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Melas K, Talevi V, Imtiaz MA, Etteldorf R, Estrada S, Krüger DM, Pena-Centeno T, Aziz NA, Fischer A, Breteler MMB. Blood-derived microRNAs are related to cognitive domains in the general population. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39210637 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Blood-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential candidates for detecting and preventing subclinical cognitive dysfunction. However, replication of previous findings and identification of novel miRNAs associated with cognitive domains, including their relation to brain structure and the pathways they regulate, are still lacking. METHODS We examined blood-derived miRNAs and miRNA co-expression clusters in relation to cognitive domains, structural magnetic resonance imaging measures, target gene expression, and genetic variants in 2869 participants of a population-based cohort. RESULTS Five previously identified and 14 novel miRNAs were associated with cognitive domains. Eleven of these were also associated with cortical thickness and two with hippocampal volume. Multi-omics analysis showed that certain identified miRNAs were genetically influenced and regulated genes in pathways like neurogenesis and synapse assembly. DISCUSSION We identified miRNAs associated with cognitive domains, brain regions, and neuronal processes affected by aging and neurodegeneration, making them promising candidate blood-based biomarkers or therapeutic targets of subclinical cognitive dysfunction. HIGHLIGHTS We investigated the association of blood-derived microRNAs with cognitive domains. Five previously identified and 14 novel microRNAs were associated with cognition. Eleven cognition-related microRNAs were also associated with cortical thickness. Identified microRNAs were linked to genes associated with neuronal functions. Results provide putative biomarkers or therapeutic targets of cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Melas
- Population Health Sciences, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Valentina Talevi
- Population Health Sciences, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Mohammed Aslam Imtiaz
- Population Health Sciences, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Rika Etteldorf
- Population Health Sciences, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Santiago Estrada
- Population Health Sciences, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- AI in Medical Imaging, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis M Krüger
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tonatiuh Pena-Centeno
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
- Bioinformatics Unit, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - N Ahmad Aziz
- Population Health Sciences, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - André Fischer
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence MBExC, University of Göttingen & University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Monique M B Breteler
- Population Health Sciences, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology (IMBIE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Sun W, Zhao J, Wang W, Zhang W, Feng X, Feng J, Li L. Effects of Cognitive Intervention and Rehabilitation Training on the Expression of miR-134-5p in Elderly Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Cognitive Impairment. Exp Aging Res 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39003729 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2024.2377431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the effect and potential mechanism of cognitive intervention and rehabilitation training in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS In this study, 128 elderly patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with mild cognitive impairment were randomly divided into the control group and the training group. The effects of the two groups were compared before and after the cognitive intervention. The expression of miR-134-5p was assessed by qRT-PCR. The relationships between miR-134-5p and Mini-Mental State Examination Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale were evaluated. RESULTS After 3-month management, the Mini-Mental State Examination Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, the Chinese version of the diabetes self-efficacy rating scale, and WHO quality of life brief were improved in both control group and training group, and the training group showed better improvement. Cognitive intervention and rehabilitation training restricted the expression of miR-134-5p. The levels of miR-134-5p were pertinent to cognitive function. CONCLUSION Cognitive intervention and rehabilitation training might prevent the development of diabetes mellitus complicated with mild cognitive impairment by inhibiting miR-134-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Sun
- Neurology Department, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, China
| | - Jihai Zhao
- Endocrinology Department, Jiayuguan First People's Hospital (South Campus), Jiayuguan, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Endocrinology Department, Lu'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu 'an, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Endocrinology Department, Lu'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu 'an, China
| | - Xiumei Feng
- Endocrinology Department, Lu'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu 'an, China
| | - Jing Feng
- Endocrinology Department, Lu'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu 'an, China
| | - Lisi Li
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China
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Zhang B, Deng L, Liu X, Hu Y, Wang W, Li M, Xu T, Pang L, Lv M. Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with swimming exercise improves the learning and memory abilities of vascular dementia rats by regulating microglia through miR-223-3p/PRMT8. Neurol Res 2024; 46:525-537. [PMID: 38563325 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2024.2337517] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular dementia (VD) is the second most common type of dementia worldwide. Previous studies have proven that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has potential applications in relieving cognitive impairment in VD animal models. The purpose of this study was to probe the mechanism by which tDCS combined with swimming exercise improves the learning and memory abilities of VD model rats. METHOD The VD rat model was induced using the permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2-VO) method; tDCS was applied to the rats and then they took part in swimming exercises. Rat memory, platform crossing time, and platform crossing frequency were analyzed via a water maze experiment. Nerve damage in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 area of the rats was observed using Nissl staining. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT - qPCR) were used to determine the expression of related proteins and genes. The levels of oxidative stress were detected by kits. RESULTS We demonstrated that VD model rats treated with tDCS combined with swimming exercise exhibited significant improvement in memory, and VD model rats exhibited significantly reduced neuronal loss in the hippocampus, and reduced microglial activation and M1 polarization. tDCS combined with swimming exercise protects VD model rats from oxidative stress through the miR-223-3p/protein arginine methyltransferase 8 (PRMT8) axis and inhibits the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that tDCS combined with swimming exercise improved the learning and memory ability of VD model rats by regulating the expression of PRMT8 through miR-223-3p to affect microglial activation and M1 polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxue Zhang
