1
|
Kim J, Jeon H, Yun Kim H, Kim Y. Failure, Success, and Future Direction of Alzheimer Drugs Targeting Amyloid-β Cascade: Pros and Cons of Chemical and Biological Modalities. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300328. [PMID: 37497809 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300328] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia and has become a health concern worldwide urging for an effective therapeutic. The amyloid hypothesis, currently the most pursued basis of AD drug discovery, points the cause of AD to abnormal production and ineffective removal of pathogenic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ). AD therapeutic research has been focused on targeting different species of Aβ in the amyloidogenic process to control Aβ content and recover cognitive decline. Among the different processes targeted, the clearance mechanism has been found to be the most effective, supported by the recent clinical approval of an Aβ-targeting immunotherapeutic drug which significantly slowed cognitive decline. Although the current AD drug discovery field is extensively researching immunotherapeutic drugs, there are numerous properties of immunotherapy in need of improvements that could be overcome by an equally performing chemical drug. Here, we review chemical and immunotherapy drug candidates, based on their mechanism of modulating the amyloid cascade, selected from the AlzForum database. Through this review, we aim to summarize and evaluate the prospect of Aβ-targeting chemical drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JiMin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - Hanna Jeon
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - Hye Yun Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - YoungSoo Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang LG, March ZM, Stephenson RA, Narayan PS. Apolipoprotein E in lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative disease. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023:S1043-2760(23)00092-9. [PMID: 37357100 PMCID: PMC10365028 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of lipid metabolism has emerged as a central component of many neurodegenerative diseases. Variants of the lipid transport protein, apolipoprotein E (APOE), modulate risk and resilience in several neurodegenerative diseases including late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Allelic variants of the gene, APOE, alter the lipid metabolism of cells and tissues and have been broadly associated with several other cellular and systemic phenotypes. Targeting APOE-associated metabolic pathways may offer opportunities to alter disease-related phenotypes and consequently, attenuate disease risk and impart resilience to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. We review the molecular, cellular, and tissue-level alterations to lipid metabolism that arise from different APOE isoforms. These changes in lipid metabolism could help to elucidate disease mechanisms and tune neurodegenerative disease risk and resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda G Yang
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zachary M March
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Roxan A Stephenson
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Priyanka S Narayan
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Annadurai N, Malina L, Salmona M, Diomede L, Bastone A, Cagnotto A, Romeo M, Šrejber M, Berka K, Otyepka M, Hajdúch M, Das V. Antitumour drugs targeting tau R3 VQIVYK and Cys322 prevent seeding of endogenous tau aggregates by exogenous seeds. FEBS J 2021; 289:1929-1949. [PMID: 34743390 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Emerging experimental evidence suggests tau pathology spreads between neuroanatomically connected brain regions in a prion-like manner in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau seeding, the ability of prion-like tau to recruit and misfold naïve tau to generate new seeds, is detected early in human AD brains before the development of major tau pathology. Many antitumour drugs have been reported to confer protection against neurodegeneration, supporting the repurposing of approved and experimental or investigational oncology drugs for AD therapy. In this study, we evaluated whether antitumour drugs that abrogate the generation of seed-competent aggregates of tau Repeat 3 (R3) domain peptides can prevent tau seeding and toxicity in Tau-RD P301S FRET Biosensor cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. We demonstrate that drugs that interact with the N-terminal VQIVYK or the C-terminal region housing the Cys322 prevent R3 dimerisation, abolishing the generation of prion-like R3 seeds. Preformed R3 seeds (fibrils) capped with, or R3 seeds formed in the presence of VQIVYK- or Cys322-targeting drugs have a reduced potency to cause aggregation of naïve tau in biosensor cells and protect worms from aggregate toxicity. These findings indicate that VQIVYK- or Cys322-targeting drugs may act as prophylactic agents against tau seeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Narendran Annadurai
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Malina
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Salmona
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Diomede
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Bastone
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfredo Cagnotto
