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Feng B, Zheng J, Cai Y, Han Y, Han Y, Wu J, Feng J, Zheng K. An Epigenetic Manifestation of Alzheimer's Disease: DNA Methylation. ACTAS ESPANOLAS DE PSIQUIATRIA 2024; 52:365-374. [PMID: 38863055 PMCID: PMC11190457 DOI: 10.62641/aep.v52i3.1595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, has a complex pathogenesis. The number of AD patients has increased in recent years due to population aging, while a trend toward a younger age of onset has arisen, imposing a substantial burden on society and families, and garnering extensive attention. DNA methylation has recently been revealed to play an important role in AD onset and progression. DNA methylation is a critical mechanism regulating gene expression, and alterations in this mechanism dysregulate gene expression and disrupt important pathways, including oxidative stress responses, inflammatory reactions, and protein degradation processes, eventually resulting in disease. Studies have revealed widespread changes in AD patients' DNA methylation in the peripheral blood and brain tissues, affecting multiple signaling pathways and severely impacting neuronal cell and synaptic functions. This review summarizes the role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of AD, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for its early prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyi Feng
- Department of Chronic Disease, Longhua District Center for Chronic Disease Control/Mental Health, 510080 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Guangming District People's Hospital, 518107 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Junli Zheng
- Department of Chronic Disease, Longhua District Center for Chronic Disease Control/Mental Health, 510080 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Cai
- Public Health Service Center, Bao'an District, 518100 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaguang Han
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150000 Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanhua Han
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150000 Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiaqi Wu
- Department of Chronic Disease, Longhua District Center for Chronic Disease Control/Mental Health, 510080 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Feng
- Department of Chronic Disease, Longhua District Center for Chronic Disease Control/Mental Health, 510080 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Department of Chronic Disease, Longhua District Center for Chronic Disease Control/Mental Health, 510080 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Controlling the Impact of Helicobacter pylori-Related Hyperhomocysteinemia on Neurodegeneration. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030504. [PMID: 36984505 PMCID: PMC10056452 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection consists a high global burden affecting more than 50% of the world’s population. It is implicated, beyond substantiated local gastric pathologies, i.e., peptic ulcers and gastric cancer, in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders, mainly by inducing hyperhomocysteinemia-related brain cortical thinning (BCT). BCT has been advocated as a possible biomarker associated with neurodegenerative central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and/or glaucoma, termed as “ocular Alzheimer’s disease”. According to the infection hypothesis in relation to neurodegeneration, Helicobacter pylori as non-commensal gut microbiome has been advocated as trigger and/or mediator of neurodegenerative diseases, such as the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Among others, Helicobacter pylori-related inflammatory mediators, defensins, autophagy, vitamin D, dietary factors, role of probiotics, and some pathogenetic considerations including relevant involved genes are discussed within this opinion article. In conclusion, by controlling the impact of Helicobacter pylori-related hyperhomocysteinemia on neurodegenerative disorders might offer benefits, and additional research is warranted to clarify this crucial topic currently representing a major worldwide burden.
