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Sánchez-Fernández N, Gómez-Acero L, Castañé A, Adell A, Campa L, Bonaventura J, Brito V, Ginés S, Queiróz F, Silva H, Lopes JP, Lopes CR, Radošević M, Gasull X, Cunha RA, Köfalvi A, Ferreira SG, Ciruela F, Aso E. A combination of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol modulates glutamate dynamics in the hippocampus of an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurotherapeutics 2024:e00439. [PMID: 39232876 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00439] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
A combination of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) at non-psychoactive doses was previously demonstrated to reduce cognitive decline in APP/PS1 mice, an animal model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the neurobiological substrates underlying these therapeutic properties of Δ9-THC and CBD are not fully understood. Considering that dysregulation of glutamatergic activity contributes to cognitive impairment in AD, the present study evaluates the hypothesis that the combination of these two natural cannabinoids might reverse the alterations in glutamate dynamics within the hippocampus of this animal model of AD. Interestingly, our findings reveal that chronic treatment with Δ9-THC and CBD, but not with any of them alone, reduces extracellular glutamate levels and the basal excitability of the hippocampus in APP/PS1 mice. These effects are not related to significant changes in the function and structure of glutamate synapses, as no relevant changes in synaptic plasticity, glutamate signaling or in the levels of key components of these synapses were observed in cannabinoid-treated mice. Our data instead indicate that these cannabinoid effects are associated with the control of glutamate uptake and/or to the regulation of the hippocampal network. Taken together, these results support the potential therapeutic properties of combining these natural cannabinoids against the excitotoxicity that occurs in AD brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Sánchez-Fernández
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Laura Gómez-Acero
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Anna Castañé
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC), Institut de Recerca i Innovació en Ciències de la Vida i de la Salut a la Catalunya Central (IRIS-CC), 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Albert Adell
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Leticia Campa
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Bonaventura
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Verónica Brito
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Ginés
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Queiróz
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cátia R Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marija Radošević
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Gasull
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; FMUC-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Attila Köfalvi
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Samira G Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Ciruela
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ester Aso
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
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Sayehmiri F, Motamedi F, Batool Z, Naderi N, Shaerzadeh F, Zoghi A, Rezaei O, Khodagholi F, Pourbadie HG. Mitochondrial plasticity and synaptic plasticity crosstalk; in health and Alzheimer's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14897. [PMID: 39097920 PMCID: PMC11298206 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14897] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is believed to underlie the cellular and molecular basis of memory formation. Mitochondria are one of the main organelles involved in metabolism and energy maintenance as plastic organelles that change morphologically and functionally in response to cellular needs and regulate synaptic function and plasticity through multiple mechanisms, including ATP generation, calcium homeostasis, and biogenesis. An increased neuronal activity enhances synaptic efficiency, during which mitochondria's spatial distribution and morphology change significantly. These organelles build up in the pre-and postsynaptic zones to produce ATP, which is necessary for several synaptic processes like neurotransmitter release and recycling. Mitochondria also regulate calcium homeostasis by buffering intracellular calcium, which ensures proper synaptic activity. Furthermore, mitochondria in the presynaptic terminal have distinct morphological properties compared to dendritic or postsynaptic mitochondria. This specialization enables precise control of synaptic activity and plasticity. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to synaptic failure in many neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD, malfunctioning mitochondria cause delays in synaptic vesicle release and recycling, ionic gradient imbalances, and mostly synaptic failure. This review emphasizes mitochondrial plasticity's contribution to synaptic function. It also explores the profound effect of mitochondrial malfunction on neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on AD, and provides an overview of how they sustain cellular health under normal conditions and how their malfunction contributes to neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic target for such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sayehmiri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fereshteh Motamedi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Faculty of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zehra Batool
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological SciencesUniversity of KarachiKarachiPakistan
| | - Nima Naderi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of PharmacyShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Anahita Zoghi
- Department of Neurology, Loghman Hakim HospitalShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Omidvar Rezaei
- Skull Base Research CenterLoghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Ye L, Hu M, Mao R, Tan Y, Sun M, Jia J, Xu S, Liu Y, Zhu X, Xu Y, Bai F, Shu S. Conditional knockout of AIM2 in microglia ameliorates synaptic plasticity and spatial memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14555. [PMID: 38105588 PMCID: PMC11163192 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14555] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Synaptic dysfunction is a hallmark pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is strongly associated with cognitive impairment. Abnormal phagocytosis by the microglia is one of the main causes of synapse loss in AD. Previous studies have shown that the absence of melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome activity is increased in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, but the role of AIM2 in AD remains unclear. METHODS Injection of Aβ1-42 into the bilateral hippocampal CA1 was used to mimic an AD mouse model (AD mice). C57BL/6 mice injected with AIM2 overexpression lentivirus and conditional knockout of microglial AIM2 mice were used to confirm the function of AIM2 in AD. Cognitive functions were assessed with novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. The protein and mRNA expression levels were evaluated by western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and qRT-PCR. Synaptic structure and function were detected by Golgi staining and electrophysiology. RESULTS The expression level of AIM2 was increased in AD mice, and overexpression of AIM2 induced synaptic and cognitive impairments in C57BL/6 mice, similar to AD mice. Elevated expression levels of AIM2 occurred in microglia in AD mice. Conditional knockout of microglial AIM2 rescued cognitive and synaptic dysfunction in AD mice. Excessive microglial phagocytosis activity of synapses was decreased after knockout of microglial AIM2, which was associated with inhibiting complement activation. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that microglial AIM2 plays a critical role in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory deficits associated with AD, providing a new direction for developing novel preventative and therapeutic interventions for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ye
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Mengsha Hu
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Rui Mao
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yi Tan
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Min Sun
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Junqiu Jia
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Siyi Xu
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular MedicineMedical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Discipline of NeurologyNanjingChina
- Nanjing Neurology Medical CenterNanjingChina
- Nanjing Neuropsychiatry Clinic Medical CenterNanjingChina
| | - Feng Bai
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shu Shu
- Department of NeurologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular MedicineMedical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Discipline of NeurologyNanjingChina
- Nanjing Neurology Medical CenterNanjingChina
- Nanjing Neuropsychiatry Clinic Medical CenterNanjingChina
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Nunes ACL, Carmo M, Behrenswerth A, Canas PM, Agostinho P, Cunha RA. Adenosine A 2A Receptor Blockade Provides More Effective Benefits at the Onset Rather than after Overt Neurodegeneration in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4903. [PMID: 38732120 PMCID: PMC11084368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) antagonists are the leading nondopaminergic therapy to manage Parkinson's disease (PD) since they afford both motor benefits and neuroprotection. PD begins with a synaptic dysfunction and damage in the striatum evolving to an overt neuronal damage of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. We tested if A2AR antagonists are equally effective in controlling these two degenerative processes. We used a slow intracerebroventricular infusion of the toxin MPP+ in male rats for 15 days, which caused an initial loss of synaptic markers in the striatum within 10 days, followed by a neuronal loss in the substantia nigra within 30 days. Interestingly, the initial loss of striatal nerve terminals involved a loss of both dopaminergic and glutamatergic synaptic markers, while GABAergic markers were preserved. The daily administration of the A2AR antagonist SCH58261 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) in the first 10 days after MPP+ infusion markedly attenuated both the initial loss of striatal synaptic markers and the subsequent loss of nigra dopaminergic neurons. Strikingly, the administration of SCH58261 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p. for 10 days) starting 20 days after MPP+ infusion was less efficacious to attenuate the loss of nigra dopaminergic neurons. This prominent A2AR-mediated control of synaptotoxicity was directly confirmed by showing that the MPTP-induced dysfunction (MTT assay) and damage (lactate dehydrogenase release assay) of striatal synaptosomes were prevented by 50 nM SCH58261. This suggests that A2AR antagonists may be more effective to counteract the onset rather than the evolution of PD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carla L. Nunes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.C.L.N.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Marta Carmo
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.C.L.N.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Andrea Behrenswerth
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.C.L.N.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Paula M. Canas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.C.L.N.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.C.L.N.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.C.L.N.); (M.C.); (A.B.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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Velu L, Pellerin L, Julian A, Paccalin M, Giraud C, Fayolle P, Guillevin R, Guillevin C. Early rise of glutamate-glutamine levels in mild cognitive impairment: Evidence for emerging excitotoxicity. J Neuroradiol 2024; 51:168-175. [PMID: 37777087 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2023.09.003] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) non invasive technique to assess the modifications of glutamate-glutamine (Glx) and gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) brain levels in patients reporting a cognitive complain METHODS: Posterior cingular cortex 1H-MRS spectra of 46 patients (19 male, 27 female) aged 57 to 87 years (mean : 73.32 ± 7.33 years) with a cognitive complaint were examined with a MEGA PRESS sequence at 3T, and compounds Glutamateglutamine (Glx), GABA, Creatine (Cr) and NAA were measured. From this data the metabolite ratios Glx/Cr, GABA/Cr and NAA/Cr were calculated. In addition, all patient performed the Mini Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) and 2 groups were realized with the clinical threshold of 24. RESULTS 16 patients with MMSE 〈 24 and 30 patients with MMSE 〉 24. Significant increase of Glx/Cr in PCC of patients with MMSE 〈 24 compared to patients with MMSE 〉 24. Moreover, GABA/Cr ratio exhibited a trend for a decrease in PCC between the two groups, while they showed a significant decrease NAA/Cr ratio. CONCLUSION Our results concerning Glx are in agreement with a physiopathological hypothesis involving a biphasic variation of glutamate levels associated with excitotoxicity, correlated with the clinical evolution of the disease. These observations suggest that MRS assessment of glutamate levels could be helpful for both diagnosis and classification of cognitive impairment in stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Velu
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France
| | - Luc Pellerin
- University of Poitiers and University Hospital center of Poitiers, France
| | - Adrien Julian
- University Hospital Center of Poitiers, Department of neurology, France
| | - Marc Paccalin
- University Hospital Center of Poitiers, Department of neurology, France
| | - Clément Giraud
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France
| | - Pierre Fayolle
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France
| | - Rémy Guillevin
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France
| | - Carole Guillevin
- University Hospital center of Poitiers, Department of Imaging, France.