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Romeo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Martin Šrejber
- Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials (RCPTM), Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Berka
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Otyepka
- Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials (RCPTM), Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,IT4Innovations, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Marián Hajdúch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Viswanath Das
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zarini-Gakiye E, Amini J, Sanadgol N, Vaezi G, Parivar K. Recent Updates in the Alzheimer's Disease Etiopathology and Possible Treatment Approaches: A Narrative Review of Current Clinical Trials. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 13:273-294. [PMID: 32321414 DOI: 10.2174/1874467213666200422090135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent subtype of incurable neurodegenerative dementias and its etiopathology is still not clearly elucidated. OBJECTIVE Outline the ongoing clinical trials (CTs) in the field of AD, in order to find novel master regulators. METHODS We strictly reviewed all scientific reports from Clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed databases from January 2010 to January 2019. The search terms were "Alzheimer's disease" or "dementia" and "medicine" or "drug" or "treatment" and "clinical trials" and "interventions". Manuscripts that met the objective of this study were included for further evaluations. RESULTS Drug candidates have been categorized into two main groups including antibodies, peptides or hormones (such as Ponezumab, Interferon β-1a, Solanezumab, Filgrastim, Levemir, Apidra, and Estrogen), and naturally-derived ingredients or small molecules (such as Paracetamol, Ginkgo, Escitalopram, Simvastatin, Cilostazo, and Ritalin-SR). The majority of natural candidates acted as anti-inflammatory or/and anti-oxidant and antibodies exert their actions via increasing amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance or decreasing Tau aggregation. Among small molecules, most of them that are present in the last phases act as specific antagonists (Suvorexant, Idalopirdine, Intepirdine, Trazodone, Carvedilol, and Risperidone) or agonists (Dextromethorphan, Resveratrol, Brexpiprazole) and frequently ameliorate cognitive dysfunctions. CONCLUSION The presences of a small number of candidates in the last phase suggest that a large number of candidates have had an undesirable side effect or were unable to pass essential eligibility for future phases. Among successful treatment approaches, clearance of Aβ, recovery of cognitive deficits, and control of acute neuroinflammation are widely chosen. It is predicted that some FDA-approved drugs, such as Paracetamol, Risperidone, Escitalopram, Simvastatin, Cilostazoand, and Ritalin-SR, could also be used in off-label ways for AD. This review improves our ability to recognize novel treatments for AD and suggests approaches for the clinical trial design for this devastating disease in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Zarini-Gakiye
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Amini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Nima Sanadgol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Gholamhassan Vaezi
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Kazem Parivar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vidal V, Puente A, García-Cerro S, García Unzueta MT, Rueda N, Riancho J, Martínez-Cué C. Bexarotene Impairs Cognition and Produces Hypothyroidism in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:613211. [PMID: 33935706 PMCID: PMC8082148 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.613211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
All individuals with Down syndrome (DS) eventually develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, including neurodegeneration, increases in β-amyloid (Aβ) expression, and aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles, between the third and fourth decade of their lives. There is currently no effective treatment to prevent AD neuropathology and the associated cognitive degeneration in DS patients. Due to evidence that the accumulation of Aβ aggregates in the brain produces the neurodegenerative cascade characteristic of AD, many strategies which promote the clearance of Aβ peptides have been assessed as potential therapeutics for this disease. Bexarotene, a member of a subclass of retinoids that selectively activates retinoid receptors, modulates several pathways essential for cognitive performance and Aβ clearance. Consequently, bexarotene might be a good candidate to treat AD-associated neuropathology. However, the effects of bexarotene treatment in AD remain controversial. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate whether chronic bexarotene treatment administered to the most commonly used murine model of DS, the Ts65Dn (TS) mouse could reduce Aβ expression in their brains and improve their cognitive abilities. Chronic administration of bexarotene to aged TS mice and their CO littermates for 9 weeks diminished the reference, working, and spatial learning and memory of TS mice, and the spatial memory of CO mice in the Morris water maze. This treatment also produced marked hypoactivity in the plus maze, open field, and hole board tests in TS mice, and in the open field and hole board tests in CO mice. Administration of bexarotene reduced the expression of Aβ1-40, but not of Aβ1-42, in the hippocampi of TS mice. Finally, bexarotene increased Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in TS mice and reduced Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in CO mice, while animals of both karyotypes displayed reduced thyroxine levels after bexarotene administration. The bexarotene-induced hypothyroidism could be responsible for the hypoactivity of TS and CO mice and their diminished performance in the Morris water maze. Together, these results do not provide support for the use of bexarotene as a potential treatment of AD neuropathology in the DS population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Vidal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Alba Puente
