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Kuedo Z, Binlateh T, Benjakul S, Hutamekalin P. Pretreatment with Liposome-Encapsulated Shrimp Shell Extract Attenuated Neuronal Damage and Death in Aβ 1-42-Induced Memory Deficits in Rats. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1166-1187. [PMID: 38326524 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04103-1] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides is a crucial factor in the neuronal degeneration of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The current study investigated the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms of shrimp shell extract (SSE) and liposome-encapsulated SSE (SSE/L) against Aβ1-42-induced neuronal damage and death in rats. Intracerebroventricular infusion of Aβ1-42 effectively induced memory decline, as observed in a reduction of the rat's discriminating ability in the novel object recognition and novel object location tasks. Oral pretreatment with 100 mg/kg of SSE demonstrated no preventive effect on the memory decline induced by Aβ1-42 infusion. However, treatment with SSE/L 100 mg/kg BW effectively attenuated memory deficits in both behavioral assessments following two and four weeks after Aβ1-42 infusion. Moreover, SSE/L exerted neuroprotective effects by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing Nrf2/HO-1 expression. There was a significant decrease in Iba1 and GFAP (biomarkers of microglia and astrocyte activity, respectively), as well as a decrease in the levels of NF-κB expression and the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in the cortical and hippocampal tissues. Treatment with SSE/L also reduced the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 while raising the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. In addition, the beneficial effects of SSE/L were along with the effects of a positive control commercial astaxanthin (AST). The findings of this study indicated that SSE/L provided neuroprotective effects on Aβ1-42-induced AD rats by ameliorating oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptotic cell death. Therefore, SSE/L might be employed to prevent and mitigate Aβ accumulation-induced neurotoxicity in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulkiflee Kuedo
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Thunwa Binlateh
- School of Pharmacy, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Soottawat Benjakul
- International Center of Excellence in Seafood Science and Innovation, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Pilaiwanwadee Hutamekalin
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Songkhla, Thailand.
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2
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Medeiros D, McMurry K, Pfeiffer M, Newsome K, Testerman T, Graf J, Silver AC, Sacchetti P. Slowing Alzheimer's disease progression through probiotic supplementation. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1309075. [PMID: 38510467 PMCID: PMC10950931 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1309075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The lack of affordable and effective therapeutics against cognitive impairment has promoted research toward alternative approaches to the treatment of neurodegeneration. In recent years, a bidirectional pathway that allows the gut to communicate with the central nervous system has been recognized as the gut-brain axis. Alterations in the gut microbiota, a dynamic population of trillions of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, have been implicated in a variety of pathological states, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, probiotic treatment as an affordable and accessible adjuvant therapy for the correction of dysbiosis in AD has not been thoroughly explored. Here, we sought to correct the dysbiosis in an AD mouse model with probiotic supplementation, with the intent of exploring its effects on disease progression. Transgenic 3xTg-AD mice were fed a control or a probiotic diet (Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 and Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601) for 12 weeks, with the latter leading to a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. Cognitive functions were evaluated via Barnes Maze trials and improvements in memory performance were detected in probiotic-fed AD mice. Neural tissue analysis of the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus of 10-month-old 3xTg-AD mice demonstrated that astrocytic and microglial densities were reduced in AD mice supplemented with a probiotic diet, with changes more pronounced in probiotic-fed female mice. In addition, elevated numbers of neurons in the hippocampus of probiotic-fed 3xTg-AD mice suggested neuroprotection induced by probiotic supplementation. Our results suggest that probiotic supplementation could be effective in delaying or mitigating early stages of neurodegeneration in the 3xTg-AD animal model. It is vital to explore new possibilities for palliative care for neurodegeneration, and probiotic supplementation could provide an inexpensive and easily implemented adjuvant clinical treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Destynie Medeiros
- Department of Biology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, United States
| | - Kristina McMurry
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Biology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, United States
| | - Melissa Pfeiffer
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Biology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, United States
| | - Kayla Newsome
- Department of Biology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, United States
| | - Todd Testerman
- Department of Molecular Cellular Biology, UConn, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Joerg Graf
- Department of Molecular Cellular Biology, UConn, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Adam C. Silver
- Department of Biology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, United States
| | - Paola Sacchetti
- Department of Biology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, United States
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3
