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Pereira-Santos AR, Candeias E, Magalhães JD, Empadinhas N, Esteves AR, Cardoso SM. Neuronal control of microglia through the mitochondria. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167167. [PMID: 38626829 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167167] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The microbial toxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), which is derived from cyanobacteria, targets neuronal mitochondria, leading to the activation of neuronal innate immunity and, consequently, neurodegeneration. Although known to modulate brain inflammation, the precise role of aberrant microglial function in the neurodegenerative process remains elusive. To determine if neurons signal microglial cells, we treated primary cortical neurons with BMAA and then co-cultured them with the N9 microglial cell line. Our observations indicate that microglial cell activation requires initial neuronal priming. Contrary to what was observed in cortical neurons, BMAA was not able to activate inflammatory pathways in N9 cells. We observed that microglial activation is dependent on mitochondrial dysfunction signaled by BMAA-treated neurons. In this scenario, the NLRP3 pro-inflammatory pathway is activated due to mitochondrial impairment in N9 cells. These results demonstrate that microglia activation in the presence of BMAA is dependent on neuronal signaling. This study provides evidence that neurons may trigger microglia activation and subsequent neuroinflammation. In addition, we demonstrate that microglial activation may have a protective role in ameliorating neuronal innate immune activation, at least in the initial phase. This work challenges the current understanding of neuroinflammation by assigning the primary role to neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Pereira-Santos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Emanuel Candeias
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J D Magalhães
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Raquel Esteves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra M Cardoso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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2
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Drobac Backović D, Tokodi N. Blue revolution turning green? A global concern of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in freshwater aquaculture: A literature review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 360:121115. [PMID: 38749125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
To enhance productivity, aquaculture is intensifying, with high-density fish ponds and increased feed input, contributing to nutrient load and eutrophication. Climate change further exacerbates cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxin production that affect aquatic organisms and consumers. A review was conducted to outline this issue from its inception - eutrophication, cyanobacterial blooms, their harmful metabolites and consequential effects (health and economic) in aquacultures. The strength of evidence regarding the relationship between cyanobacteria/cyanotoxins and potential consequences in freshwater aquacultures (fish production) globally were assessed as well, while identifying knowledge gaps and suggesting future research directions. With that aim several online databases were searched through June 2023 (from 2000), and accessible publications conducted in aquacultures with organisms for human consumption, reflecting cyanotoxin exposure, were selected. Data on cyanobacteria/cyanotoxins in aquacultures and its products worldwide were extracted and analyzed. Selected 63 papers from 22 countries were conducted in Asia (48%), Africa (22%), America (22%) and Europe (8%). Microcystis aeruginosa was most frequent, among over 150 cyanobacterial species. Cyanobacterial metabolites (mostly microcystins) were found in aquaculture water and fish from 18 countries (42 and 33 papers respectively). The most affected were small and shallow fish ponds, and omnivorous or carnivorous fish species. Cyanotoxins were detected in various fish organs, including muscles, with levels exceeding the tolerable daily intake in 60% of the studies. The majority of research was done in developing countries, employing less precise detection methods, making the obtained values estimates. To assess the risk of human exposure, the precise levels of all cyanotoxins, not just microcystins are needed, including monitoring their fate in aquatic food chains and during food processing. Epidemiological research on health consequences, setting guideline values, and continuous monitoring are necessary as well. Further efforts should focus on methods for elimination, prevention, and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damjana Drobac Backović
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Nada Tokodi
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia; Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Metabolomics, Gronostajowa 7, Krakow, 30387, Poland.
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3
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Drobac Backović D, Tokodi N. Cyanotoxins in food: Exposure assessment and health impact. Food Res Int 2024; 184:114271. [PMID: 38609248 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114271] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The intricate nature of cyanotoxin exposure through food reveals a complex web of risks and uncertainties in our dietary choices. With the aim of starting to unravel this intricate nexus, a comprehensive review of 111 papers from the past two decades investigating cyanotoxin contamination in food was undertaken. It revealed a widespread occurrence of cyanotoxins in diverse food sources across 31 countries. Notably, 68% of the studies reported microcystin concentrations exceeding established Tolerable Daily Intake levels. Cyanotoxins were detected in muscles of many fish species, and while herbivorous fish exhibited the highest recorded concentration, omnivorous species displayed a higher propensity for cyanotoxin accumulation, exemplified by Oreochromis niloticus. Beyond fish, crustaceans and bivalves emerged as potent cyanotoxin accumulators. Gaps persist regarding contamination of terrestrial and exotic animals and their products, necessitating further exploration. Plant contamination under natural conditions remains underreported, yet evidence underscores irrigation-driven cyanotoxin accumulation, particularly affecting leafy vegetables. Finally, cyanobacterial-based food supplements often harbored cyanotoxins (57 % of samples were positive) warranting heightened scrutiny, especially for Aphanizomenon flos-aquae-based products. Uncertainties surround precise concentrations due to methodological variations (chemical and biochemical) and extraction limitations, along with the enigmatic fate of toxins during storage, processing, and digestion. Nonetheless, potential health consequences of cyanotoxin exposure via contaminated food include gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, organ damage (e.g. liver, kidneys, muscles), and even elevated cancer risks. While microcystins received significant attention, knowledge gaps persist regarding other cyanotoxins' accumulation, exposure, and effects, as well as combined exposure via multiple pathways. Intriguing and complex, cyanotoxin exposure through food beckons further research for our safer and healthier diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damjana Drobac Backović
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia
| | - Nada Tokodi
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia; Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Metabolomics, Gronostajowa 7, Krakow 30387, Poland.
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4
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Sandhu PK, Solonenka JT, Murch SJ. Neurotoxic non-protein amino acids in commercially harvested Lobsters (Homarus americanus H. Milne-Edwards). Sci Rep 2024; 14:8017. [PMID: 38580836 PMCID: PMC10997655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58778-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria produce neurotoxic non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) that accumulate in ecosystems and food webs. American lobsters (Homarus americanus H. Milne-Edwards) are one of the most valuable seafood industries in Canada with exports valued at > $2 billion. Two previous studies have assessed the occurrence of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in a small number of lobster tissues but a complete study has not previously been undertaken. We measured NPAAs in eyeballs, brain, legs, claws, tails, and eggs of 4 lobsters per year for the 2021 and 2022 harvests. Our study included 4 male and 4 female lobsters. We detected BMAA and its isomers, N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and β-aminomethyl-L-alanine (BAMA) by a fully validated reverse phase chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. We quantified BMAA, DAB, AEG and BAMA in all of the lobster tissues. Our quantification data varied by individual lobster, sex and collection year. Significantly more BMAA was quantified in lobsters harvested in 2021 than 2022. Interestingly, more BAMA was quantified in lobsters harvested in 2022 than 2021. Monitoring of lobster harvests for cyanobacterial neurotoxins when harmful algal bloom events occur could mitigate risks to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawanjit K Sandhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Julia T Solonenka
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Susan J Murch
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada.
