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Shen Y, Liu F, Zhang M. Therapeutic potential of plant-derived natural compounds in Alzheimer's disease: Targeting microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117235. [PMID: 39094545 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117235] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) with roles in sensing, housekeeping, and defense. Exploring the role of microglia in the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the possible therapeutic mechanism of plant-derived natural compounds (PDNCs) that regulate microglia-associated neuroinflammation may potentially help in elucidating the pathogenesis of AD and provide novel insights for its treatment. This review explores the role of abnormal microglial activation and its dominant neuroinflammatory response, as well as the activation of their target receptors and signaling pathways in AD pathogenesis. Additionally, we report an update on the potential pharmacological mechanisms of multiple PDNCs in modulating microglia-associated neuroinflammation in AD treatment. Dysregulated activation of microglial receptors and their downstream pathways impaired immune homeostasis in animal models of AD. Multiple signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and Toll-like receptors, play important roles in microglial activation and can exacerbate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. PDNCs, such as magnolol, stigmasterol, matrine, naringenin, naringin, and resveratrol, can delay the progression of AD by inhibiting the proinflammatory receptors of microglia, activating its anti-inflammatory receptors, regulating the receptors related to β-amyloid (Aβ) clearance, reversing immune dysregulation, and maintaining the immune homeostasis of microglial downstream pathways. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which microglia cause chronic inflammation in AD and evaluates the beneficial effects of PDNCs on immune regulation in AD by regulating microglial receptors and their downstream pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
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2
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Zhao H, Liang K, Yu Z, Wen Y, Yu X, Xin J, Zhang T, Zu X, Fang Y. CCR3 knockdown attenuates prolonged underwater operations-induced cognitive impairment via alleviating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. iScience 2024; 27:110379. [PMID: 39156650 PMCID: PMC11326909 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110379] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Maintaining cognitive integrity is crucial during underwater operations, which can significantly impact work performance and risk severe accidents. However, the cognitive effects of underwater operations and their underlying mechanism remain elusive, posing great challenges to the medical protection of professionals concerned. Here, we found that a single underwater operation session affects cognition in a time-dependent model. Prolonged exposure elicits significant cognitive impairment and hippocampal dysfunction, accompanied by increased neuroinflammation. Furthermore, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed the involvement of neuroinflammation and highlighted the critical role of CCR3. Knockdown of CCR3 significantly rescued cognitive impairment and hippocampal dysfunction and reversed the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, by switching the activated microglia from a pro-inflammatory to a neuroprotective phenotype. Taken together, these results highlighted the time-dependent effects of a single underwater operation session on cognitive function. Knocking down CCR3 can attenuate neuroinflammation by regulating polarization of activated microglia, thereby alleviating prolonged underwater operations-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houyu Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Kun Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zeyuan Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yukun Wen
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xuhua Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiayun Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xianpeng Zu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yiqun Fang
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Liu X, Yu GX, Xue M, Huang LY, Fu Y, Wang ZT, Tan L, Ou YN. The interrelationships of CSF sTREM2, AD pathology, minimal depressive symptoms, and cognition in non-demented adults. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:179. [PMID: 39127661 PMCID: PMC11316296 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01550-4] [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: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglial activation has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) is a marker of microglial activation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interrelationships of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sTREM2, AD pathology, as well as minimal depressive symptoms (MDSs), and cognition. METHODS A total of 545 non-demented individuals from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort were included in our study. The average age of the total population was 72.6 years and the percentage of females was 42.6%. Linear regression models were conducted to investigate the linear relationships of MDSs with CSF sTREM2, AD pathology, cognition, and brain structure. Mediation models and structural equation models (SEM) were conducted to examine whether CSF sTREM2 mediated the relationships of MDSs with AD pathology and cognition. RESULTS Results revealed that individuals with MDSs had lower CSF sTREM2 levels than normal controls. Linear regression showed that MDSs were linearly associated with CSF sTREM2 (PFDR = 0.012) and amyloid biomarkers (PFDR < 0.05), as well as cognitive scores (PFDR < 0.05) and hippocampal volume (PFDR = 0.003). Mediation analyses revealed that CSF sTREM2 mediated the association between MDSs and amyloid pathology, with the mediating proportions ranging from 6.030 to 18.894%. However, SEM failed to reveal that MDS affected cognition through CSF amyloid pathology and CSF sTREM2. CONCLUSIONS MDSs are associated with amyloid pathology and cognition. CSF sTREM2 may potentially be an intervenable target between depression and AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Guang-Xiang Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Mei Xue
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Liang-Yu Huang
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yan Fu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Zuo-Teng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China.
| | - Ya-Nan Ou
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China.