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Susana García-Cerro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.,CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Noemí Rueda
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Javier Riancho
- Neurology Service, Hospital Sierrallana-IDIVAL, Torrelavega, Spain.,Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.,CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez-Cué
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Akushevich I, Yashkin AP, Kravchenko J, Kertai MD. Chemotherapy and the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease in Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Evidence From the Medicare System. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e1649-e1659. [PMID: 33630665 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence on the nature of the relationship between patients receiving chemotherapy as an essential part of guideline-concordant cancer care and the onset of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other adverse cognitive outcomes has been mixed. Biological mechanisms were proposed to support both a potentially beneficial and an adverse role. To explore the relationship between chemotherapy and onset of AD and other neurocognitive disorders (ND) in colorectal cancer survivors. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 135,834 individuals older than 65 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1998 and 2007, using SEER-Medicare data. A proportional hazards model was used before and after the use of inverse probability weighting to account for populational differences between the chemotherapy and nonchemotherapy groups. Weights were normalized to the total sample size. RESULTS After inverse probability weighting, chemotherapy was associated with decreased AD risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.791; 95% CI: 0.758 to 0.824) and lower risk for the majority of other ND including AD-related diseases (HR: 0.823; CI: 0.802 to 0.844), dementia (permanent mental disorder) (HR: 0.807; CI: 0.782 to 0.832), and dementia (senile) (HR: 0.772; CI: 0.745 to 0.801). The only adverse effect to remain significant was cerebral degeneration (excluding AD) (HR: 1.067; CI: 1.033 to 1.102). The effects for AD remained after treatment was stratified by chemotherapy agent type and remained significant for up to 6 years past diagnosis. CONCLUSION Chemotherapy use in colorectal cancer survivors demonstrated an association with reduced risk for AD and other ND.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Akushevich
- Biodemography of Aging Research Unit, Center for Population Health and Aging, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Arseniy P Yashkin
- Biodemography of Aging Research Unit, Center for Population Health and Aging, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Julia Kravchenko
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Miklos D Kertai
- Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Z, Shue F, Zhao N, Shinohara M, Bu G. APOE2: protective mechanism and therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:63. [PMID: 33148290 PMCID: PMC7640652 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigations of apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, the major genetic risk modifier for Alzheimer's disease (AD), have yielded significant insights into the pathogenic mechanism. Among the three common coding variants, APOE*ε4 increases, whereas APOE*ε2 decreases the risk of late-onset AD compared with APOE*ε3. Despite increased understanding of the detrimental effect of APOE*ε4, it remains unclear how APOE*ε2 confers protection against AD. Accumulating evidence suggests that APOE*ε2 protects against AD through both amyloid-β (Aβ)-dependent and independent mechanisms. In addition, APOE*ε2 has been identified as a longevity gene, suggesting a systemic effect of APOE*ε2 on the aging process. However, APOE*ε2 is not entirely benign; APOE*ε2 carriers exhibit increased risk of certain cerebrovascular diseases and neurological disorders. Here, we review evidence from both human and animal studies demonstrating the protective effect of APOE*ε2 against AD and propose a working model depicting potential underlying mechanisms. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies designed to leverage the protective effect of APOE2 to treat AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zonghua Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Francis Shue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Mitsuru Shinohara
- Department of Aging Neurobiology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 7-430 Morioka, Obu, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan.
