1
|
Mühlbäck A, Hoffmann R, Pozzi NG, Marziniak M, Brieger P, Dose M, Priller J. [Psychiatric symptoms of Huntington's disease]. DER NERVENARZT 2024; 95:871-884. [PMID: 39212681 PMCID: PMC11374876 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-024-01728-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease, which leads to motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed by genetic testing for extended CAG repeats in the Huntingtin gene. Mental and behavioral symptoms are common in HD and can appear several years before the onset of motor symptoms. The psychiatric symptoms include apathy, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and, in some cases, psychoses and aggression. These are currently restricted to symptomatic treatment as disease-modifying treatment approaches are still under investigation. The current clinical practice is based on expert opinions as well as experience with the treatment of similar symptoms in other neurological and mental health diseases. This article provides an overview of the complex psychiatric manifestations of HD, the diagnostic options and the established pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alzbeta Mühlbäck
- Huntington-Zentrum-Süd, kbo-Isar-Amper-Klinikum, Region München, Taufkirchen (Vils), Deutschland.
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, TU München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, München, Deutschland.
| | - Rainer Hoffmann
- Huntington-Zentrum-Süd, kbo-Isar-Amper-Klinikum, Region München, Taufkirchen (Vils), Deutschland
| | - Nicolo Gabriele Pozzi
- Huntington-Zentrum-Süd, kbo-Isar-Amper-Klinikum, Region München, Taufkirchen (Vils), Deutschland
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Martin Marziniak
- Klinik für Neurologie und Intensivmedizin, kbo-Isar-Amper-Klinikum, Region München, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der LMU München, Haar, Deutschland
| | - Peter Brieger
- kbo-Isar-Amper-Klinikum, Region München, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der LMU München, Haar, Deutschland
| | - Matthias Dose
- Huntington-Zentrum-Süd, kbo-Isar-Amper-Klinikum, Region München, Taufkirchen (Vils), Deutschland
| | - Josef Priller
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, TU München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, München, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit (DZPG), Standort München, München, Deutschland
- Universität Edinburgh und UK DRI, Edinburgh, Großbritannien
- Neuropsychiatrie und Labor für Molekulare Psychiatrie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
- DZNE, Berlin, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiménez-Jiménez FJ, Alonso-Navarro H, García-Martín E, Agúndez JAG. Sleep Disorders in Patients with Choreic Syndromes. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:361-379. [PMID: 37269451 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01274-2] [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] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Patients with different types of choreic syndromes, specially those with Huntington's (HD) and Wilson's (WD) diseases, report frequent sleep complaints. This review focuses on the main findings of studies addressing the sleep features in these diseases, and other less frequent causes of chorea associated with sleep disorders, including a new syndrome described in the last decade associated with IgLON5 antibodies. RECENT FINDINGS Patients with HD and WD showed a bad quality of sleep and high frequency of insomnia and excessive daytime somnolence. WD patients also showed high scores on a specific scale for rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorders. HD and WD share decreased sleep efficiency and increased REM sleep latencies, percentage of sleep stage N1, and wake after sleep onset (WASO) among their polysomnographic features. Patients with HD and WD showed a high prevalence of different sleep disorders. Patients with other causes of chorea, including neuroacanthocytosis, parasomnia with sleep breathing disorder associated with antibodies to IgLON5, Sydenham's chorea, and choreic syndromes associated to certain genetic mutations show sleep disorders as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Félix Javier Jiménez-Jiménez
- Section of Neurology, Hospital Universitario del Sureste, Ronda del Sur 10 E-28500, Arganda del Rey, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Hortensia Alonso-Navarro
- Section of Neurology, Hospital Universitario del Sureste, Ronda del Sur 10 E-28500, Arganda del Rey, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena García-Martín
- Universidad de Extremadura, University Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José A G Agúndez
- Universidad de Extremadura, University Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Cáceres, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Prakash P, Pradhan AK, Sheeba V. Hsp40 overexpression in pacemaker neurons delays circadian dysfunction in a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275556. [PMID: 35645202 PMCID: PMC9254228 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian disturbances are early features of neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). Emerging evidence suggests that circadian decline feeds into neurodegenerative symptoms, exacerbating them. Therefore, we asked whether known neurotoxic modifiers can suppress circadian dysfunction. We performed a screen of neurotoxicity-modifier genes to suppress circadian behavioural arrhythmicity in a Drosophila circadian HD model. The molecular chaperones Hsp40 and HSP70 emerged as significant suppressors in the circadian context, with Hsp40 being the more potent mitigator. Upon Hsp40 overexpression in the Drosophila circadian ventrolateral neurons (LNv), the behavioural rescue was associated with neuronal rescue of loss of circadian proteins from small LNv soma. Specifically, there was a restoration of the molecular clock protein Period and its oscillations in young flies and a long-lasting rescue of the output neuropeptide Pigment dispersing factor. Significantly, there was a reduction in the expanded Huntingtin inclusion load, concomitant with the appearance of a spot-like Huntingtin form. Thus, we provide evidence implicating the neuroprotective chaperone Hsp40 in circadian rehabilitation. The involvement of molecular chaperones in circadian maintenance has broader therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: This study shows, for the first time, a neuroprotective role of chaperone Hsp40 in suppressing circadian dysfunction associated with Huntington's disease in a Drosophila model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavitra Prakash
- Evolutionary and Integrative Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Arpit Kumar Pradhan
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Vasu Sheeba