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L'Esperance OJ, McGhee J, Davidson G, Niraula S, Smith AS, Sosunov AA, Yan SS, Subramanian J. Functional Connectivity Favors Aberrant Visual Network c-Fos Expression Accompanied by Cortical Synapse Loss in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 101:111-131. [PMID: 39121131 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2024]
Abstract
Background While Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been extensively studied with a focus on cognitive networks, visual network dysfunction has received less attention despite compelling evidence of its significance in AD patients and mouse models. We recently reported c-Fos and synaptic dysregulation in the primary visual cortex of a pre-amyloid plaque AD-model. Objective We test whether c-Fos expression and presynaptic density/dynamics differ in cortical and subcortical visual areas in an AD-model. We also examine whether aberrant c-Fos expression is inherited through functional connectivity and shaped by light experience. Methods c-Fos+ cell density, functional connectivity, and their experience-dependent modulation were assessed for visual and whole-brain networks in both sexes of 4-6-month-old J20 (AD-model) and wildtype (WT) mice. Cortical and subcortical differences in presynaptic vulnerability in the AD-model were compared using ex vivo and in vivo imaging. Results Visual cortical, but not subcortical, networks show aberrant c-Fos expression and impaired experience-dependent modulation. The average functional connectivity of a brain region in WT mice significantly predicts aberrant c-Fos expression, which correlates with impaired experience-dependent modulation in the AD-model. We observed a subtle yet selective weakening of excitatory visual cortical synapses. The size distribution of cortical boutons in the AD-model is downscaled relative to those in WT mice, suggesting a synaptic scaling-like adaptation of bouton size. Conclusions Visual network structural and functional disruptions are biased toward cortical regions in pre-plaque J20 mice, and the cellular and synaptic dysregulation in the AD-model represents a maladaptive modification of the baseline physiology seen in WT conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J L'Esperance
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Joshua McGhee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Garett Davidson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Suraj Niraula
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Adam S Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Alexandre A Sosunov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shirley Shidu Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaichandar Subramanian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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Lopes CR, Silva AC, Silva HB, Canas PM, Agostinho P, Cunha RA, Lopes JP. Adenosine A 2A Receptor Up-Regulation Pre-Dates Deficits of Synaptic Plasticity and of Memory in Mice Exposed to Aβ 1-42 to Model Early Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1173. [PMID: 37627238 PMCID: PMC10452250 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of amyloid peptides (Aβ) models Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mice, as typified by the onset within 15 days of deficits of memory and of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) that are prevented by the blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR). Since A2AR overfunction is sufficient to trigger memory deficits, we tested if A2AR were upregulated in hippocampal synapses before the onset of memory deficits to support the hypothesis that A2AR overfunction could be a trigger of AD. Six to eight days after Aβ-icv injection, mice displayed no alterations of hippocampal dependent memory; however, they presented an increased excitability of hippocampal synapses, a slight increase in LTP magnitude in Schaffer fiber-CA1 pyramid synapses and an increased density of A2AR in hippocampal synapses. A2AR blockade with SCH58261 (50 nM) normalized excitability and LTP in hippocampal slices from mice sacrificed 7-8 days after Aβ-icv injection. Fifteen days after Aβ-icv injection, mice displayed evident deficits of hippocampal-dependent memory deterioration, with reduced hippocampal CA1 LTP but no hyperexcitability and a sustained increase in synaptic A2AR, which blockade restored LTP magnitude. This shows that the upregulation of synaptic A2AR precedes the onset of deterioration of memory and of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, supporting the hypothesis that the overfunction of synaptic A2AR could be a trigger of memory deterioration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia R. Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António C. Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
| | - Henrique B. Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
| | - Paula M. Canas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.R.L.); (A.C.S.); (H.B.S.); (P.M.C.); (P.A.); (J.P.L.)
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Fernandes MYD, Lopes JP, Silva HB, Andrade GM, Cunha RA, Tomé AR. Caffeic acid recovers ischemia-induced synaptic dysfunction without direct effects on excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity in mouse hippocampal slices. Neurosci Lett 2023; 808:137292. [PMID: 37156440 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137292] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Caffeic acid is a polyphenolic compound present in a vast array of dietary components. We previously showed that caffeic acid reduces the burden of brain ischemia joining evidence by others that it can attenuate different brain diseases. However, it is unknown if caffeic acid affects information processing in neuronal networks. Thus, we now used electrophysiological recordings in mouse hippocampal slices to test if caffeic acid directly affected synaptic transmission, plasticity and dysfunction caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro ischemia model. Caffeic acid (1-10 μM) was devoid of effect on synaptic transmission and paired-pulse facilitation in Schaffer collaterals-CA1 pyramidal synapses. Also, the magnitude of either hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) or the subsequent depotentiation were not significantly modified by 10 μM caffeic acid. However, caffeic acid (10 μM) increased the recovery of synaptic transmission upon re-oxygenation following 7 minutes of OGD. Furthermore, caffeic acid (10 μM) also recovered plasticity after OGD, as heralded by the increased magnitude of LTP after exposure. These findings show that caffeic acid does not directly affect synaptic transmission and plasticity but can indirectly affect other cellular targets to correct synaptic dysfunction. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of action of caffeic acid may allow the design of hitherto unrecognized novel neuroprotective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Yone D Fernandes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Research and Drug Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - João Pedro Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique B Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Geanne M Andrade
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Research and Drug Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Angelo R Tomé
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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9
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Lopes CR, Silva JS, Santos J, Rodrigues MS, Madeira D, Oliveira A, Moreira-de-Sá A, Lourenço VS, Gonçalves FQ, Silva HB, Simões AP, Rolo AP, Canas PM, Tomé ÂR, Palmeira CM, Lopes JP, Cunha RA, Agostinho P, Ferreira SG. Downregulation of Sirtuin 1 Does Not Account for the Impaired Long-Term Potentiation in the Prefrontal Cortex of Female APPswe/PS1dE9 Mice Modelling Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086968. [PMID: 37108131 PMCID: PMC10139121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086968] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), which predominantly affects women, involves at its onset a metabolic deregulation associated with a synaptic failure. Here, we performed a behavioral, neurophysiological and neurochemical characterization of 9-month-old female APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice as a model of early AD. These animals showed learning and memory deficits in the Morris water maze, increased thigmotaxis and anxiety-like behavior and showed signs of fear generalization. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was decreased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), but not in the CA1 hippocampus or amygdala. This was associated with a decreased density of sirtuin-1 in cerebrocortical synaptosomes and a decreased density of sirtuin-1 and sestrin-2 in total cerebrocortical extracts, without alterations of sirtuin-3 levels or of synaptic markers (syntaxin, synaptophysin, SNAP25, PSD95). However, activation of sirtuin-1 did not affect or recover PFC-LTP deficit in APP/PS1 female mice; instead, inhibition of sirtuin-1 increased PFC-LTP magnitude. It is concluded that mood and memory dysfunction in 9-month-old female APP/PS1 mice is associated with a parallel decrease in synaptic plasticity and in synaptic sirtuin-1 levels in the prefrontal cortex, although sirtiun1 activation failed to restore abnormal cortical plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia R Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana S Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Santos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Matilde S Rodrigues
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Madeira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andreia Oliveira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Moreira-de-Sá
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vanessa S Lourenço
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Q Gonçalves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique B Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Simões
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anabela P Rolo
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula M Canas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ângelo R Tomé
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos M Palmeira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Samira G Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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10
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Launay A, Nebie O, Vijaya Shankara J, Lebouvier T, Buée L, Faivre E, Blum D. The role of adenosine A 2A receptors in Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies. Neuropharmacology 2023; 226:109379. [PMID: 36572177 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine signals through four distinct G protein-coupled receptors that are located at various synapses, cell types and brain areas. Through them, adenosine regulates neuromodulation, neuronal signaling, learning and cognition as well as the sleep-wake cycle, all strongly impacted in neurogenerative disorders, among which Alzheimer's Disease (AD). AD is a complex form of cognitive deficits characterized by two pathological hallmarks: extracellular deposits of aggregated β-amyloid peptides and intraneuronal fibrillar aggregates of hyper- and abnormally phosphorylated Tau proteins. Both lesions contribute to the early dysfunction and loss of synapses which are strongly associated to the development of cognitive decline in AD patients. The present review focuses on the pathophysiological impact of the A2ARs dysregulation observed in cognitive area from AD patients. We are reviewing not only evidence of the cellular changes in A2AR levels in pathological conditions but also describe what is currently known about their consequences in term of synaptic plasticity, neuro-glial miscommunication and memory abilities. We finally summarize the proof-of-concept studies that support A2AR as credible targets and the clinical interest to repurpose adenosine drugs for the treatment of AD and related disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Purinergic Signaling: 50 years".
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Launay
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000, Lille, France; Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Ouada Nebie
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000, Lille, France; Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Jhenkruthi Vijaya Shankara
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000, Lille, France; Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Thibaud Lebouvier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000, Lille, France; Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France; CHU Lille, Memory Clinic, Lille, France
| | - Luc Buée
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000, Lille, France; Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Emilie Faivre
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000, Lille, France; Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - David Blum
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000, Lille, France; Alzheimer and Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France.