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Luzzi S, Cherubini V, Falsetti L, Viticchi G, Silvestrini M, Toraldo A. Homocysteine, Cognitive Functions, and Degenerative Dementias: State of the Art. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2741. [PMID: 36359260 PMCID: PMC9687733 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112741] [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: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
There is strong evidence that homocysteine is a risk factor not only for cerebrovascular diseases but also for degenerative dementias. A recent consensus statement renewed the importance and the role of high levels of homocysteine in cognitive decline in several forms of degenerative dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Although the molecular mechanisms by which homocysteine causes cell dysfunction are known, both the impact of homocysteine on specific cognitive functions and the relationship between homocysteine level and non-Alzheimer dementias have been poorly investigated. Most of the studies addressing the impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on dementias have not examined the profile of performance across different cognitive domains, and have only relied on screening tests, which provide a very general and coarse-grained picture of the cognitive status of the patients. Yet, trying to understand whether hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with the impairment of specific cognitive functions would be crucial, as it would be, in parallel, learning whether some brain circuits are particularly susceptible to the damage caused by hyperhomocysteinemia. These steps would allow one to (i) understand the actual role of homocysteine in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline and (ii) improve the diagnostic accuracy, differential diagnosis and prognostic implications. This review is aimed at exploring and revising the state of the art of these two strictly related domains. Suggestions for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Luzzi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Veronica Cherubini
- Neurology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Falsetti
- Internal and Subintensive Medicine Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti” di Ancona, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanna Viticchi
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti” di Ancona, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Mauro Silvestrini
- Neurology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessio Toraldo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), 20126 Milan, Italy
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Relationship between Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Neurodegenerative Disease: Lessons from ADH1B, CYP1A2 and MTHFR. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081498. [PMID: 36011409 PMCID: PMC9408177 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present review, the main features involved in the susceptibility and progression of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) have been discussed, with the purpose of highlighting their potential application for promoting the management and treatment of patients with NDDs. In particular, the impact of genetic and epigenetic factors, nutrients, and lifestyle will be presented, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Metabolism, dietary habits, physical exercise and microbiota are part of a complex network that is crucial for brain function and preservation. This complex equilibrium can be disrupted by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors causing perturbations in central nervous system homeostasis, contributing thereby to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Diet and physical activity can directly act on epigenetic modifications, which, in turn, alter the expression of specific genes involved in NDDs onset and progression. On this subject, the introduction of nutrigenomics shed light on the main molecular players involved in the modulation of health and disease status. In particular, the review presents data concerning the impact of ADH1B, CYP1A2, and MTHFR on the susceptibility and progression of NDDs (especially AD and PD) and how they may be exploited for developing precision medicine strategies for the disease treatment and management.
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Mönkäre S, Kuuluvainen L, Schleutker J, Bras J, Roine S, Pöyhönen M, Guerreiro R, Myllykangas L. Genetic analysis reveals novel variants for vascular cognitive impairment. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 146:42-50. [PMID: 35307828 PMCID: PMC9314039 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The genetic background of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is poorly understood compared to other dementia disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic background of VCI in a well-characterized Finnish cohort. MATERIALS & METHODS Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was applied in 45 Finnish VCI patients. Copy-number variant (CNV) analysis using a SNP array was performed in 80 VCI patients. This study also examined the prevalence of variants at the miR-29 binding site of COL4A1 in 73 Finnish VCI patients. RESULTS In 40% (18/45) of the cases, WES detected possibly causative variants in genes associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) or other neurological or stroke-related disorders. These variants included HTRA1:c.847G>A p.(Gly283Arg), TREX1:c.1079A>G, p.(Tyr360Cys), COLGALT1:c.1411C>T, p.(Arg471Trp), PRNP: c.713C>T, p.(Pro238Leu), and MTHFR:c.1061G>C, p.(Gly354Ala). Additionally, screening of variants in the 3'UTR of COL4A1 gene in a sub-cohort of 73 VCI patients identified a novel variant c.*36T>A. CNV analysis showed that pathogenic CNVs are uncommon in VCI. CONCLUSIONS These data support pathogenic roles of variants in HTRA1, TREX1 and in the 3'UTR of COL4A1 in CSVD and VCI, and suggest that vascular pathogenic mechanisms are linked to neurodegeneration, expanding the understanding of the genetic background of VCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saana Mönkäre
- Department of Medical and Clinical GeneticsUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Laboratory DivisionDepartment of Medical Genetics, GenomicsTurku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Liina Kuuluvainen
