Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 Exacerbate Neurotoxicity of Prothrombin Kringle-2 in Cortex In Vivo via Oxidative Stress

Therapeutic Potential of Combined Herbal Medicine and Electroacupuncture in Mild Cognitive Impairment Through Cytokine Modulation: An Observational Study

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a combined herbal formula and electroacupuncture (EA) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia, and its underlying mechanisms of action.

Patients and Methods

This was a prospective open-label observational pilot study at Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University in South Korea from March 2022 to March 2023. We included six Korean patients (50% male) aged ≥ 45 years and < 85 years with MCI, a clinical dementia rating score of 0.5, and a Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korea (MoCA-K) score ≤ 22. The exclusion criterion was impaired cognitive function. Patients received combined therapy, including a herbal formula and EA, for 12-24 weeks. We prescribed the herbal formulas Gamiguibi-tang, Yukmijihwang-tang, and Banhasasim-tang to the patients for at least 70% of the treatment period, in combination with EA. Moreover, we investigated changes in cognitive and cognition-related symptoms and cytokine expression in the blood following combined traditional medicine therapy. At baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks, we administered the MoCA-K and cognitive-related questionnaires. We analyzed network pharmacology to reflect the herbal formula intervention mechanism comprehensively.

Results

The median score [interquartile range] of MoCA-K at baseline was 19.5 [16.0, 22.0], which improved significantly (24.5 [24.0, 26.0], p < 0.01) over 24 weeks following combined therapy. We obtained no significant conclusion regarding cytokine changes due to the small sample size. In network pharmacology, we analyzed the brain, head, heart, peripheral nerves, peripheral nervous system, and pancreas as the enriched organs from the common targets of the three herbal formulas.

Conclusion

Combined herbal medicine and EA improved cognitive function in patients with MCI. We assume the underlying mechanism of herbal formulas to be antioxidative and anti-inflammatory changes in cytokine expression. Combined traditional medicine has potential therapeutic application in preventing MCI progression to dementia.

Dupilumab therapy reduces urinary biopyrrin levels in atopic patients: a new possible biomarker of oxidative status in atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in the inflammatory process of atopic dermatitis (AD). Biopyrrins are the end products of the oxidative reaction of bilirubin with reactive oxygen species. The aim of our study was to explore the correlation between urinary biopyrrin levels and AD severity as well as to assess the possible modification of them in AD patients during biologic therapy with human monoclonal antibody dupilumab.

METHODS

For this purpose, 25 adult patients with moderate-severe AD who were candidates for dupilumab therapy independently from the study, and 15 healthy control subjects, matched by sex and age, were enrolled. Morning urine samples were collected from all study participants. For AD patients, a collection was planned before starting therapy with dupilumab (WO), after 8, 16, 52 weeks (W8, W16, W52, respectively), and two years (Y2) of treatment. The analysis of urinary levels of biopyrrins was performed by ELISA assay.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that urinary biopyrrin levels were significantly augmented in AD patients, and interestingly they correlated with disease severity. Furthermore, dupilumab therapy decreased levels of urinary biopyrrins in AD patients after eight and 16 weeks, maintaining the result after 52 weeks as well as after two years of treatment. The correlation analysis showed a statistically significant positive correlation between the urinary concentration of biopyrrins and EASI Index, circulating total IgE as well as plasma C reactive protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Dupilumab therapy was able to ameliorate oxidative state in AD patients.