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Sini P, Galleri G, Ciampelli C, Galioto M, Padedda BM, Lugliè A, Iaccarino C, Crosio C. Evaluation of cyanotoxin L-BMAA effect on α-synuclein and TDP43 proteinopathy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360068. [PMID: 38596666 PMCID: PMC11002123 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors is considered the cause of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Among the environmental factors, toxins produced by cyanobacteria have received much attention due to the significant increase in cyanobacteria growth worldwide. In particular, L-BMAA toxin, produced by diverse taxa of cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and diatoms, has been extensively correlated to neurodegeneration. The molecular mechanism of L-BMAA neurotoxicity is still cryptic and far from being understood. In this research article, we have investigated the molecular pathways altered by L-BMAA exposure in cell systems, highlighting a significant increase in specific stress pathways and an impairment in autophagic processes. Interestingly, these changes lead to the accumulation of both α-synuclein and TDP43, which are correlated with PD and ALS proteinopathy, respectively. Finally, we were able to demonstrate specific alterations of TDP43 WT or pathological mutants with respect to protein accumulation, aggregation and cytoplasmic translocation, some of the typical features of both sporadic and familial ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Grazia Galleri
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cristina Ciampelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Manuela Galioto
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Bachisio Mario Padedda
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Lugliè
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ciro Iaccarino
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Crosio
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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6
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Lee A, Henderson R, Aylward J, McCombe P. Gut Symptoms, Gut Dysbiosis and Gut-Derived Toxins in ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1871. [PMID: 38339149 PMCID: PMC10856138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Many pathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, there have been emerging suggestions of a possible role for the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota have a range of functions and could influence ALS by several mechanisms. Here, we review the possible role of gut-derived neurotoxins/excitotoxins. We review the evidence of gut symptoms and gut dysbiosis in ALS. We then examine a possible role for gut-derived toxins by reviewing the evidence that these molecules are toxic to the central nervous system, evidence of their association with ALS, the existence of biochemical pathways by which these molecules could be produced by the gut microbiota and existence of mechanisms of transport from the gut to the blood and brain. We then present evidence that there are increased levels of these toxins in the blood of some ALS patients. We review the effects of therapies that attempt to alter the gut microbiota or ameliorate the biochemical effects of gut toxins. It is possible that gut dysbiosis contributes to elevated levels of toxins and that these could potentially contribute to ALS pathogenesis, but more work is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aven Lee
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (R.H.); (P.M.)
| | - Robert Henderson
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (R.H.); (P.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Wesley Research Institute, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia;
| | - James Aylward
- Wesley Research Institute, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia;
| | - Pamela McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (R.H.); (P.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Wesley Research Institute, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia;
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7
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Garamszegi SP, Brzostowicki DJ, Coyne TM, Vontell RT, Davis DA. TDP-43 and Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in the Brain of a Harbor Porpoise Exposed to the Cyanobacterial Toxin BMAA. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:42. [PMID: 38251257 PMCID: PMC10821503 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans are well-regarded as sentinels for toxin exposure. Emerging studies suggest that cetaceans can also develop neuropathological changes associated with neurodegenerative disease. The occurrence of neuropathology makes cetaceans an ideal species for examining the impact of marine toxins on the brain across the lifespan. Here, we describe TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) proteinopathy and Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathological changes in a beached harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that was exposed to a toxin produced by cyanobacteria called β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). We found pathogenic TDP-43 cytoplasmic inclusions in neurons throughout the cerebral cortex, midbrain and brainstem. P62/sequestosome-1, responsible for the autophagy of misfolded proteins, was observed in the amygdala, hippocampus and frontal cortex. Genes implicated in AD and TDP-43 neuropathology such as APP and TARDBP were expressed in the brain. AD neuropathological changes such as amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, granulovacuolar degeneration and Hirano bodies were present in the hippocampus. These findings further support the development of progressive neurodegenerative disease in cetaceans and a potential causative link to cyanobacterial toxins. Climate change, nutrient pollution and industrial waste are increasing the frequency of harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Cyanotoxins like BMAA that are associated with neurodegenerative disease pose an increasing public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna P. Garamszegi
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daniel J. Brzostowicki
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas M. Coyne
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Regina T. Vontell
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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8
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Nugumanova G, Ponomarev ED, Askarova S, Fasler-Kan E, Barteneva NS. Freshwater Cyanobacterial Toxins, Cyanopeptides and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030233. [PMID: 36977124 PMCID: PMC10057253 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria produce a wide range of structurally diverse cyanotoxins and bioactive cyanopeptides in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. The health significance of these metabolites, which include genotoxic- and neurotoxic agents, is confirmed by continued associations between the occurrence of animal and human acute toxic events and, in the long term, by associations between cyanobacteria and neurodegenerative diseases. Major mechanisms related to the neurotoxicity of cyanobacteria compounds include (1) blocking of key proteins and channels; (2) inhibition of essential enzymes in mammalian cells such as protein phosphatases and phosphoprotein phosphatases as well as new molecular targets such as toll-like receptors 4 and 8. One of the widely discussed implicated mechanisms includes a misincorporation of cyanobacterial non-proteogenic amino acids. Recent research provides evidence that non-proteinogenic amino acid BMAA produced by cyanobacteria have multiple effects on translation process and bypasses the proof-reading ability of the aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase. Aberrant proteins generated by non-canonical translation may be a factor in neuronal death and neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that the production of cyanopeptides and non-canonical amino acids is a more general mechanism, leading to mistranslation, affecting protein homeostasis, and targeting mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. It can be evolutionarily ancient and initially developed to control phytoplankton communities during algal blooms. Outcompeting gut symbiotic microorganisms may lead to dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, a shift in blood-brain-barrier functionality, and eventually, mitochondrial dysfunction in high-energy demanding neurons. A better understanding of the interaction between cyanopeptides metabolism and the nervous system will be crucial to target or to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Nugumanova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Eugene D Ponomarev
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Sholpan Askarova
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Elizaveta Fasler-Kan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natasha S Barteneva
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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9
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β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA) Modulates the Sympathetic Regulation and Homeostasis of Polyamines. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15020141. [PMID: 36828455 PMCID: PMC9960692 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid produced by cyanobacteria. Non-neuronal toxicity of BMAA is poorly studied with a reported increase in reactive oxygen species and a decrease in the antioxidant capacity of liver, kidney, and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. The aim of this research is to study the toxicity of BMAA (0.1-1 mM) on mitochondria and submitochondrial particles with ATPase activity, on the semicarbazide-sensitive amino oxidases (SSAOs) activity of rat liver, and on an in vitro model containing functionally active excitable tissues-regularly contracting heart muscle preparation with a preserved autonomic innervation. For the first time the BMAA-dependent inhibition of SSAO activity, the elimination of the positive inotropic effect of adrenergic innervation, and the direct and reversible inhibition of adrenaline signaling in ventricular myocytes with 1 mM BMAA were observed. Additionally, it is confirmed that 1 mM BMAA can activate mitochondrial ATPase indirectly. It is concluded that a higher dose of BMAA may influence multiple physiological and pathological processes as it slows down the degradation of biogenic amines, downregulates the sympathetic neuromediation, and embarrasses the cell signaling of adrenergic receptors.
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Méresse S, Larrigaldie V, Oummadi A, de Concini V, Morisset-Lopez S, Reverchon F, Menuet A, Montécot-Dubourg C, Mortaud S. β-N-Methyl-Amino-L-Alanine cyanotoxin promotes modification of undifferentiated cells population and disrupts the inflammatory status in primary cultures of neural stem cells. Toxicology 2022; 482:153358. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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11
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Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acid β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA): Bioactivity and Ecological Significance. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080539. [PMID: 36006201 PMCID: PMC9414260 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research interest in a non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) arose due to the discovery of a connection between exposure to BMAA and the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous reviews on this topic either considered BMAA as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases or focused on the problems of detecting BMAA in various environmental samples. Our review is devoted to a wide range of fundamental biological problems related to BMAA, including the molecular mechanisms of biological activity of BMAA and the complex relationships between producers of BMAA and the environment in various natural ecosystems. At the beginning, we briefly recall the most important facts about the producers of BMAA (cyanobacteria, microalgae, and bacteria), the pathways of BMAA biosynthesis, and reliable methods of identification of BMAA. The main distinctive feature of our review is a detailed examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of BMAA to living cells. A brand new aspect, not previously discussed in any reviews, is the effect of BMAA on cyanobacterial cells. These recent studies, conducted using transcriptomics and proteomics, revealed potent regulatory effects of BMAA on the basic metabolism and cell development of these ancient photoautotrophic prokaryotes. Exogenous BMAA strongly influences cell differentiation and primary metabolic processes in cyanobacteria, such as nitrogen fixation, photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and various biosynthetic processes involving 2-oxoglutarate and glutamate. Cyanobacteria were found to be more sensitive to exogenous BMAA under nitrogen-limited growth conditions. We suggest a hypothesis that this toxic diaminoacid can be used by phytoplankton organisms as a possible allelopathic tool for controlling the population of cyanobacterial cells during a period of intense competition for nitrogen and other resources in various ecosystems.
