1
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Jiang S, Xu R. The Current Potential Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04269-3. [PMID: 38829511 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04269-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in the affected motor neurons. At present, the accurate pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear and there are still no effective treatment measures for ALS. The potential pathogenesis of ALS mainly includes the misfolding of some pathogenic proteins, the genetic variation, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy disorders, neuroinflammation, the misregulation of RNA, the altered axonal transport, and gut microbial dysbiosis. Exploring the pathogenesis of ALS is a critical step in searching for the effective therapeutic approaches. The current studies suggested that the genetic variation, gut microbial dysbiosis, the activation of glial cells, and the transportation disorder of extracellular vesicles may play some important roles in the pathogenesis of ALS. This review conducts a systematic review of these current potential promising topics closely related to the pathogenesis of ALS; it aims to provide some new evidences and clues for searching the novel treatment measures of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Center South University, Jiangxi Hospital. No. 152 of Aiguo Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Center South University, Jiangxi Hospital. No. 152 of Aiguo Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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2
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Chakraborty P, Gamage HKAH, Laird AS. Butyrate as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders. Neurochem Int 2024; 176:105745. [PMID: 38641025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining an optimum microbial community within the gastrointestinal tract is intricately linked to human metabolic, immune and brain health. Disturbance to these microbial populations perturbs the production of vital bioactive compounds synthesised by the gut microbiome, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Of the SCFAs, butyrate is known to be a major source of energy for colonocytes and has valuable effects on the maintenance of intestinal epithelium and blood brain barrier integrity, gut motility and transit, anti-inflammatory effects, and autophagy induction. Inducing endogenous butyrate production is likely to be beneficial for gut-brain homeostasis and for optimal neuronal function. For these reasons, butyrate has gained interest as a potential therapy for not only metabolic and immunological disorders, but also conditions related to the brain, including neurodegenerative diseases. While direct and indirect sources of butyrate, including prebiotics, probiotics, butyrate pro-drugs and glucosidase inhibitors, offer a promising therapeutic avenue, their efficacy and dosage in neurodegenerative conditions remain largely unknown. Here, we review current literature on effects of butyrate relevant to neuronal function, the impact of butyrate in a range of neurodegenerative diseases and related treatments that may have potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapti Chakraborty
- Macquarie University Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hasinika K A H Gamage
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Angela S Laird
- Macquarie University Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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3
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Lee A, Henderson R, Aylward J, McCombe P. Gut Symptoms, Gut Dysbiosis and Gut-Derived Toxins in ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1871. [PMID: 38339149 PMCID: PMC10856138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Many pathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, there have been emerging suggestions of a possible role for the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota have a range of functions and could influence ALS by several mechanisms. Here, we review the possible role of gut-derived neurotoxins/excitotoxins. We review the evidence of gut symptoms and gut dysbiosis in ALS. We then examine a possible role for gut-derived toxins by reviewing the evidence that these molecules are toxic to the central nervous system, evidence of their association with ALS, the existence of biochemical pathways by which these molecules could be produced by the gut microbiota and existence of mechanisms of transport from the gut to the blood and brain. We then present evidence that there are increased levels of these toxins in the blood of some ALS patients. We review the effects of therapies that attempt to alter the gut microbiota or ameliorate the biochemical effects of gut toxins. It is possible that gut dysbiosis contributes to elevated levels of toxins and that these could potentially contribute to ALS pathogenesis, but more work is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aven Lee
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (R.H.); (P.M.)
