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Faverzani JL, Guerreiro G, Hammerschmidt TG, Lopes FF, Coelho DDM, Sitta A, Mescka CP, Deon M, Wajner M, Vargas CR. Increased peripheral of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in phenylketonuric patients treated with l-carnitine. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 749:109792. [PMID: 37863349 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109792] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common inherited metabolic disorders caused by severe deficiency or absence of phenylalanine hydroxylase activity that converts phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine. PKU patients were treated with a Phe restricted diet supplemented with a special formula containing l-carnitine (L-car), well-known antioxidant compound. The lack of treatment can cause neurological and cognitive impairment, as severe mental retardation, neuronal cell loss and synaptic density reduction. Although Phe has been widely demonstrated to be involved in PKU neurotoxicity, the mechanisms responsible for the CNS injury are still not fully known. In this work, we evaluated markers of neurodegeneration, namely BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), PAI-1 total (Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 total), Cathepsin D, PDGF AB/BB (platelet-derived growth factor), and NCAM (neuronal adhesion molecule) in plasma of PKU patients at early and late diagnosis and under treatment. We found decreased Phe levels and increased L-car concentrations in PKU patients treated with L-car compared to the other groups, indicating that the proposed treatment was effective. Furthermore, we found increased BDNF levels in the patients under treatment compared to patients at early diagnosis, and a positive correlation between BDNF and L-car and a negative correlation between BDNF and Phe. Our results may indicate that in PKU patients treated with L-car there is an attempt to adjust neuronal plasticity and recover the damage suffered, reflecting a compensatory response to brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Lamberty Faverzani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Gilian Guerreiro
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Grazieli Hammerschmidt
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciele Fátima Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniella de Moura Coelho
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angela Sitta
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Caroline Paula Mescka
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marion Deon
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Moacir Wajner
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carmen Regla Vargas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Jacques CED, Guerreiro G, Lopes FF, de Souza CFM, Giugliani R, Vargas CR. Alterations of Plasmatic Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II Patients Under Enzyme Replacement Therapy. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:533-542. [PMID: 37470932 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01149-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is a disorder caused by a deficient activity of iduronate-2-sulfatase, a lysosomal enzyme responsible for degrading glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The abnormal storage of GAGs within lysosomes disrupts cellular homeostasis and leads to a severe symptomatology. Patients present neuropsychiatric impairment characterized by mental retardation and impaired cognition. The aim of this study was to quantify four neurodegeneration biomarkers in plasma: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AA), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and cathepsin-D, as well as to identify possible correlations with urinary GAGs in seven patients undergoing treatment with ERT (Elaprase® 0.5 mg/kg of body weight). Patients with both severe and attenuated forms of MPS II showed signs of neurodegeneration in neuroimaging exams. Patients have a decrease in BDNF and PDGF-AA concentrations, and an increase in NCAM level compared to controls. No alterations in cathepsin-D concentration were seen. GAGs levels were higher in patients than in controls, but no significant correlations between GAGs and biomarkers were observed. These results evidence that patients have neurodegeneration and that monitoring these biomarkers might be useful for assessing this process. To this date, this is the first work to analyze these plasmatic markers of neurodegeneration in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Eduardo Diaz Jacques
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, R. Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90035-003, Brazil.
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, R. Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90050-903, Brazil.
| | - Gilian Guerreiro
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, R. Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90050-903, Brazil
- Faculdade de Farmácia, UFRGS, Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Franciele Fatima Lopes
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, R. Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90050-903, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Giugliani
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, R. Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90050-903, Brazil
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Carmen Regla Vargas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, R. Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90035-003, Brazil.
- Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, R. Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90050-903, Brazil.
- Faculdade de Farmácia, UFRGS, Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil.
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Gulyaeva NV. Glucocorticoids Orchestrate Adult Hippocampal Plasticity: Growth Points and Translational Aspects. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:565-589. [PMID: 37331704 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923050012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The review analyzes modern concepts about the control of various mechanisms of the hippocampal neuroplasticity in adult mammals and humans by glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoid hormones ensure the coordinated functioning of key components and mechanisms of hippocampal plasticity: neurogenesis, glutamatergic neurotransmission, microglia and astrocytes, systems of neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, proteases, metabolic hormones, neurosteroids. Regulatory mechanisms are diverse; along with the direct action of glucocorticoids through their receptors, there are conciliated glucocorticoid-dependent effects, as well as numerous interactions between various systems and components. Despite the fact that many connections in this complex regulatory scheme have not yet been established, the study of the factors and mechanisms considered in the work forms growth points in the field of glucocorticoid-regulated processes in the brain and primarily in the hippocampus. These studies are fundamentally important for the translation into the clinic and the potential treatment/prevention of common diseases of the emotional and cognitive spheres and respective comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Gulyaeva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117485, Russia.
- Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, 115419, Russia
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Kalinichenko SG, Pushchin II, Matveeva NY. Neurotoxic and cytoprotective mechanisms in the ischemic neocortex. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 128:102230. [PMID: 36603664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal damage in ischemic stroke occurs due to permanent imbalance between the metabolic needs of the brain and the ability of the blood-vascular system to maintain glucose delivery and adequate gas exchange. Oxidative stress and excitotoxicity trigger complex processes of neuroinflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis of both neurons and glial cells. This review summarizes data on the structural and chemical changes in the neocortex and main cytoprotective effects induced by focal ischemic stroke. We focus on the expression of neurotrophins (NT) and molecular and cellular changes in neurovascular units in ischemic brain. We also discuss how these factors affect the apoptosis of cortical cells. Ischemic damage involves close interaction of a wide range of signaling molecules, each acting as an efficient marker of cell state in both the ischemic core and penumbra. NTs play the main regulatory role in brain tissue recovery after ischemic injury. Heterogeneous distribution of the BDNF, NT-3, and GDNF immunoreactivity is concordant with the selective response of different types of cortical neurons and glia to ischemic injury and allows mapping the position of viable neurons. Astrocytes are the central link in neurovascular coupling in ischemic brain by providing other cells with a wide range of vasotropic factors. The NT expression coincides with the distribution of reactive astrocytes, marking the boundaries of the penumbra. The development of ischemic stroke is accompanied by a dramatic change in the distribution of GDNF reactivity. In early ischemic period, it is mainly observed in cortical neurons, while in late one, the bulk of GDNF-positive cells are various types of glia, in particular, astrocytes. The proportion of GDNF-positive astrocytes increases gradually throughout the ischemic period. Some factors that exert cytoprotective effects in early ischemic period may display neurotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects later on. The number of apoptotic cells in the ischemic brain tissue correlates with the BDNF levels, corroborating its protective effects. Cytoprotection and neuroplasticity are two lines of brain protection and recovery after ischemic stroke. NTs can be considered an important link in these processes. To develop efficient pharmacological therapy for ischemic brain injury, we have to deepen our understanding of neurochemical adaptation of brain tissue to acute stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei G Kalinichenko
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Pacific State Medical University, Vladivostok 690950, Russia
| | - Igor I Pushchin
- Laboratory of Physiology, A.V. Zhirmusky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690041, Russia.
| | - Natalya Yu Matveeva
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Pacific State Medical University, Vladivostok 690950, Russia
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Hammerschmidt TG, Encarnação M, Lamberty Faverzani J, de Fátima Lopes F, Poswar de Oliveira F, Fischinger Moura de Sousa C, Ribeiro I, Alves S, Giugliani R, Regla Vargas C. Molecular profile and peripheral markers of neurodegeneration in patients with Niemann-Pick type C: Decrease in Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor type 1 and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor type AA. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 735:109510. [PMID: 36608914 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) is a fatal inherited disease, caused by pathogenic variants in NPC1 gene, which leads to intracellular accumulation of non-esterified cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. This accumulation leads to a wide range of clinical manifestations, including neurological and cognitive impairment as well as psychiatric disorders. The pathophysiology of cerebral damage involves loss of Purkinje cells, synaptic disturbance, and demyelination. Miglustat, a reversible inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, is an approved treatment for NPC1 and can slow neurological damage. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of peripheric neurodegeneration biomarkers of NPC1 patients, namely brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF-AA and PDGF-AB/BB), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), PAI-1 Total and Cathepsin-D, as well as the levels of cholestane-3β,5α,6β-triol (3β,5α,6β-triol), a biomarker for NPC1. Molecular analysis of the NPC1 patients under study was performed by next generation sequencing (NGS) in cultured fibroblasts. We observed that NPC1 patients treated with miglustat have a significant decrease in PAI-1 total and PDGF-AA concentrations, and no alteration in BDNF, NCAM, PDGF-AB/BB and Cathepsin D. We also found that NPC1 patients treated with miglustat have normalized levels of 3β,5α,6β-triol. The molecular analysis showed four described mutations, and for two patients was not possible to identify the second mutated allele. Our results indicate that the decrease of PAI-1 and PDGF-AA in NPC1 patients could be involved in the pathophysiology of this disease. This is the first work to analyze those plasmatic markers of neurodegenerative processes in NPC1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marisa Encarnação
- Research & Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Lamberty Faverzani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Franciele de Fátima Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Isaura Ribeiro
- Unidade de Bioquímica Genética, Centro de Genética Médica, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP, Porto, Portugal; Espero Centro Referência Doenças Hereditárias do Metabolismo, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Alves
- Research & Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Carmen Regla Vargas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Reduced Expression of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Beta 2 Restores Neuronal Injury and Improves Cognitive Dysfunction Induced by A β1-42. Neural Plast 2022; 2022:3995227. [PMID: 36406589 PMCID: PMC9671742 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3995227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channel beta 2 (Nav2.2 or Navβ2, coded by SCN2B mRNA), a gene involved in maintaining normal physiological functions of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, might be associated with prefrontal cortex aging and memory decline. This study investigated the effects of Navβ2 in amyloid-β 1-42- (Aβ1-42-) induced neural injury model and the potential underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed that Navβ2 knockdown restored neuronal viability of Aβ1-42-induced injury in neurons; increased the contents of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), enzyme neprilysin (NEP) protein, and NEP enzyme activity; and effectively altered the proportions of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolites including Aβ42, sAPPα, and sAPPβ, thus ameliorating cognitive dysfunction. This may be achieved through regulating NEP transcription and APP metabolism, accelerating Aβ degradation, alleviating neuronal impairment, and regulating BDNF-related signal pathways to repair neuronal synaptic efficiency. This study provides novel evidence indicating that Navβ2 plays crucial roles in the repair of neuronal injury induced by Aβ1-42 both in vivo and in vitro.
