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Kang B, Wang J, Guo S, Yang L. Mercury-induced toxicity: Mechanisms, molecular pathways, and gene regulation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173577. [PMID: 38852866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a well-known neurotoxicant for humans and wildlife. The epidemic of mercury poisoning in Japan has clearly demonstrated that chronic exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) results in serious neurological damage to the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, leading to the dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), especially in infants exposed to MeHg in utero. The occurrences of poisoning have caused a wide public concern regarding the health risk emanating from MeHg exposure; particularly those eating large amounts of fish may experience the low-level and long-term exposure. There is growing evidence that MeHg at environmentally relevant concentrations can affect the health of biota in the ecosystem. Although extensive in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the disruption of redox homeostasis and microtube assembly is mainly responsible for mercurial toxicity leading to adverse health outcomes, it is still unclear whether we could quantitively determine the occurrence of interaction between mercurial and thiols and/or selenols groups of proteins linked directly to outcomes, especially at very low levels of exposure. Furthermore, intracellular calcium homeostasis, cytoskeleton, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter release, and DNA methylation may be the targets of mercury compounds; however, the primary targets associated with the adverse outcomes remain to be elucidated. Considering these knowledge gaps, in this article, we conducted a comprehensive review of mercurial toxicity, focusing mainly on the mechanism, and genes/proteins expression. We speculated that comprehensive analyses of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics could enhance interpretation of "omics" profiles, which may reveal specific biomarkers obviously correlated with specific pathways that mediate selective neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolun Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Jinghan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Shaojuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China.
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2
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Cranston AL, Kraev I, Stewart MG, Horsley D, Santos RX, Robinson L, Dreesen E, Armstrong P, Palliyil S, Harrington CR, Wischik CM, Riedel G. Rescue of synaptosomal glutamate release defects in tau transgenic mice by the tau aggregation inhibitor hydromethylthionine. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111269. [PMID: 38909930 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111269] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Glutamatergic neurotransmission, important for learning and memory, is disrupted in different ways in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) tauopathies. We have previously reported that two tau transgenic mouse models, L1 and L66, produce different phenotypes resembling AD and FTD, respectively. The AD-like L1 model expresses the truncated core aggregation domain of the AD paired helical filament (PHF) form of tau (tau296-390) whereas the FTD-like L66 model expresses full-length tau carrying two mutations at P301S/G335D. We have used synaptosomes isolated from these mice to investigate K+-evoked glutamate release and, if abnormal, to determine responsiveness to hydromethylthionine, a tau aggregation inhibitor previously shown to reduce tau pathology in these models. We report that the transgenes in these two mouse lines cause opposite abnormalities in glutamate release. Over-expression of the core tau unit in L1 produces a significant reduction in glutamate release and a loss of Ca2+-dependency compared with wild-type control mice. Full-length mutant tau produces an increase in glutamate release that retains normal Ca2+-dependency. Chronic pre-treatment with hydromethylthionine normalises both reduced (L1) and excessive glutamate (L66) and restores normal Ca2+-dependency in L1 mice. This implies that both patterns of impairment are the result of tau aggregation, but that the direction and Ca2+-dependency of the abnormality is determined by expression of the disease-specific transgene. Our results lead to the conclusion that the tauopathies need not be considered a single entity in terms of the downstream effects of pathological aggregation of tau protein. In this case, directionally opposite abnormalities in glutamate release resulting from different types of tau aggregation in the two mouse models can be corrected by hydromethylthionine. This may help to explain the activity of hydromethylthionine on cognitive decline and brain atrophy in both AD and behavioural-variant FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Cranston
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Igor Kraev
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Mike G Stewart
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
| | - David Horsley
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Renato X Santos
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Lianne Robinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Eline Dreesen
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Paul Armstrong
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Soumya Palliyil
- Scottish Biologics Facility, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZP, UK
| | - Charles R Harrington
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZD, UK; TauRx Therapeutics Ltd, 395 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5RP, UK
| | - Claude M Wischik
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZD, UK; TauRx Therapeutics Ltd, 395 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5RP, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill AB25 2ZD, UK.
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3
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Rooban S, Arul Senghor K, Vinodhini V, Kumar J. Adropin: A crucial regulator of cardiovascular health and metabolic balance. Metabol Open 2024; 23:100299. [PMID: 39045137 PMCID: PMC11263719 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2024.100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adropin, a peptide discovered in 2008, has gained recognition as a key regulator of cardiovascular health and metabolic balance. Initially identified for its roles in energy balance, lipid metabolism, and glucose regulation, adropin has also been found to improve cardiovascular health by enhancing endothelial function, modulating lipid profiles, and reducing oxidative stress. These protective mechanisms suggest that adropin may be able to help prevent conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. Research has established connections between adropin and cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, positioning it as a valuable biomarker for evaluating cardiovascular disease risk. New studies highlight adropin's diagnostic and prognostic significance, showing that higher levels are linked to better cardiovascular outcomes, while lower levels are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on adropin, emphasizing its significance as a promising focus in the intersection of cardiovascular health and metabolic health. By summarizing the latest research findings, this review aims to offer insights into the potential applications of adropin in both clinical practice and research, leading to a deeper understanding of its role in maintaining cardiovascular and metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Rooban
- Department of Biochemistry, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, 603203, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K.A. Arul Senghor
- Department of Biochemistry, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, 603203, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V.M. Vinodhini
- Department of Biochemistry, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, 603203, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - J.S. Kumar
- Department of General Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, 603203, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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4
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Xiao XY, Chen YM, Zhu J, Yin MY, Huang CN, Qin HM, Liu SX, Xiao Y, Fang HW, Zhuang T, Chen Y. The synergistic anti-nociceptive effects of nefopam and gabapentinoids in inflammatory, osteoarthritis, and neuropathic pain mouse models. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 977:176738. [PMID: 38876275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176738] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Pain is a common public health problem and remains as an unmet medical need. Currently available analgesics usually have limited efficacy or are accompanied by many adverse side effects. To achieve satisfactory pain relief by multimodal analgesia, new combinations of nefopam and gabapentinoids (pregabalin/gabapentin) were designed and assessed in inflammatory, osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain. Isobolographic analysis was performed to analyze the interactions between nefopam and gabapentinoids in carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain, mono-iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis pain and paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathic pain in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect and motor performance of monotherapy or their combinations were evaluated in the carrageenan-induced inflammatory responses and rotarod test, respectively. Nefopam (1, 3, 5, 10, 30 mg/kg, p.o.), pregabalin (3, 6, 12, 24 mg/kg, p.o.) or gabapentin (25, 50, 75, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently reversed mechanical allodynia in three pain models. Isobolographic analysis indicated that the combinations of nefopam and gabapentinoids exerted synergistic anti-nociceptive effects in inflammatory, osteoarthritis, and neuropathic pain mouse models, as evidenced by the experimental ED50 (median effective dose) falling below the predicted additive line. Moreover, the combination of nefopam-pregabalin/gabapentin alleviated carrageenan-induced inflammation and edema, and also prevented gabapentinoids-related sedation or ataxia by lowering their effective doses. Collectively, the co-administration of nefopam and gabapentinoids showed synergistic analgesic effects and may result in improved therapeutic benefits for treating pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Yan-Ming Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Jin Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Ming-Yue Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Chao-Nan Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Hui-Min Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Shu-Xian Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China
| | - Heng-Wei Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475001, China
| | - Tao Zhuang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China.
| | - Yin Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China; Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, China.
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Brockie S, Zhou C, Fehlings MG. Resident immune responses to spinal cord injury: role of astrocytes and microglia. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1678-1685. [PMID: 38103231 PMCID: PMC10960308 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.389630] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury can be traumatic or non-traumatic in origin, with the latter rising in incidence and prevalence with the aging demographics of our society. Moreover, as the global population ages, individuals with co-existent degenerative spinal pathology comprise a growing number of traumatic spinal cord injury cases, especially involving the cervical spinal cord. This makes recovery and treatment approaches particularly challenging as age and comorbidities may limit regenerative capacity. For these reasons, it is critical to better understand the complex milieu of spinal cord injury lesion pathobiology and the ensuing inflammatory response. This review discusses microglia-specific purinergic and cytokine signaling pathways, as well as microglial modulation of synaptic stability and plasticity after injury. Further, we evaluate the role of astrocytes in neurotransmission and calcium signaling, as well as their border-forming response to neural lesions. Both the inflammatory and reparative roles of these cells have eluded our complete understanding and remain key therapeutic targets due to their extensive structural and functional roles in the nervous system. Recent advances have shed light on the roles of glia in neurotransmission and reparative injury responses that will change how interventions are directed. Understanding key processes and existing knowledge gaps will allow future research to effectively target these cells and harness their regenerative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Brockie
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cindy Zhou
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Nheu D, Petratos S. How does Nogo-A signalling influence mitochondrial function during multiple sclerosis pathogenesis? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105767. [PMID: 38885889 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105767] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe neurological disorder that involves inflammation in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve with key disabling neuropathological outcomes being axonal damage and demyelination. When degeneration of the axo-glial union occurs, a consequence of inflammatory damage to central nervous system (CNS) myelin, dystrophy and death can lead to large membranous structures from dead oligodendrocytes and degenerative myelin deposited in the extracellular milieu. For the first time, this review covers mitochondrial mechanisms that may be operative during MS-related neurodegenerative changes directly activated during accumulating extracellular deposits of myelin associated inhibitory factors (MAIFs), that include the potent inhibitor of neurite outgrowth, Nogo-A. Axonal damage may occur when Nogo-A binds to and signals through its cognate receptor, NgR1, a multimeric complex, to initially stall axonal transport and limit the delivery of important growth-dependent cargo and subcellular organelles such as mitochondria for metabolic efficiency at sites of axo-glial disintegration as a consequence of inflammation. Metabolic efficiency in axons fails during active demyelination and progressive neurodegeneration, preceded by stalled transport of functional mitochondria to fuel axo-glial integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danica Nheu
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Prahran, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Steven Petratos
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Prahran, VIC 3004, Australia.