- Evolutionary and Integrative Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore 560064, India.,Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore 560064, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Endogenous biological clocks, orchestrated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, time the circadian rhythms that synchronize physiological and behavioural functions in humans. The circadian system influences most physiological processes, including sleep, alertness and cognitive performance. Disruption of circadian homeostasis has deleterious effects on human health. Neurodegenerative disorders involve a wide range of symptoms, many of which exhibit diurnal variations in frequency and intensity. These disorders also disrupt circadian homeostasis, which in turn has negative effects on symptoms and quality of life. Emerging evidence points to a bidirectional relationship between circadian homeostasis and neurodegeneration, suggesting that circadian function might have an important role in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the circadian system has become an attractive target for research and clinical care innovations. Studying circadian disruption in neurodegenerative disorders could expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration and facilitate the development of novel, circadian-based interventions for these disabling disorders. In this Review, we discuss the alterations to the circadian system that occur in movement (Parkinson disease and Huntington disease) and cognitive (Alzheimer disease and frontotemporal dementia) neurodegenerative disorders and provide directions for future investigations in this field.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a large group of conditions that are clinically and pathologically diverse yet are linked by a shared pathology of misfolded proteins. The accumulation of insoluble aggregates is accompanied by a progressive loss of vulnerable neurons. For some patients, the symptoms are motor focused (ataxias), while others experience cognitive and psychiatric symptoms (dementias). Among the shared symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases is a disruption of the sleep/wake cycle that occurs early in the trajectory of the disease and may be a risk factor for disease development. In many cases, the disruption in the timing of sleep and other rhythmic physiological markers immediately raises the possibility of neurodegeneration-driven disruption of the circadian timing system. The aim of this Review is to summarize the evidence supporting the hypothesis that circadian disruption is a core symptom within neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease, and to discuss the latest progress in this field. The Review discusses evidence that neurodegenerative processes may disrupt the structure and function of the circadian system and describes circadian-based interventions as well as timed drug treatments that may improve a wide range of symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disorders. It also identifies key gaps in our knowledge.
Collapse
|
6
|
Chuang CL, Demontis F. Systemic manifestation and contribution of peripheral tissues to Huntington's disease pathogenesis. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 69:101358. [PMID: 33979693 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease that is caused by expansion of cytosine/adenosine/guanine repeats in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, which leads to a toxic, aggregation-prone, mutant HTT-polyQ protein. Beyond the well-established mechanisms of HD progression in the central nervous system, growing evidence indicates that also peripheral tissues are affected in HD and that systemic signaling originating from peripheral tissues can influence the progression of HD in the brain. Herein, we review the systemic manifestation of HD in peripheral tissues, and the impact of systemic signaling on HD pathogenesis. Mutant HTT induces a body wasting syndrome (cachexia) primarily via its activity in skeletal muscle, bone, adipose tissue, and heart. Additional whole-organism effects induced by mutant HTT include decline in systemic metabolic homeostasis, which stems from derangement of pancreas, liver, gut, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and circadian functions. In addition to spreading via the bloodstream and a leaky blood brain barrier, HTT-polyQ may travel long distance via its uptake by neurons and its axonal transport from the peripheral to the central nervous system. Lastly, signaling factors that are produced and/or secreted in response to therapeutic interventions such as exercise or in response to mutant HTT activity in peripheral tissues may impact HD. In summary, these studies indicate that HD is a systemic disease that is influenced by intertissue signaling and by the action of pathogenic HTT in peripheral tissues. We propose that treatment strategies for HD should include the amelioration of HD symptoms in peripheral tissues. Moreover, harnessing signaling between peripheral tissues and the brain may provide a means for reducing HD progression in the central nervous system.
Collapse
|
7
|
Fifel K, Videnovic A. Circadian and Sleep Dysfunctions in Neurodegenerative Disorders-An Update. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:627330. [PMID: 33536872 PMCID: PMC7848154 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.627330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruptions of sleep and circadian rhythms are among the most debilitating symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Their underlying pathophysiology is multilayered and multifactorial. Recent evidence suggests that sleep and circadian disturbances may influence the neurodegenerative processes as well as be their consequence. In this perspective, we provide an update of the current understanding of sleep and circadian dysregulation in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karim Fifel
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Aleksandar Videnovic
- Movement Disorders Unit and Division of Sleep Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cheong RY, Gabery S, Petersén Å. The Role of Hypothalamic Pathology for Non-Motor Features of Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2020; 8:375-391. [PMID: 31594240 PMCID: PMC6839491 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-190372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic neurodegenerative disorder. It has mainly been considered a movement disorder with cognitive symptoms and these features have been associated with pathology of the striatum and cerebral cortex. Importantly, individuals with the mutant huntingtin gene suffer from a spectrum of non-motor features often decades before the motor disorder manifests. These symptoms and signs include a range of psychiatric symptoms, sleep problems and metabolic changes with weight loss particularly in later stages. A higher body mass index at diagnosis is associated with slower disease progression. The common psychiatric symptom of apathy progresses with the disease. The fact that non-motor features are present early in the disease and that they show an association to disease progression suggest that unravelling the underlying neurobiological mechanisms may uncover novel targets for early disease intervention and better symptomatic treatment. The hypothalamus and the limbic system are important brain regions that regulate emotion, social cognition, sleep and metabolism. A number of studies using neuroimaging, postmortem human tissue and genetic manipulation in animal models of the disease has collectively shown that the hypothalamus and the limbic system are affected in HD. These findings include the loss of neuropeptide-expressing neurons such as orexin (hypocretin), oxytocin, vasopressin, somatostatin and VIP, and increased levels of SIRT1 in distinct nuclei of the hypothalamus. This review provides a summary of the results obtained so far and highlights the potential importance of these changes for the understanding of non-motor features in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Y Cheong
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sanaz Gabery
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åsa Petersén
