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Zhang T, Chu Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang J, Ji X, Zhang G, Shi G, Cui R, Kang Y. Testosterone deficiency worsens mitochondrial dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1390915. [PMID: 38752208 PMCID: PMC11094339 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1390915] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies show testosterone (T) deficiency worsens cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction, as an early event of AD, is becoming critical hallmark of AD pathogenesis. However, currently, whether T deficiency exacerbates mitochondrial dysfunction of men with AD remains unclear. Objective The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of T deficiency on mitochondrial dysfunction of male AD mouse models and its potential mechanisms. Methods Alzheimer's disease animal model with T deficiency was performed by castration to 3-month-old male APP/PS1 mice. Hippocampal mitochondrial function of mice was analyzed by spectrophotometry and flow cytometry. The gene expression levels related to mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics were determined through quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot analysis. SH-SY5Y cells treated with flutamide, T and/or H2O2 were processed for analyzing the potential mechanisms of T on mitochondrial dysfunction. Results Testosterone deficiency significantly aggravated the cognitive deficits and hippocampal pathologic damage of male APP/PS1 mice. These effects were consistent with exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction by gonadectomy to male APP/PS1 mice, reflected by further increase in oxidative damage and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, complex IV activity and ATP levels. More importantly, T deficiency induced the exacerbation of compromised mitochondrial homeostasis in male APP/PS1 mice by exerting detrimental effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics at mRNA and protein level, leading to more defective mitochondria accumulated in the hippocampus. In vitro studies using SH-SY5Y cells validated T's protective effects on the H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial biogenesis impairment, and mitochondrial dynamics imbalance. Administering androgen receptor (AR) antagonist flutamide weakened the beneficial effects of T pretreatment on H2O2-treated SH-SY5Y cells, demonstrating a critical role of classical AR pathway in maintaining mitochondrial function. Conclusion Testosterone deficiency exacerbates hippocampal mitochondrial dysfunction of male APP/PS1 mice by accumulating more defective mitochondria. Thus, appropriate T levels in the early stage of AD might be beneficial in delaying AD pathology by improving mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyun Zhang
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yun Chu
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jinyang Wang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Neurology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoming Ji
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Geming Shi
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Rui Cui
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yunxiao Kang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Wright RS, Allan AC, Gamaldo AA, Morgan AA, Lee AK, Erus G, Davatzikos C, Bygrave DC. Neighborhood disadvantage is associated with working memory and hippocampal volumes among older adults. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38656243 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2024.2345926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
It is not well understood how neighborhood disadvantage is associated with specific domains of cognitive function and underlying brain health within older adults. Thus, the objective was to examine associations between neighborhood disadvantage, brain health, and cognitive performance, and examine whether associations were more pronounced among women. The study included 136 older adults who underwent cognitive testing and MRI. Neighborhood disadvantage was characterized using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and multiple regressions were run. Multiple regressions, adjusted for age, sex, education, and depression, showed that higher ADI state rankings (greater disadvantage) were associated with poorer working memory performance (p < .01) and lower hippocampal volumes (p < .01), but not total, frontal, and white matter lesion volumes, nor visual and verbal memory performance. There were no significant sex interactions. Findings suggest that greater neighborhood disadvantage may play a role in working memory and underlying brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexa C Allan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Anna K Lee
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guray Erus
- Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Desirée C Bygrave
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Dunham SJB, Avelar-Barragan J, Rothman JA, Adams ED, Faraci G, Forner S, Kawauchi S, Tenner AJ, Green KN, LaFerla FM, MacGregor GR, Mapstone M, Whiteson KL. Sex-specific associations between AD genotype and the microbiome of human amyloid beta knock-in (hAβ-KI) mice. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 38572865 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging evidence links changes in the gut microbiome to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), necessitating examination of AD mouse models with consideration of the microbiome. METHODS We used shotgun metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics to study the human amyloid beta knock-in (hAβ-KI) murine model for LOAD compared to both wild-type (WT) mice and a model for early-onset AD (3xTg-AD). RESULTS Eighteen-month female (but not male) hAβ-KI microbiomes were distinct from WT microbiomes, with AD genotype accounting for 18% of the variance by permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). Metabolomic diversity differences were observed in females, however no individual metabolites were differentially abundant. hAβ-KI mice microbiomes were distinguishable from 3xTg-AD animals (81% accuracy by random forest modeling), with separation primarily driven by Romboutsia ilealis and Turicibacter species. Microbiomes were highly cage specific, with cage assignment accounting for more than 40% of the PERMANOVA variance between the groups. DISCUSSION These findings highlight a sex-dependent variation in the microbiomes of hAβ-KI mice and underscore the importance of considering the microbiome when designing studies that use murine models for AD. HIGHLIGHTS Microbial diversity and the abundance of several species differed in human amyloid beta knock-in (hAβ-KI) females but not males. Correlations to Alzheimer's disease (AD) genotype were stronger for the microbiome than the metabolome. Microbiomes from hAβ-KI mice were distinct from 3xTg-AD mice. Cage effects accounted for most of the variance in the microbiome and metabolome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sage J B Dunham
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Julio Avelar-Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Jason A Rothman
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Eric D Adams
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Gina Faraci
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Stefania Forner
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Shimako Kawauchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Developmental Biology Center, University of California Irvine, College of Medicine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Andrea J Tenner
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Kim N Green
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Frank M LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Grant R MacGregor
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Mark Mapstone
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Katrine L Whiteson
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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Fernández A, Cuesta P, Marcos A, Montenegro-Peña M, Yus M, Rodríguez-Rojo IC, Bruña R, Maestú F, López ME. Sex differences in the progression to Alzheimer's disease: a combination of functional and structural markers. GeroScience 2024; 46:2619-2640. [PMID: 38105400 PMCID: PMC10828170 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-01020-z] [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: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been frequently interpreted as a transitional phase between healthy cognitive aging and dementia, particularly of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) type. Of note, few studies explored that transition from a multifactorial perspective, taking into consideration the effect of basic factors such as biological sex. In the present study 96 subjects with MCI (37 males and 59 females) were followed-up and divided into two subgroups according to their clinical outcome: "progressive" MCI (pMCI = 41), if they fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for AD at the end of follow-up; and "stable" MCI (sMCI = 55), if they remained with the initial diagnosis. Different markers were combined to characterize sex differences between groups, including magnetoencephalography recordings, cognitive performance, and brain volumes derived from magnetic resonance imaging. Results indicated that the pMCI group exhibited higher low-frequency activity, lower scores in neuropsychological tests and reduced brain volumes than the sMCI group, being these measures significantly correlated. When sex was considered, results revealed that this pattern was mainly due to the influence of the females' sample. Overall, females exhibited lower cognitive scores and reduced brain volumes. More interestingly, females in the pMCI group showed an increased theta activity that correlated with a more abrupt reduction of cognitive and volumetric scores as compared with females in the sMCI group and with males in the pMCI group. These findings suggest that females' brains might be more vulnerable to the effects of AD pathology, since regardless of age, they showed signs of more pronounced deterioration than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fernández
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Cuesta
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Montenegro-Peña
- Centre for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid Salud, Madrid City Council, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Yus
- Radiology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Concepción Rodríguez-Rojo
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Psysiotherapy, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Bruña
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Maestú
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Eugenia López
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Sanitary Investigation (IdISSC), San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Niedowicz DM, Gollihue JL, Weekman EM, Phe P, Wilcock DM, Norris CM, Nelson PT. Using digital pathology to analyze the murine cerebrovasculature. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:595-610. [PMID: 37988134 PMCID: PMC10981399 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231216142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Research on the cerebrovasculature may provide insights into brain health and disease. Immunohistochemical staining is one way to visualize blood vessels, and digital pathology has the potential to revolutionize the measurement of blood vessel parameters. These tools provide opportunities for translational mouse model research. However, mouse brain tissue presents a formidable set of technical challenges, including potentially high background staining and cross-reactivity of endogenous IgG. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and fixed frozen sections, both of which are widely used, may require different methods. In this study, we optimized blood vessel staining in mouse brain tissue, testing both FFPE and frozen fixed sections. A panel of immunohistochemical blood vessel markers were tested (including CD31, CD34, collagen IV, DP71, and VWF), to evaluate their suitability for digital pathological analysis. Collagen IV provided the best immunostaining results in both FFPE and frozen fixed murine brain sections, with highly-specific staining of large and small blood vessels and low background staining. Subsequent analysis of collagen IV-stained sections showed region and sex-specific differences in vessel density and vessel wall thickness. We conclude that digital pathology provides a useful tool for relatively unbiased analysis of the murine cerebrovasculature, provided proper protein markers are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Niedowicz
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jenna L Gollihue
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Erica M Weekman
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Panhavuth Phe
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Donna M Wilcock
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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6
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Do AN, Ali M, Timsina J, Wang L, Western D, Liu M, Sanford J, Rosende-Roca M, Boada M, Puerta R, Wilson T, Ruiz A, Pastor P, Wyss-Coray T, Cruchaga C, Sung YJ. CSF proteomic profiling with amyloid/tau positivity identifies distinctive sex-different alteration of multiple proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.15.24304164. [PMID: 38559166 PMCID: PMC10980123 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.24304164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, females have higher prevalence and faster progression, but sex-specific molecular findings in AD are limited. Here, we comprehensively examined and validated 7,006 aptamers targeting 6,162 proteins in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from 2,077 amyloid/tau positive cases and controls to identify sex-specific proteomic signatures of AD. In discovery (N=1,766), we identified 330 male-specific and 121 female-specific proteomic alternations in CSF (FDR <0.05). These sex-specific proteins strongly predicted amyloid/tau positivity (AUC=0.98 in males; 0.99 in females), significantly higher than those with age, sex, and APOE-ε4 (AUC=0.85). The identified sex-specific proteins were well validated (r≥0.5) in the Stanford study (N=108) and Emory study (N=148). Biological follow-up of these proteins led to sex differences in cell-type specificity, pathways, interaction networks, and drug targets. Male-specific proteins, enriched in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, were involved in postsynaptic and axon-genesis. The male network exhibited direct connections among 152 proteins and highlighted PTEN, NOTCH1, FYN, and MAPK8 as hubs. Drug target suggested melatonin (used for sleep-wake cycle regulation), nabumetone (used for pain), daunorubicin, and verteporfin for treating AD males. In contrast, female-specific proteins, enriched in neurons, were involved in phosphoserine residue binding including cytokine activities. The female network exhibits strong connections among 51 proteins and highlighted JUN and 14-3-3 proteins (YWHAG and YWHAZ) as hubs. Drug target suggested biperiden (for muscle control of Parkinson's disease), nimodipine (for cerebral vasospasm), quinostatin and ethaverine for treating AD females. Together, our findings provide mechanistic understanding of sex differences for AD risk and insights into clinically translatable interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh N Do
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Muhammad Ali
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jigyasha Timsina
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lihua Wang
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daniel Western
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Menghan Liu
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jessie Sanford
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Matitee Rosende-Roca
- Research Center and Memory clinic Fundació ACE. Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Merce Boada
- Research Center and Memory clinic Fundació ACE. Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Puerta