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7
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Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhang G, Zheng YJ, Zhao A, Jiang X, Gan J. Astrocyte modulation in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: A promising therapeutic strategy. Exp Neurol 2024; 378:114814. [PMID: 38762094 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114814] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) poses significant challenges for drug development due to its complex pathogenesis. Astrocyte involvement in CIRI pathogenesis has led to the development of novel astrocyte-targeting drug strategies. To comprehensively review the current literature, we conducted a thorough analysis from January 2012 to December 2023, identifying 82 drugs aimed at preventing and treating CIRI. These drugs target astrocytes to exert potential benefits in CIRI, and their primary actions include modulation of relevant signaling pathways to inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, reduce cerebral edema, restore blood-brain barrier integrity, suppress excitotoxicity, and regulate autophagy. Notably, active components from traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ginkgo, and Ginseng exhibit these important pharmacological properties and show promise in the treatment of CIRI. This review highlights the potential of astrocyte-targeted drugs to ameliorate CIRI and categorizes them based on their mechanisms of action, underscoring their therapeutic potential in targeting astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangming Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Jia Zheng
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Anliu Zhao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xijuan Jiang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Jiali Gan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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8
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Kong W, Lu C. Role of mitochondria in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:991-1000. [PMID: 38314617 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, an important cause of death as well as long-term disability in survivors, is caused by oxygen and glucose deprivation, and limited blood flow. Following hypoxic-ischemic injury in the neonatal brain, three main biochemical damages (excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and exacerbated inflammation) are triggered. Mitochondria are involved in all three cascades. Mitochondria are the nexus of metabolic pathways to offer most of the energy that our body needs. Hypoxic-ischemic injury affects the characteristics of mitochondria, including dynamics, permeability, and ATP production, which also feed back into the process of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Mitochondria can be a cellular hub in inflammation, which is another main response of the injured neonatal brain. Some treatments for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy affect the function of mitochondria or target mitochondria, including therapeutic hypothermia and erythropoietin. This review presents the main roles of mitochondria in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and discusses some potential treatments directed at mitochondria, which may foster the development of new therapeutic strategies for this encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Kong
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Cheng Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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9
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Akyuz E, Arulsamy A, Aslan FS, Sarisözen B, Guney B, Hekimoglu A, Yilmaz BN, Retinasamy T, Shaikh MF. An Expanded Narrative Review of Neurotransmitters on Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Therapeutic Interventions on Neurotransmission. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y. [PMID: 39012443 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04333-y] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles are the key players responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. The accumulation of Aβ plaques and tau affect the balance in chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. Thus, the current review examined the role of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and discusses the alterations in the neurochemical activity and cross talk with their receptors and transporters. In the presence of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, changes may occur in the expression of neuronal receptors which in turn triggers excessive release of glutamate into the synaptic cleft contributing to cell death and neuronal damage. The GABAergic system may also be affected by AD pathology in a similar way. In addition, decreased receptors in the cholinergic system and dysfunction in the dopamine neurotransmission of AD pathology may also contribute to the damage to cognitive function. Moreover, the presence of deficiencies in noradrenergic neurons within the locus coeruleus in AD suggests that noradrenergic stimulation could be useful in addressing its pathophysiology. The regulation of melatonin, known for its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive function and preventing Aβ accumulation, along with the involvement of the serotonergic system and histaminergic system in cognition and memory, becomes remarkable for promoting neurotransmission in AD. Additionally, nitric oxide and adenosine-based therapeutic approaches play a protective role in AD by preventing neuroinflammation. Overall, neurotransmitter-based therapeutic strategies emerge as pivotal for addressing neurotransmitter homeostasis and neurotransmission in the context of AD. This review discussed the potential for neurotransmitter-based drugs to be effective in slowing and correcting the neurodegenerative processes in AD by targeting the neurochemical imbalance in the brain. Therefore, neurotransmitter-based drugs could serve as a future therapeutic strategy to tackle AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enes Akyuz
- Department of Biophysics, International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alina Arulsamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Bugra Sarisözen
- School of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Beyzanur Guney
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Beyza Nur Yilmaz
- International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Thaarvena Retinasamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia.
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10
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Motyl G, Krupka WM, Maślińska M. The problem of residual pain in the assessment of rheumatoid arthritis activity. Reumatologia 2024; 62:176-186. [PMID: 39055728 PMCID: PMC11267660 DOI: 10.5114/reum/189779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Residual pain is a major unmet medical need observed in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which decreases their quality of life, even after achieving remission or low disease activity. The article has two aims: 1) to present mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of residual pain, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory, i.e. neuropathic and nociplastic pain, as well as secondary pain syndromes, i.e. osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, which can contribute to residual pain; 2) to show the limitations of current disease activity measures recommended by European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR), which raise the need for a separate assessment of pain, and examples of methods that could be used by medical professionals to assess the pain and make a differential diagnosis. In conclusion, establishing a valid method to assess pain is essential to identify the pathomechanism of residual pain and to create treatments tailored specifically to individual RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Motyl
- Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
- Rheumatology Student Research Group at the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Maria Krupka
- Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
- Rheumatology Student Research Group at the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Maślińska
- Early Arthritis Clinic, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
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Zafra-Puerta L, Iglesias-Cabeza N, Burgos DF, Sciaccaluga M, González-Fernández J, Bellingacci L, Canonichesi J, Sánchez-Martín G, Costa C, Sánchez MP, Serratosa JM. Gene therapy for Lafora disease in the Epm2a -/- mouse model. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2130-2149. [PMID: 38796707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.032] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lafora disease is a rare and fatal form of progressive myoclonic epilepsy typically occurring early in adolescence. The disease results from mutations in the EPM2A gene, encoding laforin, or the EPM2B gene, encoding malin. Laforin and malin work together in a complex to control glycogen synthesis and prevent the toxicity produced by misfolded proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Disruptions in either protein cause alterations in this complex, leading to the formation of Lafora bodies containing abnormal, insoluble, and hyperphosphorylated forms of glycogen. We used the Epm2a-/- knockout mouse model of Lafora disease to apply gene therapy by administering intracerebroventricular injections of a recombinant adeno-associated virus carrying the human EPM2A gene. We evaluated the effects of this treatment through neuropathological studies, behavioral tests, video-electroencephalography, electrophysiological recordings, and proteomic/phosphoproteomic analysis. Gene therapy ameliorated neurological and histopathological alterations, reduced epileptic activity and neuronal hyperexcitability, and decreased the formation of Lafora bodies. Moreover, differential quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics revealed beneficial changes in various molecular pathways altered in Lafora disease. Our results represent proof of principle for gene therapy with the coding region of the human EPM2A gene as a treatment for EPM2A-related Lafora disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Zafra-Puerta
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain; PhD Program in Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid-Cajal Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Fondazione Malattie Rare Mauro Baschirotto BIRD Onlus, Longare (VI), Italy
| | - Nerea Iglesias-Cabeza
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel F Burgos
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain; PhD Program in Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid-Cajal Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Sciaccaluga
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; Fondazione Malattie Rare Mauro Baschirotto BIRD Onlus, Longare (VI), Italy
| | - Juan González-Fernández
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Departament of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Bellingacci
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Canonichesi
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gema Sánchez-Martín
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marina P Sánchez
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - José M Serratosa
- Laboratory of Neurology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Paranjape N, Strack S, Lehmler HJ, Doorn JA. Astrocyte Mitochondria Are a Sensitive Target of PCB52 and its Human-Relevant Metabolites. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 38953493 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial chemicals that are ubiquitously found in the environment. Exposure to these compounds has been associated with neurotoxic outcomes; however, the underlying mechanisms for such outcomes remain to be fully understood. Recent studies have shown that astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in the brain, are susceptible to PCB exposure as well as exposure to human-relevant metabolites of PCBs. Astrocytes are critical for maintaining healthy brain function due to their unique functional attributes and positioning within the neuronal networks in the brain. In this study, we assessed the toxicity of PCB52, one of the most abundantly found PCB congeners in outdoor and indoor air, and two of its human-relevant metabolites, on astrocyte mitochondria. We exposed C6 cells, an astrocyte cell line, to PCB52 or its human-relevant metabolites and found that all the compounds showed increased toxicity in galactose-containing media compared to that in the glucose-containing media, indicating the involvement of mitochondria in observed toxicity. Additionally, we also found increased oxidative stress upon exposure to PCB52 metabolites. All three compounds caused a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, distinct changes in the mitochondrial structure, and impaired mitochondrial function. The hydroxylated metabolite 4-OH-PCB52 likely functions as an uncoupler of mitochondria. This is the first study to report the adverse effects of exposure to PCB52 and its human-relevant metabolites on the mitochondrial structure and function in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Paranjape
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Stefan Strack
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Hans-Joachim Lehmler
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Jonathan A Doorn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
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13
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Cai Y, Guo H, Han T, Wang H. Lactate: a prospective target for therapeutic intervention in psychiatric disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1473-1479. [PMID: 38051889 PMCID: PMC10883489 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.387969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although antipsychotics that act via monoaminergic neurotransmitter modulation have considerable therapeutic effect, they cannot completely relieve clinical symptoms in patients suffering from psychiatric disorders. This may be attributed to the limited range of neurotransmitters that are regulated by psychotropic drugs. Recent findings indicate the need for investigation of psychotropic medications that target less-studied neurotransmitters. Among these candidate neurotransmitters, lactate is developing from being a waste metabolite to a glial-neuronal signaling molecule in recent years. Previous studies have suggested that cerebral lactate levels change considerably in numerous psychiatric illnesses; animal experiments have also shown that the supply of exogenous lactate exerts an antidepressant effect. In this review, we have described how medications targeting newer neurotransmitters offer promise in psychiatric diseases; we have also summarized the advances in the use of lactate (and its corresponding signaling pathways) as a signaling molecule. In addition, we have described the alterations in brain lactate levels in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia and have indicated the challenges that need to be overcome before brain lactate can be used as a therapeutic target in psychopharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Haiyun Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Tianle Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Huaning Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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14
