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Kountouras J, Boziki M, Kazakos E, Theotokis P, Kesidou E, Nella M, Bakirtzis C, Karafoulidou E, Vardaka E, Mouratidou MC, Kyrailidi F, Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou M, Orovou E, Giartza-Taxidou E, Deretzi G, Grigoriadis N, Doulberis M. Impact of Helicobacter pylori and metabolic syndrome on mast cell activation-related pathophysiology and neurodegeneration. Neurochem Int 2024; 175:105724. [PMID: 38508416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Both Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are highly prevalent worldwide. The emergence of relevant research suggesting a pathogenic linkage between H. pylori infection and MetS-related cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly through mechanisms involving brain pericyte deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, elevated lipoprotein-a, galectin-3 overexpression, atrial fibrillation, and gut dysbiosis, has raised stimulating questions regarding their pathophysiology and its translational implications for clinicians. An additional stimulating aspect refers to H. pylori and MetS-related activation of innate immune cells, mast cells (MC), which is an important, often early, event in systemic inflammatory pathologies and related brain disorders. Synoptically, MC degranulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of H. pylori and MetS-related obesity, adipokine effects, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, arterial hypertension, vascular dysfunction and arterial stiffness, an early indicator of atherosclerosis associated with cardio-cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Meningeal MC can be activated by triggers including stress and toxins resulting in vascular changes and neurodegeneration. Likewise, H.pylori and MetS-related MC activation is linked with: (a) vasculitis and thromboembolic events that increase the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, and (b) gut dysbiosis-associated neurodegeneration, whereas modulation of gut microbiota and MC activation may promote neuroprotection. This narrative review investigates the intricate relationship between H. pylori infection, MetS, MC activation, and their collective impact on pathophysiological processes linked to neurodegeneration. Through a comprehensive search of current literature, we elucidate the mechanisms through which H. pylori and MetS contribute to MC activation, subsequently triggering cascades of inflammatory responses. This highlights the role of MC as key mediators in the pathogenesis of cardio-cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing their involvement in neuroinflammation, vascular dysfunction and, ultimately, neuronal damage. Although further research is warranted, we provide a novel perspective on the pathophysiology and management of brain disorders by exploring potential therapeutic strategies targeting H. pylori eradication, MetS management, and modulation of MC to mitigate neurodegeneration risk while promoting neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Kountouras
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
| | - Marina Boziki
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and the Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Evangelos Kazakos
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; School of Healthcare Sciences, Midwifery Department, University of West Macedonia, Koila, Kozani, 50100, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and the Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kesidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and the Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Maria Nella
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and the Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Christos Bakirtzis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and the Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Eleni Karafoulidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and the Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Vardaka
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, 57400, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Maria C Mouratidou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Foteini Kyrailidi
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Maria Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; School of Healthcare Sciences, Midwifery Department, University of West Macedonia, Koila, Kozani, 50100, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Eirini Orovou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; School of Healthcare Sciences, Midwifery Department, University of West Macedonia, Koila, Kozani, 50100, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Evaggelia Giartza-Taxidou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Georgia Deretzi
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; Department of Neurology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and the Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Michael Doulberis
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; Gastroklinik, Private Gastroenterological Practice, 8810, Horgen, Switzerland; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, 5001, Aarau, Switzerland
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Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou M, Kazakos E, Orovou E, Andronikidi PE, Kyrailidi F, Mouratidou MC, Iatrakis G, Kountouras J. The Role of Helicobacter pylori and Metabolic Syndrome-Related Mast Cell Activation Pathologies and Their Potential Impact on Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2360. [PMID: 38673633 PMCID: PMC11050948 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082360] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection, a significant global burden beyond the gastrointestinal tract, has long been implicated in various systemic pathologies. Rising evidence suggests that the bacterium's intricate relationship with the immune system and its potential to induce chronic inflammation impact diverse pathophysiological processes in pregnant women that may in turn affect the incidence of several adverse pregnancy and neonate outcomes. Helicobacter pylori infection, which has been linked to metabolic syndrome and other disorders by provoking pericyte dysfunction, hyperhomocysteinemia, galectin-3, atrial fibrillation, gut dysbiosis, and mast cell activation pathologies, may also contribute to adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Together with increasing our biological understanding of the individual and collective involvement of Helicobacter pylori infection-related metabolic syndrome and concurrent activation of mast cells in maternal, fetus, and neonatal health outcomes, the present narrative review may foster related research endeavors to offer novel therapeutic approaches and informed clinical practice interventions to mitigate relevant risks of this critical topic among pregnant women and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Koila, Greece; (M.T.-C.); (E.K.); (E.O.)
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Macedonia, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Evangelos Kazakos
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Koila, Greece; (M.T.-C.); (E.K.); (E.O.)
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Macedonia, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Eirini Orovou
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Koila, Greece; (M.T.-C.); (E.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Paraskevi Eva Andronikidi
- Department of Nephrology, Aretaieion University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Foteini Kyrailidi
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Macedonia, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Maria C. Mouratidou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Macedonia, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.K.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Georgios Iatrakis
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece;
| | - Jannis Kountouras
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Macedonia, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.K.); (M.C.M.)