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Yassaghi Y, Nazerian Y, Ghasemi M, Nazerian A, Sayehmiri F, Perry G, Gholami Pourbadie H. Microglial modulation as a therapeutic strategy in Alzheimer's disease: Focus on microglial preconditioning approaches. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18554. [PMID: 39103747 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18554] [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: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disease that causes an impairment of learning and memory. Despite the highly complex pathogenesis of AD, amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formation are the main hallmarks of AD. Neuroinflammation also has a crucial role in the development of AD. As the central nervous system's innate immune cells, microglial cells are activated in AD and induce inflammation by producing pro-inflammatory mediators. However, microglial activation is not always deleterious. M2-activated microglial cells are considered anti-inflammatory cells, which develop neuroprotection. Various approaches are proposed for managing AD, yet no effective therapy is available for this disorder. Considering the potential protective role of M2 microglia in neurodegenerative disorders and the improvement of these disorders by preconditioning approaches, it can be suggested that preconditioning of microglial cells may be beneficial for managing AD progression. Therefore, this study review microglial preconditioning approaches for preventing and improving AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Yassaghi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Nazerian
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Ghasemi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Sayehmiri
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - George Perry
- Department of Neuroscience, Development, and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Liu J, Zhou J, You C, Xia H, Gao Y, Liu Y, Gong X. Research progress in the mechanism of acupuncture regulating microglia in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1435082. [PMID: 39145293 PMCID: PMC11321967 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1435082] [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: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the central nervous system, characterized by memory and cognitive dysfunction. Acupuncture is an effective means to alleviate the symptoms of AD. Recent studies have shown that microglia play an important role in the occurrence and development of AD. Acupuncture can regulate the activity of microglia, inhibit neuroinflammation, regulate phagocytosis, and clear Aβ Pathological products such as plaque can protect nerve cells and improve cognitive function in AD patients. This article summarizes the relationship between microglia and AD, as well as the research progress in the mechanism of acupuncture regulating microglia in the treatment of AD. The mechanism of acupuncture regulating microglia in the treatment of AD is mainly reviewed from two aspects: inhibiting neuroinflammatory activity and regulating phagocytic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Dalian Medical University College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Chong You
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Dalian Medical University College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Haonan Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Dalian Medical University College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Yuling Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaoyang Gong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Pramanik S, Devi M H, Chakrabarty S, Paylar B, Pradhan A, Thaker M, Ayyadhury S, Manavalan A, Olsson PE, Pramanik G, Heese K. Microglia signaling in health and disease - Implications in sex-specific brain development and plasticity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 165:105834. [PMID: 39084583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105834] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, the intrinsic neuroimmune cells residing in the central nervous system (CNS), exert a pivotal influence on brain development, homeostasis, and functionality, encompassing critical roles during both aging and pathological states. Recent advancements in comprehending brain plasticity and functions have spotlighted conspicuous variances between male and female brains, notably in neurogenesis, neuronal myelination, axon fasciculation, and synaptogenesis. Nevertheless, the precise impact of microglia on sex-specific brain cell plasticity, sculpting diverse neural network architectures and circuits, remains largely unexplored. This article seeks to unravel the present understanding of microglial involvement in brain development, plasticity, and function, with a specific emphasis on microglial signaling in brain sex polymorphism. Commencing with an overview of microglia in the CNS and their associated signaling cascades, we subsequently probe recent revelations regarding molecular signaling by microglia in sex-dependent brain developmental plasticity, functions, and diseases. Notably, C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), calcium (Ca2+), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) emerge as molecular candidates significantly contributing to sex-dependent brain development and plasticity. In conclusion, we address burgeoning inquiries surrounding microglia's pivotal role in the functional diversity of developing and aging brains, contemplating their potential implications for gender-tailored therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Pramanik
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.
| | - Harini Devi M
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Saswata Chakrabarty
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Berkay Paylar
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Manisha Thaker
- Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Inc., 2425 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
| | - Shamini Ayyadhury
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Arulmani Manavalan
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Gopal Pramanik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835215, India.
| | - Klaus Heese
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133791, the Republic of Korea.
