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Xu G, Zhang X, Xiao W, Shi J, Xu Z. Production of L-serine and its derivative L-cysteine from renewable feedstocks using Corynebacterium glutamicum: advances and perspectives. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:448-461. [PMID: 36944486 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2170863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
L-serine and its derivative L-cysteine have broad industrial applications, and their direct fermentative production from renewable biomass is gaining increasing attention. Corynebacterium glutamicum is an extensively studied and well-established industrial microorganism, which is a predominant microbial host for producing amino acids. In this review, updated information on the genetics and molecular mechanisms underlying L-serine and L-cysteine production using C. glutamicum is presented, including their synthesis and degradation pathways, and other intracellular processes related to their production, as well as the mechanisms underlying substrate import and product export are also analyzed. Furthermore, metabolic strategies for strain improvement are systematically discussed, and conclusions and future perspectives for bio-based L-serine and L-cysteine production using C. glutamicum are presented. This review can provide a thorough understanding of L-serine and L-cysteine metabolic pathways to facilitate metabolic engineering modifications of C. glutamicum and development of more efficient industrial fermentation processes for L-serine and L-cysteine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, China
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Life Science and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wenhan Xiao
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, China
| | - Jinsong Shi
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, China
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Life Science and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhenghong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, China
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2
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Rocha MF, Vieira Magalhães-Ghiotto GA, Bergamasco R, Gomes RG. Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the environment and water intakes: Reports, diversity of congeners, detection by mass spectrometry and their impact on health. Toxicon 2024; 238:107589. [PMID: 38160739 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are aquatic microorganisms of high interest for research due to the production of secondary metabolites, among which the most popular are cyanotoxins, responsible for causing severe poisoning in humans and animals through ingestion or contact with contaminated water bodies. Monitoring the number of cyanobacteria in water and concentrations of secreted cyanotoxins with the aid of sensitive and reliable methods is considered the primary action for evaluating potentially toxic blooms. There is a great diversity of methods to detect and identify these types of micro contaminants in water, differing by the degree of sophistication and information provided. Mass Spectrometry stands out for its accuracy and sensitivity in identifying toxins, making it possible to identify and characterize toxins produced by individual species of cyanobacteria, in low quantities. In this review, we seek to update some information about cyanobacterial peptides, their effects on biological systems, and the importance of the main Mass Spectrometry methods used for detection, extraction, identification and monitoring of cyanotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Fernandes Rocha
- Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Grace Anne Vieira Magalhães-Ghiotto
- Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Rosângela Bergamasco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technology Center, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Raquel Guttierres Gomes
- Department of Food Engineering, Technology Center, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
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Yuan Y, Bailey JM, Rivera-Lopez GM, Atchison WD. Preferential potentiation of AMPA-mediated currents in brainstem hypoglossal motoneurons by subchronic exposure of mice expressing the human superoxide dismutase 1 G93A gene mutation to neurotoxicant methylmercury in vivo. Neurotoxicology 2024; 100:72-84. [PMID: 38065418 PMCID: PMC10877233 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.12.002] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The exact causes of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and fatal neurological disorder due to loss of upper and/or lower motoneurons, remain elusive. Gene-environment interactions are believed to be an important factor in the development of ALS. We previously showed that in vivo exposure of mice overexpressing the human superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1) gene mutation (hSOD1G93A; G93A), a mouse model for ALS, to environmental neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg) accelerated the onset of ALS-like phenotype. Here we examined the time-course of effects of MeHg on AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated currents in hypoglossal motoneurons in brainstem slices prepared from G93A, hSOD1wild-type (hWT) and non-carrier WT mice following in vivo exposure to MeHg. Mice were exposed daily to 3 ppm (approximately 0.7 mg/kg/day) MeHg via drinking water beginning at postnatal day 28 (P28) and continued until P47, 64 or 84, then acute brainstem slices were prepared, and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) or AMPA-evoked currents were examined using whole cell patch-clamp recording technique. Brainstem slices of untreated littermates were prepared at the same time points to serve as control. MeHg exposure had no significant effect on either sEPSCs or AMPA-evoked currents in slices from hWT or WT mice during any of those exposure time periods under our experimental conditions. MeHg also did not cause any significant effect on sEPSCs or AMPA-currents in G93A hypoglossal motoneurons at P47 and P64. However, at P84, MeHg significantly increased amplitudes of both sEPSCs and AMPA-evoked currents in hypoglossal motineurons from G93A mice (p < 0.05), but not the sEPSC frequency, suggesting a postsynaptic action on AMPARs. MeHg exposure did not cause any significant effect on GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). Therefore, MeHg exposure in vivo caused differential effects on AMPARs in hypoglossal motoneurons from mice with different genetic backgrounds. MeHg appears to preferentially stimulate the AMPAR-mediated currents in G93A hypoglossal motoneurons in an exposure time-dependent manner, which may contribute to the AMPAR-mediated motoneuron excitotoxicity, thereby facilitating development of ALS-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA.
