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Al-kuraishy HM, Jabir MS, Sulaiman GM, Mohammed HA, Al-Gareeb AI, Albuhadily AK, Jawad SF, Swelum AA, Abomughaid MM. The role of statins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: protective or not? Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1422912. [PMID: 38903602 PMCID: PMC11188367 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1422912] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons characterized by muscle weakness, muscle twitching, and muscle wasting. ALS is regarded as the third-most frequent neurodegenerative disease, subsequent to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007 declared that prolonged use of statins may induce development of ALS-like syndrome and may increase ALS risk. Subsequently, different studies have implicated statins in the pathogenesis of ALS. In contrast, results from preclinical and clinical studies highlighted the protective role of statins against ALS neuropathology. Recently, meta-analyses and systematic reviews illustrated no association between long-term use of statins and ALS risk. These findings highlighted controversial points regarding the effects of statins on ALS pathogenesis and risk. The neuroprotective effects of statins against the development and progression of ALS may be mediated by regulating dyslipidemia and inflammatory changes. However, the mechanism for induction of ALS neuropathology by statins may be related to the dysregulation of liver X receptor signaling (LXR) signaling in the motor neurons and reduction of cholesterol, which has a neuroprotective effect against ALS neuropathology. Nevertheless, the exact role of statins on the pathogenesis of ALS was not fully elucidated. Therefore, this narrative review aims to discuss the role of statins in ALS neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al-kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Majid S. Jabir
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Hamdoon A. Mohammed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ali I. Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Jabir Ibn Hayyan Medical University, Kufa, Iraq
| | - Ali K. Albuhadily
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Sabrean F. Jawad
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hillah, Iraq
| | - Ayman A. Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mosleh M. Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
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Rotem RS, Bellavia A, Paganoni S, Weisskopf MG. Medication use and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: using machine learning for an exposome-wide screen of a large clinical database. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:367-375. [PMID: 38426489 PMCID: PMC11075178 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2320878] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that non-genetic factors have important etiologic roles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), yet identification of specific culprit factors has been challenging. Many medications target biological pathways implicated in ALS pathogenesis, and screening large pharmacologic datasets for signals could greatly accelerate the identification of risk-modulating pharmacologic factors for ALS. METHOD We conducted a high-dimensional screening of patients' history of medication use and ALS risk using an advanced machine learning approach based on gradient-boosted decision trees coupled with Bayesian model optimization and repeated data sampling. Clinical and medication dispensing data were obtained from a large Israeli health fund for 501 ALS cases and 4,998 matched controls using a lag period of 3 or 5 years prior to ALS diagnosis for ascertaining medication exposure. RESULTS Of over 1,000 different medication classes, we identified 8 classes that were consistently associated with increased ALS risk across independently trained models, where most are indicated for control of symptoms implicated in ALS. Some suggestive protective effects were also observed, notably for vitamin E. DISCUSSION Our results indicate that use of certain medications well before the typically recognized prodromal period was associated with ALS risk. This could result because these medications increase ALS risk or could indicate that ALS symptoms can manifest well before suggested prodromal periods. The results also provide further evidence that vitamin E may be a protective factor for ALS. Targeted studies should be performed to elucidate the possible pathophysiological mechanisms while providing insights for therapeutics design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran S Rotem
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- KSM Research and Innovation Institute, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Israel
| | - Andrea Bellavia
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Yan Z, Xu Y, Li K, Liu L. Association between genetically proxied lipid-lowering drug targets, lipid traits, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a mendelian randomization study. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:485-494. [PMID: 37889424 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02393-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of circulating lipid traits as biomarkers to predict the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is currently controversial, and the evidence-based medical evidence for the use of lipid-lowering agents, especially statins, on ALS risk remains insufficient. Our aim was to apply a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal impact of lipid-lowering agents and circulating lipid traits on ALS risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study included primary and secondary analyses, in which the risk associations of lipid-lowering gene inhibitors, lipid traits, and ALS were assessed by the inverse variance weighting method as the primary approach. The robustness of the results was assessed using LDSC assessment, conventional MR sensitivity analysis, and used Mediating MR to explore potential mechanisms of occurrence. In the secondary analysis, the association of lipid-lowering genes with ALS was validated using the Summary data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) method. RESULTS Our results showed strong evidence between genetic proxies for Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) inhibitor (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.68 - 0.86; P = 5.58 × 10-6) and reduced risk of ALS. Additionally, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibitor (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0. 