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Mackey-Alfonso SE, Butler MJ, Taylor AM, Williams-Medina AR, Muscat SM, Fu H, Barrientos RM. Short-term high fat diet impairs memory, exacerbates the neuroimmune response, and evokes synaptic degradation via a complement-dependent mechanism in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 121:56-69. [PMID: 39043341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.07.021] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by profound memory impairments, synaptic loss, neuroinflammation, and hallmark pathological markers. High-fat diet (HFD) consumption increases the risk of developing AD even after controlling for metabolic syndrome, pointing to a role of the diet itself in increasing risk. In AD, the complement system, an arm of the immune system which normally tags redundant or damaged synapses for pruning, becomes pathologically overactivated leading to tagging of healthy synapses. While the unhealthy diet to AD link is strong, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood in part due to confounding variables associated with long-term HFD which can independently influence the brain. Therefore, we experimented with a short-term diet regimen to isolate the diet's impact on brain function without causing obesity. This project investigated the effect of short-term HFD on 1) memory, 2) neuroinflammation including complement, 3) AD pathology markers, 4) synaptic markers, and 5) in vitro microglial synaptic phagocytosis in the 3xTg-AD mouse model. Following the consumption of either standard chow or HFD, 3xTg-AD and non-Tg mice were tested for memory impairments. In a separate cohort of mice, levels of hippocampal inflammatory markers, complement proteins, AD pathology markers, and synaptic markers were measured. For the last set of experiments, BV2 microglial phagocytosis of synapses was evaluated. Synaptoneurosomes isolated from the hippocampus of 3xTg-AD mice fed chow or HFD were incubated with equal numbers of BV2 microglia. The number of BV2 microglia that phagocytosed synaptoneurosomes was tracked over time with a live-cell imaging assay. Finally, we incubated BV2 microglia with a complement receptor inhibitor (NIF) and repeated the assay. Behavioral analysis showed 3xTg-AD mice had significantly impaired long-term contextual and cued fear memory compared to non-Tg mice that was further impaired by HFD. HFD significantly increased inflammatory markers and complement expression while decreasing synaptic marker expression only in 3xTg-AD mice, without altering AD pathology markers. Synaptoneurosomes from HFD-fed 3xTg-AD mice were phagocytosed at a significantly higher rate than those from chow-fed mice, suggesting the synapses were altered by HFD. The complement receptor inhibitor blocked this effect in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating the HFD-mediated increase in phagocytosis was complement dependent. This study indicates HFD consumption increases neuroinflammation and over-activates the complement cascade in 3xTg-AD mice, resulting in poorer memory. The in vitro data point to complement as a potential mechanistic culprit and therapeutic target underlying HFD's influence in increasing cognitive vulnerability to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina E Mackey-Alfonso
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael J Butler
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashton M Taylor
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Stephanie M Muscat
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hongjun Fu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Chronic Brain Injury Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ruth M Barrientos
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Chronic Brain Injury Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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8
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Bivona G, Sammataro S, Ghersi G. Nucleic Acids-Based Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis and Novel Molecules to Treat the Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7893. [PMID: 39063135 PMCID: PMC11277093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147893] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the most common form of dementia and affects million people worldwide, with a high social burden and considerable economic costs. AD diagnosis benefits from a well-established panel of laboratory tests that allow ruling-in patients, along with FDG and amyloid PET imaging tools. The main laboratory tests used to identify AD patients are Aβ40, Aβ42, the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, phosphorylated Tau 181 (pTau181) and total Tau (tTau). Although they are measured preferentially in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), some evidence about the possibility for blood-based determination to enter clinical practice is growing up. Unfortunately, CSF biomarkers for AD and, even more, the blood-based ones, present a few flaws, and twenty years of research in this field did not overcome these pitfalls. The tale even worsens when the issue of treating AD is addressed due to the lack of effective strategies despite the many decades of attempts by pharmaceutic industries and scientists. Amyloid-based drugs failed to stop the disease, and no neuroinflammation-based drugs have been demonstrated to work so far. Hence, only symptomatic therapy is available, with no disease-modifying treatment on hand. Such a desolate situation fully justifies the active search for novel biomarkers to be used as reliable tests for AD diagnosis and molecular targets for treating patients. Recently, a novel group of molecules has been identified to be used for AD diagnosis and follow-up, the nuclei acid-based biomarkers. Nucleic acid-based biomarkers are a composite group of extracellular molecules consisting of DNA and RNA alone or in combination with other molecules, including proteins. This review article reports the main findings from the studies carried out on these biomarkers during AD, and highlights their advantages and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bivona
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Selene Sammataro
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical, Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