| | - Jordan M Bailey
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - Gretchen M Rivera-Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - William D Atchison
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University, Life Sciences Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
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Ludolph A, Dupuis L, Kasarskis E, Steyn F, Ngo S, McDermott C. Nutritional and metabolic factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:511-524. [PMID: 37500993 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00845-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease that is classically thought to impact the motor system. Over the past 20 years, research has started to consider the contribution of non-motor symptoms and features of the disease, and how they might affect ALS prognosis. Of the non-motor features of the disease, nutritional status (for example, malnutrition) and metabolic balance (for example, weight loss and hypermetabolism) have been consistently shown to contribute to more rapid disease progression and/or earlier death. Several complex cellular changes observed in ALS, including mitochondrial dysfunction, are also starting to be shown to contribute to bioenergetic failure. The resulting energy depletion in high energy demanding neurons makes them sensitive to apoptosis. Given that nutritional and metabolic stressors at the whole-body and cellular level can impact the capacity to maintain optimal function, these factors present avenues through which we can identify novel targets for treatment in ALS. Several clinical trials are now underway evaluating the effectiveness of modifying energy balance in ALS, making this article timely in reviewing the evidence base for metabolic and nutritional interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Luc Dupuis
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Mécanismes Centraux et Périphériques de la Neurodégénérescence, UMR-S1118, Centre de Recherches en Biomédecine, Strasbourg, France
| | - Edward Kasarskis
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Frederik Steyn
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shyuan Ngo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Di Maio A, Nuzzo T, Gilio L, Serra M, Buttari F, Errico F, De Rosa A, Bassi MS, Morelli M, Sasabe J, Sulzer D, Carta M, Centonze D, Usiello A. Homeostasis of serine enantiomers is disrupted in the post-mortem caudate putamen and cerebrospinal fluid of living Parkinson's disease patients. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106203. [PMID: 37336364 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
L-serine generated in astrocytes plays a pivotal role in modulating essential neurometabolic processes, while its enantiomer, D-serine, specifically regulates NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signalling. Despite their physiological relevance in modulating cerebral activity, serine enantiomers metabolism in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains elusive. Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), we measured D- and L-serine levels along with other amino acids known to modulate NMDAR function, such as L-glutamate, L-aspartate, D-aspartate, and glycine, in the post-mortem caudate putamen (CPu) and superior frontal gyrus (SFG) of PD patients. Moreover, we examined these amino acids in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of de novo living PD, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients versus subjects with other neurological disorders (OND), used as control. We found higher D-serine and L-serine levels in the CPu of PD patients but not in the SFG, a cerebral region that, in contrast to the CPu, is not innervated by nigral dopaminergic terminals. We also highlighted a significant elevation of both serine enantiomers in the CSF samples from PD but not in those of AD and ALS patients, compared with control subjects. By contrast, none or only minor changes were found in the amount of other neuroactive amino acids mentioned above. Our findings identify D-serine and L-serine level upregulation as a biochemical signature associated with nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Di Maio
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Luana Gilio
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; Faculty of Psychology, Uninettuno Telematic International University, Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Fabio Buttari
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Portici, Italy
| | - Arianna De Rosa
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jumpei Sasabe
- Department of Pharmacology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David Sulzer
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Pharmacology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manolo Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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6
