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Tan L, Zhang H, Li H, Sun S, Lyu Q, Jiang Y. Blueberry extracts antagonize Aβ 25-35 neurotoxicity and exert a neuroprotective effect through MEK-ERK-BDNF/UCH-L1 signaling pathway in rat and mouse hippocampus. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:745-760. [PMID: 37647279 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2252640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuroprotective potential of blueberry (BB) extracts against Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been previously hinted at, while its exact mechanism has remained largely enigmatic. OBJECTIVE Our study endeavored to unravel the impacts and mechanisms by which BB extracts ameliorated the learning and memory prowess of AD-afflicted mice, with a specific focus on the MEK-ERK pathway. METHODS We employed 3-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice and stratified them into three distinct groups: AD+BB, AD, and control (CT). The Morris Water Maze Test (MWMT) was then administered to gauge their learning and memory faculties. In vitro experiments were executed on Aβ25-35-afflicted rat hippocampal neurons, which were subsequently treated with varying concentrations of BB extracts. We then assessed the expression levels of genes and proteins integral to the MEK-ERKBDNF/UCH-L1 pathway. RESULTS The data showed that the AD mice demonstrated compromised learning and memory faculties in MWMT. However, the AD+BB cohort showcased marked improvements in performance. Furthermore, in the AD subset, significant elevations in the expressions of MEK2 and ERK1/2 were observed, both at the mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, UCH-L1 mRNA expressions exhibited a decline, while BDNF expressions surged significantly. However, post BB extract treatment, the expressions of MEK2 and ERK1/2 were subdued, with UCH-L1 and BDNF mRNA expressions reverting to control levels. CONCLUSIONS Our findings propounded that BB extracts could offer therapeutic promise for AD by bolstering learning and memory capacities. The unwarranted activation of the MEK-ERK pathway, coupled with the aberrant expressions of BDNF and UCH-L1, might underpin AD's pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Tan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiqiang Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area Hospital, Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shoudan Sun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanjun Lyu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yugang Jiang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Li H, Xiao C, Wang F, Guo X, Zhou Z, Jiang Y. Blueberry-Mulberry Extract Alleviates Cognitive Impairment, Regulates Gut Metabolites, and Inhibits Inflammation in Aged Mice. Foods 2023; 12:foods12040860. [PMID: 36832936 PMCID: PMC9956669 DOI: 10.3390/foods12040860] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is associated with aging; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Our previous study found that polyphenol-rich blueberry-mulberry extract (BME) had an antioxidant capability and effectively alleviated cognitive impairment in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Thus, we hypothesized that BME would improve cognitive performance in naturally aging mice and assessed its effects on related signaling pathways. Eighteen-month-old C57BL/6J mice were gavaged with 300 mg/kg/d of BME for 6 weeks. Behavioral phenotypes, cytokine levels, tight junction protein levels, and the histopathology of the brain were assessed, and 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and targeted metabolome analyses were used for gut microbiota and metabolite measurements. Our results showed that the cognitive performance of aged mice in the Morris water maze test was improved after BME treatment, neuronal loss was reduced, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the brain and intestine were decreased, and the levels of intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) were increased. Further, 16S sequencing showed that BME significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Lactococcus and decreased the relative abundance of Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, and Roseburia in the gut. A targeted metabolomic analysis showed that BME significantly increased the levels of 21 metabolites, including α-linolenic acid, vanillic acid, and N-acetylserotonin. In conclusion, BME alters the gut microbiota and regulates gut metabolites in aged mice, which may contribute to the alleviation of cognitive impairment and to inflammation inhibition in both the brain and the gut. Our results provide a basis for future research on natural antioxidant intervention as a treatment strategy for aging-related cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Changhao Xiao
- Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Xuqi Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhongkai Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yugang Jiang
- Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-139-2077-0716
