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Carles A, Hoffmann M, Scheiner M, Crouzier L, Bertrand-Gaday C, Chatonnet A, Decker M, Maurice T. The selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor UW-MD-95 shows symptomatic and neuroprotective effects in a pharmacological mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14814. [PMID: 38887858 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating dementia characterized by extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) protein aggregates and intracellular tau protein deposition. Clinically available drugs mainly target acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and indirectly sustain cholinergic neuronal tonus. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) also controls acetylcholine (ACh) turnover and is involved in the formation of Aß aggregates and senile plaques. UW-MD-95 is a novel carbamate-based compound acting as a potent pseudo-irreversible BChE inhibitor, with high selectivity versus AChE, and showing promising protective potentials in AD. METHODS We characterized the neuroprotective activity of UW-MD-95 in mice treated intracerebroventricularly with oligomerized Aβ25-35 peptide using behavioral, biochemical, and immunohistochemical approaches. RESULTS When injected acutely 30 min before the behavioral tests (spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze, object recognition, or passive avoidance), UW-MD-95 (0.3-3 mg/kg) showed anti-amnesic effects in Aβ25-35-treated mice. When injected once a day over 7 days, it prevented Aβ25-35-induced memory deficits. This effect was lost in BChE knockout mice. Moreover, the compound prevented Aβ25-35-induced oxidative stress (assessed by lipid peroxidation or cytochrome c release), neuroinflammation (IL-6 and TNFα levels or GFAP and IBA1 immunoreactivity) in the hippocampus and cortex, and apoptosis (Bax level). Moreover, UW-MD-95 significantly reduced the increase in soluble Aβ1-42 level in the hippocampus induced by Aβ25-35. CONCLUSION UW-MD-95 appeared as a potent neuroprotective compound in the Aβ25-35 model of AD, with potentially an impact on Aβ1-42 accumulation that could suggest a novel mechanism of neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Carles
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - Matthias Hoffmann
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Scheiner
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lucie Crouzier
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, Montpellier, France
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Karimi Tari P, Parsons CG, Collingridge GL, Rammes G. Memantine: Updating a rare success story in pro-cognitive therapeutics. Neuropharmacology 2024; 244:109737. [PMID: 37832633 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109737] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The great potential for NMDA receptor modulators as druggable targets in neurodegenerative disorders has been met with limited success. Considered one of the rare exceptions, memantine has consistently demonstrated restorative and prophylactic properties in many AD models. In clinical trials memantine slows the decline in cognitive performance associated with AD. Here, we provide an overview of the basic properties including pharmacological targets, toxicology and cellular effects of memantine. Evidence demonstrating reductions in molecular, physiological and behavioural indices of AD-like impairments associated with memantine treatment are also discussed. This represents both an extension and homage to Dr. Chris Parson's considerable contributions to our fundamental understanding of a success story in the AD treatment landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Karimi Tari
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Chris G Parsons
- Galimedix Therapeutics, Inc., 2704 Calvend Lane, Kensington, 20895, MD, USA
| | - Graham L Collingridge
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada; TANZ Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Gerhard Rammes
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine of the Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Ali NH, Al‐Kuraishy HM, Al‐Gareeb AI, Alnaaim SA, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Khalifa AA, Saad HM, Batiha GE. Neprilysin inhibitors and risk of Alzheimer's disease: A future perspective. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e17993. [PMID: 37847125 PMCID: PMC10826440 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease with multifaceted neuropathological disorders. AD is characterized by intracellular accumulation of phosphorylated tau proteins and extracellular deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ). Various protease enzymes, including neprilysin (NEP), are concerned with the degradation and clearance of Aβ. Indeed, a defective neuronal clearance pathway due to the dysfunction of degradation enzymes might be a possible mechanism for the accumulation of Aβ and subsequent progression of AD neuropathology. NEP is one of the most imperative metalloproteinase enzymes involved in the clearance of Aβ. This review aimed to highlight the possible role of NEP inhibitors in AD. The combination of sacubitril and valsartan which is called angiotensin receptor blocker and NEP inhibitor (ARNI) may produce beneficial and deleterious effects on AD neuropathology. NEP inhibitors might increase the risk of AD by the inhibition of Aβ clearance, and increase brain bradykinin (BK) and natriuretic peptides (NPs), which augment the pathogenesis of AD. These verdicts come from animal model studies, though they may not be applied to humans. However, clinical studies revealed promising safety findings regarding the use of ARNI. Moreover, NEP inhibition increases various neuroprotective peptides involved in inflammation, glucose homeostasis and nerve conduction. Also, NEP inhibitors may inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) expression, ameliorating insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels. These findings proposed that NEP inhibitors may have a protective effect against AD development by increasing GLP-1, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and substance P, and deleterious effects by increasing brain BK. Preclinical and clinical studies are recommended in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif H. Ali