Comprehensive immunoprofiling of neurodevelopmental disorders suggests three distinct classes based on increased neurogenesis, Th-1 polarization or IL-1 signaling

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a spectrum of conditions with commonalities as well as differences in terms of phenome, symptomatome, neuropathology, risk factors and underlying mechanisms. Immune dysregulation has surfaced as a major pathway in NDDs. However, it is not known if neurodevelopmental disorders share a common immunopathogenetic mechanism. In this study, we explored the possibility of a shared immune etiology in three early-onset NDDs, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD). A panel of 48 immune pathway-related markers was assayed in 135 children with NDDs, represented by 45 children with ASD, ADHD and IDD in each group, along with 35 typically developing children. The plasma levels of 48 immune markers were analyzed on the Multiplex Suspension Assay platform using Pro Human cytokine 48-plex kits. Based on the cytokine/chemokine/growth factor levels, different immune profiles were computed. The primary characteristics of NDDs are depletion of the compensatory immune-regulatory system (CIRS) (z composite of IL-4, IL-10, sIL-1RA, and sIL-2R), increased interleukin (IL)-1 signaling associated with elevated IL-1α and decreased IL-1-receptor antagonist levels, increased neurogenesis, M1/M2 macrophage polarization and increased IL-4 as well as C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) levels. With a cross-validated sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 94.4%, these aberrations seem specific for NDDs. Many immunological abnormalities are shared by ASD, ADHD and IDD, which are distinguished by minor differences in IL-9, IL-17 and CCL12. In contrast, machine learning reveals that NDD group consists of three immunologically distinct clusters, with enhanced neurogenesis, Th-1 polarization, or IL-1 signaling as the defining features. NDD is characterized by immune abnormalities that have functional implications for neurogenesis, neurotoxicity, and neurodevelopment. Using machine learning, NDD patients could be classified into subgroups with qualitatively distinct immune disorders that may serve as novel drug targets for the treatment of NDDs.

Recent Advances on Cerium Oxide-Based Biomaterials: Toward the Next Generation of Intelligent Theranostics Platforms

Disease or organ damage due to unhealthy living habits, or accidents, is inevitable. Discovering an efficient strategy to address these problems is urgently needed in the clinic. In recent years, the biological applications of nanotechnology have received extensive attention. Among them, as a widely used rare earth oxide, cerium oxide (CeO2 ) has shown good application prospects in biomedical fields due to its attractive physical and chemical properties. Here, the enzyme-like mechanism of CeO2 is elucidated, and the latest research progress in the biomedical field is reviewed. At the nanoscale, Ce ions in CeO2 can be reversibly converted between +3 and +4. The conversion process is accompanied by the generation and elimination of oxygen vacancies, which give CeO2 the performance of dual redox properties. This property facilitates nano-CeO2 to catalyze the scavenging of excess free radicals in organisms, hence providing a possibility for the treatment of oxidative stress diseases such as diabetic foot, arthritis, degenerative neurological diseases, and cancer. In addition, relying on its excellent catalytic properties, customizable life-signaling factor detectors based on electrochemical techniques are developed. At the end of this review, an outlook on the opportunities and challenges of CeO2 in various fields is provided.

Association of markers of inflammation on attention and neurobehavioral outcomes in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at-risk of developing cognitive impairment and neurobehavioral symptoms. Inflammation induced by a compromised health status during cancer survivorship is proposed as a pathophysiological mechanism underlying cognitive impairment in cancer survivors.

Objectives

To evaluate the associations of biomarkers of inflammation with attention and neurobehavioral outcomes in survivors of childhood ALL, and to identify clinical factors associated with biomarkers of inflammation in this cohort.

Methods

We recruited patients who were diagnosed with ALL at ≤ 18 years old and were currently ≥5 years post-cancer diagnosis. The study outcomes were attention (Conners Continuous Performance Test) and self-reported behavioral symptoms (Adult Self-Report [ASR] checklist). Using a commercial screening kit, survivors' plasma (5ml) was assayed for 17 cytokines/chemokine cell-signaling molecules that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The final panel of the targeted markers included interleukin (IL)-8, IL-13, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Biomarker levels were rank-ordered into tertiles based on the sample distribution. Multivariable general linear modeling was used to test for associations between biomarkers and study outcomes in the overall cohort and stratified by gender.