- Research Center and Memory clinic Fundació ACE. Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ted Wilson
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Agustin Ruiz
- Research Center and Memory clinic Fundació ACE. Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Pastor
- Memory Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Mutua Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Tony Wyss-Coray
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Cruchaga
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Hope Center for Neurologic Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yun Ju Sung
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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7
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Justice MJ. Sex matters in preclinical research. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050759. [PMID: 38450661 PMCID: PMC10941654 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050759] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
International Women's Day 2024 has a theme of inclusion. As publishers of preclinical research, we aim to show how inclusion of females in research advances scientific rigor and improves treatment reliability. Sexual reproduction is key to all life across the plant and animal kingdoms. Biological sex takes many forms that are morphologically differentiated during development: stamens versus pistils in plants; color and plumage in birds; fallopian tubes versus vas deferens in mammals; and differences in size, for instance, males are smaller in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Physical differences may be obvious, but many traits may be more obscure, including hormonal, physiological and metabolic factors. These traits have a big influence on disease and responses to treatment. Thus, we call for improved inclusion, analysis and reporting of sex as a biological variable in preclinical animal modeling research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica J. Justice
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
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8
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Frolinger T, Korkmaz F, Sims S, Sen F, Sultana F, Laurencin V, Cullen L, Pallapati AR, Liu A, Rojekar S, Pevnev G, Cheliadinova U, Vasilyeva D, Burganova G, Macdonald A, Saxena M, Goosens K, Rosen C, Barak O, Lizneva D, Gumerova A, Ye K, Ryu V, Yuen T, Zaidi M. Gene-Dose-Dependent Reduction Fshr Expression Improves Spatial Memory Deficits in Alzheimer's Mice. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3964789. [PMID: 38463956 PMCID: PMC10925392 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3964789/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the aging population. High post-menopausal levels of the pituitary gonadotropin follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are strongly associated with the onset of AD, and we have shown recently that FSH directly activates the hippocampal Fshr to drive AD-like pathology and memory loss in mice. To establish a role for FSH in memory loss, we used female 3xTg;Fshr+/+, 3xTg;Fshr+/- and 3xTg;Fshr-/- mice that were either left unoperated or underwent sham surgery or ovariectomy at 8 weeks of age. Unoperated and sham-operated 3xTg;Fshr-/- mice were implanted with 17β-estradiol pellets to normalize estradiol levels. Morris Water Maze and Novel Object Recognition behavioral tests were performed to study deficits in spatial and recognition memory, respectively, and to examine the effects of Fshr depletion. 3xTg;Fshr+/+ mice displayed impaired spatial memory at 5 months of age; both the acquisition and retrieval of the memory were ameliorated in 3xTg;Fshr-/- mice and, to a lesser extent, in 3xTg;Fshr+/- mice- -thus documenting a clear gene-dose-dependent prevention of hippocampal-dependent spatial memory impairment. At 5 and 10 months, sham-operated 3xTg;Fshr-/- mice showed better memory performance during the acquasition and/or retrieval phases, suggesting that Fshr deletion prevented the progression of spatial memory deficits with age. However, this prevention was not seen when mice were ovariectomized, except in the 10-month-old 3xTg;Fshr-/- mice. In the Novel Object Recognition test performed at 10 months, all groups of mice, except ovariectomized 3xTg;Fshr-/- mice showed a loss of recognition memory. Consistent with the neurobehavioral data, there was a gene-dose-dependent reduction mainly in the amyloid β40 isoform in whole brain extracts. Finally, serum FSH levels < 8 ng/mL in 16-month-old APP/PS1 mice were associated with better retrieval of spatial memory. Collectively, the data provide compelling genetic evidence for a protective effect of inhibiting FSH signaling on the progression of spatial and recognition memory deficits in mice, and lay a firm foundation for the use of an FSH-blocking agent for the early prevention of cognitive decline in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Avi Liu
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Keqiang Ye
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology
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9
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Geleta U, Prajapati P, Bachstetter A, Nelson PT, Wang WX. Sex-Biased Expression and Response of microRNAs in Neurological Diseases and Neurotrauma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2648. [PMID: 38473893 PMCID: PMC10931569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052648] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases and neurotrauma manifest significant sex differences in prevalence, progression, outcome, and therapeutic responses. Genetic predisposition, sex hormones, inflammation, and environmental exposures are among many physiological and pathological factors that impact the sex disparity in neurological diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a powerful class of gene expression regulator that are extensively involved in mediating biological pathways. Emerging evidence demonstrates that miRNAs play a crucial role in the sex dimorphism observed in various human diseases, including neurological diseases. Understanding the sex differences in miRNA expression and response is believed to have important implications for assessing the risk of neurological disease, defining therapeutic intervention strategies, and advancing both basic research and clinical investigations. However, there is limited research exploring the extent to which miRNAs contribute to the sex disparities observed in various neurological diseases. Here, we review the current state of knowledge related to the sexual dimorphism in miRNAs in neurological diseases and neurotrauma research. We also discuss how sex chromosomes may contribute to the miRNA sexual dimorphism phenomenon. We attempt to emphasize the significance of sexual dimorphism in miRNA biology in human diseases and to advocate a gender/sex-balanced science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urim Geleta
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
| | - Paresh Prajapati
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
| | - Adam Bachstetter
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Peter T. Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Wang-Xia Wang
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (U.G.); (P.P.); (A.B.); (P.T.N.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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10
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Mensah-Kane P, Davis DL, Shi HS, Trinh OT, Vann PH, Dory L, Sumien N. Hyperbaric oxygen alleviates selective domains of cognitive and motor deficits in female 5xFAD mice. GeroScience 2024; 46:517-530. [PMID: 38153668 PMCID: PMC10828284 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-01047-2] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been limited to managing of symptoms or anti-amyloid therapy with limited results and uncertainty. Seeking out new therapies that can reverse the effects of this devastating disease is important. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy could be such a candidate as it has been shown to improve brain function in certain neurological conditions. Furthermore, the role sex plays in the vulnerability/resilience to AD remains equivocal. An understanding of what makes one sex more vulnerable to AD could unveil new pathways for therapy development. In this study, we investigated the effects of HBO on cognitive, motor, and affective function in a mouse model of AD (5xFAD) and assessed protein oxidation in peripheral tissues as a safety indicator. The motor and cognitive abilities of 5xFAD mice were significantly impaired. HBO therapy improved cognitive flexibility and associative learning of 5xFAD females but not males, but HBO had no effect other aspects of cognition. HBO also reversed AD-related declines in balance but had no impact on gait and anxiety-like behavior. HBO did not affect body weights or oxidative stress in peripheral tissues. Our study provides further support for HBO therapy as a potential treatment for AD and emphasizes the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in therapeutic development. Further investigations into the underlying mechanisms of HBO's sex-specific responses are warranted, as well as optimizing treatment protocols for maximum benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paapa Mensah-Kane
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Delaney L Davis
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Helen S Shi
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Oanh T Trinh
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Philip H Vann
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Ladislav Dory
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Nathalie Sumien
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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11
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Karnik SJ, Margetts TJ, Wang HS, Movila A, Oblak AL, Fehrenbacher JC, Kacena MA, Plotkin LI. Mind the Gap: Unraveling the Intricate Dance Between Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias and Bone Health. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2024; 22:165-176. [PMID: 38285083 PMCID: PMC10912190 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-023-00847-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review examines the linked pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease/related dementia (AD/ADRD) and bone disorders like osteoporosis. The emphasis is on "inflammaging"-a low-level inflammation common to both, and its implications in an aging population. RECENT FINDINGS Aging intensifies both ADRD and bone deterioration. Notably, ADRD patients have a heightened fracture risk, impacting morbidity and mortality, though it is uncertain if fractures worsen ADRD. Therapeutically, agents targeting inflammation pathways, especially Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and TNF-α, appear beneficial for both conditions. Additionally, treatments like Sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1), known for anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, are gaining attention. The interconnectedness of AD/ADRD and bone health necessitates a unified treatment approach. By addressing shared mechanisms, we can potentially transform therapeutic strategies, enriching our understanding and refining care in our aging society. This review article is part of a series of multiple manuscripts designed to determine the utility of using artificial intelligence for writing scientific reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali J Karnik
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Tyler J Margetts
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Hannah S Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Alexandru Movila
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Comprehensive Care, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Adrian L Oblak
- Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jill C Fehrenbacher
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Melissa A Kacena
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Lilian I Plotkin
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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12
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Hou Y, Caldwell JZK, Lathia JD, Leverenz JB, Pieper AA, Cummings J, Cheng F. Microglial immunometabolism endophenotypes contribute to sex difference in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1334-1349. [PMID: 37985399 PMCID: PMC10916937 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13546] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The molecular mechanisms that contribute to sex differences, in particular female predominance, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevalence, symptomology, and pathology, are incompletely understood. METHODS To address this problem, we investigated cellular metabolism and immune responses ("immunometabolism endophenotype") across AD individuals as a function of sex with diverse clinical diagnosis of cognitive status at death (cogdx), Braak staging, and Consortium to Establish a Registry for AD (CERAD) scores using human cortex metabolomics and transcriptomics data from the Religious Orders Study / Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP) cohort. RESULTS We identified sex-specific metabolites, immune and metabolic genes, and pathways associated with the AD diagnosis and progression. We identified female-specific elevation in glycerophosphorylcholine and N-acetylglutamate, which are AD inflammatory metabolites involved in interleukin (IL)-17 signaling, C-type lectin receptor, interferon signaling, and Toll-like receptor pathways. We pinpointed distinct microglia-specific immunometabolism endophenotypes (i.e., lipid- and amino acid-specific IL-10 and IL-17 signaling pathways) between female and male AD subjects. In addition, female AD subjects showed evidence of diminished excitatory neuron and microglia communications via glutamate-mediated immunometabolism. DISCUSSION Our results point to new understanding of the molecular basis for female predominance in AD, and warrant future independent validations with ethnically diverse patient cohorts to establish a likely causal relationship of microglial immunometabolism in the sex differences in AD. HIGHLIGHTS Sex-specific immune metabolites, gene networks and pathways, are associated with Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and disease progression. Female AD subjects exhibit microglial immunometabolism endophenotypes characterized by decreased glutamate metabolism and elevated interleukin-10 pathway activity. Female AD subjects showed a shift in glutamate-mediated cell-cell communications between excitatory neurons to microglia and astrocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Hou
- Genomic Medicine InstituteCleveland ClinicLerner Research InstituteClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Jessica Z. K. Caldwell
- Department of Molecular MedicineCleveland Clinic Lerner College of MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain HealthCleveland ClinicNeurological InstituteLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Molecular MedicineCleveland Clinic Lerner College of MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic ScienceCleveland ClinicLerner Research InstituteClevelandOhioUSA
| | - James B. Leverenz
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain HealthCleveland ClinicNeurological InstituteClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Andrew A. Pieper
- Brain Health Medicines CenterHarrington Discovery InstituteUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of PsychiatryCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
- Geriatric PsychiatryGRECCLouis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical CenterClevelandOhioUSA
- Institute for Transformative Molecular MedicineSchool of MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of NeurosciencesSchool of MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of PathologySchool of MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Jeffrey Cummings