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Chen S, Guo D, Zhu Y, Xiao S, Xie J, Zhang Z, Hu Y, Huang J, Ma X, Ning Z, Cao L, Cheng J, Tang Y. Amyloid β oligomer induces cerebral vasculopathy via pericyte-mediated endothelial dysfunction. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:56. [PMID: 38475929 PMCID: PMC10935813 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01423-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein is thought to be the main cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD), emerging evidence suggests a pivotal vascular contribution to AD. Aberrant amyloid β induces neurovascular dysfunction, leading to changes in the morphology and function of the microvasculature. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms between Aβ deposition and vascular injuries. Recent studies have revealed that pericytes play a substantial role in the vasculopathy of AD. Additional research is imperative to attain a more comprehensive understanding. METHODS Two-photon microscopy and laser speckle imaging were used to examine cerebrovascular dysfunction. Aβ oligomer stereotactic injection model was established to explain the relationship between Aβ and vasculopathy. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and real-time PCR were applied to detect the morphological and molecular alternations of pericytes. Primary cultured pericytes and bEnd.3 cells were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Vasculopathy including BBB damage, hypoperfusion, and low vessel density were found in the cortex of 8 to 10-month-old 5xFAD mice. A similar phenomenon accompanied by pericyte degeneration appeared in an Aβ-injected model, suggesting a direct relationship between Aβ and vascular dysfunction. Pericytes showed impaired features including low PDGFRβ expression and increased pro-inflammatory chemokines secretion under the administration of Aβ in vitro, of which supernatant cultured with bEND.3 cells led to significant endothelial dysfunction characterized by TJ protein deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanism underlying Aβ-induced vasculopathy. Targeting pericyte therapies are promising to ameliorate vascular dysfunction in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Daji Guo
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Songhua Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jiatian Xie
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jialin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xueying Ma
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ning
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Lin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Jinping Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
| | - Yamei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
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Ricci F, Martorana A, Bonomi CG, Serafini C, Mercuri NB, Koch G, Motta C. Effect of Vascular Risk Factors on Blood-Brain Barrier and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers Along the Alzheimer's Disease Continuum: A Retrospective Observational Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:599-607. [PMID: 38160356 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230792] [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: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction could favor the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Vascular risk factors (VRF) could worsen BBB integrity, thus promoting neurode generation. OBJECTIVE To investigate BBB permeability and its relation with VRF along the AD continuum (ADc). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Amyloid (A) and p-tau (T) levels were used to stratify patients. METHODS We compared CSF/plasma albumin ratio (QAlb) of 131 AD patients and 24 healthy controls (HC). APOE genotype and VRF were evaluated for each patient. Spearman's Rho correlation was used to investigate the associations between Qalb and CSF AD biomarkers. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between Qalb and AD biomarkers, sex, age, cognitive status, and VRF. RESULTS QAlb levels did not show significant difference between ADc patients and HC (p = 0.984). However, QAlb was significantly higher in A + T-compared to A + T+ (p = 0.021). In ADc, CSF p-tau demonstrated an inverse correlation with QAlb, a finding confirmed in APOE4 carriers (p = 0.002), but not in APOE3. Furthermore, in APOE4 carriers, sex, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were associated with QAlb (p = 0.004, p = 0.038, p = 0.038, respectively), whereas only sex showed an association in APOE3 carriers (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS BBB integrity is preserved in ADc. Among AT categories, A + T-have a more permeable BBB than A + T+. In APOE4 carriers, CSF p-tau levels display an inverse association with BBB permeability, which in turn, seems to be affected by VRF. These data suggest a possible relationship between BBB efficiency, VRF and CSF p-tau levels depending on APOE genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ricci
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martorana
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara G Bonomi
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Serafini
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Neurology Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, IRCCS SantaLucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Human Physiology Unit, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Caterina Motta
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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Banerjee S, Banerjee S. Amyloid Beta-Mediated Neurovascular Toxicity in Alzheimer's Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2761:355-372. [PMID: 38427250 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3662-6_26] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The brain vascular system receives one-fifth of the total oxygen from the cardiac output, and this transport system is highly dependent on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. The cerebral blood flow is controlled by neurovascular coupling through neurovascular units (NVUs). The NVU includes different types of cells, such as mural cells, astrocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The cellular composition of NVU varies throughout the vascular tree. Amyloid β (Aβ) is abundantly present in the central nervous system, but the pathological accumulation of misfolded Aβ protein causes vascular damage, resulting in neurovascular dysfunction. Aβ aggregation can activate the astrocytes and endothelial cells. It is followed by pericyte degeneration which results in dysregulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF), neurovascular uncoupling, and BBB breakdown. Thus, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of Aβ-induced neurovascular toxicity is crucial for determining normal and diseased brain function. This chapter discusses the components of NVU, neurovascular uncoupling, Aβ-induced cerebrovascular reactivity, and cerebral blood flow reduction in neurodegenerative disorders, with special emphasis on Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayani Banerjee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Sugato Banerjee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
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Alkhalifa AE, Al-Ghraiybah NF, Odum J, Shunnarah JG, Austin N, Kaddoumi A. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms and Targeted Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16288. [PMID: 38003477 PMCID: PMC10671257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique and selective feature of the central nervous system's vasculature. BBB dysfunction has been observed as an early sign of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) before the onset of dementia or neurodegeneration. The intricate relationship between the BBB and the pathogenesis of AD, especially in the context of neurovascular coupling and the overlap of pathophysiology in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases, underscores the urgency to understand the BBB's role more deeply. Preserving or restoring the BBB function emerges as a potentially promising strategy for mitigating the progression and severity of AD. Molecular and genetic changes, such as the isoform ε4 of apolipoprotein E (ApoEε4), a significant genetic risk factor and a promoter of the BBB dysfunction, have been shown to mediate the BBB disruption. Additionally, receptors and transporters like the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) have been implicated in AD's pathogenesis. In this comprehensive review, we endeavor to shed light on the intricate pathogenic and therapeutic connections between AD and the BBB. We also delve into the latest developments and pioneering strategies targeting the BBB for therapeutic interventions, addressing its potential as a barrier and a carrier. By providing an integrative perspective, we anticipate paving the way for future research and treatments focused on exploiting the BBB's role in AD pathogenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Amal Kaddoumi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 720 S. Donahue Dr., Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.A.); (N.F.A.-G.); (J.O.); (J.G.S.); (N.A.)
