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Hadler MD, Alle H, Geiger JRP. Parvalbumin interneuron cell-to-network plasticity: mechanisms and therapeutic avenues. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024:S0165-6147(24)00068-3. [PMID: 38763836 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.003] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) represent two major neuropathological conditions with a high disease burden. Despite their distinct etiologies, patients suffering from AD or SCZ share a common burden of disrupted memory functions unattended by current therapies. Recent preclinical analyses highlight cell-type-specific contributions of parvalbumin interneurons (PVIs), particularly the plasticity of their cellular excitability, towards intact neuronal network function (cell-to-network plasticity) and memory performance. Here we argue that deficits of PVI cell-to-network plasticity may underlie memory deficits in AD and SCZ, and we explore two therapeutic avenues: the targeting of PVI-specific neuromodulation, including by neuropeptides, and the recruitment of network synchrony in the gamma frequency range (40 Hz) by external stimulation. We finally propose that these approaches be merged under consideration of recent insights into human brain physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Hadler
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Henrik Alle
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg R P Geiger
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Rajendran K, Krishnan UM. Mechanistic insights and emerging therapeutic stratagems for Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102309. [PMID: 38615895 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102309] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a multi-factorial neurodegenerative disorder has affected over 30 million individuals globally and these numbers are expected to increase in the coming decades. Current therapeutic interventions are largely ineffective as they focus on a single target. Development of an effective drug therapy requires a deep understanding of the various factors influencing the onset and progression of the disease. Aging and genetic factors exert a major influence on the development of AD. Other factors like post-viral infections, iron overload, gut dysbiosis, and vascular dysfunction also exacerbate the onset and progression of AD. Further, post-translational modifications in tau, DRP1, CREB, and p65 proteins increase the disease severity through triggering mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic loss, and differential interaction of amyloid beta with different receptors leading to impaired intracellular signalling. With advancements in neuroscience tools, new inter-relations that aggravate AD are being discovered including pre-existing diseases and exposure to other pathogens. Simultaneously, new therapeutic strategies involving modulation of gene expression through targeted delivery or modulation with light, harnessing the immune response to promote clearance of amyloid deposits, introduction of stem cells and extracellular vesicles to replace the destroyed neurons, exploring new therapeutic molecules from plant, marine and biological sources delivered in the free state or through nanoparticles and use of non-pharmacological interventions like music, transcranial stimulation and yoga. Polypharmacology approaches involving combination of therapeutic agents are also under active investigation for superior therapeutic outcomes. This review elaborates on various disease-causing factors, their underlying mechanisms, the inter-play between different disease-causing players, and emerging therapeutic options including those under clinical trials, for treatment of AD. The challenges involved in AD therapy and the way forward have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayalvizhi Rajendran
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; School of Arts, Sciences, Humanities & Education, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India.
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McArdle CJ, Arnone AA, Heaney CF, Raab-Graham KF. A paradoxical switch: the implications of excitatory GABAergic signaling in neurological disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1296527. [PMID: 38268565 PMCID: PMC10805837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1296527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In the mature brain, inhibitory GABAergic signaling is critical in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and vital human behaviors such as cognition, emotion, and motivation. While classically known to inhibit neuronal function under physiological conditions, previous research indicates a paradoxical switch from inhibitory to excitatory GABAergic signaling that is implicated in several neurological disorders. Various mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the excitatory switch such as chloride ion dyshomeostasis, alterations in inhibitory receptor expression, and modifications in GABAergic synaptic plasticity. Of note, the hypothesized mechanisms underlying excitatory GABAergic signaling are highlighted in a number of neurodevelopmental, substance use, stress, and neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we present an updated review discussing the presence of excitatory GABAergic signaling in various neurological disorders, and their potential contributions towards disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Alana A. Arnone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Selles MC, Oliveira MM. The Oxytocin Puzzle: Unlocking Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1101-1104. [PMID: 38189754 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231127] [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: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a multi-factorial disease that disrupts many aspects of human behavior. In this comment, we highlight the work by Koulousakis et al. published in a recent issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. In this study, the authors tested the therapeutic potential of the neuropeptide oxytocin in a pre-clinical model of Alzheimer's disease and found positive behavioral outcomes on memory assessments. We discuss these findings in the context of oxytocin research in the field of Alzheimer's disease and the literature regarding oxytocin-based therapeutics, including administration protocols and potential underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clara Selles
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Buemann B. Does activation of oxytocinergic reward circuits postpone the decline of the aging brain? Front Psychol 2023; 14:1250745. [PMID: 38222845 PMCID: PMC10786160 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1250745] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin supports reproduction by promoting sexual- and nursing behavior. Moreover, it stimulates reproductive organs by different avenues. Oxytocin is released to the blood from terminals of oxytocinergic neurons which project from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland. Concomitantly, the dendrites of these neurons discharge oxytocin into neighboring areas of the hypothalamus. At this location it affects other neuroendocrine systems by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Moreover, sensory processing, affective functions, and reward circuits are influenced by oxytocinergic neurons that reach different sites in the brain. In addition to its facilitating impact on various aspects of reproduction, oxytocin is revealed to possess significant anti-inflammatory, restoring, and tranquilizing properties. This has been demonstrated both in many in-vivo and in-vitro studies. The oxytocin system may therefore have the capacity to alleviate detrimental physiological- and mental stress reactions. Thus, high levels of endogenous oxytocin may counteract inadequate inflammation and malfunctioning of neurons and supportive cells in the brain. A persistent low-grade inflammation increasing with age-referred to as inflammaging-may lead to a cognitive decline but may also predispose to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson. Interestingly, animal studies indicate that age-related destructive processes in the body can be postponed by techniques that preserve immune- and stem cell functions in the hypothalamus. It is argued in this article that sexual activity-by its stimulating impact on the oxytocinergic activity in many regions of the brain-has the capacity to delay the onset of age-related cerebral decay. This may also postpone frailty and age-associated diseases in the body. Finally, oxytocin possesses neuroplastic properties that may be applied to expand sexual reward. The release of oxytocin may therefore be further potentiated by learning processes that involves oxytocin itself. It may therefore be profitable to raise the consciousness about the potential health benefits of sexual activity particularly among the seniors.