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Plascencia-Villa G, Perry G. Status and future directions of clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 154:3-50. [PMID: 32739008 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of tau are generally recognized as the culprits of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia. About 25 years ago, the amyloid cascade hypotheses postulated a direct correlation of plaques with the development of AD, and it has been the dominant theory since then. In this period, more than 200 clinical trials focused mainly on targeting components of the Aβ cascade have dramatically failed, some of them in Phase III. With a greater than 99.6% failure rate at a cost of several billion from governments, industry, and private funders, therapeutic strategies targeting amyloid and tau are now under scrutiny. Therefore, it is time to reevaluate alternatives to targeting Aβ and tau as effective therapeutic strategies for AD. The diagnosis of AD is currently based on medical examination of symptoms including tests to assess memory impairment, attention, language, and other thinking skills. This is complemented with brain scans, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or positron emission tomography with the help of imaging probes targeting Aβ or tau deposits. This approach has contributed to the tunnel vision focus on Aβ and tau as the main culprits of AD. However, events upstream of these proteopathies (age-related impaired neuronal bioenergetics, lysosome function, neurotrophic signaling, and neuroinflammation, among others) are almost surely where the development of alternative therapeutic interventions should be targeted. Here, we present the current status of therapeutic candidates targeting diverse mechanisms and strategies including Aβ and tau, proteins involved in Aβ production and trafficking (ApoE, α/β/γ-secretases), neuroinflammation, neurotransmitters, neuroprotective agents antimicrobials, and gene and stem cell therapy. There are currently around 33 compounds in Phase III, 78 in Phase II, and 32 more in Phase I trials. With the current world health crisis of increased dementia in a rapidly aging population, effective AD therapies are desperately needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Germán Plascencia-Villa
- Department of Biology and Neurosciences Institute, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - George Perry
- Department of Biology and Neurosciences Institute, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Scearce-Levie K, Sanchez PE, Lewcock JW. Leveraging preclinical models for the development of Alzheimer disease therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:447-462. [PMID: 32612262 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A large number of mouse models have been engineered, characterized and used to advance biomedical research in Alzheimer disease (AD). Early models simply damaged the rodent brain through toxins or lesions. Later, the spread of genetic engineering technology enabled investigators to develop models of familial AD by overexpressing human genes such as those encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilins (PSEN1 or PSEN2) carrying mutations linked to early-onset AD. Recently, more complex models have sought to explore the impact of multiple genetic risk factors in the context of different biological challenges. Although none of these models has proven to be a fully faithful reproduction of the human disease, models remain essential as tools to improve our understanding of AD biology, conduct thorough pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses, discover translatable biomarkers and evaluate specific therapeutic approaches. To realize the full potential of animal models as new technologies and knowledge become available, it is critical to define an optimal strategy for their use. Here, we review progress and challenges in the use of AD mouse models, highlight emerging scientific innovations in model development, and introduce a conceptual framework for use of preclinical models for therapeutic development.