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11
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Dias L, Pochmann D, Lemos C, Silva HB, Real JI, Gonçalves FQ, Rial D, Gonçalves N, Simões AP, Ferreira SG, Agostinho P, Cunha RA, Tomé AR. Increased Synaptic ATP Release and CD73-Mediated Formation of Extracellular Adenosine in the Control of Behavioral and Electrophysiological Modifications Caused by Chronic Stress. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1299-1309. [PMID: 36881648 PMCID: PMC10080657 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased ATP release and its extracellular catabolism through CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) lead to the overactivation of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR), which occurs in different brain disorders. A2AR blockade blunts mood and memory dysfunction caused by repeated stress, but it is unknown if increased ATP release coupled to CD73-mediated formation of extracellular adenosine is responsible for A2AR overactivation upon repeated stress. This was now investigated in adult rats subject to repeated stress for 14 consecutive days. Frontocortical and hippocampal synaptosomes from stressed rats displayed an increased release of ATP upon depolarization, coupled to an increased density of vesicular nucleotide transporters and of CD73. The continuous intracerebroventricular delivery of the CD73 inhibitor α,β-methylene ADP (AOPCP, 100 μM) during restraint stress attenuated mood and memory dysfunction. Slice electrophysiological recordings showed that restraint stress decreased long-term potentiation both in prefrontocortical layer II/III-layer V synapses and in hippocampal Schaffer fibers-CA1 pyramid synapses, which was prevented by AOPCP, an effect occluded by adenosine deaminase and by the A2AR antagonist SCH58261. These results indicate that increased synaptic ATP release coupled to CD73-mediated formation of extracellular adenosine contributes to mood and memory dysfunction triggered by repeated restraint stress. This prompts considering interventions decreasing ATP release and CD73 activity as novel strategies to mitigate the burden of repeated stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dias
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,FMUC─Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Pochmann
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Lemos
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique B Silva
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana I Real
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Q Gonçalves
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniel Rial
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nélio Gonçalves
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Simões
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Samira G Ferreira
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,FMUC─Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,FMUC─Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Angelo R Tomé
- CNC─Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
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12
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Hnilicova P, Kantorova E, Sutovsky S, Grofik M, Zelenak K, Kurca E, Zilka N, Parvanovova P, Kolisek M. Imaging Methods Applicable in the Diagnostics of Alzheimer's Disease, Considering the Involvement of Insulin Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3325. [PMID: 36834741 PMCID: PMC9958721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043325] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease and the most frequently diagnosed type of dementia, characterized by (1) perturbed cerebral perfusion, vasculature, and cortical metabolism; (2) induced proinflammatory processes; and (3) the aggregation of amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylated Tau proteins. Subclinical AD changes are commonly detectable by using radiological and nuclear neuroimaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Furthermore, other valuable modalities exist (in particular, structural volumetric, diffusion, perfusion, functional, and metabolic magnetic resonance methods) that can advance the diagnostic algorithm of AD and our understanding of its pathogenesis. Recently, new insights into AD pathoetiology revealed that deranged insulin homeostasis in the brain may play a role in the onset and progression of the disease. AD-related brain insulin resistance is closely linked to systemic insulin homeostasis disorders caused by pancreas and/or liver dysfunction. Indeed, in recent studies, linkages between the development and onset of AD and the liver and/or pancreas have been established. Aside from standard radiological and nuclear neuroimaging methods and clinically fewer common methods of magnetic resonance, this article also discusses the use of new suggestive non-neuronal imaging modalities to assess AD-associated structural changes in the liver and pancreas. Studying these changes might be of great clinical importance because of their possible involvement in AD pathogenesis during the prodromal phase of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Hnilicova
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Ema Kantorova
- Clinic of Neurology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Stanislav Sutovsky
- 1st Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital, 813 67 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Milan Grofik
- Clinic of Neurology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Kamil Zelenak
- Clinic of Radiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Egon Kurca
- Clinic of Neurology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Zilka
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petra Parvanovova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kolisek
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
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13
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Ribarič S. Detecting Early Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease with Brain Synaptic Structural and Functional Evaluation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:355. [PMID: 36830892 PMCID: PMC9952956 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Early cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's (AD) is associated with quantifiable structural and functional connectivity changes in the brain. AD dysregulation of Aβ and tau metabolism progressively disrupt normal synaptic function, leading to loss of synapses, decreased hippocampal synaptic density and early hippocampal atrophy. Advances in brain imaging techniques in living patients have enabled the transition from clinical signs and symptoms-based AD diagnosis to biomarkers-based diagnosis, with functional brain imaging techniques, quantitative EEG, and body fluids sampling. The hippocampus has a central role in semantic and episodic memory processing. This cognitive function is critically dependent on normal intrahippocampal connections and normal hippocampal functional connectivity with many cortical regions, including the perirhinal and the entorhinal cortex, parahippocampal cortex, association regions in the temporal and parietal lobes, and prefrontal cortex. Therefore, decreased hippocampal synaptic density is reflected in the altered functional connectivity of intrinsic brain networks (aka large-scale networks), including the parietal memory, default mode, and salience networks. This narrative review discusses recent critical issues related to detecting AD-associated early cognitive decline with brain synaptic structural and functional markers in high-risk or neuropsychologically diagnosed patients with subjective cognitive impairment or mild cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samo Ribarič
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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14
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Chen X, Gong T, Chen T, Xu C, Li Y, Song Q, Lin L, Oeltzschner G, Edden RAE, Xia Z, Wang G. Altered glutamate-glutamine and amide proton transfer-weighted values in the hippocampus of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: A novel combined imaging diagnostic marker. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1089300. [PMID: 36908797 PMCID: PMC9995585 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1089300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Early diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and timely management to delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) would benefit patients. Pathological metabolic changes of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters and abnormal protein deposition in the hippocampus of aMCI may provide a new clue to imaging diagnosis. However, the diagnostic performance using these hippocampal metabolite measurements is still unclear. We aimed to quantify right hippocampal glutamate-glutamine (Glx) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels as well as protein-based amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) signals of patients with aMCI and investigate the diagnostic performance of these metabolites. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 20 patients with aMCI and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent MEGA Point Resolved Spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS) and APTw MR imaging at 3 T. GABA+, Glx, and APTw signals were measured in the right hippocampus. The GABA+ levels, Glx levels, Glx/GABA+ ratios, and APTw values were compared between the HCs and aMCI groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to evaluate MEGA-PRESS and APTw parameters' diagnostic performance. Results Compared with HCs, patients with aMCI had significantly lower Glx levels in the right hippocampus (7.02 ± 1.41 i.u. vs. 5.81 ± 1.33 i.u., P = 0.018). No significant changes in the GABA+ levels were observed in patients with aMCI (HCs vs. aMCI: 2.54 ± 0.28 i.u. vs. 2.47 ± 0.36 i.u., P = 0.620). In addition, Glx/GABA+ ratios between the two groups (HCs vs. aMCI: 2.79 ± 0.60 vs. 2.37 ± 0.55, P = 0.035) were significantly different. Compared with HCs, patients with aMCI showed higher APTw values in the right hippocampus (0.99 ± 0.26% vs. 1.26% ± 0.28, P = 0.006). The ROC curve analysis showed that Glx, GABA+, Glx/GABA+, and APTw values had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72, 0.55, 0.70, and 0.75, respectively, for diagnosing aMCI. In the ROC curve analysis, the AUC of the combination of the parameters increased to 0.88, which is much higher than that observed in the univariate analysis (P < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of right hippocampal Glx levels and APTw values improved the diagnostic performance for aMCI, indicating it as a promising combined imaging diagnostic marker. Our study provided a potential imaging diagnostic strategy of aMCI, which may promote early detection of aMCI and facilitate timely intervention to delay the pathological progress toward AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China.,Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Changyuan Xu
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuchao Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Qingxu Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | | | - Georg Oeltzschner
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard A E Edden
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zhangyong Xia
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China.,Department of Neurology, Liaocheng Clinical School of Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Guangbin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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15
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Rajkumar M, Sakthivel M, Senthilkumar K, Thangaraj R, Kannan S. Galantamine tethered hydrogel as a novel therapeutic target for streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease in Wistar rats. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 3:100100. [PMID: 35510084 PMCID: PMC9058960 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque formation, neuronal cell death, and cognitive impairment are the unique symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). No single step remedy is available to treat AD, so the present study aimed to improve the drugability and minimize the abnormal behavioral and biochemical activities in streptozotocin (STZ) induced AD experimental Wistar rats. In particular, we explored the utilization of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), which is a biopolymeric hydrogel that mimics the natural tissue environment. The synthesized biopolymeric gel contained the drug galantamine (Gal). Investigations were conducted to evaluate the behavioral activities of STZ-induced AD experimental rats under STZ + GelMA + Gal treatment. The experimental groups comprised the control and STZ, STZ + GelMA, STZ + Gal, and STZ + GelMA + Gal (10 mg/kg) treated rats. Intracerebroventricular STZ ensures cognitive decline in terms of an increase in the escape latency period, with a decrease in the spontaneous alteration of behavioral activities. Our results indicated decrease Aβ aggregation in the hydrogel-based drug treatment group and significant decreases in the levels of acetylcholinesterase and lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001). In addition, the glutathione and superoxide dismutase activities appeared to be improved in the STZ + GelMA + Gal group compared with the other treatment groups. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical experiments showed that the GelMA + Gal treated AD rats exhibited significantly improved behavioral and biochemical activities compared with the STZ treated AD rats. Therefore, STZ + GelMA + Gal administration from the pre-plaque stage may have a potential clinical application in the prevention of AD. Thus, we conclude that hydrogel-based Gal drugs are efficient at decreasing Aβ aggregation and improving the neuroinflammatory process, antioxidant activity, and neuronal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manickam Rajkumar
- Cancer Nanomedicine Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Periyar University, Salem, 636 011, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Murugesan Sakthivel
- Cancer Nanomedicine Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Periyar University, Salem, 636 011, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kottaisamy Senthilkumar
- National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis/Indian Council for Medical Research, Ward No. 62, Government Rajaji Hospital Madurai, 625 001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramasundaram Thangaraj
- Vermitechnology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Periyar University, Salem, 636 011, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Soundarapandian Kannan
- Cancer Nanomedicine Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Periyar University, Salem, 636 011, Tamil Nadu, India
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16
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Carvalho da Silva AM, Lemos C, Silva HB, Ferreira IL, Tomé AR, Rego AC, Cunha RA. Simultaneous Alteration of the Circadian Variation of Memory, Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity, and Metabolism in a Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:835885. [PMID: 35431906 PMCID: PMC9009366 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.835885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive memory deficits accompanied by synaptic and metabolic deficits, namely of mitochondrial function. AD patients also display a disrupted circadian pattern. Thus, we now compared memory performance, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondria function in 24-week-old non-transgenic (non-Tg) and triple transgenic male mice modeling AD (3xTg-AD) at Zeitgeber 04 (ZT-4, inactive phase) and ZT-16 (active phase). Using the Morris water maze test to minimize the influence of circadian-associated locomotor activity, we observed a circadian variation in hippocampus-dependent learning performance in non-Tg mice, which was impaired in 3xTg-AD mice. 3xTg-AD mice also displayed a lack of circadian variation of their performance in the reversal spatial learning task. Additionally, the amplitude of hippocampal long-term potentiation also exhibited a circadian profile in non-Tg mice, which was not observed in 3xTg-AD mice. Moreover, cerebral cortical synaptosomes of non-Tg mice also displayed a circadian variation of FCCP-stimulated oxygen consumption as well as in mitochondrial calcium retention that were blunted in 3xTg-AD mice. In sum, this multidimensional study shows that the ability to maintain a circadian oscillation in brain behavior, synaptic plasticity, and synaptic mitochondria function are simultaneously impaired in 3xTg-AD mice, highlighting the effects of circadian misalignment in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- António M. Carvalho da Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- *Correspondence: António M. Carvalho da Silva,
| | - Cristina Lemos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique B. Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ildete L. Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Angelo R. Tomé
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A. Cristina Rego
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- A. Cristina Rego,
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Rodrigo A. Cunha,
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17
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Gomez-Murcia V, Carvalho K, Thiroux B, Caillierez R, Besegher M, Sergeant N, Buée L, Faivre E, Blum D. Impact of chronic doxycycline treatment in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2022; 209:108999. [PMID: 35181375 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Due to the pathophysiological complexity of Alzheimer's disease, multitarget approaches able to mitigate several pathogenic mechanisms are of interest. Previous studies have pointed to the neuroprotective potential of Doxycycline (Dox), a safe and inexpensive second-generation tetracycline. Dox has been particularly reported to slow down aggregation of misfolded proteins but also to mitigate neuroinflammatory processes. Here, we have evaluated the pre-clinical potential of Dox in the APP/PS1 mouse model of amyloidogenesis. Dox was provided to APP/PS1 mice from the age of 8 months, when animals already exhibit amyloid pathology and memory deficits. Spatial memory was then evaluated from 9 to 10 months of age. Our data demonstrated that Dox moderately improved the spatial memory of APP/PS1 mice without exerting major effect on amyloid lesions. While Dox did not alleviate overall glial reactivity, we could evidence that it rather enhanced the amyloid-dependent upregulation of several neuroinflammatory markers such as CCL3 and CCL4. Finally, Dox exerted differentially regulated the levels of synaptic proteins in the hippocampus and the cortex of APP/PS1 mice. Overall, these observations support that chronic Dox delivery does not provide major pathophysiological improvements in the APP/PS1 mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gomez-Murcia
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France; Alzheimer &Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Kevin Carvalho
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France; Alzheimer &Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Bryan Thiroux
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France; Alzheimer &Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Raphaëlle Caillierez
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France; Alzheimer &Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Melanie Besegher
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41 - UMS 2014 - PLBS, Animal Facility, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France; Alzheimer &Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Luc Buée
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France; Alzheimer &Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - Emile Faivre
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France; Alzheimer &Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France
| | - David Blum
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France; Alzheimer &Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, France.