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Nugumanova G, Ponomarev ED, Askarova S, Fasler-Kan E, Barteneva NS. Freshwater Cyanobacterial Toxins, Cyanopeptides and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030233. [PMID: 36977124 PMCID: PMC10057253 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria produce a wide range of structurally diverse cyanotoxins and bioactive cyanopeptides in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. The health significance of these metabolites, which include genotoxic- and neurotoxic agents, is confirmed by continued associations between the occurrence of animal and human acute toxic events and, in the long term, by associations between cyanobacteria and neurodegenerative diseases. Major mechanisms related to the neurotoxicity of cyanobacteria compounds include (1) blocking of key proteins and channels; (2) inhibition of essential enzymes in mammalian cells such as protein phosphatases and phosphoprotein phosphatases as well as new molecular targets such as toll-like receptors 4 and 8. One of the widely discussed implicated mechanisms includes a misincorporation of cyanobacterial non-proteogenic amino acids. Recent research provides evidence that non-proteinogenic amino acid BMAA produced by cyanobacteria have multiple effects on translation process and bypasses the proof-reading ability of the aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase. Aberrant proteins generated by non-canonical translation may be a factor in neuronal death and neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that the production of cyanopeptides and non-canonical amino acids is a more general mechanism, leading to mistranslation, affecting protein homeostasis, and targeting mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. It can be evolutionarily ancient and initially developed to control phytoplankton communities during algal blooms. Outcompeting gut symbiotic microorganisms may lead to dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, a shift in blood-brain-barrier functionality, and eventually, mitochondrial dysfunction in high-energy demanding neurons. A better understanding of the interaction between cyanopeptides metabolism and the nervous system will be crucial to target or to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Nugumanova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Eugene D Ponomarev
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Sholpan Askarova
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Elizaveta Fasler-Kan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natasha S Barteneva
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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7
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Lee S, Hwang SK, Nam HS, Cho JS, Chung JY. Population Pharmacokinetic Model of AST-001, L-Isomer of Serine, Combining Endogenous Production and Exogenous Administration in Healthy Subjects. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:891227. [PMID: 35814222 PMCID: PMC9263096 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.891227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AST-001 is an L-isomer of serine that has protective effects on neurological disorders. This study aimed to establish a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of AST-001 in healthy Korean to further propose a fixed-dose regimen in pediatrics. The model was constructed using 648 plasma concentrations from 24 healthy subjects, including baseline endogenous levels during 24 h and concentrations after a single dose of 10, 20, and 30 g of AST-001. For the simulation, an empirical allometric power model was applied to the apparent clearance and volume of distribution with body weight. The PK characteristics of AST-001 after oral administration were well described by a two-compartment model with zero-order absorption and linear elimination. The endogenous production of AST-001 was well explained by continuous zero-order production at a rate of 0.287 g/h. The simulation results suggested that 2 g, 4 g, 7 g, 10 g, and 14 g twice-daily regimens for the respective groups of 10–14 kg, 15–24 kg, 25–37 kg, 38–51 kg, 52–60 kg were adequate to achieve sufficient exposure to AST-001. The current population PK model well described both observed endogenous production and exogenous administration of AST-001 in healthy subjects. Using the allometric scaling approach, we suggested an optimal fixed-dose regimen with five weight ranges in pediatrics for the upcoming phase 2 trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su-Kyeong Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
- Astrogen Inc., Daegu, South Korea
| | | | | | - Jae-Yong Chung
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Jae-Yong Chung,