- Chambers‐Grundy Center for Transformative NeuroscienceDepartment of Brain HealthSchool of Integrated Health SciencesUniversity of Nevada Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine InstituteCleveland ClinicLerner Research InstituteClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Molecular MedicineCleveland Clinic Lerner College of MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
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13
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Saha P, Weigle IQ, Slimmon N, Poli PB, Patel P, Zhang X, Cao Y, Michalkiewicz J, Gomm A, Zhang C, Tanzi RE, Dylla N, Al-Hendy A, Sisodia SS. Early modulation of the gut microbiome by female sex hormones alters amyloid pathology and microglial function. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1827. [PMID: 38246956 PMCID: PMC10800351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52246-6] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease. The mechanisms underlying this sex-specific disparity are not fully understood, but several factors that are often associated-including interactions of sex hormones, genetic factors, and the gut microbiome-likely contribute to the disease's etiology. Here, we have examined the role of sex hormones and the gut microbiome in mediating Aβ amyloidosis and neuroinflammation in APPPS1-21 mice. We report that postnatal gut microbiome perturbation in female APPPS1-21 mice leads to an elevation in levels of circulating estradiol. Early stage ovariectomy (OVX) leads to a reduction of plasma estradiol that is correlated with a significant alteration of gut microbiome composition and reduction in Aβ pathology. On the other hand, supplementation of OVX-treated animals with estradiol restores Aβ burden and influences gut microbiome composition. The reduction of Aβ pathology with OVX is paralleled by diminished levels of plaque-associated microglia that acquire a neurodegenerative phenotype (MGnD-type) while estradiol supplementation of OVX-treated animals leads to a restoration of activated microglia around plaques. In summary, our investigation elucidates the complex interplay between sex-specific hormonal modulations, gut microbiome dynamics, metabolic perturbations, and microglial functionality in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyali Saha
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ian Q Weigle
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicholas Slimmon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Pedro Blauth Poli
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Priyam Patel
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiaoqiong Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yajun Cao
- Genomic Facility, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julia Michalkiewicz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ashley Gomm
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Can Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Dylla
- Duchossois Family Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sangram S Sisodia
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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14
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Wu D, Bi X, Chow KHM. Identification of female-enriched and disease-associated microglia (FDAMic) contributes to sexual dimorphism in late-onset Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:1. [PMID: 38178204 PMCID: PMC10765928 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02987-4] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is the most common form of dementia; it disproportionally affects women in terms of both incidence rates and severity of progression. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this clinical phenomenon remain elusive and ill-defined. METHODS In-depth analyses were performed with multiple human LOAD single-nucleus transcriptome datasets to thoroughly characterize cell populations in the cerebral cortex. ROSMAP bulk human brain tissue transcriptome and DNA methylome datasets were also included for validation. Detailed assessments of microglial cell subpopulations and their relevance to sex-biased changes at the tissue level were performed. Clinical trait associations, cell evolutionary trajectories, and transcription regulon analyses were conducted. RESULTS The relative numbers of functionally defective microglia were aberrantly increased uniquely among affected females. Substratification of the microglia into different subtypes according to their transcriptomic signatures identified a group of female-enriched and disease-associated microglia (FDAMic), the numbers of which were positively associated with disease severity. Phenotypically, these cells exhibit transcriptomic signatures that support active proliferation, MHC class II autoantigen presentation and amyloid-β binding, but they are also likely defective in phagocytosis. FDAMic are likely evolved from female activated response microglia (ARMic) with an APOE4 background and compromised estrogen receptor (ER) signaling that is deemed to be active among most subtypes of microglia. CONCLUSION This study offered important insights at both the cellular and molecular levels into how ER signaling affects microglial heterogeneity and function. FDAMic are associated with more advanced pathologies and severe trends of cognitive decline. Their emergence could, at least in part, explain the phenomenon of greater penetrance of the APOE4 genotype found in females. The biases of FDAMic emergence toward female sex and APOE4 status may also explain why hormone replacement therapy is more effective in APOE4 carriers. The pathologic nature of FDAMic suggests that selective modulations of these cells may help to regain brain neuroimmune homeostasis, serving as a new target for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Xiaoman Bi
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Information and Engineering, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Kim Hei-Man Chow
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
- Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
- Nexus of Rare Neurodegenerative Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
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15
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Shaik SM, Cao Y, Gogola JV, Dodiya HB, Zhang X, Boutej H, Han W, Kriz J, Sisodia SS. Translational profiling identifies sex-specific metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of cortical microglia/macrophages in APPPS1-21 mice with an antibiotic-perturbed-microbiome. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:95. [PMID: 38104136 PMCID: PMC10725591 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00668-7] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages perform immune surveillance and engage with pathological processes resulting in phenotype changes necessary for maintaining homeostasis. In preceding studies, we showed that antibiotic-induced perturbations of the gut microbiome of APPPS1-21 mice resulted in significant attenuation in Aβ amyloidosis and altered microglial phenotypes that are specific to male mice. The molecular events underlying microglial phenotypic transitions remain unclear. Here, by generating 'APPPS1-21-CD11br' reporter mice, we investigated the translational state of microglial/macrophage ribosomes during their phenotypic transition and in a sex-specific manner. METHODS Six groups of mice that included WT-CD11br, antibiotic (ABX) or vehicle-treated APPPS1-21-CD11br males and females were sacrificed at 7-weeks of age (n = 15/group) and used for immunoprecipitation of microglial/macrophage polysomes from cortical homogenates using anti-FLAG antibody. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and label-free quantification was used to identify newly synthesized peptides isolated from polysomes. RESULTS We show that ABX-treatment leads to decreased Aβ levels in male APPPS1-21-CD11br mice with no significant changes in females. We identified microglial/macrophage polypeptides involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and altered calcium signaling that are associated with Aβ-induced oxidative stress. Notably, female mice also showed downregulation of newly-synthesized ribosomal proteins. Furthermore, male mice showed an increase in newly-synthesized polypeptides involved in FcγR-mediated phagocytosis, while females showed an increase in newly-synthesized polypeptides responsible for actin organization associated with microglial activation. Next, we show that ABX-treatment resulted in substantial remodeling of the epigenetic landscape, leading to a metabolic shift that accommodates the increased bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands associated with microglial polarization in a sex-specific manner. While microglia in ABX-treated male mice exhibited a metabolic shift towards a neuroprotective phenotype that promotes Aβ clearance, microglia in ABX-treated female mice exhibited loss of energy homeostasis due to persistent mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired lysosomal clearance that was associated with inflammatory phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our studies provide the first snapshot of the translational state of microglial/macrophage cells in a mouse model of Aβ amyloidosis that was subject to ABX treatment. ABX-mediated changes resulted in metabolic reprogramming of microglial phenotypes to modulate immune responses and amyloid clearance in a sex-specific manner. This microglial plasticity to support neuro-energetic homeostasis for its function based on sex paves the path for therapeutic modulation of immunometabolism for neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabana M Shaik
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yajun Cao
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph V Gogola
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hemraj B Dodiya
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xulun Zhang
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hejer Boutej
- CERVO Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Weinong Han
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jasna Kriz
- CERVO Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
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16
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Reed EG, Keller-Norrell PR. Minding the Gap: Exploring Neuroinflammatory and Microglial Sex Differences in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17377. [PMID: 38139206 PMCID: PMC10743742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417377] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into Alzheimer's Disease (AD) describes a link between AD and the resident immune cells of the brain, the microglia. Further, this suspected link is thought to have underlying sex effects, although the mechanisms of these effects are only just beginning to be understood. Many of these insights are the result of policies put in place by funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) and the move towards precision medicine due to continued lackluster therapeutic options. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated assessment of the current research that summarizes sex differences and the research pertaining to microglia and their varied responses in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G. Reed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44242, USA
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17
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Gilmer G, Hettinger ZR, Tuakli-Wosornu Y, Skidmore E, Silver JK, Thurston RC, Lowe DA, Ambrosio F. Female aging: when translational models don't translate. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:1500-1508. [PMID: 38052933 PMCID: PMC11099540 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00509-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
For many pathologies associated with aging, female patients present with higher morbidity and more frequent adverse events from treatments compared to male patients. While preclinical models are the foundation of our mechanistic understanding of age-related diseases, the most common models fail to recapitulate archetypical female aging trajectories. For example, while over 70% of the top age-related diseases are influenced by the systemic effects of reproductive senescence, we found that preclinical studies that include menopausal phenotypes modeling those seen in humans make up <1% of published aging biology research. The long-term impacts of pregnancy, birthing and breastfeeding are also typically omitted from preclinical work. In this Perspective, we summarize limitations in the most commonly used aging models, and we provide recommendations for better incorporating menopause, pregnancy and other considerations of sex in vivo and in vitro. Lastly, we outline action items for aging biology researchers, journals, funding agencies and animal providers to address this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Gilmer
- Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zachary R Hettinger
- Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yetsa Tuakli-Wosornu
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Skidmore
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Julie K Silver
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca C Thurston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Divisions of Rehabilitation Science and Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Fabrisia Ambrosio
- Discovery Center for Musculoskeletal Recovery, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Samson AD, Rajagopal S, Pasvanis S, Villeneuve S, McIntosh AR, Rajah MN. Sex differences in longitudinal changes of episodic memory-related brain activity and cognition in cognitively unimpaired older adults with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 40:103532. [PMID: 37931333 PMCID: PMC10652211 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103532] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Episodic memory decline is an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD) - a neurodegenerative disease that has a higher prevalence rate in older females compared to older males. However, little is known about why these sex differences in prevalence rate exist. In the current longitudinal task fMRI study, we explored whether there were sex differences in the patterns of memory decline and brain activity during object-location (spatial context) encoding and retrieval in a large sample of cognitively unimpaired older adults from the Pre-symptomatic Evaluation of Novel or Experimental Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (PREVENT-AD) program who are at heightened risk of developing AD due to having a family history (+FH) of the disease. The goal of the study was to gain insight into whether there are sex differences in the neural correlates of episodic memory decline, which may advance knowledge about sex-specific patterns in the natural progression to AD. Our results indicate that +FH females performed better than +FH males at both baseline and follow-up on neuropsychological and task fMRI measures of episodic memory. Moreover, multivariate data-driven task fMRI analysis identified generalized patterns of longitudinal decline in medial temporal lobe activity that was paralleled by longitudinal increases in lateral prefrontal cortex, caudate and midline cortical activity during successful episodic retrieval and novelty detection in +FH males, but not females. Post-hoc analyses indicated that higher education had a stronger effect on +FH females neuropsychological scores compared to +FH males. We conclude that higher educational attainment may have a greater neuroprotective effect in older +FH females compared to +FH males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria D Samson
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Sricharana Rajagopal
- Centre for Cerebral Imaging, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Stamatoula Pasvanis
- Centre for Cerebral Imaging, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Sylvia Villeneuve
- Centre for Studies on the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease (StoP-AD), Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Anthony R McIntosh
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G3, Canada; Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada; Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - M Natasha Rajah
- Centre for Cerebral Imaging, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada; Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada.