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Verkerke M, Berdenis van Berlekom A, Donega V, Vonk D, Sluijs JA, Butt NF, Kistemaker L, de Witte LD, Pasterkamp RJ, Middeldorp J, Hol EM. Transcriptomic and morphological maturation of human astrocytes in cerebral organoids. Glia 2024; 72:362-374. [PMID: 37846809 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral organoids (CerOrgs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a valuable tool to study human astrocytes and their interaction with neurons and microglia. The timeline of astrocyte development and maturation in this model is currently unknown and this limits the value and applicability of the model. Therefore, we generated CerOrgs from three healthy individuals and assessed astrocyte maturation after 5, 11, 19, and 37 weeks in culture. At these four time points, the astrocyte lineage was isolated based on the expression of integrin subunit alpha 6 (ITGA6). Based on the transcriptome of the isolated ITGA6-positive cells, astrocyte development started between 5 and 11 weeks in culture and astrocyte maturation commenced after 11 weeks in culture. After 19 weeks in culture, the ITGA6-positive astrocytes had the highest expression of human mature astrocyte genes, and the predicted functional properties were related to brain homeostasis. After 37 weeks in culture, a subpopulation of ITGA6-negative astrocytes appeared, highlighting the heterogeneity within the astrocytes. The morphology shifted from an elongated progenitor-like morphology to the typical bushy astrocyte morphology. Based on the morphological properties, predicted functional properties, and the similarities with the human mature astrocyte transcriptome, we concluded that ITGA6-positive astrocytes have developed optimally in 19-week-old CerOrgs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Verkerke
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Amber Berdenis van Berlekom
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Donega
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Anatomy & Neurosciences, section Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Vonk
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline A Sluijs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nayab F Butt
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lois Kistemaker
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lot D de Witte
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Department of Neurobiology & Aging, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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4
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Cai Y, Cui T, Yin P, Paganelli P, Vicini S, Wang T. Dysregulated glial genes in Alzheimer's disease are essential for homeostatic plasticity: Evidence from integrative epigenetic and single cell analyses. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13989. [PMID: 37712202 PMCID: PMC10652298 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13989] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic homeostatic plasticity is a foundational regulatory mechanism that maintains the stability of synaptic and neural functions within the nervous system. Impairment of homeostatic regulation has been linked to synapse destabilization during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent epigenetic and transcriptomic characterizations of the nervous system have revealed intricate molecular details about the aging brain and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, how abnormal epigenetic and transcriptomic alterations in different cell types in AD affect synaptic homeostatic plasticity remains to be elucidated. Various glial cell types play critical roles in modulating synaptic functions both during the aging process and in the context of AD. Here, we investigated the impact of glial dysregulation of histone acetylation and transcriptome in AD on synaptic homeostatic plasticity, using computational analysis combined with electrophysiological methods in Drosophila. By integrating snRNA-seq and H3K9ac ChIP-seq data from the same AD patient cohort, we pinpointed cell type-specific signature genes that were transcriptionally altered by histone acetylation. We subsequently investigated the role of these glial genes in regulating presynaptic homeostatic potentiation in Drosophila. Remarkably, nine glial-specific genes, which were identified through our computational method as targets of H3K9ac and transcriptional dysregulation, were found to be crucial for the regulation of synaptic homeostatic plasticity in Drosophila. Our genetic evidence connects abnormal glial transcriptomic changes in AD with the impairment of homeostatic plasticity in the nervous system. In summary, our integrative computational and genetic studies highlight specific glial genes as potential key players in the homeostatic imbalance observed in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimei Cai
- Department of Pharmacology & PhysiologyGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonD.C.USA
| | - Tao Cui
- Department of Pharmacology & PhysiologyGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonD.C.USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in NeuroscienceGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonD.C.USA
| | - Pengqi Yin
- Department of Pharmacology & PhysiologyGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonD.C.USA
- Present address:
Department of Neurology, Shanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Present address:
Department of Neurology, First Affiliated HospitalHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Paxton Paganelli
- Department of Pharmacology & PhysiologyGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonD.C.USA
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology & PhysiologyGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonD.C.USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in NeuroscienceGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonD.C.USA
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & PhysiologyGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonD.C.USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in NeuroscienceGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonD.C.USA
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5
