Structural and functional rejuvenation of the aged brain by an approved anti-asthmatic drug

A critical role for Macrophage-derived Cysteinyl-Leukotrienes in HIV-1 induced neuronal injury

Macrophages (MΦ) infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 or activated by its envelope protein gp120 exert neurotoxicity. We found previously that signaling via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) is essential to the neurotoxicity of HIVgp120-stimulated MΦ. However, the associated downstream pathways remained elusive. Here we show that cysteinyl-leukotrienes (CysLT) released by HIV-infected or HIVgp120 stimulated MΦ downstream of p38 MAPK critically contribute to neurotoxicity. SiRNA-mediated or pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK deprives MΦ of CysLT synthase (LTC4S) and, pharmacological inhibition of the cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor 1 (CYSLTR1) protects cerebrocortical neurons against toxicity of both gp120-stimulated and HIV-infected MΦ. Components of the CysLT pathway are differentially regulated in brains of HIV-infected individuals and a transgenic mouse model of NeuroHIV (HIVgp120tg). Moreover, genetic ablation of LTC4S or CysLTR1 prevents neuronal damage and impairment of spatial memory in HIVgp120tg mice. Altogether, our findings suggest a novel critical role for cysteinyl-leukotrienes in HIV-associated brain injury.

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in female veterans with military sexual trauma and comorbid PTSD/MDD

BACKGROUND

Military sexual trauma (MST) is a prevalent issue within the U.S. military. Victims are more likely to develop comorbid diseases such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Nonetheless, not everyone who suffers from MST develops PTSD and/or MDD. DNA methylation, which can regulate gene expression, might give us insight into the molecular mechanisms behind this discrepancy. Therefore, we sought to identify genomic loci and enriched biological pathways that differ between patients with and without MST, PTSD, and MDD.

METHODS

Saliva samples were collected from 113 female veterans. Following DNA extraction and processing, DNA methylation levels were measured through the Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip array. We used limma and bump hunting methods to generate the differentially methylated positions and differentially methylated regions (DMRs), respectively. Concurrently, we used Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome to find enriched pathways.

RESULTS

A DMR close to the transcription start site of ZFP57 was differentially methylated between subjects with and without PTSD, replicating previous findings and emphasizing the potential role of ZFP57 in PTSD susceptibility. In the pathway analyses, none survived multiple correction, although top GO terms included some potentially relevant to MST, PTSD, and MDD etiology.

CONCLUSION

We conducted one of the first DNA methylation analyses investigating MST along with PTSD and MDD. In addition, we found one DMR near ZFP57 to be associated with PTSD. The replication of this finding indicates further investigation of ZFP57 in PTSD may be warranted.

The contribution of the WNT pathway to the therapeutic effects of montelukast in experimental murine airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin and lipopolysaccharide

The wingless/integrase-1 (WNT) pathway involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory airway diseases has recently generated considerable research interest. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, provides therapeutic benefits in allergic asthma involving eosinophils. We aimed to investigate the role of the WNT pathway in the therapeutic actions of montelukast (MT) in a mixed type of allergic-acute airway inflammation model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. Female mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal OVA-Al(OH)3 administration in the initiation phase and intranasal OVA followed by LPS administration in the challenge phase. The mice were divided into eight groups: control, asthmatic, and control/asthmatic treated with XAV939 (inhibitor of the canonical WNT pathway), LGK-974 (inhibitor of the secretion of WNT ligands), or MT at different doses. The inhibition of the WNT pathway prevented tracheal 5-HT and bradykinin hyperreactivity, while only the inhibition of the canonical WNT pathway partially reduced 5-HT and bradykinin contractions compared to the inflammation group. Therefore, MT treatment hindered 5-HT and bradykinin hyperreactivity associated with airway inflammation. Furthermore, MT prevented the increases in the phosphorylated GSK-3β and WNT5A levels, which had been induced by airway inflammation, in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, the MT application caused a further increase in the fibronectin levels, while there was no significant alteration in the phosphorylation of the Smad-2 levels in the isolated lungs of the mice. The MT treatment reversed the increase in the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-17A. An increase in eosinophil and neutrophil counts was observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples obtained from the mice in the inflammation group, which was hampered by the MT treatment. The inhibition of the WNT pathway did not alter inflammatory cytokine expression or cell infiltration. The WNT pathway mediated the therapeutic effects of MT due to the inhibition of GSK-3β phosphorylation as well as the reduction of WNT5A levels in a murine airway inflammation model.

Asthma aggravates alzheimer's disease by up-regulating NF- κB signaling pathway through LTD4

Clinical studies have shown that asthma is a risk factor for dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD). To investigate whether asthma aggravates AD in APP/PS1 mice and explore the potential mechanisms, an asthma model was established using six-month-old APP/PS1 mice, and montelukast was used as a therapeutic agent in APP/PS1 mice with asthma. The Morris water maze test showed that asthma aggravates spatial learning and memory abilities. Asthma also upregulates the NF-κB inflammatory pathway in APP/PS1 mice and promotes the expression of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, neuronal damage, synaptic plasticity deficiency, activation of microglia and astrocytes. The level of LTD4 and its receptor CysLT1R in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice after the asthma modeling was established was higher than that in APP/PS1 mice, suggesting that asthma may affect the pathology of AD through LTD4 and its receptor Cys-LT1R. Montelukast ameliorates these pathological changes and cognitive impairment. These results suggest that asthma aggravates AD pathology and cognitive impairment of APP/PS1 mice via upregulation of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway, and montelukast ameliorates these pathological changes.

Montelukast, an available and safe anti-asthmatic drug, prevents maladaptive remodelling and maintains cardiac functionality following myocardial infarction

Preclinical and clinical data indicate that the 5-lipoxygenase pathway becomes activated in cardiovascular diseases suggesting an important role of CysLTs in atherosclerosis and in its ischemic complications. This study aims to investigate the effects of montelukast, a CysLTR-1 antagonist, in a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). C57BL/6N female mice were subjected to coronary artery ligation and received montelukast (10 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal) or vehicle. Montelukast exerted beneficial effects in the infarcted area, decreasing mRNA expression of inflammatory genes, such Il1β and Ccl2 (p < 0.05), at 48 h after MI, and reducing infarct size and preventing ischemic wall thinning (p < 0.05) at 4 weeks. Furthermore, montelukast counteracted maladaptive remodelling of whole heart. Indeed, montelukast reduced LV mass (p < 0.05) and remote wall thickening (p < 0.05), and improved cardiac pumping function, as evidenced by increased global ejection fraction (p < 0.01), and regional contractility in infarcted (p < 0.05) and in remote non-infarcted (p < 0.05) myocardium. Finally, montelukast prevented cardiomyocytes hypertrophy (p < 0.05) in remote myocardium, reducing the phosphorylation of GSK3β, a regulator of hypertrophic pathway (p < 0.05). Our data strongly demonstrate the ability of montelukast to contrast the MI-induced maladaptive conditions, thus sustaining cardiac contractility. The results provide evidences for montelukast "repurposing" in cardiovascular diseases and in particular in myocardial infarction.

Leukotriene A4 hydrolase inhibition improves age-related cognitive decline via modulation of synaptic function

Leukotrienes, a class of inflammatory bioactive lipids, are well studied in the periphery, but less is known of their importance in the brain. We identified that the enzyme leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) is expressed in healthy mouse neurons, and inhibition of LTA4H in aged mice improves hippocampal dependent memory. Single-cell nuclear RNA sequencing of hippocampal neurons after inhibition reveals major changes to genes important for synaptic organization, structure, and activity. We propose that LTA4H inhibition may act to improve cognition by directly inhibiting the enzymatic activity in neurons, leading to improved synaptic function. In addition, LTA4H plasma levels are increased in both aging and Alzheimer's disease and correlated with cognitive impairment. These results identify a role for LTA4H in the brain, and we propose that LTA4H inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy to treat cognitive decline in aging related diseases.