Results

This study included 102 survivors (55.9% males, mean[SD] age 26.2[5.9] years; 19.3[7.1] years post-diagnosis). Survivors within top tertiles of IFN-γ (Estimate =6.74, SE=2.26; P=0.0037) and IL-13 (Estimate =5.10, SE=2.27; P=0.027) demonstrated more inattentiveness. Adjusting for age, gender and treatment, more self-reported thought (Estimate=3.53, SE=1.78; P=0.050) and internalizing problems (Estimate =6.52, SE=2.91; P=0.027) correlated with higher IL-8. Higher levels of IL-13 (RR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.01-11.10) and TNF-α (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.03-4.07) were observed in survivors had developed chronic health conditions (n=26, 25.5%). The stratified analysis showed that association of IFN-γ with attention was stronger in male survivors than in female survivors.

Conclusion

Inflammation due to cancer-related late effects may potentially be mechanistic mediators of neurobehavioral problems in pediatric ALL survivors. Markers of inflammation can potentially be applied to assess or monitor the effectiveness of interventions, particularly behavioral interventions, in improving cognitive outcomes in survivors. Future work includes understanding the underlying gender-specific pathophysiology behind functional outcomes in the population.

Revisiting the intersection of microglial activation and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease from the perspective of ferroptosis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by chronic neuroinflammation with amyloid beta-protein deposition and hyperphosphorylated tau protein. The typical clinical manifestation of AD is progressive memory impairment, and AD is considered a multifactorial disease with various etiologies (genetic factors, aging, lifestyle, etc.) and complicated pathophysiological processes. Previous research identified that neuroinflammation and typical microglial activation are significant mechanisms underlying AD, resulting in dysfunction of the nervous system and progression of the disease. Ferroptosis is a novel modality involved in this process. As an iron-dependent form of cell death, ferroptosis, characterized by iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and irreversible plasma membrane disruption, promotes AD by accelerating neuronal dysfunction and abnormal microglial activation. In this case, disturbances in brain iron homeostasis and neuronal ferroptosis aggravate neuroinflammation and lead to the abnormal activation of microglia. Abnormally activated microglia release various pro-inflammatory factors that aggravate the dysregulation of iron homeostasis and neuroinflammation, forming a vicious cycle. In this review, we first introduce ferroptosis, microglia, AD, and their relationship. Second, we discuss the nonnegligible role of ferroptosis in the abnormal microglial activation involved in the chronic neuroinflammation of AD to provide new ideas for the identification of potential therapeutic targets for AD.

Interleukin-13 Affects the Recovery Processes in a Mouse Model of Hemorrhagic Stroke with Bilateral Tibial Fracture

As one form of stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a fatal cerebrovascular disease, which has high morbidity and mortality and lacks effective medical treatment. Increased infiltration of inflammatory cytokines coupled with pyroptotic cell death is involved in the pathophysiological process of ICH. However, little is known about whether concomitant fracture patients have the same progression of inflammation and pyroptosis. Hence, we respectively established the mouse ICH model and ICH with bilateral tibial fracture model (MI) to explore the potential cross-talk between the above two injuries. We found that MI obviously reversed the expressions of pyroptosis-associated proteins, which were remarkably up-regulated at the acute phase after ICH. Similar results were observed in neuronal expressions via double immunostaining. Furthermore, brain edema was also significantly alleviated in mice who suffered MI, when compared with ICH alone. To better clarify the potential mechanisms that mediated this cross-talk, recombinant mouse interleukin-13 (IL-13) was used to investigate its effect on pyroptosis in the mouse MI model, in which a lower level of IL-13 was observed. Remarkably, IL-13 administration re-awakened cell death, which was mirrored by the re-upregulation of pyroptosis-associated proteins and PI-positive cell counts. The results of hemorrhage volume and behavioral tests further confirmed its critical role in regulating neurological functions. Besides, the IL-13-treated MI group showed poor outcomes of fracture healing. To sum up, our research indicates that controlling the IL-13 content in the acute phase would be a promising target in influencing the outcomes of brain injury and fracture, and meanwhile, provides new evidence in repairing compound injuries in clinics.