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Thomas SD, Abdalla S, Eissa N, Akour A, Jha NK, Ojha S, Sadek B. Targeting Microglia in Neuroinflammation: H3 Receptor Antagonists as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:831. [PMID: 39065682 PMCID: PMC11279978 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070831] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Histamine performs dual roles as an immune regulator and a neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. The histaminergic system plays a vital role in the regulation of wakefulness, cognition, neuroinflammation, and neurogenesis that are substantially disrupted in various neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists and inverse agonists potentiate the endogenous release of brain histamine and have been shown to enhance cognitive abilities in animal models of several brain disorders. Microglial activation and subsequent neuroinflammation are implicated in impacting embryonic and adult neurogenesis, contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Acknowledging the importance of microglia in both neuroinflammation and neurodevelopment, as well as their regulation by histamine, offers an intriguing therapeutic target for these disorders. The inhibition of brain H3Rs has been found to facilitate a shift from a proinflammatory M1 state to an anti-inflammatory M2 state, leading to a reduction in the activity of microglial cells. Also, pharmacological studies have demonstrated that H3R antagonists showed positive effects by reducing the proinflammatory biomarkers, suggesting their potential role in simultaneously modulating crucial brain neurotransmissions and signaling cascades such as the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway. In this review, we highlight the potential therapeutic role of the H3R antagonists in addressing the pathology and cognitive decline in brain disorders, e.g., AD, PD, and ASD, with an inflammatory component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabna Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nermin Eissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, India
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
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10
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Ahmed S, Ma N, Kawanokuchi J, Matsuoka K, Oikawa S, Kobayashi H, Hiraku Y, Murata M. Taurine reduces microglia activation in the brain of aged senescence-accelerated mice by increasing the level of TREM2. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7427. [PMID: 38548872 PMCID: PMC10978912 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57973-4] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a chronic neurodegenerative disorder, is the leading cause of dementia. Over-activated microglia is related to amyloid-beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (phospho-tau) accumulation in the AD brain. Taurine is an amino acid with multiple physiological functions including anti-inflammatory effects, and has been reported to be neuroprotective in AD. However, the role of taurine in microglia-mediated AD remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of taurine on the brains of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice by comparing those administered 1% taurine water with those administered distilled water (DW). We observed increased levels of taurine and taurine transporter (TAUT) in the brains of the taurine-treated mice compared with those of control mice. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses revealed that taurine significantly reduced the number of activated microglia, levels of phospho-tau and Aβ deposit in the hippocampus and cortex. Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) are known to protect against AD pathogenesis. Taurine upregulated TREM2 expression in the hippocampus and cortex. In conclusion, the present study suggests that taurine treatment may upregulate TREM2 to protect against microglia over-activation by decreasing the accumulation of phospho-tau and Aβ; providing an insight into a novel preventive strategy in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Ahmed
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Fukui School of Medical Sciences, Eiheiji, Fukui, Japan
| | - Ning Ma
- Graduate School of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibution Science, Faculty of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
| | - Jun Kawanokuchi
- Graduate School of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
| | - Keiya Matsuoka
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibution Science, Faculty of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
| | - Shinji Oikawa
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Hatasu Kobayashi
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yusuke Hiraku
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Fukui School of Medical Sciences, Eiheiji, Fukui, Japan
| | - Mariko Murata
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
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11
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Gu X, Qi L, Qi Q, Zhou J, Chen S, Wang L. Monoclonal antibody therapy for Alzheimer's disease focusing on intracerebral targets. Biosci Trends 2024; 18:49-65. [PMID: 38382942 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2023.01288] [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: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the complexity of the disorder and the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), its drug discovery and development are facing enormous challenges, especially after several failures of monoclonal antibody (mAb) trials. Nevertheless, the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the mAb aducanumab has ushered in a new day. As we better understand the disease's pathogenesis and identify novel intracerebral therapeutic targets, antibody-based therapies have advanced over the past few years. The mAb drugs targeting β-amyloid or hyperphosphorylated tau protein are the focus of the current research. Massive neuronal loss and glial cell-mediated inflammation are also the vital pathological hallmarks of AD, signaling a new direction for research on mAb drugs. We have elucidated the mechanisms by which AD-specific mAbs cross the BBB to bind to targets. In order to investigate therapeutic approaches to treat AD, this review focuses on the promising mAbs targeting intracerebral dysfunction and related strategies to cross the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Gu
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Long Qi
- New Drug Screening Center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Qi
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Song Chen
- Postdoctoral Station of Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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12