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Cheng Y, Wang Y, Zhang W, Yin J, Dong J, Liu J. Relationship between intestinal flora, inflammation, BDNF gene polymorphism and generalized anxiety disorder: A clinical investigation. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28910. [PMID: 35866837 PMCID: PMC9302347 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding factors related to generalized anxiety disorder pathogenesis is critical for elucidating the mechanism and preventing its establishment. Intestinal flora and hereditary factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphism may have a role in the development of generalized anxiety disorder. This work explored the relationship between intestinal flora, inflammatory changes and BDNF gene polymorphisms and the occurrence of generalized anxiety disorder. METHODS Forty-eight patients with generalized anxiety disorder and 57 healthy people were included in the study. As the disease group and control group, the polymorphisms of rs10767664 and rs7124442 of the BDNF gene, differences in the distribution of intestinal flora, and changes in inflammatory and immune indicators were analyzed. RESULTS The distribution of BDNF gene alleles, genotypes and haplotypes in the disease group were different from those in the control group. The levels of TNF-α (P = .000), interleukin-4 (P = .000), interleukin-10 (P = .043) and IgG (P = .008) in patients with generalized anxiety disorder in the disease group were different from those in the control group. The distribution of gut microbes in patients with generalized anxiety disorder in the disease group was different from that in the control group. CONCLUSION The onset of generalized anxiety disorder is related to BDNF gene polymorphism, and is accompanied by changes in intestinal flora and inflammatory immune status in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Cheng
- Shandong Mental Health Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Hiser Medicine Center of Qingdao, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Junbo Yin
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jicheng Dong
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jintong Liu
- Shandong Mental Health Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Jintong Liu, Shangdong Mental Health Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 49 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China (e-mail: )
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Szarowicz CA, Steece-Collier K, Caulfield ME. New Frontiers in Neurodegeneration and Regeneration Associated with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and the rs6265 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148011. [PMID: 35887357 PMCID: PMC9319713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is an extensively studied neurotrophin implicated in the pathology of multiple neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, traumatic brain injury, major de-pressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Here we provide a brief summary of current knowledge on the role of BDNF and the common human single nucleotide polymorphism, rs6265, in driving the pathogenesis and rehabilitation in these disorders, as well as the status of BDNF-targeted therapies. A common trend has emerged correlating low BDNF levels, either detected within the central nervous system or peripherally, to disease states, suggesting that BDNF replacement therapies may hold clinical promise. In addition, we introduce evidence for a distinct role of the BDNF pro-peptide as a biologically active ligand and the need for continuing studies on its neurological function outside of that as a molecular chaperone. Finally, we highlight the latest research describing the role of rs6265 expression in mechanisms of neurodegeneration as well as paradoxical advances in the understanding of this genetic variant in neuroregeneration. All of this is discussed in the context of personalized medicine, acknowledging there is no “one size fits all” therapy for neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders and that continued study of the multiple BDNF isoforms and genetic variants represents an avenue for discovery ripe with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlye A. Szarowicz
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kathy Steece-Collier
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
| | - Margaret E. Caulfield
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-616-234-0969; Fax: +1- 616-234-0991
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Cai J, Cai M, Xia W, Jiang L, Song H, Chen X. Explore the Mechanism of β-Asarone on Improving Cognitive Dysfunction in Rats with Diabetic Encephalopathy. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2022; 6:195-206. [PMID: 35591951 PMCID: PMC9108628 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The number of people with diabetes is increasing, and many patients have significantly impaired cognitive function. For patients with diabetic encephalopathy (DE), simply lowering blood sugar does not improve learning and memory. Studies have shown that β-asarone can significantly improve cognitive impairment in patients with DE, but the specific mechanism of action is unclear. Objective: This experiment hopes to use a variety of experimental methods to clarify the protective effect and mechanism of β-asarone on brain neurons during the development of DE disease. Methods: A high-sugar and high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection-induced DE rat model was used. β-asarone was administered for four weeks. The experiment used the Morris water maze test, biochemical index detection, and many methods to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of β-asarone on DE rats from various aspects and understand its mechanism. Results: β-asarone reduced neuronal cell damage and significantly improved the learning and memory ability of DE rats. In addition, β-asarone can reduce the oxidative stress response and amyloid-β accumulation in the brain of DE model rats and increase the content of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain tissue, thereby reducing neuronal cell apoptosis and playing a protective role. Conclusion: β-asarone can reduce the accumulation of oxidative stress and amyloid-β in the brain, increase the content of BDNF, reduce the apoptosis of neuronal cells, and exert neuronal protection, thereby improving the learning and memory ability of DE model rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ming Cai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wenwen Xia
- Lu’an City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lu’an, Anhui, China
| | - Lanlan Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hang Song