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical CollegeNajran UniversityNajranSaudi Arabia
| | - Hayder M. Al‐Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of MedicineMustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Ali I. Al‐Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of MedicineMustansiriyah UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Saud A. Alnaaim
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, College of MedicineKing Faisal UniversityHofufSaudi Arabia
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and EngineeringNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamNew South WalesAustralia
- AFNP MedWienAustria
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery IIUniversity Hospital Witten‐Herdecke, University of Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
| | - Asmaa A. Khalifa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of PharmacyPharos University in AlexandriaAlexandriaEgypt
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineMatrouh UniversityMatrouhEgypt
| | - Gaber El‐Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityDamanhourAlBeheiraEgypt
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Canet G, Zussy C, Hernandez C, Maurice T, Desrumaux C, Givalois L. The pathomimetic oAβ25–35 model of Alzheimer's disease: Potential for screening of new therapeutic agents. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 245:108398. [PMID: 37001735 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly, currently affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. The two main histopathological hallmarks of AD were identified in the 1980s: senile plaques (composed of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides) and neurofibrillary tangles (composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein). In the human brain, both Aβ and tau show aggregation into soluble and insoluble oligomers. Soluble oligomers of Aβ include their most predominant forms - Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 - as well as shorter peptides such as Aβ25-35 or Aβ25-35/40. Most animal models of AD have been developed using transgenesis, based on identified human mutations. However, these familial forms of AD represent less than 1% of AD cases. In this context, the idea emerged in the 1990s to directly inject the Aβ25-35 fragment into the rodent brain to develop an acute model of AD that could mimic the disease's sporadic forms (99% of all cases). This review aims to: (1) summarize the biological activity of Aβ25-35, focusing on its impact on the main structural and functional alterations observed in AD (cognitive deficits, APP misprocessing, tau system dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, cholinergic and glutamatergic alterations, HPA axis dysregulation, synaptic deficits and cell death); and (2) confirm the interest of this pathomimetic model in AD research, as it has helped identify and characterize many molecules (marketed, in clinical development, and in preclinical testing), and to the development of alternative approaches for AD prevention and therapy. Today, the Aβ25-35 model appears as a first-intent choice model to rapidly screen the symptomatic or neuroprotective potencies of new compounds, chemical series, or innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Czapski GA, Strosznajder JB. Glutamate and GABA in Microglia-Neuron Cross-Talk in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111677. [PMID: 34769106 PMCID: PMC8584169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain is significantly affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Several neuroactive compounds and their signaling pathways through various types of receptors are crucial in brain homeostasis, among them glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Activation of microglial receptors regulates the immunological response of these cells, which in AD could be neuroprotective or neurotoxic. The novel research approaches revealed the complexity of microglial function, including the interplay with other cells during neuroinflammation and in the AD brain. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of several proteins and multiple receptors on microglia and neurons, and their involvement in a communication network between cells that could lead to different metabolic loops and cell death/survival. Our review is focused on the role of glutamatergic, GABAergic signaling in microglia–neuronal cross-talk in AD and neuroinflammation. Moreover, the significance of AD-related neurotoxic proteins in glutamate/GABA-mediated dialogue between microglia and neurons was analyzed in search of novel targets in neuroprotection, and advanced pharmacological approaches.
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Mehdipour M, Emamghoreishi M, Farrokhi MR, Amirinezhadfard E, Keshavarz M. The Effect of Spironolactone on β-amyloid-Induced Memory Impairment in Male Rats: The Role of Microglial Inhibition. Adv Pharm Bull 2021; 12:623-631. [PMID: 35935039 PMCID: PMC9348523 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2022.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Neuroinflammation was indicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous reports have also signified that spironolactone has anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the modulatory effects of spironolactone on neuroinflammation and memory loss in a rat model of AD.
Methods: The β-amyloid protein fragment 25-35 (Aβ) was injected in the dorsal hippocampus (5 μg/2.5 μL each side) of male Sprague-Dawley rats for four consecutive days to induce memory impairment. Animals have intraperitoneally received spironolactone (10, 25, or 50 mg/kg, N = 6/ group) or vehicle for 14 days. The passive inhibitory avoidance and the novel recognition tests were used for memory evaluation. Neuroinflammation was assessed by measuring the level of Iba1 protein, a marker of microglial activation, using western immunoblotting.