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Israel LL, Braubach O, Shatalova ES, Chepurna O, Sharma S, Klymyshyn D, Galstyan A, Chiechi A, Cox A, Herman D, Bliss B, Hasen I, Ting A, Arechavala R, Kleinman MT, Patil R, Holler E, Ljubimova JY, Koronyo-Hamaoui M, Sun T, Black KL. Exposure to environmental airborne particulate matter caused wide-ranged transcriptional changes and accelerated Alzheimer's-related pathology: A mouse study. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106307. [PMID: 37739136 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106307] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, though a clear understanding of its mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we sought to better understand the effects of various sized particulate matter from polluted air on Alzheimer's disease (AD) development using an AD mouse model. We exposed transgenic Alzheimer's mice in their prodromic stage to different sized particulate matter (PM), with filtered clean air as control. After 3 or 6 months of exposure, mouse brains were harvested and analyzed. RNA-seq analysis showed that various PM have differential effects on the brain transcriptome, and these effects seemed to correlate with PM size. Many genes and pathways were affected after PM exposure. Among them, we found a strong activation in mRNA Nonsense Mediated Decay pathway, an inhibition in pathways related to transcription, neurogenesis and survival signaling as well as angiogenesis, and a dramatic downregulation of collagens. Although we did not detect any extracellular Aβ plaques, immunostaining revealed that both intracellular Aβ1-42 and phospho-Tau levels were increased in various PM exposure conditions compared to the clean air control. NanoString GeoMx analysis demonstrated a remarkable activation of immune responses in the PM exposed mouse brain. Surprisingly, our data also indicated a strong activation of various tumor suppressors including RB1, CDKN1A/p21 and CDKN2A/p16. Collectively, our data demonstrated that exposure to airborne PM caused a profound transcriptional dysregulation and accelerated Alzheimer's-related pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron L Israel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Oliver Braubach
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Ekaterina S Shatalova
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Oksana Chepurna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Sachin Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Dmytro Klymyshyn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Anna Galstyan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Antonella Chiechi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Alysia Cox
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - David Herman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine 92697, United States of America
| | - Bishop Bliss
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine 92697, United States of America
| | - Irene Hasen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine 92697, United States of America
| | - Amanda Ting
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine 92697, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Arechavala
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine 92697, United States of America
| | - Michael T Kleinman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine 92697, United States of America
| | - Rameshwar Patil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Eggehard Holler
- Terasaki Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States of America
| | | | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America.
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States of America.
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Wei L, Yang X, Wang J, Wang Z, Wang Q, Ding Y, Yu A. H3K18 lactylation of senescent microglia potentiates brain aging and Alzheimer's disease through the NFκB signaling pathway. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:208. [PMID: 37697347 PMCID: PMC10494370 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02879-7] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence serves as a fundamental and underlying activity that drives the aging process, and it is intricately associated with numerous age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative aging-related disorder characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. Although increasing evidence suggests that senescent microglia play a role in the pathogenesis of AD, their exact role remains unclear. In this study, we quantified the levels of lactic acid in senescent microglia, and hippocampus tissues of naturally aged mice and AD mice models (FAD4T and APP/PS1). We found lactic acid levels were significantly elevated in these cells and tissues compared to their corresponding counterparts, which increased the level of pan histone lysine lactylation (Kla). We aslo identified all histone Kla sites in senescent microglia, and found that both the H3K18 lactylation (H3K18la) and Pan-Kla were significantly up-regulated in senescent microglia and hippocampus tissues of naturally aged mice and AD modeling mice. We demonstrated that enhanced H3K18la directly stimulates the NFκB signaling pathway by increasing binding to the promoter of Rela (p65) and NFκB1(p50), thereby upregulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) components IL-6 and IL-8. Our study provides novel insights into the physiological function of Kla and the epigenetic regulatory mechanism that regulates brain aging and AD. Specifically, we have identified the H3K18la/NFκB axis as a critical player in this process by modulating IL-6 and IL-8. Targeting this axis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for delaying aging and AD by blunting SASP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Xiaowen Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Zhixiao Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Qiguang Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China.
| | - Aiqing Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410000, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China.
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21
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Vila-Castelar C, Chen Y, Langella S, Lopera F, Zetterberg H, Hansson O, Dage JL, Janelidzde S, Su Y, Chen K, McDowell CP, Martinez JE, Ramirez-Gomez L, Garcia G, Aguillon D, Baena A, Giraldo-Chica M, Protas HD, Ghisays V, Rios-Romenets S, Tariot PN, Blennow K, Reiman EM, Quiroz YT. Sex differences in blood biomarkers and cognitive performance in individuals with autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4127-4138. [PMID: 37279390 PMCID: PMC10527358 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plasma tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (P-tau217) and neurofilament light (NfL) have emerged as markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Few studies have examined the role of sex in plasma biomarkers in sporadic AD, yielding mixed findings, and none in autosomal dominant AD. METHODS We examined the effects of sex and age on plasma P-tau217 and NfL, and their association with cognitive performance in a cross-sectional study of 621 Presenilin-1 E280A mutation carriers (PSEN1) and non-carriers. RESULTS As plasma P-tau217 levels increase, cognitively unimpaired female carriers showed better cognitive performance than cognitively unimpaired male carriers. Yet, as disease progresses, female carriers had a greater plasma NfL increase than male carriers. There were no sex differences in the association between age and plasma biomarkers among non-carriers. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that, among PSEN1 mutation carriers, females had a greater rate of neurodegeneration than males, yet it did not predict cognitive performance. HIGHLIGHTS We examined sex differences in plasma P-tau217 and NfL in Presenilin-1 E280A (PSEN1) mutation carriers and non-carriers. Female carriers had a greater plasma NfL increase, but not P-tau217, than male carriers. As plasma P-tau217 levels increase, cognitively unimpaired female carriers showed better cognitive performance than cognitively unimpaired male carriers. The interaction effect of sex by plasma NfL levels did not predict cognition among carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Vila-Castelar
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Yinghua Chen
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85718, USA
| | - Stephanie Langella
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Francisco Lopera
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, 405 30, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, 405 30, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, 214 28, Sweden
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, 205 02, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey L. Dage
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | | | - Yi Su
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85718, USA
| | - Kewei Chen
- Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85718, USA
| | - Celina Pluim McDowell
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02115, MA
| | - Jairo E. Martinez
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA
| | | | - Gloria Garcia
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | - David Aguillon
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | - Ana Baena
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Rios-Romenets
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
| | | | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, 405 30, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, 405 30, Sweden
| | | | - Yakeel T. Quiroz
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, 1226, Colombia
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22
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Dennison J, Mendez A, Szeto A, Lohse I, Wahlestedt C, Volmar CH. Low-Dose Chidamide Treatment Displays Sex-Specific Differences in the 3xTg-AD Mouse. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1324. [PMID: 37759724 PMCID: PMC10526199 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091324] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic compounds have become attractive small molecules for targeting the multifaceted aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although AD disproportionately affects women, most of the current literature investigating epigenetic compounds for the treatment of AD do not report sex-specific results. This is remarkable because there is rising evidence that epigenetic compounds intrinsically affect males and females differently. This manuscript explores the sexual dimorphism observed after chronic, low-dose administration of a clinically relevant histone deacetylase inhibitor, chidamide (Tucidinostat), in the 3xTg-AD mouse model. We found that chidamide treatment significantly improves glucose tolerance and increases expression of glucose transporters in the brain of males. We also report a decrease in total tau in chidamide-treated mice. Differentially expressed genes in chidamide-treated mice were much greater in males than females. Genes involved in the neuroinflammatory pathway and amyloid processing pathway were mostly upregulated in chidamide-treated males while downregulated in chidamide-treated females. This work highlights the need for drug discovery projects to consider sex as a biological variable to facilitate translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dennison
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.D.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Armando Mendez
- Diabetes Research Institute, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Angela Szeto
- Diabetes Research Institute, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ines Lohse
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.D.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.D.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.D.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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23
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Sims S, Barak O, Ryu V, Miyashita S, Kannangara H, Korkmaz F, Wizman S, Macdonald A, Gumerova A, Goosens K, Zaidi M, Yuen T, Lizneva D, Frolinger T. Absent LH signaling rescues the anxiety phenotype in aging female mice. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3324-3331. [PMID: 37563278 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02209-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Clinical studies and experimental data together support a role for pituitary gonadotropins, including luteinizing hormone (LH), otherwise considered solely as fertility hormones, in age-related cognitive decline. Furthermore, rising levels of LH in post-menopausal women have been implicated in the high prevalence of mood disorders. This study was designed to examine the effect of deficient LH signaling on both cognitive and emotional behavior in 12-month-old Lhcgr-/- mice. For this, we established and validated a battery of five tests, including Dark-Light Box (DLB), Y-Maze Spontaneous Alternation, Novel Object Recognition (NOR), and contextual and cued Fear Conditioning (FCT) tests. We found that 12-month-old female wild type mice display a prominent anxiety phenotype on DLB and FCT. This phenotype was not seen in 12-month-old female Lhcgr-/- mice, indicating full phenotypic rescue. Furthermore, there was no effect of LHCGR depletion on recognition memory or working spatial memory on NOR and Y-maze testing, respectively, in 12-month-old mice, notwithstanding the absence of a basal phenotype in wild type littermates. The latter data do not exclude an effect of LH on cognition documented in previous studies. Finally, 12-month-old male mice and 3-month-old male and female mice did not consistently display deficits on any test. The data collectively document, for the first time, that loss of LH signaling reverses age-related emotional disturbances, a prelude to future targeted therapies that block LH action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Sims
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Orly Barak
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Vitaly Ryu
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Sari Miyashita
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Hasni Kannangara
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Funda Korkmaz
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Soleil Wizman
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Anne Macdonald
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Anisa Gumerova
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Ki Goosens
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Mone Zaidi
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Tony Yuen
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Daria Lizneva
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Tal Frolinger
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Fernández-Moncada I, Eraso-Pichot A, Tor TD, Fortunato-Marsol B, Marsicano G. An enquiry to the role of CB1 receptors in neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106235. [PMID: 37481040 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106235] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are debilitating conditions that impair patient quality of life and that represent heavy social-economic burdens to society. Whereas the root of some of these brain illnesses lies in autosomal inheritance, the origin of most of these neuropathologies is scantly understood. Similarly, the cellular and molecular substrates explaining the progressive loss of brain functions remains to be fully described too. Indeed, the study of brain neurodegeneration has resulted in a complex picture, composed of a myriad of altered processes that include broken brain bioenergetics, widespread neuroinflammation and aberrant activity of signaling pathways. In this context, several lines of research have shown that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its main signaling hub, the type-1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor are altered in diverse neurodegenerative disorders. However, some of these data are conflictive or poorly described. In this review, we summarize the findings about the alterations in ECS and CB1 receptors signaling in three representative brain illnesses, the Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, and we discuss the relevance of these studies in understanding neurodegeneration development and progression, with a special focus on astrocyte function. Noteworthy, the analysis of ECS defects in neurodegeneration warrant much more studies, as our conceptual understanding of ECS function has evolved quickly in the last years, which now include glia cells and the subcellular-specific CB1 receptors signaling as critical players of brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abel Eraso-Pichot