| | - Robert Henderson
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (R.H.); (P.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Wesley Research Institute, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia;
| | - James Aylward
- Wesley Research Institute, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia;
| | - Pamela McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (R.H.); (P.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Wesley Research Institute, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia;
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4
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Yan J, Chen H, Zhang Y, Peng L, Wang Z, Lan X, Yu S, Yang Y. Fecal microbiota transplantation significantly improved respiratory failure of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2353396. [PMID: 38778483 PMCID: PMC11123505 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2353396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to respiratory failure, and eventually death. However, there is a lack of effective treatments for ALS. Here we report the results of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in two patients with late-onset classic ALS with a Japan ALS severity classification of grade 5 who required tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. In both patients, significant improvements in respiratory function were observed following two rounds of FMT, leading to weaning off mechanical ventilation. Their muscle strength improved, allowing for assisted standing and mobility. Other notable treatment responses included improved swallowing function and reduced muscle fasciculations. Metagenomic and metabolomic analysis revealed an increase in beneficial Bacteroides species (Bacteroides stercoris, Bacteroides uniformis, Bacteroides vulgatus), and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii after FMT, as well as elevated levels of metabolites involved in arginine biosynthesis and decreased levels of metabolites involved in branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. These findings offer a potential rescue therapy for ALS with respiratory failure and provide new insights into ALS in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshuang Yan
- Microbiome Division, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huixin Chen
- Microbiome Division, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Microbiome Division, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Peng
- Microbiome Division, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zikai Wang
- Microbiome Division, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyang Lan
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shengyuan Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunsheng Yang
- Microbiome Division, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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5
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Guo B, Zhang J, Zhang W, Chen F, Liu B. Gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids act as mediators of the gut-brain axis targeting age-related neurodegenerative disorders: a narrative review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-22. [PMID: 37897083 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2272769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging are often accompanied by cognitive decline and gut microbiota disorder. But the impact of gut microbiota on these cognitive disturbances remains incompletely understood. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are major metabolites produced by gut microbiota during the digestion of dietary fiber, serving as an energy source for gut epithelial cells and/or circulating to other organs, such as the liver and brain, through the bloodstream. SCFAs have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and played crucial roles in brain metabolism, with potential implications in mediating Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying mechanisms that SCFAs might influence psychological functioning, including affective and cognitive processes and their neural basis, have not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, the dietary sources which determine these SCFAs production was not thoroughly evaluated yet. This comprehensive review explores the production of SCFAs by gut microbiota, their transportation through the gut-brain axis, and the potential mechanisms by which they influence age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Also, the review discusses the importance of dietary fiber sources and the challenges associated with harnessing dietary-derived SCFAs as promoters of neurological health in elderly individuals. Overall, this study suggests that gut microbiota-derived SCFAs and/or dietary fibers hold promise as potential targets and strategies for addressing age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Guo
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Weihao Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Health, Institute for Innovative Development of Food Industry, Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Health, Institute for Innovative Development of Food Industry, Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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6
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Saxami G, Kerezoudi EN, Eliopoulos C, Arapoglou D, Kyriacou A. The Gut-Organ Axis within the Human Body: Gut Dysbiosis and the Role of Prebiotics. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2023. [PMID: 37895405 PMCID: PMC10608660 DOI: 10.3390/life13102023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiota (GM) is a complex microbial ecosystem that colonises the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and is comprised of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The GM has a symbiotic relationship with its host that is fundamental for body homeostasis. The GM is not limited to the scope of the GIT, but there are bidirectional interactions between the GM and other organs, highlighting the concept of the "gut-organ axis". Any deviation from the normal composition of the GM, termed "microbial dysbiosis", is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Only a few studies have demonstrated a relationship between GM modifications and disease phenotypes, and it is still unknown whether an altered GM contributes to a disease or simply reflects its status. Restoration of the GM with probiotics and prebiotics has been postulated, but evidence for the effects of prebiotics is limited. Prebiotics are substrates that are "selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit". This study highlights the bidirectional relationship between the gut and vital human organs and demonstrates the relationship between GM dysbiosis and the emergence of certain representative diseases. Finally, this article focuses on the potential of prebiotics as a target therapy to manipulate the GM and presents the gaps in the literature and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Saxami
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece; (E.N.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Evangelia N. Kerezoudi
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece; (E.N.K.); (A.K.)
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Christos Eliopoulos
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Demeter, L. Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lykovryssi, Greece; (C.E.); (D.A.)
| | - Dimitrios Arapoglou
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Demeter, L. Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lykovryssi, Greece; (C.E.); (D.A.)
| | - Adamantini Kyriacou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece; (E.N.K.); (A.K.)