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Fu J, Liang H, Yuan P, Wei Z, Zhong P. Brain pericyte biology: from physiopathological mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications in ischemic stroke. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1267785. [PMID: 37780206 PMCID: PMC10536258 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1267785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pericytes play an indispensable role in various organs and biological processes, such as promoting angiogenesis, regulating microvascular blood flow, and participating in immune responses. Therefore, in this review, we will first introduce the discovery and development of pericytes, identification methods and functional characteristics, then focus on brain pericytes, on the one hand, to summarize the functions of brain pericytes under physiological conditions, mainly discussing from the aspects of stem cell characteristics, contractile characteristics and paracrine characteristics; on the other hand, to summarize the role of brain pericytes under pathological conditions, mainly taking ischemic stroke as an example. Finally, we will discuss and analyze the application and development of pericytes as therapeutic targets, providing the research basis and direction for future microvascular diseases, especially ischemic stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Fu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Huazheng Liang
- Monash Suzhou Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Wei
- Department of Neurology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhong
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
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Wang N, Yang X, Zhao Z, Liu D, Wang X, Tang H, Zhong C, Chen X, Chen W, Meng Q. Cooperation between neurovascular dysfunction and Aβ in Alzheimer's disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1227493. [PMID: 37654789 PMCID: PMC10466809 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1227493] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The amyloid-β (Aβ) hypothesis was once believed to represent the pathogenic process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, with the failure of clinical drug development and the increasing understanding of the disease, the Aβ hypothesis has been challenged. Numerous recent investigations have demonstrated that the vascular system plays a significant role in the course of AD, with vascular damage occurring prior to the deposition of Aβ and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). The question of how Aβ relates to neurovascular function and which is the trigger for AD has recently come into sharp focus. In this review, we outline the various vascular dysfunctions associated with AD, including changes in vascular hemodynamics, vascular cell function, vascular coverage, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. We reviewed the most recent findings about the complicated Aβ-neurovascular unit (NVU) interaction and highlighted its vital importance to understanding disease pathophysiology. Vascular defects may lead to Aβ deposition, neurotoxicity, glial cell activation, and metabolic dysfunction; In contrast, Aβ and oxidative stress can aggravate vascular damage, forming a vicious cycle loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niya Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xiang Yang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Da Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Chuyu Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xinzhang Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Wenli Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Qiang Meng
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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Li C, Gao F, Qu Y, Zhao P, Wang X, Zhu G. Tenuifolin in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease-like phenotypes: Investigation of the mechanisms from the perspectives of calpain system, ferroptosis, and apoptosis. Phytother Res 2023:4621-4638. [PMID: 37364988 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Polygala tenuifolia was documented to calm the mind and promote wisdom. However, its underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of tenuifolin (Ten) on Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like phenotypes. We first applied bioinformatics methods to screen the mechanisms of P. tenuifolia in the treatment of AD. Thereafter, the d-galactose combined with Aβ1-42 (GCA) was applied to model AD-like behaviors and investigate the action mechanisms of Ten, one active component of P. tenuifolia. The data showed that P. tenuifolia actioned through multi-targets and multi-pathways, including regulation of synaptic plasticity, apoptosis, and calcium signaling, and so forth. Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that Ten prevented intracellular calcium overload, abnormal calpain system, and down-regulation of BDNF/TrkB signaling induced by GCA. Moreover, Ten suppressed oxidative stress and ferroptosis in HT-22 cells induced by GCA. Calpeptin and ferroptosis inhibitor prevented the decrease of cell viability induced by GCA. Interestingly, calpeptin did not interrupt GCA-induced ferroptosis in HT-22 cells but blocked the apoptosis. Animal experiments further demonstrated that Ten prevented GCA-induced memory impairment in mice and increased synaptic protein expression while reducing m-calpain expression. Ten prevents AD-like phenotypes through multiple signaling by inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis, maintaining the stability of calpain system, and suppressing neuronal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congting Li
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases) and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases) and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Qu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases) and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases) and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xuncui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases) and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases) and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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10
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Gullotta GS, Costantino G, Sortino MA, Spampinato SF. Microglia and the Blood-Brain Barrier: An External Player in Acute and Chronic Neuroinflammatory Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119144. [PMID: 37298096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system that guarantee immune surveillance and exert also a modulating role on neuronal synaptic development and function. Upon injury, microglia get activated and modify their morphology acquiring an ameboid phenotype and pro- or anti-inflammatory features. The active role of microglia in blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and their interaction with different cellular components of the BBB-endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes-are described. Here, we report the specific crosstalk of microglia with all the BBB cell types focusing in particular on the involvement of microglia in the modulation of BBB function in neuroinflammatory conditions that occur in conjunction with an acute event, such as a stroke, or in a slow neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. The potential of microglia to exert a dual role, either protective or detrimental, depending on disease stages and environmental conditioning factors is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Serena Gullotta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Costantino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience and Education, DISTUM, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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11
