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Donato L, Mordà D, Scimone C, Alibrandi S, D’Angelo R, Sidoti A. Bridging Retinal and Cerebral Neurodegeneration: A Focus on Crosslinks between Alzheimer-Perusini's Disease and Retinal Dystrophies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3258. [PMID: 38137479 PMCID: PMC10741418 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123258] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In the early stages of Alzheimer-Perusini's disease (AD), individuals often experience vision-related issues such as color vision impairment, reduced contrast sensitivity, and visual acuity problems. As the disease progresses, there is a connection with glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) leading to retinal cell death. The retina's involvement suggests a link with the hippocampus, where most AD forms start. A thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) due to the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is seen as a potential AD diagnostic marker using electroretinography (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Amyloid beta fragments (Aβ), found in the eye's vitreous and aqueous humor, are also present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and accumulate in the retina. Aβ is known to cause tau hyperphosphorylation, leading to its buildup in various retinal layers. However, diseases like AD are now seen as mixed proteinopathies, with deposits of the prion protein (PrP) and α-synuclein found in affected brains and retinas. Glial cells, especially microglial cells, play a crucial role in these diseases, maintaining immunoproteostasis. Studies have shown similarities between retinal and brain microglia in terms of transcription factor expression and morphotypes. All these findings constitute a good start to achieving better comprehension of neurodegeneration in both the eye and the brain. New insights will be able to bring the scientific community closer to specific disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (L.D.); (C.S.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.), 90139 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Domenico Mordà
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.), 90139 Palermo, Italy;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (L.D.); (C.S.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.), 90139 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Simona Alibrandi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (L.D.); (C.S.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (I.E.ME.S.T.), 90139 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Rosalia D’Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (L.D.); (C.S.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (L.D.); (C.S.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
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2
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Sidiropoulou GA, Metaxas A, Kourti M. Natural antioxidants that act against Alzheimer's disease through modulation of the NRF2 pathway: a focus on their molecular mechanisms of action. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1217730. [PMID: 37465125 PMCID: PMC10351420 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1217730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterized by a complex pathophysiology that includes the intraneuronal formation of neurofibrillary tangles and the extracellular deposition of β-amyloid plaques, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a terminal neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia in older adults. Oxidative stress in the brain is considered as one of the contributing factors to the pathogenesis of AD, and thus, antioxidants have attracted much interest as potential therapeutic agents against the disorder. Natural antioxidants are typically characterized by low acute and chronic toxicity, which facilitates their potential therapeutic application. One important molecular target for the beneficial effects of natural antioxidants is the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/NRF2). NRF2 is a key transcription factor that orchestrates the cellular antioxidant response through regulating the expression of oxidative stress-related genes harboring the antioxidant response element (ARE) in their promoters. Indeed, in the case of excessive oxidative damage, NRF2 migrates to the nucleus and binds to ARE, activating the transcription of antioxidant protector genes. There is increasing evidence that NRF2 is implicated in AD pathology through dysfunction and altered localization, which renders it as a potential therapeutic target for AD. Thus, this review summarizes the most recent (2018-2023) advances on the NRF2-modulating activity of natural antioxidants observed in vitro and in AD animal models. This information will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing the antioxidant activity of such phytochemicals to highlight their therapeutic potential against common neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grammatiki Alexandra Sidiropoulou
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Drug Discovery Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Centre, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Athanasios Metaxas
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Malamati Kourti
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Drug Discovery Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Centre, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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3
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Maran JJ, Adesina MM, Green CR, Kwakowsky A, Mugisho OO. The central role of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases in the eye and the brain. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 88:101954. [PMID: 37187367 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
With increasing age, structural changes occur in the eye and brain. Neuronal death, inflammation, vascular disruption, and microglial activation are among many of the pathological changes that can occur during ageing. Furthermore, ageing individuals are at increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases in these organs, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although these diseases pose a significant global public health burden, current treatment options focus on slowing disease progression and symptomatic control rather than targeting underlying causes. Interestingly, recent investigations have proposed an analogous aetiology between age-related diseases in the eye and brain, where a process of chronic low-grade inflammation is implicated. Studies have suggested that patients with AD or PD are also associated with an increased risk of AMD, glaucoma, and cataracts. Moreover, pathognomonic amyloid-β and α-synuclein aggregates, which accumulate in AD and PD, respectively, can be found in ocular parenchyma. In terms of a common molecular pathway that underpins these diseases, the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, and pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is thought to play a vital role in the manifestation of all these diseases. This review summarises the current evidence regarding cellular and molecular changes in the brain and eye with age, similarities between ocular and cerebral age-related diseases, and the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome as a critical mediator of disease propagation in the eye and the brain during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack J Maran