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu F, Kula-Eversole E, Iwanaszko M, Lim C, Allada R. Ataxin2 functions via CrebA to mediate Huntingtin toxicity in circadian clock neurons. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008356. [PMID: 31593562 PMCID: PMC6782096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disrupted circadian rhythms is a prominent and early feature of neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington’s disease (HD). In HD patients and animal models, striatal and hypothalamic neurons expressing molecular circadian clocks are targets of mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) pathogenicity. Yet how mHtt disrupts circadian rhythms remains unclear. In a genetic screen for modifiers of mHtt effects on circadian behavior in Drosophila, we discovered a role for the neurodegenerative disease gene Ataxin2 (Atx2). Genetic manipulations of Atx2 modify the impact of mHtt on circadian behavior as well as mHtt aggregation and demonstrate a role for Atx2 in promoting mHtt aggregation as well as mHtt-mediated neuronal dysfunction. RNAi knockdown of the Fragile X mental retardation gene, dfmr1, an Atx2 partner, also partially suppresses mHtt effects and Atx2 effects depend on dfmr1. Atx2 knockdown reduces the cAMP response binding protein A (CrebA) transcript at dawn. CrebA transcript level shows a prominent diurnal regulation in clock neurons. Loss of CrebA also partially suppresses mHtt effects on behavior and cell loss and restoration of CrebA can suppress Atx2 effects. Our results indicate a prominent role of Atx2 in mediating mHtt pathology, specifically via its regulation of CrebA, defining a novel molecular pathway in HD pathogenesis. Circadian clocks evolved to anticipate 24 h environmental rhythms driven by the earth’s daily rotation and regulate nearly all aspects of behavior, physiology and the genome. Disruptions of the circadian clock have been associated with a wide range of human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease (HD). Using an HD animal model in which a mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) protein is expressed, we identify a role for the RNA binding protein and neurodegenerative disease gene Ataxin-2 (Atx2) in mediating mHtt effects on circadian behavioral rhythms. Using transcriptomics, we identify the transcription factor CrebA as a potential target of both Atx2 and the circadian clock. Finally, we demonstrate a role for CrebA in mediating mHtt effects on circadian behavior, defining a novel Atx2-CrebA pathway in a neurodegenerative disease model. These studies define the molecular mechanisms by which mHtt can disrupt circadian rhythms identifying potential novel therapeutic targets for this uniformly fatal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangke Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Elzbieta Kula-Eversole
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Marta Iwanaszko
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chunghun Lim
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ravi Allada
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Smarr B, Cutler T, Loh DH, Kudo T, Kuljis D, Kriegsfeld L, Ghiani CA, Colwell CS. Circadian dysfunction in the Q175 model of Huntington's disease: Network analysis. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:1606-1623. [PMID: 31359503 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Disturbances in sleep/wake cycle are a common complaint of individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) and are displayed by HD mouse models. The underlying mechanisms, including the possible role of the circadian timing system, have been the topic of a number of recent studies. The (z)Q175 mouse is a knock-in model in which the human exon 1 sequence of the huntingtin gene is inserted into the mouse DNA with approximately 190 CAG repeats. Among the numerous models available, the heterozygous Q175 offers strong construct validity with a single copy of the mutation, genetic precision of the insertion and control of mutation copy number. In this review, we will summarize the evidence that this model exhibits disrupted diurnal and circadian rhythms in locomotor activity. We found overwhelming evidence for autonomic dysfunction including blunted daily rhythms in heart rate and core body temperature (CBT), reduced heart rate variability, and almost a complete failure of the sympathetic arm of the autonomic nervous system to function during the baroreceptor reflex. Mechanistically, the Q175 mouse model exhibits deficits in the neural output of the central circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus along with an enhancement of at least one type of potassium current in these neurons. Finally, we report a novel network analysis examining the phase coherence between activity, CBT, and cardiovascular measures. Such analyses found that even young Q175 mutants (heterozygous or homozygous) show coherence degradation, and suggests that loss of phase coherence is a variable that should be considered as a possible biomarker for HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Smarr
- Department of Psychology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Tamara Cutler
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dawn H Loh
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dika Kuljis
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lance Kriegsfeld
- Department of Psychology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Cristina A Ghiani
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher S Colwell
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kuljis D, Kudo T, Tahara Y, Ghiani CA, Colwell CS. Pathophysiology in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in mouse models of Huntington's disease. J Neurosci Res 2018; 96:1862-1875. [PMID: 30168855 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Disturbances in sleep/wake cycle are a common complaint of individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) and are displayed by HD mouse models. The underlying mechanisms, including the possible role of the circadian timing system, are not well established. The BACHD mouse model of HD exhibits disrupted behavioral and physiological rhythms, including decreased electrical activity in the central circadian clock (suprachiasmatic nucleus, SCN). In this study, electrophysiological techniques were used to explore the ionic underpinning of the reduced spontaneous neural activity in male mice. We found that SCN neural activity rhythms were lost early in the disease progression and was accompanied by loss of the normal daily variation in resting membrane potential in the mutant SCN neurons. The low neural activity could be transiently reversed by direct current injection or application of exogenous N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) thus demonstrating that the neurons have the capacity to discharge at WT levels. Exploring the potassium currents known to regulate the electrical activity of SCN neurons, our most striking finding was that these cells in the mutants exhibited an enhancement in the large-conductance calcium activated K+ (BK) currents. The expression of the pore forming subunit (Kcnma1) of the BK channel was higher in the mutant SCN. We found a similar decrease in daytime electrical activity and enhancement in the magnitude of the BK currents early in disease in another HD mouse model (Q175). These findings suggest that SCN neurons of both HD models exhibit early pathophysiology and that dysregulation of BK current may be responsible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dika Kuljis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Biological Sciences, Mellon Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Japan