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Liu XH, Zhang LY, Liu XY, Zhang JG, Hu YY, Zhao CG, Xian XH, Li WB, Zhang M. Transformation of A1/A2 Astrocytes Participates in Brain Ischemic Tolerance Induced by Cerebral Ischemic Preconditioning via Inhibiting NDRG2. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1665-1676. [PMID: 38411782 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04134-8] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemic preconditioning (CIP) has been shown to improve brain ischemic tolerance against subsequent lethal ischemia. Reactive astrocytes play important roles in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Recent studies have shown that reactive astrocytes can be polarized into neurotoxic A1 phenotype (C3d) and neuroprotective A2 phenotype (S100A10). However, their role in CIP remains unclear. Here, we focused on the role of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) in regulating the transformation of A1/A2 astrocytes and promoting to brain ischemic tolerance induced by CIP. A Sprague Dawley rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) was used. Rats were divided into the following six groups: (1) sham group; (2) CIP group: left middle cerebral artery was blocked for 10 min; (3) MCAO/R group: left middle cerebral artery was blocked for 90 min; (4) CIP + MCAO/R group: CIP was performed 72 h before MCAO/R; (5) AAV-NDRG2 + CIP + MCAO/R group: adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying NDRG2 was administered 14 days before CIP + MCAO/R; (6) AAV-Ctrl + CIP + MCAO/R group: empty control group. The rats were subjected to neurological evaluation 24 h after the above treatments, and then were sacrificed for 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetraolium chloride staining, thionin staining, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. In CIP + MCAO/R group, the neurological deficit scores decreased, infarct volume reduced, and neuronal density increased compared with MCAO/R group. Notably, CIP significantly increased S100A10 expression and the number of S100A10+/GFAP+ cells, and also increased NDRG2 expression. MCAO/R significantly decreased S100A10 expression and the number of S100A10+/GFAP+ cells yet increased C3d expression and the number of C3d+/GFAP+ cells and NDRG2 expression, and these trends were reversed by CIP + MCAO/R. Furthermore, over-expression of NDRG2 before CIP + MCAO/R, the C3d expression and the number of C3d+/GFAP+ cells increased, while S100A10 expression and the number of S100A10+/GFAP+ cells decreased. Meanwhile, over-expression of NDRG2 blocked the CIP-induced brain ischemic tolerance. Taken together, these results suggest that CIP exerts neuroprotective effects against ischemic injury by suppressing A1 astrocyte polarization and promoting A2 astrocyte polarization via inhibiting NDRG2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hua Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People's Republic of China
- Department of Physiology, Shijiazhuang Medical College, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Yun Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Ge Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People's Republic of China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu-Yan Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Guang Zhao
- Department of foreign language, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hui Xian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, People's Republic of China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Xia L, Zhao H, Shan L, Ma X, An P, Duan X. Using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to predict potential biomarkers for missed miscarriage and its metabolic pathways in a tertiary center: A cross-sectional analytic study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 166:312-325. [PMID: 38445380 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15417] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine and compare the serum metabolites in missed abortion versus normal early pregnancy using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and to determine how these metabolites can be used to predict the potential biomarkers and possible metabolic pathways of a missed abortion. METHODS The serum of patients with a missed abortion was used as the experimental group and the serum of patients with an induced abortion during normal early pregnancy was used as the control group. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis were additionally used to observe the difference in metabolite distribution between the two groups. A variable weight value (variable importance in the projection; VIP) obtained from the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model more than 1 and P less than 0.05 were taken to indicate significant differences in metabolite screening. After this, enrichment analysis of the metabolic pathways of these metabolites was conducted using Fisher precise test in order to find the metabolic pathway with the highest correlation with the differential metabolites. RESULTS In total, 30 patients were included in the experimental group, with 30 patients in the control group. Fifty-five metabolites (VIP > 1, P < 0.05) with significant differences related to missed abortion were selected, among which 35 metabolites increased and 20 decreased in patients with a missed abortion. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the four metabolic pathways with the highest correlation were cholesterol metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, cell apoptosis, and the FoxO signaling pathway. CONCLUSION The missed abortion serum metabolites and changes in related metabolic pathways reported in this study provide a basis for the early prediction and diagnosis of a missed abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Xia
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
- Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Huan Zhao
- Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Li Shan
- Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Ma
- Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Peixing An
- Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Duan
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
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16
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Jacquemyn J, Ralhan I, Ioannou MS. Driving factors of neuronal ferroptosis. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:535-546. [PMID: 38395733 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.01.010] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an oxidative form of iron-dependent cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides on membranes. Iron and lipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for this process. Ferroptosis is central to several neurological diseases and underlies the importance of balanced iron and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism in the brain, particularly in neurons. Here, we reflect on the potential links between neuronal physiology and the accumulation of iron and peroxidated lipids, the mechanisms neurons use to protect themselves from ferroptosis, and the relationship between pathogenic protein deposition and ferroptosis in neurodegenerative disease. We propose that the unique physiology of neurons makes them especially vulnerable to ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Jacquemyn
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Group on Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Isha Ralhan
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Group on Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Maria S Ioannou
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Group on Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
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17
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Sengking J, Mahakkanukrauh P. The underlying mechanism of calcium toxicity-induced autophagic cell death and lysosomal degradation in early stage of cerebral ischemia. Anat Cell Biol 2024; 57:155-162. [PMID: 38680098 PMCID: PMC11184419 DOI: 10.5115/acb.24.003] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia is the important cause of worldwide disability and mortality, that is one of the obstruction of blood vessels supplying to the brain. In early stage, glutamate excitotoxicity and high level of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) are the major processes which can promote many downstream signaling involving in neuronal death and brain tissue damaging. Moreover, autophagy, the reusing of damaged cell organelles, is affected in early ischemia. Under ischemic conditions, autophagy plays an important role to maintain energy of the brain and its function. In the other hand, over intracellular Ca2+ accumulation triggers excessive autophagic process and lysosomal degradation leading to autophagic process impairment which finally induce neuronal death. This article reviews the association between intracellular Ca2+ and autophagic process in acute stage of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirakhamon Sengking
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Excellence in Osteology Research and Training Center (ORTC), Chaing Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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18
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Olschewski DN, Nazarzadeh N, Lange F, Koenig AM, Kulka C, Abraham JA, Blaschke SJ, Merkel R, Hoffmann B, Fink GR, Schroeter M, Rueger MA, Vay SU. The angiotensin II receptors type 1 and 2 modulate astrocytes and their crosstalk with microglia and neurons in an in vitro model of ischemic stroke. BMC Neurosci 2024; 25:29. [PMID: 38926677 PMCID: PMC11202395 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-024-00876-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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type of the central nervous system and are fundamentally involved in homeostasis, neuroprotection, and synaptic plasticity. This regulatory function of astrocytes on their neighboring cells in the healthy brain is subject of current research. In the ischemic brain we assume disease specific differences in astrocytic acting. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system regulates arterial blood pressure through endothelial cells and perivascular musculature. Moreover, astrocytes express angiotensin II type 1 and 2 receptors. However, their role in astrocytic function has not yet been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that the angiotensin II receptors impact astrocyte function as revealed in an in vitro system mimicking cerebral ischemia. Astrocytes derived from neonatal wistar rats were exposed to telmisartan (angiotensin II type 1 receptor-blocker) or PD123319 (angiotensin II type 2 receptor-blocker) under normal conditions (control) or deprivation from oxygen and glucose. Conditioned medium (CM) of astrocytes was harvested to elucidate astrocyte-mediated indirect effects on microglia and cortical neurons. RESULT The blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptor by telmisartan increased the survival of astrocytes during ischemic conditions in vitro without affecting their proliferation rate or disturbing their expression of S100A10, a marker of activation. The inhibition of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor pathway by PD123319 resulted in both increased expression of S100A10 and proliferation rate. The CM of telmisartan-treated astrocytes reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators with simultaneous increase of anti-inflammatory markers in microglia. Increased neuronal activity was observed after treatment of neurons with CM of telmisartan- as well as PD123319-stimulated astrocytes. CONCLUSION Data show that angiotensin II receptors have functional relevance for astrocytes that differs in healthy and ischemic conditions and effects surrounding microglia and neuronal activity via secretory signals. Above that, this work emphasizes the strong interference of the different cells in the CNS and that targeting astrocytes might serve as a therapeutic strategy to influence the acting of glia-neuronal network in de- and regenerative context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Navin Olschewski
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Nilufar Nazarzadeh
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix Lange
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Koenig
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christina Kulka
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jella-Andrea Abraham
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Mechanobiology, Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-2), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Stefan Johannes Blaschke
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Rudolf Merkel
- Department of Mechanobiology, Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-2), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Department of Mechanobiology, Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-2), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Gereon Rudolf Fink
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Michael Schroeter
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Maria Adele Rueger
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Sabine Ulrike Vay
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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陈 洁, 刘 晨, 王 春, 李 丽, 陶 伟, 徐 婧, 唐 红, 黄 丽. [Exogenous leptin improves cerebral ischemia-reperfusion-induced glutamate excitotoxic injury in mice by up-regulating GLT-1 and GLAST expression in astrocytes]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2024; 44:1079-1087. [PMID: 38977337 PMCID: PMC11237293 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2024.06.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of exogenous leptin against focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS A total of 100 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, including a sham-operated group, cerebral I/R model group, and 3 leptin treatment groups with intraperitoneal injections of 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 leptin immediately after occlusion of the internal carotid artery. At 24 h after reperfusion, neurological function scores of the mice were assessed, and TTC staining was used to determine the area of cerebral infarction. The pathological changes in the cortical brain tissue of the mice were observed using HE staining, and degenerative damage of the cortical neurons were assessed with Fluoro-Jade C staining. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in cortical brain tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. In another 45 C57BL/6 mice with sham operation, I/R modeling, or leptin (1 mg/kg) treatment, glutamic acid in the cortical brain tissue was detected using glutamate assay, and cortical glutamate-aspartate transporter (GLAST) and glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) protein expressions were detected using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Compared with the I/R model mice, the leptin-treated mice had significantly lower neurological deficit scores, smaller cerebral infarct area, milder pathologies in the cortical brain tissue, and lessened cortical neuronal damage with normal morphology and less excessive proliferation of the astrocytes. Leptin treatment significantly up-regulated the expressions of GLT-1 and GLAST and lowered the content of glutamic acid in the brain tissue of the I/R mice. CONCLUSION Exogenous leptin has obvious neuroprotective effect against cerebral I/R injury in mice, mediated probably by controlling excessive astrocyte proliferation and up-regulating cortical GLT-1 and GLAST expressions to reduce glutamate-mediated excitotoxic injury of the astrocytes.