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Kirchner K, Garvert L, Kühn L, Bonk S, Grabe HJ, Van der Auwera S. Detrimental Effects of ApoE ε4 on Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity and Their Potential Implications on the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:2512. [PMID: 37947590 PMCID: PMC10649078 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212512] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease representing the most common type of dementia in older adults. The major risk factors include increased age, genetic predisposition and socioeconomic factors. Among the genetic factors, the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 allele poses the greatest risk. Growing evidence suggests that cerebrovascular dysfunctions, including blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, are also linked to AD pathology. Within the scope of this paper, we, therefore, look upon the relationship between ApoE, BBB integrity and AD. In doing so, both brain-derived and peripheral ApoE will be considered. Despite the considerable evidence for the involvement of brain-derived ApoE ε4 in AD, information about the effect of peripheral ApoE ε4 on the central nervous system is scarce. However, a recent study demonstrated that peripheral ApoE ε4 might be sufficient to impair brain functions and aggravate amyloid-beta pathogenesis independent from brain-based ApoE ε4 expression. Building upon recent literature, we provide an insight into the latest research that has enhanced the understanding of how ApoE ε4, secreted either in the brain or the periphery, influences BBB integrity and consequently affects AD pathogenesis. Subsequently, we propose a pathway model based on current literature and discuss future research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kirchner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Linda Garvert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Luise Kühn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sarah Bonk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans Jörgen Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sandra Van der Auwera
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
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6
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Gullotta GS, Costantino G, Sortino MA, Spampinato SF. Microglia and the Blood-Brain Barrier: An External Player in Acute and Chronic Neuroinflammatory Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119144. [PMID: 37298096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system that guarantee immune surveillance and exert also a modulating role on neuronal synaptic development and function. Upon injury, microglia get activated and modify their morphology acquiring an ameboid phenotype and pro- or anti-inflammatory features. The active role of microglia in blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and their interaction with different cellular components of the BBB-endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes-are described. Here, we report the specific crosstalk of microglia with all the BBB cell types focusing in particular on the involvement of microglia in the modulation of BBB function in neuroinflammatory conditions that occur in conjunction with an acute event, such as a stroke, or in a slow neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. The potential of microglia to exert a dual role, either protective or detrimental, depending on disease stages and environmental conditioning factors is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Serena Gullotta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Costantino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience and Education, DISTUM, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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7
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Yao J, Chen C, Guo Y, Yang Y, Liu X, Chu S, Ai Q, Zhang Z, Lin M, Yang S, Chen N. A Review of Research on the Association between Neuron-Astrocyte Signaling Processes and Depressive Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086985. [PMID: 37108148 PMCID: PMC10139177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a mental illness that has a serious negative impact on physical and mental health. The pathophysiology of depression is still unknown, and therapeutic medications have drawbacks, such as poor effectiveness, strong dependence, adverse drug withdrawal symptoms, and harmful side effects. Therefore, the primary purpose of contemporary research is to understand the exact pathophysiology of depression. The connection between astrocytes, neurons, and their interactions with depression has recently become the focus of great research interest. This review summarizes the pathological changes of neurons and astrocytes, and their interactions in depression, including the alterations of mid-spiny neurons and pyramidal neurons, the alterations of astrocyte-related biomarkers, and the alterations of gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons. In addition to providing the subjects of this research and suggestions for the pathogenesis and treatment techniques of depression, the intention of this article is to more clearly identify links between neuronal-astrocyte signaling processes and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Yao
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Cong Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- School of Acupuncture & Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yantao Yang
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Xinya Liu
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qidi Ai
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Meiyu Lin
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Songwei Yang
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Naihong Chen
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Höhn L, Hußler W, Richter A, Smalla KH, Birkl-Toeglhofer AM, Birkl C, Vielhaber S, Leber SL, Gundelfinger ED, Haybaeck J, Schreiber S, Seidenbecher CI. Extracellular Matrix Changes in Subcellular Brain Fractions and Cerebrospinal Fluid of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065532. [PMID: 36982604 PMCID: PMC10058969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain’s extracellular matrix (ECM) is assumed to undergo rearrangements in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we investigated changes of key components of the hyaluronan-based ECM in independent samples of post-mortem brains (N = 19), cerebrospinal fluids (CSF; N = 70), and RNAseq data (N = 107; from The Aging, Dementia and TBI Study) of AD patients and non-demented controls. Group comparisons and correlation analyses of major ECM components in soluble and synaptosomal fractions from frontal, temporal cortex, and hippocampus of control, low-grade, and high-grade AD brains revealed a reduction in brevican in temporal cortex soluble and frontal cortex synaptosomal fractions in AD. In contrast, neurocan, aggrecan and the link protein HAPLN1 were up-regulated in soluble cortical fractions. In comparison, RNAseq data showed no correlation between aggrecan and brevican expression levels and Braak or CERAD stages, but for hippocampal expression of HAPLN1, neurocan and the brevican-interaction partner tenascin-R negative correlations with Braak stages were detected. CSF levels of brevican and neurocan in patients positively correlated with age, total tau, p-Tau, neurofilament-L and Aβ1-40. Negative correlations were detected with the Aβ ratio and the IgG index. Altogether, our study reveals spatially segregated molecular rearrangements of the ECM in AD brains at RNA or protein levels, which may contribute to the pathogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Höhn
