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Zubillaga M, Tau J, Rosa D, Bellini MJ, Arnal N. Sex-dependent effect of sublethal copper concentrations on de novo cholesterol synthesis in astrocytes and their possible links to variations in cholesterol and amyloid precursor protein levels in neuronal membranes. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:4. [PMID: 38191520 PMCID: PMC10775608 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00578-9] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholesterol (Cho) is an essential lipophilic molecule in cells; however, both its decrease and its increase may favor the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although copper (Cu) is an essential trace metal for cells, the increased plasma concentration of its free form has been linked with AD development and severity. AD affects aged people, but its prevalence and severity are higher in women than in men. We have previously shown that Cu promotes Cho de novo synthesis in immature neurons as well as increased Cho in membrane rafts and Aβ levels in culture medium, but there are no results yet regarding sex differences in the effects of sublethal Cu exposure on Cho de novo synthesis. METHODS We examined the potential sex-specific impact of sublethal Cu concentrations on de novo Cho synthesis in primary cultures of male and female astrocytes. We also explored whether this had any correlation with variations in Cho and APP levels within neuronal membrane rafts. RESULTS Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that Cu treatment leads to a greater increase in ROS levels in female astrocytes than in males. Furthermore, through RT-PCR analysis, we observed an upregulation of SREBP-2 and HMGCR. Consistently, we observed an increase in de novo Cho synthesis. Finally, western blot analysis indicated that the levels of ABCA1 increase after Cu treatment, accompanied by a higher release of radiolabeled Cho and an elevation in Cho and APP levels in neuronal membrane rafts. Importantly, all these results were significantly more pronounced in female astrocytes than in males. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that Cu stimulates Cho synthesis in astrocytes, both in a ROS-dependent and -independent manner. Moreover, female astrocytes displayed elevated levels of HMGCR, and de novo Cho synthesis compared to males following TBH and Cu treatments. This corresponds with higher levels of Cho released into the culture medium and a more significant Cho and APP rise within neuronal rafts. We consider that the increased risk of AD in females partly arises from sex-specific responses to metals and/or exogenous substances, impacting key enzyme regulation in various biochemical pathways, including HMGCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Zubillaga
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Calle 60 y 120, CP 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Julia Tau
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Calle 60 y 120, CP 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Diana Rosa
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Mineral, Fac. Cs Veterinarias, UNLP (Universidad Nacional de La Plata), Calle 60, CP 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - M José Bellini
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología y Cognición en el Envejecimiento y Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Calle 60 y 120, CP 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Nathalie Arnal
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Calle 60 y 120, CP 1900, La Plata, Argentina.
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Paseban T, Alavi MS, Etemad L, Roohbakhsh A. The role of the ATP-Binding Cassette A1 (ABCA1) in neurological disorders: a mechanistic review. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:531-552. [PMID: 37428709 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2235718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cholesterol homeostasis is critical for normal brain function. It is tightly controlled by various biological elements. ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a membrane transporter that effluxes cholesterol from cells, particularly astrocytes, into the extracellular space. The recent studies pertaining to ABCA1's role in CNS disorders were included in this study. AREAS COVERED In this comprehensive literature review, preclinical and human studies showed that ABCA1 has a significant role in the following diseases or disorders: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, anxiety, depression, psychosis, epilepsy, stroke, and brain ischemia and trauma. EXPERT OPINION ABCA1 via modulating normal and aberrant brain functions such as apoptosis, phagocytosis, BBB leakage, neuroinflammation, amyloid β efflux, myelination, synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and neurotransmission promotes beneficial effects in aforementioned diseases. ABCA1 is a key molecule in the CNS. By boosting its expression or function, some CNS disorders may be resolved. In preclinical studies, liver X receptor agonists have shown promise in treating CNS disorders via ABCA1 and apoE enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahere Paseban
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohaddeseh Sadat Alavi
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Etemad