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7
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Hong D, Zhang C, Wu W, Lu X, Zhang L. Modulation of the gut-brain axis via the gut microbiota: a new era in treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1133546. [PMID: 37153665 PMCID: PMC10157060 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1133546] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There are trillions of different microorganisms in the human digestive system. These gut microbes are involved in the digestion of food and its conversion into the nutrients required by the body. In addition, the gut microbiota communicates with other parts of the body to maintain overall health. The connection between the gut microbiota and the brain is known as the gut-brain axis (GBA), and involves connections via the central nervous system (CNS), the enteric nervous system (ENS), and endocrine and immune pathways. The gut microbiota regulates the central nervous system bottom-up through the GBA, which has prompted researchers to pay considerable attention to the potential pathways by which the gut microbiota might play a role in the prevention and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Studies with animal models of ALS have shown that dysregulation of the gut ecology leads to dysregulation of brain-gut signaling. This, in turn, induces changes in the intestinal barrier, endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation, which contribute to the development of ALS. Through the use of antibiotics, probiotic supplementation, phage therapy, and other methods of inducing changes in the intestinal microbiota that can inhibit inflammation and delay neuronal degeneration, the clinical symptoms of ALS can be alleviated, and the progression of the disease can be delayed. Therefore, the gut microbiota may be a key target for effective management and treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Hong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenshuo Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Zhang
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8
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Gong Z, Ba L, Tang J, Yang Y, Li Z, Liu M, Yang C, Ding F, Zhang M. Gut microbiota links with cognitive impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a multi-omics study. J Biomed Res 2022; 37:125-137. [PMID: 36814376 PMCID: PMC10018415 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.36.20220198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, cognitive impairments (CI) and behavioral abnormalities in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been reported. However, the underlying mechanisms have been poorly understood. In the current study, we explored the role of gut microbiota in CI of ALS patients. We collected fecal samples from 35 ALS patients and 35 healthy controls. The cognitive function of the ALS patients was evaluated using the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen. We analyzed these samples by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing as well as both untargeted and targeted (bile acids) metabolite mapping between patients with CI and patients with normal cognition (CN). We found altered gut microbial communities and a lower ratio of Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes in the CI group, compared with the CN group. In addition, the untargeted metabolite mapping revealed that 26 and 17 metabolites significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in the CI group, compared with the CN group. These metabolites were mapped to the metabolic pathways associated with bile acids. We further found that cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid were significantly lower in the CI group than in the CN group. In conclusion, we found that the gut microbiota and its metabolome profile differed between ALS patients with and without CI and that the altered bile acid profile in fecal samples was significantly associated with CI in ALS patients. These results need to be replicated in larger studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxiang Gong
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Li Ba
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jiahui Tang
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zehui Li
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Mao Liu
- Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, NY 11226, United States
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Fengfei Ding
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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9
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Therapeutic potential of Short Chain Fatty acid production by gut microbiota in Neurodegenerative disorders. Nutr Res 2022; 106:72-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Lessons to Learn from the Gut Microbiota: A Focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050865. [PMID: 35627250 PMCID: PMC9140531 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is able to modulate the development and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) through the immune, circulatory, and neuronal systems. In turn, the CNS influences the gut microbiota through stress responses and at the level of the endocrine system. This bidirectional communication forms the “gut microbiota–brain axis” and has been postulated to play a role in the etiopathology of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Numerous studies in animal models of ALS and in patients have highlighted the close communication between the immune system and the gut microbiota and, therefore, it is possible that alterations in the gut microbiota may have a direct impact on neuronal function and survival in ALS patients. Consequently, if the gut dysbiosis does indeed play a role in ALS-related neurodegeneration, nutritional immunomodulatory interventions based on probiotics, prebiotics, and/or postbiotics could emerge as innovative therapeutic strategies. This review aimed to shed light on the impact of the gut microbiota in ALS disease and on the use of potential nutritional interventions based on different types of biotics to ameliorate ALS symptoms.
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11
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Vilar MDDC, Vale SHDL, Rosado EL, Dourado Júnior MET, Brandão-Neto J, Leite-Lais L. Intestinal Microbiota and Sclerosis Lateral Amyotrophic. REVISTA CIÊNCIAS EM SAÚDE 2022. [DOI: 10.21876/rcshci.v12i1.1223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract contains numerous microorganisms. This intestinal microbiota (IM) has a mutualistic relationship with the human organism, and it plays a fundamental role in regulating metabolic, endocrine, and immunological functions. Intestinal dysbiosis is associated with phenotypes of many chronic and inflammatory diseases. This association is explained by the functions of the IM and the existing bi-directional communication of the microbiota-intestine-brain axis. Studies have uncovered new evidence between the IM and neurodegenerative diseases recently, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Given this, the present narrative review discusses didactically about IM, its functions, its relationship with the neuroimmune-endocrine system, and its association with neurodegenerative diseases, with emphasis on ALS.
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12
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Chidambaram SB, Essa MM, Rathipriya AG, Bishir M, Ray B, Mahalakshmi AM, Tousif AH, Sakharkar MK, Kashyap RS, Friedland RP, Monaghan TM. Gut dysbiosis, defective autophagy and altered immune responses in neurodegenerative diseases: Tales of a vicious cycle. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 231:107988. [PMID: 34536490 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The human microbiota comprises trillions of symbiotic microorganisms and is involved in regulating gastrointestinal (GI), immune, nervous system and metabolic homeostasis. Recent observations suggest a bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain via immune, circulatory and neural pathways, termed the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA). Alterations in gut microbiota composition, such as seen with an increased number of pathobionts and a decreased number of symbionts, termed gut dysbiosis or microbial intestinal dysbiosis, plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders. Clinical reports confirm that GI symptoms often precede neurological symptoms several years before the development of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Pathologically, gut dysbiosis disrupts the integrity of the intestinal barrier leading to ingress of pathobionts and toxic metabolites into the systemic circulation causing GBA dysregulation. Subsequently, chronic neuroinflammation via dysregulated immune activation triggers the accumulation of neurotoxic misfolded proteins in and around CNS cells resulting in neuronal death. Emerging evidence links gut dysbiosis to the aggravation and/or spread of proteinopathies from the peripheral nervous system to the CNS and defective autophagy-mediated proteinopathies. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of gut microbiota in NDDs, and highlights a vicious cycle of gut dysbiosis, immune-mediated chronic neuroinflammation, impaired autophagy and proteinopathies, which contributes to the development of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. We also discuss novel therapeutic strategies targeting the modulation of gut dysbiosis through prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics or dietary interventions, and faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) in the management of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, KA, India; Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (CPT), JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, KA, India.
| | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman; Ageing and Dementia Research Group, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman; Biomedical Sciences Department, University of Pacific, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - A G Rathipriya
- Food and Brain Research Foundation, Chennai 600 094, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Muhammed Bishir
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, KA, India
| | - Bipul Ray
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, KA, India; Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (CPT), JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, KA, India
| | - Arehally M Mahalakshmi
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, KA, India
| | - A H Tousif
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, KA, India; Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (CPT), JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, KA, India
| | - Meena K Sakharkar
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada
| | - Rajpal Singh Kashyap
- Research Centre, Dr G. M. Taori Central India Institute of Medical Sciences (CIIMS), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Robert P Friedland
- Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Tanya M Monaghan
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
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13
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Nargeh H, Aliabadi F, Ajami M, Pazoki-Toroudi H. Role of Polyphenols on Gut Microbiota and the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Neurodegenerative Diseases. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:6119-6144. [PMID: 34038102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Today, neurodegenerative diseases have become a remarkable public health challenge due to their direct relation with aging. Accordingly, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms occurring in the pathogenesis of them is essential. Both protein aggregations as a result of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) inefficiency and gut microbiota alternation are the main pathogenic hallmarks. Polyphenols upregulating this system may decrease the developing rate of neurodegenerative diseases. Most of the dietary intake of polyphenols is converted into other microbial metabolites, which have completely different biological properties from the original polyphenols and should be thoroughly investigated. Herein, several prevalent neurodegenerative diseases are pinpointed to explain the role of gut microbiota alternations and the role of molecular changes, especially UPS down-regulation in their pathogenesis. Some of the most important polyphenols found in our diet are explained along with their microbial metabolites in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Nargeh
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417466191, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aliabadi
- Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14535, Iran
| | - Marjan Ajami
- Faculty of Nutrition Sciences & Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 7th Floor, Bldg No. 2 SBUMS, Arabi Avenue, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Velenjak, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Pazoki-Toroudi
- Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14535, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14535, Iran
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14
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The Impact of Microbiota on the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and the Possible Benefits of Polyphenols. An Overview. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11020120. [PMID: 33672485 PMCID: PMC7923408 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11020120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between gut microbiota and neurodegenerative diseases is becoming clearer. Among said diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) stands out due to its severity and, as with other chronic pathologies that cause neurodegeneration, gut microbiota could play a fundamental role in its pathogenesis. Therefore, polyphenols could be a therapeutic alternative due to their anti-inflammatory action and probiotic effect. Thus, the objective of our narrative review was to identify those bacteria that could have connection with the mentioned disease (ALS) and to analyze the benefits produced by administering polyphenols. Therefore, an extensive search was carried out selecting the most relevant articles published between 2005 and 2020 on the PubMed and EBSCO database on research carried out on cell, animal and human models of the disease. Thereby, after selecting, analyzing and debating the main articles on this topic, the bacteria related to the pathogenesis of ALS have been identified, among which we can positively highlight the presence mainly of Akkermansia muciniphila, but also Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. or Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens. Nevertheless, the presence of Escherichia coli or Ruminococcus torques stand out negatively for the disease. In addition, most of these bacteria are associated with molecular changes also linked to the pathogenesis of ALS. However, once the main polyphenols related to improvements in any of these three ALS models were assessed, many of them show positive results that could improve the prognosis of the disease. Nonetheless, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), curcumin and resveratrol are the polyphenols considered to show the most promising results as a therapeutic alternative for ALS through changes in microbiota.