Montelukast sodium protects against focal cerebral ischemic injury by regulating inflammatory reaction via promoting microglia polarization

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in brain injury and repair. Regulation of post-stroke inflammation may be a reasonable strategy to treat ischemic stroke. The present study demonstrates that montelukast sodium protected brain tissue by regulating the post-stroke inflammatory reaction.

METHODS

Adult male mice underwent distal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (d-MCAO) surgery, followed by intraperitoneal injection of montelukast sodium or equivalent saline, from day 0-7 after the operation. On the 7th day, Rotarod and adhesive-removal test were performed. M AP2 staining, and Iba1, CD206, and CD16/32 co staining were performed. BV2 microglial cell lines were co-cultured with different concentrations of montelukast sodium with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the mRNA expression of M1 and M2 phenotypic microglia markers and the release of cytokines representing from different phenotypes of microglia cells.

RESULTS

Montelukast sodium prolonged the time that d-MCAO mice remained on the rotating bar, shortened the time to remove the sticker on the opposite claw, and reduced the infarct volume, promoting the transformation of microglial cells/macrophages around the infarct to the M2 phenotype. Montelukast sodium increased the mRNA expression of Arg-1, CD206, TGF-β, and IL-10 in BV2 microglial cell lines stimulated by LPS, while decreased the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, and CD16/32.

CONCLUSION

Montelukast sodium can protect against focal cerebral ischemic injury by regulating inflammatory reaction via promoting microglia polarization.

Insights into the advances in therapeutic drugs for neuroinflammation-related diseases

Studies have shown that neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and PD are related to neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is a common inflammatory condition that can lead to a variety of dysfunction in the body. At present, it is no medications specifically approved to prevent or cure neuroinflammation, so even though many drugs can temporarily control the neurological symptoms of neuroinflammation, but no one can reverse the progress of neuroinflammation, let al.one completely cure neuroinflammation. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new drug development for neuroinflammation treatment. In this review, we highlight the therapeutic advancement in the field of neurodegenerative disorders, by focusing on the impact of neuroinflammation treatment has on these conditions, and the effective drugs for the treatment of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases and their latest research progress are reviewed according to the related signaling pathway, as well as the prospect of their clinical application is also discussed. The purpose of this review is to enable specialists to better understand the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation and anti-inflammatory drugs, promote the development of therapeutic drugs for neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, and further provide therapeutic references for clinical neurologists.

Leukotriene signaling as molecular correlate for cognitive heterogeneity in aging: an exploratory study

Introduction

Aging is in general associated with a decline in cognitive functions. Looking more closely, there is a huge heterogeneity in the extent of cognitive (dys-)abilities in the aged population. It ranges from the population of resistant, resilient, cognitively unimpaired individuals to patients with severe forms of dementias. Besides the known genetic, environmental and life style factors that shape the cognitive (dys-)abilities in aging, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signals related to cognitive heterogeneity are completely unknown. One putative mechanism underlying cognitive heterogeneity might be neuroinflammation, exerted through microglia, the brain's innate immune cells, as neuroinflammation is central to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, leukotrienes (LTs), i.e., small lipid mediators of inflammation produced by microglia along aging and neurodegeneration, got in the focus of geroscience as they might determine cognitive dysfunctions in aging.

Methods

Here, we analyzed the brain's expression of key components of the LT synthesis pathway, i.e., the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-Lox), the key enzyme in LT production, and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) in young and aged rats. More specifically, we used a cohort of rats, which, although grown up and housed under identical conditions, developed into aged cognitively unimpaired and aged cognitively impaired traits.

Results

Expression of 5-Lox was increased within the brain of aged rats with the highest levels detected in cognitively impaired animals. The number of microglia cells was higher in the aged compared to the young brains with, again, the highest numbers of 5-Lox expressing microglia in the aged cognitively impaired rats. Remarkably, lower cognitive scores in the aged rats associated with higher numbers of 5-Lox positive microglia in the animals. Similar data were obtained for FLAP, at least in the cortex. Our data indicate elevated levels of the LT system in the brain of cognitively impaired animals.

Discussion

We conclude that 5-Lox expressing microglia potentially contribute to the age-related cognitive decline in the brain, while low levels of the LT system might indicate and foster higher cognitive functions and eventually cognitive reserve and resilience in aging.

Regulation of microglia polarization after cerebral ischemia

Stroke ranks second as a leading cause of death and permanent disability globally. Microglia, innate immune cells in the brain, respond rapidly to ischemic injury, triggering a robust and persistent neuroinflammatory reaction throughout the disease's progression. Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the mechanism of secondary injury in ischemic stroke and is a significant controllable factor. Microglia activation takes on two general phenotypes: the pro-inflammatory M1 type and the anti-inflammatory M2 type, although the reality is more complex. The regulation of microglia phenotype is crucial to controlling the neuroinflammatory response. This review summarized the key molecules and mechanisms of microglia polarization, function, and phenotypic transformation following cerebral ischemia, with a focus on the influence of autophagy on microglia polarization. The goal is to provide a reference for the development of new targets for the treatment for ischemic stroke treatment based on the regulation of microglia polarization.

Alzheimer's disease and neuroinflammation: will new drugs in clinical trials pave the way to a multi-target therapy?

Despite extensive research, no disease-modifying therapeutic option, able to prevent, cure or halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease [AD], is currently available. AD, a devastating neurodegenerative pathology leading to dementia and death, is characterized by two pathological hallmarks, the extracellular deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ) and the intraneuronal deposits of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) consisting of altered hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Both have been widely studied and pharmacologically targeted for many years, without significant therapeutic results. In 2022, positive data on two monoclonal antibodies targeting Aβ, donanemab and lecanemab, followed by the 2023 FDA accelerated approval of lecanemab and the publication of the final results of the phase III Clarity AD study, have strengthened the hypothesis of a causal role of Aβ in the pathogenesis of AD. However, the magnitude of the clinical effect elicited by the two drugs is limited, suggesting that additional pathological mechanisms may contribute to the disease. Cumulative studies have shown inflammation as one of the main contributors to the pathogenesis of AD, leading to the recognition of a specific role of neuroinflammation synergic with the Aβ and NFTs cascades. The present review provides an overview of the investigational drugs targeting neuroinflammation that are currently in clinical trials. Moreover, their mechanisms of action, their positioning in the pathological cascade of events that occur in the brain throughout AD disease and their potential benefit/limitation in the therapeutic strategy in AD are discussed and highlighted as well. In addition, the latest patent requests for inflammation-targeting therapeutics to be developed in AD will also be discussed.

Altered Purinergic Signaling in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Focus on P2 Receptors

With the umbrella term 'neurodevelopmental disorders' (NDDs) we refer to a plethora of congenital pathological conditions generally connected with cognitive, social behavior, and sensory/motor alterations. Among the possible causes, gestational and perinatal insults have been demonstrated to interfere with the physiological processes necessary for the proper development of fetal brain cytoarchitecture and functionality. In recent years, several genetic disorders caused by mutations in key enzymes involved in purine metabolism have been associated with autism-like behavioral outcomes. Further analysis revealed dysregulated purine and pyrimidine levels in the biofluids of subjects with other NDDs. Moreover, the pharmacological blockade of specific purinergic pathways reversed the cognitive and behavioral defects caused by maternal immune activation, a validated and now extensively used rodent model for NDDs. Furthermore, Fragile X and Rett syndrome transgenic animal models as well as models of premature birth, have been successfully utilized to investigate purinergic signaling as a potential pharmacological target for these diseases. In this review, we examine results on the role of the P2 receptor signaling in the etiopathogenesis of NDDs. On this basis, we discuss how this evidence could be exploited to develop more receptor-specific ligands for future therapeutic interventions and novel prognostic markers for the early detection of these conditions.