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8
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Andrew A, Zhou J, Gui J, Shi X, Li M, Harrison A, Guetti B, Nathan R, Butt T, Peipert D, Tischbein M, Pioro EP, Stommel E, Bradley W. ALS risk factors: Industrial airborne chemical releases. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 295:118658. [PMID: 34921938 PMCID: PMC10752435 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Most amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases are sporadic (∼90%) and environmental exposures are implicated in their etiology. Large industrial facilities are permitted the airborne release of certain chemicals with hazardous properties and report the amounts to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) monitoring program. The objective of this project was to identify industrial chemicals released into the air that may be associated with ALS etiology. We geospatially estimated residential exposure to contaminants using a de-identified medical claims database, the SYMPHONY Integrated Dataverse®, with ∼26,000 nationally distributed ALS patients, and non-ALS controls matched for age and gender. We mapped TRI data on industrial releases of 523 airborne contaminants to estimate local residential exposure and used a dynamic categorization algorithm to solve the problem of zero-inflation in the dataset. In an independent validation study, we used residential histories to estimate exposure in each year prior to diagnosis. Air releases with positive associations in both the SYMPHONY analysis and the spatio-temporal validation study included styrene (false discovery rate (FDR) 5.4e-5), chromium (FDR 2.4e-4), nickel (FDR 1.6e-3), and dichloromethane (FDR 4.8e-4). Using a large de-identified healthcare claims dataset, we identified geospatial environmental contaminants associated with ALS. The analytic pipeline used may be applied to other diseases and identify novel targets for exposure mitigation. Our results support the future evaluation of these environmental chemicals as potential etiologic contributors to sporadic ALS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jie Zhou
- Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | | | - Xun Shi
- Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | | | | | - Bart Guetti
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Tanya Butt
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | | | - Erik P Pioro
- Center for ALS and Related Disorders, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Walter Bradley
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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9
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Jiang J, Li B, He W, Huang C. Dietary serine supplementation: Friend or foe? Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 61:12-20. [PMID: 34547701 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Serine lies at a critical node in biological processes involved in supplying intermediates for redox homeostasis, nucleotide, or lipid biosynthesis and one-carbon metabolism-coupled methyl donor production. Recently, dietary serine supplementation has been reported to modulate cellular serine levels and ameliorate neurological abnormalities induced by serine deficiency. Moreover, growing evidence showed that serine supplementation also alleviates fatty liver, encephalopathy, diabetes mellitus, and related complications, indicating the possibility of serine supplementation as a complementary therapeutic option. However, considering the serine addiction observed in tumorigenesis and tumor development, limitations may exist regarding the application of dietary serine supplementation in patients with cancer. Here, we assess recent research toward the mechanistic understanding of serine supplementation in various diseases to improve our cognition on modulating serine levels in different patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, Chengdu, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Chongqing, Chengdu, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, PR China.
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10
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Abstract
Increased understanding of disease pathophysiology and advances in gene therapies and drug technologies are revolutionizing treatment of muscular dystrophies and motor neuron disorders (MNDs). New drugs have been approved for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For other diseases, new targets have been identified, and new therapies are in clinical trials. The impact of such therapies will be fully understood only in the next decades. Cost burden and accessibility are major challenges in the wide application of new drugs. This article reviews advances in gene therapies, newly approved drugs, and therapeutic promises in muscular dystrophies and MNDs.