Collapse
|
10
|
Zha Z, Han Q, Huo S. The protective effects of bexarotene against advanced glycation end-product (AGE)-induced degradation of articular extracellular matrix (ECM). ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 48:1-7. [PMID: 31852246 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1699802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Zha
- Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingmin Han
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaochuan Huo
- Shenzhen Hospital (Futian) of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
The symptoms of Alzheimer disease reflect a loss of neural circuit integrity in the brain, but neurons do not work in isolation. Emerging evidence suggests that the intricate balance of interactions between neurons, astrocytes, microglia and vascular cells required for healthy brain function becomes perturbed during the disease, with early changes likely protecting neural circuits from damage, followed later by harmful effects when the balance cannot be restored. Moving beyond a neuronal focus to understand the complex cellular interactions in Alzheimer disease and how these change throughout the course of the disease may provide important insight into developing effective therapeutics.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bespalov A, Steckler T, Skolnick P. Be positive about negatives-recommendations for the publication of negative (or null) results. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1312-1320. [PMID: 31753777 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Both positive and negative (null or neutral) results are essential for the progress of science and its self-correcting nature. However, there is general reluctance to publish negative results, and this may be due a range of factors (e.g., the widely held perception that negative results are more difficult to publish, the preference to publish positive findings that are more likely to generate citations and funding for additional research). It is particularly challenging to disclose negative results that are not consistent with previously published positive data, especially if the initial publication appeared in a high impact journal. Ideally, there should be both incentives and support to reduce the costs associated with investing efforts into preparing publications with negative results. We describe here a set of criteria that can help scientists, reviewers and editors to publish technically sound, scientifically high-impact negative (or null) results originating from rigorously designed and executed studies. Proposed criteria emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and communication among scientists (also including the authors of original publications with positive results).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Bespalov
- Partnership for Assessment and Accreditation of Scientific Practice, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fitz NF, Nam KN, Koldamova R, Lefterov I. Therapeutic targeting of nuclear receptors, liver X and retinoid X receptors, for Alzheimer's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:3599-3610. [PMID: 30924124 PMCID: PMC6715597 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
After 15 years of research into Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutics, including billions of US dollars provided by federal agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and private foundations, there are still no meaningful therapies that can delay the onset or slow the progression of AD. An understanding of the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the hypothesis that pathogenic mechanisms in familial and sporadic forms of AD are very similar led to the assumption that pharmacological inhibition of secretases or immunological approaches to clear amyloid depositions in the brain would have been the core to drug discovery strategies and successful therapies. However, there are other understudied approaches including targeting genes, gene networks, and metabolic pathways outside the proteolytic processing of APP. The advancement of newly developed sequencing technologies and mass spectrometry, as well as the availability of animal models expressing human apolipoprotein E isoforms, has been critical in rationalizing additional AD therapeutics. The purpose of this review is to present one of those approaches, based on the role of ligand-activated nuclear liver X and retinoid X receptors in the brain. This therapeutic approach was initially proposed utilizing in vitro models 15 years ago and has since been examined in numerous studies using AD-like mouse models. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Fitz
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyong Nyon Nam
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Radosveta Koldamova
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Iliya Lefterov
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tzioras M, Davies C, Newman A, Jackson R, Spires‐Jones T. Invited Review: APOE at the interface of inflammation, neurodegeneration and pathological protein spread in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2019; 45:327-346. [PMID: 30394574 PMCID: PMC6563457 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite more than a century of research, the aetiology of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear and finding disease modifying treatments for AD presents one of the biggest medical challenges of our time. AD pathology is characterized by deposits of aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ) in amyloid plaques and aggregated tau in neurofibrillary tangles. These aggregates begin in distinct brain regions and spread throughout the brain in stereotypical patterns. Neurodegeneration, comprising loss of synapses and neurons, occurs in brain regions with high tangle pathology, and an inflammatory response of glial cells appears in brain regions with pathological aggregates. Inheriting an apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) allele strongly increases the risk of developing AD for reasons that are not yet entirely clear. Substantial amounts of evidence support a role for APOE in modulating the aggregation and clearance of Aβ, and data have been accumulating recently implicating APOE4 in exacerbating neurodegeneration, tau pathology and inflammation. We hypothesize that APOE4 influences all the pathological hallmarks of AD and may sit at the interface between neurodegeneration, inflammation and the spread of pathologies through the brain. Here, we conducted a systematic search of the literature and review evidence supporting a role for APOE4 in neurodegeneration and inflammation. While there is no direct evidence yet for APOE4 influencing the spread of pathology, we postulate that this may be found in future based on the literature reviewed here. In conclusion, this review highlights the importance of understanding the role of APOE in multiple important pathological mechanisms in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Tzioras