Cognitive Impairments in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

The course of bronchial asthma can be accompanied by cognitive impairments. However, the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and asthma has not been fully revealed, nor has it been fully established what causes cognitive impairments in patients with asthma. There is an opinion that transient hypoxia and persistent systemic inflammation with insufficient control of bronchial asthma can be accompanied by neurotoxicity in relation to the hippocampus and indirectly lead to deterioration of cognitive functions. Comorbid conditions, such as obesity, allergic rhinitis, and depressive states can increase cognitive dysfunction in asthmatics. The review considers the pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in patients with bronchial asthma, as well as the impact of comorbid conditions on the cognitive status. This information will allow systematizing the available knowledge about the state of cognitive functions in asthma for timely detection and correction of their impairments and, ultimately, optimization of the management of these patients.

Asthma, the central nervous system, and neurocognition: Current findings, potential mechanisms, and treatment implications

Accumulating behavioral evidence suggests that asthma is associated with cognitive deficits. A number of studies have identified potential biological contributions to cognition in asthma; however, mechanistic pathways of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in asthma are yet to be established. We therefore conducted a literature review to identify studies examining potential CNS contributions to cognition in asthma. In this review, we discuss our general understanding of the CNS in asthma in the context of cognitive performance and outline a working model of mechanistic pathways linking the proposed neural influences of asthma pathology with cognition. To this extent, we incorporate neural, behavioral, psychological, social and environmental factors. Finally, we underscore the clinical significance of the CNS and neurocognitive sequelae in asthma, highlighting potential opportunities for routine monitoring, therapeutic intervention, and recommend key areas for future research.

Exploring the neuroprotective effects of montelukast on brain inflammation and metabolism in a rat model of quinolinic acid-induced striatal neurotoxicity

BACKGROUND

One intrastriatal administration of quinolinic acid (QA) in rats induces a lesion with features resembling those observed in Huntington's disease. Our aim is to evaluate the effects of the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast (MLK), which exhibited neuroprotection in different preclinical models of neurodegeneration, on QA-induced neuroinflammation and regional metabolic functions.

METHODS

The right and left striatum of Sprague Dawley and athymic nude rats were injected with QA and vehicle (VEH), respectively. Starting from the day before QA injection, animals were treated with 1 or 10 mg/kg of MLK or VEH for 14 days. At 14 and 30 days post-lesion, animals were monitored with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F]-VC701, a translocator protein (TSPO)-specific radiotracer. Striatal neuroinflammatory response was measured post-mortem in rats treated with 1 mg/kg of MLK by immunofluorescence. Rats treated with 10 mg/kg of MLK also underwent a [18F]-FDG PET study at baseline and 4 months after lesion. [18F]-FDG PET data were then used to assess metabolic connectivity between brain regions by applying a covariance analysis method.

RESULTS

MLK treatment was not able to reduce the QA-induced increase in striatal TSPO PET signal and MRI lesion volume, where we only detected a trend towards reduction in animals treated with 10 mg/kg of MLK. Post-mortem immunofluorescence analysis revealed that MLK attenuated the increase in striatal markers of astrogliosis and activated microglia in the lesioned hemisphere. We also found a significant increase in a marker of anti-inflammatory activity (MannR) and a trend towards reduction in a marker of pro-inflammatory activity (iNOS) in the lesioned striatum of MLK-compared to VEH-treated rats. [18F]-FDG uptake was significantly reduced in the striatum and ipsilesional cortical regions of VEH-treated rats at 4 months after lesion. MLK administration preserved glucose metabolism in these cortical regions, but not in the striatum. Finally, MLK was able to counteract changes in metabolic connectivity and measures of network topology induced by QA, in both lesioned and non-lesioned hemispheres.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, MLK treatment produced a significant neuroprotective effect by reducing neuroinflammation assessed by immunofluorescence and preserving regional brain metabolism and metabolic connectivity from QA-induced neurotoxicity in cortical and subcortical regions.

A spontaneous compound odontoma in an adult Sprague Dawley rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Reports of compound odontomas in rats are very rare. A 14-month-old adult male Sprague Dawley rat was found to have a hard mass associated with the caudal aspect of the left mandible. After 2 weeks of observation, the rat was euthanized due to the mass growing significantly in size and the rat losing >20% of its body weight. Grossly, the mass was well-circumscribed, 3.7 × 3 × 1.2 cm, hard and heterogeneously coloured white, tan and red. The mass was restricted to the mandibular bone and did not involve surrounding subcutaneous tissue. On cut surface, the mass was a similar colour and brittle. Histologically, there were numerous proto-teeth embedded in ossified stroma. Each proto-tooth had a central mesenchyme pulp surrounded by columnar odontoblasts and dentine matrix. The dentine was often bordered by enamel matrix, which was occasionally bounded by ameloblasts. These histological findings were consistent with a compound odontoma. This is the first report of a spontaneous compound odontoma in the caudal mandible of a rat.

The Role of Ferroptosis in Blood-Brain Barrier Injury

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an important barrier that maintains homeostasis within the central nervous system. Brain microvascular endothelial cells are arranged to form vessel walls and express tight junctional complexes that limit the paracellular pathways of the BBB and therefore play a crucial role in ensuring brain function. These vessel walls tightly regulate the movement of ions, molecules, and cells between the blood and the brain, which protect the neural tissue from toxins and pathogens. Primary damage caused by BBB dysfunction can disrupt the expression of tight junctions, transport proteins and leukocyte adhesion molecules, leading to brain edema, disturbances in ion homeostasis, altered signaling and immune infiltration, which can lead to neuronal cell death. Various neurological diseases are known to cause BBB dysfunction, but the mechanism that causes this disorder is not clear. Recently, ferroptosis has been found to play an important role in BBB dysfunction. Ferroptosis is a new form of regulatory cell death, which is caused by the excessive accumulation of lipid peroxides and iron-dependent reactive oxygen species. This review summarizes the role of ferroptosis in BBB dysfunction and the latest progress of ferroptosis mechanism, and further discusses the influence of various factors of ferroptosis on the severity and prognosis of BBB dysfunction, which may provide better therapeutic targets for BBB dysfunction.

Synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline in older individuals accompanied by the presence of two pathological protein aggregates - amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau - in the brain. The disease results in brain atrophy caused by neuronal loss and synapse degeneration. Synaptic loss strongly correlates with cognitive decline in both humans and animal models of AD. Indeed, evidence suggests that soluble forms of amyloid-β and tau can cause synaptotoxicity and spread through neural circuits. These pathological changes are accompanied by an altered phenotype in the glial cells of the brain - one hypothesis is that glia excessively ingest synapses and modulate the trans-synaptic spread of pathology. To date, effective therapies for the treatment or prevention of AD are lacking, but understanding how synaptic degeneration occurs will be essential for the development of new interventions. Here, we highlight the mechanisms through which synapses degenerate in the AD brain, and discuss key questions that still need to be answered. We also cover the ways in which our understanding of the mechanisms of synaptic degeneration is leading to new therapeutic approaches for AD.

The N6-methyladenosine RNA landscape in the aged mouse hippocampus

The aged brain is associated with an inevitable decline in cognitive function and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative disorders. Multiple molecular hallmarks have been associated with the aging nervous system through transcriptomics and proteomic studies. Recently, epitranscriptomic analysis has highlighted the role of RNA chemical modification in various biological processes. In particular, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic mRNAs, has been functionally linked to multiple aspects of RNA metabolism with the roles of m6A in processes such as learning and memory, leading to our current investigation of how the m6A-transcriptomic landscape is shaped during aging. Using the inbred C57BL/6 line, we compared the m6A-transcriptomic profiles from the hippocampi of young (3-month-old) and aged (20-month-old) mice. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-sequencing analysis revealed hyper- and hypomethylation in 426 and 102 genes, respectively, in the aged hippocampus (fold change >1.5, false discovery rate <0.05). By correlating the methylation changes to their steady-state transcript levels in the RNA-Seq data, we found a significant concordance between m6A and transcript levels in both directions. Notably, the myelin regulator gene Gpr17 was downregulated in the aged hippocampus concomitant with reduced m6A levels in its 3'UTR. Using reporter constructs and mutagenesis analysis, we demonstrated that the putative m6A sites in the 3'UTR of Gpr17 are important for mRNA translation but not for regulating transcript stability. Overall, the positive correlation between m6A and the transcript expression levels indicates a co-transcriptional regulation of m6A with gene expression changes that occur in the aged mouse hippocampus.