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12
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Abbes S, Vo Duy S, Munoz G, Dinh QT, Simon DF, Husk B, Baulch HM, Vinçon-Leite B, Fortin N, Greer CW, Larsen ML, Venkiteswaran JJ, Martínez Jerónimo FF, Giani A, Lowe CD, Tromas N, Sauvé S. Occurrence of BMAA Isomers in Bloom-Impacted Lakes and Reservoirs of Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040251. [PMID: 35448860 PMCID: PMC9026818 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxic alkaloid β-N-methyl-amino-l-alanine (BMAA) and related isomers, including N-(2-aminoethyl glycine) (AEG), β-amino-N-methyl alanine (BAMA), and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), have been reported previously in cyanobacterial samples. However, there are conflicting reports regarding their occurrence in surface waters. In this study, we evaluated the impact of amending lake water samples with trichloroacetic acid (0.1 M TCA) on the detection of BMAA isomers, compared with pre-existing protocols. A sensitive instrumental method was enlisted for the survey, with limits of detection in the range of 5−10 ng L−1. Higher detection rates and significantly greater levels (paired Wilcoxon’s signed-rank tests, p < 0.001) of BMAA isomers were observed in TCA-amended samples (method B) compared to samples without TCA (method A). The overall range of B/A ratios was 0.67−8.25 for AEG (up to +725%) and 0.69−15.5 for DAB (up to +1450%), with absolute concentration increases in TCA-amended samples of up to +15,000 ng L−1 for AEG and +650 ng L−1 for DAB. We also documented the trends in the occurrence of BMAA isomers for a large breadth of field-collected lakes from Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Data gathered during this overarching campaign (overall, n = 390 within 45 lake sampling sites) indicated frequent detections of AEG and DAB isomers, with detection rates of 30% and 43% and maximum levels of 19,000 ng L−1 and 1100 ng L−1, respectively. In contrast, BAMA was found in less than 8% of the water samples, and BMAA was not found in any sample. These results support the analyses of free-living cyanobacteria, wherein BMAA was often reported at concentrations of 2−4 orders of magnitude lower than AEG and DAB. Seasonal measurements conducted at two bloom-impacted lakes indicated limited correlations of BMAA isomers with total microcystins or chlorophyll-a, which deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Abbes
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada; (S.A.); (S.V.D.); (G.M.); (Q.T.D.); (D.F.S.)
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada; (S.A.); (S.V.D.); (G.M.); (Q.T.D.); (D.F.S.)
| | - Gabriel Munoz
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada; (S.A.); (S.V.D.); (G.M.); (Q.T.D.); (D.F.S.)
| | - Quoc Tuc Dinh
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada; (S.A.); (S.V.D.); (G.M.); (Q.T.D.); (D.F.S.)
| | - Dana F. Simon
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada; (S.A.); (S.V.D.); (G.M.); (Q.T.D.); (D.F.S.)
| | - Barry Husk
- BlueLeaf Inc., Drummondville, QC J2B 5E9, Canada;
| | - Helen M. Baulch
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada;
| | | | - Nathalie Fortin
- National Research Council Canada, Energy, Mining, and Environment, Montréal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada; (N.F.); (C.W.G.)
| | - Charles W. Greer
- National Research Council Canada, Energy, Mining, and Environment, Montréal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada; (N.F.); (C.W.G.)
| | - Megan L. Larsen
- Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada; (M.L.L.); (J.J.V.)
| | - Jason J. Venkiteswaran
- Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada; (M.L.L.); (J.J.V.)
| | | | - Alessandra Giani
- Department of Botany, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | - Chris D. Lowe
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Exeter TR10 9FE, UK;
| | - Nicolas Tromas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada;
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3, Canada; (S.A.); (S.V.D.); (G.M.); (Q.T.D.); (D.F.S.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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Dhasmana S, Dhasmana A, Narula AS, Jaggi M, Yallapu MM, Chauhan SC. The panoramic view of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A fatal intricate neurological disorder. Life Sci 2022; 288:120156. [PMID: 34801512 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurological disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. In the United States alone, there are 16,000-20,000 established cases of ALS. The early disease diagnosis is challenging due to many overlapping pathophysiologies with other neurological diseases. The etiology of ALS is unknown; however, it is divided into two categories: familial ALS (fALS) which occurs due to gene mutations & contributes to 5-10% of ALS, and sporadic ALS (sALS) which is due to environmental factors & contributes to 90-95% of ALS. There is still no curative treatment for ALS: palliative care and symptomatic treatment are therefore essential components in the management of these patients. In this review, we provide a panoramic view of ALS, which includes epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiologies, biomarkers, diagnosis, therapeutics (natural, synthetic, gene-based, pharmacological, stem cell, extracellular vesicles, and physical therapy), controversies (in the clinical trials of ALS), the scope of nanomedicine in ALS, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Anupam Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Acharan S Narula
- Narula Research LLC, 107 Boulder Bluff, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Meena Jaggi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Murali M Yallapu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Subhash C Chauhan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA.
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14
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Davis DA, Garamszegi SP, Banack SA, Dooley PD, Coyne TM, McLean DW, Rotstein DS, Mash DC, Cox PA. BMAA, Methylmercury, and Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Dolphins: A Natural Model of Toxin Exposure. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13100697. [PMID: 34678990 PMCID: PMC8540894 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dolphins are well-regarded sentinels for toxin exposure and can bioaccumulate a cyanotoxin called β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) that has been linked to human neurodegenerative disease. The same dolphins also possessed hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggesting a possible association between toxin exposure and neuropathology. However, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in dolphins and the impact cyanotoxins have on these processes are unknown. Here, we evaluate BMAA exposure by investigating transcription signatures using PCR for dolphin genes homologous to those implicated in AD and related dementias: APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT, GRN, TARDBP, and C9orf72. Immunohistochemistry and Sevier Münger silver staining were used to validate neuropathology. Methylmercury (MeHg), a synergistic neurotoxicant with BMAA, was also measured using PT-GC-AFS. We report that dolphins have up to a three-fold increase in gene transcription related to Aβ+ plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plaques, and TDP-43+ intracytoplasmic inclusions. The upregulation of gene transcription in our dolphin cohort paralleled increasing BMAA concentration. In addition, dolphins with BMAA exposures equivalent to those reported in AD patients displayed up to a 14-fold increase in AD-type neuropathology. MeHg was detected (0.16–0.41 μg/g) and toxicity associated with exposure was also observed in the brain. These results demonstrate that dolphins develop neuropathology associated with AD and exposure to BMAA and MeHg may augment these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Susanna P. Garamszegi
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | - Sandra Anne Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Patrick D. Dooley
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | - Thomas M. Coyne
- Office of the District 21 Medical Examiner, Fort Myers, FL 33907, USA;
| | - Dylan W. McLean
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | | | - Deborah C. Mash
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL 33328, USA
| | - Paul Alan Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
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15
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Munoz-Pinto MF, Empadinhas N, Cardoso SM. The neuromicrobiology of Parkinson's disease: A unifying theory. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 70:101396. [PMID: 34171417 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence confirms that PD is indeed a multifactorial disease with different aetiologies and prodromal symptomatology that likely depend on the initial trigger. New players with important roles as triggers, facilitators and aggravators of the PD neurodegenerative process have re-emerged in the last few years, the microbes. Having evolved in association with humans for ages, microbes and their products are now seen as fundamental regulators of human physiology with disturbances in their balance being increasingly accepted to have a relevant impact on the progression of disease in general and on PD in particular. In this review, we comprehensively address early studies that have directly or indirectly linked bacteria or other infectious agents to the onset and progression of PD, from the earliest suspects to the most recent culprits, the gut microbiota. The quest for effective treatments to arrest PD progression must inevitably address the different interactions between microbiota and human cells, and naturally consider the gut-brain axis. The comprehensive characterization of such mechanisms will help design innovative bacteriotherapeutic approaches to selectively shape the gut microbiota profile ultimately to halt PD progression. The present review describes our current understanding of the role of microorganisms and their endosymbiotic relatives, the mitochondria, in inducing, facilitating, or aggravating PD pathogenesis.
