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Li M, Liao Y, Luo Z, Song H, Yang Z. Work-related factors and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A multivariable Mendelian randomization study. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3317. [PMID: 37960974 PMCID: PMC10726785 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causal relationship between work-related factors and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is unclear. We used a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the unconfounded association between work-related factors and ALS. METHODS Univariable MR analyses were conducted to evaluate the causal effects of work-related factors on ALS. Instrumental variables from the UK Biobank on work-related factors (n = 263,615) were used as proxies. The outcome dataset used ALS (n case = 20,806, n control = 59,804) summary-level data from a large-scale genome-wide association study based on European ancestry. MR analysis used inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median (WM) to assess causal effects and other methods of MR for sensitivity analysis. Further multivariable MR analyses were performed to explore potential mediating effects. RESULTS In univariable MR, IVW methods support evidence that genetically determined job involves heavy manual or physical work (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.26-3.31; p = .004) was associated with an increased risk of ALS, and the WM methods also confirm this result (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.30-4.28; p = .005). No evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was found in the results. In multivariable MR, the association was absent after adjusting for smoking and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Our MR analysis results demonstrate the potential causal relationship between jobs that involve heavy manual or physical work and ALS, which might be mediated by smoking and high systolic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Department of NeurologyChangning County Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineYibinChina
- School of Acupuncture and MassageChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Yile Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine ResourcesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Zhangkun Luo
- Department of NeurologyChangning County Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineYibinChina
| | - Hongfei Song
- School of Basic Medical SciencesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineChangning County Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineYibinChina
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Jiang Z, Wang Z, Wei X, Yu XF. Inflammatory checkpoints in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: From biomarkers to therapeutic targets. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1059994. [PMID: 36618399 PMCID: PMC9815501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1059994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron damage. Due to the complexity of the ALS, so far the etiology and underlying pathogenesis of sporadic ALS are not completely understood. Recently, many studies have emphasized the role of inflammatory networks, which are comprised of various inflammatory molecules and proteins in the pathogenesis of ALS. Inflammatory molecules and proteins may be used as independent predictors of patient survival and might be used in patient stratification and in evaluating the therapeutic response in clinical trials. This review article describes the latest advances in various inflammatory markers in ALS and its animal models. In particular, this review discusses the role of inflammatory molecule markers in the pathogenesis of the disease and their relationship with clinical parameters. We also highlight the advantages and disadvantages of applying inflammatory markers in clinical manifestations, animal studies, and drug clinical trials. Further, we summarize the potential application of some inflammatory biomarkers as new therapeutic targets and therapeutic strategies, which would perhaps expand the therapeutic interventions for ALS.
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Lee JH, Park SH, Ryou C, Gye MC. Phthalate plasticizer decreases the prion-like protein doppel essential for structural integrity and function of spermatozoa. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 246:114159. [PMID: 36215882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), a well-known endocrine disruptor, causes male reproductive dysfunction. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we performed histological, endocrinological, and biochemical analyses and assessed the expression of genes involved in spermatogenesis and sperm function according to OECD test guideline 407. Following 28 days of administration of the lowest observed adverse effect level dose of DBP to mice, no significant changes in body weight, testis and epididymis weights and histology, serum testosterone level, or testicular daily sperm production were found. Nonetheless, the motility of the epididymal sperm of the DBP group was significantly decreased together with an increase in the incidence of bent tails and abnormal heads. In the testes of the DBP group, lipid peroxidation (LPO) level was significantly increased and testicular Bcl-2 mRNA level was significantly decreased together with an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio. In the testes of the DBP group, levels of Prnd mRNA and protein and Pou4f1 mRNA, an activator of the Prnd promotor, were significantly decreased. Of note, prion-like protein doppel (PRND) was significantly decreased together with decreased PRND immunoreactivity in the head, midpiece, and tail of sperm. In the testes of the DBP group, levels of Sox9, Sgp1, and Sgp2 mRNA, which are functional Sertoli cell markers, were significantly decreased. Level of Amh mRNA, a Sertoli cell immaturity marker, was significantly increased together with that of Inha mRNA, suggesting deregulation of the brain-gonadal axis. Together, our findings suggest that DBP at present dosage may potentiate LPO generation and Sertoli cell immaturity via downregulation of Sox9 and disruption of the Pou4f1-Prnd gene network in post-meiotic germ cells without visible changes in spermatogenesis or testosterone level. This may result in structural and functional abnormalities in spermatozoa. Additionally, our findings suggest that assessment of the male reproductive toxicity of phthalate ester plasticizers based on conventional OECD test guidelines should be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hyeon Lee
