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Varela-López B, Zurrón M, Lindín M, Díaz F, Galdo-Alvarez S. Compensation versus deterioration across functional networks in amnestic mild cognitive impairment subtypes. GeroScience 2025; 47:1805-1822. [PMID: 39367933 PMCID: PMC11978594 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01369-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional connectivity studies to detect neurophysiological correlates of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease, have generated contradictory results in terms of compensation and deterioration, as most of the studies did not distinguish between the different aMCI subtypes: single-domain aMCI (sd-aMCI) and multiple-domain aMCI (md-aMCI). The present study aimed to characterize the neurophysiological correlates of aMCI subtypes by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The study included sd-aMCI (n = 29), md-aMCI (n = 26), and control (n = 30) participants. The data were subjected to independent component analysis (ICA) to explore the default mode network (DMN) and the fronto-parietal control network (FPCN). Additionally, seed-based and moderation analyses were conducted to investigate the connectivity of the medial temporal lobe and functional networks. aMCI subtypes presented differences in functional connectivity relative to the control group: sd-aMCI participants displayed increased FPCN connectivity and reduced connectivity between the posterior parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) and medial structures; md-aMCI participants exhibited lower FPCN connectivity, higher anterior PHG connectivity with frontal structures and lower posterior PHG connectivity with central-parietal and temporo-occipital areas. Additionally, md-aMCI participants showed higher posterior PHG connectivity with structures of the DMN than both control and sd-aMCI participants, potentially indicating more severe cognitive deficits. The results showed gradual and qualitative neurofunctional differences between the aMCI subgroups, suggesting the existence of compensatory (sd-aMCI) and deterioration (md-aMCI) mechanisms in functional networks, mainly originated in the DMN. The findings support consideration of the subgroups as different stages of MCI within the Alzheimer disease continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benxamín Varela-López
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group (Neucoga-Aging), Instituto de Psicoloxía, USC (IPsiUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Montserrat Zurrón
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group (Neucoga-Aging), Instituto de Psicoloxía, USC (IPsiUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mónica Lindín
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group (Neucoga-Aging), Instituto de Psicoloxía, USC (IPsiUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Fernando Díaz
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group (Neucoga-Aging), Instituto de Psicoloxía, USC (IPsiUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Santiago Galdo-Alvarez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group (Neucoga-Aging), Instituto de Psicoloxía, USC (IPsiUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Futácsi A, Rusznák K, Szarka G, Völgyi B, Wiborg O, Czéh B. Quantification and correlation of amyloid-β plaque load, glial activation, GABAergic interneuron numbers, and cognitive decline in the young TgF344-AD rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2025; 17:1542229. [PMID: 40013092 PMCID: PMC11860898 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2025.1542229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2025] [Indexed: 02/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are essential tools for investigating disease pathophysiology and conducting preclinical drug testing. In this study, we examined neuronal and glial alterations in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of young TgF344-AD rats and correlated these changes with cognitive decline and amyloid-β plaque load. Methods We compared TgF344-AD and non-transgenic littermate rats aged 7-8 months of age. We systematically quantified β-amyloid plaques, astrocytes, microglia, four different subtypes of GABAergic interneurons (calretinin-, cholecystokinin-, parvalbumin-, and somatostatin-positive neurons), and newly generated neurons in the hippocampus. Spatial learning and memory were assessed using the Barnes maze test. Results Young TgF344-AD rats had a large number of amyloid plaques in both the hippocampus and mPFC, together with a pronounced increase in microglial cell numbers. Astrocytic activation was significant in the mPFC. Cholecystokinin-positive cell numbers were decreased in the hippocampus of transgenic rats, but calretinin-, parvalbumin-, and somatostatin-positive cell numbers were not altered. Adult neurogenesis was not affected by genotype. TgF344-AD rats had spatial learning and memory impairments, but this cognitive deficit did not correlate with amyloid plaque number or cellular changes in the brain. In the hippocampus, amyloid plaque numbers were negatively correlated with cholecystokinin-positive neuron and microglial cell numbers. In the mPFC, amyloid plaque number was negatively correlated with the number of astrocytes. Conclusion Pronounced neuropathological changes were found in the hippocampus and mPFC of young TgF344-AD rats, including the loss of hippocampal cholecystokinin-positive interneurons. Some of these neuropathological changes were negatively correlated with amyloid-β plaque load, but not with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anett Futácsi