| | - Yu Tahara
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Cristina A Ghiani
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher S Colwell
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bartlett DM, Domínguez D JF, Reyes A, Zaenker P, Feindel KW, Newton RU, Hannan AJ, Slater JA, Eastwood PR, Lazar AS, Ziman M, Cruickshank T. Investigating the relationships between hypothalamic volume and measures of circadian rhythm and habitual sleep in premanifest Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2018; 6:1-8. [PMID: 31236517 PMCID: PMC6586591 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Pathological changes within the hypothalamus have been proposed to mediate circadian rhythm and habitual sleep disturbances in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD). However, investigations examining the relationships between hypothalamic volume and circadian rhythm and habitual sleep in individuals with HD are sparse. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the relationships between hypothalamic pathology and circadian rhythm and habitual sleep disturbances in individuals with premanifest HD. Methods Thirty-two individuals with premanifest HD and twenty-nine healthy age- and gender-matched controls participated in this dual-site, cross-sectional study. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed to evaluate hypothalamic volume. Circadian rhythm and habitual sleep were assessed via measurement of morning and evening cortisol and melatonin levels, wrist-worn actigraphy, the Consensus Sleep Diary and sleep questionnaires. Information on mood, physical activity levels and body composition were also collected. Results Compared to healthy controls, individuals with premanifest HD displayed significantly reduced grey matter volume in the hypothalamus, decreased habitual sleep efficiency and increased awakenings; however, no alterations in morning cortisol or evening melatonin release were noted in individuals with premanifest HD. While differences in the associations between hypothalamic volume and cortisol and melatonin output existed in individuals with premanifest HD compared to healthy controls, no consistent associations were observed between hypothalamic volume and circadian rhythm or habitual sleep outcomes. Conclusion While significant differences in associations between hypothalamic volume and cortisol and melatonin existed between individuals with premanifest HD and healthy controls, no differences in circadian markers were observed between the groups. This suggests that circadian regulation is maintained despite hypothalamic pathology, perhaps via neural compensation. Longitudinal studies are required to further understand the relationships between the hypothalamus and circadian rhythm and habitual sleep disturbances in HD as the disease course lengthens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Bartlett
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Juan F Domínguez D
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alvaro Reyes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Rehabilitacion, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pauline Zaenker
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Kirk W Feindel
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Robert U Newton
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.,University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James A Slater
- Centre for Sleep Science, School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter R Eastwood
- Centre for Sleep Science, School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alpar S Lazar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Mel Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia.,School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Travis Cruickshank
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia.,Peron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cutler TS, Park S, Loh DH, Jordan MC, Yokota T, Roos KP, Ghiani CA, Colwell CS. Neurocardiovascular deficits in the Q175 mouse model of Huntington's disease. Physiol Rep 2018; 5:5/11/e13289. [PMID: 28576852 PMCID: PMC5471434 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular dysautonomia as well as the deterioration of circadian rhythms are among the earliest detectable pathophysiological changes in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD). Preclinical research requires mouse models that recapitulate disease symptoms and the Q175 knock-in model offers a number of advantages but potential autonomic dysfunction has not been explored. In this study, we sought to test the dual hypotheses that cardiovascular dysautonomia can be detected early in disease progression in the Q175 model and that this dysfunction varies with the daily cycle. Using radiotelemetry implants, we observed a significant reduction in the diurnal and circadian activity rhythms in the Q175 mutants at the youngest ages. By middle age, the autonomically driven rhythms in core body temperature were highly compromised, and the Q175 mutants exhibited striking episodes of hypothermia that increased in frequency with mutant huntingtin gene dosage. In addition, Q175 mutants showed higher resting heart rate (HR) during sleep and greatly reduced correlation between activity and HR HR variability was reduced in the mutants in both time and frequency domains, providing more evidence of autonomic dysfunction. Measurement of the baroreceptor reflex revealed that the Q175 mutant could not appropriately increase HR in response to a pharmacologically induced decrease in blood pressure. Echocardiograms showed reduced ventricular mass and ejection fraction in mutant hearts. Finally, cardiac histopathology revealed localized points of fibrosis resembling those caused by myocardial infarction. Thus, the Q175 mouse model of HD exhibits cardiovascular dysautonomia similar to that seen in HD patients with prominent sympathetic dysfunction during the resting phase of the activity rhythm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara S Cutler
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Saemi Park
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dawn H Loh
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Maria C Jordan
- Department of Physiology and Cardiovascular Research Lab, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tomohiro Yokota
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Molecular Medicine David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kenneth P Roos
- Department of Physiology and Cardiovascular Research Lab, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Cristina A Ghiani
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher S Colwell