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20
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Yan Y, Cho AN. Human Brain In Vitro Model for Pathogen Infection-Related Neurodegeneration Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6522. [PMID: 38928228 PMCID: PMC11204318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126522] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in stem cell biology and tissue engineering have revolutionized the field of neurodegeneration research by enabling the development of sophisticated in vitro human brain models. These models, including 2D monolayer cultures, 3D organoids, organ-on-chips, and bioengineered 3D tissue models, aim to recapitulate the cellular diversity, structural organization, and functional properties of the native human brain. This review highlights how these in vitro brain models have been used to investigate the effects of various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites infection, particularly in the human brain cand their subsequent impacts on neurodegenerative diseases. Traditional studies have demonstrated the susceptibility of different 2D brain cell types to infection, elucidated the mechanisms underlying pathogen-induced neuroinflammation, and identified potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, current methodological improvement brought the technology of 3D models to overcome the challenges of 2D cells, such as the limited cellular diversity, incomplete microenvironment, and lack of morphological structures by highlighting the need for further technological advancements. This review underscored the significance of in vitro human brain cell from 2D monolayer to bioengineered 3D tissue model for elucidating the intricate dynamics for pathogen infection modeling. These in vitro human brain cell enabled researchers to unravel human specific mechanisms underlying various pathogen infections such as SARS-CoV-2 to alter blood-brain-barrier function and Toxoplasma gondii impacting neural cell morphology and its function. Ultimately, these in vitro human brain models hold promise as personalized platforms for development of drug compound, gene therapy, and vaccine. Overall, we discussed the recent progress in in vitro human brain models, their applications in studying pathogen infection-related neurodegeneration, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Yan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW 2008, Australia;
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Ann-Na Cho
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW 2008, Australia;
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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Eller MM, Zuberi AR, Fu X, Burgess SC, Lutz CM, Bailey RM. Valine and Inflammation Drive Epilepsy in a Mouse Model of ECHS1 Deficiency. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.13.598697. [PMID: 38915588 PMCID: PMC11195255 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
ECHS1 Deficiency (ECHS1D) is a rare and devastating pediatric disease that currently has no defined treatments. This disorder results from missense loss-of-function mutations in the ECHS1 gene that result in severe developmental delays, encephalopathy, hypotonia, and early death. ECHS1 enzymatic activity is necessary for the beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the oxidation of branched-chain amino acids within the inner mitochondrial matrix. The pathogenesis of disease remains unknown, however it is hypothesized that disease is driven by an accumulation of toxic metabolites from impaired valine oxidation. To expand our knowledge on disease mechanisms, a novel mouse model of ECHS1D was generated that possesses a disease-associated knock-in (KI) allele and a knock-out (KO) allele. To investigate the behavioral phenotype, a battery of testing was performed at multiple time points, which included assessments of learning, motor function, endurance, sensory responses, and anxiety. Neurological abnormalities were assessed using wireless telemetry EEG recordings, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure induction, and immunohistochemistry. Metabolic perturbations were measured within the liver, serum, and brain using mass spectrometry and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To test disease mechanisms, mice were subjected to disease pathway stressors and then survival, body weight gain, and epilepsy were assessed. Mice containing KI/KI or KI/KO alleles were viable with normal development and survival, and the presence of KI and KO alleles resulted in a significant reduction in ECHS1 protein. ECHS1D mice displayed reduced exercise capacity and pain sensation. EEG analysis revealed increased slow wave power that was associated with perturbations in sleep. ECHS1D mice had significantly increased epileptiform EEG discharges, and were sensitive to seizure induction, which resulted in death of 60% of ECHS1D mice. Under basal conditions, brain structure was grossly normal, although histological analysis revealed increased microglial activation in aged ECHS1D mice. Increased dietary valine only affected ECHS1D mice, which significantly exacerbated seizure susceptibility and resulted in death. Lastly, acute inflammatory challenge drove regression and early lethality in ECHS1D mice. In conclusion, we developed a novel model of ECHS1D that may be used to further knowledge on disease mechanisms and to develop therapeutics. Our data suggests altered metabolic signaling and inflammation may contribute to epilepsy in ECHS1D, and these alterations may be attributed to impaired valine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan M. Eller
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
- Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Aamir R. Zuberi
- The Jackson Laboratory Center for Precision Genetics, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
| | - Xiaorong Fu
- Center for Human Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Shawn C. Burgess
- Center for Human Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Cathleen M. Lutz
- The Jackson Laboratory Center for Precision Genetics, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
| | - Rachel M. Bailey
- Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
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22
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Tian J, Jia K, Wang T, Guo L, Xuan Z, Michaelis EK, Swerdlow RH, Du H. Hippocampal transcriptome-wide association study and pathway analysis of mitochondrial solute carriers in Alzheimer's disease. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:250. [PMID: 38858380 PMCID: PMC11164935 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02958-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly recognized as the result of the combination of the aging process, toxic proteins, brain dysmetabolism, and genetic risks. Although the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of AD has been well-appreciated, the interaction between mitochondrial function and genetic variability in promoting dementia is still poorly understood. In this study, by tissue-specific transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) and further meta-analysis, we examined the genetic association between mitochondrial solute carrier family (SLC25) genes and AD in three independent cohorts and identified three AD-susceptibility genes, including SLC25A10, SLC25A17, and SLC25A22. Integrative analysis using neuroimaging data and hippocampal TWAS-predicted gene expression of the three susceptibility genes showed an inverse correlation of SLC25A22 with hippocampal atrophy rate in AD patients, which outweighed the impacts of sex, age, and apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4). Furthermore, SLC25A22 downregulation demonstrated an association with AD onset, as compared with the other two transcriptome-wide significant genes. Pathway and network analysis related hippocampal SLC25A22 downregulation to defects in neuronal function and development, echoing the enrichment of SLC25A22 expression in human glutamatergic neurons. The most parsimonious interpretation of the results is that we have identified AD-susceptibility genes in the SLC25 family through the prediction of hippocampal gene expression. Moreover, our findings mechanistically yield insight into the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis of AD and pave the way for the future development of diagnostic tools for the early prevention of AD from a perspective of precision medicine by targeting the mitochondria-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Kun Jia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Tienju Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Lan Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Zhenyu Xuan
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Elias K Michaelis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Russell H Swerdlow
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Heng Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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23
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Egilmezer E, Hamilton ST, Lauw G, Follett J, Sonntag E, Schütz M, Marschall M, Rawlinson WD. Human Cytomegalovirus Dysregulates Cellular Dual-Specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation-Regulated Kinases and Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Proteins in Neural Astrocyte and Placental Models. Viruses 2024; 16:918. [PMID: 38932210 PMCID: PMC11209403 DOI: 10.3390/v16060918] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading non-genetic cause of congenital malformation in developed countries, causing significant fetal injury, and in some cases fetal death. The pathogenetic mechanisms through which this host-specific virus infects then damages both the placenta and the fetal brain are currently ill-defined. We investigated the CMV modulation of key signaling pathway proteins for these organs including dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRK) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway proteins using human first trimester placental trophoblast (TEV-1) cells, primary human astrocyte (NHA) brain cells, and CMV-infected human placental tissue. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the accumulation and re-localization of SHH proteins in CMV-infected TEV-1 cells with Gli2, Ulk3, and Shh re-localizing to the CMV cytoplasmic virion assembly complex (VAC). In CMV-infected NHA cells, DYRK1A re-localized to the VAC and DYRK1B re-localized to the CMV nuclear replication compartments, and the SHH proteins re-localized with a similar pattern as was observed in TEV-1 cells. Western blot analysis in CMV-infected TEV-1 cells showed the upregulated expression of Rb, Ulk3, and Shh, but not Gli2. In CMV-infected NHA cells, there was an upregulation of DYRK1A, DYRK1B, Gli2, Rb, Ulk3, and Shh. These in vitro monoculture findings are consistent with patterns of protein upregulation and re-localization observed in naturally infected placental tissue and CMV-infected ex vivo placental explant histocultures. This study reveals CMV-induced changes in proteins critical for fetal development, and identifies new potential targets for CMV therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Egilmezer
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney 2031, Australia; (E.E.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Stuart T. Hamilton
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney 2031, Australia; (E.E.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Glen Lauw
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2033, Australia
| | - Jasmine Follett
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2033, Australia
| | - Eric Sonntag
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany (M.M.)
| | - Martin Schütz
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany (M.M.)
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany (M.M.)
| | - William D. Rawlinson
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney 2031, Australia; (E.E.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2033, Australia
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24
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Lombardi AM, Wong H, Bower ME, Milstead R, Borski C, Schmitt E, Griffioen M, LaPlante L, Ehringer MA, Stitzel J, Hoeffer CA. AKT2 modulates astrocytic nicotine responses in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596856. [PMID: 38854016 PMCID: PMC11160815 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
A better understanding of nicotine neurobiology is needed to reduce or prevent chronic addiction, ameliorate the detrimental effects of nicotine withdrawal, and increase successful cessation of use. Nicotine binds and activates two astrocyte-expressed nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), α4β2 and α7. We recently found that Protein kinase B-β (Pkb-β or Akt2) expression is restricted to astrocytes in mice and humans. To determine if AKT2 plays a role in astrocytic nicotinic responses, we generated astrocyte-specific Akt2 conditional knockout (cKO) and full Akt2 KO mice for in vivo and in vitro experiments. For in vivo studies, we examined mice exposed to chronic nicotine for two weeks in drinking water (200 μg/mL) and following acute nicotine challenge (0.09, 0.2 mg/kg) after 24 hrs. Our in vitro studies used cultured mouse astrocytes to measure nicotine-dependent astrocytic responses. We validated our approaches using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure inducing astrogliosis. Sholl analysis was used to measure glial fibrillary acidic protein responses in astrocytes. Our data show that wild-type (WT) mice exhibit increased astrocyte morphological complexity during acute nicotine exposure, with decreasing complexity during chronic nicotine use, whereas Akt2 cKO mice showed increased astrocyte morphology complexity. In culture, we found that 100μM nicotine was sufficient for morphological changes and blocking α7 or α4β2 nAChRs prevented observed morphologic changes. Finally, we performed conditioned place preference (CPP) in Akt2 cKO mice and found that astrocytic AKT2 deficiency reduced nicotine preference compared to controls. These findings show the importance of nAChRs and Akt2 signaling in the astrocytic response to nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Lombardi
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303
| | - Helen Wong
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Myra E. Bower
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Ryan Milstead
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Curtis Borski
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Emily Schmitt
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303
| | - Mina Griffioen
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Lauren LaPlante
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Marissa A. Ehringer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Jerry Stitzel
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Charles A. Hoeffer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
- Linda Crnic Institute, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045
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25