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangtao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Pleiotropic effects of BDNF on the cerebellum and hippocampus: Implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 163:105606. [PMID: 34974125 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most studied neurotrophins in the mammalian brain, essential not only to the development of the central nervous system but also to synaptic plasticity. BDNF is present in various brain areas, but highest levels of expression are seen in the cerebellum and hippocampus. After birth, BDNF acts in the cerebellum as a mitogenic and chemotactic factor, stimulating the cerebellar granule cell precursors to proliferate, migrate and maturate, while in the hippocampus BDNF plays a fundamental role in synaptic transmission and plasticity, representing a key regulator for the long-term potentiation, learning and memory. Furthermore, the expression of BDNF is highly regulated and changes of its expression are associated with both physiological and pathological conditions. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the BDNF biology and its neurotrophic role in the proper development and functioning of neurons and synapses in two important brain areas of postnatal neurogenesis, the cerebellum and hippocampus. Dysregulation of BDNF expression and signaling, resulting in alterations in neuronal maturation and plasticity in both systems, is a common hallmark of several neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism spectrum disorder, suggesting that neuronal malfunction present in these disorders is the result of excessive or reduced of BDNF support. We believe that the more the relevance of the pathophysiological actions of BDNF, and its downstream signals, in early postnatal development will be highlighted, the more likely it is that new neuroprotective therapeutic strategies will be identified in the treatment of various neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Pastor D, Valera H, Olmo JA, Estirado A, Martínez S. Shock wave and mesenchymal stem cells as treatment in the acute phase of spinal cord injury: A pilot study. Rehabilitacion (Madr) 2022; 56:1-10. [PMID: 33966896 DOI: 10.1016/j.rh.2021.03.004] [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: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex pathology with thousands of patients worldwide. During the acute early phase, neural tissue shows some regenerative properties that disappear at the chronic phase. Shock Waves and Stem Cells have been proposed as a possible therapy. METHODS Here, we analyse Shock Waves' immediate effect over spinal cord genetic response in the injured and healthy spinal cord and the effect of Shock Waves and combined Shock Waves plus Stem Cells distally grafted to treat the first month after spinal cord injury. RESULTS The immediate application of shock waves increases VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) but reduces the BDNF (Brain-Derived Growth Factor) RNA (Ribonucleic acid) response. Shock wave therapy increases GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein) positive cells and vascularity during the treatment's acute phase. CONCLUSION Shock wave treatment seems to be enough to produce benefits in the acute phase of spinal cord injury, with no accumulative positive effects when mesenchymal stem cell graft is applied together.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pastor
- Department of Sports Science, Sports Research Centre, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Elche, Spain.
| | - H Valera
- Servicio de Rehabilitación, University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - J A Olmo
- Servicio de Rehabilitación, University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Estirado
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche - Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Spain
| | - S Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche - Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Spain
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12
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A Role of BDNF in the Depression Pathogenesis and a Potential Target as Antidepressant: The Modulator of Stress Sensitivity "Shati/Nat8l-BDNF System" in the Dorsal Striatum. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090889. [PMID: 34577589 PMCID: PMC8469819 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the most common mental diseases, with increasing numbers of patients globally each year. In addition, approximately 30% of patients with depression are resistant to any treatment and do not show an expected response to first-line antidepressant drugs. Therefore, novel antidepressant agents and strategies are required. Although depression is triggered by post-birth stress, while some individuals show the pathology of depression, others remain resilient. The molecular mechanisms underlying stress sensitivity remain unknown. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has both pro- and anti-depressant effects, dependent on brain region. Considering the strong region-specific contribution of BDNF to depression pathogenesis, the regulation of BDNF in the whole brain is not a beneficial strategy for the treatment of depression. We reviewed a novel finding of BDNF function in the dorsal striatum, which induces vulnerability to social stress, in addition to recent research progress regarding the brain regional functions of BDNF, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens. Striatal BDNF is regulated by Shati/Nat8l, an N-acetyltransferase through epigenetic regulation. Targeting of Shati/Nat8l would allow BDNF to be striatum-specifically regulated, and the striatal Shati/Nat8l-BDNF pathway could be a promising novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of depression by modulating sensitivity to stress.
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Ribeiro D, Petrigna L, Pereira FC, Muscella A, Bianco A, Tavares P. The Impact of Physical Exercise on the Circulating Levels of BDNF and NT 4/5: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168814. [PMID: 34445512 PMCID: PMC8396229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: One mechanism through which physical activity (PA) provides benefits is by triggering activity at a molecular level, where neurotrophins (NTs) are known to play an important role. However, the expression of the circulating levels of neurotrophic factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4/5), in response to exercise, is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim was to provide an updated overview on the neurotrophin (NT) variation levels of BDNF and NT-4/5 as a consequence of a long-term aerobic exercise intervention, and to understand and describe whether the upregulation of circulating NT levels is a result of neurotrophic factors produced and released from the brain, and/or from neurotrophic secreting peripheral organs. (2) Methods: The articles were collected from PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Embase. Data were analyzed through a narrative synthesis. (3) Results: 30 articles studied humans who performed training protocols that ranged from 4 to 48 weeks; 22 articles studied rodents with an intervention period that ranged from 4 to 64 weeks. (4) Conclusions: There is no unanimity between the upregulation of BDNF in humans; conversely, concerning both BDNF and NT-4/5 in animal models, the results are heterogeneous. Whilst BDNF upregulation appears to be in relative agreement, NT-4/5 seems to display contradictory and inconsistent conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ribeiro
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.R.); (P.T.)
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luca Petrigna
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Frederico C. Pereira
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antonella Muscella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Paula Tavares
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.R.); (P.T.)