Results: Different doses of spironolactone showed no significant changes in latency times and discriminations ratios in passive inhibitory avoidance and novel recognition tests, respectively, as compared to vehicle. However, spironolactone-treated groups showed significantly lower Iba1 protein levels in comparison to the vehicle-treated group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Spironolactone had a modulatory effect on neuroinflammation through a repressive effect on microglial activation with no valuable effect on memory improvement in a rat model of AD. The findings of this study suggest that Aβ-induced memory loss may not be directly linked to microglial activation. Spironolactone may be a potential candidate to be examined in other neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdipour
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Emamghoreishi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Majid Reza Farrokhi
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elahe Amirinezhadfard
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Keshavarz
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Couly S, Denus M, Bouchet M, Rubinstenn G, Maurice T. Anti-Amnesic and Neuroprotective Effects of Fluoroethylnormemantine in a Pharmacological Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 24:142-157. [PMID: 32977336 PMCID: PMC7883897 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current therapies in Alzheimer's disease (AD), including Memantine, have proven to be only symptomatic but not curative or disease modifying. Fluoroethylnormemantine (FENM) is a structural analogue of Memantine, functionalized with a fluorine group that allowed its use as a positron emission tomography tracer. We here analyzed FENM neuroprotective potential in a pharmacological model of AD compared with Memantine. METHODS Swiss mice were treated intracerebroventricularly with aggregated Aβ 25-35 peptide and examined after 1 week in a battery of memory tests (spontaneous alternation, passive avoidance, object recognition, place learning in the water-maze, topographic memory in the Hamlet). Toxicity induced in the mouse hippocampus or cortex was analyzed biochemically or morphologically. RESULTS Both Memantine and FENM showed symptomatic anti-amnesic effects in Aβ 25-35-treated mice. Interestingly, FENM was not amnesic when tested alone at 10 mg/kg, contrarily to Memantine. Drugs injected once per day prevented Aβ 25-35-induced memory deficits, oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, cytochrome c release), inflammation (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α increases; glial fibrillary acidic protein and Iba1 immunoreactivity in the hippocampus and cortex), and apoptosis and cell loss (Bcl-2-associated X/B-cell lymphoma 2 ratio; cell loss in the hippocampus CA1 area). However, FENM effects were more robust than observed with Memantine, with significant attenuations vs the Aβ 25-35-treated group. CONCLUSIONS FENM therefore appeared as a potent neuroprotective drug in an AD model, with a superior efficacy compared with Memantine and an absence of direct amnesic effect at higher doses. These results open the possibility to use the compound at more relevant dosages than those actually proposed in Memantine treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Couly
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - Morgane Denus
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, Montpellier, France,Correspondence: Dr T. Maurice, PhD, INSERM UMR_S1198, Université de Montpellier, cc 105, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France ()
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Ali I, Van Eetveldt A, Van Elzen R, Kalathil Raju T, Van Der Veken P, Lambeir A, Dedeurwaerdere S. Spatiotemporal expression and inhibition of prolyl oligopeptidase contradict its involvement in key pathologic mechanisms of kainic acid-induced temporal lobe epilepsy in rats. Epilepsia Open 2019; 4:92-101. [PMID: 30868119 PMCID: PMC6398098 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP) has been implicated in neuroinflammatory processes and neuroplasticity and has been suggested as a target for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. The aim of this investigation was to explore the involvement of PREP in the neuropathologic mechanisms relevant to temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using a PREP inhibitor in a well-established rat model. METHODS PREP activity and expression was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats 2 and 12 weeks following kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (KASE). Continuous video-electroencephalography monitoring was performed for 2 weeks in the 12-week cohort to identify a relationship of PREP expression/activity with epileptic seizures. In addition, the animals included in the 2-week time point were treated with a specific inhibitor of PREP, KYP-2047, or saline continuously, starting immediately after SE. PREP activity and its expression were analyzed in rat brain by using enzyme kinetics and western blot. In addition, markers for microglial activation, astrogliosis, cell loss, and cell proliferation were evaluated. RESULTS Enzymatic activity of PREP was unchanged following induction of SE after 2 and 12 weeks in rats. PREP activity in epileptic rats did not relate to the number of seizures/day at the 12-week time point. Moreover, continuous inhibition of PREP for 2 weeks after KASE did not alter the SE-mediated neuroinflammatory response, cell loss, or cell proliferation in the hippocampal subgranule zone measured at the 2-week time point. SIGNIFICANCE PREP inhibition does not affect key pathologic mechanisms, including activation of glial cells, cell loss, and neural progenitor cell proliferation, in this KASE model of TLE. The results do not support a direct role of PREP in seizure burden during the chronic epilepsy period in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idrish Ali
- Department of Translational NeurosciencesUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
- Present address:
Department of MedicineUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Roos Van Elzen