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Chikviladze M, Mamulashvili N, Sepashvili M, Narmania N, Ramsden J, Shanshiashvili L, Mikeladze D. Citrullinated isomer of myelin basic protein can induce inflammatory responses in astrocytes. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:127-134. [PMID: 38288135 PMCID: PMC10823069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose During the course of demyelinating inflammatory diseases, myelin-derived proteins, including myelin basic protein(MBP), are secreted into extracellular space. MBP shows extensive post-translational modifications, including deimination/citrullination. Deiminated MBP is structurally less ordered, susceptible to proteolytic attack, and more immunogenic than unmodified MBP. This study investigated the effect of the deiminated/citrullinated isomer of MBP(C8) and the unmodified isomer of MBP(C1) on cultured primary astrocytes. Methods MBP charge isomers were isolated/purified from bovine brain. Primary astrocyte cultures were prepared from the 2-day-old Wistar rats. For evaluation of glutamate release/uptake a Fluorimetric glutamate assay was used. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma(PPAR-γ), excitatory amino acid transporter 2(EAAT2), the inhibitor of the nuclear factor kappa-B(ikB) and high mobility group-B1(HMGB1) protein were assayed by Western blot analysis. IL-17A expression was determined in cell medium by ELISA. Results We found that MBP(C8) and MBP(C1) acted differently on the uptake/release of glutamate in astrocytes: C1 increased glutamate uptake and did not change its release, whereas C8 decreased glutamate release but did not change its uptake. Both isomers increased the expression of PPAR-γ and EAAT2 to the same degree. Western blots of cell lysates revealed decreased expression of ikB and increased expression of HMGB1 proteins after treatment of astrocytes by C8. Moreover, C8-treated cells released more nitric oxide and proinflammatory IL-17A than C1-treated cells. Conclusions These data suggest that the most immunogenic deiminated isomer C8, in parallel to the decreases in glutamate release, elicits an inflammatory response and enhances the secretion of proinflammatory molecules via activation of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-kB). Summary statement The most modified-citrullinated myelin basic protein charge isomer decreases glutamate release, elicits an inflammatory response and enhances the secretion of proinflammatory molecules via activation of nuclear factor kappa B in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nino Mamulashvili
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Maia Sepashvili
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Department of Biochemistry, I. Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Nana Narmania
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Department of Biochemistry, I. Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Jeremy Ramsden
- Department of Biomedical Research, The University of Buckingham, Hunter Street, Buckingham MK18 1EG, UK
| | - Lali Shanshiashvili
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Department of Biochemistry, I. Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - David Mikeladze
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Department of Biochemistry, I. Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia
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26
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Gazzin S, Bellarosa C, Tiribelli C. Molecular events in brain bilirubin toxicity revisited. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:1734-1740. [PMID: 38378754 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03084-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms involved in bilirubin neurotoxicity are still far from being fully elucidated. Several different events concur to damage mainly the neurons among which inflammation and alteration of the redox state play a major role. An imbalance of cellular calcium homeostasis has been recently described to be associated with toxic concentrations of bilirubin, and this disequilibrium may in turn elicit an inflammatory reaction. The different and age-dependent sensitivity to bilirubin damage must also be considered in describing the dramatic clinical picture of bilirubin-induced neurological damage (BIND) formerly known as kernicterus spectrum disorder (KSD). This review aims to critically address what is known and what is not in the molecular events of bilirubin neurotoxicity to provide hints for a better diagnosis and more successful treatments. Part of these concepts have been presented at the 38th Annual Audrey K. Brown Kernicterus Symposium of Pediatric American Society, Washington DC, May 1, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gazzin
- Liver-Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Bellarosa
- Liver-Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Liver-Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
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27
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Pandya VA, Patani R. The role of glial cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:381-450. [PMID: 38802179 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.005] [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: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has traditionally been considered a neuron-centric disease. This view is now outdated, with increasing recognition of cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous contributions of central and peripheral nervous system glia to ALS pathomechanisms. With glial research rapidly accelerating, we comprehensively interrogate the roles of astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells, Schwann cells and satellite glia in nervous system physiology and ALS-associated pathology. Moreover, we highlight the inter-glial, glial-neuronal and inter-system polylogue which constitutes the healthy nervous system and destabilises in disease. We also propose classification based on function for complex glial reactive phenotypes and discuss the pre-requisite for integrative modelling to advance translation. Given the paucity of life-enhancing therapies currently available for ALS patients, we discuss the promising potential of harnessing glia in driving ALS therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virenkumar A Pandya
- University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom; The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom.
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28
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Jenkins AK, Ketchesin KD, Becker-Krail DD, McClung CA. Molecular Rhythmicity in Glia: Importance for Brain Health and Relevance to Psychiatric Disease. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01298-8. [PMID: 38735357 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are approximate 24-hour rhythms present in nearly all aspects of human physiology, including proper brain function. These rhythms are produced at the cellular level through a transcriptional-translational feedback loop known as the molecular clock. Diurnal variation in gene expression has been demonstrated in brain tissue from multiple species, including humans, in both cortical and subcortical regions. Interestingly, these rhythms in gene expression have been shown to be disrupted across psychiatric disorders and may be implicated in their underlying pathophysiology. However, little is known regarding molecular rhythms in specific cell types in the brain and how they might be involved in psychiatric disease. Although glial cells (e.g., astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes) have been historically understudied compared to neurons, evidence of the molecular clock is found within each of these cell subtypes. Here, we review the current literature, which suggests that molecular rhythmicity is essential to functional physiologic outputs from each glial subtype. Furthermore, disrupted molecular rhythms within these cells and the resultant functional deficits may be relevant to specific phenotypes across psychiatric illnesses. Given that circadian rhythm disruptions have been so integrally tied to psychiatric disease, the molecular mechanisms governing these associations could represent exciting new avenues for future research and potential novel pharmacologic targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron K Jenkins
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle D Ketchesin
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Darius D Becker-Krail
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Colleen A McClung
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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29
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Oliveira RN, Carvalhinho-Lopes PS, Carvalho CPF, Hirata RYS, Vaz SH, Sebastião AM, Armada-Moreira A, Rosário BA, Lemes JA, Soares-Silva B, de Andrade JS, Santos JR, Ribeiro AM, Viana MB. Neuroprotective effects of platinum nanoparticle-based microreactors in bicuculline-induced seizures. Behav Brain Res 2024; 465:114956. [PMID: 38479475 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114956] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy designates a group of chronic brain disorders, characterized by the recurrence of hypersynchronous, repetitive activity, of neuronal clusters. Epileptic seizures are the hallmark of epilepsy. The primary goal of epilepsy treatment is to eliminate seizures with minimal side effects. Nevertheless, approximately 30% of patients do not respond to the available drugs. An imbalance between excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission, that leads to excitotoxicity, seizures, and cell death, has been proposed as an important mechanism regarding epileptogenesis. Recently, it has been shown that microreactors composed of platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NP) and glutamate dehydrogenase possess in vitro and in vivo activity against excitotoxicity. This study investigates the in vivo effects of these microreactors in an animal model of epilepsy induced by the administration of the GABAergic antagonist bicuculline. Male Wistar rats were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with the microreactors or saline and, five days later, injected with bicuculline or saline. Seizure severity was evaluated in an open field. Thirty min after behavioral measurements, animals were euthanized, and their brains processed for neurodegeneration evaluation and for neurogenesis. Treatment with the microreactors significantly increased the time taken for the onset of seizures and for the first tonic-clonic seizure, when compared to the bicuculline group that did not receive the microreactor. The administration of the microreactors also increased the time spent in total exploration and grooming. Treatment with the microreactors decreased bicuculline-induced neurodegeneration and increased neurogenesis in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. These observations suggest that treatment with Pt-NP-based microreactors attenuates the behavioral and neurobiological consequences of epileptiform seizure activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto N Oliveira
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Patrícia S Carvalhinho-Lopes
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Carolina P F Carvalho
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Rafael Y S Hirata
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz MB, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Ana Maria Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz MB, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Adam Armada-Moreira
- Neuronal Dynamics Laboratory, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, via Bonomea, Trieste 265 - 34136, Italy
| | - Bárbara A Rosário
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Jéssica A Lemes
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Soares-Silva
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - José S de Andrade
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - José Ronaldo Santos
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Rua Cláudio Batista, s/n, Cidade Nova Aracaju, Aracaju, Sergipe 49060-108, Brazil
| | - Alessandra M Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil
| | - Milena B Viana
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Santos, São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil.
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Lu HJ, Guo D, Wei QQ. Potential of Neuroinflammation-Modulating Strategies in Tuberculous Meningitis: Targeting Microglia. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1255-1276. [PMID: 37196131 PMCID: PMC11081169 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0311] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe complication of tuberculosis (TB) and is associated with high rates of disability and mortality. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the infectious agent of TB, disseminates from the respiratory epithelium, breaks through the blood-brain barrier, and establishes a primary infection in the meninges. Microglia are the core of the immune network in the central nervous system (CNS) and interact with glial cells and neurons to fight against harmful pathogens and maintain homeostasis in the brain through pleiotropic functions. However, M. tb directly infects microglia and resides in them as the primary host for bacillus infections. Largely, microglial activation slows disease progression. The non-productive inflammatory response that initiates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines may be neurotoxic and aggravate tissue injuries based on damages caused by M. tb. Host-directed therapy (HDT) is an emerging strategy for modulating host immune responses against diverse diseases. Recent studies have shown that HDT can control neuroinflammation in TBM and act as an adjunct therapy to antibiotic treatment. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of microglia in TBM and potential host-directed TB therapies that target microglia to treat TBM. We also discuss the limitations of applying each HDT and suggest a course of action for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Jun Lu
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Daji Guo
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian-Qi Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital of Tibet Military Command, Xizang, China
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Ho DH, Kim H, Nam D, Seo MK, Park SW, Son I. Expression of G2019S LRRK2 in Rat Primary Astrocytes Mediates Neurotoxicity and Alters the Dopamine Synthesis Pathway in N27 Cells via Astrocytic Proinflammatory Cytokines and Neurotrophic Factors. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4324-4336. [PMID: 38785531 PMCID: PMC11119058 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050263] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes in the brain contribute to various essential functions, including maintenance of the neuronal framework, survival, communication, metabolic processes, and neurotransmitter levels. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 is expressed in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes and plays diverse roles in these cell types. We aimed to determine the effects of mutant human G2019S-LRRK2 (GS-hLRRK2) in rat primary astrocytes (rASTROs). Transfection with GS-hLRRK2 significantly decreased cell viability compared to transfection with the vector and wild-type human LRRK2 (WT-hLRRK2). GS-hLRRK2 expression significantly reduced the levels of nerve growth factor and increased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α) compared to the vector and WT-hLRRK2 expression. Furthermore, GS-hLRRK2 expression in rASTROs promoted astrogliosis, which was characterized by increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. Treatment with the conditioned medium of G2019S LRRK2-expressing rASTROs decreased N27 cell viability compared to treatment with that of WT-hLRRK2-expressing rASTROs. Consequently, the regulation of the dopamine synthesis pathway was affected in N27 cells, thereby leading to altered levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine transporter, Nurr1, and dopamine release. Overall, the G2019S LRRK2 mutation disrupted astrocyte function, thereby aggravating PD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hwan Ho
- InAm Neuroscience Research Center, Sanbon Medical Center, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, 321, Sanbon-ro, Gunpo-si 15865, Republic of Korea; (H.K.); (D.N.)
| | - Hyejung Kim
- InAm Neuroscience Research Center, Sanbon Medical Center, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, 321, Sanbon-ro, Gunpo-si 15865, Republic of Korea; (H.K.); (D.N.)
| | - Daleum Nam
- InAm Neuroscience Research Center, Sanbon Medical Center, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, 321, Sanbon-ro, Gunpo-si 15865, Republic of Korea; (H.K.); (D.N.)
| | - Mi Kyoung Seo
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Inje University, Busan-si 47392, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (S.W.P.)
| | - Sung Woo Park
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Inje University, Busan-si 47392, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (S.W.P.)