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Roohbakhsh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Sharp FR, DeCarli CS, Jin LW, Zhan X. White matter injury, cholesterol dysmetabolism, and APP/Abeta dysmetabolism interact to produce Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology: A hypothesis and review. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1096206. [PMID: 36845656 PMCID: PMC9950279 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1096206] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We postulate that myelin injury contributes to cholesterol release from myelin and cholesterol dysmetabolism which contributes to Abeta dysmetabolism, and combined with genetic and AD risk factors, leads to increased Abeta and amyloid plaques. Increased Abeta damages myelin to form a vicious injury cycle. Thus, white matter injury, cholesterol dysmetabolism and Abeta dysmetabolism interact to produce or worsen AD neuropathology. The amyloid cascade is the leading hypothesis for the cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The failure of clinical trials based on this hypothesis has raised other possibilities. Even with a possible new success (Lecanemab), it is not clear whether this is a cause or a result of the disease. With the discovery in 1993 that the apolipoprotein E type 4 allele (APOE4) was the major risk factor for sporadic, late-onset AD (LOAD), there has been increasing interest in cholesterol in AD since APOE is a major cholesterol transporter. Recent studies show that cholesterol metabolism is intricately involved with Abeta (Aβ)/amyloid transport and metabolism, with cholesterol down-regulating the Aβ LRP1 transporter and upregulating the Aβ RAGE receptor, both of which would increase brain Aβ. Moreover, manipulating cholesterol transport and metabolism in rodent AD models can ameliorate pathology and cognitive deficits, or worsen them depending upon the manipulation. Though white matter (WM) injury has been noted in AD brain since Alzheimer's initial observations, recent studies have shown abnormal white matter in every AD brain. Moreover, there is age-related WM injury in normal individuals that occurs earlier and is worse with the APOE4 genotype. Moreover, WM injury precedes formation of plaques and tangles in human Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) and precedes plaque formation in rodent AD models. Restoring WM in rodent AD models improves cognition without affecting AD pathology. Thus, we postulate that the amyloid cascade, cholesterol dysmetabolism and white matter injury interact to produce and/or worsen AD pathology. We further postulate that the primary initiating event could be related to any of the three, with age a major factor for WM injury, diet and APOE4 and other genes a factor for cholesterol dysmetabolism, and FAD and other genes for Abeta dysmetabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles S. DeCarli
- Department of Neurology, The MIND Institute, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Lee-Way Jin
- Department of Neurology, The MIND Institute, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Xinhua Zhan
- Department of Neurology, The MIND Institute, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
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Nassar A, Kodi T, Satarker S, Chowdari Gurram P, Upadhya D, SM F, Mudgal J, Nampoothiri M. Astrocytic MicroRNAs and Transcription Factors in Alzheimer's Disease and Therapeutic Interventions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244111. [PMID: 36552875 PMCID: PMC9776935 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are important for maintaining cholesterol metabolism, glutamate uptake, and neurotransmission. Indeed, inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration contribute to the altered morphology, gene expression, and function of astrocytes. Astrocytes, in collaboration with numerous microRNAs, regulate brain cholesterol levels as well as glutamatergic and inflammatory signaling, all of which contribute to general brain homeostasis. Neural electrical activity, synaptic plasticity processes, learning, and memory are dependent on the astrocyte-neuron crosstalk. Here, we review the involvement of astrocytic microRNAs that potentially regulate cholesterol metabolism, glutamate uptake, and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The interaction between astrocytic microRNAs and long non-coding RNA and transcription factors specific to astrocytes also contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, astrocytic microRNAs arise as a promising target, as AD conditions are a worldwide public health problem. This review examines novel therapeutic strategies to target astrocyte dysfunction in AD, such as lipid nanodiscs, engineered G protein-coupled receptors, extracellular vesicles, and nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajmal Nassar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Triveni Kodi
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sairaj Satarker
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasada Chowdari Gurram
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Fayaz SM
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayesh Mudgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
- Correspondence:
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PCSK9 Affects Astrocyte Cholesterol Metabolism and Reduces Neuron Cholesterol Supplying In Vitro: Potential Implications in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012192. [PMID: 36293049 PMCID: PMC9602670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012192] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) involvement in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is poorly investigated. We evaluated the in vitro PCSK9 modulation of astrocyte cholesterol metabolism and neuronal cholesterol supplying, which is fundamental for neuronal functions. Moreover, we investigated PCSK9 neurotoxic effects. In human astrocytoma cells, PCSK9 reduced cholesterol content (−20%; p < 0.05), with a greater effect in presence of beta amyloid peptide (Aβ) (−37%; p < 0.01). PCSK9 increased cholesterol synthesis and reduced the uptake of apoE-HDL-derived cholesterol (−36%; p < 0.0001), as well as the LDL receptor (LDLR) and the apoE receptor 2 (ApoER2) expression (−66% and −31%, respectively; p < 0.01). PCSK9 did not modulate ABCA1- and ABCG1-cholesterol efflux, ABCA1 levels, or membrane cholesterol. Conversely, ABCA1 expression and activity, as well as membrane cholesterol, were reduced by Aβ (p < 0.05). In human neuronal cells, PCSK9 reduced apoE-HDL-derived cholesterol uptake (−41%; p < 0.001) and LDLR/apoER2 expression (p < 0.05). Reduced cholesterol internalization occurred also in PCSK9-overexpressing neurons exposed to an astrocyte-conditioned medium (−39%; p < 0.001). PCSK9 reduced neuronal cholesterol content overall (−29%; p < 0.05) and increased the Aβ-induced neurotoxicity (p < 0.0001). Our data revealed an interfering effect of PCSK9, in cooperation with Aβ, on brain cholesterol metabolism leading to neuronal cholesterol reduction, a potentially deleterious effect. PCSK9 also exerted a neurotoxic effect, and thus represents a potential pharmacological target in AD.
