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Gupta S, Dinesh S, Sharma S. Bridging the Mind and Gut: Uncovering the Intricacies of Neurotransmitters, Neuropeptides, and their Influence on Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:2-21. [PMID: 38265387 DOI: 10.2174/0118715249271548231115071021] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional signaling channel that facilitates communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Recent research on the gut-brain axis demonstrates that this connection enables the brain to influence gut function, which in turn influences the brain and its cognitive functioning. It is well established that malfunctioning of this axis adversely affects both systems' ability to operate effectively. OBJECTIVE Dysfunctions in the GBA have been associated with disorders of gut motility and permeability, intestinal inflammation, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, and IBD, as well as neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. Multiple research initiatives have shown that the gut microbiota, in particular, plays a crucial role in the GBA by participating in the regulation of a number of key neurochemicals that are known to have significant effects on the mental and physical well-being of an individual. METHODS Several studies have investigated the relationship between neuropsychiatric disorders and imbalances or disturbances in the metabolism of neurochemicals, often leading to concomitant gastrointestinal issues and modifications in gut flora composition. The interaction between neurological diseases and gut microbiota has been a focal point within this research. The novel therapeutic interventions in neuropsychiatric conditions involving interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary modifications are outlined in this review. RESULTS The findings of multiple studies carried out on mice show that modulating and monitoring gut microbiota can help treat symptoms of such diseases, which raises the possibility of the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and even dietary changes as part of a new treatment strategy for neuropsychiatric disorders and their symptoms. CONCLUSION The bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain through the gut-brain axis has revealed profound implications for both gastrointestinal and neurological health. Malfunctions in this axis have been connected to a range of disorders affecting gut function as well as cognitive and neuropsychiatric well-being. The emerging understanding of the role of gut microbiota in regulating key neurochemicals opens up possibilities for novel treatment approaches for conditions like depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Gupta
- Department of Bioinformatics, BioNome, Bengaluru, India
| | - Susha Dinesh
- Department of Bioinformatics, BioNome, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sameer Sharma
- Department of Bioinformatics, BioNome, Bengaluru, India
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Li Z, Dang Q, Wang P, Zhao F, Huang J, Wang C, Liu X, Min W. Food-Derived Peptides: Beneficial CNS Effects and Cross-BBB Transmission Strategies. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:20453-20478. [PMID: 38085598 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Food-derived peptides, as dietary supplements, have significant effects on promoting brain health and relieving central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) greatly limits their in-brain bioavailability. Thus, overcoming the BBB to target the CNS is a major challenge for bioactive peptides in the prevention and treatment of CNS diseases. This review discusses improvement in the neuroprotective function of food-derived active peptides in CNS diseases, as well as the source of BBB penetrating peptides (BBB-shuttles) and the mechanism of transmembrane transport. Notably, this review also discusses various peptide modification methods to overcome the low permeability and stability of the BBB. Lipification, glycosylation, introduction of disulfide bonds, and cyclization are effective strategies for improving the penetration efficiency of peptides through the BBB. This review provides a new prospective for improving their neuroprotective function and developing treatments to delay or even prevent CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Li
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, ChangChun, Jilin 130118, P.R. China
| | - Qiao Dang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, ChangChun, Jilin 130118, P.R. China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Fanrui Zhao
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| | - Jianqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| | - Chongchong Wang
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| | - Xingquan Liu
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Weihong Min
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
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Mastrangelo M, Tolve M, Artiola C, Bove R, Carducci C, Carducci C, Angeloni A, Pisani F, Leuzzi V. Phenotypes and Genotypes of Inherited Disorders of Biogenic Amine Neurotransmitter Metabolism. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020263. [PMID: 36833190 PMCID: PMC9957200 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited disorders of biogenic amine metabolism are genetically determined conditions resulting in dysfunctions or lack of enzymes involved in the synthesis, degradation, or transport of dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline/noradrenaline, and their metabolites or defects of their cofactor or chaperone biosynthesis. They represent a group of treatable diseases presenting with complex patterns of movement disorders (dystonia, oculogyric crises, severe/hypokinetic syndrome, myoclonic jerks, and tremors) associated with a delay in the emergence of postural reactions, global development delay, and autonomic dysregulation. The earlier the disease manifests, the more severe and widespread the impaired motor functions. Diagnosis mainly depends on measuring neurotransmitter metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid that may address the genetic confirmation. Correlations between the severity of phenotypes and genotypes may vary remarkably among the different diseases. Traditional pharmacological strategies are not disease-modifying in most cases. Gene therapy has provided promising results in patients with DYT-DDC and in vitro models of DYT/PARK-SLC6A3. The rarity of these diseases, combined with limited knowledge of their clinical, biochemical, and molecular genetic features, frequently leads to misdiagnosis or significant diagnostic delays. This review provides updates on these aspects with a final outlook on future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mastrangelo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Tolve
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Artiola
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Bove
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Carducci
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-649972930; Fax: +39-64440232
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Mastrangelo M, Galosi S, Cesario S, Renzi A, Campea L, Leuzzi V. Presenting Patterns of Genetically Determined Developmental Encephalopathies With Epilepsy and Movement Disorders: A Single Tertiary Center Retrospective Cohort Study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:855134. [PMID: 35795805 PMCID: PMC9251420 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.855134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThis paper aimed to evaluate the frequency of observation of genetically determined developmental encephalopathies with epilepsy and movement disorders in a specialistic center, the distribution of etiologies and presenting clinical hallmarks, and the mean times for the achievement of molecular genetic diagnosis.Patients and MethodsRetrospective data about clinical phenotypes, etiology, and diagnostic pathways were collected in all the genetically confirmed patients with developmental encephalopathies with epilepsy and movement disorders referred to our institution between 2010 and 2020. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the predominant movement disorder type: 1) Group A: patients with hyperkinetic movement disorders; 2) Group B: patients with hypokinetic movement disorders. Both groups were analyzed in terms of developmental, epileptic, and movement disorder phenotypes.ResultsThe cohort included 69 patients (Group A = 53; Group B = 16). The etiological spectrum was heterogeneous with a predominance of Rett and Angelman syndrome in Group A and neurodegenerative disorders in Group B. A moderate/severe intellectual disability was assessed in 58/69 patients (mean age at the first signs of developmental impairment = 1,87 ± 1,72 years). Group A included patients with an earlier onset of epileptic seizures (2,63 ± 3,15 vs. 4,45 ± 5,55 years of group B) and a predominant generalized motor semiology of seizures at the onset. Focal seizures were the main initial epileptic manifestations in Group B. Seizures were noticed earlier than movement disorders in Group A while the opposite occurred in Group B. A higher increase in molecular genetic diagnosis was obtained in the last five years. Mean diagnostic delay was longer in Group B than in Group A (12,26 ± 13,32 vs. 5.66 ± 6.41 years). Chorea as an initial movement disorder was associated with a significantly longer diagnostic delay and a higher age at etiological diagnosis.ConclusionsThis study suggested: (a) a higher frequency of genetic defects involving neurotransmission, neuronal excitability, or neural development in patients with hyperkinetic movement disorders; (b) a higher frequency of neurodegenerative courses and a longer diagnostic delay in patients with hypokinetic movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mastrangelo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Galosi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Cesario
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla Campea
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Vincenzo Leuzzi
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Teleanu RI, Niculescu AG, Roza E, Vladâcenco O, Grumezescu AM, Teleanu DM. Neurotransmitters-Key Factors in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5954. [PMID: 35682631 PMCID: PMC9180936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are molecules that amplify, transmit, and convert signals in cells, having an essential role in information transmission throughout the nervous system. Hundreds of such chemicals have been discovered in the last century, continuing to be identified and studied concerning their action on brain health. These substances have been observed to influence numerous functions, including emotions, thoughts, memories, learning, and movements. Thus, disturbances in neurotransmitters' homeostasis started being correlated with a plethora of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. In this respect, the present paper aims to describe the most important neurotransmitters, broadly classified into canonical (e.g., amino acids, monoamines, acetylcholine, purines, soluble gases, neuropeptides) and noncanonical neurotransmitters (e.g., exosomes, steroids, D-aspartic acid), and explain their link with some of the most relevant neurological conditions. Moreover, a brief overview of the recently developed neurotransmitters' detection methods is offered, followed by several considerations on the modulation of these substances towards restoring homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Ioana Teleanu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania; (R.I.T.); (E.R.); (O.V.)