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - C. Davies
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - A. Newman
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - R. Jackson
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMAUSA
| | - T. Spires‐Jones
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Catani MV, Gasperi V, Bisogno T, Maccarrone M. Essential Dietary Bioactive Lipids in Neuroinflammatory Diseases. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:37-60. [PMID: 28637354 PMCID: PMC5984567 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2016.6958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Under physiological conditions, neurons and glia are in a healthy, redox-balanced environment; when injury perturbs this equilibrium, a neuroinflammatory state is established by activated microglia that triggers pro-inflammatory responses and alters the oxidant/antioxidant balance, thus leading to neuronal loss and neurodegeneration. In neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyothrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis), the brain is in a constitutively self-sustaining cycle of inflammation and oxidative stress that prompts and amplifies brain damage. Recent Advances: Recently, an increasing amount of scientific data highlight the ability of specific nutrients to cross the blood-brain barrier, and to modulate inflammatory and oxidative pathways. Therefore, nutritional approaches may contribute to restore the lost equilibrium among factors accounting for neurodegeneration. CRITICAL ISSUES Herein, we critically examine how essential lipids (including fatty acids, liposoluble vitamins and phytosterols) might contribute to accelerate or prevent the onset and progression of such pathologies. In particular, we highlight that experimental and clinical findings, although promising, are still inadequate to draw definitive conclusions. FUTURE DIRECTIONS More research is warranted in order to establish the real impact of lipid intake on brain health, especially when redox balance and inflammatory responses have been already compromised. In the future, it would be hoped to gain a detailed knowledge of chemical modifications and dynamic properties of such nutrients, before planning to exploit them as potential therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 37-60.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Valeria Catani
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Gasperi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bespalov A, Steckler T. Lacking quality in research: Is behavioral neuroscience affected more than other areas of biomedical science? J Neurosci Methods 2018; 300:4-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
17
|
Monacelli F, Cea M, Borghi R, Odetti P, Nencioni A. Do Cancer Drugs Counteract Neurodegeneration? Repurposing for Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 55:1295-1306. [PMID: 27834781 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In spite of in depth investigations in the field of the amyloid cascade hypothesis, so far, no disease modifying therapy has been developed for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The pathophysiology provides some evidence of the inverse correlation between cancer and AD. Both AD and cancer are characterized by abnormal cellular behaviors; trigger factors along with a meta synchronously action is expected to drive cancer or neurodegeneration, supporting, respectively, progressive neuronal loss or uncontrolled cell proliferation in cancer cells. So far, cancer and AD are seemingly two opposite ends of the same biological spectrum. Basic science increasingly indicates shared molecular mechanisms between cancer and AD and gives weight to key relevant biological theories; according to them, the inverse tuning of clustered gene expression, the sharing of mutual independent pathway or the deregulated unfolded proteins system (UPR) may count for this inverse association. Additionally, the common biological background gave credibility to the recent discovery of a repurposing role for cancer drugs in AD. It refers to the development of new uses for existing pharmaceuticals having the same role as the original mechanism or to the discovery of a new drug action with disease modifying effects. The present review summarizes the most important biological theories that link neurodegeneration and cancer and provides an up-to-date revision of the repurposing cancer agents for AD. The review also addresses the gap of knowledge, since drug cancer repositioning holds an important promise but further investigations are warranted to ascertain the clinical relevance of such attractive clinical candidate compounds for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Monacelli
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Cea
- Section of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Borghi
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizio Odetti
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
A preclinical screen to evaluate pharmacotherapies for the treatment of agitation in dementia. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:199-206. [PMID: 28234659 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Agitation associated with dementia is frequently reported clinically but has received little attention in preclinical models of dementia. The current study used a 7PA2 CM intracerebroventricular injection model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to assess acute memory impairment, and a bilateral intrahippocampal (IH) injection model of AD (aggregated Aβ1-42 injections) and a bilateral IH injection model of dementia with Lewy bodies (aggregated NAC61-95 injections) to assess chronic memory impairment in the rat. An alternating-lever cyclic-ratio schedule of operant responding was used for data collection, where incorrect lever perseverations measured executive function (memory) and running response rates (RRR) measured behavioral output (agitation). The results indicate that bilateral IH injections of Aβ1-42 and bilateral IH injections of NAC61-95 decreased memory function and increased RRRs, whereas intracerebroventricular injections of 7PA2 CM decreased memory function but did not increase RRRs. These findings show that using the aggregated peptide IH injection models of dementia to induce chronic neurotoxicity, memory decline was accompanied by elevated behavioral output. This demonstrates that IH peptide injection models of dementia provide a preclinical screen for pharmacological interventions used in the treatment of increased behavioral output (agitation), which also establish detrimental side effects on memory.