- Department of Convergence Biomedical Science, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan-si 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilhong Son
- InAm Neuroscience Research Center, Sanbon Medical Center, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, 321, Sanbon-ro, Gunpo-si 15865, Republic of Korea; (H.K.); (D.N.)
- Department of Neurology, Sanbon Medical Center, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, 321, Sanbon-ro, Gunpo-si 15865, Republic of Korea
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Zhang W, Jiao B, Yu S, Zhang C, Zhang K, Liu B, Zhang X. Histone deacetylase as emerging pharmacological therapeutic target for neuropathic pain: From epigenetic to selective drugs. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14745. [PMID: 38715326 PMCID: PMC11077000 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain remains a formidable challenge for modern medicine. The first-line pharmacological therapies exhibit limited efficacy and unfavorable side effect profiles, highlighting an unmet need for effective therapeutic medications. The past decades have witnessed an explosion in efforts to translate epigenetic concepts into pain therapy and shed light on epigenetics as a promising avenue for pain research. Recently, the aberrant activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) has emerged as a key mechanism contributing to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. AIMS In this review, we highlight the distinctive role of specific HDAC subtypes in a cell-specific manner in pain nociception, and outline the recent experimental evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of HDACi in neuropathic pain. METHODS We have summarized studies of HDAC in neuropathic pain in Pubmed. RESULTS HDACs, widely distributed in the neuronal and non-neuronal cells of the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord, regulate gene expression by deacetylation of histone or non-histone proteins and involving in increased neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation, thus promoting peripheral and central sensitization. Importantly, pharmacological manipulation of aberrant acetylation using HDAC-targeted inhibitors (HDACi) has shown promising pain-relieving properties in various preclinical models of neuropathic pain. Yet, many of which exhibit low-specificity that may induce off-target toxicities, underscoring the necessity for the development of isoform-selective HDACi in pain management. CONCLUSIONS Abnormally elevated HDACs promote neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation by epigenetically modulating pivotal gene expression in neuronal and immune cells, contributing to peripheral and central sensitization in the progression of neuropathic pain, and HDACi showed significant efficacy and great potential for alleviating neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Bo Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shangchen Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Caixia Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Baowen Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Vilar-Pereira G, Gibaldi D, Castaño-Barrios L, da Silva AA, Resende Pereira I, Cruz Moreira O, Britto C, Mata dos Santos HA, de Oliveira Lopes R, Wanderley Tinoco L, Oliveira W, Lannes-Vieira J. The beneficial effect of fluoxetine on behavioral and cognitive changes in chronic experimental Chagas disease unveils the role of serotonin fueling astrocyte infection by Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012199. [PMID: 38776344 PMCID: PMC11149870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the development of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and memory loss may be underpinned by social, psychological, and biological stressors. Here, we investigated biological factors underlying behavioral changes in a preclinical model of CD. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In T. cruzi-infected C57BL/6 mice, a kinetic study (5 to 150 days postinfection, dpi) using standardized methods revealed a sequential onset of behavioral changes: reduced innate compulsive behavior, followed by anxiety and depressive-like behavior, ending with progressive memory impairments. Hence, T. cruzi-infected mice were treated (120 to 150 dpi) with 10 mg/Kg/day of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (Fx), an antidepressant that favors neuroplasticity. Fx therapy reversed the innate compulsive behavior loss, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior while preventing or reversing memory deficits. Biochemical, histological, and parasitological analyses of the brain tissue showed increased levels of the neurotransmitters GABA/glutamate and lipid peroxidation products and decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the absence of neuroinflammation at 150 dpi. Fx therapy ameliorated the neurochemical changes and reduced parasite load in the brain tissue. Next, using the human U-87 MG astroglioma cell line, we found no direct effect of Fx on parasite load. Crucially, serotonin/5-HT (Ser/5-HT) promoted parasite uptake, an effect increased by prior stimulation with IFNγ and TNF but abrogated by Fx. Also, Fx blocked the cytokine-driven Ser/5-HT-promoted increase of nitric oxide and glutamate levels in infected cells. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE We bring the first evidence of a sequential onset of behavioral changes in T. cruzi-infected mice. Fx therapy improves behavioral and biological changes and parasite control in the brain tissue. Moreover, in the central nervous system, cytokine-driven Ser/5-HT consumption may favor parasite persistence, disrupting neurotransmitter balance and promoting a neurotoxic environment likely contributing to behavioral and cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Gibaldi
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leda Castaño-Barrios
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea Alice da Silva
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Apoio à Pesquisa em Nefrologia e Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Isabela Resende Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otacílio Cruz Moreira
- Laboratório de Virologia e Parasitologia Molecular, IOC/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Constança Britto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, IOC/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hílton Antônio Mata dos Santos
- Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Análise e Desenvolvimento de Inibidores Enzimáticos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raquel de Oliveira Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Análises por Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (LAMAR), Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais (IPPN), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luzineide Wanderley Tinoco
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Análises por Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (LAMAR), Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais (IPPN), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Oliveira
- Ambulatório de Doença de Chagas e Insuficiência Cardíaca, Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco (PROCAPE)/Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Parsi S, Zhu C, Motlagh NJ, Kim D, Küllenberg EG, Kim HH, Gillani RL, Chen JW. Basic Science of Neuroinflammation and Involvement of the Inflammatory Response in Disorders of the Nervous System. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2024; 32:375-384. [PMID: 38555147 PMCID: PMC10987041 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a key immune response observed in many neurologic diseases. Although an appropriate immune response can be beneficial, aberrant activation of this response recruits excessive proinflammatory cells to cause damage. Because the central nervous system is separated from the periphery by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that creates an immune-privileged site, it has its own unique immune cells and immune response. Moreover, neuroinflammation can compromise the BBB causing an influx of peripheral immune cells and factors. Recent advances have brought a deeper understanding of neuroinflammation that can be leveraged to develop more potent therapies and improve patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Parsi
- Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Neurovascular Research Unit, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cindy Zhu
- Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Neurovascular Research Unit, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Negin Jalali Motlagh
- Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Neurovascular Research Unit, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daeki Kim
- Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Neurovascular Research Unit, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Enrico G Küllenberg
- Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Neurovascular Research Unit, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyung-Hwan Kim
- Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Neurovascular Research Unit, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Gillani
- Department of Neurology, Neuroimmunology and Neuro-Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John W Chen
- Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Neurovascular Research Unit, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Syvänen V, Koistinaho J, Lehtonen Š. Identification of the abnormalities in astrocytic functions as potential drug targets for neurodegenerative disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:603-616. [PMID: 38409817 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2322988] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Historically, astrocytes were seen primarily as a supportive cell population within the brain; with neurodegenerative disease research focusing exclusively on malfunctioning neurons. However, astrocytes perform numerous tasks that are essential for maintenance of the central nervous system`s complex processes. Disruption of these functions can have negative consequences; hence, it is unsurprising to observe a growing amount of evidence for the essential role of astrocytes in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting astrocytic functions may serve as a potential disease-modifying drug therapy in the future. AREAS COVERED The present review emphasizes the key astrocytic functions associated with neurodegenerative diseases and explores the possibility of pharmaceutical interventions to modify these processes. In addition, the authors provide an overview of current advancement in this field by including studies of possible drug candidates. EXPERT OPINION Glial research has experienced a significant renaissance in the last quarter-century. Understanding how disease pathologies modify or are caused by astrocyte functions is crucial when developing treatments for brain diseases. Future research will focus on building advanced models that can more precisely correlate to the state in the human brain, with the goal of routinely testing therapies in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valtteri Syvänen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, and Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
Regulated cell death mediated by dedicated molecular machines, known as programmed cell death, plays important roles in health and disease. Apoptosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis are three such programmed cell death modalities. The caspase family of cysteine proteases serve as key regulators of programmed cell death. During apoptosis, a cascade of caspase activation mediates signal transduction and cellular destruction, whereas pyroptosis occurs when activated caspases cleave gasdermins, which can then form pores in the plasma membrane. Necroptosis, a form of caspase-independent programmed necrosis mediated by RIPK3 and MLKL, is inhibited by caspase-8-mediated cleavage of RIPK1. Disruption of cellular homeostatic mechanisms that are essential for cell survival, such as normal ionic and redox balance and lysosomal flux, can also induce cell death without invoking programmed cell death mechanisms. Excitotoxicity, ferroptosis and lysosomal cell death are examples of such cell death modes. In this Review, we provide an overview of the major cell death mechanisms, highlighting the latest insights into their complex regulation and execution, and their relevance to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Yuan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dimitry Ofengeim
- Sanofi, Rare and Neurological Diseases Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Keppler J. Laying the foundations for a theory of consciousness: the significance of critical brain dynamics for the formation of conscious states. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1379191. [PMID: 38736531 PMCID: PMC11082359 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1379191] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Empirical evidence indicates that conscious states, distinguished by the presence of phenomenal qualities, are closely linked to synchronized neural activity patterns whose dynamical characteristics can be attributed to self-organized criticality and phase transitions. These findings imply that insight into the mechanism by which the brain controls phase transitions will provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanism by which the brain manages to transcend the threshold of consciousness. This article aims to show that the initiation of phase transitions and the formation of synchronized activity patterns is due to the coupling of the brain to the zero-point field (ZPF), which plays a central role in quantum electrodynamics (QED). The ZPF stands for the presence of ubiquitous vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field, represented by a spectrum of normal modes. With reference to QED-based model calculations, the details of the coupling mechanism are revealed, suggesting that critical brain dynamics is governed by the resonant interaction of the ZPF with the most abundant neurotransmitter glutamate. The pyramidal neurons in the cortical microcolumns turn out to be ideally suited to control this interaction. A direct consequence of resonant glutamate-ZPF coupling is the amplification of specific ZPF modes, which leads us to conclude that the ZPF is the key to the understanding of consciousness and that the distinctive feature of neurophysiological processes associated with conscious experience consists in modulating the ZPF. Postulating that the ZPF is an inherently sentient field and assuming that the spectrum of phenomenal qualities is represented by the normal modes of the ZPF, the significance of resonant glutamate-ZPF interaction for the formation of conscious states becomes apparent in that the amplification of specific ZPF modes is inextricably linked with the excitation of specific phenomenal qualities. This theory of consciousness, according to which phenomenal states arise through resonant amplification of zero-point modes, is given the acronym TRAZE. An experimental setup is specified that can be used to test a corollary of the theory, namely, the prediction that normally occurring conscious perceptions are absent under experimental conditions in which resonant glutamate-ZPF coupling is disrupted.