Circ-Vps41 positively modulates Syp and its overexpression improves memory ability in aging mice

INTRODUCTION

Age is an established risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders. Aging-related cognitive decline is a common cause of memory impairment in aging individuals, in which hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory formation are damaged. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported in many cognitive disorders, but their role in aging-related memory impairment is unclear.Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of circ-Vps41 on aging-related hippocampus-dependent memory impairment and explore the potential mechanisms. Here, D-galactose was used to produce a conventional aging model resulting in memory dysfunction.

RESULTS

Circ-Vps41 was significantly downregulated in D-galactose-induced aging in vitro and in vivo. The overexpression of circ-Vps41 could upregulate synaptophysin (Syp), thereby promoting the synaptic plasticity and alleviating cognitive impairment in aging mice. Mechanistically, we found that circ-Vps41 upregulated Syp expression by physically binding to miR-24-3p. Moreover, the miR-24-3p mimics reversed the circ-Vps41 overexpression-induced increase in Syp expression.

DISCUSSION

Overexpression of circ-Vps41 alleviated the synaptic plasticity and memory dysfunction via the miR-24-3p/Syp axis. These findings revealed circ-Vps41 regulatory network and provided new insights into its potential mechanisms for improving aging-related learning and memory impairment.

Potential of Nanotechnology-based Formulations in Combating Pulmonary Infectious Diseases: A Current Scenario

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary microbial infection is mainly caused by microbes like atypical bacteria, viruses, and fungi, on both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. One of the demands of the present is the use of nanotechnology-based treatments to fight various lung infections.

AIM

The main aim of the study is to explore all pulmonary infectious diseases and to compare the advanced and novel treatment approaches with the conventional methods which are available to treat infections.

METHODS

This work sheds light on pulmonary infectious diseases with their conventional and present treatment approaches along with a focus on the advantageous roles of nano-based formulations. In the literature, it has been reported that the respiratory system is the key target of various infectious diseases which gives rise to various challenges in the treatment of pulmonary infections.

RESULTS

The present review article describes the global situation of pulmonary infections and the different strategies which are available for their management, along with their limitations. The article also highlights the advantages and different examples of nanoformulations currently combating the limitations of conventional therapies.

CONCLUSION

The content of the present article further reflects on the summary of recently published research and review works on pulmonary infections, conventional methods of treatment with their limitations, and the role of nano-based approaches to combat the existing infectious diseases which will jointly help the researchers to produce effective drug formulations with desired pharmacological activities.

Montelukast reduces grey matter abnormalities and functional deficits in a mouse model of inflammation-induced encephalopathy of prematurity

Encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP) affects approximately 30% of infants born < 32 weeks gestation and is highly associated with inflammation in the foetus. Here we evaluated the efficacy of montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist widely used to treat asthma in children, to ameliorate peripheral and central inflammation, and subsequent grey matter neuropathology and behaviour deficits in a mouse model of EoP. Male CD-1 mice were treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline or interleukin-1beta (IL-1β, 40 μg/kg, 5 μL/g body weight) from postnatal day (P)1-5 ± concomitant montelukast (1-30 mg/kg). Saline or montelukast treatment was continued for a further 5 days post-injury. Assessment of systemic and central inflammation and short-term neuropathology was performed from 4 h following treatment through to P10. Behavioural testing, MRI and neuropathological assessments were made on a second cohort of animals from P36 to 54. Montelukast was found to attenuate both peripheral and central inflammation, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF) in the brain. Inflammation induced a reduction in parvalbumin-positive interneuron density in the cortex, which was normalised with high-dose montelukast. The lowest effective dose, 3 mg/kg, was able to improve anxiety and spatial learning deficits in this model of inflammatory injury, and alterations in cortical mean diffusivity were not present in animals that received this dose of montelukast. Repurposed montelukast administered early after preterm birth may, therefore, improve grey matter development and outcome in EoP.

Increased Risk of Tourette Syndrome with Leukotriene Modifier Use in Children with Allergic Diseases and Asthma: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

(1) Background: Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), including montelukast and zafirlukast, are FDA-approved for treating pediatric asthma and allergic diseases. Tourette syndrome (TS), a common neuropsychiatric disorder in children, is associated with allergic diseases and asthma. In this study, we investigated the risk of TS following an LTRA prescription for pediatric allergic diseases. (2) Methods: Children younger than 18 years of age who were newly diagnosed with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2018 and who were registered in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, which comprises the medical records of nearly 23 million Taiwanese population, were enrolled. LTRA users were matched with randomly selected LTRA non-users by sex, age, asthma-diagnosis year, and urbanization level. In total, 26,984 participants with allergic disease and TS were enrolled and included in the Cox proportional hazards model analysis. (3) Results: Children with allergic disease and asthma treated with LTRAs had a higher risk for TS than LTRA non-users (adjusted hazard ratio 1.376 [95% CI: 1.232−1.536], p < 0.001). LTRA users had a significantly higher risk for TS than LTRA non-users with allergic disease. The cumulative incidence of TS was significantly higher in LTRA users than in non-users with allergic diseases and asthma (log-rank test, p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusion: A prescription of LTRAs, mainly montelukast, increased the risk of TS among children with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis. The mechanism underlying the neuropsychiatric effect of LTRAs needs further investigation.

Leukotrienes vs. Montelukast—Activity, Metabolism, and Toxicity Hints for Repurposing

Increasing environmental distress is associated with a growing asthma incidence; no treatments are available but montelukast (MTK)—an antagonist of the cysteinyl leukotrienes receptor 1—is widely used in the management of symptoms among adults and children. Recently, new molecular targets have been identified and MTK has been proposed for repurposing in other therapeutic applications, with several ongoing clinical trials. The proposed applications include neuroinflammation control, which could be explored in some neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (AD and PD). However, this drug has been associated with an increasing number of reported neuropsychiatric adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Besides, and despite being on the market since 1998, MTK metabolism is still poorly understood and the mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric ADRs remain unknown. We review the role of MTK as a modulator of leukotriene pathways and systematize the current knowledge about MTK metabolism. Known toxic effects of MTK are discussed, and repurposing applications are presented comprehensively, with a focus on AD and PD.

Asthma amplifies dementia risk: Evidence from CSF biomarkers and cognitive decline

Introduction

Evidence from epidemiology, neuroimaging, and animal models indicates that asthma adversely affects the brain, but the nature and extent of neuropathophysiological impact remain unclear.

Methods

We tested the hypothesis that asthma is a risk factor for dementia by comparing cognitive performance and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of glial activation/neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in 60 participants with asthma to 315 non-asthma age-matched control participants (45-93 years), in a sample enriched for AD risk.

Results

Participants with severe asthma had higher neurogranin concentrations compared to controls and those with mild asthma. Positive relationships between cardiovascular risk and concentrations of neurogranin and α-synuclein were amplified in severe asthma. Severe asthma also amplified the deleterious associations that apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier status, cardiovascular risk, and phosphorylated tau181/amyloid beta42 have with rate of cognitive decline.

Discussion

Our data suggest that severe asthma is associated with synaptic degeneration and may compound risk for dementia posed by cardiovascular disease and genetic predisposition.

Highlights

Those with severe asthma showed evidence of higher dementia risk than controls evidenced by: higher levels of the synaptic degeneration biomarker neurogranin regardless of cognitive status, cardiovascular or genetic risk, and controlling for demographics.steeper increase in levels of synaptic degeneration biomarkers neurogranin and α-synuclein with increasing cardiovascular risk.accelerated cognitive decline with higher cardiovascular risk, genetic predisposition, or pathological tau.