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Imaging Core Facility, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kitti Rusznák
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Szarka
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Imaging Core Facility, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Béla Völgyi
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ove Wiborg
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Boldizsár Czéh
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Imaging Core Facility, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Pluta R, Kocki J, Bogucki J, Bogucka-Kocka A, Czuczwar SJ. Apolipoprotein ( APOA1, APOE, CLU) genes expression in the CA3 region of the hippocampus in an ischemic model of Alzheimer's disease with survival up to 2 years. J Alzheimers Dis 2025; 103:627-634. [PMID: 39686609 DOI: 10.1177/13872877241303950] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in the Alzheimer's disease-related apolipoprotein genes expression, occurring parallel with brain ischemia-induced neurodegeneration in the hippocampal CA3 area, may be crucial for the development of memory loss and dementia. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate changes in genes expression of apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), apolipoprotein E (APOE), and clusterin (CLU) in CA3 area post-ischemia with survival of 2 years. METHODS The gene expression was evaluated with the use of an RT-PCR protocol after 2, 7, and 30 days and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-ischemia. RESULTS The expression of the APOA1 gene (encoding apolipoprotein A1) was below the control values at 2 days, 6 and 12 months while at 7 and 30 days and 18 and 24 months post-ischemia this gene expression exceeded the control values. In the case of the CLU gene (encoding clusterin) expression, it was above the control values at all times post-ischemia. Similar expression was observed for the APOE gene (encoding apolipoprotein E) except on day 7 after ischemia where its expression was below the control value. CONCLUSIONS The results seem to indicate that the observed changes in the gene expression may reflect the activation and inhibition of a variety of processes involved in ischemia-induced neurodegeneration. The enhanced expression of APOA1 and CLU genes may be associated with induction of neuroprotective mechanisms while increased expression of the APOE gene may produce detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryszard Pluta
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Bogucki
- Faculty of Medicine, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Xu C, Fu X, Qin H, Yao K. Traversing the epigenetic landscape: DNA methylation from retina to brain in development and disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1499719. [PMID: 39678047 PMCID: PMC11637887 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1499719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/18/2024] [Indexed: 12/17/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays a crucial role in development, aging, degeneration of various tissues and dedifferentiated cells. This review explores the multifaceted impact of DNA methylation on the retina and brain during development and pathological processes. First, we investigate the role of DNA methylation in retinal development, and then focus on retinal diseases, detailing the changes in DNA methylation patterns in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma. Since the retina is considered an extension of the brain, its unique structure allows it to exhibit similar immune response mechanisms to the brain. We further extend our exploration from the retina to the brain, examining the role of DNA methylation in brain development and its associated diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD) to better understand the mechanistic links between retinal and brain diseases, and explore the possibility of communication between the visual system and the central nervous system (CNS) from an epigenetic perspective. Additionally, we discuss neurodevelopmental brain diseases, including schizophrenia (SZ), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID), focus on how DNA methylation affects neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiu Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuefei Fu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Qin
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wang W, Lu J, Pan N, Zhang H, Dai J, Li J, Chi C, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhang M. Identification of early Alzheimer's disease subclass and signature genes based on PANoptosis genes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1462003. [PMID: 39650656 PMCID: PMC11621049 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1462003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 12/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent forms of dementia globally and remains an incurable condition that often leads to death. PANoptosis represents an emerging paradigm in programmed cell death, integrating three critical processes: pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. Studies have shown that apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis play important roles in AD development. Therefore, targeting PANoptosis genes might lead to novel therapeutic targets and clinically relevant therapeutic approaches. This study aims to identify different molecular subtypes of AD and potential drugs for treating AD based on PANoptosis. Methods Differentially expressed PANoptosis genes associated with AD were identified via Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE48350, GSE5281, and GSE122063. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was employed to construct a risk model linked to these PANoptosis genes. Consensus clustering analysis was conducted to define AD subtypes based on these genes. We further performed gene set variation analysis (GSVA), functional enrichment analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis to investigate differences between the identified AD subtypes. Additionally, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established to identify hub genes, and the DGIdb database was consulted to identify potential therapeutic compounds targeting these hub genes. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis was utilized to assess differences in gene expression at the cellular level across subtypes. Results A total of 24 differentially expressed PANoptosis genes (APANRGs) were identified in AD, leading to the classification of two distinct AD subgroups. The results indicate that these subgroups exhibit varying disease progression states, with the early subtype primarily linked to dysfunctional synaptic signaling. Furthermore, we identified hub genes from the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two clusters and predicted 38 candidate drugs and compounds for early AD treatment based on these hub genes. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that key genes associated with the early subtype are predominantly expressed in neuronal cells, while the differential genes for the metabolic subtype are primarily found in endothelial cells and astrocytes. Conclusion In summary, we identified two subtypes, including the AD early synaptic abnormality subtype as well as the immune-metabolic subtype. Additionally, ten hub genes, SLC17A7, SNAP25, GAD1, SLC17A6, SLC32A1, PVALB, SYP, GRIN2A, SLC12A5, and SYN2, were identified as marker genes for the early subtype. These findings may provide valuable insights for the early diagnosis of AD and contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Wang
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- College of Life Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jincheng Lu
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- College of Life Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ningyun Pan
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- College of Life Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiying Zhang
- School of Mathematics and System Science, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jingcen Dai
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Chi
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liumei Zhang
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengying Zhang
- School of Medical Information and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- College of Life Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Li J, Liu Y, Yin C, Zeng Y, Mei Y. Structural and functional remodeling of neural networks in β-amyloid driven hippocampal hyperactivity. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 101:102468. [PMID: 39218080 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102468] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential for improving the patients outcomes and advancing our understanding of disease, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. However, accurate biomarkers are still lacking. Recent evidence indicates that hippocampal hyperexcitability precedes the diagnosis of AD decades ago, can predict cognitive decline. Thus, could hippocampal hyperactivity be a robust biomarker for early-AD, and what drives hippocampal hyperactivity in early-AD? these critical questions remain to be answered. Increasing clinical and experimental studies suggest that early hippocampal activation is closely associated with longitudinal β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation, Aβ aggregates, in turn, enhances hippocampal activity. Therefore, in this narrative review, we discuss the role of Aβ-induced altered intrinsic neuronal properties as well as structural and functional remodeling of glutamatergic, GABAergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic circuits in hippocampal hyperactivity. In addition, we analyze the available therapies and trials that can potentially be used clinically to attenuate hippocampal hyperexcitability in AD. Overall, the present review sheds lights on the mechanism behind Aβ-induced hippocampal hyperactivity, and highlights that hippocampal hyperactivity could be a robust biomarker and therapeutic target in prodromal AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinquan Li
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Chuhui Yin
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Yufei Mei
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
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Brezolin ÉC, Gayger-Dias V, Da Silva VF, Cigerce A, Schultz B, Sobottka TM, Nardin P, de Assis AM, Leite MC, Quincozes-Santos A, Bobermin LD, Gonçalves CA. Astrocyte dysfunction alters GABAergic communication and ammonia metabolism in the streptozotocin-induced sporadic Alzheimer's disease model. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2024; 8:1381-1393. [PMID: 40034350 PMCID: PMC11863748 DOI: 10.1177/25424823241289036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2025] Open