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology and the New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Moradeke M Adesina
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology and the New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Colin R Green
- Department of Ophthalmology and the New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Odunayo O Mugisho
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology and the New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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4
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Li W, Zheng Y. MicroRNAs in Extracellular Vesicles of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1378. [PMID: 37408212 PMCID: PMC10216432 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with dysfunction of memory, language and thinking. More than 55 million people were diagnosed with AD or other dementia around the world in 2020. The pathology of AD is still unclear and there are no applicable therapies for AD. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in AD pathology and have great potential for the diagnosis and treatment of AD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) widely exist in body fluids such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and contain miRNAs that are involved in cell-to-cell communication. We summarized the dysregulated miRNAs in EVs derived from the different body fluids of AD patients, as well as their potential function and application in AD. We also compared these dysregulated miRNAs in EVs to those in the brain tissues of AD patients aiming to provide a comprehensive view of miRNAs in AD. After careful comparisons, we found that miR-125b-5p and miR-132-3p were upregulated and downregulated in several different brain tissues of AD and EVs of AD, respectively, suggesting their value in AD diagnosis based on EV miRNAs. Furthermore, miR-9-5p was dysregulated in EVs and different brain tissues of AD patients and had also been tested as a potential therapy for AD in mice and human cell models, suggesting that miR-9-5p could be used to design new therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yun Zheng
- College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
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Hussain A, Sheikh Z, Subramanian M. The Eye as a Diagnostic Tool for Alzheimer’s Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030726. [PMID: 36983883 PMCID: PMC10052959 DOI: 10.3390/life13030726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder impacting cognition, function, and behavior in the elderly population. While there are currently no disease-modifying agents capable of curing AD, early diagnosis and management in the preclinical stage can significantly improve patient morbidity and life expectancy. Currently, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is a clinical one, often supplemented by invasive and expensive biomarker testing. Over the last decade, significant advancements have been made in our understanding of AD and the role of ocular tissue as a potential biomarker. Ocular biomarkers hold the potential to provide noninvasive and easily accessible diagnostic and monitoring capabilities. This review summarizes current research for detecting biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in ocular tissue.
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Dong X, Kong L, Huang L, Su Y, Li X, Yang L, Ji P. Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment protects against cognitive dysfunction via inhibiting PLC–CN–NFAT1 signaling in T2DM mice. J Ginseng Res 2022; 47:458-468. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Dias-Teixeira KL, Sharifian Gh M, Romano J, Norouzi F, Laurie GW. Autophagy in the normal and diseased cornea. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109274. [PMID: 36252655 PMCID: PMC10083687 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The cornea and covering tear film are together the 'objective lens' of the eye through which 80% of light is refracted. Despite exposure to a physically harsh and at times infectious or toxic environment, transparency essential for sight is in most cases maintained. Such resiliency makes the avascular cornea a superb model for the exploration of autophagy in the regulation of homeostasis with relevancy to all organs. Nonetheless, missense mutations and inflammation respectively clog or apparently overwhelm autophagic flux to create dystrophies much like in neurodegenerative diseases or further exacerbate inflammation. Here there is opportunity to generate novel topical therapies towards the restoration of homeostasis with potential broad application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeff Romano
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Fatemeh Norouzi
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Gordon W Laurie
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Huang S, Wang YJ, Guo J. Biofluid Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Progress, Problems, and Perspectives. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:677-691. [PMID: 35306613 PMCID: PMC9206048 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00836-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the establishment of the biomarker-based A-T-N (Amyloid/Tau/Neurodegeneration) framework in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the diagnosis of AD has become more precise, and cerebrospinal fluid tests and positron emission tomography examinations based on this framework have become widely accepted. However, the A-T-N framework does not encompass the whole spectrum of AD pathologies, and problems with invasiveness and high cost limit the application of the above diagnostic methods aimed at the central nervous system. Therefore, we suggest the addition of an “X” to the A-T-N framework and a focus on peripheral biomarkers in the diagnosis of AD. In this review, we retrospectively describe the recent progress in biomarkers based on the A-T-N-X framework, analyze the problems, and present our perspectives on the diagnosis of AD.