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11
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Andrew AS, Bradley WG, Peipert D, Butt T, Amoako K, Pioro EP, Tandan R, Novak J, Quick A, Pugar KD, Sawlani K, Katirji B, Hayes TA, Cazzolli P, Gui J, Mehta P, Horton DK, Stommel EW. Risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A regional United States case-control study. Muscle Nerve 2020; 63:52-59. [PMID: 33006184 PMCID: PMC7821307 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases are considered sporadic, without a known genetic basis, and environmental exposures are thought to play a causal role. To learn more about sporadic ALS etiology, we recruited n = 188 ALS patients from northern New England and Ohio and matched controls 2:1 from the general population of the same regions. Questionnaires evaluated the association between a variety of lifestyle, behavioral (ie, hobbies and activities), and occupational factors and the risk of ALS, including the duration of time between exposure and ALS onset, and exposure frequency. Head trauma was associated with increased ALS risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.60 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04‐2.45), with significantly greater effects for injuries occurring 10 or more years prior to symptom onset (P = .037). ALS risk was increased for those reporting severe electrical burns (adjusted OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.37‐6.03), with odds ratios highest for burns after age 30 (OR 3.14), and for burns 10 or more years prior to symptom onset (OR 3.09). Hobbies involving lead were the most strongly associated with ALS risk (adjusted OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.45‐5.91). Exposures to lead 20 or more years prior to diagnosis had larger effect sizes compared to those occurring more recently. Holding a job in mechanics, painting, or construction was associated with ALS. The identification of these specific environmental factors associated with ALS highlight the need for future prospective and laboratory studies to assess causality, biological mechanisms, and find prevention or treatment opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Walter G Bradley
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Daniel Peipert
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Tanya Butt
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Kwadwo Amoako
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Erik P Pioro
- Center for ALS and Related Disorders, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rup Tandan
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - John Novak
- Ohio Health Physician Group, Westerville, Ohio, USA
| | - Adam Quick
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - K Doug Pugar
- Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Komal Sawlani
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bashar Katirji
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Jiang Gui
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Paul Mehta
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - D Kevin Horton
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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12
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Fiore M, Parisio R, Filippini T, Mantione V, Platania A, Odone A, Signorelli C, Pietrini V, Mandrioli J, Teggi S, Costanzini S, Antonio C, Zuccarello P, Oliveri Conti G, Nicoletti A, Zappia M, Vinceti M, Ferrante M. Living near waterbodies as a proxy of cyanobacteria exposure and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population based case-control study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109530. [PMID: 32335431 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies highlighted the possibility that exposure to cyanotoxins leads to the development of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS We devised a population-based case-control study in two Italian populations. We used residential proximity of the residence to water bodies as a measure of possible exposure to cyanotoxins. RESULTS Based on 703 newly-diagnosed ALS cases and 2737 controls, we calculated an ALS odds ratio (OR) of 1.41 (95% CI: 0.72-2.74) for current residence in the vicinity of water bodies, and a slightly lower estimate for historical residence (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 0.57-2.99). Subjects <65 years and people living in the Northern Italy province of Modena had higher ORs, especially when historical residence was considered. CONCLUSIONS Overall, despite some risk of bias due to exposure misclassification and unmeasured confounding, our results appear to support the hypothesis that cyanotoxin exposure may increase ALS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fiore
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123.
| | - Roberto Parisio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valerio Mantione
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Armando Platania
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy; School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 58 Via Olgettina Milano, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Vladimiro Pietrini
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology Unit, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 1355 Via Pietro Giardini, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Sergio Teggi
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 10 Via Vivarelli, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Sofia Costanzini
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 10 Via Vivarelli, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristaldi Antonio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123.