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Qujing No.1 Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan, China
| | - Li Deng
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Qujing No.1 Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Qujing No.1 Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan, China
| | - Yao Hu
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Qujing No.1 Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenyi Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Qujing No.1 Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan, China
| | - Minghua Li
- Department of Neurology, Luoping County People's Hospital, Luoping, Yunnan, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Qujing No.1 Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan, China
| | - Li Pang
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Qujing No.1 Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan, China
| | - Meifen Lv
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Qujing No.1 Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan, China
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Ma W, Lu K, Liang HM, Zhang JY. Synapsin 1 Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment and Neuroinflammation in Rats with Alzheimer's Disease: An Experimental and Bioinformatics Study. Curr Alzheimer Res 2023; 20:648-659. [PMID: 38213171 DOI: 10.2174/0115672050276594231229050906] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a persistent neuropathological injury that manifests via neuronal/synaptic death, age spot development, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. Synapsin 1 (SYN1), a neuronal phosphoprotein, is believed to be responsible for the pathology of AD. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to elucidate the exact role of SYN1 in ameliorating AD and its potential regulatory mechanisms. METHODS The AD dataset GSE48350 was downloaded from the GEO database, and SYN1 was focused on differential expression analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. After establishing an AD rat model, they were treated with RNAi lentivirus to trigger SYN1 overexpression. The amelioration of SYN1 in AD-associated behavior was validated using multiple experiments (water maze test and object recognition test). SYN1's repairing effect on the important factors in AD was confirmed by detecting the concentration of inflammatory factors (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α), neurotransmitters (acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA), and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT)) and markers of oxidative stress (glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS)). Molecular biology experiments (qRT-PCR and western blot) were performed to examine AD-related signaling pathways after SYN1 overexpression. RESULTS Differential expression analysis yielded a total of 545 differentially expressed genes, of which four were upregulated and 541 were downregulated. The enriched pathways were basically focused on synaptic functions, and the analysis of the protein- protein interaction network focused on the key genes in SYN1. SYN1 significantly improved the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD rats. This enhancement was reflected in the reduced escape latency of the rats in the water maze, the significantly extended dwell time in the third quadrant, and the increased number of crossings. Furthermore, the results of the object recognition test revealed reduced time for rats to explore familiar and new objects. After SYN1 overexpression, the cAMP signaling pathway was activated, the phosphorylation levels of the CREB and PKA proteins were elevated, and the secretion of neurotransmitters such as ACh, DA, and 5-HT was promoted. Furthermore, oxidative stress was suppressed, as supported by decreased levels of MDA and ROS. Regarding inflammatory factors, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly reduced in AD rats with SYN1 overexpression. CONCLUSION SYN1 overexpression improves cognitive function and promotes the release of various neurotransmitters in AD rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses through cAMP signaling pathway activation. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ma
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. Yinchuan750004, China
| | - Kui Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, 445000, China
| | - Hua-Min Liang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. Yinchuan750004, China
| | - Jin-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. Yinchuan750004, China
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Zhao K, Zeng L, Cai Z, Liu M, Sun T, Li Z, Liu R. RNA sequencing-based identification of the regulatory mechanism of microRNAs, transcription factors, and corresponding target genes involved in vascular dementia. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:917489. [PMID: 36203804 PMCID: PMC9531238 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.917489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common form of dementia with uncertain mechanisms and no effective treatments. microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) are considered regulatory factors of genes involved in many diseases. Therefore, this work investigated the aberrantly expressed miRNAs, TFs, corresponding target genes, and their co-regulatory networks in the cortex of rats with bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) to uncover the potential mechanism and biomarkers of VaD. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), miRNAs (DEMs), and TFs (DETFs) were identified using RNA sequencing, and their interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape. The results showed that rats with 2VO had declined cognitive abilities and neuronal loss in the cortex than sham rats. DEGs, DEMs, and DETFs were discriminated between rats with 2VO and sham rats in the cortex, as shown by the 13 aberrantly expressed miRNAs, 805 mRNAs, and 63 TFs. The miRNA-TF-target gene network was constructed, showing 523 nodes and 7237 edges. Five miRNAs (miR-5132-5p, miR-764-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-145-5p, and miR-122-5p), ten TFs (Mxi1, Nfatc4, Rxrg, Zfp523, Foxj2, Nkx6-1, Klf4, Klf5, Csrnp1, and Prdm6), and seven target genes (Serpine1, Nedd4l, Pxn, Col1a1, Plec, Trip12, and Tpm1) were chosen as the significant nodes to construct feed-forward loops (FFLs). Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these miRNA and TF-associated genes are mostly involved in the PI3K/Akt, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, calcium signaling, and Wnt signaling pathways, along with central locations around the cell membrane. They exert functions such as growth factor binding, integrin binding, and extracellular matrix structural constituent, with representative biological processes like vasculature development, cell–substrate adhesion, cellular response to growth factor stimulus, and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, the expression of three miRNAs (miR-145-5p, miR-122-5p, and miR-5132-5p), six TFs (Csrnp1, Klf4, Nfatc4, Rxrg, Foxj2, and Klf5), and five mRNAs (Serpine1, Plec, Nedd4l, Trip12, and Tpm1) were significantly changed in rats with VaD, in line with the outcome of RNA sequencing. In the potential FFL, miR-145-5p directly bound Csrnp1 and decreased its mRNA expression. These results might help the understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms of miRNA-TF-genes, providing potential therapeutic targets in VaD.