Interleukin 13 on Microglia is Neurotoxic in Lipopolysaccharide-injected Striatum in vivo

To explore the potential function of interleukin-13 (IL-13), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or PBS as a control was unilaterally microinjected into striatum of rat brain. Seven days after LPS injection, there was a significant loss of neurons and microglial activation in the striatum, visualized by immunohistochemical staining against neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and the OX-42 (complement receptor type 3, CR3), respectively. In parallel, IL-13 immunoreactivity was increased as early as 3 days and sustained up to 7 days post LPS injection, compared to PBS-injected control and detected exclusively within microglia. Moreover, GFAP immunostaining and blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability evaluation showed the loss of astrocytes and disruption of BBB, respectively. By contrast, treatment with IL-13 neutralizing antibody (IL-13NA) protects NeuN⁺ neurons against LPS-induced neurotoxicity in vivo . Accompanying neuroprotection, IL-13NA reduced loss of GFAP⁺ astrocytes and damage of BBB in LPS-injected striatum. Intriguingly, treatment with IL-13NA produced neurotrophic factors (NTFs) on survived astrocytes in LPS-injected rat striatum. Taken together, the present study suggests that LPS induces expression of IL-13 on microglia, which contributes to neurodegeneration via damage on astrocytes and BBB disruption in the striatum in vivo.

Interleukin-4 Aggravates LPS-Induced Striatal Neurodegeneration In Vivo via Oxidative Stress and Polarization of Microglia/Macrophages

The present study investigated the effects of interleukin (IL)-4 on striatal neurons in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected rat striatum in vivo. Either LPS or PBS as a control was unilaterally injected into the striatum, and brain tissues were processed for immunohistochemical and Nissl staining or for hydroethidine histochemistry at the indicated time points after LPS injection. Analysis by NeuN and Nissl immunohistochemical staining showed a significant loss of striatal neurons at 1, 3, and 7 days post LPS. In parallel, IL-4 immunoreactivity was upregulated as early as 1 day, reached a peak at 3 days, and was sustained up to 7 days post LPS. Increased levels of IL-4 immunoreactivity were exclusively detected in microglia/macrophages, but not in neurons nor astrocytes. The neutralizing antibody (NA) for IL-4 significantly protects striatal neurons against LPS-induced neurotoxicity in vivo. Accompanying neuroprotection, IL-4NA inhibited activation of microglia/macrophages, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ROS-derived oxidative damage and nitrosative stress, and produced polarization of microglia/macrophages shifted from M1 to M2. These results suggest that endogenous IL-4 expressed in LPS-activated microglia/macrophages contributes to striatal neurodegeneration in which oxidative/nitrosative stress and M1/M2 polarization are implicated.

Microglia Polarization in Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms and a Potential Therapeutic Target

Neuroinflammation regulated by microglia is one of the important factors involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Activated microglia exhibited phenotypes termed as M1 and M2 phenotypes separately. M1 microglia contribute to the development of inflammation via upregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, while M2 microglia exert anti-inflammation effects through enhancing the expression of anti-inflammation factors. Moreover, M1 and M2 microglia could be mutually transformed under various conditions. Both M1 and M2 microglia are implicated in AD. Amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau are two major components of AD pathological hallmarks, neuritic plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. Both Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau were involved in microglial activation and subsequent inflammation, which further contribute to neuronal and synaptic loss in AD. In this review, we summarized the roles of M1 and M2 microglia in AD and underlying mechanisms, which will provide an insight into the role of microglia in the pathogenesis of AD and highlight the therapeutic potential of modulating microglia.