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Tommaso Dalla Tor
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Marsicano
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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25
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Barreto GE. Repurposing of Tibolone in Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1115. [PMID: 37509151 PMCID: PMC10377087 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071115] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease characterised by the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau in the brain, leading to the progressive loss of memory and cognition. The causes of its pathogenesis are still not fully understood, but some risk factors, such as age, genetics, and hormones, may play a crucial role. Studies show that postmenopausal women have a higher risk of developing AD, possibly due to the decrease in hormone levels, especially oestrogen, which may be directly related to a reduction in the activity of oestrogen receptors, especially beta (ERβ), which favours a more hostile cellular environment, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, mainly affecting key processes related to transport, metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. Given the influence of hormones on biological processes at the mitochondrial level, hormone therapies are of clinical interest to reduce the risk or delay the onset of symptoms associated with AD. One drug with such potential is tibolone, which is used in clinics to treat menopause-related symptoms. It can reduce amyloid burden and have benefits on mitochondrial integrity and dynamics. Many of its protective effects are mediated through steroid receptors and may also be related to neuroglobin, whose elevated levels have been shown to protect against neurological diseases. Its importance has increased exponentially due to its implication in the pathogenesis of AD. In this review, we discuss recent advances in tibolone, focusing on its mitochondrial-protective effects, and highlight how valuable this compound could be as a therapeutic alternative to mitigate the molecular pathways characteristic of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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26
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Digma LA, Litvan I, Del Ser T, Bayram E. Sex differences for cognitive decline in progressive supranuclear palsy. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2023; 112:105454. [PMID: 37301014 PMCID: PMC10911684 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive dysfunction is a core clinical feature of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), with executive function being most markedly affected. In other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, there are a growing number of reports demonstrating that cognition is differentially impacted in men and women. In PSP, however, the sex differences in cognitive decline have yet to be fully characterized. METHODS Data were obtained from the TAUROS trial for 139 participants with mild-to-moderate PSP (62 women, 77 men). Sex differences in longitudinal change in cognitive performance were evaluated with linear mixed models. Exploratory subgroup analyses assessed whether sex differences varied by baseline executive dysfunction, PSP phenotype, or baseline age. RESULTS In the primary whole group analyses, there were no sex differences for change in cognitive performance. Among participants with normal executive function at baseline, men declined more severely on executive function and language tests. Among the PSP-Parkinsonism subgroup, men declined more severely on category fluency. Across people aged≥65, men had a worse decline on category fluency, whereas across people aged <65, women had a worse decline on DRS construction. CONCLUSION In people with mild-to-moderate PSP, there are no sex differences in cognitive decline. However, the rate of cognitive decline may differ for women and men based on the level of baseline executive dysfunction, PSP-phenotype and age. Further studies are needed to clarify how sex differences in PSP clinical progression vary by disease stage and to examine the contributions of co-pathology to these observed sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardino A Digma
- Parkinson and Other Movement Disorder Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Irene Litvan
- Parkinson and Other Movement Disorder Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Teodoro Del Ser
- Alzheimer's Disease Investigation Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofia Foundation, Alzheimer Research Centre, C. de Valderrebollo, 5, 28031, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ece Bayram
- Parkinson and Other Movement Disorder Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Elsherbini A, Zhu Z, Quadri Z, Crivelli SM, Ren X, Vekaria HJ, Tripathi P, Zhang L, Zhi W, Bieberich E. Novel Isolation Method Reveals Sex-Specific Composition and Neurotoxicity of Small Extracellular Vesicles in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1623. [PMID: 37371093 PMCID: PMC10297289 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121623] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed a new method to isolate small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from male and female wild-type and 5xFAD mouse brains to investigate the sex-specific functions of sEVs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A mass spectrometric analysis revealed that sEVs contained proteins critical for EV formation and Aβ. ExoView analysis showed that female mice contained more GFAP and Aβ-labeled sEVs, suggesting that a larger proportion of sEVs from the female brain is derived from astrocytes and/or more likely to bind to Aβ. Moreover, sEVs from female brains had more acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) and ceramide, an enzyme and its sphingolipid product important for EV formation and Aβ binding to EVs, respectively. We confirmed the function of ASM in EV formation and Aβ binding using co-labeling and proximity ligation assays, showing that ASM inhibitors prevented complex formation between Aβ and ceramide in primary cultured astrocytes. Finally, our study demonstrated that sEVs from female 5xFAD mice were more neurotoxic than those from males, as determined by impaired mitochondrial function (Seahorse assays) and LDH cytotoxicity assays. Our study suggests that sex-specific sEVs are functionally distinct markers for AD and that ASM is a potential target for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elsherbini
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.E.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Q.); (S.M.C.); (X.R.); (P.T.); (L.Z.)
| | - Zhihui Zhu
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.E.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Q.); (S.M.C.); (X.R.); (P.T.); (L.Z.)
| | - Zainuddin Quadri
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.E.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Q.); (S.M.C.); (X.R.); (P.T.); (L.Z.)
| | - Simone M. Crivelli
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.E.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Q.); (S.M.C.); (X.R.); (P.T.); (L.Z.)
| | - Xiaojia Ren
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.E.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Q.); (S.M.C.); (X.R.); (P.T.); (L.Z.)
| | - Hemendra J. Vekaria
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40502, USA
| | - Priyanka Tripathi
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.E.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Q.); (S.M.C.); (X.R.); (P.T.); (L.Z.)
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.E.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Q.); (S.M.C.); (X.R.); (P.T.); (L.Z.)
| | - Wenbo Zhi
- Department of Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.E.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Q.); (S.M.C.); (X.R.); (P.T.); (L.Z.)
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40502, USA
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DiMarco GM, Harris BN, Savonenko AV, Soto PL. Acute stressors do not impair short-term memory or attention in an aged mouse model of amyloidosis. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1151833. [PMID: 37250187 PMCID: PMC10213425 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1151833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease patients is thought to be associated with the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides and tau proteins. However, inconsistent reports of cognitive deficits in pre-clinical studies have raised questions about the link between amyloid-beta and cognitive decline. One possible explanation may be that studies reporting memory deficits often involve behavioral assessments that entail a high stress component. In contrast, in tasks without a high stress component transgenic mice do not consistently show declines in memory. The glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis of aging and the vicious cycle of stress framework suggest that stress exacerbates dementia progression by initiating a cycle of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and subsequent brain deterioration. Using the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of amyloidosis, we assessed whether stressor exposure prior to testing differentially impaired cognitive performance of aged male and female mice. As part of a larger study, mice performed a delayed match-to-position (DMTP) or a 3-choice serial-reaction time (3CSRT) task. Unexpectedly, these mice did not exhibit cognitive declines during aging. Therefore, at 73 and 74 weeks of age, we exposed mice to a predator odor or forced swim stressor prior to testing to determine if stress revealed cognitive deficits. We predicted stressor exposure would decrease performance accuracy more robustly in transgenic vs. non-transgenic mice. Acute stressor exposure increased accuracy in the DMTP task, but not in the 3CSRT task. Our data suggest that acute stressor exposure prior to testing does not impair cognitive performance in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana M. DiMarco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Breanna N. Harris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Alena V. Savonenko
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Paul L. Soto
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Grover L, Sklioutovskaya-Lopez K, Parkman JK, Wang K, Hendricks E, Adams-Duffield J, Kim JH. Diet, sex, and genetic predisposition to obesity and type 2 diabetes modulate motor and anxiety-related behaviors in mice, and alter cerebellar gene expression. Behav Brain Res 2023; 445:114376. [PMID: 36868363 PMCID: PMC10065959 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114376] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are serious health problems linked to neurobehavioral alterations. We compared motor function, anxiety-related behavior, and cerebellar gene expression in TALLYHO/Jng (TH), a polygenic model prone to insulin resistance, obesity, and T2D, and normal C57BL/6 J (B6) mice. Male and female mice were weaned onto chow or high fat (HF) diet at 4 weeks of age (wk), and experiments conducted at young (5 wk) and old (14 - 20 wk) ages. In the open field, distance traveled was significantly lower in TH (vs. B6). For old mice, anxiety-like behavior (time in edge zone) was significantly increased for TH (vs B6), females (vs males), and for both ages HF diet (vs chow). In Rota-Rod testing, latency to fall was significantly shorter in TH (vs B6). For young mice, longer latencies to fall were observed for females (vs males) and HF (vs chow). Grip strength in young mice was greater in TH (vs B6), and there was a diet-strain interaction, with TH on HF showing increased strength, whereas B6 on HF showed decreased strength. For older mice, there was a strain-sex interaction, with B6 males (but not TH males) showing increased strength compared to the same strain females. There were significant sex differences in cerebellar mRNA levels, with Tnfα higher, and Glut4 and Irs2 lower in females (vs males). There were significant strain effects for Gfap and Igf1 mRNA levels with lower in TH (vs B6). Altered cerebellar gene expression may contribute to strain differences in coordination and locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Grover
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | | | - Jacaline K Parkman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Katherine Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Emily Hendricks
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Jessica Adams-Duffield
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Jung Han Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
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Anand DV, Chung MK. Hodge Laplacian of Brain Networks. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2023; 42:1563-1573. [PMID: 37018280 PMCID: PMC10909176 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2022.3233876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The closed loops or cycles in a brain network embeds higher order signal transmission paths, which provide fundamental insights into the functioning of the brain. In this work, we propose an efficient algorithm for systematic identification and modeling of cycles using persistent homology and the Hodge Laplacian. Various statistical inference procedures on cycles are developed. We validate the our methods on simulations and apply to brain networks obtained through the resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The computer codes for the Hodge Laplacian are given in https://github.com/laplcebeltrami/hodge.
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Sha S, Chaigneau T, Krantic S. Pre-symptomatic synaptic dysfunction and longitudinal decay of hippocampal synaptic function in APPPS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease is sex-independent. Brain Res Bull 2023; 198:36-49. [PMID: 37080395 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable, age-related and progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairments. Deficits in synaptic plasticity were reported in various models of AD-like pathology and are considered as an early contributing factor of cognitive impairment. However, the majority of previous studies were focused on overt, symptomatic stages of pathology and assessed long-term potentiation (LTP), whereas long-term depression (LTD) was much less investigated and the precise nature of its involvement remains poorly defined. To better understand the earliest synaptic dysfunctions along the pre-symptomatic stage of AD-like pathology, we performed a detailed analysis of underlying mechanisms and quantified basal synaptic activity, presynaptic release probability, and synaptic plasticity such as post-tetanic potentiation (PTP), as well as LTP and LTD. These parameters were studied in APPPS1 mouse model at two time points (early- and mid-) along the pre-symptomatic stage, which were compared with alterations monitored at two later time-points, i.e. the onset of cognitive deficits and the overt stage of full-blown pathology. Because sex is known to be an instrumental biological parameter in AD pathophysiology, all alterations were assessed in both males and females. Our data show that, as compared to wild-type (WT) littermates, initial neuronal hyperexcitability, seen at early pre-symptomatic stage shifts subsequently towards hypoexcitability at mid-pre-symptomatic stage and remains impaired at advanced stages. The pre-symptomatic changes also involve increased synaptic plasticity as assessed by paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), which returns to basal level at the onset of pathology and remains stable afterwards. Synaptic plasticity is impaired by mid-pre-symptomatic stage and manifests as lowered LTP and absence of LTD induction, the latter being reported here for the first time. Observed LTP and LTD impairments both persist in older APPPS1 mice. Remarkably, none of the observed differences was gender-dependent. Altogether, our data evidence that major impairments in basal synaptic efficacy and plasticity are detectable already during mid-pre-symptomatic stage of AD-like pathogenesis and likely involve hyperexcitability as the underlying mechanism. Our study also uncovers synaptic alterations that may become critical read-outs for testing the efficiency of novel, pre-symptomatic stage-targeted therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Sha
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France; Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Thomas Chaigneau
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Slavica Krantic
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France.
