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Demirel G, Sanajou S, Yirün A, Çakir DA, Berkkan A, Baydar T, Erkekoğlu P. Evaluation of possible neuroprotective effects of virgin coconut oil on aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro Alzheimer's disease model. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:609-622. [PMID: 37989595 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects various cognitive functions, behavior, and personality. AD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to aluminum (Al). Virgin coconut oil (VCO) may have potential as a natural neuroprotectant against AD. Aim of this study was to determine neuroprotective effects of VCO on Al-induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro AD model. SH-SY5Y cells were initially cultured in normal growth medium and then differentiated by reducing fetal bovine serum content and adding retinoic acid (RA). Later, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was added along with RA. The differentiation process was completed on the seventh day. Study groups (n = 3) were designed as control group, VCO group, Al group, Al-VCO group, Alzheimer model (AD) group, AD + Al-exposed group (AD+Al), AD + VCO applied group (AD + VCO) and AD + Al-exposed + VCO applied group (AD + Al + VCO). Specific markers of AD (hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, amyloid beta 1-40 peptide, and amyloid precursor protein) were measured in all groups. In addition, oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidase, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species) and neurotransmitter-related parameters (dopamine, dopamine transporter acetylcholine, and synuclein alpha levels, acetylcholinesterase activity) were measured comparatively in the study groups. VCO reduced amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein levels in the study groups. In addition, oxidative stress levels decreased, and neurotransmitter parameters improved with VCO. Our study shows that VCO may have potential therapeutic effects in Alzheimer's disease and further experiments are needed to determine its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göksun Demirel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
- Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, Department of Forensic Sciences, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Sonia Sanajou
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Anil Yirün
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Arca Çakir
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Vaccine Institute, Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysel Berkkan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Terken Baydar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pinar Erkekoğlu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Vaccine Institute, Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Rippee-Brooks MD, Wu W, Dong J, Pappolla M, Fang X, Bao X. Viral Infections, Are They a Trigger and Risk Factor of Alzheimer's Disease? Pathogens 2024; 13:240. [PMID: 38535583 PMCID: PMC10974111 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13030240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a progressive and debilitating condition, is reported to be the most common type of dementia, with at least 55 million people believed to be currently affected. Many causation hypotheses of AD exist, yet the intriguing link between viral infection and its possible contribution to the known etiology of AD has become an attractive focal point of research for the field and a challenging study task. In this review, we will explore the historical perspective and milestones that led the field to investigate the viral connection to AD. Specifically, several viruses such as Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), Zika virus (ZIKV), and severe cute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), along with several others mentioned, include the various viruses presently considered within the field. We delve into the strong evidence implicating these viruses in the development of AD such as the lytic replication and axonal transport of HSV-1, the various mechanisms of ZIKV neurotropism through the human protein Musashi-1 (MSI1), and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through the transfer of the virus through the BBB endothelial cells to glial cells and then to neurons via transsynaptic transfer. We will also explore beyond these mere associations by carefully analyzing the potential mechanisms by which these viruses may contribute to AD pathology. This includes but is not limited to direct neuronal infections, the dysregulation of immune responses, and the impact on protein processing (Aβ42 and hyperphosphorylated tau). Controversies and challenges of the virus-AD relationship emerge as we tease out these potential mechanisms. Looking forward, we emphasize future directions, such as distinct questions and proposed experimentations to explore, that the field should take to tackle the remaining unanswered questions and the glaring research gaps that persist. Overall, this review aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the past, present, and future of the potential link between viral infections and their association with AD development while encouraging further discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan D. Rippee-Brooks
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Wenzhe Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Jianli Dong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Miguel Pappolla
- Department of Neurology and Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Xiang Fang
- Department of Neurology and Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Xiaoyong Bao
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
- The Institute of Translational Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
- The Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
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Djurišić M. Immune receptors and aging brain. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20222267. [PMID: 38299364 PMCID: PMC10866841 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20222267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging brings about a myriad of degenerative processes throughout the body. A decrease in cognitive abilities is one of the hallmark phenotypes of aging, underpinned by neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration occurring in the brain. This review focuses on the role of different immune receptors expressed in cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems. We will discuss how immune receptors in the brain act as sentinels and effectors of the age-dependent shift in ligand composition. Within this 'old-age-ligand soup,' some immune receptors contribute directly to excessive synaptic weakening from within the neuronal compartment, while others amplify the damaging inflammatory environment in the brain. Ultimately, chronic inflammation sets up a positive feedback loop that increases the impact of immune ligand-receptor interactions in the brain, leading to permanent synaptic and neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Djurišić