Nanozymes Regulate Redox Homeostasis in ROS-Related Inflammation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), in moderate amounts, play an essential role in regulating different physiological functions in organisms. However, increased amounts of ROS may cause oxidative stress and damage to biomolecules, leading to a variety of diseases including inflammation and even cancer. Therefore, ROS scavenging reagents are needed to maintain healthy levels of ROS. With considerable advances in nanotechnology, nanozymes possess SOD or CAT-like activities with outstanding free radical scavenging activity, facile synthesis conditions, and excellent biocompatibility. Based on these extraordinary properties, nanozymes has been used to modulate the redox homeostasis and relieve the ROS-related injury. This has led to the emergence of nanozyme-based therapies. In the current review, we presented recently developed applications of nanozymes to treat ROS-dependent disorders with an emphasis on inflammatory and brain diseases.

A Computational Exploration of the Molecular Network Associated to Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease

Neuroinflammation, as defined by the presence of classically activated microglia, is thought to play a key role in numerous neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. While modulating neuroinflammation could prove beneficial against neurodegeneration, identifying its most relevant biological processes and pharmacological targets remains highly challenging. In the present study, we combined text-mining, functional enrichment and protein-level functional interaction analyses to 1) identify the proteins significantly associated to neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease over the scientific literature, 2) distinguish the key proteins most likely to control the neuroinflammatory processes significantly associated to Alzheimer's disease, 3) identify their regulatory microRNAs among those dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease and 4) assess their pharmacological targetability. 94 proteins were found to be significantly associated to neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease over the scientific literature and IL4, IL10 and IL13 signaling as well as TLR-mediated MyD88- and TRAF6-dependent responses were their most significantly enriched biological processes. IL10, TLR4, IL6, AKT1, CRP, IL4, CXCL8, TNF-alpha, ITGAM, CCL2 and NOS3 were identified as the most potent regulators of the functional interaction network formed by these immune processes. These key proteins were indexed to be regulated by 63 microRNAs dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease, 13 long non-coding RNAs and targetable by 55 small molecules and 8 protein-based therapeutics. In conclusion, our study identifies eleven key proteins with the highest ability to control neuroinflammatory processes significantly associated to Alzheimer’s disease, as well as pharmacological compounds with single or pleiotropic actions acting on them. As such, it may facilitate the prioritization of diagnostic and target-engagement biomarkers as well as the development of effective therapeutic strategies against neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease.

Yb3+, Er3+ Codoped Cerium Oxide Upconversion Nanoparticles Enhanced the Enzymelike Catalytic Activity and Antioxidative Activity for Parkinson's Disease Treatment

Oxidative stress plays an important role in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is considered a therapeutic target for PD. However, most therapeutic antioxidants show limitations due to their low reactive oxygen species (ROS) catalytic properties and low crossing of blood-brain barrier. Herein, the antioxidative activity of Yb3+ and Er3+ double-doped CeO2-x (Yb/Er/CeO2-x) upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is obtained for PD treatment. Doping of Yb3+ and Er3+ ions increases oxygen vacancies, which leads to higher enzymelike catalytic activities compared to CeO2-x nanoparticles alone. Tyrosine hydroxylase protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in substantia nigra and striatum as well as the open-field activity test indicates that Yb/Er/CeO2-x is effective for treatment of PD. The activities of glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity increase and the production of ROS decreases with Yb/Er/CeO2-x UCNP treatment compared with MPTP-induced injury. This indicates that the mechanism of PD treatment is to catalyze ROS products. There have been no reports to date on the usage of Yb/Er/CeO2-x as an antioxidant for PD treatment. Yb/Er/CeO2-x UCNPs cross the blood-brain barrier and exhibit biocompatibility and antioxidant catalytic properties, which decrease the ROS and effectively help in treating PD.