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SOCE-mediated NFAT1–NOX2–NLRP1 inflammasome involves in lipopolysaccharide-induced neuronal damage and Aβ generation. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:3183-3205. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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10
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Zarini-Gakiye E, Amini J, Sanadgol N, Vaezi G, Parivar K. Recent Updates in the Alzheimer's Disease Etiopathology and Possible Treatment Approaches: A Narrative Review of Current Clinical Trials. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 13:273-294. [PMID: 32321414 DOI: 10.2174/1874467213666200422090135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent subtype of incurable neurodegenerative dementias and its etiopathology is still not clearly elucidated. OBJECTIVE Outline the ongoing clinical trials (CTs) in the field of AD, in order to find novel master regulators. METHODS We strictly reviewed all scientific reports from Clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed databases from January 2010 to January 2019. The search terms were "Alzheimer's disease" or "dementia" and "medicine" or "drug" or "treatment" and "clinical trials" and "interventions". Manuscripts that met the objective of this study were included for further evaluations. RESULTS Drug candidates have been categorized into two main groups including antibodies, peptides or hormones (such as Ponezumab, Interferon β-1a, Solanezumab, Filgrastim, Levemir, Apidra, and Estrogen), and naturally-derived ingredients or small molecules (such as Paracetamol, Ginkgo, Escitalopram, Simvastatin, Cilostazo, and Ritalin-SR). The majority of natural candidates acted as anti-inflammatory or/and anti-oxidant and antibodies exert their actions via increasing amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance or decreasing Tau aggregation. Among small molecules, most of them that are present in the last phases act as specific antagonists (Suvorexant, Idalopirdine, Intepirdine, Trazodone, Carvedilol, and Risperidone) or agonists (Dextromethorphan, Resveratrol, Brexpiprazole) and frequently ameliorate cognitive dysfunctions. CONCLUSION The presences of a small number of candidates in the last phase suggest that a large number of candidates have had an undesirable side effect or were unable to pass essential eligibility for future phases. Among successful treatment approaches, clearance of Aβ, recovery of cognitive deficits, and control of acute neuroinflammation are widely chosen. It is predicted that some FDA-approved drugs, such as Paracetamol, Risperidone, Escitalopram, Simvastatin, Cilostazoand, and Ritalin-SR, could also be used in off-label ways for AD. This review improves our ability to recognize novel treatments for AD and suggests approaches for the clinical trial design for this devastating disease in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Zarini-Gakiye
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Amini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Nima Sanadgol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Gholamhassan Vaezi
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Kazem Parivar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Chalkias IN, Tegos T, Topouzis F, Tsolaki M. Ocular biomarkers and their role in the early diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 31:2808-2817. [PMID: 34000876 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211016311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Given the fact that different types of dementia can be diagnosed only postmortem or when the disease has progressed enough to cause irreversible damage to certain brain areas, there has been an increasing need for the development of sensitive and reliable methods that can detect early preclinical forms of dementia, before the symptoms have even appeared. Ideally, such a method would have the following characteristics: to be inexpensive, sensitive and specific, Non-invasive, fast and easily accessible. The ophthalmologic examination and especially the study of the retina, has caught the attention of many researchers, as it can provide a lot of information about the CNS and it fulfills many of the aforementioned criteria. Since the introduction of the non-invasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the newly developed modality OCT-angiography (OCT-A) that can demonstrate the structure and the microvasculature of the retina and choroid, respectively, there have been promising results regarding the value of the ophthalmologic examination in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. In this review paper, we summarize and discuss the ocular findings in patients with cognitive impairment disorders and we highlight the importance of the ophthalmologic examination to the diagnosis of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis-Nikolaos Chalkias
- 1st Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Makedonia Thraki, Greece
| | - Thomas Tegos
- 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Makedonia Thraki, Greece
| | - Fotis Topouzis
- 1st Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Makedonia Thraki, Greece
| | - Magda Tsolaki
- 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Makedonia Thraki, Greece.,Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Thessaloniki, Greece
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12