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Fan XY, Shi G, Zhao YP, Yang JJ, Feng J. Neuroprotective effects of oxytocin against ischemic stroke in rats by blocking glutamate release and CREB-mediated DNA hypermethylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115520. [PMID: 37729734 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115520] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate plays a crucial role in cognitive impairments after ischemic stroke. There is a scarcity of information about how glutamate-induced activation of cAMP-response element binding (CREB) signaling pathway regulates both the negative and positive regulators of synaptic plasticity. Recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of prominent epigenetic repressors, such as MeCP2 and DNMTs, in stroke. Neuroprotective effects of oxytocin against ischemia have been previously reported, while the underlying mechanism is still elusive. In this research, the possible role of CREB-mediated DNA hypermethylation and the potential mechanism of oxytocin in a rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) were assessed. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with intraperitoneal injection of oxytocin at the onset of pMCAO. The effects of oxytocin on spines and the expression levels of synaptic genes were determined. The regulatory effects of oxytocin on glutamate level, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), its downstream CREB pathway, and global or gene-specific DNA methylation status were evaluated by immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. We found that CREB could act as a common transcription factor for MeCP2 and DNMT3B after ischemic stroke. Oxytocin dose-dependently deactivated NR2B-related CaM-CREB pathway and inhibited DNA hypermethylation at the CpG islands of Ngf gene in pMCAO-operated rats. Moreover, oxytocin prevented pMCAO-induced reduction in the number of spines and neural cells. DNA hypermethylation in Ngf gene contributed to the cognitive deficits post-stroke. The neuroprotective effects of oxytocin against ischemia could be attributed to inhibiting glutamate release, providing additional evidence on the mechanism of oxytocin against ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guang Shi
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Yun-Peng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Takahashi J, Yamada D, Nagano W, Saitoh A. The Role of Oxytocin in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Relationship with Social Interaction. Cells 2023; 12:2426. [PMID: 37887270 PMCID: PMC10604997 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202426] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD)-the most common cause of dementia in the elderly-is characterized by progressive memory loss and β-amyloid protein (Aβ) accumulation in the brain. Recently, loneliness was found to be a high risk factor for AD, and social isolation has become a major cause of AD. AD. Oxytocin (OXT), the main hormone involved in social bonding, has been implicated in social interactions, notably in building trust and relationships. Moreover, social isolation or social enrichment modulates the activation of neurons related to OXT. Recently, we reported that OXT reverses learning and memory impairment in AD animal models. Based on the limited number of studies currently available, OXT might be a therapeutic target for AD. Further studies are necessary in order to better understand the role of oxytocin in AD. In this review, we described the relationships between OXT, AD, and social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Akiyoshi Saitoh
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda 278-8510, Chiba, Japan; (J.T.); (D.Y.); (W.N.)
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Koulousakis P, Willems E, Schepers M, Rombaut B, Prickaerts J, Vanmierlo T, van den Hove D. Exogenous Oxytocin Administration Restores Memory in Female APP/PS1 Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1207-1219. [PMID: 37927260 PMCID: PMC10741313 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current treatment options for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are limited, inefficient, and often have serious side effects. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide implicated in a variety of central processes, such as social and reproductive behaviors. Among others, it has garnered attention in various domains of psychiatric research, while its role in the development and course of neurodegenerative disorders like AD is rather unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the role of exogenous oxytocin administration on memory, specifically in view of AD, as a potential novel treatment option. METHODS We describe a novel treatment approach by using a relatively low dose of long-term intranasal oxytocin treatment, to restore memory deficits in female APPswePS1dE9 mice. RESULTS Female APPswePS1dE9 mice treated with oxytocin showed increased spatial memory performance in the object location task and improved working memory in the Y-Maze, while indicating decreased sociability. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that oxytocin is able to reverse acquired cognitive deficits in female APPswePS1dE9 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippos Koulousakis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Emily Willems
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ben Rombaut
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
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