Interleukin-13 Propagates Prothrombin Kringle-2-Induced Neurotoxicity in Hippocampi In Vivo via Oxidative Stress

The present study investigated expression of endogenous interleukin-13 (IL-13) and its possible function in the hippocampus of prothrombin kringle-2 (pKr-2)-lesioned rats. Here we report that intrahippocampal injection of pKr-2 revealed a significant loss of NeuN-immunopositive (NeuN⁺) and Nissl⁺ cells in the hippocampus at 7 days after pKr-2. In parallel, pKr-2 increased IL-13 levels, which reached a peak at 3 days post pKr-2 and sustained up to 7 days post pKr-2. IL-13 immunoreactivity was seen exclusively in activated microglia/macrophages and neutrophils, but not in neurons or astrocytes. In experiments designed to explore the involvement of IL-13 in neurodegeneration, IL-13 neutralizing antibody (IL-13Nab) significantly increased survival of NeuN⁺ and Nissl⁺ cells. Accompanying neuroprotection, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that IL-13Nab inhibited pKr-2-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and myeloperoxidase within activated microglia/macrophages and neutrophils, possibly resulting in attenuation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and oxidative damage of DNA and protein. The current findings suggest that the endogenous IL-13 expressed in pKr-2 activated microglia/macrophages and neutrophils might be harmful to hippocampal neurons via oxidative stress.

Effect of exercise on microglial activation and transcriptome of hippocampus in fluorosis mice

Fluorosis is a widespread endemic disease. Reports have shown that high fluoride causes the dysfunction of central nervous system (CNS) in animals. The neurotoxicity of fluoride may be related to the activation of microglia. Moreover, numerous studies have found that exercise facilitates the plasticity of structure and function in CNS, partly owing to the regulation of microglia activation. The present study was conducted to explore the effect of exercise on the microglial activation of hippocampus in fluorosis mice. One hundred adult female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (group C, distilled water by gavage); exercise group (group E, distilled water by gavage and treadmill exercise); fluoride group [group F, 24 mg/kg sodium fluoride (NaF) by gavage]; fluoride plus exercise group (group F + E, 24 mg/kg NaF by gavage and treadmill exercise). After 8 weeks, hippocampal morphological structure, microglial activation and RNA transcriptome of mice in each group were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative real time PCR (QRT-PCR) and transcriptome sequencing. We discovered that the number of M1-type microglia in fluorosis-mice hippocampus was significantly increased when compared to group C; group F + E showed a decrease in the number of M1-type microglia with the comparison to group F. In addition, the hippocampal transcriptome analysis showed that 576 differential expression genes (DEG) were confirmed in group F, compared to group C, and 670 DEG were differently expressed in group F + E when compared to group F. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that changed genes were implicated in regulation of transcription, DNA-templated, integral component of membrane and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of 670 DEG was helpful to find neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway. In conclusion, these results indicate that treadmill running inhibits the excessive activation of microglia in hippocampus of the fluoride-toxic mice, accompanied with the alteration of neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway.

Elucidating the influence of environmentally relevant toxic metal mixture on molecular mechanisms involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases: In silico toxicogenomic data-mining

This in silico toxicogenomic analysis aims to: (i) testify the hypothesis about the influence of the environmentally relevant toxic metals (lead, methylmercury (organic form of mercury), cadmium and arsenic) on molecular mechanisms involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) development; and (ii) demonstrate the capability of in silico toxicogenomic data-mining for distinguishing the probable mechanisms of mixture-induced toxic effects. The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD; http://ctd. mdibl.org) and Cytoscape software were used as the main data-mining tools in this analysis. The results have shown that there were 7, 13 and 14 common genes for all the metals present in the mixture for each of the selected neurodegenerative disease (ND), respectively: ALS, PD and AD. Physical interactions (68.18%) were the most prominent interactions between the genes extracted for ALS, co-expression (60.85%) for PD and interactions predicted by the server (44.30%) for AD. SOD2 gene was noted as the mutual gene for all the selected ND. Oxidative stress, folate metabolism, vitamin B12, AGE-RAGE, apoptosis were noted as the key disrupted molecular pathways that contribute to the neurodegenerative disease's development. Gene ontology analysis revealed biological processes affected by the investigated mixture (glutathione metabolic process was listed as the most important for ALS, cellular response to toxic substance for PD, and neuron death for AD). Our results emphasize the role of oxidative stress, particularly SOD2, in neurodegeneration triggered by environmental toxic metal mixture and give a new insight into common molecular mechanisms involved in ALS, PD and AD pathology.