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Wong WK, Joglekar MV, Saini V, Jiang G, Dong CX, Chaitarvornkit A, Maciag GJ, Gerace D, Farr RJ, Satoor SN, Sahu S, Sharangdhar T, Ahmed AS, Chew YV, Liuwantara D, Heng B, Lim CK, Hunter J, Januszewski AS, Sørensen AE, Akil AS, Gamble JR, Loudovaris T, Kay TW, Thomas HE, O'Connell PJ, Guillemin GJ, Martin D, Simpson AM, Hawthorne WJ, Dalgaard LT, Ma RC, Hardikar AA. Machine learning workflows identify a microRNA signature of insulin transcription in human tissues. iScience 2021; 24:102379. [PMID: 33981968 PMCID: PMC8082091 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dicer knockout mouse models demonstrated a key role for microRNAs in pancreatic β-cell function. Studies to identify specific microRNA(s) associated with human (pro-)endocrine gene expression are needed. We profiled microRNAs and key pancreatic genes in 353 human tissue samples. Machine learning workflows identified microRNAs associated with (pro-)insulin transcripts in a discovery set of islets (n = 30) and insulin-negative tissues (n = 62). This microRNA signature was validated in remaining 261 tissues that include nine islet samples from individuals with type 2 diabetes. Top eight microRNAs (miR-183-5p, -375-3p, 216b-5p, 183-3p, -7-5p, -217-5p, -7-2-3p, and -429-3p) were confirmed to be associated with and predictive of (pro-)insulin transcript levels. Use of doxycycline-inducible microRNA-overexpressing human pancreatic duct cell lines confirmed the regulatory roles of these microRNAs in (pro-)endocrine gene expression. Knockdown of these microRNAs in human islet cells reduced (pro-)insulin transcript abundance. Our data provide specific microRNAs to further study microRNA-mRNA interactions in regulating insulin transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson K.M. Wong
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Mugdha V. Joglekar
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Vijit Saini
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- School of Life Sciences and the Centre for Health Technologies, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Guozhi Jiang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, and Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Charlotte X. Dong
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Alissa Chaitarvornkit
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Grzegorz J. Maciag
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Dario Gerace
- School of Life Sciences and the Centre for Health Technologies, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ryan J. Farr
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Sarang N. Satoor
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Subhshri Sahu
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Tejaswini Sharangdhar
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Asma S. Ahmed
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Yi Vee Chew
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - David Liuwantara
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2019, Australia
| | - Chai K. Lim
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2019, Australia
| | - Julie Hunter
- Centre for the Endothelium, Vascular Biology Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney Medical School, Locked Bag #6, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - Andrzej S. Januszewski
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Anja E. Sørensen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ammira S.A. Akil
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine Program, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jennifer R. Gamble
- Centre for the Endothelium, Vascular Biology Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney Medical School, Locked Bag #6, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - Thomas Loudovaris
- St Vincent's Institute and The University of Melbourne Department of Medicine, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas W. Kay
- St Vincent's Institute and The University of Melbourne Department of Medicine, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Helen E. Thomas
- St Vincent's Institute and The University of Melbourne Department of Medicine, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip J. O'Connell
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Gilles J. Guillemin
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2019, Australia
| | - David Martin
- Upper GI Surgery, Strathfield Hospital, 2/3 Everton Road, Strathfield, NSW 2135, Australia
| | - Ann M. Simpson
- School of Life Sciences and the Centre for Health Technologies, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Wayne J. Hawthorne
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Louise T. Dalgaard
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ronald C.W. Ma
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, and Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Anandwardhan A. Hardikar
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Diabetes and Islet Biology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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13
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Biomarkers in Tears and Ocular Surface: A Window for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Eye Contact Lens 2021; 46 Suppl 2:S129-S134. [PMID: 31658175 DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000000663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this review is to briefly outline current scientific evidence on the potential role of tear analysis and ocular surface evaluation in diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and glaucoma. METHODS A systematic computerized search in the electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Collaborations was conducted to find eligible articles which their main topic was to investigate the tear and ocular surface in neurodegenerative diseases. After a first screening of titles and abstracts and a full-text review, 26 articles met the inclusion criteria (1 about the neurodegenerative diseases, 3 about the Alzheimer disease, 11 about the Parkinson disease, 11 about glaucoma, and 1 about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). RESULTS The ocular surface picture seems to be altered in the setting of neurodegenerative diseases with specific characteristics according to each disease. They seem to be associated with reduced corneal sensitivity and abnormal tear function, and each one presents the expression of specific biomarkers in tears. CONCLUSIONS The study of tears and ocular surface appears to be a new and noninvasive promising way to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases.