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Tarawneh R. Microvascular Contributions to Alzheimer Disease Pathogenesis: Is Alzheimer Disease Primarily an Endotheliopathy? Biomolecules 2023; 13:830. [PMID: 37238700 PMCID: PMC10216678 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050830] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) models are based on the notion that abnormal protein aggregation is the primary event in AD, which begins a decade or longer prior to symptom onset, and culminates in neurodegeneration; however, emerging evidence from animal and clinical studies suggests that reduced blood flow due to capillary loss and endothelial dysfunction are early and primary events in AD pathogenesis, which may precede amyloid and tau aggregation, and contribute to neuronal and synaptic injury via direct and indirect mechanisms. Recent data from clinical studies suggests that endothelial dysfunction is closely associated with cognitive outcomes in AD and that therapeutic strategies which promote endothelial repair in early AD may offer a potential opportunity to prevent or slow disease progression. This review examines evidence from clinical, imaging, neuropathological, and animal studies supporting vascular contributions to the onset and progression of AD pathology. Together, these observations support the notion that the onset of AD may be primarily influenced by vascular, rather than neurodegenerative, mechanisms and emphasize the importance of further investigations into the vascular hypothesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawan Tarawneh
- Department of Neurology, Center for Memory and Aging, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
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12
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Eisenmenger LB, Peret A, Famakin BM, Spahic A, Roberts GS, Bockholt JH, Johnson KM, Paulsen JS. Vascular contributions to Alzheimer's disease. Transl Res 2023; 254:41-53. [PMID: 36529160 PMCID: PMC10481451 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Understanding the pathophysiology underlying AD is paramount for the management of individuals at risk of and suffering from AD. The vascular hypothesis stipulates a relationship between cardiovascular disease and AD-related changes although the nature of this relationship remains unknown. In this review, we discuss several potential pathological pathways of vascular involvement in AD that have been described including dysregulation of neurovascular coupling, disruption of the blood brain barrier, and reduced clearance of metabolite waste such as beta-amyloid, a toxic peptide considered the hallmark of AD. We will also discuss the two-hit hypothesis which proposes a 2-step positive feedback loop in which microvascular insults precede the accumulation of Aß and are thought to be at the origin of the disease development. At neuroimaging, signs of vascular dysfunction such as chronic cerebral hypoperfusion have been demonstrated, appearing early in AD, even before cognitive decline and alteration of traditional biomarkers. Cerebral small vessel disease such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy, characterized by the aggregation of Aß in the vessel wall, is highly prevalent in vascular dementia and AD patients. Current data is unclear whether cardiovascular disease causes, precipitates, amplifies, precedes, or simply coincides with AD. Targeted imaging tools to quantitatively evaluate the intracranial vasculature and longitudinal studies in individuals at risk for or in the early stages of the AD continuum could be critical in disentangling this complex relationship between vascular disease and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Eisenmenger
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Anthony Peret
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Bolanle M Famakin
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Alma Spahic
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Grant S Roberts
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jeremy H Bockholt
- Tri-Institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kevin M Johnson
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jane S Paulsen
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
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13
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Madsen LS, Parbo P, Ismail R, Gottrup H, Østergaard L, Brooks DJ, Eskildsen SF. Capillary dysfunction correlates with cortical amyloid load in early Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 123:1-9. [PMID: 36610198 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in cerebral perfusion is increasingly considered to play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and together with accumulated amyloid-β, deficiencies in the brain microvascular circulation may result in local hypoxia. Here, we studied alterations in cerebral circulation and the correlation between amyloid-β load and cerebral perfusion in prodromal AD (pAD). Using dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI and PET, we evaluated cerebral perfusion and amyloid-β levels in 19 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and high amyloid-β load (pAD-MCI), 13 MCI individuals without AD pathology and 21 healthy controls. The pAD-MCI group showed significantly lower microvascular blood flow and significantly higher heterogeneity of microvascular blood transit times (p < 0.01) compared with the other 2 groups. Additionally, in the pAD-MCI group raised amyloid-β levels correlated with decreased microvascular blood flow and increased heterogeneity of microvascular blood flow in frontal and temporal areas (p < 0.01). These results indicate a close connection between levels of amyloid-β deposition and brain microvascular perfusion in pAD. A vicious cycle may be established where amyloid-β load and deficiencies in brain perfusion may reinforce each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse S Madsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Peter Parbo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rola Ismail
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sygehus Lillebaelt, Kolding, Denmark
| | - Hanne Gottrup
- Dementia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Leif Østergaard
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neuroradiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David J Brooks
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle, UK
| | - Simon F Eskildsen
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Yu X, Liu H, Chang N, Fu W, Guo Z, Wang Y. Circular RNAs: New players involved in the regulation of cognition and cognitive diseases. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1097878. [PMID: 36816112 PMCID: PMC9932922 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1097878] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a type of covalently closed endogenous single-stranded RNA, have been regarded as the byproducts of the aberrant splicing of genes without any biological functions. Recently, with the development of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, thousands of circRNAs and their differential biological functions have been identified. Except for the great advances in identifying circRNA roles in tumor progression, diagnosis, and treatment, accumulated evidence shows that circRNAs are enriched in the brain, especially in the synapse, and dynamically change with the development or aging of organisms. Because of the specific roles of synapses in higher-order cognitive functions, circRNAs may not only participate in cognitive functions in normal physiological conditions but also lead to cognition-related diseases after abnormal regulation of their expression or location. Thus, in this review, we summarized the progress of studies looking at the role of circRNA in cognitive function, as well as their involvement in the occurrence, development, prognosis, and treatment of cognitive-related diseases, including autism, depression, and Alzheimer's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Yu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Haoyu Liu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Chang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Weijia Fu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiwen Guo
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China,Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Yue Wang,
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15