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15
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Chandra S, Alam MT, Dey J, Sasidharan BCP, Ray U, Srivastava AK, Gandhi S, Tripathi PP. Healthy Gut, Healthy Brain: The Gut Microbiome in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:1142-1153. [PMID: 32282304 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200413091101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The central nervous system (CNS) known to regulate the physiological conditions of human body, also itself gets dynamically regulated by both the physiological as well as pathological conditions of the body. These conditions get changed quite often, and often involve changes introduced into the gut microbiota which, as studies are revealing, directly modulate the CNS via a crosstalk. This cross-talk between the gut microbiota and CNS, i.e., the gut-brain axis (GBA), plays a major role in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS) and Huntington's disease (HD). OBJECTIVE We aim to discuss how gut microbiota, through GBA, regulate neurodegenerative disorders such as PD, AD, ALS, MS and HD. METHODS In this review, we have discussed the present understanding of the role played by the gut microbiota in neurodegenerative disorders and emphasized the probable therapeutic approaches being explored to treat them. RESULTS In the first part, we introduce the GBA and its relevance, followed by the changes occurring in the GBA during neurodegenerative disorders and then further discuss its role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Finally, we discuss its applications in possible therapeutics of these diseases and the current research improvements being made to better investigate this interaction. CONCLUSION We concluded that alterations in the intestinal microbiota modulate various activities that could potentially lead to CNS disorders through interactions via the GBA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreyashi Chandra
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata 700032, India.,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence (IICB-TRUE), Kolkata 700091, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Md Tanjim Alam
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata 700032, India.,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence (IICB-TRUE), Kolkata 700091, India
| | - Jhilik Dey
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata 700032, India.,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence (IICB-TRUE), Kolkata 700091, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Baby C Pulikkaparambil Sasidharan
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi, India.,Inter-University Centre for Nanomaterials and Devices (IUCND), Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi, India
| | - Upasana Ray
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata 700032, India.,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence (IICB-TRUE), Kolkata 700091, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Amit K Srivastava
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata 700032, India.,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence (IICB-TRUE), Kolkata 700091, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sonu Gandhi
- DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (DBT-NIAB), Hyderabad 500032, India
| | - Prem P Tripathi
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata 700032, India.,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence (IICB-TRUE), Kolkata 700091, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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16
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Wang XL, Feng ST, Wang ZZ, Chen NH, Zhang Y. Role of mitophagy in mitochondrial quality control: Mechanisms and potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Res 2021; 165:105433. [PMID: 33454337 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) commonly characterized by the gradual loss of neurons have a seriously bad impact on motor and cognitive abilities of affected humans and bring great inconvenience to their lives. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been considered the key and common factor for the pathologies of neurodegenerative diseases for that neurons are extremely energy-intensive due to their unique properties in structures and functions. Thus, mitophagy, as a central role of mitochondrial quality control and currently believed to be the most effective pathway to clear dysfunctional or unwanted mitochondria, is rather crucial in the preservation of neuronal health. In addition, mitophagy establishes an intimated link with several other pathways of mitochondrial quality control (e.g., mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics), and they work together to preserve mitochondrial health. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the recent process on the mechanisms of mitophagy pathways in mammals, it's linking to mitochondrial quality control, its role in several major neurodegenerative diseases, and possible therapeutic interventions focusing on mitophagy pathways. And we expect that it can provide us with more understanding of the mitophagy pathways and more promising approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Le Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Si-Tong Feng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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17
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Lee A, Arachchige BJ, Henderson R, Pow D, Reed S, Aylward J, McCombe PA. Elevated plasma levels of D-serine in some patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 22:206-210. [PMID: 33908331 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1832120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
D-serine is an endogenous co-agonist with glutamate for activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). D-serine exacerbates neuronal death and is elevated in the spinal cord from patients with sporadic/familial ALS. The present study was undertaken to examine whether plasma levels of D-serine of patients with ALS are different from those of healthy controls. Levels of D-serine in plasma (30 patients and 30 controls) were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Plasma levels of D-serine in ALS patients (mean 39.27 ± 28.61 ng/ml) were significantly higher (p = 0.0293) than those of healthy control subjects (mean 21.07 ± 14.03 ng/ml) as well as previously reported values for healthy controls; ∼43% of patients had plasma D-serine levels that were 2 to 4-folds higher than those of controls. There was no association of plasma D-serine levels with disability, the duration of disease or with the age of subjects. In conclusion, we show that D-serine levels are elevated in the plasma of some ALS patients. Since D-serine serves as a co-agonist/activator of NMDAR, increases in D-serine could have a direct influence on glutamatergic neurotransmission and potentially contribute to excitotoxicity in some ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aven Lee
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Robert Henderson
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia and
| | - David Pow
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sarah Reed
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - James Aylward
- Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, Australia
| | - Pamela Ann McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, Australia
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18