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Krikorian R, Skelton MR, Summer SS, Shidler MD, Sullivan PG. Blueberry Supplementation in Midlife for Dementia Risk Reduction. Nutrients 2022; 14:1619. [PMID: 35458181 PMCID: PMC9031005 DOI: 10.3390/nu14081619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Late-life dementia typically develops over a period of many years beginning in midlife. Prevalence of metabolic disturbance also accelerates in middle age and is a prominent risk factor for dementia. Preliminary studies indicate that blueberry supplementation can improve cognitive performance and influence metabolism and brain function and therefore may have a role in early intervention to prevent neurodegeneration. In a randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effects of daily blueberry supplementation in a middle-aged sample of insulin-resistant participants with elevated risk for future dementia. We enrolled overweight men and women, aged 50 to 65 years, with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and performed pre- and post-intervention assessments of cognition and metabolism and exploratory measures of peripheral mitochondrial function. We observed improved performances for the blueberry group on measures of lexical access, p = 0.003, and memory interference, p = 0.04, and blueberry-treated participants reported reduced memory encoding difficulty in daily life activities, p = 0.03. The blueberry-treated group also exhibited correction of peripheral hyperinsulinemia, p = 0.04, and a modest trend for increased mitochondrial uncoupling, p = 0.11. The cognitive findings indicated improved executive ability in this middle-aged sample. In addition, the changes in metabolic and bioenergetic measures imply potential mechanistic factors associated with anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin actions. The demonstration of these benefits in middle-aged individuals with insulin resistance and SCD suggests that ongoing blueberry supplementation may contribute to protection against cognitive decline when implemented early in at-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Krikorian
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
| | - Matthew R. Skelton
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Suzanne S. Summer
- Bionutrition Core, Clinical Translational Research Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Marcelle D. Shidler
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
| | - Patrick G. Sullivan
- Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research Center, Chandler College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
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Prevot TD, Sumitomo A, Tomoda T, Knutson DE, Li G, Mondal P, Banasr M, Cook JM, Sibille E. Reversal of Age-Related Neuronal Atrophy by α5-GABAA Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulation. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:1395-1408. [PMID: 33068001 PMCID: PMC7786363 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with reduced brain volume, altered neural activity, and neuronal atrophy in cortical-like structures, comprising the frontal cortex and hippocampus, together contributing to cognitive impairments. Therapeutic efforts aimed at reversing these deficits have focused on excitatory or neurotrophic mechanisms, although recent findings show that reduced dendritic inhibition mediated by α5-subunit containing GABA-A receptors (α5-GABAA-Rs) occurs during aging and contributes to cognitive impairment. Here, we aimed to confirm the beneficial effect on working memory of augmenting α5-GABAA-R activity in old mice and tested its potential at reversing age-related neuronal atrophy. We show that GL-II-73, a novel ligand with positive allosteric modulatory activity at α5-GABAA-R (α5-PAM), increases dendritic branching complexity and spine numbers of cortical neurons in vitro. Using old mice, we confirm that α5-PAM reverses age-related working memory deficits and show that chronic treatment (3 months) significantly reverses age-related dendritic shrinkage and spine loss in frontal cortex and hippocampus. A subsequent 1-week treatment cessation (separate cohort) resulted in loss of efficacy on working memory but maintained morphological neurotrophic effects. Together, the results demonstrate the beneficial effect on working memory and neurotrophic efficacy of augmenting α5-GABAA-R function in old mice, suggesting symptomatic and disease-modifying potential in age-related brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Prevot
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Akiko Sumitomo
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Tomoda
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Daniel E Knutson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Guanguan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Prithu Mondal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Mounira Banasr
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Etienne Sibille
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Musillo C, Borgi M, Saul N, Möller S, Luyten W, Berry A, Cirulli F. Natural products improve healthspan in aged mice and rats: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 121:89-105. [PMID: 33309907 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decades a decrease in mortality has paved the way for late onset pathologies such as cardiovascular, metabolic or neurodegenerative diseases. This evidence has led many researchers to shift their focus from researching ways to extend lifespan to finding ways to increase the number of years spent in good health; "healthspan" is indeed the emerging concept of such quest for ageing without chronic or disabling diseases and dysfunctions. Regular consumption of natural products might improve healthspan, although the mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. Since preclinical studies aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of these compounds are growing, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of natural products on healthspan in mouse and rat models of physiological ageing. Results indicate that natural compounds show robust effects improving stress resistance and cognitive abilities. These promising data call for further studies investigating the underlying mechanisms in more depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Musillo
