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Cordeiro A, Gomes C, Bicker J, Fortuna A. Aging and cognitive resilience: Molecular mechanisms as new potential therapeutic targets. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104093. [PMID: 38992420 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104093] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
As the global population ages, the need to prolong lifespan and healthspan becomes increasingly imperative. Understanding the molecular determinants underlying cognitive resilience, together with changes during aging and the (epi)genetic factors that predispose an individual to decreased cognitive resilience, open avenues for researching novel therapies. This review provides a critical and timely appraisal of the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive resilience, framed within a critical analysis of emerging therapeutic strategies to mitigate age-related cognitive decline. Significant insights from both animals and human subjects are discussed herein, directed either toward active pharmaceutical ingredients (drug repositioning or macromolecules), or, alternatively, advanced cellular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cordeiro
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Gomes
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Bicker
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Robles-Gómez ÁA, Ordaz B, Lorea-Hernández JJ, Peña-Ortega F. Deleterious and protective effects of epothilone-D alone and in the context of amyloid β- and tau-induced alterations. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1198299. [PMID: 37900942 PMCID: PMC10603193 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1198299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (P-tau) are Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers that interact in a complex manner to induce most of the cognitive and brain alterations observed in this disease. Since the neuronal cytoskeleton is a common downstream pathological target of tau and Aβ, which mostly lead to augmented microtubule instability, the administration of microtubule stabilizing agents (MSAs) can protect against their pathological actions. However, the effectiveness of MSAs is still uncertain due to their state-dependent negative effects; thus, evaluating their specific actions in different pathological or physiological conditions is required. We evaluated whether epothilone-D (Epo-D), a clinically used MSA, rescues from the functional and behavioral alterations produced by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ, the presence of P-tau, or their combination in rTg4510 mice. We also explored the side effects of Epo-D. To do so, we evaluated hippocampal-dependent spatial memory with the Hebb-Williams maze, hippocampal CA1 integrity and the intrinsic and synaptic properties of CA1 pyramidal neurons with the patch-clamp technique. Aβ and P-tau mildly impaired memory retrieval, but produced contrasting effects on intrinsic excitability. When Aβ and P-tau were combined, the alterations in excitability and spatial reversal learning (i.e., cognitive flexibility) were exacerbated. Interestingly, Epo-D prevented most of the impairments induced Aβ and P-tau alone and combined. However, Epo-D also exhibited some side effects depending on the prevailing pathological or physiological condition, which should be considered in future preclinical and translational studies. Although we did not perform extensive histopathological evaluations or measured microtubule stability, our findings show that MSAs can rescue the consequences of AD-like conditions but otherwise be harmful if administered at a prodromal stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Abdiel Robles-Gómez
- Instituto de Neurobiología, UNAM Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, México City, Mexico
| | - Benito Ordaz
- Instituto de Neurobiología, UNAM Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
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Aleksandrova Y, Neganova M. Deciphering the Mysterious Relationship between the Cross-Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative and Oncological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14766. [PMID: 37834214 PMCID: PMC10573395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914766] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between oncological pathologies and neurodegenerative disorders is extremely complex and is a topic of concern among a growing number of researchers around the world. In recent years, convincing scientific evidence has accumulated that indicates the contribution of a number of etiological factors and pathophysiological processes to the pathogenesis of these two fundamentally different diseases, thus demonstrating an intriguing relationship between oncology and neurodegeneration. In this review, we establish the general links between three intersecting aspects of oncological pathologies and neurodegenerative disorders, i.e., oxidative stress, epigenetic dysregulation, and metabolic dysfunction, examining each process in detail to establish an unusual epidemiological relationship. We also focus on reviewing the current trends in the research and the clinical application of the most promising chemical structures and therapeutic platforms that have a modulating effect on the above processes. Thus, our comprehensive analysis of the set of molecular determinants that have obvious cross-functional pathways in the pathogenesis of oncological and neurodegenerative diseases can help in the creation of advanced diagnostic tools and in the development of innovative pharmacological strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Aleksandrova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142432 Chernogolovka, Russia;
| | - Margarita Neganova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142432 Chernogolovka, Russia;
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 420088 Kazan, Russia
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Holubiec MI, Gellert M, Hanschmann EM. Redox signaling and metabolism in Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1003721. [PMID: 36408110 PMCID: PMC9670316 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1003721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduction and oxidation reactions are essential for biochemical processes. They are part of metabolic pathways and signal transduction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) as second messengers and oxidative modifications of cysteinyl (Cys) residues are key to transduce and translate intracellular and intercellular signals. Dysregulation of cellular redox signaling is known as oxidative distress, which has been linked to various pathologies, including neurodegeneration. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative pathology linked to both, abnormal amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, generating Aβ peptide, and Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. Signs of oxidative distress in AD include: increase of ROS (H2O2, O2 •-), decrease of the levels or activities of antioxidant enzymes, abnormal oxidation of macromolecules related to elevated Aβ production, and changes in mitochondrial homeostasis linked to Tau phosphorylation. Interestingly, Cys residues present in APP form disulfide bonds that are important for intermolecular interactions and might be involved in the aggregation of Aβ. Moreover, two Cys residues in some Tau isoforms have been shown to be essential for Tau stabilization and its interaction with microtubules. Future research will show the complexities of Tau, its interactome, and the role that Cys residues play in the progression of AD. The specific modification of cysteinyl residues in redox signaling is also tightly connected to the regulation of various metabolic pathways. Many of these pathways have been found to be altered in AD, even at very early stages. In order to analyze the complex changes and underlying mechanisms, several AD models have been developed, including animal models, 2D and 3D cell culture, and ex-vivo studies of patient samples. The use of these models along with innovative, new redox analysis techniques are key to further understand the importance of the redox component in Alzheimer's disease and the identification of new therapeutic targets in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. I. Holubiec
- IBioBA-MPSP Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires, Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. Gellert
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Medicine Greifwald, University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Reddy DS, Abeygunaratne HN. Experimental and Clinical Biomarkers for Progressive Evaluation of Neuropathology and Therapeutic Interventions for Acute and Chronic Neurological Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11734. [PMID: 36233034 PMCID: PMC9570151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes commonly used experimental and clinical biomarkers of neuronal injury and neurodegeneration for the evaluation of neuropathology and monitoring of therapeutic interventions. Biomarkers are vital for diagnostics of brain disease and therapeutic monitoring. A biomarker can be objectively measured and evaluated as a proxy indicator for the pathophysiological process or response to therapeutic interventions. There are complex hurdles in understanding the molecular pathophysiology of neurological disorders and the ability to diagnose them at initial stages. Novel biomarkers for neurological diseases may surpass these issues, especially for early identification of disease risk. Validated biomarkers can measure the severity and progression of both acute neuronal injury and chronic neurological diseases such as epilepsy, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and other brain diseases. Biomarkers are deployed to study progression and response to treatment, including noninvasive imaging tools for both acute and chronic brain conditions. Neuronal biomarkers are classified into four core subtypes: blood-based, immunohistochemical-based, neuroimaging-based, and electrophysiological biomarkers. Neuronal conditions have progressive stages, such as acute injury, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and neurogenesis, which can serve as indices of pathological status. Biomarkers are critical for the targeted identification of specific molecules, cells, tissues, or proteins that dramatically alter throughout the progression of brain conditions. There has been tremendous progress with biomarkers in acute conditions and chronic diseases affecting the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Hasara Nethma Abeygunaratne
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
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