- Laboratory of Medical BiochemistryUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
| | - Tom Kalathil Raju
- Laboratory of Medical BiochemistryUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
| | | | | | - Stefanie Dedeurwaerdere
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, VaxinfectioUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
- Present address:
UCB PharmaBraine‐l'AlleudBelgium
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Chen XY, Du YF, Chen L. Neuropeptides Exert Neuroprotective Effects in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 11:493. [PMID: 30687008 PMCID: PMC6336706 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive deficits and neuronal loss. Deposition of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) causes neurotoxicity through the formation of plaques in brains of Alzheimer's disease. Numerous studies have indicated that the neuropeptides including ghrelin, neurotensin, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), neuropeptide Y, substance P and orexin are closely related to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. The levels of neuropeptides and their receptors change in Alzheimer's disease. These neuropeptides exert neuroprotective roles mainly through preventing Aβ accumulation, increasing neuronal glucose transport, increasing the production of neurotrophins, inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy, modulating potassium channel activity and hippocampal long-term potentiation. Therefore, the neuropeptides may function as potential drug targets in the prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Neurology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi-Feng Du
- Department of Neurology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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The Protective Effects of IGF-I against β-Amyloid-related Downregulation of Hippocampal Somatostatinergic System Involve Activation of Akt and Protein Kinase A. Neuroscience 2018; 374:104-118. [PMID: 29406271 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Somatostatin (SRIF), a neuropeptide highly distributed in the hippocampus and involved in learning and memory, is markedly reduced in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients. The effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) against β amyloid (Aβ)-induced neuronal death and associated cognitive disorders have been extensively reported in experimental models of this disease. Here, we examined the effect of IGF-I on the hippocampal somatostatinergic system in Aβ-treated rats and the molecular mechanisms associated with changes in this peptidergic system. Intracerebroventricular Aβ25-35 administration during 14 days (300 pmol/day) to male rats increased Aβ25-35 levels and cell death and markedly reduced SRIF and SRIF receptor 2 levels in the hippocampus. These deleterious effects were associated with reduced Akt and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Subcutaneous IGF-I co-administration (50 µg/kg/day) reduced hippocampal Aβ25-35 levels, cell death and JNK activation. In addition, IGF-I prevented the reduction in the components of the somatostatinergic system affected by Aβ infusion. Its co-administration also augmented protein kinase A (PKA) activity, as well as Akt and CREB phosphorylation. These results suggest that IGF-I co-administration may have protective effects on the hippocampal somatostatinergic system against Aβ insult through up-regulation of PKA activity and Akt and CREB phosphorylation.
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Frost GR, Li YM. The role of astrocytes in amyloid production and Alzheimer's disease. Open Biol 2017; 7:170228. [PMID: 29237809 PMCID: PMC5746550 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.170228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by the presence of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and gliosis, activated glial cells, in the brain. It is thought that Aβ plaques trigger NFT formation, neuronal cell death, neuroinflammation and gliosis and, ultimately, cognitive impairment. There are increased numbers of reactive astrocytes in AD, which surround amyloid plaques and secrete proinflammatory factors and can phagocytize and break down Aβ. It was thought that neuronal cells were the major source of Aβ. However, mounting evidence suggests that astrocytes may play an additional role in AD by secreting significant quantities of Aβ and contributing to overall amyloid burden in the brain. Astrocytes are the most numerous cell type in the brain, and therefore even minor quantities of amyloid secretion from individual astrocytes could prove to be substantial when taken across the whole brain. Reactive astrocytes have increased levels of the three necessary components for Aβ production: amyloid precursor protein, β-secretase (BACE1) and γ-secretase. The identification of environmental factors, such as neuroinflammation, that promote astrocytic Aβ production, could redefine how we think about developing therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia R Frost
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Programs of Neurosciences, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yue-Ming Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Programs of Neurosciences, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Ohki EC, Langan TJ, Rodgers KR, Chou RC. Non-aggregated Aβ25-35 Upregulates Primary Astrocyte Proliferation In Vitro. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:301. [PMID: 29033790 PMCID: PMC5626946 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid beta (Aβ) is a peptide cleaved from amyloid precursor protein that contributes to the formation of senile plaques in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The relationship between Aβ and astrocyte proliferation in AD remains controversial. Despite pathological findings of increased astrocytic mitosis in AD brains, in vitro studies show an inhibitory effect of Aβ on astrocyte proliferation. In this study, we determined the effect of an active fragment of Aβ (Aβ25-35) on the cell cycle progression of primary rat astrocytes. We found that Aβ25-35 (0.3–1.0 μg/ml) enhanced astrocyte proliferation in vitro in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Increased DNA synthesis by Aβ25-35 was observed during the S phase of the astrocyte cell cycle, as indicated by proliferation kinetics and bromodeoxyuridine immunocytochemical staining. Aggregation of Aβ25-35 abolished the upregulatory effect of Aβ on astrocyte proliferation. Further examination indicated that Aβ25-35 affected astrocyte proliferation during early or mid-G1 phase but had no effect on DNA synthesis at the peak of S phase. These results provide insight into the relationship between Aβ25-35 and astrocyte cell cycling in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise C Ohki