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy; PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Borgi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadine Saul
- Molecular Genetics Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Steffen Möller
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Alessandra Berry
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Singh P, Sivanandam TM, Konar A, Thakur MK. Role of nutraceuticals in cognition during aging and related disorders. Neurochem Int 2020; 143:104928. [PMID: 33285273 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive abilities are compromised with advancing age posing a great risk for the development of dementia and other related brain disorders. Genetic susceptibility as well as environmental exposures determine the fate of cognitive aging and its transition to pathological states. Emerging epidemiological and observational studies have revealed the importance of lifestyle factors including dietary patterns and nutritional intake in the maintenance of cognitive health and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. In this context, nutraceutical interventions have gained considerable attention in preventing age-related cognitive deficits and counteracting pathological processes. Nutraceuticals include dietary plants and derivatives, food supplements and processed foods with nutritional and pharmaceutical values. The present review highlights the importance of nutraceuticals in attenuating cognitive aging and its progression to dementia, with specific emphasis on chemical constituents, neurocognitive properties and mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmanabh Singh
- Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Thamil Mani Sivanandam
- Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Arpita Konar
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India.
| | - M K Thakur
- Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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7
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Impaired Parahippocampal Gyrus-Orbitofrontal Cortex Circuit Associated with Visuospatial Memory Deficit as a Potential Biomarker and Interventional Approach for Alzheimer Disease. Neurosci Bull 2020; 36:831-844. [PMID: 32350798 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00498-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The parahippocampal gyrus-orbitofrontal cortex (PHG-OFC) circuit in humans is homologous to the postrhinal cortex (POR)-ventral lateral orbitofrontal cortex (vlOFC) circuit in rodents. Both are associated with visuospatial malfunctions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the relationship between an impaired POR-vlOFC circuit and visuospatial memory deficits through retrograde tracing and in vivo local field potential recordings in 5XFAD mice, and investigated alterations of the PHG-OFC circuit by multi-domain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients on the AD spectrum. We demonstrated that an impaired glutamatergic POR-vlOFC circuit resulted in deficient visuospatial memory in 5XFAD mice. Moreover, MRI measurements of the PHG-OFC circuit had an accuracy of 77.33% for the classification of amnestic mild cognitive impairment converters versus non-converters. Thus, the PHG-OFC circuit explains the neuroanatomical basis of visuospatial memory deficits in AD, thereby providing a potential predictor for AD progression and a promising interventional approach for AD.
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8
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Kalt W, Cassidy A, Howard LR, Krikorian R, Stull AJ, Tremblay F, Zamora-Ros R. Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins. Adv Nutr 2020; 11:224-236. [PMID: 31329250 PMCID: PMC7442370 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmz065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Awareness of the human health benefits of blueberries is underpinned by a growing body of positive scientific evidence from human observational and clinical research, plus mechanistic research using animal and in vitro models. Blueberries contain a large number of phytochemicals, including abundant anthocyanin pigments. Of their various phytochemicals, anthocyanins probably make the greatest impact on blueberry health functionality. Epidemiological studies associate regular, moderate intake of blueberries and/or anthocyanins with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, death, and type 2 diabetes, and with improved weight maintenance and neuroprotection. These findings are supported by biomarker-based evidence from human clinical studies. Among the more important healthful aspects of blueberries are their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and their beneficial effects on vascular and glucoregulatory function. Blueberry phytochemicals may affect gastrointestinal microflora and contribute to host health. These aspects have implications in degenerative diseases and conditions as well as the aging process. More evidence, and particularly human clinical evidence, is needed to better understand the potential for anthocyanin-rich blueberries to benefit public health. However, it is widely agreed that the regular consumption of tasty, ripe blueberries can be unconditionally recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilhelmina Kalt
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville Research and Development Centre, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada (retired)