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Noma T, Kayo G, Kabayama M, Gondo Y, Yasumoto S, Masui Y, Sugimoto K, Akasaka H, Takami Y, Takeya Y, Yamamoto K, Ikebe K, Arai Y, Ishizaki T, Rakugi H, Kamide K. Lower cognitive function as a risk factor for anemia among older Japanese women from the longitudinal observation in the SONIC study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23:334-340. [PMID: 36958816 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aging-related increase in the incidence of anemia potentially affects the mortality risk. Lower cognitive function is common among older adults, and anemia is one of the causes of cognitive decline. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated whether cognitive decline is a risk factor for anemia in older people. Therefore, in this study, we used a 3-year longitudinal evaluation to examine the association of cognitive function with anemia in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS This longitudinal study enrolled participants without anemia (diagnosed based on the World Health Organization's criteria) at baseline. Cognitive function was assessed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between cognitive function at baseline and the presence of anemia 3 years later. RESULTS Participants were in the 69-71 and 79-81 years age groups, and 974 older people (48.6% men) were enrolled, of whom 126 (12.9%) had anemia after 3 years. After adjusting, cognitive function at baseline was associated with anemia in women, but not in men. CONCLUSIONS Older Japanese women with lower cognitive function have an increased risk for anemia 3 years later. The adoption of a lifestyle that utilizes or improves cognitive function might be important to prevent anemia in older women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; ••: ••-••.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Noma
- Department of Nutrition, College of Nutrition, Koshien University, Takarazuka, Japan
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Godai Kayo
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mai Kabayama
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Gondo
- Department of Clinical Thanatology and Geriatric Behavioral Science, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Saori Yasumoto
- Office of International Exchange, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukie Masui
- Research Team for Human Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Sugimoto
- Department of General Geriatric Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Akasaka
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoichi Takami
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasushi Takeya
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Yamamoto
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ikebe
- Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasumichi Arai
- Center for Supercentenarian Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Ishizaki
- Research Team for Human Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Rakugi
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kei Kamide
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Borsom EM, Conn K, Keefe CR, Herman C, Orsini GM, Hirsch AH, Palma Avila M, Testo G, Jaramillo SA, Bolyen E, Lee K, Caporaso JG, Cope EK. Predicting Neurodegenerative Disease Using Prepathology Gut Microbiota Composition: a Longitudinal Study in Mice Modeling Alzheimer's Disease Pathologies. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0345822. [PMID: 36877047 PMCID: PMC10101110 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03458-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota-brain axis is suspected to contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by amyloid-β plaque deposition, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuroinflammation. To evaluate the role of the gut microbiota-brain axis in AD, we characterized the gut microbiota of female 3xTg-AD mice modeling amyloidosis and tauopathy and wild-type (WT) genetic controls. Fecal samples were collected fortnightly from 4 to 52 weeks, and the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq. RNA was extracted from the colon and hippocampus, converted to cDNA, and used to measure immune gene expression using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Diversity metrics were calculated using QIIME2, and a random forest classifier was applied to predict bacterial features that are important in predicting mouse genotype. Gene expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP; indicating astrocytosis) was elevated in the colon at 24 weeks. Markers of Th1 inflammation (il6) and microgliosis (mrc1) were elevated in the hippocampus. Gut microbiota were compositionally distinct early in life between 3xTg-AD mice and WT mice (permutational multivariate analysis of variance [PERMANOVA], 8 weeks, P = 0.001, 24 weeks, P = 0.039, and 52 weeks, P = 0.058). Mouse genotypes were correctly predicted 90 to 100% of the time using fecal microbiome composition. Finally, we show that the relative abundance of Bacteroides species increased over time in 3xTg-AD mice. Taken together, we demonstrate that changes in bacterial gut microbiota composition at prepathology time points are predictive of the development of AD pathologies. IMPORTANCE Recent studies have demonstrated alterations in the gut microbiota composition in mice modeling Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies; however, these studies have only included up to 4 time points. Our study is the first of its kind to characterize the gut microbiota of a transgenic AD mouse model, fortnightly, from 4 weeks of age to 52 weeks of age, to quantify the temporal dynamics in the microbial composition that correlate with the development of disease pathologies and host immune gene expression. In this study, we observed temporal changes in the relative abundances of specific microbial taxa, including the genus Bacteroides, that may play a central role in disease progression and the severity of pathologies. The ability to use features of the microbiota to discriminate between mice modeling AD and wild-type mice at prepathology time points indicates a potential role of the gut microbiota as a risk or protective factor in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Borsom
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Kathryn Conn
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Christopher R. Keefe
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Chloe Herman
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Gabrielle M. Orsini
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Allyson H. Hirsch
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Melanie Palma Avila
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - George Testo
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Sierra A. Jaramillo
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Evan Bolyen
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Keehoon Lee
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - J. Gregory Caporaso
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Emily K. Cope
- Center for Applied Microbiome Sciences, the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
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A Multifunctional (-)-Meptazinol-Serotonin Hybrid Ameliorates Oxidative Stress-Associated Apoptotic Neuronal Death and Memory Deficits via Activating the Nrf2/Antioxidant Enzyme Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:6935947. [PMID: 36819782 PMCID: PMC9935814 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6935947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves multiple pathophysiological processes. Oxidative stress is a major cause of AD-associated neuronal injury. The current research was designed to examine whether a novel (-)-meptazinol-serotonin hybrid (Mep-S) with potent antioxidant activity and additional inhibitory properties for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity could attenuate oxidative neuronal damage and cognitive deficits. In human SH-SY5Y cells, Mep-S suppressed H2O2-induced apoptosis by restoring mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibiting caspase-3 activation. Meanwhile, it attenuated oxidative stress elicited by H2O2 through lessening generation of reactive oxygen species as well as enhancing production of glutathione (GSH) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Mechanistically, Mep-S promoted nuclear translocation of a transcription factor nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) in H2O2-challenged cells. This effect was accompanied by reduction in Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1) levels as well as augmentation of Akt phosphorylation and expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1). Molecular docking analysis revealed that Mep-S may disrupt the protein-protein interactions between Keap1 and Nrf2. In an in vivo mouse model, Mep-S attenuated scopolamine-caused cognitive deficits with inhibition of apoptotic neuronal death and brain AChE activity. Furthermore, the scopolamine-induced impairment of total antioxidant capacity and reduction in SOD1, SOD2, and γ-glutamate-cysteine ligase expression in the brain were counteracted by Mep-S, accompanied by decreased Keap1 levels, increased Akt catalytic subunit and Nrf2 phosphorylation, and decreased Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 expression. Collectively, our results suggest that Mep-S ameliorates apoptotic neuronal death and memory dysfunction associated with oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/antioxidant enzyme pathway through inactivating Keap1 and phosphorylating Nrf2 via Akt activation. Therefore, Mep-S may be a potential lead for multitarget neuroprotective agents to treat AD-like symptoms.
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Cartas-Cejudo P, Lachén-Montes M, Ferrer I, Fernández-Irigoyen J, Santamaría E. Sex-divergent effects on the NAD+-dependent deacetylase sirtuin signaling across the olfactory-entorhinal-amygdaloid axis in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:5. [PMID: 36755296 PMCID: PMC9906849 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00487-x] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smell impairment is one of the earliest features in Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD). Due to sex differences exist in terms of smell and olfactory structures as well as in the prevalence and manifestation of both neurological syndromes, we have applied olfactory proteomics to favor the discovery of novel sex-biased physio-pathological mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets associated with olfactory dysfunction. METHODS SWATH-MS (sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry) and bioinformatic workflows were applied in 57 post-mortem olfactory tracts (OT) derived from controls with no known neurological history (n = 6F/11M), AD (n = 4F/13M) and PD (n = 7F/16M) subjects. Complementary molecular analyses by Western-blotting were performed in the olfactory bulb (OB), entorhinal cortex (EC) and amygdala areas. RESULTS 327 and 151 OT differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were observed in AD women and AD men, respectively (35 DEPs in common). With respect to PD, 198 DEPs were identified in PD women, whereas 95 DEPs were detected in PD men (20 DEPs in common). This proteome dyshomeostasis induced a disruption in OT protein interaction networks and widespread sex-dependent pathway perturbations in a disease-specific manner, among them Sirtuin (SIRT) signaling. SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT3 and SIRT5 protein levels unveiled a tangled expression profile across the olfactory-entorhinal-amygdaloid axis, evidencing disease-, sex- and brain structure-dependent changes in olfactory protein acetylation. CONCLUSIONS Alteration in the OT proteostasis was more severe in AD than in PD. Moreover, protein expression changes were more abundant in women than men independent of the neurological syndrome. Mechanistically, the tangled SIRT profile observed across the olfactory pathway-associated brain regions in AD and PD indicates differential NAD (+)-dependent deacetylase mechanisms between women and men. All these data shed new light on differential olfactory mechanisms across AD and PD, pointing out that the evaluation of the feasibility of emerging sirtuin-based therapies against neurodegenerative diseases should be considered with caution, including further sex dimension analyses in vivo and in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paz Cartas-Cejudo
- grid.410476.00000 0001 2174 6440Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Proteomics Platform, Navarrabiomed, Hospitalario Universitario de Navarra (HUN), IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Lachén-Montes
- grid.410476.00000 0001 2174 6440Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Proteomics Platform, Navarrabiomed, Hospitalario Universitario de Navarra (HUN), IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Bellvitge University Hospital/Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Institute of Health Carlos III, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Fernández-Irigoyen
- grid.410476.00000 0001 2174 6440Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Proteomics Platform, Navarrabiomed, Hospitalario Universitario de Navarra (HUN), IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Santamaría
- Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Proteomics Platform, Navarrabiomed, Hospitalario Universitario de Navarra (HUN), IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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Phospholipase D1 Attenuation Therapeutics Promotes Resilience against Synaptotoxicity in 12-Month-Old 3xTg-AD Mouse Model of Progressive Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043372. [PMID: 36834781 PMCID: PMC9967100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043372] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abrogating synaptotoxicity in age-related neurodegenerative disorders is an extremely promising area of research with significant neurotherapeutic implications in tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our studies using human clinical samples and mouse models demonstrated that aberrantly elevated phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is associated with amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau-driven synaptic dysfunction and underlying memory deficits. While knocking out the lipolytic PLD1 gene is not detrimental to survival across species, elevated expression is implicated in cancer, cardiovascular conditions and neuropathologies, leading to the successful development of well-tolerated mammalian PLD isoform-specific small molecule inhibitors. Here, we address the importance of PLD1 attenuation, achieved using repeated 1 mg/kg of VU0155069 (VU01) intraperitoneally every alternate day for a month in 3xTg-AD mice beginning only from ~11 months of age (with greater influence of tau-driven insults) compared to age-matched vehicle (0.9% saline)-injected siblings. A multimodal approach involving behavior, electrophysiology and biochemistry corroborate the impact of this pre-clinical therapeutic intervention. VU01 proved efficacious in preventing in later stage AD-like cognitive decline affecting perirhinal cortex-, hippocampal- and amygdala-dependent behaviors. Glutamate-dependent HFS-LTP and LFS-LTD improved. Dendritic spine morphology showed the preservation of mushroom and filamentous spine characteristics. Differential PLD1 immunofluorescence and co-localization with Aβ were noted.