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Liu M, Shan G, Jiang H, Zeng L, Zhao K, Li Y, Ashraf GM, Li Z, Liu R. Identification of miRNA and Their Regulatory Effects Induced by Total Flavonoids From Dracocephalum moldavica in the Treatment of Vascular Dementia. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:796628. [PMID: 34938197 PMCID: PMC8685430 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.796628] [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: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a general term used to describe difficulties in memory, reasoning, judgment, and planning caused by a reduced blood flow to the brain and consequent brain damage, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved. Dracocephalum moldavica L. (D. moldavica) is traditionally used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases as well as VaD, but the biomolecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect are obscure. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment of VaD by the total flavonoids from Dracocephalum moldavica L. (TFDM) were explored by the identification of miRNA profiling using bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. A total of 2,562 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 3,522 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the GSE120584 and GSE122063 datasets, in which the gene functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network of 93 core targets, originated from the intersection of the top DEM target genes and DEGs, were established for VaD gene profiling. One hundred and eighty-five targets interacting with 42 flavonoids in the TFDM were included in a compound-target network, subsequently found that they overlapped with potential targets for VaD. These 43 targets could be considered in the treatment of VaD by TFDM, and included CaMKII, MAPK, MAPT, PI3K, and KDR, closely associated with the vascular protective effect of TFDM, as well as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The subsequent analysis of the compound-target gene-miRNA network indicated that eight miRNAs that mediated 43 targets had a close interaction with TFDM, suggesting that the neuroprotective effects were principally due to kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin, which were mostly associated with the miR-3184-3p/ESR1, miR-6762-3p/CDK1, miR-6777-3p/ESRRA, and other related axes. Furthermore, the in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model demonstrated that the dysregulation of miR-3184-3p and miR-6875-5p found by qRT-PCR was consistent with the changes in the bioinformatics analysis. TFDM and its active compounds involving tilianin, luteolin, and apigenin showed significant effects on the upregulation of miR-3184-3p and downregulation of miR-6875-5p in OGD-injured cells, in line with the improved cell viability. In conclusion, our findings revealed the underlying miRNA-target gene network and potential targets of TFDM in the treatment of VaD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimin Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guangzhi Shan
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hailun Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zeng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhuorong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Zhang J, Sun P, Zhou C, Zhang X, Ma F, Xu Y, Hamblin MH, Yin K. Regulatory microRNAs and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. CNS Neurosci Ther 2020; 26:1207-1218. [PMID: 33459504 PMCID: PMC7702235 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is defined as a progressive dementia disease related to cerebrovascular injury and often occurs in aged populations. Despite decades of research, effective treatment for VCID is still absent. The pathological processes of VCID are mediated by the molecular mechanisms that are partly modulated at the post-transcriptional level. As small endogenous non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRs) can regulate target gene expression through post-transcriptional gene silencing. miRs have been reported to play an important role in the pathology of VCID and have recently been suggested as potential novel pharmacological targets for the development of new diagnosis and treatment strategies in VCID. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of VCID, the possible role of miRs in the regulation of VCID and attempt to envision future therapeutic strategies. Since manipulation of miR levels by either pharmacological or genetic approaches has shown therapeutic effects in experimental VCID models, we also emphasize the potential therapeutic value of miRs in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Xuejing Zhang
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Feifei Ma
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Milton H. Hamblin
- Department of PharmacologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLAUSA
| | - Ke‐Jie Yin
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Geriatric ResearchEducation and Clinical CenterVeterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare SystemPittsburghPAUSA
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Yang T, Zhang F. Targeting Transcription Factor Nrf2 (Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2) for the Intervention of Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 41:97-116. [PMID: 33054394 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is an age-related, mild to severe mental disability due to a broad panel of cerebrovascular disorders. Its pathobiology involves neurovascular dysfunction, blood-brain barrier disruption, white matter damage, microRNAs, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota alterations, etc. Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is the master regulator of redox status and controls the transcription of a panel of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory genes. By interacting with NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), Nrf2 also fine-tunes the cellular oxidative and inflammatory balance. Aging is associated with Nrf2 dysfunction, and increasing evidence has proved the role of Nrf2 in mitigating the VCID process. Based on VCID pathobiologies and Nrf2 studies from VCID and other brain diseases, we point out several hypothetical Nrf2 targets for VCID management, including restoration of endothelial function and neurovascular coupling, preservation of blood-brain barrier integrity, reduction of amyloidopathy, promoting white matter integrity, and mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Collectively, the Nrf2 pathway could be a promising direction for future VCID research. Targeting Nrf2 would shed light on VCID managing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Yang
- Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery, University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery, University of Pittsburgh, PA
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