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Suganya K, Koo BS. Gut-Brain Axis: Role of Gut Microbiota on Neurological Disorders and How Probiotics/Prebiotics Beneficially Modulate Microbial and Immune Pathways to Improve Brain Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7551. [PMID: 33066156 PMCID: PMC7589356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome acts as an integral part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that has the largest and vulnerable surface with desirable features to observe foods, nutrients, and environmental factors, as well as to differentiate commensals, invading pathogens, and others. It is well-known that the gut has a strong connection with the central nervous system (CNS) in the context of health and disease. A healthy gut with diverse microbes is vital for normal brain functions and emotional behaviors. In addition, the CNS controls most aspects of the GI physiology. The molecular interaction between the gut/microbiome and CNS is complex and bidirectional, ensuring the maintenance of gut homeostasis and proper digestion. Besides this, several mechanisms have been proposed, including endocrine, neuronal, toll-like receptor, and metabolites-dependent pathways. Changes in the bidirectional relationship between the GIT and CNS are linked with the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal and neurological disorders; therefore, the microbiota/gut-and-brain axis is an emerging and widely accepted concept. In this review, we summarize the recent findings supporting the role of the gut microbiota and immune system on the maintenance of brain functions and the development of neurological disorders. In addition, we highlight the recent advances in improving of neurological diseases by probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation via the concept of the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanmani Suganya
- Department of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea;
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, 814 Siksa-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Korea
| | - Byung-Soo Koo
- Department of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea;
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, 814 Siksa-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Korea
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19
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Chen L, Chen Y, Zhao M, Zheng L, Fan D. Changes in the concentrations of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15198. [PMID: 32938991 PMCID: PMC7495434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To compare the plasma concentrations of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, their spouses and healthy controls and to find associations between gut microbiota metabolites and ALS. ALS patients were recruited at Peking University Third Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018. Information was collected from their spouses at the same time. Age and gender matched healthy controls were recruited from individuals who visited the physical examination center for health checkups. Blood samples were collected after at least 4 h of fasting. Concentrations of the metabolites were quantified using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Group differences were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests, as appropriate. In this study, 160 patients with ALS were recruited. In these patients, 63 were compared with their spouses, 148 were compared with age and gender matched controls, and 60 were compared with both their spouses and heathy controls in the same time. The carnitine concentration was significantly higher in patients than in their spouses, while there were no significant differences in the concentrations of other metabolites. The carnitine and betaine concentrations were higher, while the choline, TMAO and butyrobetaine concentrations were lower in ALS than in healthy controls. The concentrations of the metabolites in the spouses were more similar to the ALS patients rather than to the healthy controls. In the ALS group, the plasma concentrations of carnitine, betaine, choline and TMAO were inversely related to the severity of upper motor neuron impairment. The TMAO metabolic pathway of the gut microbiota is disturbed in both ALS patients and their spouses, which might suggest that the changes in the gut microbiota occurred before disease onset. The negative correlations between the involvement of UMNs and the concentrations of the metabolites might suggest that the inhibition of this metabolic pathway might lead to a better prognosis in ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences of Ministry of Education, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lemin Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences of Ministry of Education, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China. .,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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20
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Ngo ST, Restuadi R, McCrae AF, Van Eijk RP, Garton F, Henderson RD, Wray NR, McCombe PA, Steyn FJ. Progression and survival of patients with motor neuron disease relative to their fecal microbiota. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 21:549-562. [PMID: 32643435 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1772825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gut microbiota studies have been well-investigated for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, however, fewer studies have comprehensively examined the gut microbiome in Motor Neuron Disease (MND), with none examining its impact on disease prognosis. Here, we investigate MND prognosis and the fecal microbiota, using 16S rRNA case-control data from 100 individuals with extensive medical histories and metabolic measurements. We contrast the composition and diversity of fecal microbiome signatures from 49 MND and 51 healthy controls by combining current gold-standard 16S microbiome pipelines. Using stringent quality control thresholds, we conducted qualitative assessment approaches including; direct comparison of taxa, PICRUSt2 predicted metagenomics, Shannon and Chao1-index and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. We show that the fecal microbiome of patients with MND is not significantly different from that of healthy controls that were matched by age, sex, and BMI, however there are distinct differences in Beta-diversity in some patients with MND. Weight, BMI, and metabolic and clinical features of disease in patients with MND were not related to the composition of their fecal microbiome, however, we observe a greater risk for earlier death in patients with MND with increased richness and diversity of the microbiome, and in those with greater Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. This was independent of anthropometric, metabolic, or clinical features of disease, and warrants support for further gut microbiota studies in MND. Given the disease heterogeneity in MND, and complexity of the gut microbiota, large studies are necessary to determine the detailed role of the gut microbiota and MND prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyuan T Ngo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Restuadi Restuadi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Allan F McCrae
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ruben P Van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Biostatistics and Research Support, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fleur Garton
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert D Henderson
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia, and
| | - Naomi R Wray
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela A McCombe
- Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia, and
| | - Frederik J Steyn
- Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia, and.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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21