Collapse
|
19
|
Huy PDQ, Thai NQ, Bednarikova Z, Phuc LH, Linh HQ, Gazova Z, Li MS. Bexarotene Does Not Clear Amyloid Beta Plaques but Delays Fibril Growth: Molecular Mechanisms. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1960-1969. [PMID: 28689412 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2012, it was reported that anticancer drug bexarotene reduced amyloid plaque and improved mental functioning in a small sample of mice engineered to exhibit Alzheimer's like symptoms. It has been suggested that bexarotene stimulates expression of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) leading to intracellular clearance of amyloid beta (Aβ). However, the effect of bexarotene on clearance of plaques has not been seen in some mouse models. Two interesting questions include whether bexarotene can destroy Aβ fibrils via direct interaction with them and how this compound impacts the lag phase in the fibril growth process. By the Thioflavin T fluorescence assay and atomic force microscopy, we have shown that bexarotene prolongs the lag phase, but it does not degrade Aβ fibrils. The impotence of bexarotene in destroying fibrils means that this compound is weakly bound to Aβ. On the other hand, the weak binding would prevent bexarotene from prolonging the lag phase. Thus, our two main in vitro observations seem to contradict each other. In order to settle this problem at the atomic level, we have performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit water. We have demonstrated that bexarotene is not capable to reduce amyloid deposits due to weak binding to Aβ fibrils. However, it delays the self-assembly through reduction of the β-content of Aβ monomers at high enough ligand concentrations. Bexarotene is the first compound which displays such an unusual behavior. We have also shown that bexarotene has a low binding propensity to Aβ monomer and dimer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pham Dinh Quoc Huy
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
- Institute for Computational Science and Technology, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward,
District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Quoc Thai
- Division of Theoretical Physics, Dong Thap University, 783 Pham Huu Lau Street, Ward 6, Cao Lanh
City, Dong Thap, Vietnam
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Technology, VNU HCM
268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Zuzana Bednarikova
- Department of Theoretical
Physics, University of Natural Sciences, VNU, 227 Nguyen Van Cu,
District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Le Huu Phuc
- Department of Biophysics Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040
01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Huynh Quang Linh
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Technology, VNU HCM
268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Zuzana Gazova
- Department of Theoretical
Physics, University of Natural Sciences, VNU, 227 Nguyen Van Cu,
District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schellinck H. Measuring Olfactory Processes in Mus musculus. Behav Processes 2017; 155:19-25. [PMID: 28882652 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper briefly reviews the literature that describes olfactory acuity and odour discrimination learning. The results of current studies that examined the role of the neurotransmitters noradrenalin and acetylcholine in odour discrimination learning are discussed as are those that investigated pattern recognition and models of human disease. The methodology associated with such work is also described and its role in creating disparate results assessed. Recommendations for increasing the reliability and validity of experiments so as to further our understanding of olfactory processes in both healthy mice and those modelling human disease are made throughout the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Schellinck
- Dept. of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Boyce G, Button E, Soo S, Wellington C. The pleiotropic vasoprotective functions of high density lipoproteins (HDL). J Biomed Res 2017; 32:164. [PMID: 28550271 PMCID: PMC6265396 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.31.20160103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pleiotropic functions of circulating high density lipoprotein (HDL) on peripheral vascular health are well established. HDL plays a pivotal role in reverse cholesterol transport and is also known to suppress inflammation, endothelial activation and apoptosis in peripheral vessels. Although not expressed in the central nervous system, HDL has nevertheless emerged as a potential resilience factor for dementia in multiple epidemiological studies. Animal model data specifically support a role for HDL in attenuating the accumulation of β-amyloid within cerebral vessels concomitant with reduced neuroinflammation and improved cognitive performance. As the vascular contributions to dementia are increasingly appreciated, this review seeks to summarize recent literature focused on the vasoprotective properties of HDL that may extend to cerebral vessels, discuss potential roles of HDL in dementia relative to brain-derived lipoproteins, identify gaps in current knowledge, and highlight new opportunities for research and discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilaine Boyce