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16
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Cyanobacteria, Cyanotoxins, and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Dangerous Liaisons. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168726. [PMID: 34445429 PMCID: PMC8395864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative disease (ND) is increasing, partly owing to extensions in lifespan, with a larger percentage of members living to an older age, but the ND aetiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood, and effective treatments are still lacking. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are generally thought to progress as a consequence of genetic susceptibility and environmental influences. Up to now, several environmental triggers have been associated with NDs, and recent studies suggest that some cyanotoxins, produced by cyanobacteria and acting through a variety of molecular mechanisms, are highly neurotoxic, although their roles in neuropathy and particularly in NDs are still controversial. In this review, we summarize the most relevant and recent evidence that points at cyanotoxins as environmental triggers in NDs development.
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17
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Ra D, Sa B, Sl B, Js M, Sj M, DA D, Ew S, O K, Eb B, Ad C, Vx T, Gg G, Pa C, Dc M, Wg B. Is Exposure to BMAA a Risk Factor for Neurodegenerative Diseases? A Response to a Critical Review of the BMAA Hypothesis. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:81-106. [PMID: 33547590 PMCID: PMC7904546 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00302-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In a literature survey, Chernoff et al. (2017) dismissed the hypothesis that chronic exposure to β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) may be a risk factor for progressive neurodegenerative disease. They question the growing scientific literature that suggests the following: (1) BMAA exposure causes ALS/PDC among the indigenous Chamorro people of Guam; (2) Guamanian ALS/PDC shares clinical and neuropathological features with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS; (3) one possible mechanism for protein misfolds is misincorporation of BMAA into proteins as a substitute for L-serine; and (4) chronic exposure to BMAA through diet or environmental exposures to cyanobacterial blooms can cause neurodegenerative disease. We here identify multiple errors in their critique including the following: (1) their review selectively cites the published literature; (2) the authors reported favorably on HILIC methods of BMAA detection while the literature shows significant matrix effects and peak coelution in HILIC that may prevent detection and quantification of BMAA in cyanobacteria; (3) the authors build alternative arguments to the BMAA hypothesis, rather than explain the published literature which, to date, has been unable to refute the BMAA hypothesis; and (4) the authors erroneously attribute methods to incorrect studies, indicative of a failure to carefully consider all relevant publications. The lack of attention to BMAA research begins with the review’s title which incorrectly refers to BMAA as a “non-essential” amino acid. Research regarding chronic exposure to BMAA as a cause of human neurodegenerative diseases is emerging and requires additional resources, validation, and research. Here, we propose strategies for improvement in the execution and reporting of analytical methods and the need for additional and well-executed inter-lab comparisons for BMAA quantitation. We emphasize the need for optimization and validation of analytical methods to ensure that they are fit-for-purpose. Although there remain gaps in the literature, an increasingly large body of data from multiple independent labs using orthogonal methods provides increasing evidence that chronic exposure to BMAA may be a risk factor for neurological illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunlop Ra
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA.
| | - Banack Sa
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Bishop Sl
- Lewis Research Group, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Metcalf Js
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Murch Sj
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Davis DA
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stommel Ew
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Karlsson O
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brittebo Eb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Tan Vx
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Ryde, Australia
| | - Guillemin Gg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Ryde, Australia
| | - Cox Pa
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Mash Dc
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Bradley Wg
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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18
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Silva DF, Candeias E, Esteves AR, Magalhães JD, Ferreira IL, Nunes-Costa D, Rego AC, Empadinhas N, Cardoso SM. Microbial BMAA elicits mitochondrial dysfunction, innate immunity activation, and Alzheimer's disease features in cortical neurons. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:332. [PMID: 33153477 PMCID: PMC7643281 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After decades of research recognizing it as a complex multifactorial disorder, sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) still has no known etiology. Adding to the myriad of different pathways involved, bacterial neurotoxins are assuming greater importance in the etiology and/or progression of sAD. β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a neurotoxin produced by some microorganisms namely cyanobacteria, was previously detected in the brains of AD patients. Indeed, the consumption of BMAA-enriched foods has been proposed to induce amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS-PDC), which implicated this microbial metabolite in neurodegeneration mechanisms. METHODS Freshly isolated mitochondria from C57BL/6 mice were treated with BMAA and O2 consumption rates were determined. O2 consumption and glycolysis rates were also measured in mouse primary cortical neuronal cultures. Further, mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production were evaluated by fluorimetry and the integrity of mitochondrial network was examined by immunofluorescence. Finally, the ability of BMAA to activate neuronal innate immunity was quantified by addressing TLRs (Toll-like receptors) expression, p65 NF-κB translocation into the nucleus, increased expression of NLRP3 (Nod-like receptor 3), and pro-IL-1β. Caspase-1 activity was evaluated using a colorimetric substrate and mature IL-1β levels were also determined by ELISA. RESULTS Treatment with BMAA reduced O2 consumption rates in both isolated mitochondria and in primary cortical cultures, with additional reduced glycolytic rates, decrease mitochondrial potential and increased ROS production. The mitochondrial network was found to be fragmented, which resulted in cardiolipin exposure that stimulated inflammasome NLRP3, reinforced by decreased mitochondrial turnover, as indicated by increased p62 levels. BMAA treatment also activated neuronal extracellular TLR4 and intracellular TLR3, inducing p65 NF-κB translocation into the nucleus and activating the transcription of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β. Increased caspase-1 activity resulted in elevated levels of mature IL-1β. These alterations in mitochondrial metabolism and inflammation increased Tau phosphorylation and Aβ peptides production, two hallmarks of AD. CONCLUSIONS Here we propose a unifying mechanism for AD neurodegeneration in which a microbial toxin can induce mitochondrial dysfunction and activate neuronal innate immunity, which ultimately results in Tau and Aβ pathology. Our data show that neurons, alone, can mount inflammatory responses, a role previously attributed exclusively to glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana F Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Emanuel Candeias
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Raquel Esteves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João D Magalhães
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - I Luísa Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Nunes-Costa
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Cristina Rego
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra M Cardoso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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19
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Violi JP, Bishop DP, Padula MP, Steele JR, Rodgers KJ. Considerations for amino acid analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: A tutorial review. Trends Analyt Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2020.116018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Behavior and gene expression in the brain of adult self-fertilizing mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus) after early life exposure to the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). Neurotoxicology 2020; 79:110-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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21
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Fiore M, Parisio R, Filippini T, Mantione V, Platania A, Odone A, Signorelli C, Pietrini V, Mandrioli J, Teggi S, Costanzini S, Antonio C, Zuccarello P, Oliveri Conti G, Nicoletti A, Zappia M, Vinceti M, Ferrante M. Living near waterbodies as a proxy of cyanobacteria exposure and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population based case-control study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109530. [PMID: 32335431 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies highlighted the possibility that exposure to cyanotoxins leads to the development of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS We devised a population-based case-control study in two Italian populations. We used residential proximity of the residence to water bodies as a measure of possible exposure to cyanotoxins. RESULTS Based on 703 newly-diagnosed ALS cases and 2737 controls, we calculated an ALS odds ratio (OR) of 1.41 (95% CI: 0.72-2.74) for current residence in the vicinity of water bodies, and a slightly lower estimate for historical residence (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 0.57-2.99). Subjects <65 years and people living in the Northern Italy province of Modena had higher ORs, especially when historical residence was considered. CONCLUSIONS Overall, despite some risk of bias due to exposure misclassification and unmeasured confounding, our results appear to support the hypothesis that cyanotoxin exposure may increase ALS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fiore
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123.
| | - Roberto Parisio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valerio Mantione
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Armando Platania
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy; School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 58 Via Olgettina Milano, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Vladimiro Pietrini
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology Unit, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 1355 Via Pietro Giardini, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Sergio Teggi
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 10 Via Vivarelli, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Sofia Costanzini
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 10 Via Vivarelli, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristaldi Antonio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123.