- Diagnostic CenterDepartment of Clinical GeneticsHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Medical and Clinical GeneticsUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Johanna Schleutker
- Laboratory DivisionDepartment of Medical Genetics, GenomicsTurku University HospitalTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Jose Bras
- Center for Neurodegenerative ScienceVan Andel InstituteGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral MedicineMichigan State University College of Human MedicineGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Susanna Roine
- NeurocenterDepartment of Cerebrovascular DiseasesTurku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Minna Pöyhönen
- Department of Medical and Clinical GeneticsUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- HUS Diagnostic CenterHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Rita Guerreiro
- Center for Neurodegenerative ScienceVan Andel InstituteGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral MedicineMichigan State University College of Human MedicineGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Liisa Myllykangas
- HUS Diagnostic CenterHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
- Department of PathologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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Hausman-Cohen S, Bilich C, Kapoor S, Maristany E, Stefani A, Wilcox A. Genomics as a Clinical Decision Support Tool for Identifying and Addressing Modifiable Causes of Cognitive Decline and Improving Outcomes: Proof of Concept Support for This Personalized Medicine Strategy. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:862362. [PMID: 35517054 PMCID: PMC9062132 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.862362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The landscape of therapeutics for mild cognitive impairment and dementia is quite limited. While many single-agent trials of pharmaceuticals have been conducted, these trials have repeatedly been unable to show improvement in cognition. It is hypothesized that because Alzheimer’s, like many other chronic illnesses, is not a monogenic illness, but is instead caused by the downstream effects of an individual’s genetic variants interacting with each other, the environment, and lifestyle, that improving outcomes will require a personalized, precision medicine approach. This approach requires identifying and then addressing contributing genomic and other factors specific to each individual in a simultaneous fashion. Until recently, the utility of genomics as part of clinical decision-making for Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline has been limited by the lack of availability of a genomic platform designed specifically to evaluate factors contributing to cognitive decline and how to respond to these factors The clinical decision support (CDS) platform used in the cases presented focuses on common variants that relate to topics including, but not limited to brain inflammation, amyloid processing, nutrient carriers, brain ischemia, oxidative stress, and detoxification pathways. Potential interventions based on the scientific literature were included in the CDS, but the final decision on what interventions to apply were chosen by each patient’s physician. Interventions included supplements with “generally regarded as safe (GRAS)” rating, along with targeted diet and lifestyle modifications. We hypothesize that a personalized genomically targeted approach can improve outcomes for individuals with mild cognitive impairment who are at high risk of Alzheimer’s. The cases presented in this report represent a subset of cases from three physicians’ offices and are meant to provide initial proof of concept data demonstrating the efficacy of this method and provide support for this hypothesis. These patients were at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s due to their apolipoprotein E ε4 status. While further prospective and controlled trials need to be done, initial case reports are encouraging and lend support to this hypothesis of the benefit of a genomically targeted personalized medicine approach to improve outcomes in individuals with cognitive decline who are at high risk for Alzheimer’s.
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Cárdenas VM, Boller F, Román GC. Helicobacter pylori, Vascular Risk Factors and Cognition in U.S. Older Adults. Brain Sci 2019; 9:E370. [PMID: 31842501 PMCID: PMC6955675 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9120370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that Helicobacter pylori infection could be a risk factor for stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The authors examined data from participants, 60 years old and older in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III) to assess the relation between Helicobacter pylori infection and results of the Mini-Mental State Examination (n = 1860) using logistic regression analysis controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, poverty and history of medically diagnosed diabetes. Moreover, we examined performance on the digit-symbol substitution test (DSST) of 1031 participants in the 1999-2000 NHANES according to their H. pylori infection status controlling for potential confounders using multiple linear regression analyses. In 1988-1991, older adults infected with CagA strains of H. pylori had a 50% borderline statistically significant increased level of cognitive impairment, as measured by low Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (age-education adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 2.0). In 1999-2000, older US adults infected with H. pylori scored 2.6 fewer points in the DSST than those uninfected (mean adjusted difference: -2.6; 95% confidence interval -5.1, -0.1). The authors concluded that H. pylori infection might be a risk factor for cognitive decline in the elderly. They also found that low cobalamin and elevated homocysteine were associated with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor M. Cárdenas
- Department of Epidemiology. Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72005, USA
| | - François Boller
- The School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Gustavo C. Román
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer & Dementia Clinic, Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 14853, USA
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