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18
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Cai S, Huang K, Yang F, Wang X, Wu S, Wang Y, Huang L. Cortical Thickness Differences Are Associated With Chemical Synaptic Transmission Upregulated Genes in Degeneration of Mild Cognitive Impairment. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:745381. [PMID: 34776930 PMCID: PMC8585991 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.745381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transition between normal cognition (NC) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Differences in cortical thickness (ΔCT) have been reported in cases that degenerate from MCI to AD. The aspects of genetic and transcriptional variation related to ΔCT are vague. In this study, using an 8-year longitudinal follow-up outcome, we investigated the genetic correlates of ΔCT in MCI subjects with degeneration from MCI to AD (MCI_AD). We employed partial least squares regression (PLSR) on brain T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of 180 participants [143 stable MCI (MCI_S) participants and 37 MCI_AD participants] and brain gene expression data from the Allen Institute for Brain Science (AIBS) database to investigate genes associated with ΔCT. We found that upregulated PLS component 1 ΔCT-related genes were enriched in chemical synaptic transmission. To verify the robustness and specificity of the results, we conducted PLSR analysis invalidation and specificity datasets and performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis instead of PLSR for the above three datasets. We also used gene expression data in the brain prefrontal cortex from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to indirectly validate the robustness and specificity of our results. We conclude that transcriptionally upregulated genes involved in chemical synaptic transmission are strongly related to global ΔCT in MCI patients who experience degeneration from MCI to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suping Cai
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kexin Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuwen Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sijia Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yubo Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liyu Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
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19
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Olajide OJ, Chapman CA. Amyloid-β (1-42) peptide induces rapid NMDA receptor-dependent alterations at glutamatergic synapses in the entorhinal cortex. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 105:296-309. [PMID: 34144329 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (EC) accumulate amyloid beta peptides (Aβ) that promote neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease, but the early effects of Aβ on excitatory synaptic transmission in the EC have not been well characterized. To assess the acute effects of Aβ1-42 on glutamatergic synapses, acute brain slices from wildtype rats were exposed to Aβ1-42 or control solution for 3 hours, and tissue was analyzed using protein immunoblotting and quantitative PCR. Presynaptically, Aβ1-42 induced marked reductions in synaptophysin, synapsin-2a mRNA, and mGluR3 mRNA, and increased both VGluT2 protein and Ca2+-activated channel KCa2.2 mRNA levels. Postsynaptically, Aβ1-42 reduced PSD95 and GluN2B protein, and also downregulated GluN2B and GluN2A mRNA, without affecting scaffolding elements SAP97 and PICK1. mGluR5 mRNA was strongly increased, while mGluR1 mRNA was unaffected. Blocking either GluN2A- or GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors did not significantly prevent synaptic changes induced by Aβ1-42, but combined blockade did prevent synaptic alterations. These findings demonstrate that Aβ1-42 rapidly disrupts glutamatergic transmission in the EC through mechanisms involving concurrent activation of GluN2A- and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayemi Joseph Olajide
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Clifton Andrew Chapman
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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20
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Gasiorowska A, Wydrych M, Drapich P, Zadrozny M, Steczkowska M, Niewiadomski W, Niewiadomska G. The Biology and Pathobiology of Glutamatergic, Cholinergic, and Dopaminergic Signaling in the Aging Brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:654931. [PMID: 34326765 PMCID: PMC8315271 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.654931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The elderly population is growing worldwide, with important health and socioeconomic implications. Clinical and experimental studies on aging have uncovered numerous changes in the brain, such as decreased neurogenesis, increased synaptic defects, greater metabolic stress, and enhanced inflammation. These changes are associated with cognitive decline and neurobehavioral deficits. Although aging is not a disease, it is a significant risk factor for functional worsening, affective impairment, disease exaggeration, dementia, and general disease susceptibility. Conversely, life events related to mental stress and trauma can also lead to accelerated age-associated disorders and dementia. Here, we review human studies and studies on mice and rats, such as those modeling human neurodegenerative diseases, that have helped elucidate (1) the dynamics and mechanisms underlying the biological and pathological aging of the main projecting systems in the brain (glutamatergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic) and (2) the effect of defective glutamatergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic projection on disabilities associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of age-related diseases can be an important element in the development of effective ways of treatment. In this context, we briefly analyze which adverse changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases in the cholinergic, glutaminergic and dopaminergic systems could be targeted by therapeutic strategies developed as a result of our better understanding of these damaging mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gasiorowska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Wydrych
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Drapich
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Zadrozny
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Steczkowska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktor Niewiadomski
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grazyna Niewiadomska
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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21
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Castillo CA, Ballesteros-Yáñez I, León-Navarro DA, Albasanz JL, Martín M. Early Effects of the Soluble Amyloid β 25-35 Peptide in Rat Cortical Neurons: Modulation of Signal Transduction Mediated by Adenosine and Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126577. [PMID: 34205261 PMCID: PMC8234864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is a central player in the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The alteration of Aβ homeostasis may impact the fine-tuning of cell signaling from the very beginning of the disease, when amyloid plaque is not deposited yet. For this reason, primary culture of rat cortical neurons was exposed to Aβ25-35, a non-oligomerizable form of Aβ. Cell viability, metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) and adenosine receptors (AR) expression and signalling were assessed. Aβ25-35 increased mGluR density and affinity, mainly due to a higher gene expression and protein presence of Group I mGluR (mGluR1 and mGluR5) in the membrane of cortical neurons. Intriguingly, the main effector of group I mGluR, the phospholipase C β1 isoform, was less responsive. Also, the inhibitory action of group II and group III mGluR on adenylate cyclase (AC) activity was unaltered or increased, respectively. Interestingly, pre-treatment of cortical neurons with an antagonist of group I mGluR reduced the Aβ25-35-induced cell death. Besides, Aβ25-35 increased the density of A1R and A2AR, along with an increase in their gene expression. However, while A1R-mediated AC inhibition was increased, the A2AR-mediated stimulation of AC remained unchanged. Therefore, one of the early events that takes place after Aβ25-35 exposure is the up-regulation of adenosine A1R, A2AR, and group I mGluR, and the different impacts on their corresponding signaling pathways. These results emphasize the importance of deciphering the early events and the possible involvement of metabotropic glutamate and adenosine receptors in AD physiopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Castillo
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, School of Physiotherapy and Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain;
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (I.B.-Y.); (D.A.L.-N.); (M.M.)
| | - Inmaculada Ballesteros-Yáñez
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (I.B.-Y.); (D.A.L.-N.); (M.M.)
- Department of Inorganic, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Organic and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - David Agustín León-Navarro
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (I.B.-Y.); (D.A.L.-N.); (M.M.)
- Department of Inorganic, Faculty of Chemical and Technological Sciences, Organic and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José Luis Albasanz
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (I.B.-Y.); (D.A.L.-N.); (M.M.)
- Department of Inorganic, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Organic and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Mairena Martín
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (I.B.-Y.); (D.A.L.-N.); (M.M.)