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Section of Neurosciences, Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Zappia
- Section of Neurosciences, Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
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Nunes-Costa D, Magalhães JD, G-Fernandes M, Cardoso SM, Empadinhas N. Microbial BMAA and the Pathway for Parkinson's Disease Neurodegeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:26. [PMID: 32317956 PMCID: PMC7019015 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a natural non-proteinogenic diamino acid produced by several species of both prokaryotic (cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic (diatoms and dinoflagellates) microorganisms. BMAA has been shown to biomagnify through the food chain in some ecosystems, accumulating for example in seafood such as shellfish and fish, common dietary sources of BMAA whose ingestion may have possible neuronal consequences. In addition to its excitotoxic potential, BMAA has been implicated in protein misfolding and aggregation, inhibition of specific enzymes and neuroinflammation, all hallmark features of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity remain to be elucidated in detail. Although BMAA is commonly detected in its free form, complex BMAA-containing molecules have also been identified such as the paenilamicins, produced by an insect gut bacterial pathogen. On the other hand, production of BMAA or BMAA-containing molecules by members of the human gut microbiota, for example by non-photosynthetic cyanobacteria, the Melainabacteria, remains only hypothetical. In any case, should BMAA reach the gut it may interact with cells of the mucosal immune system and neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and possibly target the mitochondria. Here, we review the available evidence and hint on possible mechanisms by which chronic exposure to dietary sources of this microbial neurotoxin may drive protein misfolding and mitochondrial dysfunction with concomitant activation of innate immune responses, chronic low-grade gut inflammation, and ultimately the neurodegenerative features observed across the gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease (PD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Nunes-Costa
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental
Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of
Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| | - João Duarte Magalhães
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental
Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of
Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| | - Maria G-Fernandes
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| | - Sandra Morais Cardoso
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra,
Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
(IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
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23
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Bishop SL, Murch SJ. A systematic review of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). Analyst 2019; 145:13-28. [PMID: 31742261 DOI: 10.1039/c9an01252d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are influenced by environmental factors such as exposure to toxins including the cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) that can bioaccumulate in common food sources such as fish, mussels and crabs. Accurate and precise analytical methods are needed to detect and quantify BMAA to minimize human health risks. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the methods used for BMAA analysis from 2003 to 2019 and to evaluate the reported performance characteristics for each method to determine the consensus data for each analytical approach and different sample matrices. Detailed searches of the database Web of Science™ (WoS) were performed between August 21st, 2018 and April 5th, 2019. Eligible studies included analytical methods for the detection and quantification of BMAA in cyanobacteria and bioaccumulated BMAA in higher trophic levels, in phytoplankton and zooplankton and in human tissues and fluids. This systematic review has limitations in that only the English language literature is included and it did not include standard operating protocols nor any method validation data that have not been made public. We identified 148 eligible studies, of which a positive result for BMAA in one or more samples analyzed was reported in 84% (125 out of 148) of total studies, 57% of HILIC studies, 92% of RPLC studies and 71% of other studies. The largest discrepancy between different methods arose from the analysis of cyanobacteria samples, where BMAA was detected in 95% of RPLC studies but only in 25% of HILIC studies. Without sufficient published validation of each method's performance characteristics, it is difficult to establish each method as fit for purpose for each sample matrix. The importance of establishing methods as appropriate for their intended use is evidenced by the inconsistent reporting of BMAA across environmental samples, despite its prevalence in diverse ecosystems and food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Bishop
- Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, CanadaV1V 1V7.
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24
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Metabolism of the neurotoxic amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in human cell culture models. Toxicon 2019; 168:131-139. [PMID: 31330193 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human dietary exposure to the environmental neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been implicated in an increased risk of developing sporadic neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Evidence suggests that humans are exposed to BMAA globally, but very little is known about BMAA metabolism in mammalian systems, let alone in humans. The most plausible, evidence-based mechanisms of BMAA toxicity rely on the metabolic stability of the amino acid and that, following ingestion, it enters the circulatory system unmodified. BMAA crosses from the intestinal lumen into the circulatory system, and the small intestine and liver are the first sites for dietary amino acid metabolism. Both tissues have substantial amino acid metabolic needs, which are largely fulfilled by dietary amino acids. Metabolism of BMAA in these tissues has been largely overlooked, yet is important in gauging the true human exposure risk. Here we investigate the potential for BMAA metabolism by the human liver and small intestine, using in vitro cell systems. Data show that BMAA metabolism via common proteinogenic amino acid metabolic pathways is negligible, and that in the presence of other amino acids cellular uptake of BMAA is substantially reduced. These data suggest that the majority of ingested BMAA remains unmodified following passage through the small intestine and liver. This not only supports oral BMAA exposure as a plausible exposure route to toxic doses of BMAA, but also supports previous notions that protein deficient diets or malnutrition may increase an individual's susceptibility to BMAA absorption and subsequent toxicity.
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25
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Pathomechanisms of Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in ALS. NEUROSCIENCE JOURNAL 2019; 2019:2537698. [PMID: 31380411 PMCID: PMC6652091 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2537698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) are responsible for controlling the microenvironment within neural tissues in humans. These barriers are fundamental to all neurological processes as they provide the extreme nutritional demands of neural tissue, remove wastes, and maintain immune privileged status. Being a semipermeable membrane, both the BBB and BSCB allow the diffusion of certain molecules, whilst restricting others. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, these barriers become hyperpermeable, allowing a wider variety of molecules to pass through leading to more severe and more rapidly progressing disease. The intention of this review is to discuss evidence that BBB hyperpermeability is potentially a disease driving feature in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. The various biochemical, physiological, and genomic factors that can influence BBB permeability in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases are also discussed, in addition to novel therapeutic strategies centred upon the BBB.
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26
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Kusama-Eguchi K. [Research in Motor Neuron Diseases Caused by Natural Substances: Focus on Pathological Mechanisms of Neurolathyrism]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2019; 139:609-615. [PMID: 30930396 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.18-00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Diseases of the motor-conducting system that cause moving disability affect socio-economic activity as well as human dignity. Neurolathyrism, konzo, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS-PDC) have attracted researchers to study the pathology of motor neuron (MN) diseases such as ALS. I have been studying neurolathyrism, which is caused by overconsumption of a legume grass pea (Lathyrys sativus L.). Among people who consume the legume as a food staple, many developed life-long paraparesis in their legs. β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β- diaminopropionic (l-β-ODAP; BOAA), contained in this plant, is a neurotoxic analog of l-glutamic acid. We have clarified that in addition to the causal involvement of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) type glutamatergic receptor in MN death, a toxic role of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors as well as transient receptor potential channels were involved in the MN insult by l-β-ODAP using primary MN culture. We have also established a neurolathyrism rat model by repeated, peripheral l-β-ODAP treatment to newborn rats under mild stress. Rats showing hind-leg paraparesis with an incidence rate of around 25% were useful to study the in vivo pathology of MN disease. MNs of these rats were greatly decreased at their lumbo/sacral segments at various ages. Intra-parenchymal hemorrhage was consistently observed in paraparetic rats but not in cripple-free, treated rats. MN were depleted even at an acute period around bleeding spots, suggesting catastrophic neuro-vascular-glial interaction in this MN disease. Summaries of konzo and ALS-PDCs studies are also introduced.