| | - Aedin Cassidy
- Department of Nutrition, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Luke R Howard
- Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Robert Krikorian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - April J Stull
- Department of Human Ecology, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, USA
| | - Francois Tremblay
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Raul Zamora-Ros
- Unit of Nutrition and Cancer, Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
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Anthocyanins and Their Metabolites as Therapeutic Agents for Neurodegenerative Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8090333. [PMID: 31443476 PMCID: PMC6770078 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8090333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by the death of neurons within specific regions of the brain or spinal cord. While the etiology of many neurodegenerative diseases remains elusive, several factors are thought to contribute to the neurodegenerative process, such as oxidative and nitrosative stress, excitotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, protein aggregation, and neuroinflammation. These processes culminate in the death of vulnerable neuronal populations, which manifests symptomatically as cognitive and/or motor impairments. Until recently, most treatments for these disorders have targeted single aspects of disease pathology; however, this strategy has proved largely ineffective, and focus has now turned towards therapeutics which target multiple aspects underlying neurodegeneration. Anthocyanins are unique flavonoid compounds that have been shown to modulate several of the factors contributing to neuronal death, and interest in their use as therapeutics for neurodegeneration has grown in recent years. Additionally, due to observations that the bioavailability of anthocyanins is low relative to that of their metabolites, it has been proposed that anthocyanin metabolites may play a significant part in mediating the beneficial effects of an anthocyanin-rich diet. Thus, in this review, we will explore the evidence evaluating the neuroprotective and therapeutic potential of anthocyanins and their common metabolites for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Gildawie KR, Galli RL, Shukitt-Hale B, Carey AN. Protective Effects of Foods Containing Flavonoids on Age-Related Cognitive Decline. Curr Nutr Rep 2019; 7:39-48. [PMID: 29892789 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-018-0227-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Evidence suggests that flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds found in many plant-derived foods, such as berries, may allay cognitive impairment. We review recent research exploring the protective effects of flavonoids on age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animals. We also address the mechanisms by which flavonoids may exert their effects and promising avenues of future research. RECENT FINDINGS Flavonoids have been found to decrease neuroinflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and mediate neuroplasticity in animal models of neurodegeneration and aging. Injecting flavonoids encased in metal nanoparticles may further enhance the efficacy of flavonoids. Animal studies also demonstrate that flavonoid supplementation may alleviate neurodegenerative cognitive and memory impairments. Limited human studies, however, demonstrate the need for further clinical research investigating flavonoids. Flavonoid supplementation, as well as dietary modification to include whole foods high in flavonoids, may provide therapeutic potential for aging individuals experiencing cognitive deficits resulting from neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea R Gildawie
- Department of Psychology, Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel L Galli
- Department of Psychology, Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Amanda N Carey
- Department of Psychology, Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Shukitt-Hale B, Thangthaeng N, Miller MG, Poulose SM, Carey AN, Fisher DR. Blueberries Improve Neuroinflammation and Cognition differentially Depending on Individual Cognitive baseline Status. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2019; 74:977-983. [PMID: 30772901 PMCID: PMC6580694 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Daily supplementation of blueberries (BBs) reverses age-related deficits in behavior in aged rats. However, it is unknown whether BB is more beneficial to one subset of the population dependent on baseline cognitive performance and inflammatory status. To examine the effect of individual differences on the efficacy of BB, aged rats (17 months old) were assessed for cognition in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) and divided into good, average, and poor performers based on navigation errors. Half of the rats in each cognitive group were then fed a control or a 2% BB diet for 8 weeks before retesting. Serum samples were collected, pre-diet and post-diet, to assess inflammation. Latency in the radial arm water maze was significantly reduced in the BB-fed poor performers (p < .05) and preserved in the BB-fed good performers. The control-fed good performers committed more working and reference memory errors in the post-test than pretest (p < .05), whereas the BB-fed good performers showed no change. An in vitro study using the serum showed that BB supplementation attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitrite and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cognitive performance was associated with innate anti-inflammatory capability. Therefore, consumption of BB may reverse some age-related deficits in cognition, as well as preserve function among those with intact cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Shukitt-Hale