- Department of Inorganic, Faculty of Chemical and Technological Sciences, Organic and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
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22
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Fan S, Li L, Xian X, Liu L, Gao J, Li W. Ceftriaxone regulates glutamate production and vesicular assembly in presynaptic terminals through GLT-1 in APP/PS1 mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 183:107480. [PMID: 34153453 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Perturbations in the glutamate-glutamine cycle and glutamate release from presynaptic terminals have been involved in the development of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and mouse models. Glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) removes glutamate from the synaptic cleft and transports it into astrocytes, where it is used as substrate for the glutamate-glutamine cycle. Ceftriaxone has been reported to improve cognitive deficits in AD mice by increasing GLT-1 expression, glutamate transformation to glutamine, and glutamine efflux from astrocytes. However, the impact of ceftriaxone on glutamine metabolism in neurons is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate whether ceftriaxone regulated the production and vesicular assembly of glutamate in the presynaptic terminals of neurons and to determine GLT-1 involvement in this process. We used the amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1 (PS1) AD mouse model and GLT-1 knockdown APP/PS1 (GLT-1+/-/APP/PS1) mice. The expression levels of sodium-coupled neutral amino-acid transporter 1 (SNAT1) and vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2 (VGLUT1/2) were analyzed by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining as well as by Western blotting. Glutaminase activity was assayed by fluorometry. Ceftriaxone treatment significantly increased SNAT1 expression and glutaminase activity in neurons in APP/PS1 mice. Similarly, VGLUT1/2 levels were increased in the presynaptic terminals of APP/PS1 mice treated with ceftriaxone. The deletion of one GLT-1 allele in APP/PS1 mice prevented the ceftriaxone-induced upregulation of SNAT1 and VGLUT1/2 expression, indicating that GLT-1 played an important role in ceftriaxone effect. Based on the role of SNAT1, glutaminase, and VGLUT1/2 in the glutamate-glutamine cycle in neurons, the present results suggested that ceftriaxone improved the production and vesicular assembly of glutamate as a neurotransmitter in presynaptic terminals by acting on GLT-1 in APP/PS1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShuJuan Fan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, PR China
| | - XiaoHui Xian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - LiRong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - JunXia Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - WenBin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
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23
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Mhillaj E, Papi M, Paciello F, Silvestrini A, Rolesi R, Palmieri V, Perini G, Fetoni AR, Trabace L, Mancuso C. Celecoxib Exerts Neuroprotective Effects in β-Amyloid-Treated SH-SY5Y Cells Through the Regulation of Heme Oxygenase-1: Novel Insights for an Old Drug. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:561179. [PMID: 33134292 PMCID: PMC7550645 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.561179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation and aggregation of amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ) into soluble and insoluble species represent the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Over the last few years, however, soluble Aβ (sAβ) prevailed over fibrillar Aβ (fAβ) as determinant of neurotoxicity. One of the main therapeutic strategies for challenging neurodegeneration is to fight against neuroinflammation and prevent free radical-induced damage: in this light, the heme oxygenase/biliverdin reductase (HO/BVR) system is considered a promising drug target. The aim of this work was to investigate whether or not celecoxib (CXB), a selective inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2, modulates the HO/BVR system and prevents lipid peroxidation in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Both sAβ (6.25–50 nM) and fAβ (1.25–50 nM) dose-dependently over-expressed inducible HO (HO-1) after 24 h of incubation, reaching statistical significance at 25 and 6.25 nM, respectively. Interestingly, CXB (1–10 μM, for 1 h) further enhanced Aβ-induced HO-1 expression through the nuclear translocation of the transcriptional factor Nrf2. Furthermore, 10 μM CXB counteracted the Aβ-induced ROS production with a mechanism fully dependent on HO-1 up-regulation; nevertheless, 10 μM CXB significantly counteracted only 25 nM sAβ-induced lipid peroxidation damage in SH-SY5Y neurons by modulating HO-1. Both carbon monoxide (CORM-2, 50 nM) and bilirubin (50 nM) significantly prevented ROS production in Aβ-treated neurons and favored both the slowdown of the growth rate of Aβ oligomers and the decrease in oligomer/fibril final size. In conclusion, these results suggest a novel mechanism through which CXB is neuroprotective in subjects with early AD or mild cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Mhillaj
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Paciello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Silvestrini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Rolando Rolesi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano Perini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Fetoni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Cesare Mancuso
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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24
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Camporesi E, Nilsson J, Brinkmalm A, Becker B, Ashton NJ, Blennow K, Zetterberg H. Fluid Biomarkers for Synaptic Dysfunction and Loss. Biomark Insights 2020; 15:1177271920950319. [PMID: 32913390 PMCID: PMC7444114 DOI: 10.1177/1177271920950319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the site for brain communication where information is transmitted between neurons and stored for memory formation. Synaptic degeneration is a global and early pathogenic event in neurodegenerative disorders with reduced levels of pre- and postsynaptic proteins being recognized as a core feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Together with AD, other neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders show altered synaptic homeostasis as an important pathogenic event, and due to that, they are commonly referred to as synaptopathies. The exact mechanisms of synapse dysfunction in the different diseases are not well understood and their study would help understanding the pathogenic role of synaptic degeneration, as well as differences and commonalities among them and highlight candidate synaptic biomarkers for specific disorders. The assessment of synaptic proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can reflect synaptic dysfunction in patients with cognitive disorders, is a keen area of interest. Substantial research efforts are now directed toward the investigation of CSF synaptic pathology to improve the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders at an early stage as well as to monitor clinical progression. In this review, we will first summarize the pathological events that lead to synapse loss and then discuss the available data on established (eg, neurogranin, SNAP-25, synaptotagmin-1, GAP-43, and α-syn) and emerging (eg, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A and neuronal pentraxins) CSF biomarkers for synapse dysfunction, while highlighting possible utilities, disease specificity, and technical challenges for their detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Camporesi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johanna Nilsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann Brinkmalm
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bruno Becker
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health & Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation, London, UK
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
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25
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Ahmad F, Liu P. Synaptosome as a tool in Alzheimer's disease research. Brain Res 2020; 1746:147009. [PMID: 32659233 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Synapse dysfunction is an integral feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. In fact, prodromal manifestation of structural and functional deficits in synapses much prior to appearance of overt pathological hallmarks of the disease indicates that AD might be considered as a degenerative disorder of the synapses. Several research instruments and techniques have allowed us to study synaptic function and plasticity and their alterations in pathological conditions, such as AD. One such tool is the biochemically isolated preparations of detached and resealed synaptic terminals, the "synaptosomes". Because of the preservation of many of the physiological processes such as metabolic and enzymatic activities, synaptosomes have proved to be an indispensable ex vivo model system to study synapse physiology both when isolated from fresh or cryopreserved tissues, and from animal or human post-mortem tissues. This model system has been tremendously successful in the case of post-mortem tissues because of their accessibility relative to acute brain slices or cultures. The current review details the use of synaptosomes in AD research and its potential as a valuable tool in furthering our understanding of the pathogenesis and in devising and testing of therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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26
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Di Lorenzo F, Motta C, Casula EP, Bonnì S, Assogna M, Caltagirone C, Martorana A, Koch G. LTP-like cortical plasticity predicts conversion to dementia in patients with memory impairment. Brain Stimul 2020; 13:1175-1182. [PMID: 32485235 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New diagnostic criteria consider Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a clinico-biological entity identifiable in vivo on the presence of specific patterns of CSF biomarkers. OBJECTIVE Here we used transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate the mechanisms of cortical plasticity and sensory-motor integration in patients with hippocampal-type memory impairment admitted for the first time in the memory clinic stratified according to CSF biomarkers profile. METHODS Seventy-three patients were recruited and divided in three groups according to the new diagnostic criteria: 1) Mild Cognitive Impaired (MCI) patients (n = 21); Prodromal AD (PROAD) patients (n = 24); AD with manifest dementia (ADD) patients (n = 28). At time of recruitment all patients underwent CSF sampling for diagnostic purposes. Repetitive and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols were performed to investigate LTP-like and LTD-like cortical plasticity, short intracortical inhibition (SICI) and short afferent inhibition (SAI). Patients were the followed up during three years to monitor the clinical progression or the conversion to dementia. RESULTS MCI patients showed a moderate but significant impairment of LTP-like cortical plasticity, while ADD and PROAD groups showed a more severe loss of LTP-like cortical plasticity. No differences were observed for LTD-like cortical plasticity, SICI and SAI protocols. Kaplan-Meyer analyses showed that PROAD and MCI patients converting to dementia had weaker LTP-like plasticity at time of first evaluation. CONCLUSION LTP-like cortical plasticity could be a novel biomarker to predict the clinical progression to dementia in patients with memory impairment at prodromal stages of AD identifiable with the new diagnostic criteria based on CSF biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Lorenzo
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Motta
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Elias Paolo Casula
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Bonnì
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Assogna
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martorana
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Section of Human Physiology, ECampus University, Novedrate, Italy.