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McCombe PA, Garton FC, Katz M, Wray NR, Henderson RD. What do we know about the variability in survival of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:921-941. [PMID: 32569484 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1785873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. However, patients show variability in the length of survival after symptom onset. Understanding the mechanisms of long survival could lead to possible avenues for therapy. AREAS COVERED This review surveys the reported length of survival in ALS, the clinical features that predict survival in individual patients, and possible factors, particularly genetic factors, that could cause short or long survival. The authors also speculate on possible mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION a small number of known factors can explain some variability in ALS survival. However, other disease-modifying factors likely exist. Factors that alter motor neurone vulnerability and immune, metabolic, and muscle function could affect survival by modulating the disease process. Knowing these factors could lead to interventions to change the course of the disease. The authors suggest a broad approach is needed to quantify the proportion of variation survival attributable to genetic and non-genetic factors and to identify and estimate the effect size of specific factors. Studies of this nature could not only identify novel avenues for therapeutic research but also play an important role in clinical trial design and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fleur C Garton
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew Katz
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Naomi R Wray
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert D Henderson
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
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22
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Tilocca B, Pieroni L, Soggiu A, Britti D, Bonizzi L, Roncada P, Greco V. Gut-Brain Axis and Neurodegeneration: State-of-the-Art of Meta-Omics Sciences for Microbiota Characterization. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4045. [PMID: 32516966 PMCID: PMC7312636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of meta-omics sciences and related bioinformatics tools have allowed a comprehensive investigation of human-associated microbiota and its contribution to achieving and maintaining the homeostatic balance. Bioactive compounds from the microbial community harboring the human gut are involved in a finely tuned network of interconnections with the host, orchestrating a wide variety of physiological processes. These includes the bi-directional crosstalk between the central nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., gut-brain axis). The increasing accumulation of evidence suggest a pivotal role of the composition and activity of the gut microbiota in neurodegeneration. In the present review we aim to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of meta-omics sciences including metagenomics for the study of microbial genomes and taxa strains, metatranscriptomics for gene expression, metaproteomics and metabolomics to identify and/or quantify microbial proteins and metabolites, respectively. The potential and limitations of each discipline were highlighted, as well as the advantages of an integrated approach (multi-omics) to predict microbial functions and molecular mechanisms related to human diseases. Particular emphasis is given to the latest results obtained with these approaches in an attempt to elucidate the link between the gut microbiota and the most common neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Tilocca
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (B.T.); (D.B.)
| | - Luisa Pieroni
- Proteomics and Metabonomics Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia-IRCCS, via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64-00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessio Soggiu
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences- One Health Unit, University of Milano, via Celoria 10, 20133 Milano, Italy;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università, 6- 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (B.T.); (D.B.)
| | - Luigi Bonizzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università, 6- 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Paola Roncada
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (B.T.); (D.B.)
| | - Viviana Greco
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Largo A. Gemelli, 8-00168 Rome, Italy
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23
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Liscic RM, Alberici A, Cairns NJ, Romano M, Buratti E. From basic research to the clinic: innovative therapies for ALS and FTD in the pipeline. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:31. [PMID: 32487123 PMCID: PMC7268618 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) are neurodegenerative disorders, related by deterioration of motor and cognitive functions and short survival. Aside from cases with an inherited pathogenic mutation, the causes of the disorders are still largely unknown and no effective treatment currently exists. It has been shown that FTD may coexist with ALS and this overlap occurs at clinical, genetic, and molecular levels. In this work, we review the main pathological aspects of these complex diseases and discuss how the integration of the novel pathogenic molecular insights and the analysis of molecular interaction networks among all the genetic players represents a critical step to shed light on discovering novel therapeutic strategies and possibly tailoring personalized medicine approaches to specific ALS and FTD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajka Maria Liscic
- Department of Neurology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
- School of Medicine, University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological Sciences and Vision, ASST-Spedali Civili-University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nigel John Cairns
- College of Medicine and Health and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, Via Valerio 28, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
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24
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Christoforidou E, Joilin G, Hafezparast M. Potential of activated microglia as a source of dysregulated extracellular microRNAs contributing to neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:135. [PMID: 32345319 PMCID: PMC7187511 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01822-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of motor neuron degeneration in adults, and several mechanisms underlying the disease pathology have been proposed. It has been shown that glia communicate with other cells by releasing extracellular vesicles containing proteins and nucleic acids, including microRNAs (miRNAs), which play a role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Dysregulation of miRNAs is commonly observed in ALS patients, together with inflammation and an altered microglial phenotype. However, the role of miRNA-containing vesicles in microglia-to-neuron communication in the context of ALS has not been explored in depth. This review summarises the evidence for the presence of inflammation, pro-inflammatory microglia and dysregulated miRNAs in ALS, then explores how microglia may potentially be responsible for this miRNA dysregulation. The possibility of pro-inflammatory ALS microglia releasing miRNAs which may then enter neuronal cells to contribute to degeneration is also explored. Based on the literature reviewed here, microglia are a likely source of dysregulated miRNAs and potential mediators of neurodegenerative processes. Therefore, dysregulated miRNAs may be promising candidates for the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Greig Joilin
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Majid Hafezparast
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK.