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Gregory S, Pullen H, Ritchie CW, Shannon OM, Stevenson EJ, Muniz-Terrera G. Mediterranean diet and structural neuroimaging biomarkers of Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular disease: A systematic review. Exp Gerontol 2023; 172:112065. [PMID: 36529364 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.112065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated an association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and better cognitive performance, lower incidence of dementia and lower Alzheimer's disease biomarker burden. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence base for MedDiet associations with hippocampal volume and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV). We searched systematically for studies reporting on MedDiet and hippocampal volume or WMHV in MedLine, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycInfo. Searches were initially carried out on 21st July 2021 with final searches run on 23rd November 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Of an initial 112 papers identified, seven papers were eligible for inclusion in the review reporting on 21,933 participants. Four studies reported on hippocampal volume, with inconclusive or no associations seen with MedDiet adherence. Two studies found a significant association between higher MedDiet adherence and lower WMHV, while two other studies found no significant associations. Overall these results highlight a gap in our knowledge about the associations between the MedDiet and AD and cerebrovascular related structural neuroimaging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gregory
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Hannah Pullen
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Craig W Ritchie
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Brain Health Scotland, UK.
| | - Oliver M Shannon
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Emma J Stevenson
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Graciela Muniz-Terrera
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Social Medicine, Ohio University, OH, USA.
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Saleh RNM, Hornberger M, Ritchie CW, Minihane AM. Hormone replacement therapy is associated with improved cognition and larger brain volumes in at-risk APOE4 women: results from the European Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease (EPAD) cohort. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:10. [PMID: 36624497 PMCID: PMC9830747 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of dementia is higher in women than men. The metabolic consequences of estrogen decline during menopause accelerate neuropathology in women. The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the prevention of cognitive decline has shown conflicting results. Here we investigate the modulating role of APOE genotype and age at HRT initiation on the heterogeneity in cognitive response to HRT. METHODS The analysis used baseline data from participants in the European Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia (EPAD) cohort (total n= 1906, women= 1178, 61.8%). Analysis of covariate (ANCOVA) models were employed to test the independent and interactive impact of APOE genotype and HRT on select cognitive tests, such as MMSE, RBANS, dot counting, Four Mountain Test (FMT), and the supermarket trolley test (SMT), together with volumes of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) regions by MRI. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the impact of age of HRT initiation according to APOE4 carrier status on these cognitive and MRI outcomes. RESULTS APOE4 HRT users had the highest RBANS delayed memory index score (P-APOE*HRT interaction = 0.009) compared to APOE4 non-users and to non-APOE4 carriers, with 6-10% larger entorhinal (left) and amygdala (right and left) volumes (P-interaction= 0.002, 0.003, and 0.005 respectively). Earlier introduction of HRT was associated with larger right (standardized β= -0.555, p=0.035) and left hippocampal volumes (standardized β= -0.577, p=0.028) only in APOE4 carriers. CONCLUSION HRT introduction is associated with improved delayed memory and larger entorhinal and amygdala volumes in APOE4 carriers only. This may represent an effective targeted strategy to mitigate the higher life-time risk of AD in this large at-risk population subgroup. Confirmation of findings in a fit for purpose RCT with prospective recruitment based on APOE genotype is needed to establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha N M Saleh
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
| | | | - Craig W Ritchie
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Gudkov SV, Burmistrov DE, Kondakova EV, Sarimov RM, Yarkov RS, Franceschi C, Vedunova MV. An emerging role of astrocytes in aging/neuroinflammation and gut-brain axis with consequences on sleep and sleep disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 83:101775. [PMID: 36334910 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role of astrocytes in the central nervous system has changed dramatically over the last decade. The accumulating findings indicate that glial cells are involved not only in the maintenance of metabolic and ionic homeostasis and in the implementation of trophic functions but also in cognitive functions and information processing in the brain. Currently, there are some controversies regarding the role of astrocytes in complex processes such as aging of the nervous system and the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Many findings confirm the important functional role of astrocytes in age-related brain changes, including sleep disturbance and the development of neurodegenerative diseases and particularly Alzheimer's disease. Until recent years, neurobiological research has focused mainly on neuron-glial interactions, in which individual astrocytes locally modulate neuronal activity and communication between neurons. The review considers the role of astrocytes in the physiology of sleep and as an important "player" in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the features of the astrocytic network reorganization during aging are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia; Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy E Burmistrov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Elena V Kondakova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Ruslan M Sarimov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Roman S Yarkov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Maria V Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
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Santiago JA, Potashkin JA. Biological and Clinical Implications of Sex-Specific Differences in Alzheimer's Disease. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 282:181-197. [PMID: 37460661 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_672] [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] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that the female sex is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Decades of research suggest that sex-specific differences in genetics, environmental factors, hormones, comorbidities, and brain structure and function may contribute to AD development. However, although significant progress has been made in uncovering specific genetic factors and biological pathways, the precise mechanisms underlying sex-biased differences are not fully characterized. Here, we review several lines of evidence, including epidemiological, clinical, and molecular studies addressing sex differences in AD. In addition, we discuss the challenges and future directions in advancing personalized treatments for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judith A Potashkin
- Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Department, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.
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Zhao X, Zhang S, Sanders AR, Duan J. Brain Lipids and Lipid Droplet Dysregulation in Alzheimer's Disease and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Complex Psychiatry 2023; 9:154-171. [PMID: 38058955 PMCID: PMC10697751 DOI: 10.1159/000535131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lipids are essential components of the structure and for the function of brain cells. The intricate balance of lipids, including phospholipids, glycolipids, cholesterol, cholesterol ester, and triglycerides, is crucial for maintaining normal brain function. The roles of lipids and lipid droplets and their relevance to neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) remain largely unknown. Summary Here, we reviewed the basic role of lipid components as well as a specific lipid organelle, lipid droplets, in brain function, highlighting the potential impact of altered lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and NDPs. Key Messages Brain lipid dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative and NPDs including AD and schizophrenia. Understanding the cell type-specific mechanisms of lipid dysregulation in these diseases is crucial for identifying better diagnostic biomarkers and for developing therapeutic strategies aiming at restoring lipid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Zhao
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Siwei Zhang
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alan R. Sanders
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jubao Duan
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Akushevich I, Kravchenko J, Yashkin A, Doraiswamy PM, Hill CV. Expanding the scope of health disparities research in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Recommendations from the "Leveraging Existing Data and Analytic Methods for Health Disparities Research Related to Aging and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias" Workshop Series. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 15:e12415. [PMID: 36935764 PMCID: PMC10020680 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Topics discussed at the "Leveraging Existing Data and Analytic Methods for Health Disparities Research Related to Aging and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias" workshop, held by Duke University and the Alzheimer's Association with support from the National Institute on Aging, are summarized. Ways in which existing data resources paired with innovative applications of both novel and well-known methodologies can be used to identify the effects of multi-level societal, community, and individual determinants of race/ethnicity, sex, and geography-related health disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia are proposed. Current literature on the population analyses of these health disparities is summarized with a focus on identifying existing gaps in knowledge, and ways to mitigate these gaps using data/method combinations are discussed at the workshop. Substantive and methodological directions of future research capable of advancing health disparities research related to aging are formulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Akushevich
- Social Science Research InstituteBiodemography of Aging Research UnitDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Julia Kravchenko
- Duke University School of MedicineDepartment of SurgeryDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Arseniy Yashkin
- Social Science Research InstituteBiodemography of Aging Research UnitDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - P. Murali Doraiswamy
- Departments of Psychiatry and MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
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Oliver MD, Morrison C, Kamal F, Graham J, Dadar M. Subjective cognitive decline is a better marker for future cognitive decline in females than in males. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:197. [PMID: 36581949 PMCID: PMC9798694 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01138-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is critical to the development of therapies and interventions targeted at symptom management and tracking the pathophysiology of disease. The endorsement of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) has emerged as a potential indicator of early change in cognitive status that may be predictive of future impairment at a time when measurable declines in neuropsychological performance cannot be detected. While there are numerous findings revealing sex differences in the prevalence of AD, there is a paucity of research examining sex differences in SCD. Therefore, the goal of this project was to determine if the relationship between the endorsement of SCD and future cognitive changes differ as a function of biological sex. METHODS A sample of 3019 male and female healthy older adults (2188 without SCD, 831 with SCD), with a mean follow-up time of 5.7 years, were included from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center Research Sharing Hub. Linear regressions were performed to determine group differences in baseline cognitive scores, while linear mixed-effects models were completed to determine group differences in the rate of cognitive change over time. RESULTS Individuals endorsing SCD had significantly lower baseline cognitive scores and increased rates of decline in all cognitive domains compared to those without SCD. Males exhibited significantly lower scores in baseline performance in global cognition, episodic memory, and perceptual speed regardless of SCD classification. Females with SCD were found to decline at significantly faster rates than both males with SCD and males and females without SCD in all cognitive domains over a maximum 15-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS SCD is related to lower baseline cognitive performance and faster cognitive decline compared to those who do not endorse SCD. Females with SCD have the fastest rate of decline suggesting that SCD may be more predictive of future decline in females than in males. Targeted assessments of SCD may allow for the identification of individuals for inclusion in intervention trials, and other research studies, aiming to attenuate casual disease processes, which may ultimately aid in the mitigation of sex disparities in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Oliver
- Department of Psychological Science and Neuroscience, Belmont University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Belmont Data Collaborative, Belmont University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Cassandra Morrison
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Farooq Kamal
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jillian Graham
- Department of Psychological Science and Neuroscience, Belmont University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mahsa Dadar
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Pontrello CG, McWhirt JM, Glabe CG, Brewer GJ. Age-Related Oxidative Redox and Metabolic Changes Precede Intraneuronal Amyloid-β Accumulation and Plaque Deposition in a Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:1501-1521. [PMID: 36278355 PMCID: PMC9789488 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many identified mechanisms could be upstream of the prominent amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To profile the progression of pathology in AD. METHODS We monitored metabolic signaling, redox stress, intraneuronal amyloid-β (iAβ) accumulation, and extracellular plaque deposition in the brains of 3xTg-AD mice across the lifespan. RESULTS Intracellular accumulation of aggregated Aβ in the CA1 pyramidal cells at 9 months preceded extracellular plaques that first presented in the CA1 at 16 months of age. In biochemical assays, brain glutathione (GSH) declined with age in both 3xTg-AD and non-transgenic controls, but the decline was accelerated in 3xTg-AD brains from 2 to 4 months. The decline in GSH correlated exponentially with the rise in iAβ. Integrated metabolic signaling as the ratio of phospho-Akt (pAkt) to total Akt (tAkt) in the PI3kinase and mTOR pathway declined at 6, 9, and 12 months, before rising at 16 and 20 months. These pAkt/tAkt ratios correlated with both iAβ and GSH levels in a U-shaped relationship. Selective vulnerability of age-related AD-genotype-specific pAkt changes was greatest in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer. To demonstrate redox causation, iAβ accumulation was lowered in cultured middle-age adult 3xTg-AD neurons by treatment of the oxidized redox state in the neurons with exogenous cysteine. CONCLUSION The order of pathologic progression in the 3xTg-AD mouse was loss of GSH (oxidative redox shift) followed by a pAkt/tAkt metabolic shift in CA1, iAβ accumulation in CA1, and extracellular Aβ deposition. Upstream targets may prove strategically more effective for therapy before irreversible changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal G. Pontrello