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Eugenia Roza
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania; (R.I.T.); (E.R.); (O.V.)
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Oana Vladâcenco
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania; (R.I.T.); (E.R.); (O.V.)
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
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Altered expression of DENND5B in patients with epilepsy and its regulation of seizures in mice. Epilepsy Res 2021; 178:106817. [PMID: 34837825 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a high incidence neurological disease, and its repeated attacks cause serious physical and psychological damage to the patient. Differentially expressed in normal and neoplastic cells (DENN) domain containing 5B (DENND5B) is a lipoprotein binding protein that mediates synaptic vesicle transport and regulates neuroplasticity and lipid metabolism. Nevertheless, the effect of DENND5B on seizures remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of DENND5B with epilepsy, detect its expression and distribution in the nervous system, and explore its role in epileptogenesis through western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and behavioral studies. In this experiment, two C57BL/6 mice models, which induced seizures by pentylenetetrazole and kainic acid, were established. We observed that the expression of DENND5B was reduced in the brains of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, and its expression was also similarly decreased in both chronic epileptic mice. The findings strongly suggest that DENND5B may be associated with epileptic seizures. Results of immunofluorescence showed that DENND5B was mainly expressed in the hippocampal region and co-located with neurons but not with astrocytes. Next, we used lentivirus to induce both lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression and knockdown of DENND5B in mice to test the change of susceptibility and severity of seizures in the two chronic seizure models. Knockdown of DENND5B was found to promote epileptic seizures, increase chronic spontaneous recurrent epileptic seizures and epileptic discharge, and reduce the incubation period. However, overexpression of DENND5B showed the opposite effect. These results suggest that DENND5B overexpression decreased the behavioral phenotype of epileptic seizures, but DENND5B downregulation had the opposite effect. In summary, our findings suggest that DENND5B can regulate epileptic seizures and may provide a new target for antiepileptic therapy.
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Palmer EE, Howell K, Scheffer IE. Natural History Studies and Clinical Trial Readiness for Genetic Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1432-1444. [PMID: 34708325 PMCID: PMC8608984 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are the most severe group of epilepsies. They usually begin in infancy or childhood with drug-resistant seizures, epileptiform EEG patterns, developmental slowing or regression, and cognitive impairment. DEEs have a high mortality and profound morbidity; comorbidities are common including autism spectrum disorders. With advances in genetic sequencing, over 400 genes have been implicated in DEEs, with a genetic cause now identified in over 50% patients. Each genetic DEE typically has a broad genotypic-phenotypic spectrum, based on the underlying pathophysiology. There is a pressing need to improve health outcomes by developing novel targeted therapies for specific genetic DEE phenotypes that not only improve seizure control, but also developmental outcomes and comorbidities. Clinical trial readiness relies firstly on a deep understanding of phenotype-genotype correlation and evolution of a condition over time, in order to select appropriate patients for clinical trials. Understanding the natural history of the disorder informs assessment of treatment efficacy in terms of both clinical outcome and biomarker utility. Natural history studies (NHS) provide a high quality, integrated, comprehensive approach to understanding a complex disease and underpin clinical trial design for novel therapies. NHS are pre-planned observational studies designed to track the course of a disease and identify demographic, genetic, environmental, and other variables, including biomarkers, that correlate with the disease's evolution and outcomes. Due to the rarity of individual genetic DEEs, appropriately funded high-quality DEE NHS will be required, with sustainable frameworks and equitable access to affected individuals globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Palmer
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Howell
- Department of Neurology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Department of Neurology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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