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27
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Pietrancosta N, Djibo M, Daumas S, El Mestikawy S, Erickson JD. Molecular, Structural, Functional, and Pharmacological Sites for Vesicular Glutamate Transporter Regulation. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:3118-3142. [PMID: 32474835 PMCID: PMC7261050 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01912-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) control quantal size of glutamatergic transmission and have been the center of numerous studies over the past two decades. VGLUTs contain two independent transport modes that facilitate glutamate packaging into synaptic vesicles and phosphate (Pi) ion transport into the synaptic terminal. While a transmembrane proton electrical gradient established by a vacuolar-type ATPase powers vesicular glutamate transport, recent studies indicate that binding sites and flux properties for chloride, potassium, and protons within VGLUTs themselves regulate VGLUT activity as well. These intrinsic ionic binding and flux properties of VGLUTs can therefore be modulated by neurophysiological conditions to affect levels of glutamate available for release from synapses. Despite their extraordinary importance, specific and high-affinity pharmacological compounds that interact with these sites and regulate VGLUT function, distinguish between the various modes of transport, and the different isoforms themselves, are lacking. In this review, we provide an overview of the physiologic sites for VGLUT regulation that could modulate glutamate release in an over-active synapse or in a disease state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pietrancosta
- Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS) INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France. .,Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, ENS, LBM, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Mahamadou Djibo
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Descartes, LCBPT, UMR 8601, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Stephanie Daumas
- Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS) INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Salah El Mestikawy
- Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS - IBPS) INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France. .,Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 6875 boulevard Lasalle, Verdun, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Jeffrey D Erickson
- Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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28
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Findley CA, Bartke A, Hascup KN, Hascup ER. Amyloid Beta-Related Alterations to Glutamate Signaling Dynamics During Alzheimer's Disease Progression. ASN Neuro 2020; 11:1759091419855541. [PMID: 31213067 PMCID: PMC6582288 DOI: 10.1177/1759091419855541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) ranks sixth on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Top 10 Leading Causes of Death list for 2016, and the Alzheimer’s Association attributes 60% to 80% of dementia cases as AD related. AD pathology hallmarks include accumulation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles; however, evidence supports that soluble amyloid beta (Aβ), rather than insoluble plaques, may instigate synaptic failure. Soluble Aβ accumulation results in depression of long-term potentiation leading to cognitive deficits commonly characterized in AD. The mechanisms through which Aβ incites cognitive decline have been extensively explored, with a growing body of evidence pointing to modulation of the glutamatergic system. The period of glutamatergic hypoactivation observed alongside long-term potentiation depression and cognitive deficits in later disease stages may be the consequence of a preceding period of increased glutamatergic activity. This review will explore the Aβ-related changes to the tripartite glutamate synapse resulting in altered cell signaling throughout disease progression, ultimately culminating in oxidative stress, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleigh A Findley
- 1 Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.,2 Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Kevin N Hascup
- 1 Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.,2 Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.,4 Department of Molecular Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Erin R Hascup
- 1 Department of Neurology, Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.,2 Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
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29
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Cardozo PL, de Lima IBQ, Maciel EMA, Silva NC, Dobransky T, Ribeiro FM. Synaptic Elimination in Neurological Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 17:1071-1095. [PMID: 31161981 PMCID: PMC7052824 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190603170511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are well known as the main structures responsible for transmitting information through the release and recognition of neurotransmitters by pre- and post-synaptic neurons. These structures are widely formed and eliminated throughout the whole lifespan via processes termed synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning, respectively. Whilst the first pro-cess is needed for ensuring proper connectivity between brain regions and also with the periphery, the second phenomenon is important for their refinement by eliminating weaker and unnecessary synapses and, at the same time, maintaining and fa-voring the stronger ones, thus ensuring proper synaptic transmission. It is well-known that synaptic elimination is modulated by neuronal activity. However, only recently the role of the classical complement cascade in promoting this phenomenon has been demonstrated. Specifically, microglial cells recognize activated complement component 3 (C3) bound to synapses tar-geted for elimination, triggering their engulfment. As this is a highly relevant process for adequate neuronal functioning, dis-ruptions or exacerbations in synaptic pruning could lead to severe circuitry alterations that could underlie neuropathological alterations typical of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we focus on discussing the possible in-volvement of excessive synaptic elimination in Alzheimer’s disease, as it has already been reported dendritic spine loss in post-synaptic neurons, increased association of complement proteins with its synapses and, hence, augmented microglia-mediated pruning in animal models of this disorder. In addition, we briefly discuss how this phenomenon could be related to other neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo L Cardozo
- Laboratório de Neurobioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Izabella B Q de Lima
- Laboratório de Neurobioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Esther M A Maciel
- Laboratório de Neurobioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nathália C Silva
- Laboratório de Neurobioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Fabíola M Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Neurobioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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30
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Yeung JHY, Palpagama TH, Tate WP, Peppercorn K, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RLM, Kwakowsky A. The Acute Effects of Amyloid-Beta 1-42 on Glutamatergic Receptor and Transporter Expression in the Mouse Hippocampus. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1427. [PMID: 32009891 PMCID: PMC6978747 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading type of dementia worldwide. Despite an increasing burden of disease due to a rapidly aging population, there is still a lack of complete understanding of the precise pathological mechanisms which drive its progression. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and plays an essential role in the normal function and excitability of neuronal networks. While previous studies have shown alterations in the function of the glutamatergic system in AD, the underlying etiology of beta amyloid (Aβ1–42) induced changes has not been explored. Here we have investigated the acute effects of stereotaxic hippocampal Aβ1–42 injection on specific glutamatergic receptors and transporters in the mouse hippocampus, using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy 3 days after Aβ1–42 injection in aged male C57BL/6 mice, before the onset of neuronal cell death. We show that acute injection of Aβ1–42 is sufficient to induce cognitive deficits 3 days post-injection. We also report no significant changes in glutamate receptor subunits GluA1, GluA2, VGluT1, and VGluT2 in response to acute injection of Aβ1–42 when compared with the ACSF-vehicle injected mice. However, we observed increased expression in the DG hilus and ventral stratum (str.) granulosum, CA3 str. radiatum and str. oriens, and CA1 str. radiatum of the GluN1 subunit, and increased expression within the CA3 str. radiatum and decreased expression within the DG str. granulosum of the GluN2A subunit in Aβ1–42 injected mice compared to NC, and a similar trend observed when compared to ACSF-injected mice. We also observed alterations in expression patterns of glutamatergic receptor subunits and transporters within specific layers of hippocampal subregions in response to a microinjection stimulus. These findings indicate that the pathological alterations in the glutamatergic system observed in AD are likely to be partially a result of both acute and chronic exposure to Aβ1–42 and implies a much more complex circuit mechanism associated with glutamatergic dysfunction than simply glutamate-mediated excitotoxic neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason H Y Yeung
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thulani H Palpagama
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Warren P Tate
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Katie Peppercorn
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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31
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The Interaction Between Contactin and Amyloid Precursor Protein and Its Role in Alzheimer’s Disease. Neuroscience 2020; 424:184-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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32
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Sripanidkulchai B. Benefits of aged garlic extract on Alzheimer's disease: Possible mechanisms of action. Exp Ther Med 2019; 19:1560-1564. [PMID: 32010339 PMCID: PMC6966106 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and has become a growing health concern in aging societies. β-amyloid (Aβ) formation in vulnerable brain regions, such as the hippocampus and cerebral cortex is a major neuropathological feature of the disease. Currently, there is no specific drug available for the treatment of AD. However, due to its high antioxidant activity, aged garlic extract (AGE) has been widely used to prevent chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. A number of studies on the benefits of AGE against cognitive and memory deficits have also been published. This review aimed to summarize the information related to the effects of AGE on learning memory in order to obtain a better understanding of its mechanisms of action. This review also presents an overview of the pathogenesis of AD, and summarizes the main ingredients and neuroprotective effects of AGE against cognitive and learning memory deficits. The mechanisms of action of AGE are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bungorn Sripanidkulchai
- Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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33
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Yang XK, Tang Y, Qiu QF, Wu WT, Zhang FL, Liu YL, Huang WH. Aβ1–42 Oligomers Induced a Short-Term Increase of Glutamate Release Prior to Its Depletion As Measured by Amperometry on Single Varicosities. Anal Chem 2019; 91:15123-15129. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ke Yang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Quan-Fa Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wen-Tao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fu-Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yan-Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wei-Hua Huang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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Gonçalves FQ, Lopes JP, Silva HB, Lemos C, Silva AC, Gonçalves N, Tomé ÂR, Ferreira SG, Canas PM, Rial D, Agostinho P, Cunha RA. Synaptic and memory dysfunction in a β-amyloid model of early Alzheimer's disease depends on increased formation of ATP-derived extracellular adenosine. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104570. [PMID: 31394204 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) overfunction causes synaptic and memory dysfunction in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). In a β-amyloid (Aβ1-42)-based model of early AD, we now unraveled that this involves an increased synaptic release of ATP coupled to an increased density and activity of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73)-mediated formation of adenosine selectively activating A2AR. Thus, CD73 inhibition with α,β-methylene-ADP impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) in mouse hippocampal slices, which is occluded upon previous superfusion with the A2AR antagonist SCH58261. Furthermore, α,β-methylene-ADP did not alter LTP amplitude in global A2AR knockout (KO) and in forebrain neuron-selective A2AR-KO mice, but inhibited LTP amplitude in astrocyte-selective A2AR-KO mice; this shows that CD73-derived adenosine solely acts on neuronal A2AR. In agreement with the concept that ATP is a danger signal in the brain, ATP release from nerve terminals is increased after intracerebroventricular Aβ1-42 administration, together with CD73 and A2AR upregulation in hippocampal synapses. Importantly, this increased CD73 activity is critically required for Aβ1-42 to impair synaptic plasticity and memory since Aβ1-42-induced synaptic and memory deficits were eliminated in CD73-KO mice. These observations establish a key regulatory role of CD73 activity over neuronal A2AR and imply CD73 as a novel target for modulation of early AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Q Gonçalves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João P Lopes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique B Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Lemos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António C Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nélio Gonçalves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ângelo R Tomé
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Samira G Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula M Canas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniel Rial
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; FMUC-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; FMUC-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Lopes JP, Pliássova A, Cunha RA. The physiological effects of caffeine on synaptic transmission and plasticity in the mouse hippocampus selectively depend on adenosine A 1 and A 2A receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 166:313-321. [PMID: 31199895 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Caffeine is the most consumed psychoactive drug worldwide and its intake in moderate amounts prevents neurodegenerative disorders. However, the molecular targets of caffeine to modulate activity in brain circuits are ill-defined. By electrophysiologically recording synaptic transmission and plasticity in Schaffer fibers-CA1 pyramid synapses of mouse hippocampal slices, we characterized the impact of caffeine using a concentration reached in the brain parenchyma upon moderate caffeine consumption. Caffeine (50 µM) facilitated synaptic transmission by 40%, while decreasing paired-pulse facilitation, and also decreased by 35% the amplitude of long-term potentiation (LTP). Clearance of extracellular adenosine with adenosine deaminase (2 U/mL) blunted all the effects of caffeine on synaptic transmission and plasticity. The A1R antagonist DPCPX (100 nM) only eliminated caffeine-induced facilitation of synaptic transmission while not affecting caffeine-induced depression of LTP; conversely, the genetic (using A2AR knockout mice) or the pharmacological blockade (with SCH58261, 50 nM) of A2AR eliminated the effect of caffeine on LTP while not affecting caffeine-induced facilitation of synaptic transmission. Finally, blockade of GABAA or of ryanodine receptors with bicuculline (10 μM) or dantrolene (10 μM), respectively, did not affect the ability of caffeine to alter synaptic transmission or plasticity. These results show that the effects of caffeine on synaptic transmission and plasticity in the hippocampus are selectively mediated by antagonizing adenosine receptors, where A1R are responsible for the impact of caffeine on synaptic transmission and A2AR regulate the impact of caffeine on LTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P Lopes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Anna Pliássova