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Ambi A, Stanisavljevic A, Victor TW, Lowery AW, Davis J, Van Nostrand WE, Miller LM. Evaluation of Copper Chelation Therapy in a Transgenic Rat Model of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:378-388. [PMID: 36651175 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by the accumulation of the amyloid β (Aβ) protein in blood vessels and leads to hemorrhages, strokes, and dementia in elderly individuals. Recent reports have shown elevated copper levels colocalized with vascular amyloid in human CAA and Alzheimer's disease patients, which have been suggested to contribute to cytotoxicity through the formation of reactive oxygen species. Here, we treated a transgenic rat model of CAA (rTg-DI) with the copper-specific chelator, tetrathiomolybdate (TTM), via intraperitoneal (IP) administration for 6 months to determine if it could lower copper content in vascular amyloid deposits and modify CAA pathology. Results showed that TTM treatment led to elevated Aβ load in the hippocampus of the rTg-DI rats and increased microbleeds in the wild type (WT) animals. X-ray fluorescence microscopy was performed to image the distribution of copper and revealed a surprising increase in copper colocalized with Aβ aggregates in TTM-treated rTg-DI rats. Unexpectedly, we also found an increase in the copper content in unaffected vessels of both rTg-DI and WT animals. These results show that IP administration of TTM was ineffective in removing copper from vascular Aβ aggregates in vivo and increased the development of disease pathology in CAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Ambi
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States.,National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Aleksandra Stanisavljevic
- George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States.,Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Tiffany W Victor
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Adam W Lowery
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - Judianne Davis
- George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States.,Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - William E Van Nostrand
- George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States.,Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Lisa M Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States.,National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
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16
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Basri R, Awan FM, Yang BB, Awan UA, Obaid A, Naz A, Ikram A, Khan S, Haq IU, Khan SN, Aqeel MB. Brain-protective mechanisms of autophagy associated circRNAs: Kick starting self-cleaning mode in brain cells via circRNAs as a potential therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1078441. [PMID: 36727091 PMCID: PMC9885805 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1078441] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered autophagy is a hallmark of neurodegeneration but how autophagy is regulated in the brain and dysfunctional autophagy leads to neuronal death has remained cryptic. Being a key cellular waste-recycling and housekeeping system, autophagy is implicated in a range of brain disorders and altering autophagy flux could be an effective therapeutic strategy and has the potential for clinical applications down the road. Tight regulation of proteins and organelles in order to meet the needs of complex neuronal physiology suggests that there is distinct regulatory pattern of neuronal autophagy as compared to non-neuronal cells and nervous system might have its own separate regulator of autophagy. Evidence has shown that circRNAs participates in the biological processes of autophagosome assembly. The regulatory networks between circRNAs, autophagy, and neurodegeneration remains unknown and warrants further investigation. Understanding the interplay between autophagy, circRNAs and neurodegeneration requires a knowledge of the multiple steps and regulatory interactions involved in the autophagy pathway which might provide a valuable resource for the diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we aimed to summarize the latest studies on the role of brain-protective mechanisms of autophagy associated circRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Friedreich's ataxia) and how this knowledge can be leveraged for the development of novel therapeutics against them. Autophagy stimulation might be potential one-size-fits-all therapy for neurodegenerative disease as per considerable body of evidence, therefore future research on brain-protective mechanisms of autophagy associated circRNAs will illuminate an important feature of nervous system biology and will open the door to new approaches for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabea Basri
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Haripur (UOH), Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Faryal Mehwish Awan
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Haripur (UOH), Haripur, Pakistan,*Correspondence: Faryal Mehwish Awan, ✉ ;
| | - Burton B. Yang
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Usman Ayub Awan
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Haripur (UOH), Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Obaid
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Haripur (UOH), Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Anam Naz
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aqsa Ikram
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Suliman Khan
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Haripur (UOH), Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Ijaz ul Haq
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur (UOH), Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Sadiq Noor Khan
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Haripur (UOH), Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Muslim Bin Aqeel
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, The University of Haripur (UOH), Haripur, Pakistan
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17
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Sakamuri SSVP, Sure VN, Wang X, Bix G, Fonseca VA, Mostany R, Katakam PVG. Amyloid [Formula: see text] (1-42) peptide impairs mitochondrial respiration in primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells: impact of dysglycemia and pre-senescence. GeroScience 2022; 44:2721-2739. [PMID: 35978067 PMCID: PMC9768086 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00644-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the impact of glucose concentrations on the β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced alteration of mitochondrial/cellular energetics in primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). HBMECs were grown and passaged in media containing 15 mmol/l glucose (normal) based on which the glucose levels in the media were designated as high (25 mmol/L) or low (5 mmol/L). HBMECs were treated with Aβ (1-42) (5 µmol/l) or a scrambled peptide for 24 h and mitochondrial respiratory parameters were measured using Seahorse Mito Stress Test. Aβ (1-42) decreased the mitochondrial ATP production at normal glucose levels and decreased spare respiratory capacity at high glucose levels. Aβ (1-42) diminished all mitochondrial respiratory parameters markedly at low glucose levels that were not completely recovered by restoring normal glucose levels in the media. The addition of mannitol (10 mmol/l) to low and normal glucose-containing media altered the Aβ (1-42)-induced bioenergetic defects. Even at normal glucose levels, pre-senescent HMBECs (passage 15) displayed greater Aβ (1-42)-induced mitochondrial respiratory impairments than young cells (passages 7-9). Thus, hypoglycemia, osmolarity changes, and senescence are stronger instigators of Aβ (1-42)-induced mitochondrial respiration and energetics in HBMECs and contributors to diabetes-related increased AD risk than hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva S. V. P. Sakamuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Venkata N. Sure