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Section of Neurosciences, Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Zappia
- Section of Neurosciences, Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
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Sasahara I, Yamamoto A, Takeshita M, Suga Y, Suzuki K, Nishikata N, Takada M, Hashimoto M, Mine T, Kobuna Y, Nagao K. l-Serine and EPA Relieve Chronic Low-Back and Knee Pain in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Nutr 2020; 150:2278-2286. [PMID: 32520991 PMCID: PMC7467851 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multisite pain, including low-back and knee pain, is a major health issue that greatly decreases quality of life. OBJECTIVES This study analyzed the effects of l-serine, which provides necessary components for nerve function, and EPA, which exerts anti-inflammatory properties, on pain scores of adults with pain in at least the low back and knee for ≥3 mo. METHODS This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. The Japan Low Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JLEQ) and Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) were applied as primary outcomes. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and safety evaluation were secondary outcomes. We enrolled 120 participants aged ≥20 y (36 men and 84 women: mean ± SD age = 40.8 ± 10.9 y). The participants were randomly allocated to either the active group (daily ingestion of 594 mg l-serine and 149 mg EPA) or placebo group. The study period consisted of 8-wk dosing and 4-wk posttreatment observation. ANCOVA between groups for each time point was conducted using the baseline scores as covariates. RESULTS The JLEQ scores (active compared with placebo: 14.2 ± 11.2 compared with 19.0 ± 10.2) at week 8 were lower in the active group (P < 0.001). The JKOM scores at week 4 (11.7 ± 9.0 compared with 13.9 ± 7.9), week 8 (10.4 ± 7.9 compared with 13.1 ± 7.1), and week 12 (10.3 ± 7.4 compared with 13.8 ± 7.5) were lower in the active group (P ≤ 0.04). Additionally, the active group had 11-27% better scores compared with the placebo group for BPI1 (worst pain), BPI3 (average pain), and BPI5D (pain during moving) at week 4 (P ≤ 0.028) and week 8 (P ≤ 0.019), respectively, and BPI5D was 23% better in the active group at week 12 (P = 0.007). No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS l-Serine and EPA were effective for pain relief in adults with low-back and knee pain after multiplicity adjustment.This trial was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000035056.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuko Sasahara
- Institute of Food Sciences and Technologies, Ajinomoto Co, Inc, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akiko Yamamoto
- Institute of Food Sciences and Technologies, Ajinomoto Co, Inc, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masamichi Takeshita
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co, Inc, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasuyo Suga
- Institute of Food Sciences and Technologies, Ajinomoto Co, Inc, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Katsuya Suzuki
- Institute of Food Sciences and Technologies, Ajinomoto Co, Inc, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Natsumi Nishikata
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co, Inc, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Michihiro Takada
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co, Inc, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Tomoyuki Mine
- Institute of Food Sciences and Technologies, Ajinomoto Co, Inc, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kobuna
- Kobuna Orthopedic Clinic, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
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14
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Barp A, Gerardi F, Lizio A, Sansone VA, Lunetta C. Emerging Drugs for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Focus on Recent Phase 2 Trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2020; 25:145-164. [PMID: 32456491 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2020.1769067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease involving both upper and lower motor neurons and resulting in increasing disability and death 3-5 years after onset of symptoms. Over 40 large clinical trials for ALS have been negative, except for Riluzole that offers a modest survival benefit, and Edaravone that modestly reduces disease progression in patients with specific characteristics. Thus, the discovery of efficient disease modifying therapy is an urgent need. AREAS COVERED Although the cause of ALS remains unclear, many studies have demonstrated that neuroinflammation, proteinopathies, glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, microglial activation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction may play a key role in the pathogenesis. This review highlights recent discoveries relating to these diverse mechanisms and their implications for the development of therapy. Ongoing phase 2 clinical trials aimed to interfere with these pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed. EXPERT OPINION This review describes the challenges that the discovery of an efficient drug therapy faces and how these issues may be addressed. With the continuous advances coming from basic research, we provided possible suggestions that may be considered to improve performance of clinical trials and turn ALS research into a 'fertile ground' for drug development for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Barp
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre, Fondazione Serena Onlus , Milan, Italy.,Dept. Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan , Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Lizio
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre, Fondazione Serena Onlus , Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Ada Sansone
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre, Fondazione Serena Onlus , Milan, Italy.,Dept. Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan , Milan, Italy
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15
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Energy Balance as a Moderator of Neurologic Disease Risk and Progression. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:242-248. [PMID: 32215816 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00190-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease that like multiple other neurologic diseases has no curative treatment currently available. Environmental exposures to known neurotoxic compounds (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals, cyanobacterial toxins, etc.) are identified as risk factors associated with ALS. Assuming these environmental factors have causative roles in disease risk and given the ubiquity of these types of exposures for the modern human, why are not more people afflicted with ALS? Herein is proposed an energy balance moderation framework (EBMF)-a framework that postulates energy balance as a key moderator of neurologic disease risk. The EBMF proposes that the ability of the body to handle toxic compound exposures through excretion, metabolism, and/or storage impacts the acute and chronic tissue-specific toxicity which is moderated by energy balance. In this model, positive energy balance (weight gain or excess body weight/mass) would be protective against acute neurotoxic exposure permitting the assimilation and sequestration of toxic compounds within body stores separate from the nervous system. However, this protective buffering could be lost during sustained negative energy balance (weight loss) with the release of sequestered compounds redistributing to the nervous system. The EBMF may have relevance beyond ALS for other neurologic diseases with demonstrated environmental risks (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease) and offers new insights into potential strategies to reduce disease risk and develop novel treatments.