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Borràs C, Mercer A, Sirisi S, Alcolea D, Escolà-Gil JC, Blanco-Vaca F, Tondo M. HDL-like-Mediated Cell Cholesterol Trafficking in the Central Nervous System and Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169356. [PMID: 36012637 PMCID: PMC9409363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this work is to review the mechanisms via which high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-mediated cholesterol trafficking through the central nervous system (CNS) occurs in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) and abnormally hyperphosphorylated intracellular tau filaments in neurons. Cholesterol metabolism has been extensively implicated in the pathogenesis of AD through biological, epidemiological, and genetic studies, with the APOE gene being the most reproducible genetic risk factor for the development of AD. This manuscript explores how HDL-mediated cholesterol is transported in the CNS, with a special emphasis on its relationship to Aβ peptide accumulation and apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-mediated cholesterol transport. Indeed, we reviewed all existing works exploring HDL-like-mediated cholesterol efflux and cholesterol uptake in the context of AD pathogenesis. Existing data seem to point in the direction of decreased cholesterol efflux and the impaired entry of cholesterol into neurons among patients with AD, which could be related to impaired Aβ clearance and tau protein accumulation. However, most of the reviewed studies have been performed in cells that are not physiologically relevant for CNS pathology, representing a major flaw in this field. The ApoE4 genotype seems to be a disruptive element in HDL-like-mediated cholesterol transport through the brain. Overall, further investigations are needed to clarify the role of cholesterol trafficking in AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Borràs
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERDEM, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Aina Mercer
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sònia Sirisi
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Sant Pau Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Alcolea
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Sant Pau Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Carles Escolà-Gil
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERDEM, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.E.-G.); (M.T.); Tel.: +34-93-553-7358 (J.C.E.-G. & M.T.)
| | - Francisco Blanco-Vaca
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERDEM, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Tondo
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERDEM, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.E.-G.); (M.T.); Tel.: +34-93-553-7358 (J.C.E.-G. & M.T.)
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Huang J, Li C, Shang H. Astrocytes in Neurodegeneration: Inspiration From Genetics. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:882316. [PMID: 35812232 PMCID: PMC9268899 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.882316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the discovery of numerous molecules and pathologies, the pathophysiology of various neurodegenerative diseases remains unknown. Genetics participates in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Neural dysfunction, which is thought to be a cell-autonomous mechanism, is insufficient to explain the development of neurodegenerative disease, implying that other cells surrounding or related to neurons, such as glial cells, are involved in the pathogenesis. As the primary component of glial cells, astrocytes play a variety of roles in the maintenance of physiological functions in neurons and other glial cells. The pathophysiology of neurodegeneration is also influenced by reactive astrogliosis in response to central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Furthermore, those risk-gene variants identified in neurodegenerations are involved in astrocyte activation and senescence. In this review, we summarized the relationships between gene variants and astrocytes in four neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD), and provided insights into the implications of astrocytes in the neurodegenerations.
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Givinostat-Liposomes: Anti-Tumor Effect on 2D and 3D Glioblastoma Models and Pharmacokinetics. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122978. [PMID: 35740641 PMCID: PMC9220922 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122978] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain tumor, associated with poor prognosis and survival, representing a challenging medical issue for neurooncologists. Dysregulation of histone-modifying enzymes (HDACs) is commonly identified in many tumors and has been linked to cancer proliferation, changes in metabolism, and drug resistance. These findings led to the development of HDAC inhibitors, which are limited by their narrow therapeutic index. In this work, we provide the proof of concept for a delivery system that can improve the in vivo half-life and increase the brain delivery of Givinostat, a pan-HDAC inhibitor. Here, 150-nm-sized liposomes composed of cholesterol and sphingomyelin with or without surface decoration with mApoE peptide, inhibited human glioblastoma cell growth in 2D and 3D models by inducing a time- and dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, reduction in the receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism (from -25% to -75% of protein levels), and reduction in HDAC activity (-25% within 30 min). In addition, liposome-Givinostat formulations showed a 2.5-fold increase in the drug half-life in the bloodstream and a 6-fold increase in the amount of drug entering the brain in healthy mice, without any signs of overt toxicity. These features make liposomes loaded with Givinostat valuable as potential candidates for glioblastoma therapy.
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