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, 200 Flower Hall, LA 70118 New Orleans, USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, 131 S. Robertson, Suite 1300, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Gregory Bix
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, 200 Flower Hall, LA 70118 New Orleans, USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, 131 S. Robertson, Suite 1300, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Vivian A. Fonseca
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Ricardo Mostany
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, 200 Flower Hall, LA 70118 New Orleans, USA
| | - Prasad V. G. Katakam
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, 200 Flower Hall, LA 70118 New Orleans, USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, 131 S. Robertson, Suite 1300, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
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18
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Vakili O, Asili P, Babaei Z, Mirahmad M, Keshavarzmotamed A, Asemi Z, Mafi A. Circular RNAs in Alzheimer's Disease: A New Perspective of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 22:CNSNDDT-EPUB-125997. [PMID: 36043720 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220829164211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as covalently closed single-stranded noncoding RNA molecules, have been recently identified to involve in several biological processes, principally through targeting microRNAs. Among various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), accumulating evidence has proposed key roles for circRNAs in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD); although the exact relationship between these RNA molecules and AD progression is not clear, they have been believed to mostly act as miRNA sponges or gene transcription modulators through correlating with multiple proteins, involved in the accumulation of Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides, as well as tau protein, as AD's pathological hallmark. More interestingly, circRNAs have also been reported to play diagnostic and therapeutic roles during AD progression. OBJECTIVE Literature review indicated that circRNAs could essentially contribute to the onset and development of AD. Thus, in the current review, the circRNAs' biogenesis and functions are addressed at first, and then the interplay between particular circRNAs and AD is comprehensively discussed. Eventually, the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of these noncoding RNAs is highlighted in brief. RESULTS A large number of circRNAs are expressed in the brain. Thereby, these RNA molecules are noticed as potential regulators of neural functions in healthy circumstances, as well as neurological disorders. Moreover, circRNAs have also been reported to have potential diagnostic and therapeutic capacities in relation to AD, the most prevalent ND. CONCLUSION CircRNAs have been shown to act as sponges for miRNAs, thereby regulating the function of related miRNAs, including oxidative stress, reduction of neuroinflammation, and the formation and metabolism of Aβ, all of which developed in AD. CircRNAs have also been proposed as biomarkers that have potential diagnostic capacities in AD. Despite these characteristics, the use of circRNAs as therapeutic targets and promising diagnostic biomarkers will require further investigation and characterization of the function of these RNA molecules in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Vakili
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Pooria Asili
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Babaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Mirahmad
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Alireza Mafi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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19
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Clark AT, Abrahamson EE, Harper MM, Ikonomovic MD. Chronic effects of blast injury on the microvasculature in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease related Aβ amyloidosis. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:5. [PMID: 35012589 PMCID: PMC8751260 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00301-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered cerebrovascular function and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) can contribute to chronic neuropathology and increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). TBI due to a blast-induced shock wave (bTBI) adversely affects the neurovascular unit (NVU) during the acute period after injury. However, the chronic effects of bTBI and Aβ on cellular components of the NVU and capillary network are not well understood. METHODS We exposed young adult (age range: 76-106 days) female transgenic (Tg) APP/PS1 mice, a model of AD-like Aβ amyloidosis, and wild type (Wt) mice to a single bTBI (~ 138 kPa or ~ 20 psi) or to a Sham procedure. At 3-months or 12-months survival after exposure, we quantified neocortical Aβ load in Tg mice, and percent contact area between aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-immunoreactive astrocytic end-feet and brain capillaries, numbers of PDGFRβ-immunoreactive pericytes, and capillary densities in both genotypes. RESULTS The astroglia AQP4-capillary contact area in the Tg-bTBI group was significantly lower than in the Tg-Sham group at 3-months survival. No significant changes in the AQP4-capillary contact area were observed in the Tg-bTBI group at 12-months survival or in the Wt groups. Capillary density in the Tg-bTBI group at 12-months survival was significantly higher compared to the Tg-Sham control and to the Tg-bTBI 3-months survival group. The Wt-bTBI group had significantly lower capillary density and pericyte numbers at 12-months survival compared to 3-months survival. When pericytes were quantified relative to capillary density, no significant differences were detected among the experimental groups, for both genotypes. CONCLUSION In conditions of high brain concentrations of human Aβ, bTBI exposure results in reduced AQP4 expression at the astroglia-microvascular interface, and in chronic capillary proliferation like what has been reported in AD. Long term microvascular changes after bTBI may contribute to the risk for developing chronic neurodegenerative disease later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T. Clark
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3471 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Eric E. Abrahamson
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240 USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3471 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Matthew M. Harper
- The Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, 601 Hwy 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Biology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
| | - Milos D. Ikonomovic
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240 USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3471 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Thomas Detre Hall of the WPH, Room 1421, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2593 USA
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20
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Eltanahy AM, Koluib YA, Gonzales A. Pericytes: Intrinsic Transportation Engineers of the CNS Microcirculation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:719701. [PMID: 34497540 PMCID: PMC8421025 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.719701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericytes in the brain are candidate regulators of microcirculatory blood flow because they are strategically positioned along the microvasculature, contain contractile proteins, respond rapidly to neuronal activation, and synchronize microvascular dynamics and neurovascular coupling within the capillary network. Analyses of mice with defects in pericyte generation demonstrate that pericytes are necessary for the formation of the blood-brain barrier, development of the glymphatic system, immune homeostasis, and white matter function. The development, identity, specialization, and progeny of different subtypes of pericytes, however, remain unclear. Pericytes perform brain-wide 'transportation engineering' functions in the capillary network, instructing, integrating, and coordinating signals within the cellular communicome in the neurovascular unit to efficiently distribute oxygen and nutrients ('goods and services') throughout the microvasculature ('transportation grid'). In this review, we identify emerging challenges in pericyte biology and shed light on potential pericyte-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Eltanahy