- Department of Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Thomas J Langan
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, New York State Center of Excellence Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Kyla R Rodgers
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Richard C Chou
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States.,Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
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13
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Progress in drug development for Alzheimer's disease: An overview in relation to mitochondrial energy metabolism. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 121:774-784. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.03.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Niedzielska E, Smaga I, Gawlik M, Moniczewski A, Stankowicz P, Pera J, Filip M. Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 53:4094-4125. [PMID: 26198567 PMCID: PMC4937091 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 460] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiologies of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD), are far from being fully explained. Oxidative stress (OS) has been proposed as one factor that plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Clinical and preclinical studies indicate that neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by higher levels of OS biomarkers and by lower levels of antioxidant defense biomarkers in the brain and peripheral tissues. In this article, we review the current knowledge regarding the involvement of OS in neurodegenerative diseases, based on clinical trials and animal studies. In addition, we analyze the effects of the drug-induced modulation of oxidative balance, and we explore pharmacotherapeutic strategies for OS reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Niedzielska
- Department of Toxicology, Chair of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Irena Smaga
- Department of Toxicology, Chair of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maciej Gawlik
- Department of Toxicology, Chair of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Moniczewski
- Department of Toxicology, Chair of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Stankowicz
- Department of Toxicology, Chair of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Pera
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Botaniczna 3, 31-503, Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Toxicology, Chair of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland.
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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Rajasekar N, Nath C, Hanif K, Shukla R. Inhibitory Effect of Memantine on Streptozotocin-Induced Insulin Receptor Dysfunction, Neuroinflammation, Amyloidogenesis, and Neurotrophic Factor Decline in Astrocytes. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:6730-6744. [PMID: 26660109 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9576-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Our earlier studies showed that insulin receptor (IR) dysfunction along with neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis played a major role in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced toxicity in astrocytes. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist-memantine shows beneficial effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. However, the protective molecular and cellular mechanism of memantine in astrocytes is not properly understood. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of memantine on insulin receptors, neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, and amyloidogenesis in STZ-treated astrocytes. STZ (100 μM) treatment for 24 h in astrocytes resulted significant decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) expression in astrocytes. Treatment with memantine (1-10 μM) improved STZ-induced neurotrophic factor decline (BDNF, GDNF) along with IR dysfunction as evidenced by a significant increase in IR protein expression, phosphorylation of IRS-1, Akt, and GSK-3 α/β in astrocytes. Further, memantine attenuated STZ-induced amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-site APP-cleaving enzyme-1 and amyloid-β1-42 expression and restored IDE expression in astrocytes. In addition, memantine also displays protective effects against STZ-induced astrocyte activation showed by reduction of inflammatory markers, nuclear factor kappa-B translocation, glial fibrillary acidic protein, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α level, and oxidative-nitrostative stress. The results suggest that besides the NMDA receptor antagonisic activity, effect on astroglial IR and neurotrophic factor may also be an important factor in the beneficial effect of memantine in AD pathology. Graphical Abstract Novel neuroprotective mechanisms of memenatine in streptozotocin-induced toxicity in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Rajasekar
- Divisions of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Chennai, India
| | - Chandishwar Nath
- Divisions of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Chennai, India
| | - Kashif Hanif
- Divisions of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Chennai, India
| | - Rakesh Shukla
- Divisions of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Chennai, India.