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27
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Linford BD, Le Donne A, Scuderi D, Bodo E, Fridgen TD. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding in protonated β-methylaminoalanine: A vibrational spectroscopic and computational study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2019; 25:133-141. [PMID: 30563367 DOI: 10.1177/1469066718791998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The gas-phase structure of protonated β-methylaminoalanine was investigated using infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy in the C-H, N-H, O-H stretching region (2700-3800 cm-1) and the fingerprint region (1000-1900 cm-1). Calculations using density functional theory methods show that the lowest energy structures prefer protonation of the secondary amine. Formation of hydrogen bonds between the primary and secondary amine, and the secondary amine and carboxylic oxygen further stabilize the lowest energy structure. The infrared spectrum of the lowest energy structure originating with harmonic density functional theory has features that generally match the positions of the experimental spectra; however, the overall agreement with the experimental spectrum is poor. Molecular dynamics calculations were used to generate a gas-phase infrared spectrum. With these calculations a reasonable match with the experimental spectrum, especially in the high-energy region, was obtained. The results of the molecular dynamics simulation support the density functional theory calculations, with protonation of the secondary amine and the formation of a hydrogen bond between the protonated secondary amine and the primary amine. This work shows the importance of accounting for anharmonic effects in systems with very strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D Linford
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Memorial University, St John's, Canada
| | - Andrea Le Donne
- 2 Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Debora Scuderi
- 3 Laboratoire de Chimie Physique d'Orsay, Faculté des Sciences, Université Paris Sud, Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Enrico Bodo
- 2 Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Travis D Fridgen
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Memorial University, St John's, Canada
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28
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Popova AA, Semashko TA, Kostina NV, Rasmussen U, Govorun VM, Koksharova OA. The Cyanotoxin BMAA Induces Heterocyst Specific Gene Expression in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 under Repressive Conditions. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110478. [PMID: 30453523 PMCID: PMC6266585 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria synthesize neurotoxic β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). The roles of this non-protein amino acid in cyanobacterial cells are insufficiently studied. During diazotrophic growth, filamentous cyanobacteria form single differentiated cells, called heterocysts, which are separated by approximately 12–15 vegetative cells. When combined nitrogen is available, heterocyst formation is blocked and cyanobacterial filaments contain only vegetative cells. In the present study, we discovered that exogenous BMAA induces the process of heterocyst formation in filamentous cyanobacteria under nitrogen-replete conditions that normally repress cell differentiation. BMAA treated cyanobacteria form heterocyst-like dark non-fluorescent non-functional cells. It was found that glutamate eliminates the BMAA mediated derepression. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) permitted to detect the BMAA impact on the transcriptional activity of several genes that are implicated in nitrogen assimilation and heterocyst formation in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. We demonstrated that the expression of several essential genes increases in the BMAA presence under repressive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A Popova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kurchatov Square, 2, 123182 Moscow, Russia.
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt 60 let Oktyabrya, 7/2, 117312 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Tatiana A Semashko
- Scientific-Research Institute of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Natalia V Kostina
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1-12, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Ulla Rasmussen
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Vadim M Govorun
- Scientific-Research Institute of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Olga A Koksharova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kurchatov Square, 2, 123182 Moscow, Russia.
- Belozersky Institute of Physical-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, 40, 119992 Moscow, Russia.
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29
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Beach DG, Kerrin ES, Giddings SD, Quilliam MA, McCarron P. Differential Mobility-Mass Spectrometry Double Spike Isotope Dilution Study of Release of β-Methylaminoalanine and Proteinogenic Amino Acids during Biological Sample Hydrolysis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:117. [PMID: 29311581 PMCID: PMC5758758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18392-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-protein amino acid β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been linked to neurodegenerative disease and reported throughout the environment. Proposed mechanisms of bioaccumulation, trophic transfer and chronic toxicity of BMAA rely on the hypothesis of protein misincorporation. Poorly selective methods for BMAA analysis have led to controversy. Here, a recently reported highly selective method for BMAA quantitation using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-DMS-MS/MS) is expanded to include proteinogenic amino acids from hydrolyzed biological samples. For BMAA quantitation, we present a double spiking isotope dilution approach using D3-BMAA and 13C15N2-BMAA. These methods were applied to study release of BMAA during acid hydrolysis under a variety of conditions, revealing that the majority of BMAA can be extracted along with only a small proportion of protein. A time course hydrolysis of BMAA from mussel tissue was carried out to assess the recovery of BMAA during sample preparation. The majority of BMAA measured by typical methods was released before a significant proportion of protein was hydrolyzed. Little change was observed in protein hydrolysis beyond typical hydrolysis times but the concentration of BMAA increased linearly. These findings demonstrate protein misincorporation is not the predominant form of BMAA in cycad and shellfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Beach
- Measurement Science and Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada.
| | - Elliott S Kerrin
- Measurement Science and Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Sabrina D Giddings
- Measurement Science and Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Michael A Quilliam
- Measurement Science and Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Pearse McCarron
- Measurement Science and Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada
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30
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Waidyanatha S, Ryan K, Sanders JM, McDonald JD, Wegerski CJ, Doyle-Eisle M, Garner CE. Disposition of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (L-BMAA), a neurotoxin, in rodents following a single or repeated oral exposure. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 339:151-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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31
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Downing S, Scott LL, Zguna N, Downing TG. Human Scalp Hair as an Indicator of Exposure to the Environmental Toxin β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 10:E14. [PMID: 29280954 PMCID: PMC5793101 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary or aerosol exposure to the environmental neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is a putative risk factor for the development of sporadic neurodegenerative disease. There are many potential sources of BMAA in the environment, but BMAA presence and quantities are highly variable. It has been suggested that BMAA in human hair may serve as an indicator of exposure. We sought to evaluate the use of the BMAA content of human scalp hair as an indicator of exposure, as well as the correlation between specific lifestyle or dietary habits, reported as hypothesised exposure risk factors, and BMAA in hair. Scalp hair samples and questionnaires were collected from participants in a small residential village surrounding a freshwater impoundment renowned for toxic cyanobacterial blooms. Data suggested a positive correlation between hair BMAA content and consumption of shellfish, and possibly pork. No statistically significant correlations were observed between hair BMAA content and residential proximity to the water or any other variable. Hair BMAA content was highly variable, and in terms of exposure, probably reflects primarily dietary exposure. However, the BMAA content of human hair may be affected to a great extent by several other factors, and as such, should be used with caution when evaluating human BMAA exposure, or correlating exposure to neurodegenerative disease incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simoné Downing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77 000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
| | - Laura Louise Scott
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77 000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
| | - Nadezda Zguna
- Unit for Analytical Chemistry, Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Timothy Grant Downing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77 000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
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32
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Cellular and Molecular Aspects of the β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) Mode of Action within the Neurodegenerative Pathway: Facts and Controversy. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 10:toxins10010006. [PMID: 29271898 PMCID: PMC5793093 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The implication of the cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) in long-lasting neurodegenerative disorders is still a matter of controversy. It has been alleged that chronic ingestion of BMAA through the food chain could be a causative agent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and several related pathologies including Parkinson syndrome. Both in vitro and in vivo studies of the BMAA mode of action have focused on different molecular targets, demonstrating its toxicity to neuronal cells, especially motoneurons, and linking it to human neurodegenerative diseases. Historically, the hypothesis of BMAA-induced excitotoxicity following the stimulation of glutamate receptors has been established. However, in this paradigm, most studies have shown acute, rather than chronic effects of BMAA. More recently, the interaction of this toxin with neuromelanin, a pigment present in the nervous system, has opened a new research perspective. The issues raised by this toxin are related to its kinetics of action, and its possible incorporation into cellular proteins. It appears that BMAA neurotoxic activity involves different targets through several mechanisms known to favour the development of neurodegenerative processes.
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33
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Eiser AR. Why does Finland have the highest dementia mortality rate? Environmental factors may be generalizable. Brain Res 2017; 1671:14-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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34
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Tan VX, Lassus B, Lim CK, Tixador P, Courte J, Bessede A, Guillemin GJ, Peyrin JM. Neurotoxicity of the Cyanotoxin BMAA Through Axonal Degeneration and Intercellular Spreading. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:62-75. [PMID: 28842862 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
β-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is implicated in neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity, particularly in ALS-Parkinson Dementia Complex. Neurotoxic properties of BMAA have been partly elucidated, while its transcellular spreading capacity has not been examined. Using reconstructed neuronal networks in microfluidic chips, separating neuronal cells into two subcompartments-(1) the proximal, containing first-order neuronal soma and dendrites, and (2) a distal compartment, containing either only axons originating from first-order neurons or second-order striatal neurons-creates a cortico-striatal network. Using this system, we investigated the toxicity and spreading of BMAA in murine primary neurons. We used a newly developed antibody to detect BMAA in cells. After treatment with 10 μM BMAA, the cyanotoxin was incorporated in first-degree neurons. We also observed a rapid trans-neuronal spread of BMAA to unexposed second-degree neurons in 48 h, followed by axonal degeneration, with limited somatic death. This in vitro study demonstrates BMAA axonal toxicity at sublethal concentrations and, for the first time, the transcellular spreading abilities of BMAA. This neuronal dying forward spread that could possibly be associated with progression of some neurodegenerative diseases especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa X Tan
- Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Lassus
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Chai K Lim
- Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philippe Tixador
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Josquin Courte
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France
| | | | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jean-Michel Peyrin
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France.