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McCombe PA, Lee JD, Woodruff TM, Henderson RD. The Peripheral Immune System and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:279. [PMID: 32373052 PMCID: PMC7186478 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease that is defined by loss of upper and lower motor neurons, associated with accumulation of protein aggregates in cells. There is also pathology in extra-motor areas of the brain, Possible causes of cell death include failure to deal with the aggregated proteins, glutamate toxicity and mitochondrial failure. ALS also involves abnormalities of metabolism and the immune system, including neuroinflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Strikingly, there are also abnormalities of the peripheral immune system, with alterations of T lymphocytes, monocytes, complement and cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients with ALS. The precise contribution of the peripheral immune system in ALS pathogenesis is an active area of research. Although some trials of immunomodulatory agents have been negative, there is strong preclinical evidence of benefit from immune modulation and further trials are currently underway. Here, we review the emerging evidence implicating peripheral immune alterations contributing to ALS, and their potential as future therapeutic targets for clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A. McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John D. Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Trent M. Woodruff
- Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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26
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Lee A, Arachchige BJ, Reed S, Henderson R, Aylward J, McCombe PA. Plasma from some patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis exhibits elevated formaldehyde levels. J Neurol Sci 2020; 409:116589. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Twice subacute MPTP administrations induced time-dependent dopaminergic neurodegeneration and inflammation in midbrain and ileum, as well as gut microbiota disorders in PD mice. Neurotoxicology 2019; 76:200-212. [PMID: 31790727 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disease. PD produces a pathological state in the intestine and disordered gut microbiota (GM), which may be important for the pathogenesis and progression of PD, but it is not clear. To explore the conditions and characteristics of intestinal pathology and GM disorders when PD-related injuries occur, we used twice 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) subacute administration with an interval of 3 weeks (each was an intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg MPTP for 5 consecutive days). We observed the changes in intestinal and brain immune status, intestinal barrier function and GM in different injury states one day, one week, and three weeks after the first stimulus and one day and one week after the second stimulus. Our study found that two subacute administrations of MPTP induced dopaminergic (DAergic) neuron injury and inflammation in the midbrain and ileum, impaired intestinal barrier function and GM disorders closely related to administration. These changes recovered after the first administration, but after repeated administration, some indicators showed more dramatic changes than during the first administration. Our results suggest that the intestinal tract is sensitive to PD-related injury, and the GM is susceptible to disturbances caused by intestinal function, which may be concerned in local immune disorders of the intestine.
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Figueroa-Romero C, Guo K, Murdock BJ, Paez-Colasante X, Bassis CM, Mikhail KA, Pawlowski KD, Evans MC, Taubman GF, McDermott AJ, O'Brien PD, Savelieff MG, Hur J, Feldman EL. Temporal evolution of the microbiome, immune system and epigenome with disease progression in ALS mice. Dis Model Mech 2019; 13:dmm041947. [PMID: 31597644 PMCID: PMC6906635 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.041947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neurodegenerative disease. Genetic predisposition, epigenetic changes, aging and accumulated life-long environmental exposures are known ALS risk factors. The complex and dynamic interplay between these pathological influences plays a role in disease onset and progression. Recently, the gut microbiome has also been implicated in ALS development. In addition, immune cell populations are differentially expanded and activated in ALS compared to healthy individuals. However, the temporal evolution of both the intestinal flora and the immune system relative to symptom onset in ALS is presently not fully understood. To better elucidate the timeline of the various potential pathological factors, we performed a longitudinal study to simultaneously assess the gut microbiome, immunophenotype and changes in ileum and brain epigenetic marks relative to motor behavior and muscle atrophy in the mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A) familial ALS mouse model. We identified alterations in the gut microbial environment early in the life of SOD1G93A animals followed by motor dysfunction and muscle atrophy, and immune cell expansion and activation, particularly in the spinal cord. Global brain cytosine hydroxymethylation was also altered in SOD1G93A animals at disease end-stage compared to control mice. Correlation analysis confirmed interrelationships with the microbiome and immune system. This study serves as a starting point to more deeply comprehend the influence of gut microorganisms and the immune system on ALS onset and progression. Greater insight may help pinpoint novel biomarkers and therapeutic interventions to improve diagnosis and treatment for ALS patients.This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Benjamin J Murdock
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Christine M Bassis
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kristen A Mikhail
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Matthew C Evans
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | | | - Andrew J McDermott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Phillipe D O'Brien
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Masha G Savelieff
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Junguk Hur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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