Brain-Specific Increase in Leukotriene Signaling Accompanies Chronic Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in a Model of Gulf War Illness

Persistent cognitive impairment is a primary central nervous system-related symptom in veterans afflicted with chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI). Previous studies in a rat model have revealed that cognitive dysfunction in chronic GWI is associated with neuroinflammation, typified by astrocyte hypertrophy, activated microglia, and enhanced proinflammatory cytokine levels. Studies in a mouse model of GWI have also shown upregulation of several phospholipids that serve as reservoirs of arachidonic acid, a precursor of leukotrienes (LTs). However, it is unknown whether altered LT signaling is a component of chronic neuroinflammatory conditions in GWI. Therefore, this study investigated changes in LT signaling in the brain of rats displaying significant cognitive impairments six months after exposure to GWI-related chemicals and moderate stress. The concentration of cysteinyl LTs (CysLTs), LTB4, and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX), the synthesizing enzyme of LTs, were evaluated. CysLT and LTB4 concentrations were elevated in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex, along with enhanced 5-LOX expression in neurons and microglia. Such changes were also associated with increased proinflammatory cytokine levels in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. Enhanced CysLT and LTB4 levels in the brain could also be gleaned from their concentrations in brain-derived extracellular vesicles in the circulating blood. The circulating blood in GWI rats displayed elevated proinflammatory cytokines with no alterations in CysLT and LTB4 concentrations. The results provide new evidence that a brain-specific increase in LT signaling is another adverse alteration that potentially contributes to the maintenance of chronic neuroinflammation in GWI. Therefore, drugs capable of modulating LT signaling may reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognitive function in GWI. Additional findings demonstrate that altered LT levels in the brain could be tracked efficiently by analyzing brain-derived EVs in the circulating blood.

The Multifaceted Role of GPCRs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A New Therapeutic Perspective?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerating disease involving the motor neurons, which causes a progressive loss of movement ability, usually leading to death within 2 to 5 years from the diagnosis. Much effort has been put into research for an effective therapy for its eradication, but still, no cure is available. The only two drugs approved for this pathology, Riluzole and Edaravone, are onlyable to slow down the inevitable disease progression. As assessed in the literature, drug targets such as protein kinases have already been extensively examined as potential drug targets for ALS, with some molecules already in clinical trials. Here, we focus on the involvement of another very important and studied class of biological entities, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), in the onset and progression of ALS. This workaimsto give an overview of what has been already discovered on the topic, providing useful information and insights that can be used by scientists all around the world who are putting efforts into the fight against this very important neurodegenerating disease.

Leukotriene Signaling as a Target in α-Synucleinopathies

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are two common types of α-synucleinopathies and represent a high unmet medical need. Despite diverging clinical manifestations, both neurodegenerative diseases share several facets of their complex pathophysiology. Apart from α-synuclein aggregation, an impairment of mitochondrial functions, defective protein clearance systems and excessive inflammatory responses are consistently observed in the brains of PD as well as DLB patients. Leukotrienes are lipid mediators of inflammatory signaling traditionally known for their role in asthma. However, recent research advances highlight a possible contribution of leukotrienes, along with their rate-limiting synthesis enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, in the pathogenesis of central nervous system disorders. This review provides an overview of in vitro as well as in vivo studies, in summary suggesting that dysregulated leukotriene signaling is involved in the pathological processes underlying PD and DLB. In addition, we discuss how the leukotriene signaling pathway could serve as a future drug target for the therapy of PD and DLB.

Neuronal Phenotype of col4a1 and col25a1: An Intriguing Hypothesis in Vertebrates Brain Aging

Collagens are the most abundant proteins in vertebrates and constitute the major components of the extracellular matrix. Collagens play an important and multifaceted role in the development and functioning of the nervous system and undergo structural remodeling and quantitative modifications during aging. Here, we investigated the age-dependent regulation of col4a1 and col25a1 in the brain of the short-lived vertebrate Nothobranchius furzeri, a powerful model organism for aging research due to its natural fast-aging process and further characterized typical hallmarks of brain aging in this species. We showed that col4a1 and col25a1 are relatively well conserved during vertebrate evolution, and their expression significantly increases in the brain of N. furzeri upon aging. Noteworthy, we report that both col4a1 and col25a1 are expressed in cells with a neuronal phenotype, unlike what has already been documented in mammalian brain, in which only col25a1 is considered a neuronal marker, whereas col4a1 seems to be expressed only in endothelial cells. Overall, our findings encourage further investigation on the role of col4a1 and col25a1 in the biology of the vertebrate brain as well as the onset of aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

Neuroimaging and biomarker evidence of neurodegeneration in asthma

BACKGROUND

Epidemiologic studies have shown that Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) are seen more frequently with asthma, especially with greater asthma severity or exacerbation frequency.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the changes in brain structure that may underlie this phenomenon, we examined diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and blood-based biomarkers of AD (phosphorylated tau 181, p-Tau181), neurodegeneration (neurofilament light chain, NfL), and glial activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP).

METHODS

dMRI data were obtained in 111 individuals with asthma, ranging in disease severity from mild to severe, and 135 healthy controls. Regression analyses were used to test the relationships between asthma severity and neuroimaging measures, as well as AD pathology, neurodegeneration, and glial activation, indexed by plasma p-Tau181, NfL, and GFAP, respectively. Additional relationships were tested with cognitive function.

RESULTS

Asthma participants had widespread and large-magnitude differences in several dMRI metrics, which were indicative of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and which were robustly associated with GFAP and, to a lesser extent, NfL. The AD biomarker p-Tau181 was only minimally associated with neuroimaging outcomes. Further, asthma severity was associated with deleterious changes in neuroimaging outcomes, which in turn were associated with slower processing speed, a test of cognitive performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Asthma, particularly when severe, is associated with characteristics of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and may be a potential risk factor for neural injury and cognitive dysfunction. There is a need to determine how asthma may affect brain health and whether treatment directed toward characteristics of asthma associated with these risks can mitigate these effects.

Intestinal Gpr17 deficiency improves glucose metabolism by promoting GLP-1 secretion

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in intestinal enteroendocrine cells (EECs) respond to nutritional, neural, and microbial cues and modulate the release of gut hormones. Here we show that Gpr17, an orphan GPCR, is co-expressed in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-expressing EECs in human and rodent intestinal epithelium. Acute genetic ablation of Gpr17 in intestinal epithelium improves glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Importantly, inducible knockout (iKO) mice and Gpr17 null intestinal organoids respond to glucose or lipid ingestion with increased secretion of GLP-1, but not the other incretin glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). In an in vitro EEC model, overexpression or agonism of Gpr17 reduces voltage-gated calcium currents and decreases cyclic AMP (cAMP) production, and these are two critical factors regulating GLP-1 secretion. Together, our work shows that intestinal Gpr17 signaling functions as an inhibitory pathway for GLP-1 secretion in EECs, suggesting intestinal GPR17 is a potential target for diabetes and obesity intervention.

Yan et al. locate GPR17 expression in the enteroendocrine cells of human and rodent intestinal epithelium. They find that GPR17 signaling inhibits intracellular rise of cAMP and calcium and that loss of intestinal Gpr17 in rodents leads to better glucose tolerance via increased hormone secretion in response to nutrient ingestion.

Involvement of GPR17 in Neuronal Fibre Outgrowth

Characterization of new pharmacological targets is a promising approach in research of neurorepair mechanisms. The G protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) has recently been proposed as an interesting pharmacological target, e.g., in neuroregenerative processes. Using the well-established ex vivo model of organotypic slice co-cultures of the mesocortical dopaminergic system (prefrontal cortex (PFC) and substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) complex), the influence of GPR17 ligands on neurite outgrowth from SN/VTA to the PFC was investigated. The growth-promoting effects of Montelukast (MTK; GPR17- and cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonist), the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and of two potent, selective GPR17 agonists (PSB-16484 and PSB-16282) were characterized. Treatment with MTK resulted in a significant increase in mean neurite density, comparable with the effects of GDNF. The combination of MTK and GPR17 agonist PSB-16484 significantly inhibited neuronal growth. qPCR studies revealed an MTK-induced elevated mRNA-expression of genes relevant for neuronal growth. Immunofluorescence labelling showed a marked expression of GPR17 on NG2-positive glia. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis of untreated cultures suggest a time-dependent, injury-induced stimulation of GPR17. In conclusion, MTK was identified as a stimulator of neurite fibre outgrowth, mediating its effects through GPR17, highlighting GPR17 as an interesting therapeutic target in neuronal regeneration.