- Department of Life Science, Institute for Natural Sciences and Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Park
- Department of Life Science, Institute for Natural Sciences and Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Chongsuk Ryou
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Chan Gye
- Department of Life Science, Institute for Natural Sciences and Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Sanfilippo C, Longo A, Lazzara F, Cambria D, Distefano G, Palumbo M, Cantarella A, Malaguarnera L, Di Rosa M. CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 overexpression in motor cortex and spinal cord of sALS patients. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 85:162-169. [PMID: 28989002 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration and death of upper (UMN) and lower (LMN) motor neurons. In the last decade, it has been shown that Chitinases are an important prognostic indicator of neuro-inflammatory damage induced by microglia and astrocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed microarray datasets obtained from the Array Express in order to verify the expression levels of CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 in motor cortex biopsies of sALS patients with different survival times. We also divided the sALS patients into smokers and non-smokers. In order to extend our analysis, we explored two additional microarray datasets, GSE833 and GSE26927, of post-mortem spinal cord biopsies from sALS patients. RESULTS The analysis showed that CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 expression levels were significantly upregulated in the motor cortex of sALS patients, compared to the healthy controls. Moreover, their expression levels were negatively correlated with survival time. Interesting results were obtained when we compared the expression levels of Chitinases among smokers. We showed that CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 were significantly upregulated in sALS smokers compared to non-smokers. Furthermore, we found that four genes belonging to the Chitinases network (SERPINA3, C1s, RRAD, HLA-DQA1) were significantly upregulated in the motor cortex of sALS patients and positively correlated with Chitinases expression levels. Similar results were obtained during the exploration of the two-microarray dataset. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 are associated with the progression of neurodegeneration in motor cortex and spinal cord of sALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sanfilippo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Longo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - F Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - D Cambria
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - G Distefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - M Palumbo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - L Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - M Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy.
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Calvo A, Canosa A, Bertuzzo D, Cugnasco P, Solero L, Clerico M, De Mercanti S, Bersano E, Cammarosano S, Ilardi A, Manera U, Moglia C, Marinou K, Bottacchi E, Pisano F, Mora G, Mazzini L, Chiò A. Influence of cigarette smoking on ALS outcome: a population-based study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016; 87:1229-1233. [PMID: 27656044 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2016-313793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prognostic influence of premorbid smoking habits and vascular risk profile on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotype and outcome in a population-based cohort of Italian patients. METHODS A total of 650 patients with ALS from the Piemonte/Valle d'Aosta Register for ALS, incident in the 2007-2011 period, were recruited. Information about premorbid cigarette smoking habits and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were collected at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS Current smokers had a significantly shorter median survival (1.9 years, IQR 1.2-3.4) compared with former (2.3 years, IQR 1.5-4.2) and never smokers (2.7 years, IQR 1.8-4.6) (p=0.001). Also COPD adversely influenced patients' prognosis. Both smoking habits and CODP were retained in Cox multivariable model. CONCLUSIONS This study has demonstrated in a large population-based cohort of patients with ALS that cigarette smoking is an independent negative prognostic factor for survival, with a dose-response gradient. Its effect is not related to the presence of COPD or to respiratory status at time of diagnosis. The understanding of the mechanisms, either genetic or epigenetic, through which exogenous factors influence disease phenotype is of major importance towards a more focused approach to cure ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calvo
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Bertuzzo
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Cugnasco
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Solero
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marinella Clerico
- Department of Biological and Clinical Science, University of Turin, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Stefania De Mercanti
- Department of Biological and Clinical Science, University of Turin, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Enrica Bersano
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy Eastern Piedmont University, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Cammarosano
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Ilardi
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Umberto Manera
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Marinou
- Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCSS, Scientific Institute of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Edo Bottacchi
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliera Regionale di Aosta, Azienda USL Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Pisano
- Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCSS, Scientific Institute of Veruno (NO), Veruno, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mora
- Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCSS, Scientific Institute of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy Neuroscience Institute of Torino (NIT), Turin, Italy
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