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Abdullahi A, Wong TW, Ng SS. Understanding the mechanisms of disease modifying effects of aerobic exercise in people with Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102202. [PMID: 38272266 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102202] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very disabling disease. Pathologically, it is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain that results in neurodegeneration. Its clinical manifestations include progressive memory impairment, language decline and difficulty in carrying out activities of daily living (ADL). The disease is managed using interventions such as pharmacological interventions and aerobic exercise. Use of aerobic exercise has shown some promises in reducing the risk of developing AD, and improving cognitive function and the ability to carry out both basic and instrumental ADL. Although, the mechanisms through which aerobic exercise improves AD are poorly understood, improvement in vascular function, brain glucose metabolism and cardiorespiratory fitness, increase in antioxidant capacity and haemoglobin level, amelioration of immune-related and inflammatory responses, modulation of concentration of circulating Neurotrophins and peptides and decrease in concentration of tau protein and cortisol level among others seem to be the possible mechanisms. Therefore, understanding these mechanisms is important to help characterize the dose and the nature of the aerobic exercise to be given. In addition, they may also help in finding ways to optimize other interventions such as the pharmacological interventions. However, more quality studies are needed to verify the mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auwal Abdullahi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomson Wl Wong
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shamay Sm Ng
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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13
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Bivona G, Iemmolo M, Ghersi G. Cerebrospinal and Blood Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease: Did Mild Cognitive Impairment Definition Affect Their Clinical Usefulness? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16908. [PMID: 38069230 PMCID: PMC10706963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316908] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite Alzheimer's Disease (AD) being known from the times of Alois Alzheimer, who lived more than one century ago, many aspects of the disease are still obscure, including the pathogenesis, the clinical spectrum definition, and the therapeutic approach. Well-established biomarkers for AD come from the histopathological hallmarks of the disease, which are Aβ and phosphorylated Tau protein aggregates. Consistently, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Amyloid β (Aβ) and phosphorylated Tau level measurements are currently used to detect AD presence. However, two central biases affect these biomarkers. Firstly, incomplete knowledge of the pathogenesis of diseases legitimates the search for novel molecules that, reasonably, could be expressed by neurons and microglia and could be detected in blood simpler and earlier than the classical markers and in a higher amount. Further, studies have been performed to evaluate whether CSF biomarkers can predict AD onset in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients. However, the MCI definition has changed over time. Hence, the studies on MCI patients seem to be biased at the beginning due to the imprecise enrollment and heterogeneous composition of the miscellaneous MCI subgroup. Plasma biomarkers and novel candidate molecules, such as microglia biomarkers, have been tentatively investigated and could represent valuable targets for diagnosing and monitoring AD. Also, novel AD markers are urgently needed to identify molecular targets for treatment strategies. This review article summarizes the main CSF and blood AD biomarkers, underpins their advantages and flaws, and mentions novel molecules that can be used as potential biomarkers for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bivona
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilda Iemmolo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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14
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Ni H, Liao Y, Zhang Y, Lu H, Huang Z, Huang F, Zhang Z, Dong Y, Wang Z, Huang Y. Levistilide A ameliorates neuroinflammation via inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling for neuroprotection and cognitive improvement in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110783. [PMID: 37619415 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, which has become a major public health problem. There are no effective therapeutic agents used to treat AD in clinic for the extremely complex pathogenesis. Here we identify Levistilide A (LA), one of the major active natural terpene lactone constituents from Chinese herbal medicine Angelicae sinensis and Chuanxiong Rhizoma, as a potent neuroinflammation inhibitor for neuroprotection and cognitive improvement of AD. We show that LA suppresses neuronal apoptosis, restores cholinergic system function, and lowers neuroinflammation in vivo to improve scopolamine (SCOP)-induced learning and memory deficits. In addition, LA inhibits the release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, while increasing the production of IL-4 and IL-10 for anti-inflammatory effects in LPS or Aβ-induced BV2 and HMC3 cells. Furthermore, the conditioned medium (CM) from LA-treated BV2 or HMC3 cells enhances the viability of SH-SY5Y and HT-22 cells, and LA reverses M1 to M2 phenotype transformation of BV2 and HMC3 cells accompanied by the inhibited Iba-1 expression and mRNA level of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NOS2, and the increased expression of ARG1, CD206 and CD163. Mechanistically, we analyze JAK2/STAT3 signaling as possible targets of LA using network pharmacology approaches, and further experimentally validate that LA inhibits the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3, and STAT3 expression within nucleus both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we identify LA as a potential neuroinflammation inhibitor for neuroprotection and cognitive improvement, which is expected to be a candidate for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Ni
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Yanfang Liao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Huinian Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Zhiju Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Fengming Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Zhende Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China.