Inhibition of the cysteinyl leukotriene pathways increases survival of RGCs and reduces microglial activation in ocular hypertension

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. This multifactorial, neurodegenerative group of diseases is characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, leading to irreversible visual impairment and blindness. There is a huge unmet and urging need for the development of new and translatable strategies and treatment options to prevent this progressive loss of RGC. Accumulating evidence points towards a critical role of neuroinflammation, in particular microglial cells, in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Leukotrienes are mediators of neuroinflammation and are involved in many neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we tested the leukotriene receptors CysLT1R/GPR17-selective antagonist Montelukast (MTK) for its efficacy to modulate the reactive state of microglia in order to ameliorate RGCs loss in experimental glaucoma. Ocular hypertension (OHT) was induced unilaterally by injection of 8 μm magnetic microbead (MB) into the anterior chamber of female Brown Norway rats. The contralateral, untreated eye served as control. Successful induction of OHT was verified by daily IOP measurement using a TonoLab rebound tonometer. Simultaneously to OHT induction, one group received daily MTK treatment and the control group vehicle solution by oral gavage. Animals were sacrificed 13-15 days after MB injection. Retina and optic nerves (ON) of OHT and contralateral eyes were analyzed by immunofluorescence with specific markers for RGCs (Brn3a), microglial cells/macrophages (Iba1 and CD68), and cysteinyl leukotriene pathway receptors (CysLT1R and GPR17). Protein labeling was documented by confocal microscopy and analyzed with ImageJ plugins. Further, mRNA expression of genes of the inflammatory and leukotriene pathway was analyzed in retinal tissue. MTK treatment resulted in a short-term IOP reduction at day 2, which dissipated by day 5 of OHT induction in MTK treated animals. Furthermore, MTK treatment resulted in a decreased activation of Iba1⁺ microglial cells in the retina and ON, and in a significantly increased RGC survival in OHT eyes. Within the retina, GPR17 and CysLT1R expression was demonstrated in single RCGs and in microglial cells respectively. Further, increased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes was detected in OHT induced retinas. In the ON, OHT induction increased the number of GPR17⁺ cells, showing a trend of reduction following MTK treatment. This study shows for the first time a significantly increased RGC survival in an acute OHT model following treatment with the leukotriene receptor antagonist MTK. These results strongly suggest a neuroprotective effect of MTK and a potential new therapeutic strategy for glaucoma treatment.

Study of montelukast in children with sickle cell disease (SMILES): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Young children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) often have slowed processing speed associated with reduced brain white matter integrity, low oxygen saturation, and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), related in part to enlarged adenoids and tonsils. Common treatments for SDB include adenotonsillectomy and nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but adenotonsillectomy is an invasive surgical procedure, and CPAP is rarely well-tolerated. Further, there is no current consensus on the ability of these treatments to improve cognitive function. Several double-blind, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the efficacy of montelukast, a safe, well-tolerated anti-inflammatory agent, as a treatment for airway obstruction and reducing adenoid size for children who do not have SCA. However, we do not yet know whether montelukast reduces adenoid size and improves cognition function in young children with SCA.

Methods

The Study of Montelukast In Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SMILES) is a 12-week multicentre, double-blind, RCT. SMILES aims to recruit 200 paediatric patients with SCA and SDB aged 3–7.99 years to assess the extent to which montelukast can improve cognitive function (i.e. processing speed) and sleep and reduce adenoidal size and white matter damage compared to placebo. Patients will be randomised to either montelukast or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary objective of the SMILES trial is to assess the effect of montelukast on processing speed in young children with SCA. At baseline and post-treatment, we will administer a cognitive evaluation; caregivers will complete questionnaires (e.g. sleep, pain) and measures of demographics. Laboratory values will be obtained from medical records collected as part of standard care. If a family agrees, patients will undergo brain MRIs for adenoid size and other structural and haemodynamic quantitative measures at baseline and post-treatment, and we will obtain overnight oximetry.

Discussion

Findings from this study will increase our understanding of whether montelukast is an effective treatment for young children with SCA. Using cognitive testing and MRI, the SMILES trial hopes to gain critical knowledge to help develop targeted interventions to improve the outcomes of young children with SCA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04351698. Registered on April 17, 2020. European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT No. 2017-004539-36). Registered on May 19, 2020

Leanness and Low Plasma Leptin in GPR17 Knockout Mice Are Dependent on Strain and Associated With Increased Energy Intake That Is Not Suppressed by Exogenous Leptin

Previous studies have shown that agonists of GPR17 stimulate, while antagonists inhibit feeding. However, whole body knockout of GPR17 in mice of the C57Bl/6 strain did not affect energy balance, whereas selective knockout in oligodendrocytes or pro-opiomelanocortin neurons provided protection from high fat diet-induced obesity and impaired glucose homeostasis. We reasoned that whole body knockout of GPR17 in mice of the 129 strain might elicit more marked effects because the 129 strain is more susceptible than the C57Bl/6 strain to increased sympathetic activity and less susceptible to high fat diet-induced obesity. Consistent with this hypothesis, compared to wild-type mice, and when fed on either a chow or a high fat diet, GPR17 -/- mice of the 129 strain displayed increased expression of uncoupling protein-1 in white adipose tissue, lower body weight and fat content, reduced plasma leptin, non-esterified fatty acids and triglycerides, and resistance to high fat diet-induced glucose intolerance. Not only energy expenditure, but also energy intake was raised. Administration of leptin did not suppress the increased food intake in GPR17 -/- mice of the 129 strain, whereas it did suppress food intake in GPR17 +/+ mice. The only difference between GPR17 +/- and GPR17 +/+ mice of the C57Bl/6 strain was that the body weight of the GPR17 -/- mice was lower than that of the GPR17 +/+ mice when the mice were fed on a standard chow diet. We propose that the absence of GPR17 raises sympathetic activity in mice of the 129 strain in response to a low plasma fuel supply, and that the consequent loss of body fat is partly mitigated by increased energy intake.

Deficiency of Intellectual Disability-Related Gene Brpf1 Attenuated Hippocampal Excitatory Synaptic Transmission and Impaired Spatial Learning and Memory Ability

Patients with monoallelic bromodomain and PHD finger-containing protein 1 (BRPF1) mutations showed intellectual disability. The hippocampus has essential roles in learning and memory. Our previous work indicated that Brpf1 was specifically and strongly expressed in the hippocampus from the perinatal period to adulthood. We hypothesized that mouse Brpf1 plays critical roles in the morphology and function of hippocampal neurons, and its deficiency leads to learning and memory deficits. To test this, we performed immunofluorescence, whole-cell patch clamp, and mRNA-Seq on shBrpf1-infected primary cultured hippocampal neurons to study the effect of Brpf1 knockdown on neuronal morphology, electrophysiological characteristics, and gene regulation. In addition, we performed stereotactic injection into adult mouse hippocampus to knock down Brpf1 in vivo and examined the learning and memory ability by Morris water maze. We found that mild knockdown of Brpf1 reduced mEPSC frequency of cultured hippocampal neurons, before any significant changes of dendritic morphology showed. We also found that Brpf1 mild knockdown in the hippocampus showed a decreasing trend on the spatial learning and memory ability of mice. Finally, mRNA-Seq analyses showed that genes related to learning, memory, and synaptic transmission (such as C1ql1, Gpr17, Htr1d, Glra1, Cxcl10, and Grin2a) were dysregulated upon Brpf1 knockdown. Our results showed that Brpf1 mild knockdown attenuated hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and reduced spatial learning and memory ability, which helps explain the symptoms of patients with BRPF1 mutations.