- Departments of Biology, Neurobiology, and Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A
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Sanajou S, Yirün A, Arca Çakır D, Demirel G, Şahin G, Erkekoğlu P, Baydar T. Unraveling the neuroprotective mechanisms of naltrexone against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38221775 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2303975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) is a known neurotoxic trace element linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, has shown promising effects in reducing neuroinflammation at lower doses than those prescribed for addiction. This study aimed to determine the neuroprotective effects of naltrexone on Al-induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro AD model. The SH-SY5Y cells were first cultivated in a standard growth medium. Subsequently, the cells were induced to differentiate by decreasing the concentration of fetal bovine serum and introducing retinoic acid (RA) into the culture media. Subsequently, the inclusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was implemented in conjunction with RA. The process of differentiation was concluded on the seventh day. Study groups (n = 3) were designed as the control group, naltrexone group, Al group, Al-Nal group, Alzheimer' model (AD) group, Alzheimer model + Al-exposed group (AD-Al), Alzheimer model + Nal applied group (AD-Nal) and Alzheimer model + Al-exposed + Nal applied group (AD-Al-Nal). Hyperphosphorylated Tau protein as the specific marker of AD was measured in all groups. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3)β, Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), Akt and Wnt signaling pathways were analyzed comparatively. In addition, oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidase, protein carbonyl and reactive oxygen species) were measured comparatively in the study groups. The results showed that naltrexone reduced hyperphosphorylated tau protein levels by regulating GSK-3β, PP2A, Akt and Wnt signaling. Also, exposure to naltrexone decreased oxidative stress parameters. Based on these results, naltrexone shows promise as a potential therapy for AD, subject to additional clinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Sanajou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Anil Yirün
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Deniz Arca Çakır
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University, Vaccine Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Göksun Demirel
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Gönül Şahin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pinar Erkekoğlu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University, Vaccine Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Terken Baydar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Sanajou S, Yirün A, Demirel G, Çakir DA, Şahin G, Erkekoğlu P, Baydar T. Antioxidant dihydrolipolic acid protects against in vitro aluminum-induced toxicity. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1793-1805. [PMID: 37409350 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) is a natural antioxidant known for its ability to counteract metal toxicity and oxidative stress. It has shown the potential to safeguard cells from harmful environmental substances. It may hold therapeutic benefits in treating neurodegenerative disorders by defending against oxidative damage and chronic inflammation. Thus, this study aimed to explore the potential neuroprotective effects of DHLA against aluminum (Al)-induced toxicity using an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model in vitro. The study focused on two important pathways: GSK-3β and the Wnt signaling pathways. The SH-SY5Y cell line was differentiated to establish AD, and the study group were as follows: control, Al, DHLA, Al-DHLA, AD, AD-Al, AD-DHLA, and AD-Al-DHLA. The impact of DHLA on parameters related to oxidative stress was assessed. The activity of the GSK-3β pathway was measured by evaluating the levels of PPP1CA, PP2A, GSK-3β, and Akt. The Wnt signaling pathway was assessed by measuring Wnt/β-catenin in the different study groups. Exposure to DHLA significantly reduced oxidative stress by effectively decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting against protein oxidation and limiting the production of malonaldehyde. Moreover, the DHLA-treated groups exhibited a remarkable increase in the total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the study observed an upregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway and a downregulation of the GSK-3β pathway in the groups treated with DHLA. In summary, the neuroprotective effects of DHLA, primarily achieved by reducing oxidative stress and modulating critical imbalanced pathways associated with AD, indicate its potential as a promising addition to the treatment regimens of AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Sanajou
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Anil Yirün
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Göksun Demirel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Deniz Arca Çakir
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Vaccine Institute, Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gönül Şahin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pinar Erkekoğlu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Vaccine Institute, Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Terken Baydar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Feng S, Liu Y, Zhou Y, Shu Z, Cheng Z, Brenner C, Feng P. Mechanistic insights into the role of herpes simplex virus 1 in Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1245904. [PMID: 37744399 PMCID: PMC10512732 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1245904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder, threatening millions of people worldwide. The onset and progression of AD can be accelerated by environmental risk factors, such as bacterial and viral infections. Human herpesviruses are ubiquitous infectious agents that underpin numerous inflammatory disorders including neurodegenerative diseases. Published studies concerning human herpesviruses in AD imply an active role HSV-1 in the pathogenesis of AD. This review will summarize the current understanding of HSV-1 infection in AD and highlight some barriers to advance this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Feng
- Department of Diabetes and Cancer Metabolism, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Yongzhen Liu
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yu Zhou
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Zhenfeng Shu
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Zhuxi Cheng
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- International Department, Beijing Bayi School, Beijing, China
| | - Charles Brenner
- Department of Diabetes and Cancer Metabolism, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Pinghui Feng
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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