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35
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Rodgers KJ, Main BJ, Samardzic K. Cyanobacterial Neurotoxins: Their Occurrence and Mechanisms of Toxicity. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:168-177. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9757-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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36
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Bradley WG, Miller RX, Levine TD, Stommel EW, Cox PA. Studies of Environmental Risk Factors in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and a Phase I Clinical Trial of l-Serine. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:192-198. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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37
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Bláhová L, Kohoutek J, Kadlecová E, Kozáková L, Bláha L. Assessment of non-derivatized β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) neurotoxin in free form in urine of patients with nonspecific neurological symptoms. Toxicon 2017; 133:48-57. [PMID: 28428069 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid discussed to be produced by cyanobacteria forming harmful blooms. Since BMAA is suspected etiological agent in neurodegenerative diseases, there is a need to study and validate whether and in what concentrations can BMAA be present in human tissues. The aim of the present study was to validate analytical and extraction procedures for quantification of non-derivatized BMAA in the urine using liquid chromatography and commercial ELISA Kit. The study was focused on BMAA in different forms - dissolved, protein associated and total. The validated protocol included SPE followed by HILIC MS/MS for analyses of non-derivatized free form of BMAA with a limit of quantification 20 ng/mL. The methods for other BMAA forms (i.e. protein-associated and total) were also assessed but high matrix interferences did not allow their implementation. The method was used for analyses of free BMAA in 23 urine samples from healthy volunteers and psychiatric patients suffering from nonspecific neurological symptoms. Traces of BMAA were suspectedly detected in a single urine sample but they were not unequivocally proved according to all conservative analytical criteria. BMAA was also not confirmed in a repeatedly collected sample from the same person. The evaluated commercial BMAA ELISA Kit (Abraxis) was not suitable for determination of BMAA in extracted urine samples because of systematically highly false positive results. In agreement with recent findings, analyses of BMAA appear to methodologically challenging, and further research on BMAA in human tissues (or its precursors with potency to form BMAA under natural conditions or - eventually - during sample processing) is needed to clarify its potential ethiological role in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bláhová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building A29, CZ62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Kohoutek
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building A29, CZ62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - E Kadlecová
- Psychiatric Hospital Písek, Vladislavova 490, CZ39701 Písek, Czech Republic
| | - L Kozáková
- Psychiatric Hospital Písek, Vladislavova 490, CZ39701 Písek, Czech Republic
| | - L Bláha
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building A29, CZ62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
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Porojan C, Mitrovic SM, Yeo DCJ, Furey A. Overview of the potent cyanobacterial neurotoxin β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its analytical determination. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2016; 33:1570-1586. [PMID: 27652898 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2016.1217070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Blue-green algae are responsible for the production of different types of toxins which can be neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, cytotoxic and dermatotoxic and that can affect both aquatic and terrestrial life. Since its discovery the neurotoxin β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been a cause for concern, being associated with the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC). The initial focus was on Guam where it was observed that a high number of people were affected by the ALS/PDC complex. Subsequently, researchers were surprised to find levels of BMAA in post mortem brains from Canadian patients who also suffered from ALS/PDC. Recent research demonstrates that BMAA has been found at different levels in the aquatic food web in the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea. There is emerging evidence to suggest that sand-borne algae from Qatar can also contain BMAA. Furthermore, there is now concern because BMAA has been found not only in warmer regions of the world but also in temperate regions like Europe. The aim of this review is to focus on the methods of extraction and analysis of the neurotoxic non-protein amino acid BMAA. We also consider the neurotoxicity, aetiology, and diverse sources and routes of exposure to BMAA. In recent years, different methods have been developed for the analysis of BMAA. Some of these use HPLC-FD, UPLC-UV, UPLC-MS and LC-MS/MS using samples that have been derivatised or underivatised. To date the LC-MS/MS approach is the most widely used analytical technique as it is the most selective and sensitive method for BMAA determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Porojan
- a Mass Spectrometry Research Centre (MSRC), Department of Physical Sciences , Cork Institute of Technology , Cork , Ireland
| | - Simon M Mitrovic
- b Freshwater & Invasion Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences , National University of Singapore , Singapore.,c School of the Environment , University of Technology , Sydney , NSW , Australia
| | - Darren C J Yeo
- b Freshwater & Invasion Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences , National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Ambrose Furey
- a Mass Spectrometry Research Centre (MSRC), Department of Physical Sciences , Cork Institute of Technology , Cork , Ireland
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Levine TD, Miller RG, Bradley WG, Moore DH, Saperstein DS, Flynn LE, Katz JS, Forshew DA, Metcalf JS, Banack SA, Cox PA. Phase I clinical trial of safety of L-serine for ALS patients. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 18:107-111. [PMID: 27589995 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2016.1221971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We performed a randomized, double-blind phase I clinical trial for six months on the effects of oral L-serine in patients with ALS. The protocol called for enrollment of patients with a diagnosis of probable or definite ALS, age 18-85 years, disease duration of less than three years and forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥ 60%. Patients were randomly assigned to four different oral twice-daily dose regimens (0.5, 2.5, 7.5, or 15 g/dose). Blood, urine and CSF samples, ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores and forced vital capacity (FVC) were obtained throughout the trial. Disease progression was compared with matched historical placebo controls from five previous ALS therapeutic trials. Of 20 patients enrolled, one withdrew before receiving study drug and two withdrew with gastro-intestinal problems. Three patients died during the trial. L-serine was generally well tolerated by the patients and L-serine did not appear to accelerate functional decline of patients as measured by slope of their ALSFRS-R scores. Based on this small study, L-serine appears to be generally safe for patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd D Levine
- a Phoenix Neurological Associates , Phoenix , Arizona
| | - Robert G Miller
- b Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center, California Pacific Medical Center , San Francisco , California
| | - Walter G Bradley
- c Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine , University of Miami , Miami , Florida , and
| | - Dan H Moore
- b Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center, California Pacific Medical Center , San Francisco , California
| | | | - Lynne E Flynn
- a Phoenix Neurological Associates , Phoenix , Arizona
| | - Jonathan S Katz
- b Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center, California Pacific Medical Center , San Francisco , California
| | - Dallas A Forshew
- b Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center, California Pacific Medical Center , San Francisco , California
| | - James S Metcalf
- d Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine , Jackson , Wyoming , USA
| | - Sandra A Banack
- d Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine , Jackson , Wyoming , USA
| | - Paul A Cox
- d Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine , Jackson , Wyoming , USA
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Seeking environmental causes of neurodegenerative disease and envisioning primary prevention. Neurotoxicology 2016; 56:269-283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Andersson M, Karlsson O, Banack SA, Brandt I. Transfer of developmental neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) via milk to nursed offspring: Studies by mass spectrometry and image analysis. Toxicol Lett 2016; 258:108-114. [PMID: 27320960 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cyanobacterial non-proteinogenic amino acid β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is proposed to be involved in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism dementia complex. When administered as single doses to neonatal rats, BMAA gives rise to cognitive and neurodegenerative impairments in the adult animal. Here, we employed mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and autoradiographic imaging to examine the mother-to-pup transfer of BMAA in rats. The results show that unchanged BMAA was secreted into the milk and distributed to the suckling pups. The concentration of BMAA in pup stomach milk and the neonatal liver peaked after 8h, while the concentration in the pup brain increased throughout the study period. About 1 and 6% of the BMAA recovered from adult liver and brain were released following hydrolysis, suggesting that this fraction was associated with protein. No association to milk protein was observed. Injection of rat pups with [methyl-(14)C]-l-BMAA or [carboxyl-(14)C]-l-BMAA resulted in highly similar distribution patterns, indicating no or low metabolic elimination of the methylamino- or carboxyl groups. In conclusion, BMAA is transported as a free amino acid to rat milk and suckling pups. The results strengthen the proposal that mothers' milk could be a source of exposure for BMAA in human infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Andersson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oskar Karlsson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ingvar Brandt