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16
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Pape JA, Grose JH. The effects of diet and sex in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 176:301-315. [PMID: 32147204 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. Approximately 90% of ALS cases are sporadic, suggesting there are multiple contributing factors that influence the disease risk, onset, and progression. Diet and sex are two factors that have been reported to alter ALS risk, onset and progression in humans and in animal models, providing potential modifiers of disease. Several epidemiological studies have identified diets that positively affect ALS patients, including various high-calorie fat or sugar-based diets, while animal models have been developed to test how these diets are working on a molecular level. These diets may offset the metabolic alterations that occur in ALS, such as hypermetabolism, lowered body mass index(BMI), and hyperlipidemia. Sex-dependent differences have also come forth from large-scale epidemiological studies as well as mouse-model studies. In addition, sex hormones have been shown to affect disease risk or progression. Herein, studies on the effects of diet and sex on ALS risk, onset, and progression will be reviewed. Understanding these diet- and sex-dependent outcomes may lead to optimized patient-specific therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Pape
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Provo, United States
| | - J H Grose
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Provo, United States.
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17
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Morrice JR, Gregory-Evans CY, Shaw CA. Investigating microglia during motor neuron degeneration using a zebrafish model. Micron 2020; 133:102852. [PMID: 32203887 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2020.102852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many different types of pathologies can arise in the central nervous system (CNS), such as neurodegeneration. The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases continues to increase, yet the pathogenesis underlying most neurodegenerative diseases, notably in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), remains elusive. Neuronal support cells, or glia, are known to play a crucial role in ALS. Microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS and also have neurotrophic support functions. These cells have a disease-modifying function in ALS, yet this role is not well understood. A likely reason for this is that the intact CNS is particularly challenging to access for investigation in patients and in most animal models, which has impeded research in this field. The zebrafish is emerging as a robust model system to investigate cells in vivo, and offer distinct advantages over other vertebrate models for investigating neurodegenerative diseases. Live imaging in vivo is a powerful technique to characterize the role of dynamic cells such as microglia during neurodegeneration, and zebrafish provide a convenient means for live imaging. Here, we discuss the zebrafish as a model for live imaging, provide a brief overview of available high resolution imaging platforms that accommodate zebrafish, and describe our own in vivo studies on the role of microglia during motor neuron degeneration. Live in vivo imaging is anticipated to provide invaluable advancements to defining the pathogenesis underlying neurodegenerative diseases, which may in turn allow for more specifically targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Morrice
- Experimental Medicine Program, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Cheryl Y Gregory-Evans
- Experimental Medicine Program, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Christopher A Shaw
- Experimental Medicine Program, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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18
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Angiopoietin-1 and ανβ3 integrin peptide promote the therapeutic effects of L-serine in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinsonism dementia complex model. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:3507-3527. [PMID: 30476904 PMCID: PMC6286852 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult disorder of neurodegeneration that manifests as the destruction of upper and lower motor neurons. Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA), an amino acid not present in proteins, was found to cause intraneuronal protein misfolding and to induce ALS/Parkinsonism dementia complex (PDC), which presents symptoms analogous to those of Alzheimer’s-like dementia and Parkinsonism. L-serine suppresses the erroneous incorporation of L-BMAA into proteins in the human nervous system. In this study, angiopoietin-1, an endothelial growth factor crucial for vascular development and angiogenesis, and the integrin αvβ3 binding peptide C16, which inhibits inflammatory cell infiltration, were utilized to improve the local microenvironment within the central nervous system of an ALS/PDC rodent model by minimizing inflammation. Our results revealed that L-serine application yielded better effects than C16+ angiopoietin-1 treatment alone for alleviating apoptotic and autophagic changes and improving cognition and electrophysiological dysfunction, but not for improving the inflammatory micro-environment in the central nerve system, while further advances in attenuating the functional disability and pathological impairment induced by L-BMAA could be achieved by co-treatment with C16 and angiopoietin-1 in addition to L-serine. Therefore, C16+ angiopoietin-1 could be beneficial as a supplement to promote the effects of L-serine treatment.