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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36
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Dávila-Bouziguet E, Targa-Fabra G, Ávila J, Soriano E, Pascual M. Differential accumulation of Tau phosphorylated at residues Thr231, Ser262 and Thr205 in hippocampal interneurons and its modulation by Tau mutations (VLW) and amyloid-β peptide. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 125:232-244. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Henstridge CM, Tzioras M, Paolicelli RC. Glial Contribution to Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapse Loss in Neurodegeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:63. [PMID: 30863284 PMCID: PMC6399113 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapse loss is an early feature shared by many neurodegenerative diseases, and it represents the major correlate of cognitive impairment. Recent studies reveal that microglia and astrocytes play a major role in synapse elimination, contributing to network dysfunction associated with neurodegeneration. Excitatory and inhibitory activity can be affected by glia-mediated synapse loss, resulting in imbalanced synaptic transmission and subsequent synaptic dysfunction. Here, we review the recent literature on the contribution of glia to excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, in the context of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathological synapse loss will be instrumental to design targeted therapeutic interventions, taking in account the emerging roles of microglia and astrocytes in synapse remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Henstridge
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Dementia Research Institute UK, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Makis Tzioras
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Dementia Research Institute UK, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa C Paolicelli
- Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Early alterations in hippocampal perisomatic GABAergic synapses and network oscillations in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209228. [PMID: 30645585 PMCID: PMC6333398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence imply changes in inhibitory interneuron connectivity and subsequent alterations in oscillatory network activities in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Recently, we provided evidence for an increased immunoreactivity of both the postsynaptic scaffold protein gephyrin and the GABAA receptor γ2-subunit in the hippocampus of young (1 and 3 months of age), APPPS1 mice. These mice represent a well-established model of cerebral amyloidosis, which is a hallmark of human AD. In this study, we demonstrate a robust increase of parvalbumin immunoreactivity and accentuated projections of parvalbumin positive (PV+) interneurons, which target perisomatic regions of pyramidal cells within the hippocampal subregions CA1 and CA3 of 3-month-old APPPS1 mice. Colocalisation studies confirmed a significant increase in the density of PV+ projections labeled with antibodies against a presynaptic (vesicular GABA transporter) and a postsynaptic marker (gephyrin) of inhibitory synapses within the pyramidal cell layer of CA1 and CA3. As perisomatic inhibition by PV+-interneurons is crucial for the generation of hippocampal network oscillations involved in spatial processing, learning and memory formation we investigated the impact of the putative enhanced perisomatic inhibition on two types of fast neuronal network oscillations in acute hippocampal slices: 1. spontaneously occurring sharp wave-ripple complexes (SPW-R), and 2. cholinergic γ-oscillations. Interestingly, both network patterns were generally preserved in APPPS1 mice similar to WT mice. However, the comparison of simultaneous CA3 and CA1 recordings revealed that the incidence and amplitude of SPW-Rs were significantly lower in CA1 vs CA3 in APPPS1 slices, whereas the power of γ-oscillations was significantly higher in CA3 vs CA1 in WT-slices indicating an impaired communication between the CA3 and CA1 network activities in APPPS1 mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate an increased GABAergic synaptic output of PV+ interneurons impinging on pyramidal cells of CA1 and CA3, which might limit the coordinated cross-talk between these two hippocampal areas in young APPPS1 mice and mediate long-term changes in synaptic inhibition during progression of amyloidosis.
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Neuronal Adenosine A2A Receptors Are Critical Mediators of Neurodegeneration Triggered by Convulsions. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0385-18. [PMID: 30627646 PMCID: PMC6325550 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0385-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a process transversal to neuropsychiatric diseases and the understanding of its mechanisms should allow devising strategies to prevent this irreversible step in brain diseases. Neurodegeneration caused by seizures is a critical step in the aggravation of temporal lobe epilepsy, but its mechanisms remain undetermined. Convulsions trigger an elevation of extracellular adenosine and upregulate adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR), which have been associated with the control of neurodegenerative diseases. Using the rat and mouse kainate model of temporal lobe epilepsy, we now tested whether A2AR control convulsions-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration. The pharmacological or genetic blockade of A2AR did not affect kainate-induced convulsions but dampened the subsequent neurotoxicity. This neurotoxicity began with a rapid A2AR upregulation within glutamatergic synapses (within 2 h), through local translation of synaptic A2AR mRNA. This bolstered A2AR-mediated facilitation of glutamate release and of long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 synapses (4 h), triggered a subsequent synaptotoxicity, heralded by decreased synaptic plasticity and loss of synaptic markers coupled to calpain activation (12 h), that predated overt neuronal loss (24 h). All modifications were prevented by the deletion of A2AR selectively in forebrain neurons. This shows that synaptic A2AR critically control synaptic excitotoxicity, which underlies the development of convulsions-induced neurodegeneration.
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40
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Almasi A, Zarei M, Raoufi S, Sarihi A, Salehi I, Komaki A, Hashemi-Firouzi N, Shahidi S. Influence of hippocampal GABA B receptor inhibition on memory in rats with acute β-amyloid toxicity. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:1859-1867. [PMID: 30039187 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0292-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is involved in the process of memory. It has been reported that the inhibition of GABAB receptors has beneficial effects on cognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CGP35348 (a GABAB receptor antagonist) on dentate gyrus GABAB receptor inhibition and its effects on learning and memory impairments that had been induced in adult male rats by microinjection of β-amyloid (Aβ). Seventy Wistar male rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, sham (receiving the Aβ vehicle only), Aβ, Aβ + CGP35348 (1, 10, and 100 μg/μL), and CGP35348 alone (10 μg/μL). Memory impairment was induced by unilateral interventricular microinjection of Aβ (6 μg/6 μL). Rats were cannulated bilaterally in the dentate gyrus, and then, they were treated for 20 consecutive days. Learning and memory were assessed using the novel object recognition and passive avoidance learning tests. The discrimination index and the step-through latency were significantly increased in the Aβ + CGP35348 group in comparison to the Aβ only group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Data showed that the discrimination index was decreased in the Aβ + CGP35348 group in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05) and sham group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the step-through latency was significantly decreased in the Aβ + CGP35348 group in comparison to the control and sham groups (P < 0.01). Data from this study indicated that intra-hippocampal microinjection of the GABAB receptor antagonist counteracts the learning, memory, and cognitive impairments induced by Aβ. It can be concluded that the GABAB receptor antagonist is a possible therapeutic agent against the progression of acute Aβ toxicity-induced memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Almasi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zarei
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Safoura Raoufi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abdolrahman Sarihi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Siamak Shahidi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Moreira-Silva D, Carrettiero DC, Oliveira ASA, Rodrigues S, Dos Santos-Lopes J, Canas PM, Cunha RA, Almeida MC, Ferreira TL. Anandamide Effects in a Streptozotocin-Induced Alzheimer's Disease-Like Sporadic Dementia in Rats. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:653. [PMID: 30333717 PMCID: PMC6176656 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by multiple cognitive deficits including memory and sensorimotor gating impairments as a result of neuronal and synaptic loss. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in these deficits but little is known about its influence on the molecular mechanism regarding phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein accumulation - one of the hallmarks of AD -, and on the density of synaptic proteins. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) on multiple cognitive deficits and on the levels of synaptic proteins (syntaxin 1, synaptophysin and synaptosomal-associated protein, SNAP-25), cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and molecules related to p-tau degradation machinery (heat shock protein 70, HSP70), and Bcl2-associated athanogene (BAG2) in an AD-like sporadic dementia model in rats using intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Our hypothesis is that AEA could interact with HSP70, modulating the level of p-tau and synaptic proteins, preventing STZ-induced cognitive impairments. Thirty days after receiving bilateral icv injections of AEA or STZ or both, the cognitive performance of adult male Wistar rats was evaluated in the object recognition test, by the escape latency in the elevated plus maze (EPM), by the tone and context fear conditioning as well as in prepulse inhibition tests. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized and their brains were removed for histological analysis or for protein quantification by Western Blotting. The behavioral results showed that STZ impaired recognition, plus maze and tone fear memories but did not affect contextual fear memory and prepulse inhibition. Moreover, AEA prevented recognition and non-associative emotional memory impairments induced by STZ, but did not influence tone fear conditioning. STZ increased the brain ventricular area and this enlargement was prevented by AEA. Additionally, STZ reduced the levels of p-tau (Ser199/202) and increased p-tau (Ser396), although AEA did not affect these alterations. HSP70 was found diminished only by STZ, while BAG2 levels were decreased by STZ and AEA. Synaptophysin, syntaxin and CB1 receptor levels were reduced by STZ, but only syntaxin was recovered by AEA. Altogether, albeit AEA failed to modify some AD-like neurochemical alterations, it partially prevented STZ-induced cognitive impairments, changes in synaptic markers and ventricle enlargement. This study showed, for the first time, that the administration of an endocannabinoid can prevent AD-like effects induced by STZ, boosting further investigations about the modulation of endocannabinoid levels as a therapeutic approach for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Moreira-Silva
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Carrettiero
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Adriele S A Oliveira
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Samanta Rodrigues
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Joyce Dos Santos-Lopes
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Paula M Canas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria C Almeida
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Tatiana L Ferreira
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
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42
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Blockade of adenosine A2A receptors recovers early deficits of memory and plasticity in the triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 117:72-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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43
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Real JI, Simões AP, Cunha RA, Ferreira SG, Rial D. Adenosine A 2A receptors modulate the dopamine D 2 receptor-mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission in the mouse prefrontal cortex. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 47:1127-1134. [PMID: 29570875 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Prefrontal cortex (PFC) circuits are modulated by dopamine acting on D1 - and D2 -like receptors, which are pharmacologically exploited to manage neuropsychiatric conditions. Adenosine A2A receptors (A2A R) also control PFC-related responses and A2A R antagonists are potential anti-psychotic drugs. As tight antagonistic A2A R-D2 R and synergistic A2A R-D1 R interactions occur in other brain regions, we now investigated the crosstalk between A2A R and D1 /D2 R controlling synaptic transmission between layers II/III and V in mouse PFC coronal slices. Dopamine decreased synaptic transmission, a presynaptic effect based on the parallel increase in paired-pulse responses. Dopamine inhibition was prevented by the D2 R-like antagonist sulpiride but not by the D1 R antagonist SCH23390 and was mimicked by the D2 R agonist sumanirole, but not by the agonists of either D4 R (A-412997) or D3 R (PD128907). Dopamine inhibition was prevented by the A2A R antagonist, SCH58261, and attenuated in A2A R knockout mice. Accordingly, triple-labelling immunocytochemistry experiments revealed the co-localization of A2A R and D2 R immunoreactivity in glutamatergic (vGluT1-positive) nerve terminals of the PFC. This reported positive A2A R-D2 R interaction controlling PFC synaptic transmission provides a mechanistic justification for the anti-psychotic potential of A2A R antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana I Real
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Polo I, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Simões
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Polo I, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Polo I, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Samira G Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Polo I, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniel Rial
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Polo I, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
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44
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Moderate decline in select synaptic markers in the prefrontal cortex (BA9) of patients with Alzheimer's disease at various cognitive stages. Sci Rep 2018; 8:938. [PMID: 29343737 PMCID: PMC5772053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic loss, plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are viewed as hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated synaptic markers in neocortical Brodmann area 9 (BA9) samples from 171 subjects with and without AD at different levels of cognitive impairment. The expression levels of vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUT1&2), glutamate uptake site (EAAT2), post-synaptic density protein of 95 kD (PSD95), vesicular GABA/glycine transporter (VIAAT), somatostatin (som), synaptophysin and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) were evaluated. VGLUT2 and EAAT2 were unaffected by dementia. The VGLUT1, PSD95, VIAAT, som, ChAT and synaptophysin expression levels significantly decreased as dementia progressed. The maximal decrease varied between 12% (synaptophysin) and 42% (som). VGLUT1 was more strongly correlated with dementia than all of the other markers (polyserial correlation = -0.41). Principal component analysis using these markers was unable to differentiate the CDR groups from one another. Therefore, the status of the major synaptic markers in BA9 does not seem to be linked to the cognitive status of AD patients. The findings of this study suggest that the loss of synaptic markers in BA9 is a late event that is only weakly related to AD dementia.