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nopporn Thangthaeng
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marshall G Miller
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shibu M Poulose
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amanda N Carey
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Derek R Fisher
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
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12
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A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of Low Dose Enhanced Wild Blueberry Powder and Wild Blueberry Extract (ThinkBlue™) in Maintenance of Episodic and Working Memory in Older Adults. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10060660. [PMID: 29882843 PMCID: PMC6024810 DOI: 10.3390/nu10060660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown beneficial effects of polyphenol-rich diets in ameliorating cognitive decline in aging adults. Here, using a randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled chronic intervention, we investigated the effect of two proprietary blueberry formulations on cognitive performance in older adults; a whole wild blueberry powder at 500 mg (WBP500) and 1000 mg (WBP1000) and a purified extract at 100 mg (WBE111). One hundred and twenty-two older adults (65–80 years) were randomly allocated to a 6-month, daily regimen of either placebo or one of the three interventions. Participants were tested at baseline, 3, and 6 months on a battery of cognitive tasks targeting episodic memory, working memory and executive function, alongside mood and cardiovascular health parameters. Linear mixed model analysis found intervention to be a significant predictor of delayed word recognition on the Reys Auditory Verbal Learning Task (RAVLT), with simple contrast analysis revealing significantly better performance following WBE111 at 3 months. Similarly, performance on the Corsi Block task was predicted by treatment, with simple contrast analysis revealing a trend for better performance at 3 months following WBE111. Treatment also significantly predicted systolic blood pressure (SBP) with simple contrast analysis revealing lower SBP following intervention with WBE111 in comparison to placebo. These results indicate 3 months intervention with WBE111 can facilitate better episodic memory performance in an elderly population and reduce cardiovascular risk factors over 6 months.
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13
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Carvajal FJ, Mira RG, Rovegno M, Minniti AN, Cerpa W. Age-related NMDA signaling alterations in SOD2 deficient mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2010-2020. [PMID: 29577983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress affects the survival and function of neurons. Hence, they have a complex and highly regulated machinery to handle oxidative changes. The dysregulation of this antioxidant machinery is associated with a wide range of neurodegenerative conditions. Therefore, we evaluated signaling alterations, synaptic properties and behavioral performance in 2 and 6-month-old heterozygous manganese superoxide dismutase knockout mice (SOD2+/- mice). We found that their low antioxidant capacity generated direct oxidative damage in proteins, lipids, and DNA. However, only 6-month-old heterozygous knockout mice presented behavioral impairments. On the other hand, synaptic plasticity, synaptic strength and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) dependent postsynaptic potentials were decreased in an age-dependent manner. We also analyzed the phosphorylation state of the NMDAR subunit GluN2B. We found that while the levels of GluN2B phosphorylated on tyrosine 1472 (synaptic form) remain unchanged, we detected increased levels of GluN2B phosphorylated on tyrosine 1336 (extrasynaptic form), establishing alterations in the synaptic/extrasynaptic ratio of GluN2B. Additionally, we found increased levels of two phosphatases associated with dephosphorylation of p-1472: striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome Ten (PTEN). Moreover, we found decreased levels of p-CREB, a master transcription factor activated by synaptic stimulation. In summary, we describe mechanisms by which glutamatergic synapses are altered under oxidative stress conditions. Our results uncovered new putative therapeutic targets for conditions where NMDAR downstream signaling is altered. This work also contributes to our understanding of processes such as synapse formation, learning, and memory in neuropathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Carvajal
- Laboratorio de Función y Patología Neuronal, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Santiago, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo G Mira
- Laboratorio de Función y Patología Neuronal, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Santiago, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Rovegno
- Departamento de Medicina Intensiva, Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alicia N Minniti
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Santiago, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Waldo Cerpa
- Laboratorio de Función y Patología Neuronal, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Santiago, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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