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Yara A. Koluib
- Tanta University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Albert Gonzales
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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21
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Zhang M, Bian Z. The Emerging Role of Circular RNAs in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:691512. [PMID: 34322012 PMCID: PMC8311738 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.691512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are two neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) commonly found in elderly patients that are difficult to diagnose and lack effective treatment. Currently, the available diagnostic methods for these two NDDs do not meet clinical diagnostic expectations. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a diverse group of endogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) found in eukaryotic cells. Emerging studies suggest that altered expression of circRNAs is involved in the pathological processes of NDDs. CircRNAs could also prove to be promising biomarkers for the early diagnosis of NDDs such as AD and PD. Growing evidence has improved our knowledge of the roles of circRNAs in NDDs, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches that target transcription for preventing neurodegeneration. In this review, we describe the formation mechanisms and functions of circRNAs as well as methods of validation. We also discuss the emerging role of circRNAs in the pathophysiology of AD and PD and their potential value as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD and PD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhigang Bian
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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22
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Girolamo F, de Trizio I, Errede M, Longo G, d'Amati A, Virgintino D. Neural crest cell-derived pericytes act as pro-angiogenic cells in human neocortex development and gliomas. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:14. [PMID: 33743764 PMCID: PMC7980348 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00242-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system diseases involving the parenchymal microvessels are frequently associated with a ‘microvasculopathy’, which includes different levels of neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction, including blood–brain barrier alterations. To contribute to the understanding of NVU responses to pathological noxae, we have focused on one of its cellular components, the microvascular pericytes, highlighting unique features of brain pericytes with the aid of the analyses carried out during vascularization of human developing neocortex and in human gliomas. Thanks to their position, centred within the endothelial/glial partition of the vessel basal lamina and therefore inserted between endothelial cells and the perivascular and vessel-associated components (astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs)/NG2-glia, microglia, macrophages, nerve terminals), pericytes fulfil a central role within the microvessel NVU. Indeed, at this critical site, pericytes have a number of direct and extracellular matrix molecule- and soluble factor-mediated functions, displaying marked phenotypical and functional heterogeneity and carrying out multitasking services. This pericytes heterogeneity is primarily linked to their position in specific tissue and organ microenvironments and, most importantly, to their ontogeny. During ontogenesis, pericyte subtypes belong to two main embryonic germ layers, mesoderm and (neuro)ectoderm, and are therefore expected to be found in organs ontogenetically different, nonetheless, pericytes of different origin may converge and colonize neighbouring areas of the same organ/apparatus. Here, we provide a brief overview of the unusual roles played by forebrain pericytes in the processes of angiogenesis and barriergenesis by virtue of their origin from midbrain neural crest stem cells. A better knowledge of the ontogenetic subpopulations may support the understanding of specific interactions and mechanisms involved in pericyte function/dysfunction, including normal and pathological angiogenesis, thereby offering an alternative perspective on cell subtype-specific therapeutic approaches. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Girolamo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy.
| | - Ignazio de Trizio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy.,Intensive Care Unit, Department of Intensive Care, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Mariella Errede
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Longo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Molecular Biology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio d'Amati
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy.,Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Pathology Section, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Virgintino
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
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23
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Girolamo F, de Trizio I, Errede M, Longo G, d’Amati A, Virgintino D. Neural crest cell-derived pericytes act as pro-angiogenic cells in human neocortex development and gliomas. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00242-7 union select null--] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCentral nervous system diseases involving the parenchymal microvessels are frequently associated with a ‘microvasculopathy’, which includes different levels of neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction, including blood–brain barrier alterations. To contribute to the understanding of NVU responses to pathological noxae, we have focused on one of its cellular components, the microvascular pericytes, highlighting unique features of brain pericytes with the aid of the analyses carried out during vascularization of human developing neocortex and in human gliomas. Thanks to their position, centred within the endothelial/glial partition of the vessel basal lamina and therefore inserted between endothelial cells and the perivascular and vessel-associated components (astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs)/NG2-glia, microglia, macrophages, nerve terminals), pericytes fulfil a central role within the microvessel NVU. Indeed, at this critical site, pericytes have a number of direct and extracellular matrix molecule- and soluble factor-mediated functions, displaying marked phenotypical and functional heterogeneity and carrying out multitasking services. This pericytes heterogeneity is primarily linked to their position in specific tissue and organ microenvironments and, most importantly, to their ontogeny. During ontogenesis, pericyte subtypes belong to two main embryonic germ layers, mesoderm and (neuro)ectoderm, and are therefore expected to be found in organs ontogenetically different, nonetheless, pericytes of different origin may converge and colonize neighbouring areas of the same organ/apparatus. Here, we provide a brief overview of the unusual roles played by forebrain pericytes in the processes of angiogenesis and barriergenesis by virtue of their origin from midbrain neural crest stem cells. A better knowledge of the ontogenetic subpopulations may support the understanding of specific interactions and mechanisms involved in pericyte function/dysfunction, including normal and pathological angiogenesis, thereby offering an alternative perspective on cell subtype-specific therapeutic approaches.