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vallée A, Lecarpentier Y, Guillevin R, Vallée JN. Thermodynamics in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Interplay Between Canonical WNT/Beta-Catenin Pathway-PPAR Gamma, Energy Metabolism and Circadian Rhythms. Neuromolecular Med 2018; 20:174-204. [PMID: 29572723 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-018-8486-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Entropy production rate is increased by several metabolic and thermodynamics abnormalities in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Irreversible processes are quantified by changes in the entropy production rate. This review is focused on the opposing interactions observed in NDs between the canonical WNT/beta-catenin pathway and PPAR gamma and their metabolic and thermodynamic implications. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease, WNT/beta-catenin pathway is upregulated, whereas PPAR gamma is downregulated. In Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, WNT/beta-catenin pathway is downregulated while PPAR gamma is upregulated. The dysregulation of the canonical WNT/beta-catenin pathway is responsible for the modification of thermodynamics behaviors of metabolic enzymes. Upregulation of WNT/beta-catenin pathway leads to aerobic glycolysis, named Warburg effect, through activated enzymes, such as glucose transporter (Glut), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1(PDK1), monocarboxylate lactate transporter 1 (MCT-1), lactic dehydrogenase kinase-A (LDH-A) and inactivation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH). Downregulation of WNT/beta-catenin pathway leads to oxidative stress and cell death through inactivation of Glut, PKM2, PDK1, MCT-1, LDH-A but activation of PDH. In addition, in NDs, PPAR gamma is dysregulated, whereas it contributes to the regulation of several key circadian genes. NDs show many dysregulation in the mediation of circadian clock genes and so of circadian rhythms. Thermodynamics rhythms operate far-from-equilibrium and partly regulate interactions between WNT/beta-catenin pathway and PPAR gamma. In NDs, metabolism, thermodynamics and circadian rhythms are tightly interrelated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- DRCI, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France.
- LMA (Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications) CNRS 7348, University of Poitiers, 11 Boulevard Marie et Pierre Curie, Poitiers, France.
| | - Yves Lecarpentier
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien, Meaux, France
| | - Rémy Guillevin
- DACTIM, UMR CNRS 7348, Université de Poitiers et CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Noël Vallée
- DRCI, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- CHU Amiens Picardie, Université Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sullivan K, Pantazopoulos H, Liebson E, Woo TUW, Baldessarini RJ, Hedreen J, Berretta S. What can we learn about brain donors? Use of clinical information in human postmortem brain research. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 150:181-196. [PMID: 29496141 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63639-3.00014-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem studies on the human brain reside at the core of investigations on neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Ground-breaking advances continue to be made on the pathologic basis of many of these disorders, at molecular, cellular, and neural connectivity levels. In parallel, there is increasing emphasis on improving methods to extract relevant demographic and clinical information about brain donors and, importantly, translate it into measures that can reliably and effectively be incorporated in the design and data analysis of postmortem human investigations. Here, we review the main source of information typically available to brain banks and provide examples on how this information can be processed. In particular, we discuss approaches to establish primary and secondary diagnoses, estimate exposure to therapeutic treatment and substance abuse, assess agonal status, and use time of death as a proxy in investigations on circadian rhythms. Although far from exhaustive, these considerations are intended as a contribution to ongoing efforts from tissue banks and investigators aimed at establishing robust, well-validated methods for collecting and standardizing information about brain donors, further strengthening the scientific rigor of human postmortem studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Sullivan
- Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Harry Pantazopoulos
- Traslational Neuroscience Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Liebson
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Psychotic Disorders Division, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - T-U W Woo
- Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Laboratory of Cellular Neuropathology, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ross J Baldessarini
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; International Consortium for Psychotic and Bipolar Disorders Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - John Hedreen
- Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Sabina Berretta
- Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Traslational Neuroscience Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Allen CN, Nitabach MN, Colwell CS. Membrane Currents, Gene Expression, and Circadian Clocks. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017; 9:cshperspect.a027714. [PMID: 28246182 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a027714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal circadian oscillators in the mammalian and Drosophila brain express a circadian clock comprised of interlocking gene transcription feedback loops. The genetic clock regulates the membrane electrical activity by poorly understood signaling pathways to generate a circadian pattern of action potential firing. During the day, Na+ channels contribute an excitatory drive for the spontaneous activity of circadian clock neurons. Multiple types of K+ channels regulate the action potential firing pattern and the nightly reduction in neuronal activity. The membrane electrical activity possibly signaling by changes in intracellular Ca2+ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates the activity of the gene clock. A decline in the signaling pathways that link the gene clock and neural activity during aging and disease may weaken the circadian output and generate significant impacts on human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles N Allen
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences and Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Michael N Nitabach
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Christopher S Colwell
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pantazopoulos H, Wiseman JT, Markota M, Ehrenfeld L, Berretta S. Decreased Numbers of Somatostatin-Expressing Neurons in the Amygdala of Subjects With Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia: Relationship to Circadian Rhythms. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:536-547. [PMID: 27259817 PMCID: PMC5065936 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence points to a key role for somatostatin (SST) in schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). In the amygdala, neurons expressing SST play an important role in the regulation of anxiety, which is often comorbid in these disorders. We tested the hypothesis that SST-immunoreactive (IR) neurons are decreased in the amygdala of subjects with SZ and BD. Evidence for circadian SST expression in the amygdala and disrupted circadian rhythms and rhythmic peaks of anxiety in BD suggest a disruption of rhythmic expression of SST in this disorder. METHODS Amygdala sections from 12 SZ, 15 BD, and 15 control subjects were processed for immunocytochemistry for SST and neuropeptide Y, a neuropeptide partially coexpressed in SST-IR neurons. Total numbers (Nt) of IR neurons were measured. Time of death was used to test associations with circadian rhythms. RESULTS SST-IR neurons were decreased in the lateral amygdala nucleus in BD (Nt, p = .003) and SZ (Nt, p = .02). In normal control subjects, Nt of SST-IR neurons varied according to time of death. This pattern was altered in BD subjects, characterized by decreases of SST-IR neurons selectively in subjects with time of death corresponding to the day (6:00 am to 5:59 pm). Numbers of neuropeptide Y-IR neurons were not affected. CONCLUSIONS Decreased SST-IR neurons in the amygdala of patients with SZ and BD, interpreted here as decreased SST expression, may disrupt responses to fear and anxiety regulation in these individuals. In BD, our findings raise the possibility that morning peaks of anxiety depend on a disruption of circadian regulation of SST expression in the amygdala.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Pantazopoulos