Abstract
Background In the sporadic model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (STZ) administration, cognitive impairment is accompanied by specific astrocytic changes in the hippocampus prior to amyloid deposition. Objective Hypothesizing that the synthesis of GABA, via MAO-B, contributes to ammonia elevation, thereby compromising antioxidant defense and ATP synthesis, and possibly contributing to cognitive damage, we determined the hippocampal levels of glutamine synthetase (GS), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and other enzymes related to GABA metabolism. Methods Immunoblotting and RT-PCR assays were carried out in hippocampal samples of Wistar rats, at 4 and 16 weeks post-STZ, in the sporadic STZ-induced AD model, corresponding to the pre-amyloid and amyloid phases, respectively. Results We observed a reduction in GS activity and increased MAO-B content, both in 4 weeks and in 16 weeks, reinforcing the idea that astroglial dysfunction precedes the amyloid phase. These alterations were accompanied by an increase in the content of ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1), which catalyzes the synthesis of putrescine (substrate for GABA synthesis, via MAO-B), and a reduction in the gene expression of arginine-glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT), an enzyme involved in the synthesis of creatine, and in the generation of GABA agonists. These changes were only seen in the amyloid phase of the AD model. Conclusions Our findings contribute to explain the greater damage that occurs in energy metabolism at this stage, in addition to the greater GABAergic loss. The changes reinforce the importance of the STZ model and further our understanding of the changes in both AD phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éverton Carlos Brezolin
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vitor Gayger-Dias
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vanessa-Fernanda Da Silva
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Anderson Cigerce
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bruna Schultz
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thomas Michel Sobottka
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Nardin
- Health School, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, Brazil
| | | | - Marina Concli Leite
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - André Quincozes-Santos
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Larissa Daniele Bobermin
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos-Alberto Gonçalves
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Sun Y, Zhang H, Liu R, Wang Y, Zhang X, Huang R, Zhu B, Wu H. Zexieyin formula alleviates Alzheimer's disease via post-synaptic CaMKII modulating AMPA receptor: Involved in promoting neurogenesis to strengthen synaptic plasticity in mice hippocampus. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 131:155802. [PMID: 38852473 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious neurodegenerative disease and brings a serious burden to society and families. Due to lack of effective drugs for the treatment of AD, it's urgent to develop new and effective drug for the treatment of AD. PURPOSE The study aimed to investigate the potential of Zexieyin formula (ZXYF), a Chinese medicine formula, for the treatment of AD and its potential mechanism of action. METHODS We used chronic scopolamine (SCOP) induction mice model and APP/PS1 mice to reveal and confirm ZXYF for the treatment of AD with donepezil (DON) as a positive reference. The learning and memory function were detected by morris water maze test (MWM) and y-maze test. Moreover, western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the molecular mechanism of ZXYF for the alleviation of AD in hippocampus. Lastly, pharmacological technology was applied to evaluate AMPA receptor involved in the role of ZXYF in the treatment of AD. RESULTS The results showed that ZXYF could improve memory and learning deficits both in two AD models including scopolamine (SCOP)-induced mice model and APP/PS1mice. Moreover, ZXYF or not DON increased expressions of BrdU/DCX and Ki67 positive cells in dentate gyrus (DG), up-regulated the levels of AMPA subunit type (GluA1) and PKA in hippocampus in SCOP-induced mice model, although ZXYF and DON activated CaMKII, CaMKII-phosphorylation, CREB, CREB-phosphorylation and PSD95 in hippocampus in SCOP-induced mice model. ZXYF also activated CaMKII, CaMKII-phosphorylation and GluA1 in HT22 cells. Furthermore, transient inhibiting AMPA receptor was capable of blocking the effects of ZXYF to treat AD in MWM and suppressing the number of BrdU/DCX positive cells increased by ZXYF in DG in SCOP-induced mice model, but had no effect on the alteration of Ki67 positive cells. CONCLUSION ZXYF had the therapeutic effects on AD-treatment, which activated CaMKII to promote AMPA receptor (GluA1) and subsequently up-regulated PKA/CREB signaling to facilitate neurogenesis to achieve enhanced postsynaptic protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; National Famous Chinese Medicine Expert Inheritance Studio (Meng Jingchun), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Hailou Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Personalized Medicine in Brain Disorders, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China.
| | - Ruiyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; National Famous Chinese Medicine Expert Inheritance Studio (Meng Jingchun), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; Interdisciplinary Institute for Personalized Medicine in Brain Disorders, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; National Famous Chinese Medicine Expert Inheritance Studio (Meng Jingchun), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Xiangrui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; National Famous Chinese Medicine Expert Inheritance Studio (Meng Jingchun), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Rumin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; National Famous Chinese Medicine Expert Inheritance Studio (Meng Jingchun), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Boran Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; National Famous Chinese Medicine Expert Inheritance Studio (Meng Jingchun), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
| | - Haoxin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine for Brain Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; National Famous Chinese Medicine Expert Inheritance Studio (Meng Jingchun), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
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Zhao S, Huang Y, Shi S, Chen W, Chen R, Wang Z, Wang D. Causal effects of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on structural changes in specific brain regions: a Mendelian randomization study. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae282. [PMID: 38984704 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae282] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This study utilized Mendelian randomization to explore the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their subtypes on brain structures, using genome-wide association study data from the FinnGen consortium for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy exposure and brain structure data from the ENIGMA consortium as outcomes. The inverse-variance weighted method, along with Cochran's Q test, Mendelian randomization-Egger regression, Mendelian randomization-PRESSO global test, and the leave-one-out approach, were applied to infer causality and assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Findings indicate hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with structural brain alterations, including reduced cortical thickness in areas like the insula, isthmus cingulate gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, temporal pole, and transverse temporal gyrus, and an increased surface area in the superior frontal gyrus. Specific associations were found for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy subtypes: chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia increased cortical thickness in the supramarginal gyrus; preeclampsia/eclampsia led to thinner cortex in the lingual gyrus and larger hippocampal volume and superior parietal lobule surface area. Chronic hypertension was associated with reduced cortical thickness in the caudal and rostral anterior cingulate and increased surface area of the cuneus and thickness of the pars orbitalis cortex. Gestational hypertension showed no significant brain region changes. These insights clarify hypertensive disorders of pregnancies' neurological and cognitive effects by identifying affected brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yihong Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shaole Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Run Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zilian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Dongyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Loh JS, Mak WQ, Tan LKS, Ng CX, Chan HH, Yeow SH, Foo JB, Ong YS, How CW, Khaw KY. Microbiota-gut-brain axis and its therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:37. [PMID: 38360862 PMCID: PMC10869798 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 215.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract is populated with a diverse microbial community. The vast genetic and metabolic potential of the gut microbiome underpins its ubiquity in nearly every aspect of human biology, including health maintenance, development, aging, and disease. The advent of new sequencing technologies and culture-independent methods has allowed researchers to move beyond correlative studies toward mechanistic explorations to shed light on microbiome-host interactions. Evidence has unveiled the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, referred to as the "microbiota-gut-brain axis". The microbiota-gut-brain axis represents an important regulator of glial functions, making it an actionable target to ameliorate the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases. As the gut microbiome provides essential cues to microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, we examine the communications between gut microbiota and these glial cells during healthy states and neurodegenerative diseases. Subsequently, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases using a metabolite-centric approach, while also examining the role of gut microbiota-related neurotransmitters and gut hormones. Next, we examine the potential of targeting the intestinal barrier, blood-brain barrier, meninges, and peripheral immune system to counteract glial dysfunction in neurodegeneration. Finally, we conclude by assessing the pre-clinical and clinical evidence of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in neurodegenerative diseases. A thorough comprehension of the microbiota-gut-brain axis will foster the development of effective therapeutic interventions for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sheng Loh