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16
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Johansson P, Almqvist EG, Wallin A, Johansson JO, Andreasson U, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Svensson J. Cerebrospinal fluid substance P concentrations are elevated in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Lett 2015; 609:58-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Philibert KD, Marr RA, Norstrom EM, Glucksman MJ. Identification and characterization of Aβ peptide interactors in Alzheimer's disease by structural approaches. Front Aging Neurosci 2014; 6:265. [PMID: 25346686 PMCID: PMC4191344 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are very limited pharmaceutical interventions for Alzheimer's disease (AD) to alleviate the amyloid burden implicated in the pathophysiology of the disease. Alzheimer's disease is characterized immunohistologically by the accumulation of senile plaques in the brain with afflicted patients progressively losing short-term memory and, ultimately, cognition. Although significant improvements in clinical diagnosis and care for AD patients have been made, effective treatments for this devastating disease remain elusive. A key component of the amyloid burden of AD comes from accumulation of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide which comes from processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by enzymes termed secretases, leading to production of these toxic Aβ peptides of 40-42 amino acids. New therapeutic approaches for reducing Aβ are warranted after the most logical avenues of inhibiting secretase activity appear less than optimal in ameliorating the progression of AD.Novel therapeutics may be gleaned from proteomics biomarker initiatives to yield detailed molecular interactions of enzymes and their potential substrates. Explicating the APPome by deciphering protein complexes forming in cells is a complementary approach to unveil novel molecular interactions with the amyloidogenic peptide precursor to both understand the biology and develop potential upstream drug targets. Utilizing these strategies we have identified EC 3.4.24.15 (EP24.15), a zinc metalloprotease related to neprilysin (NEP), with the ability to catabolize Aβ 1-42 by examining first potential in silico docking and then verification by mass spectrometry. In addition, a hormone carrier protein, transthyreitin (TTR), was identified and with its abundance in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), found to clear Aβ by inhibiting formation of oligomeric forms of Aβ peptide. The confluence of complementary strategies may allow new therapeutic avenues as well as biomarkers for AD that will aid in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith D Philibert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert A Marr
- Department of Neuroscience, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric M Norstrom
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marc J Glucksman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science North Chicago, IL, USA
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18
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Li F, Chen X, Wang F, Xu S, Chang L, Anwyl R, Wang Q. Chronic pre-treatment with memantine prevents amyloid-beta protein-mediated long-term potentiation disruption. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:49-55. [PMID: 25206371 PMCID: PMC4107499 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that memantine, a low-affinity N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, exerted acute protective effects against amyloid-β protein-induced neurotoxicity. In the present study, the chronic effects and mechanisms of memantine were investigated further using electrophysiological methods. The results showed that 7-day intraperitoneal application of memantine, at doses of 5 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg, did not alter hippocampal long-term potentiation induction in rats, while 40 mg/kg memantine presented potent long-term potentiation inhibition. Then further in vitro studys were carried out in 5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg memantine treated rats. We found that 20 mg/kg memantine attenuated the potent long-term potentiation inhibition caused by exposure to amyloid-β protein in the dentate gyrus in vitro. These findings are the first to demonstrate the antagonizing effect of long-term systematic treatment of memantine against amyloid-β protein triggered long-term potentiation inhibition to improve synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fushun Li
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Research Center of Behavioral Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Research Center of Behavioral Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Feiming Wang
- Zhenhai High School, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shujun Xu
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Research Center of Behavioral Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lan Chang
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Research Center of Behavioral Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Roger Anwyl
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Qinwen Wang
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Research Center of Behavioral Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang Province, China
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Liu MY, Wang S, Yao WF, Zhang ZJ, Zhong X, Sha L, He M, Zheng ZH, Wei MJ. Memantine improves spatial learning and memory impairments by regulating NGF signaling in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Neuroscience 2014; 273:141-51. [PMID: 24846616 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Memantine (MEM) is used for improving the cognitive impairments of the patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) by multiple neuroprotective mechanisms. However, it is still not clear whether nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling is involved in the mechanisms of MEM. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of MEM treatment on the cognitive performance and amyloidosis in APP/PS1 transgenic mice, and disclosed the NGF-related mechanism of MEM. We found that MEM treatment improved the cognitive performance by decreasing the escape latency and path length in the navigation test, by shortening the duration in target quadrant and reducing the frequency to pass through the target in probe trial, and by prolonging the latency and decreasing the frequencies of entering the dark compartment in passive avoidance test. The over-expressions of Aβ(1-42) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) were also decreased in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Interestingly, MEM treatment improved the decreased NGF levels in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, NGF/TrkA signaling was activated by increasing the phosphorylation levels of tyrosine kinase (TrkA), proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase, Raf1 (c-Raf), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2 and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) after MEM treatment. Simultaneously, MEM also inhibited NGF/p75(NTR) signaling via decreasing the cleavage substrate of p75(NTR), increasing the JNK2 phosphorylation and decreasing the levels of p53 and cleaved-caspase 3. Therefore, the dual-regulation on NGF signaling was attributed to the improvements of cognitive deficits and Aβ depositions in APP/PS1 mice. In conclusion, MEM treatment activated the NGF/TrkA signaling, and inhibited the p75(NTR) signaling in APP/PS1 mice to ameliorate the behavioral deficits and amyloidosis, indicating that NGF signaling was a new potential target of MEM treatment for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - S Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - W F Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Z J Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - X Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - L Sha
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - M He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Z H Zheng
- Laboratory Animal Center, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - M J Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China.