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Mclean Hospital, Belmont; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Jason T Wiseman
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Mclean Hospital, Belmont
| | - Matej Markota
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Mclean Hospital, Belmont; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Lucy Ehrenfeld
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Mclean Hospital, Belmont
| | - Sabina Berretta
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Mclean Hospital, Belmont; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jockers R, Delagrange P, Dubocovich ML, Markus RP, Renault N, Tosini G, Cecon E, Zlotos DP. Update on melatonin receptors: IUPHAR Review 20. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:2702-25. [PMID: 27314810 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin receptors are seven transmembrane-spanning proteins belonging to the GPCR superfamily. In mammals, two melatonin receptor subtypes exist - MT1 and MT2 - encoded by the MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes respectively. The current review provides an update on melatonin receptors by the corresponding subcommittee of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. We will highlight recent developments of melatonin receptor ligands, including radioligands, and give an update on the latest phenotyping results of melatonin receptor knockout mice. The current status and perspectives of the structure of melatonin receptor will be summarized. The physiological importance of melatonin receptor dimers and biologically important and type 2 diabetes-associated genetic variants of melatonin receptors will be discussed. The role of melatonin receptors in physiology and disease will be further exemplified by their functions in the immune system and the CNS. Finally, antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties of melatonin and its relation to melatonin receptors will be critically addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Jockers
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France.,University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - Margarita L Dubocovich
- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, USA
| | - Regina P Markus
- Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gianluca Tosini
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erika Cecon
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France.,University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Darius P Zlotos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dufour BD, McBride JL. Corticosterone dysregulation exacerbates disease progression in the R6/2 transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease. Exp Neurol 2016; 283:308-17. [PMID: 27381424 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurological disorder that causes severe and progressive motor, cognitive, psychiatric, and metabolic symptoms. There is a robust, significant elevation in circulating levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in HD patients; however, the causes and consequences of this elevation are largely uncharacterized. Here, we evaluated whether elevated levels of corticosterone, the rodent homolog of cortisol, contributed to the development of symptomology in transgenic HD mice. Wild-type (WT) and transgenic R6/2 mice were given either 1) adrenalectomy with WT-level corticosterone replacement (10ng/ml), 2) adrenalectomy with high HD-level corticosterone replacement (60ng/ml), or 3) sham surgery without replacement. R6/2 mice on HD-level replacement showed severe and rapid weight loss (p<0.05) and a shorter latency to death (p<0.01) relative to the HD mice on WT-level replacement. We further evaluated basal and stress-induced levels of circulating corticosterone in R6/2 mice throughout the course of their life. We found that R6/2 transgenic HD mice display a spontaneous elevation in circulating corticosterone levels that became significant at 10weeks of age. Furthermore, we identified significant dysregulation of circadian rhythmicity of corticosterone release measured over a 24h period compared to wild-type controls. Unexpectedly, we found that R6/2 transgenic mice show a blunted corticosterone response to restraint stress, compared to wild-type mice. Together, these data provide further evidence that HPA-axis activity is abnormal in R6/2 mice, and highlight the important role that cortisol plays in HD symptom development. Our findings suggest that cortisol-reducing therapeutics may be of value in improving HD patient quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett D Dufour
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Jodi L McBride
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Townhill J, Hughes AC, Thomas B, Busse ME, Price K, Dunnett SB, Hastings MH, Rosser AE. Using Actiwatch to monitor circadian rhythm disturbance in Huntington' disease: A cautionary note. J Neurosci Methods 2016; 265:13-8. [PMID: 26774754 PMCID: PMC4863526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that is well recognised as producing progressive deterioration of motor function, including dyskinetic movements, as well as deterioration of cognition and ability to carry out activities of daily living. However, individuals with HD commonly suffer from a wide range of additional symptoms, including weight loss and sleep disturbance, possibly due to disruption of circadian rhythmicity. Disrupted circadian rhythms have been reported in mice models of HD and in humans with HD. One way of assessing an individual's circadian rhythmicity in a community setting is to monitor their sleep/wake cycles, and a convenient method for recording periods of wakefulness and sleep is to use accelerometers to discriminate between varied activity levels (including sleep) during daily life. Here we used Actiwatch(®) Activity monitors alongside ambulatory EEG and sleep diaries to record wake/sleep patterns in people with HD and normal volunteers. We report that periods of wakefulness during the night, as detected by activity monitors, agreed poorly with EEG recordings in HD subjects, and unsurprisingly sleep diary findings showed poor agreement with both EEG recordings and activity monitor derived sleep periods. One explanation for this is the occurrence of 'break through' involuntary movements during sleep in the HD patients, which are incorrectly assessed as wakeful periods by the activity monitor algorithms. Thus, care needs to be taken when using activity monitors to assess circadian activity in individuals with movement disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Townhill
- The Cardiff University Brain Repair Group, Life Sciences Building, School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Alis C Hughes