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45
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The contribution of transgenic and nontransgenic animal models in Alzheimer's disease drug research and development. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:95-111. [PMID: 28177983 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, several papers have become available in the literature on both the main hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the several intracellular pathways whose alteration is responsible for its onset and progression. The use of transgenic and nontransgenic animal models has played a key role in achieving such a remarkable amount of preclinical data, allowing researchers to dissect the cellular changes occurring in the AD brain. In addition, the huge amount of preclinical evidence arising from these animal models was necessary for the further clinical development of pharmacological agents capable of interfering with most of the impaired neural pathways in AD patients. In this respect, a significant role is played by the dysfunction of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission responsible for the cognitive and behavioral symptoms described in AD patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the main animal models that contributed toward unraveling the pathological changes in neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and receptor binding in AD preclinical studies. The review also provides an updated description of the current pharmacological agents - still under clinical development - acting on the neurotransmitter systems.
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46
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Liver X Receptor Agonist GW3965 Regulates Synaptic Function upon Amyloid Beta Exposure in Hippocampal Neurons. Neurotox Res 2018; 33:569-579. [PMID: 29297151 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9845-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by beta-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation and neurofibrillary tangles formation in the brain which are associated to synaptic deficits and dementia. Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists have been demonstrated to revert of pathologic and cognitive defects in murine models of AD through the regulation of Apolipoprotein E, ATP-Binding Cassette A1 (ABCA1), by dampening neuroinflammation and also by reducing the levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the brain. However, the role of LXR with regard to the regulation of synaptic function remains relatively understudied. In the present paper, we analyzed the in-vitro effect of the LXR agonist GW3965 on synaptic function upon exposure of primary hippocampal cultures to oligomeric amyloid-β (oAβ(1-42)). We showed that oAβ(1-42) exposure significantly decreased the density of mature (mushroom shaped) dendritic spines density and synaptic contacts number. oAβ(1-42) also modulates the expression of pre- (VGlut1, SYT1, SV2A) and post-synaptic (SHANK2, NMDA) proteins, it decreases the expression of PINK1, and increases ROCKII, and activates of caspase-3; these changes were prevented by the pre-treating neuronal cultures with GW3965. These results show further support the role of the LXR agonist GW3965 in synaptic physiology and highlight its potential as an alternative pharmacological strategy for AD.
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47
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Mhillaj E, Morgese MG, Tucci P, Furiano A, Luongo L, Bove M, Maione S, Cuomo V, Schiavone S, Trabace L. Celecoxib Prevents Cognitive Impairment and Neuroinflammation in Soluble Amyloid β-treated Rats. Neuroscience 2018; 372:58-73. [PMID: 29306052 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that soluble forms of amyloid-β (sAβ) peptide contribute to synaptic and cognitive dysfunctions in early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). On the other hand, neuroinflammation and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme have gained increased interest as key factors involved early in AD, although the signaling pathways and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying a link between sAβ-induced neurotoxicity and inflammation are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of selective COX-2 enzyme inhibition on neuropathological alterations induced by sAβ administration in rats. To this purpose, animals received an intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of predominantly monomeric forms of sAβ and, 7 days after, behavioral as well as biochemical parameters and neurotransmitter alterations were evaluated. During this period, rats also received a sub-chronic treatment with celecoxib. Biochemical results demonstrated that icv sAβ injection significantly increased both COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in the hippocampus (Hipp) of treated rats. In addition, the number of hypertrophic microglial cells and astrocytes were upregulated in sAβ-treated group. Interestingly, rats treated with sAβ showed long-term memory deficits, as confirmed by a significant reduction of discrimination index in the novel object recognition test, along with reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and increased noradrenaline levels in the Hipp. Systemic administration of celecoxib prevented behavioral dysfunctions, as well as biochemical and neurotransmitter alterations. In conclusion, our results suggest that sAβ neurotoxicity might be associated to COX-2-mediated inflammatory pathways and that early treatment with selective COX-2 inhibitor might provide potential remedies to counterbalance the sAβ-induced effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Mhillaj
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Furiano
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, The Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, The Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Bove
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, The Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cuomo
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
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48
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Amorim JA, Canas PM, Tomé AR, Rolo AP, Agostinho P, Palmeira CM, Cunha RA. Mitochondria in Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses have Similar Susceptibility to Amyloid-β Peptides Modeling Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2017; 60:525-536. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-170356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- João A. Amorim
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula M. Canas
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Angelo R. Tomé
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anabela P. Rolo
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos M. Palmeira
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC – Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
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49
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Effects of Aged Garlic Extract on Cholinergic, Glutamatergic and GABAergic Systems with Regard to Cognitive Impairment in Aβ-Induced Rats. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9070686. [PMID: 28671572 PMCID: PMC5537801 DOI: 10.3390/nu9070686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been linked to the degeneration of central cholinergic and glutamatergic transmission, which correlates with progressive memory loss and the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ). It has been claimed that aged garlic extract (AGE) has a beneficial effect in preventing neurodegeneration in AD. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of AGE on Aβ-induced cognitive dysfunction with a biochemical basis in the cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic systems in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were orally administered three doses of AGE (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) daily for 65 days. At day 56, they were injected with 1 μL of aggregated Aβ (1–42) into each lateral ventricle, bilaterally. After six days of Aβ injection, the rats’ working and reference memory was tested using a radial arm maze. The rats were then euthanized to investigate any changes to the cholinergic neurons, vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and 2 proteins (VGLUT1 and VGLUT2), and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) in the hippocampus. The results showed that AGE significantly improved the working memory and tended to improve the reference memory in cognitively-impaired rats. In addition, AGE significantly ameliorated the loss of cholinergic neurons and increased the VGLUT1 and GAD levels in the hippocampus of rat brains with Aβ-induced toxicity. In contrast, the VGLUT2 protein levels did not change in any of the treated groups. We concluded that AGE was able to attenuate the impairment of working memory via the modification of cholinergic neurons, VGLUT1, and GAD in the hippocampus of Aβ-induced rats.
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50
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Santos VV, Stark R, Rial D, Silva HB, Bayliss JA, Lemus MB, Davies JS, Cunha RA, Prediger RD, Andrews ZB. Acyl ghrelin improves cognition, synaptic plasticity deficits and neuroinflammation following amyloid β (Aβ1-40) administration in mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2017; 29. [PMID: 28380673 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a metabolic hormone that has neuroprotective actions in a number of neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke and traumatic brain injury. Acyl ghrelin treatment in vivo and in vitro also shows protective capacity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we used ghrelin knockout (KO) and their wild-type littermates to test whether or not endogenous ghrelin is protective in a mouse model of AD, in which human amyloid β peptide 1-40 (Aβ1-40 ) was injected into the lateral ventricles i.c.v. Recognition memory, using the novel object recognition task, was significantly impaired in ghrelin KO mice and after i.c.v. Aβ1-40 treatment. These deficits could be prevented by acyl ghrelin injections for 7 days. Spatial orientation, as assessed by the Y-maze task, was also significantly impaired in ghrelin KO mice and after i.c.v. Aβ1-40 treatment. These deficits could be prevented by acyl ghrelin injections for 7 days. Ghrelin KO mice had deficits in olfactory discrimination; however, neither i.c.v. Aβ1-40 treatment, nor acyl ghrelin injections affected olfactory discrimination. We used stereology to show that ghrelin KO and Aβ1-40 increased the total number of glial fibrillary acidic protein expressing astrocytes and ionised calcium-binding adapter expressing microglial in the rostral hippocampus. Finally, Aβ1-40 blocked long-term potentiation induced by high-frequency stimulation and this effect could be acutely blocked with co-administration of acyl ghrelin. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that ghrelin deletion affects memory performance and also that acyl ghrelin treatment may delay the onset of early events of AD. This supports the idea that acyl ghrelin treatment may be therapeutically beneficial with respect to restricting disease progression in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Santos
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - R Stark
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - D Rial
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - H B Silva
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J A Bayliss
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - M B Lemus
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - J S Davies
- Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - R A Cunha
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - R D Prediger
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Z B Andrews
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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