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Qi Mak
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Li Kar Stella Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chu Xin Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hong Hao Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shiau Hueh Yeow
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Jhi Biau Foo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yong Sze Ong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Wun How
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Kooi Yeong Khaw
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Czuczwar SJ, Kocki J, Miziak B, Bogucki J, Bogucka-Kocka A, Pluta R. Alpha-, Beta-, and Gamma-Secretase, Amyloid Precursor Protein, and Tau Protein Genes in the Hippocampal CA3 Subfield in an Ischemic Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Survival up to 2 Years. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:151-161. [PMID: 38393914 PMCID: PMC10977426 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231333] [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: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background Understanding the phenomena underlying the non-selective susceptibility to ischemia of pyramidal neurons in the CA3 is important from the point of view of elucidating the mechanisms of memory loss and the development of dementia. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate changes in genes expression of amyloid precursor protein, its cleaving enzymes and tau protein in CA3 post-ischemia with survival of 12-24 months. Methods We used an ischemic model of Alzheimer's disease to study the above genes using an RT-PCR protocol. Results The expression of the amyloid precursor protein gene was above the control values at all times post-ischemia. The expression of the α-secretase gene also exceeded the control values post-ischemia. The expression of the β-secretase gene increased 12 and 24 months post-ischemia, and 18 months was below control values. Presenilin 1 and 2 genes expression was significantly elevated at all times post-ischemia. Also, tau protein gene expression was significantly elevated throughout the observation period, and peak gene expression was present 12 months post-ischemia. Conclusions The study suggests that the genes studied are involved in the non-amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein. Additionally data indicate that brain ischemia with long-term survival causes damage and death of pyramidal neurons in the CA3 area of the hippocampus in a modified tau protein-dependent manner. Thus defining a new and important mechanism of pyramidal neuronal death in the CA3 area post-ischemia. In addition expression of tau protein gene modification after brain ischemia is useful in identifying ischemic mechanisms occurring in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Miziak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Bogucki
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ryszard Pluta
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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12
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Cui X, Zong S, Song W, Wang C, Liu Y, Zhang L, Xia P, Wang X, Zhao H, Wang L, Lu Z. Omaveloxolone ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice by stabilizing the STAT3 pathway. Life Sci 2023; 335:122261. [PMID: 37951537 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122261] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the availability and the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of omaveloxolone (RTA408) on Alzheimer's Disease (AD). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study employed network pharmacology to assess the feasibility of drug treatment of AD. To determine the cognitive status and emotional state of APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice after the RTA408 treatment, three classical behavioral experiments (water maze, Y-maze, and open field test) were conducted. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining were utilized to evaluate hippocampal neuronal status and amyloid (Aβ) deposition in mice. RNA-seq and transcription factor prediction analyses were performed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms regulating the therapeutic effects of RTA408. Molecular docking was employed to predict the direct drug targets. To validate these molecular mechanisms, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses were performed in two instrumental cell lines, i.e., mouse hippocampal neuronal cells (HT22) and microglia (BV2). RESULTS RTA408 was revealed with the capability to reduce Aβ plaque deposition and to restore damaged neurons in the hippocampal region of APP/PS1 mice, ultimately leading to an improvement in cognitive function. This beneficial effect was achieved by balancing the STAT3 pathway. Specifically, RTA408 facilitated the activations of both STAT3/OXR1 and NRF2/ARE axes, thereby enhancing the compromised resistance in neurons to oxidative stress. RTA408 inhibited the NFκB/IL6/STAT3 pathway, effectively countering the neuroinflammation triggered by microglial activation. CONCLUSION RTA408 is revealed with promising potential in the treatment of AD based on preclinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Shuai Zong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Wenao Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Cuicui Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yingchao Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Pengcheng Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhiming Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China; Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China.