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Benny Thomas
- Dept Neurolophysiology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, United Kingdom
| | - Monica E Busse
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, 35-43 Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 OAB, United Kingdom
| | - Kathy Price
- The Cardiff University Brain Repair Group, Life Sciences Building, School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen B Dunnett
- The Cardiff University Brain Repair Group, Life Sciences Building, School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Michael H Hastings
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Anne E Rosser
- The Cardiff University Brain Repair Group, Life Sciences Building, School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom; Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kuljis DA, Gad L, Loh DH, MacDowell Kaswan Z, Hitchcock ON, Ghiani CA, Colwell CS. Sex Differences in Circadian Dysfunction in the BACHD Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147583. [PMID: 26871695 PMCID: PMC4752447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects men and women in equal numbers, but some epidemiological studies indicate there may be sex differences in disease progression. One of the early symptoms of HD is disruptions in the circadian timing system, but it is currently unknown whether sex is a factor in these alterations. Since sex differences in HD could provide important insights to understand cellular and molecular mechanism(s) and designing early intervention strategies, we used the bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model of HD (BACHD) to examine whether sex differences in circadian behavioral rhythms are detectable in an animal model of the disease. Similar to BACHD males, BACHD females display circadian disruptions at both 3 and 6 months of age; however, deficits to BACHD female mouse activity levels, rhythm precision, and behavioral fragmentation are either delayed or less severe relative to males. These sex differences are associated with a smaller suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in BACHD male mice at age of symptom onset (3 months), but are not associated with sex-specific differences in SCN daytime electrical activity deficits, or peptide expression (arginine vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal peptide) within the SCN. Notably, BACHD females exhibited delayed motor coordination deficits, as measured using rotarod and challenge beam. These findings suggest a sex specific factor plays a role both in non-motor and motor symptom progression for the BACHD mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dika A. Kuljis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Laura Gad
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Dawn H. Loh
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Zoë MacDowell Kaswan
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Olivia N. Hitchcock
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Cristina A. Ghiani
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher S. Colwell
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Circadian rhythms have a major role in physiology and behavior. Circadian disruption has negative consequences for physiologic homeostasis at molecular, cellular, organ-system, and whole-organism levels. The onset of many cerebrovascular insults shows circadian temporal trends. Impaired sleep-wake cycle, the most robust output rhythms of the circadian system, is significantly affected by neurodegenerative disorders, may precede them by decades, and may also affect their progression. Emerging evidence suggests that circadian disruption may be a risk factor for these neurologic disorders. This article discusses the implications of circadian rhythms in brain disorders, with an emphasis on cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Videnovic
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Phyllis C Zee
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Abbott Hall 11th Floor, 710 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gabery S, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Lundh SH, Cheong RY, Churchyard A, Chua P, Stout JC, Egan GF, Kirik D, Petersén Å. Volumetric analysis of the hypothalamus in Huntington Disease using 3T MRI: the IMAGE-HD Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117593. [PMID: 25659157 PMCID: PMC4319930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene. Non-motor symptoms and signs such as psychiatric disturbances, sleep problems and metabolic dysfunction are part of the disease manifestation. These aspects may relate to changes in the hypothalamus, an area of the brain involved in the regulation of emotion, sleep and metabolism. Neuropathological and imaging studies using both voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as positron emission tomography (PET) have demonstrated pathological changes in the hypothalamic region during early stages in symptomatic HD. In this investigation, we aimed to establish a robust method for measurements of the hypothalamic volume in MRI in order to determine whether the hypothalamic dysfunction in HD is associated with the volume of this region. Using T1-weighted imaging, we describe a reproducible delineation procedure to estimate the hypothalamic volume which was based on the same landmarks used in histologically processed postmortem hypothalamic tissue. Participants included 36 prodromal HD (pre-HD), 33 symptomatic HD (symp-HD) and 33 control participants who underwent MRI scanning at baseline and 18 months follow-up as part of the IMAGE-HD study. We found no evidence of cross-sectional or longitudinal changes between groups in hypothalamic volume. Our results suggest that hypothalamic pathology in HD is not associated with volume changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Gabery
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Sofia Hult Lundh
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rachel Y. Cheong
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andrew Churchyard
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3180, Australia
- Huntington’s Disease Unit, Bethlehem Hospital, Kooyong Rd, Caulfield, Victoria, 3162, Australia
| | - Phyllis Chua
- Huntington’s Disease Unit, Bethlehem Hospital, Kooyong Rd, Caulfield, Victoria, 3162, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Julie C. Stout
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3180, Australia
| | - Gary F. Egan
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3180, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging (MBI), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3180, Australia
- Life Sciences Computation Centre, Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative (VLSCI), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deniz Kirik
- Brain Repair and Imaging in Neural Systems (B.R.A.I.N.S) Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Bioimaging Center, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åsa Petersén