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Hußler
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anni Richter
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Smalla
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Birkl-Toeglhofer
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Christoph Birkl
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan L. Leber
- Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Eckart D. Gundelfinger
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Stefanie Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders (DZNE), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Constanze I. Seidenbecher
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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9
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Long-term plasticity of astrocytic phenotypes and their control by neurons in health and disease. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:39-47. [PMID: 36695493 PMCID: PMC10011399 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The brain is a complex organ even when viewed from a cell biological perspective. Neuronal networks are embedded in a dense milieu of diverse and specialised cell types, including several types of vascular, immune, and macroglial cells. To view each cell as a small cog in a highly complex machine is itself an oversimplification. Not only are they functionally coupled to enable the brain to operate, each cell type's functions are themselves influenced by each other, in development, maturity, and also in disease. Astrocytes are a type of macroglia that occupy a significant fraction of the human forebrain. They play a critical role in sustaining functional neuronal circuits across the lifespan through myriad homeostatic functions including the maintenance of redox balance, ionic gradients, neurotransmitter clearance, and bioenergetic support. It is becoming apparent that astrocytes' capacity to carry out these and other neurosupportive roles is not fixed, but is regulated by signals coming from the neurons themselves, both in the healthy brain but also in response to neuron-derived disease pathology. Here, we review mechanisms by which neurons control the properties of astrocytes long term in order to alter their homeostatic capacity both in development and maturity. Our working hypothesis is that these signals are designed to change and maintain the homeostatic capacity of local astrocytes to suit the needs of nearby neurons. Knowledge of the external signals that can control core aspects of a healthy astrocytic phenotype are being uncovered, raising the question as to whether this knowledge can be harnessed to promote astrocyte-mediated neurosupport in brain disorders.
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10
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The Fuzzy Border between the Functional and Dysfunctional Effects of Beta-Amyloid: A Synaptocentric View of Neuron-Glia Entanglement. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020484. [PMID: 36831020 PMCID: PMC9953143 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020484] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent observations from clinical trials using monoclonal antibodies against Aβ seem to suggest that Aβ-targeting is modestly effective and not sufficiently based on an effective challenge of the role of Aβ from physiological to pathological. After an accelerated approval procedure for aducanumab, and more recently lecanemab, their efficacy and safety remain to be fully defined despite previous attempts with various monoclonal antibodies, and both academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies are actively searching for novel treatments. Aβ needs to be clarified further in a more complicated context, taking into account both its accumulation and its biological functions during the course of the disease. In this review, we discuss the border between activities affecting early, potentially reversible dysfunctions of the synapse and events trespassing the threshold of inflammatory, self-sustaining glial activation, leading to irreversible damage. We detail a clear understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the derangement from function to dysfunction and the switch of the of Aβ role from physiological to pathological. A picture is emerging where the optimal therapeutic strategy against AD should involve a number of allied molecular processes, displaying efficacy not only in reducing the well-known AD pathogenesis players, such as Aβ or neuroinflammation, but also in preventing their adverse effects.
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Rodríguez-Giraldo M, González-Reyes RE, Ramírez-Guerrero S, Bonilla-Trilleras CE, Guardo-Maya S, Nava-Mesa MO. Astrocytes as a Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease-Comprehensive Review and Recent Developments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13630. [PMID: 36362415 PMCID: PMC9654484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a frequent and disabling neurodegenerative disorder, in which astrocytes participate in several pathophysiological processes including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism (along with a critical role in apolipoprotein E function). Current evidence shows that astrocytes have both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects depending on the disease stage and microenvironmental factors. Furthermore, astrocytes appear to be affected by the presence of amyloid-beta (Aβ), with alterations in calcium levels, gliotransmission and proinflammatory activity via RAGE-NF-κB pathway. In addition, astrocytes play an important role in the metabolism of tau and clearance of Aβ through the glymphatic system. In this review, we will discuss novel pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments focused on astrocytes as therapeutic targets for AD. These interventions include effects on anti-inflammatory/antioxidant systems, glutamate activity, lipid metabolism, neurovascular coupling and glymphatic system, calcium dysregulation, and in the release of peptides which affects glial and neuronal function. According to the AD stage, these therapies may be of benefit in either preventing or delaying the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mauricio O. Nava-Mesa
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Centro de Neurociencias Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
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