Interleukin-4-Mediated Oxidative Stress Is Harmful to Hippocampal Neurons of Prothrombin Kringle-2-Lesioned Rat In Vivo

The present study investigated the effects of reactive microglia/macrophages-derived interleukin-4 (IL-4) on hippocampal neurons in prothrombin kringle-2 (pKr-2)-lesioned rats. pKr-2 was unilaterally injected into hippocampus in the absence or presence of IL-4 neutralizing antibody (IL-4Nab). Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant loss of Nissl⁺ and NeuN⁺ cells and activation of microglia/macrophages (increase in reactive OX-42⁺ and OX-6⁺ cells) in the hippocampus at 7 days after pKr-2 injection. The levels of IL-4 expression were upregulated in the reactive OX-42⁺ microglia/macrophages as early as 1 day, maximal at 3 days and maintained up to 7 days after pKr-2 injection. Treatment with IL-4Nab significantly increased neuronal survival in pKr-2-treated CA1 layer of hippocampus in vivo. Accompanying neuroprotection, IL-4 neutralization inhibited activation of microglia/macrophages, reactive oxygen species-derived oxidative damages, production of myeloperoxidase- and inducible nitric oxide synthase-derived reactive nitrogen species and nitrosative damages as analyzed by immunohistochemistry and hydroethidine histochemistry. These results suggest that endogenous IL-4 expressed on reactive microglia/macrophages mediates oxidative/nitrosative stress and play a critical role on neurodegeneration of hippocampal CA1 layer in vivo.

Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL13 and IL13RA1 from individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease increase cellular susceptibility to oxidative stress

The human genes for interleukin 13 (IL-13) and its receptor alpha 1 (IL-13Rα1) are in chromosomal regions associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). The interaction of IL-13 with its receptor increases the susceptibility of mouse dopaminergic neurons to oxidative stress. We identified two rare single SNPs in IL13 and IL13RA1 and measured their cytotoxic effects. rs148077750 is a missense leucine to proline substitution in IL13. It was found in individuals with early onset PD and no other known monogenic forms of the disease and is significantly linked with PD (Fisher's exact test: p-value = 0.01, odds ratio = 14.2). rs145868092 is a leucine to phenylalanine substitution in IL13RA1 affecting a residue critical for IL-13 binding. Both mutations increased the cytotoxic activity of IL-13 on human SH-SY5Y neurons exposed to sublethal doses of hydrogen peroxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide or RLS3, an inducer of ferroptosis. Our data show that both rs148077750 and rs145868092 conferred a gain-of-function that may increase the risk of developing PD.

Network Pharmacology Study of Heat-Clearing and Detoxifying Traditional Chinese Medicine for Alzheimer's Disease

This study aims to explore the possible homologous mechanism of 7 frequently-used herbs for heat-clearing and detoxification in traditional Chinese medicine (HDTCM) for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most common types of dementia, based on network pharmacology. Herbs that satisfied the criteria of containing chlorogenic acid, relating to AD and aligning with HDTCM, were simultaneously collected to determine whether they have anti-AD effect based on a survey of the literature. Herb-ingredient-target-disease networks were constructed by collecting information from the TCMSP and GeneCards public databases. The common targets of the herbs and AD were identified for conducting a Gene Ontology (GO) analyses and a Reactome pathway enrichment analysis. The results showed that PTGS1, IL-6, CASP3, and VEGFA were the predicted key gene targets. The IL-4 and IL-13 signaling pathway, the ESR-mediated signaling pathway, and the extranuclear estrogen signaling pathway were the significant pathways associated with the 7 herbs. This study revealed that the analogous anti-AD mechanism of the 7 herbs of HDTCM may be associated with anti-inflammation, which is a common effect of the chlorogenic acid and quercetin components.