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Du X, Pang TY. Is Dysregulation of the HPA-Axis a Core Pathophysiology Mediating Co-Morbid Depression in Neurodegenerative Diseases? Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:32. [PMID: 25806005 PMCID: PMC4353372 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of prodromal manifestation of neuropsychiatric symptoms in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). These affective symptoms may be observed many years before the core diagnostic symptoms of the neurological condition. It is becoming more apparent that depression is a significant modifying factor of the trajectory of disease progression and even treatment outcomes. It is therefore crucial that we understand the potential pathophysiologies related to the primary condition, which could contribute to the development of depression. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis is a key neuroendocrine signaling system involved in physiological homeostasis and stress response. Disturbances of this system lead to severe hormonal imbalances, and the majority of such patients also present with behavioral deficits and/or mood disorders. Dysregulation of the HPA-axis is also strongly implicated in the pathology of major depressive disorder. Consistent with this, antidepressant drugs, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been shown to alter HPA-axis activity. In this review, we will summarize the current state of knowledge regarding HPA-axis pathology in Alzheimer's, PD and HD, differentiating between prodromal and later stages of disease progression when evidence is available. Both clinical and preclinical evidence will be examined, but we highlight animal model studies as being particularly useful for uncovering novel mechanisms of pathology related to co-morbid mood disorders. Finally, we purpose utilizing the preclinical evidence to better inform prospective, intervention studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Du
- Mental Health Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Terence Y Pang
- Behavioural Neurosciences Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Videnovic A, Lazar AS, Barker RA, Overeem S. 'The clocks that time us'--circadian rhythms in neurodegenerative disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2014; 10:683-93. [PMID: 25385339 PMCID: PMC4344830 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2014.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are physiological and behavioural cycles generated by an endogenous biological clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The circadian system influences the majority of physiological processes, including sleep-wake homeostasis. Impaired sleep and alertness are common symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders, and circadian dysfunction might exacerbate the disease process. The pathophysiology of sleep-wake disturbances in these disorders remains largely unknown, and is presumably multifactorial. Circadian rhythm dysfunction is often observed in patients with Alzheimer disease, in whom it has a major impact on quality of life and represents one of the most important factors leading to institutionalization of patients. Similarly, sleep and circadian problems represent common nonmotor features of Parkinson disease and Huntington disease. Clinical studies and experiments in animal models of neurodegenerative disorders have revealed the progressive nature of circadian dysfunction throughout the course of neurodegeneration, and suggest strategies for the restoration of circadian rhythmicity involving behavioural and pharmacological interventions that target the sleep-wake cycle. In this Review, we discuss the role of the circadian system in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, and outline the implications of disrupted circadian timekeeping in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Videnovic
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 165 Cambridge Street Suite 650, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alpar S Lazar
- University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Forvie Site, Cambridge CB2 2PY, UK
| | - Roger A Barker
- University of Cambridge, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Forvie Site, Cambridge CB2 2PY, UK
| | - Sebastiaan Overeem
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, Nijmegen 6500 HB, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Decreased Hypothalamic Prohormone Convertase Expression in Huntington Disease Patients. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2013; 72:1126-34. [DOI: 10.1097/nen.0000000000000010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|
27
|
Schroeder AM, Colwell CS. How to fix a broken clock. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2013; 34:605-19. [PMID: 24120229 PMCID: PMC3856231 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fortunate are those who rise out of bed to greet the morning light well rested with the energy and enthusiasm to drive a productive day. Others, however, depend on hypnotics for sleep and require stimulants to awaken lethargic bodies. Sleep/wake disruption is a common occurrence in healthy individuals throughout their lifespan and is also a comorbid condition to many diseases (neurodegenerative) and psychiatric disorders (depression and bipolar). There is growing concern that chronic disruption of the sleep/wake cycle contributes to more serious conditions including diabetes (type 2), cardiovascular disease, and cancer. A poorly functioning circadian system resulting in misalignments in the timing of clocks throughout the body may be at the root of the problem for many people. In this article we discuss environmental (light therapy) and lifestyle changes (scheduled meals, exercise, and sleep) as interventions to help fix a broken clock. We also discuss the challenges and potential for future development of pharmacological treatments to manipulate this key biological system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Analyne M Schroeder
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Loh DH, Kudo T, Truong D, Wu Y, Colwell CS. The Q175 mouse model of Huntington's disease shows gene dosage- and age-related decline in circadian rhythms of activity and sleep. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69993. [PMID: 23936129 PMCID: PMC3728350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep and circadian disruptions are commonly reported by patients with neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting these may be an endophenotype of the disorders. Several mouse models of Huntington’s disease (HD) that recapitulate the disease progression and motor dysfunction of HD also exhibit sleep and circadian rhythm disruption. Of these, the strongest effects are observed in the transgenic models with multiple copies of mutant huntingtin gene. For developing treatments of the human disease, knock-in (KI) models offer advantages of genetic precision of the insertion and control of mutation copy number. Therefore, we assayed locomotor activity and immobility-defined sleep in a new model of HD with an expansion of the KI repeats (Q175). We found evidence for gene dose- and age-dependent circadian disruption in the behavior of the Q175 line. We did not see evidence for loss of cells or disruption of the molecular oscillator in the master pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The combination of the precise genetic targeting in the Q175 model and the observed sleep and circadian disruptions make it tractable to study the interaction of the underlying pathology of HD and the mechanisms by which the disruptions occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn H. Loh
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Danny Truong
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Yingfei Wu
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher S. Colwell
- Laboratory of Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|