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Yang XM, Yu H, Li JX, Li N, Li C, Xu DH, Zhang H, Fang TH, Wang SJ, Yan PY, Han BB. Excitotoxic Storms of Ischemic Stroke: A Non-neuronal Perspective. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04184-7. [PMID: 38662299 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04184-7] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Numerous neurological disorders share a fatal pathologic process known as glutamate excitotoxicity. Among which, ischemic stroke is the major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. For a long time, the main idea of developing anti-excitotoxic neuroprotective agents was to block glutamate receptors. Despite this, there has been little successful clinical translation to date. After decades of "neuron-centered" views, a growing number of studies have recently revealed the importance of non-neuronal cells. Glial cells, cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, blood cells, and so forth are extensively engaged in glutamate synthesis, release, reuptake, and metabolism. They also express functional glutamate receptors and can listen and respond for fast synaptic transmission. This broadens the thoughts of developing excitotoxicity antagonists. In this review, the critical contribution of non-neuronal cells in glutamate excitotoxicity during ischemic stroke will be emphasized in detail, and the latest research progress as well as corresponding therapeutic strategies will be updated at length, aiming to reconceptualize glutamate excitotoxicity in a non-neuronal perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Man Yang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Han Xu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-He Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Jun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China.
- Zhuhai MUST Science and Technology Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bing-Bing Han
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
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Zapata-Acevedo JF, Mantilla-Galindo A, Vargas-Sánchez K, González-Reyes RE. Blood-brain barrier biomarkers. Adv Clin Chem 2024; 121:1-88. [PMID: 38797540 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2024.04.004] [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] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic interface that regulates the exchange of molecules and cells between the brain parenchyma and the peripheral blood. The BBB is mainly composed of endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes. The integrity of this structure is essential for maintaining brain and spinal cord homeostasis and protection from injury or disease. However, in various neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis, the BBB can become compromised thus allowing passage of molecules and cells in and out of the central nervous system parenchyma. These agents, however, can serve as biomarkers of BBB permeability and neuronal damage, and provide valuable information for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Herein, we provide an overview of the BBB and changes due to aging, and summarize current knowledge on biomarkers of BBB disruption and neurodegeneration, including permeability, cellular, molecular and imaging biomarkers. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing a biomarker toolkit that can reliably assess the BBB in physiologic and pathophysiologic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Zapata-Acevedo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Mantilla-Galindo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karina Vargas-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Grupo de Neurociencia Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo E González-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Zheng Z, Zhou H, Yang L, Zhang L, Guo M. Selective disruption of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in VTA astrocytes induces depression and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 463:114888. [PMID: 38307148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114888] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety. Most studies have been focusing on neurons, and the function of mTOR signaling pathway in astrocytes is less investigated. mTOR forms two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, with key scaffolding protein Raptor and Rictor, respectively. The ventral tegmental area (VTA), a vital component of the brain reward system, is enrolled in regulating both depression and anxiety. In the present study, we aimed to examine the regulation effect of VTA astrocytic mTOR signaling pathway on depression and anxiety. We specifically deleted Raptor or Rictor in VTA astrocytes in mice and performed a series of behavioral tests for depression and anxiety. Deletion of Raptor and Rictor both decreased the immobility time in the tail suspension test and the latency to eat in the novelty suppressed feeding test, and increased the horizontal activity and the movement time in locomotor activity. Deletion of Rictor decreased the number of total arm entries in the elevated plus-maze test and the vertical activity in locomotor activity. These data suggest that VTA astrocytic mTORC1 plays a role in regulating depression-related behaviors and mTORC2 is involved in both depression and anxiety-related behaviors. Our results indicate that VTA astrocytic mTOR signaling pathway might be new targets for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziteng Zheng
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Han Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China.
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Chen J, Zou J, Huang P, Gao X, Lun J, Li Y, Gong Z, Cao H. KYNA Ameliorates Glutamate Toxicity of HAND by Enhancing Glutamate Uptake in A2 Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4286. [PMID: 38673879 PMCID: PMC11050540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084286] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes are key players in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), and different types of reactive astrocytes play opposing roles in the neuropathologic progression of HAND. A recent study by our group found that gp120 mediates A1 astrocytes (neurotoxicity), which secrete proinflammatory factors and promote HAND disease progression. Here, by comparing the expression of A2 astrocyte (neuroprotective) markers in the brains of gp120 tgm mice and gp120+/α7nAChR-/- mice, we found that inhibition of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) promotes A2 astrocyte generation. Notably, kynurenine acid (KYNA) is an antagonist of α7nAChR, and is able to promote the formation of A2 astrocytes, the secretion of neurotrophic factors, and the enhancement of glutamate uptake through blocking the activation of α7nAChR/NF-κB signaling. In addition, learning, memory and mood disorders were significantly improved in gp120 tgm mice by intraperitoneal injection of kynurenine (KYN) and probenecid (PROB). Meanwhile, the number of A2 astrocytes in the mouse brain was significantly increased and glutamate toxicity was reduced. Taken together, KYNA was able to promote A2 astrocyte production and neurotrophic factor secretion, reduce glutamate toxicity, and ameliorate gp120-induced neuropathological deficits. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role that reactive astrocytes play in the development of HAND pathology and provide new evidence for the treatment of HAND via the tryptophan pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Cao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Guangzhou 510515, China; (J.C.)
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Leal-Nazaré CG, Arrifano GP, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Barthelemy JL, Soares-Silva I, Crespo-Lopez ME, Augusto-Oliveira M. Methylmercury neurotoxicity: Beyond the neurocentric view. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170939. [PMID: 38365040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a highly toxic metal widely used in human activities worldwide, therefore considered a global public health problem. Many cases of mercury intoxication have occurred in history and represent a huge challenge nowadays. Of particular importance is its methylated form, methylmercury (MeHg). This mercurial species induces damage to several organs in the human body, especially to the central nervous system. Neurological impairments such as executive, memory, motor and visual deficits are associated with MeHg neurotoxicity. Molecular mechanisms involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity include excitotoxicity due to glutamatergic imbalance, disturbance in calcium homeostasis and oxidative balance, failure in synaptic support, and inflammatory response. Although neurons are largely affected by MeHg intoxication, they only represent half of the brain cells. Glial cells represent roughly 50 % of the brain cells and are key elements in the functioning of the central nervous system. Particularly, astrocytes and microglia are deeply involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, resulting in distinct neurological outcomes depending on the context. In this review, we discuss the main findings on astroglial and microglial involvement as mediators of neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses to MeHg intoxication. The literature shows that these responses depend on chemical and morphophysiological features, thus, we present some insights for future investigations, considering the particularities of the context, including time and dose of exposure, brain region, and species of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Gustavo Leal-Nazaré
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leticia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jean Ludger Barthelemy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Isabela Soares-Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
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Rahman MS, Islam R, Bhuiyan MIH. Ion transporter cascade, reactive astrogliosis and cerebrovascular diseases. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1374408. [PMID: 38659577 PMCID: PMC11041382 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1374408] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular diseases and their sequalae, such as ischemic stroke, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, and vascular dementia are significant contributors to adult disability and cognitive impairment in the modern world. Astrocytes are an integral part of the neurovascular unit in the CNS and play a pivotal role in CNS homeostasis, including ionic and pH balance, neurotransmission, cerebral blood flow, and metabolism. Astrocytes respond to cerebral insults, inflammation, and diseases through unique molecular, morphological, and functional changes, collectively known as reactive astrogliosis. The function of reactive astrocytes has been a subject of debate. Initially, astrocytes were thought to primarily play a supportive role in maintaining the structure and function of the nervous system. However, recent studies suggest that reactive astrocytes may have both beneficial and detrimental effects. For example, in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, reactive astrocytes can cause oligodendrocyte death and demyelination. In this review, we will summarize the (1) roles of ion transporter cascade in reactive astrogliosis, (2) role of reactive astrocytes in vascular dementia and related dementias, and (3) potential therapeutic approaches for dementing disorders targeting reactive astrocytes. Understanding the relationship between ion transporter cascade, reactive astrogliosis, and cerebrovascular diseases may reveal mechanisms and targets for the development of therapies for brain diseases associated with reactive astrogliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shamim Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | | | - Mohammad Iqbal H. Bhuiyan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
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44
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Yu Y, Chen R, Mao K, Deng M, Li Z. The Role of Glial Cells in Synaptic Dysfunction: Insights into Alzheimer's Disease Mechanisms. Aging Dis 2024; 15:459-479. [PMID: 37548934 PMCID: PMC10917533 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0718] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that impacts a substantial number of individuals globally. Despite its widespread prevalence, there is currently no cure for AD. It is widely acknowledged that normal synaptic function holds a key role in memory, cognitive abilities, and the interneuronal transfer of information. As AD advances, symptoms including synaptic impairment, decreased synaptic density, and cognitive decline become increasingly noticeable. The importance of glial cells in the formation of synapses, the growth of neurons, brain maturation, and safeguarding the microenvironment of the central nervous system is well recognized. However, during AD progression, overactive glial cells can cause synaptic dysfunction, neuronal death, and abnormal neuroinflammation. Both neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction are present in the early stages of AD. Therefore, focusing on the changes in glia-synapse communication could provide insights into the mechanisms behind AD. In this review, we aim to provide a summary of the role of various glial cells, including microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, in regulating synaptic dysfunction. This may offer a new perspective on investigating the underlying mechanisms of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Ran Chen
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Kaiyue Mao
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Maoyan Deng
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Zhigang Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, China.