Leukotriene receptor antagonist use and cognitive decline in normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's dementia

Background

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) alleviate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology and improve cognition in animal models; however, clinical evidence is limited. This study aimed to explore the associations between the use of LTRAs (montelukast or zafirlukast) and cognitive performance in people with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or AD dementia. We hypothesized that LTRA use would be associated with better cognitive performance over time.

Methods

This longitudinal observational study used data from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center. Within groups of participants with normal cognition, MCI, or AD dementia, LTRA users were matched 1:3 to non-users using propensity score matching. Cognitive domains including immediate and delayed memory (Wechsler Memory Scale Revised-Logical Memory IA and IIA), psychomotor processing speed (Digit Symbol Substitution Test), and language (animal naming, vegetable naming, and Boston Naming Test) were compared between users and non-users in mixed-effects linear or Poisson regression models.

Results

In AD dementia, LTRA use was associated with a slower decline in psychomotor processing speed, as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (Β = 1.466 [0.253, 2.678] symbols/year, n = 442), and language, as measured by animal naming (Β = 0.541 [0.215, 0.866] animals/year, n = 566), vegetable naming (B = 0.309 [0.056, 0.561] vegetables/year, n = 565), and the Boston Naming Test (B = 0.529 [0.005, 1.053] items/year, n = 561). Effect sizes were small but persisted after controlling for a 10% false discovery rate. LTRA use was not associated with changes in memory performance in AD, nor was it associated with changes in cognitive performance in people with normal cognition or MCI. In a post hoc analysis, LTRA use was associated with a slower decline in clinical progression in MCI (B = −0.200 [−0.380, −0.019] points/year, n = 800) and AD dementia (B = −0.321 [−0.597, −0.046] points/year, n = 604) as measured by CDR Sum of Boxes.

Conclusions

The use of LTRAs was associated with preserved function in non-amnestic cognitive domains in AD dementia. The role of leukotrienes and their receptors in cognitive decline warrants further investigation and the leukotriene pathway may represent a target for AD treatment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13195-021-00892-7.

5-Lipoxygenase as an emerging target against age-related brain disorders

Neuroinflammation is a common feature of age-related brain disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and cerebral ischemia. 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), a proinflammatory enzyme, modulates inflammation by generating leukotrienes. Abnormal activation of 5-LOX and excessive production of leukotrienes have been detected in the development of age-related brain pathology. In this review, we provide an update on the current understanding of 5-LOX activation and several groups of functionally related inhibitors. In addition, the modulatory roles of 5-LOX in the pathogenesis and progression of the age-related brain disorders have been comprehensively highlighted and discussed. Inhibition of 5-LOX activation may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for AD, PD and cerebral ischemia.

Human GPR17 missense variants identified in metabolic disease patients have distinct downstream signaling profiles

GPR17 is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) implicated in the regulation of glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis. Such evidence is primarily drawn from mouse knockout studies and suggests GPR17 as a potential novel therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic diseases. However, links between human GPR17 genetic variants, downstream cellular signaling, and metabolic diseases have yet to be reported. Here, we analyzed GPR17 coding sequences from control and disease cohorts consisting of individuals with adverse clinical metabolic deficits including severe insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity. We identified 18 nonsynonymous GPR17 variants, including eight variants that were exclusive to the disease cohort. We characterized the protein expression levels, membrane localization, and downstream signaling profiles of nine GPR17 variants (F43L, V96M, V103M, D105N, A131T, G136S, R248Q, R301H, and G354V). These nine GPR17 variants had similar protein expression and subcellular localization as wild-type GPR17; however, they showed diverse downstream signaling profiles. GPR17-G136S lost the capacity for agonist-mediated cAMP, Ca²⁺, and β-arrestin signaling. GPR17-V96M retained cAMP inhibition similar to GPR17-WT, but showed impaired Ca²⁺ and β-arrestin signaling. GPR17-D105N displayed impaired cAMP and Ca²⁺ signaling, but unaffected agonist-stimulated β-arrestin recruitment. The identification and functional profiling of naturally occurring human GPR17 variants from individuals with metabolic diseases revealed receptor variants with diverse signaling profiles, including differential signaling perturbations that resulted in GPCR signaling bias. Our findings provide a framework for structure–function relationship studies of GPR17 signaling and metabolic disease.

Montelukast microsuspension with hypromellose for improved stability and oral absorption

Oral montelukast (MTK) is prescribed to treat asthma or rhinitis, and is clinically investigated as new medication in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia. Herein, in order to better patient's compliance, microsuspensions (MSs)-based oral liquid preparations of montelukast (MTK) were formulated with polymeric suspending agents including hypromellose (HPMC), and those drug-polymer interaction, physicochemical stability, dissolution, and in vivo pharmacokinetic profile was evaluated. When amorphous MTK particle was suspended in aqueous vehicle, it was readily converted into crystalline form and grown into aggregates, drastically lowering dissolution rate. However, the addition of HPMC polymer markedly suppressed the crystal growth, providing both improved drug stability and profound dissolution profile. Raman spectrometry denoted the inter-molecular hydrogen boding between MTK particle and HPMC polymer. The crystal growth or dissolution profile of MSs was markedly affected by pharmaceutical additives (sucrose or simethicone) in the preparations or storage temperature. The optimized HPMC-based MS exhibited over 80% higher bioavailability, compared to marketed granule (Singulair®) in rats. Therefore, novel MTK-loaded MS can be a promising liquid preparation, bettering oral absorption and patient's compliance.

Potential Effects of Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Montelukast in Treatment of Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder where misfolded alpha-synuclein-enriched aggregates called Lewy bodies are central in pathogenesis. No neuroprotective or disease-modifying treatments are currently available. Parkinson’s disease is considered a multifactorial disease and evidence from multiple patient studies and animal models has shown a significant immune component during the course of the disease, highlighting immunomodulation as a potential treatment strategy. The immune changes occur centrally, involving microglia and astrocytes but also peripherally with changes to the innate and adaptive immune system. Here, we review current understanding of different components of the PD immune response with a particular emphasis on the leukotriene pathway. We will also describe evidence of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, as a possible anti-inflammatory treatment for PD.

Cognitive Effects of Montelukast: A Pharmaco-EEG Study

Montelukast is a well-established antiasthmatic drug with little side effects. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist and recent research suggests cognitive benefits from its anti-inflammatory actions on the central nervous system. However, changes in brain activity were not directly shown so far in humans. This study aims to document changes in brain activity that are associated with cognitive improvement during treatment with Montelukast. We recorded EEG and conducted neuropsychological tests in 12 asthma-patients aged 38-73 years before and after 8 weeks of treatment with Montelukast. We found no significant changes on neuropsychological scales for memory, attention, and mood. In the EEG, we found decreased entropy at follow up during rest (p < 0.005). During episodic memory acquisition we found decreased entropy (p < 0.01) and acceleration of the background rhythm (p < 0.05). During visual attention performance, we detected an increase in gamma power (p < 0.005) and slowing of the background rhythm (p < 0.05). The study is limited by its small sample size, young age and absence of baseline cognitive impairment of the participants. Unspecific changes in brain activity were not accompanied by cognitive improvement. Future studies should examine elderly patients with cognitive impairment in a double-blind study with longer-term treatment by Montelukast.

Identification of multipotent drugs for COVID-19 therapeutics with the evaluation of their SARS-CoV2 inhibitory activity

The SARS-CoV2 is a highly contagious pathogen that causes COVID-19 disease. It has affected millions of people globally with an average lethality of ~3%. There is an urgent need of drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. In the current studies, we have used bioinformatics techniques to screen the FDA approved drugs against nine SARS-CoV2 proteins to identify drugs for repurposing. Additionally, we analyzed if the identified molecules can also affect the human proteins whose expression in lung changed during SARS-CoV2 infection. Targeting such genes may also be a beneficial strategy to curb disease manifestation. We have identified 74 molecules that can bind to various SARS-CoV2 and human host proteins. We experimentally validated our in-silico predictions using vero E6 cells infected with SARS-CoV2 virus. Interestingly, many of our predicted molecules viz. capreomycin, celecoxib, mefloquine, montelukast, and nebivolol showed good activity (IC50) against SARS-CoV2. We hope that these studies may help in the development of new therapeutic options for the treatment of COVID-19.