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Leschik J, Lutz B, Gentile A. Stress-Related Dysfunction of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis-An Attempt for Understanding Resilience? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7339. [PMID: 34298958 PMCID: PMC8305135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborn neurons in the adult hippocampus are regulated by many intrinsic and extrinsic cues. It is well accepted that elevated glucocorticoid levels lead to downregulation of adult neurogenesis, which this review discusses as one reason why psychiatric diseases, such as major depression, develop after long-term stress exposure. In reverse, adult neurogenesis has been suggested to protect against stress-induced major depression, and hence, could serve as a resilience mechanism. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge about the functional relation of adult neurogenesis and stress in health and disease. A special focus will lie on the mechanisms underlying the cascades of events from prolonged high glucocorticoid concentrations to reduced numbers of newborn neurons. In addition to neurotransmitter and neurotrophic factor dysregulation, these mechanisms include immunomodulatory pathways, as well as microbiota changes influencing the gut-brain axis. Finally, we discuss recent findings delineating the role of adult neurogenesis in stress resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Leschik
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany;
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), 55122 Mainz, Germany
| | - Antonietta Gentile
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00166 Rome, Italy;
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Li P, Cheng J, Gu Q, Wang P, Lin Z, Fan Q, Chen J, Wang Z. Intermediation of perceived stress between early trauma and plasma M/P ratio levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients. J Affect Disord 2021; 285:105-111. [PMID: 33640860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study is to find the correlation among BDNF metabolism, early trauma, and current stress status of OCD patients. As well as to study the BDNF metabolism-stress related pathological mechanism in OCD development. METHODS A total of 140 participants were recruited in this study, including 64 drug-naïve OCD patients (OCDs) and 76 healthy controls (HCs). The clinical data of the subjects were measured using YBOCS, CTQ, and PSS. The plasma mBDNF and proBDNF values were measured by ELISA while the M/P ratio was calculated. RESULTS The mBDNF, proBDNF plasma levels, and M/P ratio of unmedicated OCD individuals decreased evidently comparing with HCs. Also, positive associations were found between PSS and CTQ and between CTQ and M/P ratio. The negative correlation included proBDNF and PSS as well as proBDNF and CTQ. Intermediary analysis generated by SPSS has showed that the perceived stress played a complete mediating role between early trauma and plasma M/P ratio levels, and the mediating effect was 0.043 in non-medication OCD patients. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study suggested that early trauma experience and stress state work together in regulating BDNF metabolism level in OCD patients. The nucleus accumbens and reward loop are also pivotal in the pathogenesis of OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puyu Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayue Cheng
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiumeng Gu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiguang Lin
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Fan
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jue Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Bourin M. Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity in Major Depression: Its Therapeutic Implication. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1305:157-173. [PMID: 33834400 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The neurochemical model of depression, based on monoaminergic theories, does not allow on its own to understand the mechanism of action of antidepressants. This approach does not explain the gap between the immediate biochemical modulations induced by antidepressants and the time required for their clinical action. Several hypotheses have been developed to try to explain more precisely the action of these molecules, each of them involving mechanisms of receptor regulation. At the same time, data on the neuroanatomy of depression converge toward the existence of specific lesions of this pathology. This chapter aims to provide an overview of recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of neural plasticity involved in pathophysiology depression and in its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Bourin
- Neurobiology of Mood Disorders, University of Nantes, Nantes, France.
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17
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Chitre NM, Moniri NH, Murnane KS. Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Druggable Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Disorders. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2020; 18:735-749. [PMID: 31724519 DOI: 10.2174/1871527318666191114093749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are commonly associated with a complex pattern of pathophysiological hallmarks, including increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which makes their treatment challenging. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (O3FA) are natural products with reported neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. These effects have been attributed to their incorporation into neuronal membranes or through the activation of intracellular or recently discovered cell-surface receptors (i.e., Free-Fatty Acid Receptors; FFAR). Molecular docking studies have investigated the roles of O3FA as agonists of FFAR and have led to the development of receptor-specific targeted agonists for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, novel formulation strategies for targeted delivery of O3FA to the brain have supported their development as therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the compelling evidence of the beneficial effects of O3FA for several neuroprotective functions, they are currently only available as unregulated dietary supplements, with only a single FDA-approved prescription product, indicated for triglyceride reduction. This review highlights the relative safety and efficacy of O3FA, their drug-like properties, and their capacity to be formulated in clinically viable drug delivery systems. Interestingly, the presence of cardiac conditions such as hypertriglyceridemia is associated with brain pathophysiological hallmarks of neurodegeneration, such as neuroinflammation, thereby further suggesting potential therapeutic roles of O3FA for neurodegenerative disorders. Taken together, this review article summarizes and integrates the compelling evidence regarding the feasibility of developing O3FA and their synthetic derivatives as potential drugs for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha M Chitre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nader H Moniri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kevin S Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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18