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joshua M. McWhirt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Charles G. Glabe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
MIND Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Gregory J. Brewer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,
MIND Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,Correspondence to: Gregory J. Brewer, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA. Tel.: +1 217 502 4511; E-mail:
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Liew TM. Subjective cognitive decline, APOE e4 allele, and the risk of neurocognitive disorders: Age- and sex-stratified cohort study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1664-1675. [PMID: 35229693 PMCID: PMC9433458 DOI: 10.1177/00048674221079217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Subjective cognitive decline and APOE e4 allele (APOE4) are known predictors of mild cognitive impairment and dementia (mild cognitive impairment/dementia), with recent evidence showing interaction between subjective cognitive decline and APOE4 in amplifying the risk of mild cognitive impairment/dementia. However, the literature is unclear whether the interaction effect is seen across various age and sex strata. This study examined the interaction between subjective cognitive decline and APOE4-across different age and sex strata-on the risk of mild cognitive impairment/dementia. METHODS This cohort study included 16,221 participants aged ⩾50 years and had normal cognition at baseline. Participants were evaluated for subjective cognitive decline and APOE4 at baseline, and followed-up almost annually for mild cognitive impairment/dementia (median follow-up = 4.5 years). Interaction effects were examined in Cox regression using Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction, stratified by age (⩽70 vs >70 years) and sex. RESULTS Subjective cognitive decline and APOE4 were independently associated with mild cognitive impairment/dementia (hazard ratio: 1.4-1.8), with the highest risk when subjective cognitive decline and APOE4 co-occurred (hazard ratio: 2.6). APOE4 amplified the association between subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment/dementia in older women (Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction 1.0; 95% confidence interval = [0.3, 1.6]), but not in other age or sex strata. Among older women, half of them developed mild cognitive impairment/dementia by 12.1 years in the absence of subjective cognitive decline or APOE4. This duration shortened to 8.1-10.3 years in the presence of either subjective cognitive decline or APOE4, and to 4.4 years in the presence of both subjective cognitive decline and APOE4. Interaction effect among older women remained consistent when alternate outcomes were used (i.e. mild cognitive impairment and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease; dementia; and Alzheimer's dementia) (Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction 1.2-2.5). CONCLUSIONS APOE4 amplifies the association between subjective cognitive decline and neurocognitive disorders in older women, with the findings suggesting the need for further research to delineate underlying neurobiology. APOE4 may potentially have a role in facilitating further risk stratification of older women with subjective cognitive decline in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tau Ming Liew
- Department of Psychiatry, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore
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Gene- and Gender-Related Decrease in Serum BDNF Levels in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314599. [PMID: 36498925 PMCID: PMC9740390 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314599] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a protective role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines are potentially implicated in AD risk. In this study, BDNF was detected in serum of AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and investigated in association with gene polymorphisms of BDNF (Val66Met and C270T), of some oxidative stress-related genes (FOXO3A, SIRT3, GLO1, and SOD2), and of interleukin-1 family genes (IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-38). The APOE status and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score were also evaluated. Serum BDNF was significantly lower in AD (p = 0.029), especially when comparing the female subsets (p = 0.005). Patients with BDNFVal/Val homozygous also had significantly lower circulating BDNF compared with controls (p = 0.010). Moreover, lower BDNF was associated with the presence of the T mutant allele of IL-1α(rs1800587) in AD (p = 0.040). These results were even more significant in the female subsets (BDNFVal/Val, p = 0.001; IL-1α, p = 0.013; males: ns). In conclusion, reduced serum levels of BDNF were found in AD; polymorphisms of the IL-1α and BDNF genes appear to be involved in changes in serum BDNF, particularly in female patients, while no effects of other gene variants affecting oxidative stress have been found. These findings add another step in identifying gender-related susceptibility to AD.
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Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment Strategies and Their Limitations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213954. [PMID: 36430432 PMCID: PMC9697769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent case of neurodegenerative disease and is becoming a major public health problem all over the world. Many therapeutic strategies have been explored for several decades; however, there is still no curative treatment, and the priority remains prevention. In this review, we present an update on the clinical and physiological phase of the AD spectrum, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for AD treatment with a focus on prevention strategies, then research models used in AD, followed by a discussion of treatment limitations. The prevention methods can significantly slow AD evolution and are currently the best strategy possible before the advanced stages of the disease. Indeed, current drug treatments have only symptomatic effects, and disease-modifying treatments are not yet available. Drug delivery to the central nervous system remains a complex process and represents a challenge for developing therapeutic and preventive strategies. Studies are underway to test new techniques to facilitate the bioavailability of molecules to the brain. After a deep study of the literature, we find the use of soft nanoparticles, in particular nanoliposomes and exosomes, as an innovative approach for preventive and therapeutic strategies in reducing the risk of AD and solving problems of brain bioavailability. Studies show the promising role of nanoliposomes and exosomes as smart drug delivery systems able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and target brain tissues. Finally, the different drug administration techniques for neurological disorders are discussed. One of the promising therapeutic methods is the intranasal administration strategy which should be used for preclinical and clinical studies of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Santiago JA, Quinn JP, Potashkin JA. Sex-specific transcriptional rewiring in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1009368. [PMID: 36389068 PMCID: PMC9659968 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1009368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific differences may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development. AD is more prevalent in women worldwide, and female sex has been suggested as a disease risk factor. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying sex-biased differences in AD remain poorly characterized. To this end, we analyzed the transcriptional changes in the entorhinal cortex of symptomatic and asymptomatic AD patients stratified by sex. Co-expression network analysis implemented by SWItchMiner software identified sex-specific signatures of switch genes responsible for drastic transcriptional changes in the brain of AD and asymptomatic AD individuals. Pathway analysis of the switch genes revealed that morphine addiction, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, and autophagy are associated with both females with AD (F-AD) and males with (M-AD). In contrast, nicotine addiction, cell adhesion molecules, oxytocin signaling, adipocytokine signaling, prolactin signaling, and alcoholism are uniquely associated with M-AD. Similarly, some of the unique pathways associated with F-AD switch genes are viral myocarditis, Hippo signaling pathway, endometrial cancer, insulin signaling, and PI3K-AKT signaling. Together these results reveal that there are many sex-specific pathways that may lead to AD. Approximately 20–30% of the elderly have an accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain, but show no cognitive deficit. Asymptomatic females (F-asymAD) and males (M-asymAD) both shared dysregulation of endocytosis. In contrast, pathways uniquely associated with F-asymAD switch genes are insulin secretion, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, axon guidance, renal cell carcinoma, and ErbB signaling pathway. Similarly, pathways uniquely associated with M-asymAD switch genes are fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, FcγR mediated phagocytosis, and proteoglycans in cancer. These results reveal for the first time unique pathways associated with either disease progression or cognitive resilience in asymptomatic individuals. Additionally, we identified numerous sex-specific transcription factors and potential neurotoxic chemicals that may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Together these results reveal likely molecular drivers of sex differences in the brain of AD patients. Future molecular studies dissecting the functional role of these switch genes in driving sex differences in AD are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Judith A. Potashkin
- Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Department, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Judith A. Potashkin,
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Ji W, An K, Wang C, Wang S. Bioinformatics analysis of diagnostic biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease in peripheral blood based on sex differences and support vector machine algorithm. Hereditas 2022; 159:38. [PMID: 36195955 PMCID: PMC9531459 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-022-00252-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) varies based on gender. Due to the lack of early stage biomarkers, most of them are diagnosed at the terminal stage. This study aimed to explore sex-specific signaling pathways and identify diagnostic biomarkers of AD. Methods Microarray dataset for blood was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database of GSE63060 to conduct differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis by R software limma. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted. Immune checkpoint gene expression was compared between females and males. Using CytoHubba, we identified hub genes in a protein–protein interaction network (PPI). Then, we evaluated their distinct effectiveness using unsupervised hierarchical clustering. Support vector machine (SVM) and ten-fold cross-validation were used to further verify these biomarkers. Lastly, we confirmed our findings by using another independent dataset. Results A total of 37 female-specific DEGs and 27 male-specific DEGs were identified from GSE63060 datasets. Analyses of enrichment showed that female-specific DEGs primarily focused on energy metabolism, while male-specific DEGs mostly involved in immune regulation. Three immune-checkpoint-relevant genes dysregulated in males. In females, however, these eight genes were not differentially expressed. SNRPG, RPS27A, COX7A2, ATP5PO, LSM3, COX7C, PFDN5, HINT1, PSMA6, RPS3A and RPL31 were regarded as hub genes for females, while SNRPG, RPL31, COX7C, RPS27A, RPL35A, RPS3A, RPS20 and PFDN5 were regarded as hub genes for males. Thirteen hub genes mentioned above was significantly lower in both AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The diagnostic model of 15-marker panel (13 hub genes with sex and age) was developed. Both the training dataset and the independent validation dataset have area under the curve (AUC) with a high value (0.919, 95%CI 0.901–0.929 and 0.803, 95%CI 0.789–0.826). Based on GSEA for hub genes, they were associated with some aspects of AD pathogenesis. Conclusion DEGs in males and females contribute differently to AD pathogenesis. Algorithms combining blood-based biomarkers may improve AD diagnostic accuracy, but large validation studies are needed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41065-022-00252-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencan Ji
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu,, China
| | - Ke An
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu,, China.,School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Canjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaohua Wang
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu,, China. .,School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Fernández-Calle R, Konings SC, Frontiñán-Rubio J, García-Revilla J, Camprubí-Ferrer L, Svensson M, Martinson I, Boza-Serrano A, Venero JL, Nielsen HM, Gouras GK, Deierborg T. APOE in the bullseye of neurodegenerative diseases: impact of the APOE genotype in Alzheimer’s disease pathology and brain diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:62. [PMID: 36153580 PMCID: PMC9509584 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ApoE is the major lipid and cholesterol carrier in the CNS. There are three major human polymorphisms, apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4, and the genetic expression of APOE4 is one of the most influential risk factors for the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuroinflammation has become the third hallmark of AD, together with Amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated aggregated tau protein. This review aims to broadly and extensively describe the differential aspects concerning apoE. Starting from the evolution of apoE to how APOE's single-nucleotide polymorphisms affect its structure, function, and involvement during health and disease. This review reflects on how APOE's polymorphisms impact critical aspects of AD pathology, such as the neuroinflammatory response, particularly the effect of APOE on astrocytic and microglial function and microglial dynamics, synaptic function, amyloid-β load, tau pathology, autophagy, and cell–cell communication. We discuss influential factors affecting AD pathology combined with the APOE genotype, such as sex, age, diet, physical exercise, current therapies and clinical trials in the AD field. The impact of the APOE genotype in other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by overt inflammation, e.g., alpha- synucleinopathies and Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, is also addressed. Therefore, this review gathers the most relevant findings related to the APOE genotype up to date and its implications on AD and CNS pathologies to provide a deeper understanding of the knowledge in the APOE field.
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