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24
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The Neurovascular Unit Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042022. [PMID: 33670754 PMCID: PMC7922832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Histopathologically, AD presents with two hallmarks: neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and aggregates of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) both in the brain parenchyma as neuritic plaques, and around blood vessels as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). According to the vascular hypothesis of AD, vascular risk factors can result in dysregulation of the neurovascular unit (NVU) and hypoxia. Hypoxia may reduce Aβ clearance from the brain and increase its production, leading to both parenchymal and vascular accumulation of Aβ. An increase in Aβ amplifies neuronal dysfunction, NFT formation, and accelerates neurodegeneration, resulting in dementia. In recent decades, therapeutic approaches have attempted to decrease the levels of abnormal Aβ or tau levels in the AD brain. However, several of these approaches have either been associated with an inappropriate immune response triggering inflammation, or have failed to improve cognition. Here, we review the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets associated with dysfunction of the NVU in AD.
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25
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Ojo J, Eisenbaum M, Shackleton B, Lynch C, Joshi U, Saltiel N, Pearson A, Ringland C, Paris D, Mouzon B, Mullan M, Crawford F, Bachmeier C. Mural cell dysfunction leads to altered cerebrovascular tau uptake following repetitive head trauma. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 150:105237. [PMID: 33383188 PMCID: PMC8170787 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A pathological characteristic of repetitive traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the deposition of hyperphosphorylated and aggregated tau species in the brain and increased levels of extracellular monomeric tau are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative tauopathies. The pathways by which extracellular tau is eliminated from the brain, however, remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to examine tau uptake by cerebrovascular cells and the effect of TBI on these processes. We found monomeric tau interacts with brain vascular mural cells (pericytes and smooth muscle cells) to a greater extent than other cerebrovascular cells, indicating mural cells may contribute to the elimination of extracellular tau, as previously described for other solutes such as beta-amyloid. Consistent with other neurodegenerative disorders, we observed a progressive decline in cerebrovascular mural cell markers up to 12 months post-injury in a mouse model of repetitive mild TBI (r-mTBI) and human TBI brain specimens, when compared to control. These changes appear to reflect mural cell degeneration and not cellular loss as no difference in the mural cell population was observed between r-mTBI and r-sham animals as determined through flow cytometry. Moreover, freshly isolated r-mTBI cerebrovessels showed reduced tau uptake at 6 and 12 months post-injury compared to r-sham animals, which may be the result of diminished cerebrovascular endocytosis, as caveolin-1 levels were significantly decreased in mouse r-mTBI and human TBI cerebrovessels compared to their respective controls. Further emphasizing the interaction between mural cells and tau, similar reductions in mural cell markers, tau uptake, and caveolin-1 were observed in cerebrovessels from transgenic mural cell-depleted animals. In conclusion, our studies indicate repeated injuries to the brain causes chronic mural cell degeneration, reducing the caveolar-mediated uptake of tau by these cells. Alterations in tau uptake by vascular mural cells may contribute to tau deposition in the brain following head trauma and could represent a novel therapeutic target for TBI or other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ojo
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Max Eisenbaum
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Ben Shackleton
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Cillian Lynch
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Utsav Joshi
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | | | - Andrew Pearson
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Charis Ringland
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Daniel Paris
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Benoit Mouzon
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Michael Mullan
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Fiona Crawford
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Corbin Bachmeier
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA; The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK; Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Bay Pines, FL, USA.
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26
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Alcendor DJ. Dysregulation of Endothelin-1: Implications for Health Disparities in Alzheimer's Disease. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E199. [PMID: 33126567 PMCID: PMC7712547 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities. The racial and ethnic disparities in AD could be explained by differences in cerebral vascular disease pathology. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide that regulates smooth muscle, endothelial cell, and pericyte contractions that may result in cerebral vascular constriction, leading to cerebral hypoperfusion; over time, ET-1 may result in neuronal injury contributing to the pathology of AD. Upregulation of the ET-1 system has been observed in African Americans when compared with non-Hispanic Whites. The role of the ET-1 system as a driver of ethnic disparities in AD requires further investigation. Targeting of the ET-1 system as a therapeutic intervention that could impact AD progression also needs further study. Dysregulation of ET-1 in Hispanic/Latino populations largely have been unexplored. Genetics linking ET-1 dysregulation and racial disparities in AD also needs further investigation. In this review, I examine how AD effects underserved minority populations and how dysregulation of the ET-1 system specifically predisposes ethnic minorities to AD. In addition, I examine the molecular interactions of the ET-1 system and amyloid beta, the role the ET-1 system in neurodegeneration, potential therapeutics for ET-1 dysregulation, and the impact on AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald J Alcendor
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
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