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20
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Papa M, De Luca C, Petta F, Alberghina L, Cirillo G. Astrocyte-neuron interplay in maladaptive plasticity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 42:35-54. [PMID: 24509064 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of neuronal networks cannot only be explained by neuronal activity so neurobiological research in the last decade has focused on different components of the central nervous system: the glia. Glial cells are fundamental elements for development and maintenance of physiological brain work. New data confirm that glia significantly influences neuronal communication through specific molecules, named "gliotransmitters", and their related receptors. This new approach to the traditional model of the way synapses work is also supported by changes occurring in pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases or toxic/traumatic injury to nervous system. Experimental models have revealed that glial cells are the starting point of damage progression that subsequently involves neurons. The "bedside to bench" approach has demonstrated that clinical phenotypes are strictly related to neuronal death, however it is conceivable that the disease begins earlier, years before clinical onset. This temporal gap is necessary to determine complex changes in the neuro-glial network organization and produce a "maladaptive plasticity". We review the function of glial cells in health and disease, pointing the putative mechanisms of maladaptive plasticity, suggesting that glial cells may represent a fascinating therapeutic target to prevent irreversible neuronal cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Papa
- Laboratory of Neuronal Networks, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; SYSBIO, Centre of Systems Biology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
| | - Ciro De Luca
- Laboratory of Neuronal Networks, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Petta
- Laboratory of Neuronal Networks, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Lilia Alberghina
- Laboratory of Neuroscience "R. Levi-Montalcini", Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy; SYSBIO, Centre of Systems Biology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cirillo
- Laboratory of Neuronal Networks, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Lecanu L, Papadopoulos V. Modeling Alzheimer's disease with non-transgenic rat models. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2013; 5:17. [PMID: 23634826 PMCID: PMC3706888 DOI: 10.1186/alzrt171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), for which there is no cure, is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Despite tremendous efforts by the scientific community, the AD drug development pipeline remains extremely limited. Animal models of disease are a cornerstone of any drug development program and should be as relevant as possible to the disease, recapitulating the disease phenotype with high fidelity, to meaningfully contribute to the development of a successful therapeutic agent. Over the past two decades, transgenic models of AD based on the known genetic origins of familial AD have significantly contributed to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of the disease. These models were extensively used in AD drug development. The numerous reported failures of new treatments for AD in clinical trials indicate that the use of genetic models of AD may not represent the complete picture of AD in humans and that other types of animal models relevant to the sporadic form of the disease, which represents 95% of AD cases, should be developed. In this review, we will discuss the evolution of non-transgenic rat models of AD and how these models may open new avenues for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Lecanu
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine avenue West, room L2-05, Montreal H3A 1A1, QC, Canada ; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine avenue West, room L2-05, Montreal H3A 1A1, QC, Canada
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine avenue West, room L2-05, Montreal H3A 1A1, QC, Canada ; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine avenue West, room L2-05, Montreal H3A 1A1, QC, Canada ; Departments of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, McIntyre Medical Sciences Bldg, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, room 1325, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3G 1Y6
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22
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Danysz W, Parsons CG. Alzheimer's disease, β-amyloid, glutamate, NMDA receptors and memantine--searching for the connections. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 167:324-52. [PMID: 22646481 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
β-amyloid (Aβ) is widely accepted to be one of the major pathomechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD), although there is presently lively debate regarding the relative roles of particular species/forms of this peptide. Most recent evidence indicates that soluble oligomers rather than plaques are the major cause of synaptic dysfunction and ultimately neurodegeneration. Soluble oligomeric Aβ has been shown to interact with several proteins, for example glutamatergic receptors of the NMDA type and proteins responsible for maintaining glutamate homeostasis such as uptake and release. As NMDA receptors are critically involved in neuronal plasticity including learning and memory, we felt that it would be valuable to provide an up to date review of the evidence connecting Aβ to these receptors and related neuronal plasticity. Strong support for the clinical relevance of such interactions is provided by the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine. This substance is the only NMDA receptor antagonist used clinically in the treatment of AD and therefore offers an excellent tool to facilitate translational extrapolations from in vitro studies through in vivo animal experiments to its ultimate clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Danysz
- Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Eckenheimer Landstraße, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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23