85-1.33) was not found to increase ALS risk. SMR results suggested that ApoB expression was associated with increased ALS risk, and colocalization analysis did not support a significant common genetic variation between ApoB and ALS. Mediator MR analysis suggested a possible mediating role for interleukin-6 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). While elevated LDL-C was significantly associated with increased risk of ALS among lipid traits, total cholesterol (TC) and ApoB were weakly associated with ALS. LDSC results suggested a potential genetic correlation between these lipid traits and ALS. CONCLUSIONS Using ApoB inhibitor can lower the risk of ALS, statins do not trigger ALS, and LDL-C, TC, and ApoB levels can predict the risk of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqi Yan
- Graduate School, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangming Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yifeng Xu
- Graduate School, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangming Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Keke Li
- Graduate School, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangming Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liangji Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 445 Bayi Dadao, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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Li Z, Tian M, Jia H, Li X, Liu Q, Zhou X, Li R, Dong H, Liu Y. Genetic variation in targets of lipid-lowering drugs and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk: a Mendelian randomization study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:197-206. [PMID: 37688479 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2255622] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of lipid-lowering drugs is still highly controversial in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We performed a drug-target Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the effect of targeted lipid-lowering drugs on the risk of ALS. METHODS First, we evaluated the causal relationship between HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors-taking trait and ALS using a bidirectional two-sample MR study. Second, we investigated the causal relationship between lipid-lowering drugs and ALS through a drug-target MR approach. The summary data for HMGCR inhibitors-taking traits were extracted from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of medication use and associated disease in the UK Biobank. The summary data for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were extracted from a meta-analysis of GWAS in individuals of European ancestry in the UKB. The GWAS summary data of ALS were obtained from the Project MinE. RESULTS Our bidirectional two-sample MR showed that genetically determined increased HMGCR inhibitors-taking trait was an independent risk factor for ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.090, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.035-1.150, p = 0.001). The results of drug-target MR showed that the increased expression of the HMGCR gene in blood with the higher risk of ALS (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01-1.46; p = 0.042) through SMR method and the apoB level mediated by the APOB gene increased the risk of ALS (OR = 1.15; 95% CI =1.05-1.25; p = 0.001) through inverse-variance weighted MR method. CONCLUSION This present study provides genetic support for a positive causal effect of HMGCR inhibitors-taking trait and ALS. The reason for this may be due to the underlying disease condition behind the medication, rather than the medication itself. Our findings also suggested that HMGCR and apoB inhibitors may have potential protective effects on ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguang Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China, and
- Department of Neurology, Xingtai Third Hospital, Xingtai, P.R. China
| | - Mei Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China, and
| | - Hongning Jia
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China, and
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China, and
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China, and
| | - Xiaomeng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China, and
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China, and
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China, and
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China, and
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Morimoto S, Takahashi S, Ito D, Daté Y, Okada K, Kato C, Nakamura S, Ozawa F, Chyi CM, Nishiyama A, Suzuki N, Fujimori K, Kondo T, Takao M, Hirai M, Kabe Y, Suematsu M, Jinzaki M, Aoki M, Fujiki Y, Sato Y, Suzuki N, Nakahara J, Okano H. Phase 1/2a clinical trial in ALS with ropinirole, a drug candidate identified by iPSC drug discovery. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:766-780.e9. [PMID: 37267913 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
