inhibited the formation of β-sheet-rich Aβ aggregates, alleviated Aβ-induced cytotoxicity of cultured cells from 47% to 15%, and prolonged the lifespan of AD nematodes by scavenging in vivo amyloid plaques, demonstrating much higher performance than either EGCG or EGCG-free carbon dots. Notably, 75E-CPDs could rapidly disaggregate Aβ fibrils on "second" scale, faster than any other disaggregating agents. The aromatic structure as well as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups existing on 75E-CPDs surface, which would interact with Aβ species via hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions, played critical roles in their inhibition and disaggregation capabilities. This work reveals that potent CDs can be fabricated by using an Aβ inhibitor as the precursor, providing a new perspective for the design of multifunctional scavengers targeting amyloid plaques. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide and seriously threatens human health. Recently, carbon nanomaterials have attracted much attention because of their good biocompatibility and capability in modulating Aβ aggregation via multiple interactions. This work has for the first time fabricated epigallocatechin gallate-derived carbonized polymer dots (E-CPDs) and revealed the multifunctional potency of E-CPDs on alleviating the multifaced symptoms associated with β-amyloid protein (Aβ) fibrillization in the progression of AD. Notably, E-CPDs exhibited enhanced fluorescence emission upon binding to Aβ fibrils, possessing potential as Aβ fluorescent probes. It is believed that this work would open a new horizon in the design of multifunctional carbon nanomaterials as a potent amyloid scavenger for AD theranostics.
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15
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Kleawyothatis W, Jattujan P, Chumphoochai K, Chalorak P, Sobhon P, Meemon K. Holothuria scabra extracts confer neuroprotective effect in C. elegans model of Alzheimer's disease by attenuating amyloid-β aggregation and toxicity. J Tradit Complement Med 2023; 13:93-104. [PMID: 36685078 PMCID: PMC9845652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common aged-related neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with the toxic amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation in the brain. While the efficacies of available drugs against AD are still limited, natural products have been shown to possess neuroprotective potential for prevention and therapy of AD. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of H. scabra extracts against Aβ aggregation and proteotoxicity in C. elegans model of Alzheimer's diseases. Experimental procedure Whole bodies (WB) and body wall (BW) of H. scabra were extracted and fractionated into ethyl acetate (WBEA, BWEA), butanol (WBBU, BWBU), and ethanol (BWET). Then C. elegans AD models were treated with these fractions and investigated for Aβ aggregation and polymerization, biochemical and behavioral changes, and level of oxidative stress, as well as lifespan extension. Results and conclusion C. elegans AD model treated with H. scabra extracts, especially triterpene glycoside-rich ethyl acetate and butanol fractions, exhibited significant reduction of Aβ deposition. These H. scabra extracts also attenuated the paralysis behavior and improved the neurological defects in chemotaxis caused by Aβ aggregation. Immunoblot analysis revealed decreased level of Aβ oligomeric forms and the increased level of Aβ monomers after treatments with H. scabra extracts. In addition, H. scabra extracts reduced reactive oxygen species and increased the mean lifespan of the treated AD worms. In conclusion, this study demonstrated strong evidence of anti-Alzheimer effects by H. scabra extracts, implying that these extracts can potentially be applied as natural preventive and therapeutic agents for AD. Taxonomy classification by EVISE Alzheimer's disease, Neurodegenerative disorder, Traditional medicine, Experimental model systems, Molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warannida Kleawyothatis
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Prapaporn Jattujan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Kawita Chumphoochai
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Pawanrat Chalorak
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Department of Radiological Technology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Prasert Sobhon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Krai Meemon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
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16
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Mi L, Fan M, Liu T, Wu D, Wang Y, Li F, Cai Y, Qiu Z, Liu D, Cao L. Ginsenoside Rd protects transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans from β-amyloid toxicity by activating oxidative resistant. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1074397. [PMID: 36588689 PMCID: PMC9797510 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1074397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious public health issue but few drugs are currently available for the disease, and these only target the symptoms. It is well established that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in AD, and there is compelling evidence linking oxidative stress to β-amyloid (Aβ). An exciting source of potential new AD therapeutic medication possibilities is medicinal plants. Ginsenoside Rd (GS-Rd) is one of the main bioactive substances in ginseng extracts. In our study, we used a network pharmacology analysis to identify overlapping GS-Rd (therapeutic) and AD (disease)-relevant protein targets, gene ontology (GO) and bio-process annotation, and the KEGG pathway analysis data predicted that GS-Rd impacts multiple targets and pathways, such as the MAPK signal pathway and the JAT-STAT3 signaling pathway. We then assessed the role of GS-Rd in C. elegans and found that GS-Rd prolongs lifespan, improves resistance to heat stress, delays physical paralysis and increases oxidative stress responses. Overall, these results suggest that GS-Rd protects against the toxicity of Aβ. The RNA-seq analysis revealed that GS-Rd achieves its effects by regulating gene expressions like daf-16 and skn-1, as well as by participating in many AD-related pathways like the MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, in CL4176 worms, GS-Rd decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased SOD activity. Additional research with transgenic worms showed that GS-Rd aided in the movement of DAF-16 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Taken together, the results indicate that GS-Rd significantly reduces Aβ aggregation by targeting the MAPK signal pathway, induces nuclear translocation of DAF-16 to activate downstream signaling pathways and increases resistance to oxidative stress in C. elegans to protect against Aβ-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihan Mi
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Meiling Fan
- Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Tianjia Liu
- Scientific Research Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Donglu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,School of Clinical Medical, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Fuqiang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhidong Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Lingling Cao, ; Da Liu, ; Zhidong Qiu,
| | - Da Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Lingling Cao, ; Da Liu, ; Zhidong Qiu,
| | - Lingling Cao
- Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,School of Clinical Medical, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Lingling Cao, ; Da Liu, ; Zhidong Qiu,
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17
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Kang N, Luan Y, Jiang Y, Cheng W, Liu Y, Su Z, Liu Y, Tan P. Neuroprotective Effects of Oligosaccharides in Rehmanniae Radix on Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Models for Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:878631. [PMID: 35784741 PMCID: PMC9247152 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.878631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Rehmanniae Radix (RR, the dried tuberous roots of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC.) is an important traditional Chinese medicine distributed in Henan, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and Northeast in China. RR is frequently used to treat diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and aging-related diseases in a class of prescriptions. The oligosaccharides and catalpol in RR have been confirmed to have neuroprotective effects. However, there are few studies on the anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) effect of oligosaccharides in Rehmanniae Radix (ORR). The chemical components and pharmacological effects of dried Rehmannia Radix (DRR) and prepared Rehmannia Radix (PRR) are different because of the different processing methods. ORR has neuroprotective potential, such as improving learning and memory in rats. Therefore, this study aimed to prove the importance of oligosaccharides in DRR (ODRR) and PRR (OPRR) for AD based on the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model and the different roles of ODRR and OPRR in the treatment of AD. In this study, we used paralysis assays, lifespan and stress resistance assays, bacterial growth curve, developmental and behavioral parameters, and ability of learning and memory to explore the effects of ODRR and OPRR on anti-AD and anti-aging. Furthermore, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); deposition of Aβ; and expression of amy-1, sir-2.1, daf-16, sod-3, skn-1, and hsp-16.2 were analyzed to confirm the efficacy of ODRR and OPRR. OPRR was more effective than ODRR in delaying the paralysis, improving learning ability, and prolonging the lifespan of C. elegans. Further mechanism studies showed that the accumulation of ROS, aggregation, and toxicity of Aβ were reduced, suggesting that ORR alleviated Aβ-induced toxicity, in part, through antioxidant activity and Aβ aggregation inhibiting. The expression of amy-1 was downregulated, and sir-2.1, daf-16, sod-3, and hsp-16.2 were upregulated. Thus, ORR could have a possible therapeutic effect on AD by modulating the expression of amy-1, sir-2.1, daf-16, sod-3, and hsp-16.2. Furthermore, ORR promoted the nuclear localization of daf-16 and further increased the expression of sod-3 and hsp-16.2, which significantly contributed to inhibiting the Aβ toxicity and enhancing oxidative stress resistance. In summary, the study provided a new idea for the development of ORR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peng Tan
- *Correspondence: Yonggang Liu, ; Peng Tan,
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