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19
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Ellis JE, Missan DS, Shabilla M, Moschonas C, Saperstein D, Martinez D, Becker CV, Fry SE. Comparison of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities in peripheral blood from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and control populations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humic.2019.100060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Canfield CA, Bradshaw PC. Amino acids in the regulation of aging and aging-related diseases. TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE OF AGING 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tma.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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21
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Downing S, Scott LL, Zguna N, Downing TG. Human Scalp Hair as an Indicator of Exposure to the Environmental Toxin β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 10:E14. [PMID: 29280954 PMCID: PMC5793101 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary or aerosol exposure to the environmental neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is a putative risk factor for the development of sporadic neurodegenerative disease. There are many potential sources of BMAA in the environment, but BMAA presence and quantities are highly variable. It has been suggested that BMAA in human hair may serve as an indicator of exposure. We sought to evaluate the use of the BMAA content of human scalp hair as an indicator of exposure, as well as the correlation between specific lifestyle or dietary habits, reported as hypothesised exposure risk factors, and BMAA in hair. Scalp hair samples and questionnaires were collected from participants in a small residential village surrounding a freshwater impoundment renowned for toxic cyanobacterial blooms. Data suggested a positive correlation between hair BMAA content and consumption of shellfish, and possibly pork. No statistically significant correlations were observed between hair BMAA content and residential proximity to the water or any other variable. Hair BMAA content was highly variable, and in terms of exposure, probably reflects primarily dietary exposure. However, the BMAA content of human hair may be affected to a great extent by several other factors, and as such, should be used with caution when evaluating human BMAA exposure, or correlating exposure to neurodegenerative disease incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simoné Downing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77 000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
| | - Laura Louise Scott
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77 000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
| | - Nadezda Zguna
- Unit for Analytical Chemistry, Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Timothy Grant Downing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77 000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
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22
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Roy U, Conklin L, Schiller J, Matysik J, Berry JP, Alia A. Metabolic profiling of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos by NMR spectroscopy reveals multifaceted toxicity of β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). Sci Rep 2017; 7:17305. [PMID: 29230019 PMCID: PMC5725574 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17409-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been linked to several interrelated neurodegenerative diseases. Despite considerable research, specific contributions of BMAA toxicity to neurodegenerative diseases remain to be fully resolved. In the present study, we utilized state-of-the-art high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR), applied to intact zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, as a model of vertebrate development, to elucidate changes in metabolic profiles associated with BMAA exposure. Complemented by several alternative analytical approaches (i.e., in vivo visualization and in vitro assay), HRMAS NMR identified robust and dose-dependent effect of BMAA on several relevant metabolic pathways suggesting a multifaceted toxicity of BMAA including: (1) localized production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in the developing brain, consistent with excitotoxicity; (2) decreased protective capacity against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress including reduced taurine and glutathione; (3) inhibition of several developmentally stereotypical energetic and metabolic transitions, i.e., metabolic reprogramming; and (4) inhibition of lipid biosynthetic pathways. Matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry further identified specific effects on phospholipids linked to both neural development and neurodegeneration. Taken together, a unified model of the neurodevelopmental toxicity of BMAA in the zebrafish embryo is presented in relation to the potential contribution of BMAA to neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Roy
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Laura Conklin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Jürgen Schiller
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Matysik
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - John P Berry
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA.
| | - A Alia
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany. .,Leiden Institute of Chemistry, 2333, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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