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Almeida L, Andreu-Fernández V, Navarro-Tapia E, Aras-López R, Serra-Delgado M, Martínez L, García-Algar O, Gómez-Roig MD. Murine Models for the Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:359. [PMID: 32760684 PMCID: PMC7373736 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated to different physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neurological impairments collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The underlying mechanisms of ethanol toxicity are not completely understood. Experimental studies during human pregnancy to identify new diagnostic biomarkers are difficult to carry out beyond genetic or epigenetic analyses in biological matrices. Therefore, animal models are a useful tool to study the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the central nervous system and analyze the benefits of promising therapies. Animal models of alcohol spectrum disorder allow the analysis of key variables such as amount, timing and frequency of ethanol consumption to describe the harmful effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In this review, we aim to synthetize neurodevelopmental disabilities in rodent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes, considering facial dysmorphology and fetal growth restriction. We examine the different neurodevelopmental stages based on the most consistently implicated epigenetic mechanisms, cell types and molecular pathways, and assess the advantages and disadvantages of murine models in the study of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the different routes of alcohol administration, and alcohol consumption patterns applied to rodents. Finally, we analyze a wide range of phenotypic features to identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes in murine models, exploring facial dysmorphology, neurodevelopmental deficits, and growth restriction, as well as the methodologies used to evaluate behavioral and anatomical alterations produced by prenatal alcohol exposure in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Almeida
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- BCNatal Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Andreu-Fernández
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Nutrition and Health Deparment, Valencian International University (VIU), Valencia, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Navarro-Tapia
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- BCNatal Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Aras-López
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Congenital Malformations Lab, Institute of Medicine and Molecular Genetic (INGEMM), Institute for Health Research of La Paz Universitary Hospital (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariona Serra-Delgado
- BCNatal Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leopoldo Martínez
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Congenital Malformations Lab, Institute of Medicine and Molecular Genetic (INGEMM), Institute for Health Research of La Paz Universitary Hospital (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar García-Algar
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, ICGON, IDIBAPS, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Dolores Gómez-Roig
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- BCNatal Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
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Wang X, Ma W, Wang T, Yang J, Wu Z, Liu K, Dai Y, Zang C, Liu W, Liu J, Liang Y, Guo J, Li L. BDNF-TrkB and proBDNF-p75NTR/Sortilin Signaling Pathways are Involved in Mitochondria-Mediated Neuronal Apoptosis in Dorsal Root Ganglia after Sciatic Nerve Transection. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2020; 19:66-82. [PMID: 31957620 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200117110056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plays critical roles during development
of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in neuronal survival after injury.
Although proBDNF induces neuronal apoptosis after injury in vivo, whether it can also act as a death
factor in vitro and in vivo under physiological conditions and after nerve injury, as well as its mechanism
of inducing apoptosis, is still unclear.
Objective:
In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which proBDNF causes apoptosis in sensory
neurons and Satellite Glial Cells (SGCs) in Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) After Sciatic Nerve
Transection (SNT).
Methods:
SGCs cultures were prepared and a scratch model was established to analyze the role of
proBDNF in sensory neurons and SGCs in DRG following SNT. Following treatment with proBDNF
antiserum, TUNEL and immunohistochemistry staining were used to detect the expression of Glial
Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) in DRG tissue; immunocytochemistry
and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay were used to detect GFAP expression and
cell viability of SGCs, respectively. RT-qPCR, western blot, and ELISA were used to measure mRNA
and protein levels, respectively, of key factors in BDNF-TrkB, proBDNF-p75NTR/sortilin, and apoptosis
signaling pathways.
Results:
proBDNF induced mitochondrial apoptosis of SGCs and neurons by modulating BDNF-TrkB
and proBDNF-p75NTR/sortilin signaling pathways. In addition, neuroprotection was achieved by inhibiting
the biological activity of endogenous proBDNF protein by injection of anti-proBDNF serum. Furthermore,
the anti-proBDNF serum inhibited the activation of SGCs and promoted their proliferation.
Conclusion:
proBDNF induced apoptosis in SGCs and sensory neurons in DRG following SNT. The
proBDNF signaling pathway is a potential novel therapeutic target for reducing sensory neuron and
SGCs loss following peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbin Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Jinwei Yang
- Second Department of General Surgery, First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Second Department of General Surgery, First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Kuangpin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yunfei Dai
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Chenghao Zang
- Second Department of General Surgery, First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Jianhui Guo
- Second Department of General Surgery, First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Liyan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
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20
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Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a secretory growth factor that promotes neuronal proliferation and survival, synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation in the central nervous system. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor biosynthesis and secretion are chrono-topically regulated processes at the cellular level, accounting for specific localizations and functions. Given its role in regulating brain development and activity, BDNF represents a potentially relevant gene for schizophrenia, and indeed BDNF and its non-synonymous functional variant, rs6265 (C → T, Val → Met) have been widely studied in psychiatric genetics. Human and animal studies have indicated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor is relevant for schizophrenia-related phenotypes, and that: (1) fine-tuned regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor secretion and activity is necessary to guarantee brain optimal development and functioning; (2) the Val → Met substitution is associated with impaired activity-dependent secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor; (3) disruption of brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling is associated with altered synaptic plasticity and neurodevelopment. However, genome-wide association studies failed to associate the BDNF locus with schizophrenia, even though a sub-threshold association exists. Here, we will review studies focused on the relationship between the genetic variation of BDNF and schizophrenia, trying to fill the gap between genetic risk per se and insights from molecular biology. A deeper understanding of brain-derived neurotrophic factor biology and of the epigenetic regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its interactome during development may help clarifying the potential role of this gene in schizophrenia, thus informing development of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-based strategies of prevention and treatment of this disorder.