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13
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Pluta R, Kocki J, Bogucki J, Bogucka-Kocka A, Czuczwar SJ. LRP1 and RAGE Genes Transporting Amyloid and Tau Protein in the Hippocampal CA3 Area in an Ischemic Model of Alzheimer's Disease with 2-Year Survival. Cells 2023; 12:2763. [PMID: 38067191 PMCID: PMC10706460 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Explaining changes at the gene level that occur during neurodegeneration in the CA3 area is crucial from the point of view of memory impairment and the development of post-ischemic dementia. An ischemic model of Alzheimer's disease was used to evaluate changes in the expression of genes related to amyloid transport in the CA3 region of the hippocampus after 10 min of brain ischemia with survival of 2, 7 and 30 days and 12, 18 and 24 months. The quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay revealed that the expression of the LRP1 and RAGE genes involved in amyloid transport was dysregulated from 2 days to 24 months post-ischemia in the CA3 area of the hippocampus. LRP1 gene expression 2 and 7 days after ischemia was below control values. However, its expression from day 30 to 24 months, survival after an ischemic episode was above control values. RAGE gene expression 2 days after ischemia was below control values, reaching a maximum increase 7 and 30 days post-ischemia. Then, after 12, 18 and 24 months, it was again below the control values. The data indicate that in the CA3 area of the hippocampus, an episode of brain ischemia causes the increased expression of the RAGE gene for 7-30 days during the acute phase and that of LRP1 from 1 to 24 months after ischemia during the chronic stage. In other words, in the early post-ischemic stage, the expression of the gene that transport amyloid to the brain increases (7-30 days). Conversely, in the late post-ischemic stage, amyloid scavenging/cleaning gene activity increases, reducing and/or preventing further neuronal damage or facilitating the healing of damaged sites. This is how the new phenomenon of pyramidal neuronal damage in the CA3 area after ischemia is defined. In summary, post-ischemic modification of the LRP1 and RAGE genes is useful in the study of the ischemic pathways and molecular factors involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryszard Pluta
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jacek Bogucki
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
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14
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Yi F, Zhang Y, Yuan J, Liu Z, Zhai F, Hao A, Wu F, Somekh J, Peleg M, Zhu YC, Huang Z. Identifying underlying patterns in Alzheimer's disease trajectory: a deep learning approach and Mendelian randomization analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 64:102247. [PMID: 37811490 PMCID: PMC10556591 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a heterogeneously progressive neurodegeneration disorder with varied rates of deterioration, either between subjects or within different stages of a certain subject. Estimating the course of AD at early stages has treatment implications. We aimed to analyze disease progression to identify distinct patterns in AD trajectory. Methods We proposed a deep learning model to identify underlying patterns in the trajectory from cognitively normal (CN) to a state of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to AD dementia, by jointly predicting time-to-conversion and clustering out distinct subgroups characterized by comprehensive features as well as varied progression rates. We designed and validated our model on the ADNI dataset (1370 participants). Prediction of time-to-conversion in AD trajectory was used to validate the expression of the identified patterns. Causality between patterns and time-to-conversion was further inferred using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. External validation was performed on the AIBL dataset (233 participants). Findings The proposed model clustered out patterns characterized by significantly different biomarkers and varied progression rates. The discovered patterns also showed a strong prediction ability, as indicated by hazard ratio (CN→MCI, HR = 3.51, p < 0.001; MCI→AD, HR = 8.11, p < 0.001), C-Index (CN→MCI, 0.618; MCI→AD, 0.718), and AUC (CN→MCI, 3 years 0.802, 5 years 0.876; MCI→AD, 3 years 0.914, 5 years 0.957). In the external validation cohort, our model demonstrated competitive performance on conversion time prediction (CN→MCI, C-Index = 0.693; MCI→AD, C-Index = 0.752). Moreover, suggestive associations between CN→MCI/MCI→AD patterns with four/three SNPs were mediated and MR analysis indicated a causal link between MCI→AD patterns and time-to-conversion in the first three years. Interpretation Our proposed model identifies biologically and clinically meaningful patterns from real-world data and provides promising performance on time-to-conversion prediction in AD trajectory, which could promote the understanding of disease progression, facilitate clinical trial design, and provide potential for decision-making. Funding The National Key Research and Development Program of China, the Key R&D Program of Zhejiang, and the National Nature Science Foundation of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yi
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, China
| | | | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ziyue Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Feifei Zhai
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ankai Hao