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14
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Qian X, Zhang S, Duan L, Yang F, Zhang K, Yan F, Ge S. Periodontitis Deteriorates Cognitive Function and Impairs Neurons and Glia in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 79:1785-1800. [PMID: 33459718 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although periodontitis is reportedly associated with increased cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, the mechanisms underlying this process remain unknown. Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P.g-LPS) is an endotoxin associated with periodontal disease. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effect of periodontitis on learning capacity and memory of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP)/presenilin (PS1) transgenic mice along with the mechanisms underlying these effects. METHODS Mice were randomly assigned to three groups, namely AβPP/PS1 (control), P.g-LPS Injection, and P.g-LPS Injection + Ligation. Mice from the P.g-LPS Injection group were injected with P.g-LPS in the periodontal tissue three times per week for 8 weeks, while mice from the P.g-LPS Injection + Ligation group were injected with P.g-LPS and subjected to ligation of the gingival sulcus of the maxillary second molar. RESULTS Expression of gingival proinflammatory cytokines as well as alveolar bone resorption in P.g-LPS-injected and ligatured mice was increased compared to that in control mice. Mice in the P.g-LPS Injection + Ligation group exhibited cognitive impairment and a significant reduction in the number of neurons. Glial cell activation in the experimental groups with significantly increased amyloid-β (Aβ) levels was more pronounced relative to the control group. Induction of periodontitis was concurrent with an increase in cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, AβPP, and beta-secretase 1 expression and a decrease in A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 expression. CONCLUSION These findings indicated that periodontitis exacerbated learning and memory impairment in AβPP/PS1 mice and augmented Aβ and neuroinflammatory responses. Our study provides a theoretical basis for risk prediction and early intervention of Alzheimer's disease and periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueshen Qian
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.,Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lian Duan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Fengchun Yang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Fuhua Yan
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Song Ge
- Hospital of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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15
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He C, Huang ZS, Yu CC, Wang HH, Zhou H, Kong LH. Epigenetic Regulation of Amyloid-beta Metabolism in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Med Sci 2021; 40:1022-1030. [PMID: 33428129 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Senile plaques (SPs) are one of the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and they are formed by the overproduction and aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides derived from the abnormal cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Thus, understanding the regulatory mechanisms during Aβ metabolism is of great importance to elucidate AD pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modulation-including DNA methylation, non-coding RNA alterations, and histone modifications-is of great significance in regulating Aβ metabolism. In this article, we review the aberrant epigenetic regulation of Aβ metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan He
- Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | | | - Chao-Chao Yu
- Department of Tuina, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000, China.,The 4th Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Hai-Hua Wang
- Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Fengrun District, Tangshan, 064000, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Li-Hong Kong
- Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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16
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Retinal Degeneration and Alzheimer's Disease: An Evolving Link. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197290. [PMID: 33023198 PMCID: PMC7582766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are degenerative conditions of the retina and a significant cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common dementia of the elderly, is often associated with AMD and glaucoma. The cardinal features of AD include extracellular accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) and intracellular deposits of hyper-phosphorylated tau (p-tau). Neuroinflammation and brain iron dyshomeostasis accompany Aβ and p-tau deposits and, together, lead to progressive neuronal death and dementia. The accumulation of Aβ and iron in drusen, the hallmark of AMD, and Aβ and p-tau in retinal ganglion cells (RGC), the main retinal cell type implicated in glaucoma, and accompanying inflammation suggest overlapping pathology. Visual abnormalities are prominent in AD and are believed to develop before cognitive decline. Some are caused by degeneration of the visual cortex, while others are due to RGC loss or AMD-associated retinal degeneration. Here, we review recent information on Aβ, p-tau, chronic inflammation, and iron dyshomeostasis as common pathogenic mechanisms linking the three degenerative conditions, and iron chelation as a common therapeutic option for these disorders. Additionally discussed is the role of prion protein, infamous for prion disorders, in Aβ-mediated toxicity and, paradoxically, in neuroprotection.
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17
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Ausó E, Gómez-Vicente V, Esquiva G. Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease Early Diagnosis. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E114. [PMID: 32899797 PMCID: PMC7563965 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, affecting the central nervous system (CNS) through the accumulation of intraneuronal neurofibrillary tau tangles (NFTs) and β-amyloid plaques. By the time AD is clinically diagnosed, neuronal loss has already occurred in many brain and retinal regions. Therefore, the availability of early and reliable diagnosis markers of the disease would allow its detection and taking preventive measures to avoid neuronal loss. Current diagnostic tools in the brain, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers (Aβ and tau) detection are invasive and expensive. Brain-secreted extracellular vesicles (BEVs) isolated from peripheral blood have emerged as novel strategies in the study of AD, with enormous potential as a diagnostic evaluation of therapeutics and treatment tools. In addition; similar mechanisms of neurodegeneration have been demonstrated in the brain and the eyes of AD patients. Since the eyes are more accessible than the brain, several eye tests that detect cellular and vascular changes in the retina have also been proposed as potential screening biomarkers. The aim of this study is to summarize and discuss several potential markers in the brain, eye, blood, and other accessible biofluids like saliva and urine, and correlate them with earlier diagnosis and prognosis to identify individuals with mild symptoms prior to dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gema Esquiva
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (E.A.); (V.G.-V.)
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