| | - Zihao Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Yujie Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China.
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15
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Goetzl EJ. An emerging spectrum of therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23238. [PMID: 37795882 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301461r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Development of effective preventative and therapeutic measures for Alzheimer's disease has been unsuccessful because of the long and subtly symptomatic preclinical period, difficulties obtaining tissue and biochemical data from living patients, and the many complex underlying pathogenic processes. Recent applications of sensitive specific bioimaging techniques, analyses of RNAs and proteins of neural cell-derived extracellular vesicles in blood, and sophisticated genetic procedures in cellular and rodent models have yielded hopeful new therapeutic targets. These newer targets are described here in relation to their neural cellular location, potential genetic modifications and possible pharmacological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Goetzl
- Department of Medicine, University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
- Research Department, Campus for Jewish Living, San Francisco, California, USA
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16
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Ma J, Hou YH, Liao ZY, Ma Z, Zhang XX, Wang JL, Zhu YB, Shan HL, Wang PY, Li CB, Lv YL, Wei YL, Dou JZ. Neuroprotective Effects of Leptin on the APP/PS1 Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model: Role of Microglial and Neuroinflammation. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 13:69-79. [PMID: 37905186 PMCID: PMC10613410 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s427781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Microglia are closely linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) many years ago; however, the pathological mechanisms of AD remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether leptin affected microglia in the hippocampus of young and aged male APP/PS1 mice. Objective In a transgenic model of AD, we investigated the association between intraperitoneal injection of leptin and microglia. Methods We intraperitoneal injection of leptin (1mg/kg) every day for one week and analyzed inflammatory markers in microglia in the hippocampus of adult (6 months) and aged (12 months) APP/PS1 mice. Results In all leptin treatment group, the brain Aβ levels were decrease. We found increased levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and microglial activation in the hippocampus of adult mice. Using aged mice as an experimental model for chronic neuroinflammation and leptin resistance, the number of Iba-1+ microglia and the levels of IL-1β/IL-6 in the hippocampus were greatly increased as compared to the adult. But between the leptin treatment and un-treatment, there were no difference. Conclusion Leptin signaling would regulate the activation of microglia and the release of inflammatory factors, but it is not the only underlying mechanism in the neuroprotective effects of AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Hui Hou
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe-Yan Liao
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Ma
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Li Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun-Bo Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai-Lei Shan
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping-Yue Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Bo Li
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Lei Lv
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Lan Wei
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie-Zhi Dou
- Department of Neurology, Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Sbai O, Bazzani V, Tapaswi S, McHale J, Vascotto C, Perrone L. Is Drp1 a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1166879. [PMID: 37251647 PMCID: PMC10213291 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1166879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances highlight that inflammation is critical to Alzheimer Disease (AD) pathogenesis. Indeed, several diseases characterized by inflammation are considered risk factors for AD, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and traumatic brain injury. Moreover, allelic variations in genes involved in the inflammatory cascade are risk factors for AD. AD is also characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, which affects the energy homeostasis of the brain. The role of mitochondrial dysfunction has been characterized mostly in neuronal cells. However, recent data are demonstrating that mitochondrial dysfunction occurs also in inflammatory cells, promoting inflammation and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn induce neurodegeneration. In this review, we summarize the recent finding supporting the hypothesis of the inflammatory-amyloid cascade in AD. Moreover, we describe the recent data that demonstrate the link between altered mitochondrial dysfunction and the inflammatory cascade. We focus in summarizing the role of Drp1, which is involved in mitochondrial fission, showing that altered Drp1 activation affects the mitochondrial homeostasis and leads to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, promoting the inflammatory cascade, which in turn aggravates Amyloid beta (Ab) deposition and tau-induced neurodegeneration, showing the relevance of this pro-inflammatory pathway as an early event in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oualid Sbai