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Emily Button
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sonja Soo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Cheryl Wellington
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fiala M, Kooij G, Wagner K, Hammock B, Pellegrini M. Modulation of innate immunity of patients with Alzheimer's disease by omega-3 fatty acids. FASEB J 2017; 31:3229-3239. [PMID: 28420693 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700065r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The innate immune system of patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is deregulated with highly increased or decreased transcription of inflammatory genes and consistently depressed phagocytosis of amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ) by monocytes and macrophages. Current immune therapies target single mechanisms in the adaptive immune system but not innate immunity. Here, we summarize recent advances in therapy by ω-3, ω-6, and epoxy fatty acids; specialized proresolving mediators; and vitamin D3 that have proven immune effects and emerging cognitive effects in patients with MCI. The hypothesis of this approach is that macrophages of normal participants, but not those of patients with Alzheimer's disease and MCI, possess effective phagocytosis for Aβ and protect homeostasis of the brain and, furthermore, that defective MCI macrophages recover phagocytic function via ω-3. Recent studies of fish-derived ω-3 supplementation in patients with MCI have shown polarization of Apoε3/ε3 patients' macrophages to an intermediate M1-M2 phenotype that is optimal for Aβ phagocytosis and the stabilization of cognitive decline. Therefore, accumulating preclinical and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that ω-3 supplementation should be tested in a randomized controlled clinical trial and that the analysis should involve the apolipoprotein E genotype and intervening conditions during trial.-Fiala, M., Kooij, G., Wagner, K., Hammock, B., Pellegrini, M. Modulation of innate immunity of patients with Alzheimer's disease by omega-3 fatty acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Fiala
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
| | - Gijs Kooij
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit (VU) Medical Center, Multiple Sclerosis Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen Wagner
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Bruce Hammock
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bachurin SO, Bovina EV, Ustyugov AA. Drugs in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease: The Major Trends. Med Res Rev 2017; 37:1186-1225. [PMID: 28084618 DOI: 10.1002/med.21434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative process resulting from the intracellular and extracellular accumulation of fibrillary proteins: beta-amyloid and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Overaccumulation of these aggregates leads to synaptic dysfunction and subsequent neuronal loss. The precise molecular mechanisms of AD are still not fully understood but it is clear that AD is a multifactorial disorder and that advanced age is the main risk factor. Over the last decade, more than 50 drug candidates have successfully passed phase II clinical trials, but none has passed phase III. Here, we summarize data on current "anti-Alzheimer's" agents currently in clinical trials based on findings available in the Thomson Reuters «Integrity» database, on the public website www.clinicaltrials.gov, and on database of the website Alzforum.org. As a result, it was possible to outline some major trends in AD drug discovery: (i) the development of compounds acting on the main stages of the pathogenesis of the disease (the so-called "disease-modifying agents") - these drugs could potentially slow the development of structural and functional abnormalities in the central nervous system providing sustainable improvements of cognitive functions, which persist even after drug withdrawal; (ii) focused design of multitargeted drugs acting on multiple molecular targets involved in the pathogenesis of the disease; (3) finally, the repositioning of old drugs for new (anti-Alzheimer's) application offers a very attractive approach to facilitate the completion of clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey O Bachurin
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Severny proezd 1, Chernogolovka, Moscow region, 142432, Russia
| | - Elena V Bovina
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Severny proezd 1, Chernogolovka, Moscow region, 142432, Russia
| | - Aleksey A Ustyugov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Severny proezd 1, Chernogolovka, Moscow region, 142432, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Relaunching an old drug: the potential role of bexarotene in neurodegenerative diseases. J Neurol 2016; 263:177-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-8004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|