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Fei Wu
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Judith Somekh
- Department of Information Systems, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mor Peleg
- Department of Information Systems, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yi-Cheng Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhengxing Huang
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, China
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15
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Wang S, Wang L, Bu Q, Wei Q, Jiang L, Dai Y, Zhang N, Kuang W, Zhao Y, Cen X. Methamphetamine exposure drives cell cycle exit and aberrant differentiation in rat hippocampal-derived neurospheres. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1242109. [PMID: 37795025 PMCID: PMC10546213 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1242109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Methamphetamine (METH) abuse by pregnant drug addicts causes toxic effects on fetal neurodevelopment; however, the mechanism underlying such effect of METH is poorly understood. Methods: In the present study, we applied three-dimensional (3D) neurospheres derived from the embryonic rat hippocampal tissue to investigate the effect of METH on neurodevelopment. Through the combination of whole genome transcriptional analyses, the involved cell signalings were identified and investigated. Results: We found that METH treatment for 24 h significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the size of neurospheres. Analyses of genome-wide transcriptomic profiles found that those down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) upon METH exposure were remarkably enriched in the cell cycle progression. By measuring the cell cycle and the expression of cell cycle-related checkpoint proteins, we found that METH exposure significantly elevated the percentage of G0/G1 phase and decreased the levels of the proteins involved in the G1/S transition, indicating G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, during the early neurodevelopment stage of neurospheres, METH caused aberrant cell differentiation both in the neurons and astrocytes, and attenuated migration ability of neurospheres accompanied by increased oxidative stress and apoptosis. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that METH induces an aberrant cell cycle arrest and neuronal differentiation, impairing the coordination of migration and differentiation of neurospheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomin Wang
- Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Bu
- Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Wei
- Cell and Immunology Laboratory, Chengdu West China Frontier Pharmatech Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Linhong Jiang
- Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanping Dai
- Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ni Zhang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weihong Kuang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yinglan Zhao
- Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobo Cen
- Mental Health Center and National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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16
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Lopes CR, Silva AC, Silva HB, Canas PM, Agostinho P, Cunha RA, Lopes JP. Adenosine A 2A Receptor Up-Regulation Pre-Dates Deficits of Synaptic Plasticity and of Memory in Mice Exposed to Aβ 1-42 to Model Early Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1173. [PMID: 37627238 PMCID: PMC10452250 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of amyloid peptides (Aβ) models Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mice, as typified by the onset within 15 days of deficits of memory and of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) that are prevented by the blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR). Since A2AR overfunction is sufficient to trigger memory deficits, we tested if A2AR were upregulated in hippocampal synapses before the onset of memory deficits to support the hypothesis that A2AR overfunction could be a trigger of AD. Six to eight days after Aβ-icv injection, mice displayed no alterations of hippocampal dependent memory; however, they presented an increased excitability of hippocampal synapses, a slight increase in LTP magnitude in Schaffer fiber-CA1 pyramid synapses and an increased density of A2AR in hippocampal synapses. A2AR blockade with SCH58261 (50 nM) normalized excitability and LTP in hippocampal slices from mice sacrificed 7-8 days after Aβ-icv injection. Fifteen days after Aβ-icv injection, mice displayed evident deficits of hippocampal-dependent memory deterioration, with reduced hippocampal CA1 LTP but no hyperexcitability and a sustained increase in synaptic A2AR, which blockade restored LTP magnitude. This shows that the upregulation of synaptic A2AR precedes the onset of deterioration of memory and of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, supporting the hypothesis that the overfunction of synaptic A2AR could be a trigger of memory deterioration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia R. Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António C. Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
| | - Henrique B. Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
| | - Paula M. Canas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
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