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, LR11IPT02, Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections (LTCII), Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | | | - Joshua McHale
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Carlo Vascotto
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- IMol Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lorena Perrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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18
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Bivona G, Iemmolo M, Ghersi G. CX3CL1 Pathway as a Molecular Target for Treatment Strategies in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098230. [PMID: 37175935 PMCID: PMC10179163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a scourge for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals due to the progressive character of the disease and the lack of effective treatments. AD is considered a proteinopathy, which means that aetiological and clinical features of AD have been linked to the deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau protein aggregates throughout the brain, with Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau representing classical AD hallmarks. However, some other putative mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of the disease have been proposed, including inflammation in the brain, microglia activation, impaired hippocampus neurogenesis and alterations in the production and release of neurotrophic factors. Among all, microglia activation and chronic inflammation in the brain gained some attention, with researchers worldwide wondering whether it is possible to prevent and stop, respectively, the onset and progression of the disease by modulating microglia phenotypes. The following key points have been established so far: (i) Aβ deposition in brain parenchyma represents repeated stimulus determining chronic activation of microglia; (ii) chronic activation and priming of microglia make these cells lose neuroprotective functions and favour damage and loss of neurons; (iii) quiescent status of microglia at baseline prevents chronic activation and priming, meaning that the more microglia are quiescent, the less they become neurotoxic. Many molecules are known to modulate the quiescent baseline state of microglia, attracting huge interest among scientists as to whether these molecules could be used as valuable targets in AD treatment. The downside of the coin came early with the observation that quiescent microglia do not display phagocytic ability, being unable to clear Aβ deposits since phagocytosis is crucial for Aβ clearance efficacy. A possible solution for this issue could be found in the modulation of microglia status at baseline, which could help maintain both neuroprotective features and phagocytic ability at the same time. Among the molecules known to influence the baseline status of microglia, C-X3-chemokine Ligand 1 (CX3CL1), also known as Fractalkine (FKN), is one of the most investigated. FKN and its microglial receptor CX3CR1 are crucial players in the interplay between neurons and microglia, modulating the operation of some neural circuits and the efficacy and persistence of immune response against injury. In addition, CX3CL1 regulates synaptic pruning and plasticity in the developmental age and in adulthood, when it strongly impacts the hippocampus neurogenesis of the adult. CX3CL1 has an effect on Aβ clearance and tau phosphorylation, as well as in microglia activation and priming. For all the above, CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signalling has been widely studied in relation to AD pathogenesis, and its biochemical pathway could hide molecular targets for novel treatment strategies in AD. This review summarizes the possible role of CX3CL1 in AD pathogenesis and its use as a potential target for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bivona
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilda Iemmolo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulio Ghersi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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19
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Poppell M, Hammel G, Ren Y. Immune Regulatory Functions of Macrophages and Microglia in Central Nervous System Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5925. [PMID: 36982999 PMCID: PMC10059890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065925] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages can be characterized as a very multifunctional cell type with a spectrum of phenotypes and functions being observed spatially and temporally in various disease states. Ample studies have now demonstrated a possible causal link between macrophage activation and the development of autoimmune disorders. How these cells may be contributing to the adaptive immune response and potentially perpetuating the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and neural injuries is not fully understood. Within this review, we hope to illustrate the role that macrophages and microglia play as initiators of adaptive immune response in various CNS diseases by offering evidence of: (1) the types of immune responses and the processes of antigen presentation in each disease, (2) receptors involved in macrophage/microglial phagocytosis of disease-related cell debris or molecules, and, finally, (3) the implications of macrophages/microglia on the pathogenesis of the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yi Ren
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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