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21
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Guerreiro G, Diaz Jaques CE, Wajner M, Vargas CR. Elevated levels of BDNF and cathepsin‐
d
as possible peripheral markers of neurodegeneration in plasma of patients with glutaric acidemia type I. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:42-49. [DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gilian Guerreiro
- Faculdade de Farmácia UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Serviço de Genética Médica HCPA UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
| | | | - Moacir Wajner
- Serviço de Genética Médica HCPA UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em CB:Bioquímica UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Carmen Regla Vargas
- Faculdade de Farmácia UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Serviço de Genética Médica HCPA UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em CB:Bioquímica UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
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22
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Joshi VV, Patel ND, Rehan MA, Kuppa A. Mysterious Mechanisms of Memory Formation: Are the Answers Hidden in Synapses? Cureus 2019; 11:e5795. [PMID: 31728242 PMCID: PMC6827877 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.5795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
After decades of research on memory formation and retention, we are still searching for the definite concept and process behind neuroplasticity. This review article will address the relationship between synapses, memory formation, and memory retention and their genetic correlations. In the last six decades, there have been enormous improvements in the neurochemistry domain, especially in the area of neural plasticity. In the central nervous system, the complexity of the synapses between neurons allows communication among them. It is believed that each time certain types of sensory signals pass through sequences of synapses, these synapses can transmit the same signals more efficiently the following time. The concept of Hebb synapse has provided revolutionary thinking about the nature of neural mechanisms of learning and memory formation. To improve the local circuitry for memory formation and behavioral change and stabilization in the mammalian central nervous system, long-term potentiation and long-term depression are the crucial components of Hebbian plasticity. In this review, we will be discussing the role of glutamatergic synapses, engram cells, cytokines, neuropeptides, neurosteroids and many aspects, covering the synaptic basis of memory. Lastly, we have tried to cover the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders due to synaptic dysfunction. To enhance pharmacological interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, we need more research in this direction. With the help of technology, and a better understanding of the disease etiology, not only can we identify the missing pieces of synaptic functions, but we might also cure or even prevent serious neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Viraj V Joshi
- Neuropsychiatry, California Instititute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Nishita D Patel
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Muhammad Awais Rehan
- Miscellenous, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Annapurna Kuppa
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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23
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Zakeri M, Fatemi I, Kaeidi A, Zakeri MA, Hakimizadeh E, Hassanipour M, Rahmani M, Hassanshahi J, Ayoobi F, Allahtavakoli M. Pro-neurocognitive and anti-sarcopenic benefits of one-year metformin therapy in ovariectomized aged mice. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 46:1133-1140. [PMID: 31357227 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Health promotion and healthy nutrition significantly increased life expectancy around the world. Aging is associated with an increase in age-related diseases. The use of metformin (Met) as an anti-aging drug has recently been proposed based on its widespread use in clinical practice. Reports have shown that Met acts as an anti-aging agent. In this study, the effects of long-term, 1 year, Met administration on aging-related behaviors and longevity in ovariectomized mice was studied. Met (1 and 10 mg/kg, daily) was administered orally in ovariectomized mice. The anxiety-like behavior, working memory, and physical strength were measured through elevated plus maze, Y-maze, vertical grid holding, and the obligatory swimming capacity tests. Brains were harvested to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level. Also, the Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to show differences and similarities in survival patterns. Met (10 mg/kg) decreased anxiety-like behaviors as well as increased muscle strength and working memory in the ovariectomized mice. Moreover, Met increased the physical strength and longevity as well as the level of BDNF in the ovariectomized mice. Our results indicate that Met administration can be an effective strategy for having a healthy aging in the absence of female gonadal hormones and reverses deleterious effects of ovariectomy-induced aging possibly through BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Zakeri
- Student Research Committee, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Iman Fatemi
- Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ayat Kaeidi
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Zakeri
- Student Research Committee, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Elham Hakimizadeh
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Hassanipour
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Rahmani
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Jalal Hassanshahi
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ayoobi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Allahtavakoli
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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24
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Yu H, Zhong J, Niu B, Zhong Q, Xiao J, Xie J, Lin M, Zhou Z, Xu J, Wang H. Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 4 by FCPR03 Alleviates Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors and Prevents Dendritic Spine Loss in Mice Hippocampi. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 22:143-156. [PMID: 30407503 PMCID: PMC6377503 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphodiesterase 4 is a promising target for developing novel antidepressants. However, prototype phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors show severe side effects, including nausea and vomiting. N-Isopropyl-3-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-4-difluoromethoxy benzamide (FCPR03) is a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor with little emetic potential. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of FCPR03 on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced, depressive-like behaviors in mice and explored the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The depression model of mice was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress. Forced swim test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test were used to assess depressive-like behaviors. Golgi-staining was utilized to analyze dendritic morphology and spine density. The level of cAMP was measured by enzyme-linked immnosorbent assay assay. Western blot was used to evaluate protein levels of phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein, protein kinase B, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, and brain derived neurotrophic factor in both hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Postsynaptic density protein 95 and synapsin 1 were also detected by western blot in the hippocampi. RESULTS Treatment with FCPR03 (0.5-1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) increased consumption of sucrose in the sucrose preference test in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. FCPR03 shortened the immobility time in forced swim test and tail suspension test without affecting locomotor activity. Furthermore, chronic unpredictable mild stress decreased the dendritic spine density and dendritic length in the hippocampus. This change was accompanied by decreased expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 and synapsin 1. Interestingly, FCPR03 prevented dendritic spine loss and increased synaptic protein levels. Moreover, the levels of cAMP, phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein, and brain derived neurotrophic factor were elevated in chronic unpredictable mild stress-challenged mice after treatment with FCPR03. In addition, FCPR03 also enhanced the phosphorylation of both protein kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that FCPR03 could prevent both depressive-like behaviors and spine loss induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in the mice hippocampi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahong Zhong