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Faassen EJ, Antoniou MG, Beekman-Lukassen W, Blahova L, Chernova E, Christophoridis C, Combes A, Edwards C, Fastner J, Harmsen J, Hiskia A, Ilag LL, Kaloudis T, Lopicic S, Lürling M, Mazur-Marzec H, Meriluoto J, Porojan C, Viner-Mozzini Y, Zguna N. A Collaborative Evaluation of LC-MS/MS Based Methods for BMAA Analysis: Soluble Bound BMAA Found to Be an Important Fraction. Mar Drugs 2016; 14:md14030045. [PMID: 26938542 PMCID: PMC4820299 DOI: 10.3390/md14030045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) might be linked to the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Analytical chemistry plays a crucial role in determining human BMAA exposure and the associated health risk, but the performance of various analytical methods currently employed is rarely compared. A CYANOCOST initiated workshop was organized aimed at training scientists in BMAA analysis, creating mutual understanding and paving the way towards interlaboratory comparison exercises. During this workshop, we tested different methods (extraction followed by derivatization and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, or directly followed by LC-MS/MS analysis) for trueness and intermediate precision. We adapted three workup methods for the underivatized analysis of animal, brain and cyanobacterial samples. Based on recovery of the internal standard D3BMAA, the underivatized methods were accurate (mean recovery 80%) and precise (mean relative standard deviation 10%), except for the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya. However, total BMAA concentrations in the positive controls (cycad seeds) showed higher variation (relative standard deviation 21%–32%), implying that D3BMAA was not a good indicator for the release of BMAA from bound forms. Significant losses occurred during workup for the derivatized method, resulting in low recovery (<10%). Most BMAA was found in a trichloroacetic acid soluble, bound form and we recommend including this fraction during analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth J Faassen
- Aquatic Ecology & Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, Wageningen 6700 DD, The Netherlands.
| | - Maria G Antoniou
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Lemesos, Cyprus.
| | - Wendy Beekman-Lukassen
- Aquatic Ecology & Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, Wageningen 6700 DD, The Netherlands.
| | - Lucie Blahova
- Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ekaterina Chernova
- Saint-Petersburg Scientific-Research Centre for Ecological Safety, Russian Academy of Sciences, 18, Korpusnaya street, St. Petersburg 197110, Russia.
| | - Christophoros Christophoridis
- Laboratory of Catalytic-Photocatalytic Processes and Environmental Analysis, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece.
| | - Audrey Combes
- Department of Analytical, Bioanalytical Sciences and Miniaturization (LSABM), UMR CBI 8231 ESPCI ParisTech/CNRS, PSL Research University, ESPCI ParisTech, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Christine Edwards
- Pharmacy & Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ, UK.
| | - Jutta Fastner
- Drinking-Water Resources and Water Treatment, Federal Environment Agency, Schichauweg 58, 12307 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Joop Harmsen
- Alterra, P.O. Box 47, Wageningen 6700 DD, The Netherlands.
| | - Anastasia Hiskia
- Laboratory of Catalytic-Photocatalytic Processes and Environmental Analysis, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece.
| | - Leopold L Ilag
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Triantafyllos Kaloudis
- Water Quality Department, Division of Quality, Research and Development (R&D), Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP SA), 156 Oropou str., 11146 Athens, Greece.
| | - Srdjan Lopicic
- Institute for Pathological Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Miquel Lürling
- Aquatic Ecology & Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, Wageningen 6700 DD, The Netherlands.
- NIOO-KNAW, Droevendaalsesteeg 10, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands.
| | - Hanna Mazur-Marzec
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszalka Pilsudskiego 46, Gdynia 81-378, Poland.
| | - Jussi Meriluoto
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A 3rd Floor, Turku 20520, Finland.
| | - Cristina Porojan
- Mass Spectrometry Research Centre (MSRC) and PROTEOBIO Research Groups, Department of Physical Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, V92 F9WY, Co. Cork, Ireland.
| | - Yehudit Viner-Mozzini
- Kinneret Limnological Laboratory, Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research, P.O. Box 447, Migdal 14950, Israel.
| | - Nadezda Zguna
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Réveillon D, Séchet V, Hess P, Amzil Z. Systematic detection of BMAA (β-N-methylamino-l-alanine) and DAB (2,4-diaminobutyric acid) in mollusks collected in shellfish production areas along the French coasts. Toxicon 2015; 110:35-46. [PMID: 26615827 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is naturally present in some microalgal species in the marine environment. The accumulation of BMAA has widely been observed in filter-feeding bivalves that are known to consume primary producers constituting the base of complex aquatic food webs. This study was performed to assess the occurrence of BMAA and isomers in mollusks collected from nine representative shellfish production areas located on the three French coasts (Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean sites). The use of a highly selective and sensitive HILIC-MS/MS method, with D5DAB as internal standard, revealed the systematic detection of BMAA and DAB, in concentrations ranging from 0.20 to 6.7 μg g(-1) dry weight of digestive gland tissues of mollusks. While we detected BMAA in four strains of diatoms in a previous study, here BMAA was only detected in one diatom species previously not investigated out of the 23 microalgal species examined (belonging to seven classes). The concentrations of BMAA and DAB in mussels and oysters were similar at different sampling locations and despite the high diversity of phytoplankton populations that mollusks feed on at these locations. Only small variations of BMAA and DAB levels were observed and these were not correlated to any of the phytoplankton species reported. Therefore, extensive research should be performed on both origin and metabolism of BMAA in shellfish. The levels observed in this study are similar to those found in other studies in France or elsewhere. A previous study had related such levels to a cluster of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in the South of France; hence the widespread occurrence of BMAA in shellfish from all coasts in France found in this study suggests the need for further epidemiological and toxicological studies to establish the levels that are relevant for a link between the consumption of BMAA-containing foodstuffs and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Réveillon
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Phycotoxines, rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21105, F-44311 Nantes, France.
| | - Véronique Séchet
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Phycotoxines, rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21105, F-44311 Nantes, France
| | - Philipp Hess
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Phycotoxines, rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21105, F-44311 Nantes, France
| | - Zouher Amzil
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Phycotoxines, rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21105, F-44311 Nantes, France
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Environmental neurotoxin interaction with proteins: Dose-dependent increase of free and protein-associated BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine) in neonatal rat brain. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15570. [PMID: 26498001 PMCID: PMC4620439 DOI: 10.1038/srep15570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
β-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is implicated in the aetiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Neonatal exposure to BMAA induces cognitive impairments and progressive neurodegenerative changes including intracellular fibril formation in the hippocampus of adult rats. It is unclear why the neonatal hippocampus is especially vulnerable and the critical cellular perturbations preceding BMAA-induced toxicity remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare the level of free and protein-associated BMAA in neonatal rat brain and peripheral tissues after different exposures to BMAA. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that BMAA passed the neonatal blood-brain barrier and was distributed to all studied brain areas. BMAA was also associated to proteins in the brain, especially in the hippocampus. The level in the brain was, however, considerably lower compared to the liver that is not a target organ for BMAA. In contrast to the liver there was a significantly increased level of protein-association of BMAA in the hippocampus and other brain areas following repeated administration suggesting that the degradation of BMAA-associated proteins may be lower in neonatal brain than in the liver. Additional evidence is needed in support of a role for protein misincorporation in the neonatal hippocampus for long-term effects of BMAA.
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