Functional genomic analyses highlight a shift in Gpr17-regulated cellular processes in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and underlying myelin dysregulation in the aged mouse cerebrum

Brain ageing is characterised by a decline in neuronal function and associated cognitive deficits. There is increasing evidence that myelin disruption is an important factor that contributes to the age-related loss of brain plasticity and repair responses. In the brain, myelin is produced by oligodendrocytes, which are generated throughout life by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Currently, a leading hypothesis points to ageing as a major reason for the ultimate breakdown of remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, an incomplete understanding of the cellular and molecular processes underlying brain ageing hinders the development of regenerative strategies. Here, our combined systems biology and neurobiological approach demonstrate that oligodendroglial and myelin genes are amongst the most altered in the ageing mouse cerebrum. This was underscored by the identification of causal links between signalling pathways and their downstream transcriptional networks that define oligodendroglial disruption in ageing. The results highlighted that the G-protein coupled receptor Gpr17 is central to the disruption of OPCs in ageing and this was confirmed by genetic fate-mapping and cellular analyses. Finally, we used systems biology strategies to identify therapeutic agents that rejuvenate OPCs and restore myelination in age-related neuropathological contexts.

The role of leukotriene modifying agent treatment in neuropsychiatric events of elderly asthma patients: a nested case control study

Background

In March 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration decided that the dangers related to neuropsychiatric events (NPEs) of montelukast, one of the leukotriene modifying agents (LTMAs), should be communicated through ‘boxed warning’. In case of NPEs, the prevalence has been the highest in elderly people. Because the characteristics of the elderly such as old age itself can act as risk factors. Therefore, an investigation on safety of LTMAs related to NPEs in elderly using LTMAs is needed.

Method

A nested case-control study using an elderly sample cohort from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database was used. The asthma cohort included asthma patients newly diagnosed between 2003 and 2013. Within the asthma cohort, the case group was defined as patients who were diagnosed with NPEs. Among patients who had never been diagnosed with NPEs, the control group was selected by matching 1:1 by propensity score. Patients who were prescribed LTMAs for 1 year prior to index date were defined as the exposure group. The logistic regression model was used to measure the effect of LTMAs on NPEs.

Results

We identified 141,165 patients with newly diagnosed asthma, and selected 31,992 patients per each case and control group. Exposure to LTMAs significantly increased the risk of overall NPEs about in comparison with the absence of exposure (crude odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% CI 1.50–1.68). After adjusting for confounding factors, the overall NPEs risk increased (adjusted OR, 1.67, 95% CI 1.58–1.78).

Conclusion

This study suggests that elderly asthma patients prescribed LTMAs had a higher risk of NPEs than patients who were not treated with LTMAs. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the potential risks of LTMAs.

The Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Montelukast Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Affects Cognition in Transgenic 5xFAD Mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. In particular, neuroinflammation, mediated by microglia cells but also through CD8+ T-cells, actively contributes to disease pathology. Leukotrienes are involved in neuroinflammation and in the pathological hallmarks of AD. In consequence, leukotriene signaling—more specifically, the leukotriene receptors—has been recognized as a potential drug target to ameliorate AD pathology. Here, we analyzed the effects of the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast (MTK) on hippocampal gene expression in 5xFAD mice, a commonly used transgenic AD mouse model. We identified glial activation and neuroinflammation as the main pathways modulated by MTK. The treatment increased the number of Tmem119+ microglia and downregulated genes related to AD-associated microglia and to lipid droplet-accumulating microglia, suggesting that the MTK treatment targets and modulates microglia phenotypes in the disease model compared to the vehicle. MTK treatment further reduced infiltration of CD8+T-cells into the brain parenchyma. Finally, MTK treatment resulted in improved cognitive functions. In summary, we provide a proof of concept for MTK to be a potential drug candidate for AD and provide novel modes of action via modulation of microglia and CD8+ T-cells. Of note, 5xFAD females showed a more severe pathology, and in consequence, MTK treatment had a more pronounced effect in the females compared to the males. The effects on neuroinflammation, i.e., microglia and CD8+ T-cells, as well as the effects on cognitive outcome, were dose-dependent, therefore arguing for the use of higher doses of MTK in AD clinical trials compared to the approved asthma dose.

Montelukast alleviates inflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by altering Th17 differentiation in a mouse model

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is known to prevent allergic rhinitis and asthma. Blocking the Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CysLTR1), one of the primary receptors of leukotrienes, has been demonstrated to be efficacious in ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), through disrupting chemotaxis of infiltrating T cells. However, the role of CysLTR1 in the pathogenesis of MS is not well understood. Here, we show that MS patients had higher expression of CysLTR1 in the circulation and central nervous system (CNS). The majority of CD4⁺ T cells expressed CysLTR1 in MS lesions. Among T-cell subsets, Th17 cells had the highest expression of CysLTR1, and blocking CysLTR1 signalling abrogated their development in vitro. Inhibition of CysLTR1 by montelukast suppressed EAE development in both a prophylactic and therapeutic manner and inhibited myelin loss in EAE mice. Similarly, the in vivo results showed that montelukast inhibited Th17 response in EAE mice and that Th17 cells treated with montelukast had reduced encephalitogenic in adoptive EAE. Our findings strongly suggest that targeting Th17 response by inhibiting CysLTR1 signalling could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MS and CNS inflammatory diseases.

Metabolism pathways of arachidonic acids: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

The arachidonic acid (AA) pathway plays a key role in cardiovascular biology, carcinogenesis, and many inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, arthritis, etc. Esterified AA on the inner surface of the cell membrane is hydrolyzed to its free form by phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which is in turn further metabolized by cyclooxygenases (COXs) and lipoxygenases (LOXs) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes to a spectrum of bioactive mediators that includes prostanoids, leukotrienes (LTs), epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (diHETEs), eicosatetraenoic acids (ETEs), and lipoxins (LXs). Many of the latter mediators are considered to be novel preventive and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancers, and inflammatory diseases. This review sets out to summarize the physiological and pathophysiological importance of the AA metabolizing pathways and outline the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of AA related to its three main metabolic pathways in CVD and cancer progression will provide valuable insight for developing new therapeutic drugs for CVD and anti-cancer agents such as inhibitors of EETs or 2J2. Thus, we herein present a synopsis of AA metabolism in human health, cardiovascular and cancer biology, and the signaling pathways involved in these processes. To explore the role of the AA metabolism and potential therapies, we also introduce the current newly clinical studies targeting AA metabolisms in the different disease conditions.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated CysLT1R deletion reverses synaptic failure, amyloidosis and cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice

As a major pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid-β (Aβ) is regarded as a causative factor for cognitive impairment. Extensive studies have found Aβ induces a series of pathophysiological responses, finally leading to memory loss in AD. Our previous results demonstrated that cysteinyl leukotrienes receptor 1 (CysLT1R) antagonists improved exogenous Aβ-induced memory impairment. But the role of CysLT1R in AD and its underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. In this study, we investigated CysLT1R levels in AD patients and APP/PS1 mice. We also generated APP/PS1-CysLT1R-/- mice by clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated CysLT1R deletion in APP/PS1 mice and studied the effect of CysLT1R knockout on amyloidogenesis, synapse structure and plasticity, cognition, neuroinflammation, and kynurenine pathway. These attributes were also studied after lentivirus-mediated knockdown of CysLT1R gene in APP/PS1 mice. We found that CysLT1R knockout or knockdown could conserve synaptic structure and plasticity, and improve cognition in APP/PS1 mice. These effects were associated with concurrent decreases in amyloid processing, reduced neuroinflammation and suppression of the kynurenine pathway. Our study demonstrates that CysLT1R deficiency can mediate several beneficial effects against AD pathogenesis, and genetic/pharmacological ablation of this protein could be a potential therapeutic option for AD.