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45
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Li D, Li S, Pan M, Li Q, Song J, Zhang R. The role of extracellular glutamate homeostasis dysregulated by astrocyte in epileptic discharges: a model evidence. Cogn Neurodyn 2024; 18:485-502. [PMID: 38699615 PMCID: PMC11061099 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-023-10001-z] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamate (Glu) is a predominant excitatory neurotransmitter that acts on glutamate receptors to transfer signals in the central nervous system. Abnormally elevated extracellular glutamate levels is closely related to the generation and transition of epileptic seizures. However, there lacks of investigation regarding the role of extracellular glutamate homeostasis dysregulated by astrocyte in neuronal epileptic discharges. According to this, we propose a novel neuron-astrocyte computational model (NAG) by incorporating extracellular Glu concentration dynamics from three aspects of regulatory mechanisms: (1) the Glu uptake through astrocyte EAAT2; (2) the binding and release Glu via activating astrocyte mGluRs; and (3) the Glu free diffusion in the extracellular space. Then the proposed model NAG is analyzed theoretically and numerically to verify the effect of extracellular Glu homeostasis dysregulated by such three regulatory mechanisms on neuronal epileptic discharges. Our results demonstrate that the neuronal epileptic discharges can be aggravated by the downregulation expression of EAAT2, the aberrant activation of mGluRs, and the elevated Glu levels in extracellular micro-environment; as well as various discharge states (including bursting, mixed-mode spiking, and tonic firing) can be transited by their combination. Furthermore, we find that such factors can also alter the bifurcation threshold for the generation and transition of epileptic discharges. The results in this paper can be helpful for researchers to understand the astrocyte role in modulating extracellular Glu homeostasis, and provide theoretical basis for future related experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Li
- The Medical Big Data Research Center and The School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710127 China
| | - Sihui Li
- The Medical Big Data Research Center and The School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710127 China
| | - Min Pan
- The Medical Big Data Research Center and The School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710127 China
| | - Qiang Li
- The Medical Big Data Research Center and The School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710127 China
| | - Jiangling Song
- The Medical Big Data Research Center and The School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710127 China
| | - Rui Zhang
- The Medical Big Data Research Center and The School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710127 China
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46
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Zhang LY, Hu YY, Liu XY, Wang XY, Li SC, Zhang JG, Xian XH, Li WB, Zhang M. The Role of Astrocytic Mitochondria in the Pathogenesis of Brain Ischemia. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2270-2282. [PMID: 37870679 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03714-z] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The morbidity rate of ischemic stroke is increasing annually with the growing aging population in China. Astrocytes are ubiquitous glial cells in the brain and play a crucial role in supporting neuronal function and metabolism. Increasing evidence shows that the impairment or loss of astrocytes contributes to neuronal dysfunction during cerebral ischemic injury. The mitochondrion is increasingly recognized as a key player in regulating astrocyte function. Changes in astrocytic mitochondrial function appear to be closely linked to the homeostasis imbalance defects in glutamate metabolism, Ca2+ regulation, fatty acid metabolism, reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and copper regulation. Here, we discuss the role of astrocytic mitochondria in the pathogenesis of brain ischemic injury and their potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and Intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Yan Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and Intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Yun Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Chao Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Ge Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and Intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hui Xian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and Intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and Intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Critical Disease Mechanism and Intervention, Shijiazhuang, 050017, People's Republic of China.
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Burton CL, Longaretti A, Zlatanovic A, Gomes GM, Tonini R. Striatal insights: a cellular and molecular perspective on repetitive behaviors in pathology. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1386715. [PMID: 38601025 PMCID: PMC11004256 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1386715] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals often behave repetitively and predictably. These repetitive behaviors can have a component that is learned and ingrained as habits, which can be evolutionarily advantageous as they reduce cognitive load and the expenditure of attentional resources. Repetitive behaviors can also be conscious and deliberate, and may occur in the absence of habit formation, typically when they are a feature of normal development in children, or neuropsychiatric disorders. They can be considered pathological when they interfere with social relationships and daily activities. For instance, people affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Huntington's disease and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome can display a wide range of symptoms like compulsive, stereotyped and ritualistic behaviors. The striatum nucleus of the basal ganglia is proposed to act as a master regulator of these repetitive behaviors through its circuit connections with sensorimotor, associative, and limbic areas of the cortex. However, the precise mechanisms within the striatum, detailing its compartmental organization, cellular specificity, and the intricacies of its downstream connections, remain an area of active research. In this review, we summarize evidence across multiple scales, including circuit-level, cellular, and molecular dimensions, to elucidate the striatal mechanisms underpinning repetitive behaviors and offer perspectives on the implicated disorders. We consider the close relationship between behavioral output and transcriptional changes, and thereby structural and circuit alterations, including those occurring through epigenetic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Raffaella Tonini
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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Nam YR, Kang M, Kim M, Seok MJ, Yang Y, Han YE, Oh SJ, Kim DG, Son H, Chang MY, Lee SH. Preparation of human astrocytes with potent therapeutic functions from human pluripotent stem cells using ventral midbrain patterning. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00112-7. [PMID: 38521186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.03.012] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Astrocytes are glial-type cells that protect neurons from toxic insults and support neuronal functions and metabolism in a healthy brain. Leveraging these physiological functions, transplantation of astrocytes or their derivatives has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders. METHODS To substantiate the clinical application of astrocyte-based therapy, we aimed to prepare human astrocytes with potent therapeutic capacities from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). To that end, we used ventral midbrain patterning during the differentiation of hPSCs into astrocytes, based on the roles of midbrain-specific factors in potentiating glial neurotrophic/anti-inflammatory activity. To assess the therapeutic effects of human midbrain-type astrocytes, we transplanted them into mouse models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). RESULTS Through a comprehensive series of in-vitro and in-vivo experiments, we were able to establish that the midbrain-type astrocytes exhibited the abilities to effectively combat oxidative stress, counter excitotoxic glutamate, and manage pathological protein aggregates. Our strategy for preparing midbrain-type astrocytes yielded promising results, demonstrating the strong therapeutic potential of these cells in various neurotoxic contexts. Particularly noteworthy is their efficacy in PD and AD-specific proteopathic conditions, in which the midbrain-type astrocytes outperformed forebrain-type astrocytes derived by the same organoid-based method. CONCLUSION The enhanced functions of the midbrain-type astrocytes extended to their ability to release signaling molecules that inhibited neuronal deterioration and senescence while steering microglial cells away from a pro-inflammatory state. This success was evident in both in-vitro studies using human cells and in-vivo experiments conducted in mouse models of PD and AD. In the end, our human midbrain-type astrocytes demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in alleviating neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and the pathologies associated with the accumulation of α-synuclein and Amyloid β proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Rim Nam
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minji Kang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minji Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Jong Seok
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yunseon Yang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Eun Han
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Oh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Do Gyeong Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeon Son
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Korea
| | - Mi-Yoon Chang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Department of Premedicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Korea; Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea.
| | - Sang-Hun Lee
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Korea.
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Ishizawa K, Komori T, Homma T, Sone J, Nakata Y, Nakazato Y, Takahashi K, Yamamoto T, Sasaki A. The predominance of "astrocytic" intranuclear inclusions in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease manifesting encephalopathy-like symptoms: A case series with brain biopsy. Neuropathology 2024. [PMID: 38477063 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12971] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a neurodegenerative disorder represented by eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions (EIIs) and GGC/CGG repeat expansion in the NOTCH2NLC gene. We report here two adult cases of NIID, genetically confirmed, with manifestation of encephalopathy-like symptoms and address the histopathologic findings obtained by brain biopsies, with a focus on "astrocytic" intranuclear inclusions (AIIs). Case 1 presented with paroxysmal restlessness, vertigo, or fever and was later involved in severe dementia and tetraparesis. Case 2 presented with forgetfulness and then with paroxysmal fever and headache. In both cases, delimited areas with gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging and corresponding hyperperfusion were detected, leading to brain biopsies of the cortex. On histology, Case 1 showed an abnormal lamination, where the thickness of layers was different from usual. Both neurons and astrocytes showed some dysmorphologic features. Notably, astrocytes rather than neurons harbored EIIs. Case 2 showed a cortex, where neurons tended to be arrayed in a columnar fashion. Astrocytes showed some dysmorphologic features. Notably, much more astrocytes than neurons harbored EIIs. By a double-labeling immunofluorescence study for p62/NeuN and p62/glial fibrillary acidic protein, the predominance of AIIs was confirmed in both cases. Considering the physiological functions of astrocytes for the development and maintenance of the cortex, the encephalopathy-like symptoms, dynamic change of cerebral blood flow, and cortical dysmorphology can reasonably be explained by the dysfunction of EII-bearing astrocytes rather than EII-bearing neurons. This study suggests the presence of a subtype of NIID where AIIs rather than "neuronal" intranuclear inclusions are likely a key player in the pathogenesis of NIID, particularly in cases with encephalopathy-like symptoms. The importance of AIIs ("gliopathy") should be more appreciated in future studies of NIID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ishizawa
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Komori
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taku Homma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Jun Sone
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakata
- Department of Neuroradiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kazushi Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Sasaki
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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50
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Sánchez-Cano F, Hernández-Kelly LC, Ortega A. Silica Nanoparticles Decrease Glutamate Uptake in Blood-Brain Barrier Components. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:20. [PMID: 38436780 PMCID: PMC10912144 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00696-1] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Glutamate is the major excitatory amino acid in the vertebrate brain, playing an important role in most brain functions. It exerts its activity through plasma membrane receptors and transporters, expressed both in neurons and glia cells. Overstimulation of neuronal glutamate receptors is linked to cell death in a process known as excitotoxicity, that is prevented by the efficient removal of the neurotransmitter through glutamate transporters enriched in the glia plasma membrane and in the components of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) have been widely used in biomedical applications and directed to enter the circulatory system; however, little is known about the potential adverse effects of SiO2-NPs exposure on the BBB transport systems that support the critical isolation function between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral circulation. In this contribution, we investigated the plausible SiO2-NPs-mediated disruption of the glutamate transport system expressed by BBB cell components. First, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of SiO2-NPs on human brain endothelial (HBEC) and Uppsala 87 Malignant glioma (U-87MG) cell lines. Transport kinetics were evaluated, and the exposure effect of SiO2-NPs on glutamate transport activity was determined in both cell lines. Exposure of the cells to different SiO2-NP concentrations (0.4, 4.8, 10, and 20 µg/ml) and time periods (3 and 6 h) did not affect cell viability. We found that the radio-labeled D-aspartate ([3H]-D-Asp) uptake is mostly sodium-dependent, and downregulated by its own substrate (glutamate). Furthermore, SiO2-NPs exposure on endothelial and astrocytes decreases [3H]-D-Asp uptake in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, a decrease in the transporter catalytic efficiency, probably linked to a diminution in the affinity of the transporter, was detected upon SiO2-NPs. These results favor the notion that exposure to SiO2-NPs could disrupt BBB function and by these means shed some light into our understanding of the deleterious effects of air pollution on the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredy Sánchez-Cano
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07300 CDMX, México
| | - Luisa C Hernández-Kelly
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07300 CDMX, México
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07300 CDMX, México.
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