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Torrão AS, Café-Mendes CC, Real CC, Hernandes MS, Ferreira AF, Santos TO, Chaves-Kirsten GP, Mazucanti CH, Ferro ES, Scavone C, Britto LR. Different Approaches, One Target: Understanding Cellular Mechanisms of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2012; 34 Suppl 2:S194-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbp.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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24
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Bruce LA, Cyr NE, Qiao JW, DeFries CC, Tetel MJ, Wolfson AJ. Neuropeptidase activity is down-regulated by estradiol in steroid-sensitive regions of the hypothalamus in female mice. Neuropeptides 2012; 46:167-72. [PMID: 22672888 PMCID: PMC3404208 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thimet oligopeptidase (TOP) and prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) are neuropeptidases involved in the hydrolysis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, a key component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. GnRH is regulated in part by feedback from steroid hormones such as estradiol. Previously, we demonstrated that TOP levels are down-regulated by estradiol in reproductively-relevant regions of the female rodent brain. The present study supports these findings by showing that TOP enzyme activity, as well as protein levels, in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus of female mice is controlled by estradiol. We further demonstrate that PEP levels in this same brain region are down-regulated by estradiol in parallel with those of TOP. These findings provide evidence that these neuropeptidases are part of the fine control of hormone levels in the HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Bruce
- Chemistry Department, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA. USA
| | - Nicole E. Cyr
- Chemistry Department, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA. USA
| | - Jana W. Qiao
- Chemistry Department, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA. USA
| | | | - Marc J. Tetel
- Neuroscience Program, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA. USA
| | - Adele J. Wolfson
- Chemistry Department, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA. USA
- Corresponding author: Chemistry Department, Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 01746 USA; 781-283-3106 (tel); 781-283-3642 (fax);
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25
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Kim JH, Lee HW, Hwang J, Kim J, Lee MJ, Han HS, Lee WH, Suk K. Microglia-inhibiting activity of Parkinson's disease drug amantadine. Neurobiol Aging 2011; 33:2145-59. [PMID: 22035588 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Amantadine is currently used as an antiviral and an antiparkinsonian drug. Although the drug is known to bind a viral proton channel protein, the mechanism of action in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains to be determined. This study investigated whether the drug has an inhibitory effect on microglial activation and neuroinflammation, which have been implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative processes. Using cultured microglial cells, it was demonstrated that the drug inhibited inflammatory activation of microglia and a signaling pathway that governs the microglial activation. The drug reduced the expression and production of proinflammatory mediators in bacterial lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglia cells. The microglia-inhibiting activity of amantadine was also demonstrated in a microglia/neuron coculture and animal models of neuroinflammation and Parkinson's disease. Collectively, our results suggest that amantadine may act on microglia in the central nervous system to inhibit their inflammatory activation, thereby attenuating neuroinflammation. These results provide a molecular basis of the glia-targeted mechanism of action for amantadine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Heon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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26
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The basal forebrain cholinergic system in aging and dementia. Rescuing cholinergic neurons from neurotoxic amyloid-β42 with memantine. Behav Brain Res 2011; 221:594-603. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Flores ÉM, Cappelari SE, Pereira P, Picada JN. Effects of memantine, a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, on genomic stability. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2011; 109:413-7. [PMID: 21699656 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2011.00744.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Memantine is an aminoadamantane drug useful in neurodegenerative diseases, with beneficial effects on cognitive functions. Some studies have shown that memantine protects brain cells, thereby decreasing glutamate excitotoxicity. This study evaluated the genotoxic/antigenotoxic and mutagenic effects of memantine in CF-1 mice, following standardized protocols. Memantine was administered i.p. at 7.5, 15 or 30 mg/kg for three consecutive days. Blood and brain samples were collected to assess DNA damage using the alkaline comet assay. The mutagenic effect was assessed using the bone marrow micronucleus test. In addition, possible antioxidant effects were evaluated measuring the survival of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains [wild-type (WT) and isogenic mutants lacking superoxide dismutase] to cotreatment of memantine plus hydrogen peroxide. Memantine decreased DNA oxidative damage mainly in brain tissue. This antigenotoxic effect corroborated an increase observed in the survival of S. cerevisiae WT strain against hydrogen peroxide-induced damage. Furthermore, memantine did not increase the micronucleus frequency. The overall results indicate that memantine showed no mutagenic activity, did not cause DNA damage in the blood and brain tissues and showed antigenotoxic effects in brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Édina Madeira Flores
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Toxicologia Aplicada, ULBRA, Canoas, RS, Brazil
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28
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Subchronic memantine administration on spatial learning, exploratory activity, and nest-building in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neuropharmacology 2011; 60:930-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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