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Niu
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuping Zhong
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiao Xiao
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinfeng Xie
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manna Lin
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongzhen Zhou
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug ScreeningSouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangping Xu
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug ScreeningSouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug DiscoverySouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug ScreeningSouthern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Correspondence: Haitao Wang, PhD, Department of Neuropharmacology and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China ()
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25
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BDNF, Brain, and Regeneration: Insights from Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103155. [PMID: 30322169 PMCID: PMC6214035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a teleost fish widely accepted as a model organism for neuroscientific studies. The adults show common basic vertebrate brain structures, together with similar key neuroanatomical and neurochemical pathways of relevance to human diseases. However, the brain of adult zebrafish possesses, differently from mammals, intense neurogenic activity, which can be correlated with high regenerative properties. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, has multiple roles in the brain, due also to the existence of several biologically active isoforms, that interact with different types of receptors. BDNF is well conserved in the vertebrate evolution, with the primary amino acid sequences of zebrafish and human BDNF being 91% identical. Here, we review the available literature regarding BDNF in the vertebrate brain and the potential involvement of BDNF in telencephalic regeneration after injury, with particular emphasis to the zebrafish. Finally, we highlight the potential of the zebrafish brain as a valuable model to add new insights on future BDNF studies.
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26
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Marballi KK, Gallitano AL. Immediate Early Genes Anchor a Biological Pathway of Proteins Required for Memory Formation, Long-Term Depression and Risk for Schizophrenia. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:23. [PMID: 29520222 PMCID: PMC5827560 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
While the causes of myriad medical and infectious illnesses have been identified, the etiologies of neuropsychiatric illnesses remain elusive. This is due to two major obstacles. First, the risk for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. Second, numerous genes influence susceptibility for these illnesses. Genome-wide association studies have identified at least 108 genomic loci for schizophrenia, and more are expected to be published shortly. In addition, numerous biological processes contribute to the neuropathology underlying schizophrenia. These include immune dysfunction, synaptic and myelination deficits, vascular abnormalities, growth factor disruption, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction. However, the field of psychiatric genetics lacks a unifying model to explain how environment may interact with numerous genes to influence these various biological processes and cause schizophrenia. Here we describe a biological cascade of proteins that are activated in response to environmental stimuli such as stress, a schizophrenia risk factor. The central proteins in this pathway are critical mediators of memory formation and a particular form of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, long-term depression (LTD). Each of these proteins is also implicated in schizophrenia risk. In fact, the pathway includes four genes that map to the 108 loci associated with schizophrenia: GRIN2A, nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc3), early growth response 1 (EGR1) and NGFI-A Binding Protein 2 (NAB2); each of which contains the "Index single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)" (most SNP) at its respective locus. Environmental stimuli activate this biological pathway in neurons, resulting in induction of EGR immediate early genes: EGR1, EGR3 and NAB2. We hypothesize that dysfunction in any of the genes in this pathway disrupts the normal activation of Egrs in response to stress. This may result in insufficient electrophysiologic, immunologic, and neuroprotective, processes that these genes normally mediate. Continued adverse environmental experiences, over time, may thereby result in neuropathology that gives rise to the symptoms of schizophrenia. By combining multiple genes associated with schizophrenia susceptibility, in a functional cascade triggered by neuronal activity, the proposed biological pathway provides an explanation for both the polygenic and environmental influences that determine the complex etiology of this mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan K. Marballi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Amelia L. Gallitano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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27
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Sajadi A, Amiri I, Gharebaghi A, Komaki A, Asadbegi M, Shahidi S, Mehdizadeh M, Soleimani Asl S. Treadmill exercise alters ecstasy- induced long- term potentiation disruption in the hippocampus of male rats. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1603-1607. [PMID: 28612273 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy is a derivative of amphetamine that leads to long term potentiation (LTP) disruption in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Exercise has been accepted as a treatment for the improvement of neurodegenerative disease. Herein, the effects of exercise on the MDMA- induced neurotoxicity were assessed. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injection of MDMA (10 mg/kg) and exercised for one month on a treadmill (Simultaneously or asynchronously with MDMA). LTP and expression of BDNF were assessed using electrophysiology and western blotting methods, respectively. MDMA attenuated the field excitatory post-synaptic potential (fEPSP) slope in comparison with the control group, whereas treadmill exercise increased this parameter when compared to MDMA group. Furthermore, BDNF expression significantly decreased in MDMA group and treadmill exercise could increase that. In conclusion, results of this study suggest that synchronous exercise is able to improve MDMA-induced LTP changes through increase of BDNF expression in the hippocampus of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Sajadi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Iraj Amiri
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Gharebaghi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Asadbegi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Siamak Shahidi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Soleimani Asl
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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