iPSC-based drug discovery led to a phase 1/2a trial of ropinirole in ALS. 20 participants with sporadic ALS received ropinirole or placebo for 24 weeks in the double-blind period to evaluate safety, tolerability, and therapeutic effects. Adverse events were similar in both groups. During the double-blind period, muscle strength and daily activity were maintained, but a decline in the ALSFRS-R, which assesses the functional status of ALS patients, was not different from that in the placebo group. However, in the open-label extension period, the ropinirole group showed significant suppression of ALSFRS-R decline and an additional 27.9 weeks of disease-progression-free survival. iPSC-derived motor neurons from participants showed dopamine D2 receptor expression and a potential involvement of the SREBP2-cholesterol pathway in therapeutic effects. Lipid peroxide represents a clinical surrogate marker to assess disease progression and drug efficacy. Limitations include small sample sizes and high attrition rates in the open-label extension period, requiring further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Morimoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Neurology and Stroke, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yugaku Daté
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kensuke Okada
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Chris Kato
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shiho Nakamura
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Fumiko Ozawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Chai Muh Chyi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Keio University Global Research Institute, Tokyo 108-8345, Japan
| | - Ayumi Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Naoki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Koki Fujimori
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tosho Kondo
- Research Center of Neurology, ONO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka 541-8564, Japan
| | - Masaki Takao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo 187-0031, Japan; Department of Neurology, Mihara Memorial Hospital, Isesaki, Gunmma 372-0006, Japan
| | - Miwa Hirai
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Kabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masahiro Jinzaki
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yuto Fujiki
- Keio University Hospital Clinical and Translational Research Center, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sato
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Norihiro Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jin Nakahara
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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Loh WJ, Watts GF. The Management of Hypercholesterolemia in Patients with Neuromuscular Disorder. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:43-53. [PMID: 36609642 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-022-01077-9] [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] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We describe and discuss the safety of statins and non-statin drugs in neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). We also propose a pragmatic model of care for the management of such cases. RECENT FINDINGS Patients with both NMD and hypercholesterolemia may be particularly disadvantaged owing to the toxic effects of cholesterol-lowering therapy and the inability to take medication. Specifically, the management of hypercholesterolemia in patients with NMD is complicated by the increased risk of statin-related myotoxicity and concerns that statins may aggravate or possibly induce the onset of a specific NMD. The most severe form of statin-related myotoxicity is immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy. Management of hypercholesterolemia in patients with NMDs include treating modifiable factors, consideration of toxicity risk of statin, use of non-statin lipid lowering agents, noting possible drug interactions, and careful monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wann Jia Loh
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia.
- Cardiometabolic Service, Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia.
- Department of Endocrinology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Gerald F Watts
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia
- Cardiometabolic Service, Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
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7
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Kreple CJ, Searles Nielsen S, Schoch KM, Shen T, Shabsovich M, Song Y, Racette BA, Miller TM. Protective Effects of Lovastatin in a Population-Based ALS Study and Mouse Model. Ann Neurol 2023; 93:881-892. [PMID: 36627836 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to use a novel combined pharmacoepidemiologic and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mouse model approach to identify potential motor neuron protective medications. METHODS We constructed a large, population-based case-control study to investigate motor neuron disease (MND) among US Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 to 90 in 2009. We included 1,128 incident MND cases and 56,400 age, sex, race, and ethnicity matched controls. We calculated MND relative risk for >1,000 active ingredients represented in Part D (pharmacy) claims in 2006 to 2007 (>1 year before diagnosis/reference). We then applied a comprehensive screening approach to select medications for testing in SOD1G93A mice: sulfasalazine, telmisartan, and lovastatin. We treated mice with the human dose equivalent of the medication or vehicle via subcutaneous osmotic pump before onset of weakness. We then assessed weight, gait, and survival. In additional mice, we conducted histological studies. RESULTS We observed previously established medical associations for MND and an inverse dose-response association between lovastatin and MND, with 28% reduced risk at 40 mg/day. In SOD1G93A mouse studies, sulfasalazine and telmisartan conferred no benefit, whereas lovastatin treatment delayed onset and prolonged survival. Lovastatin treated mice also had less microgliosis, misfolded SOD1, and spinal motor neuron loss in the ventral horn. INTERPRETATION Lovastatin reduced the risk of ALS in humans, which was confirmed in an ALS mouse model by delayed symptom onset, prolonged survival, and preservation of motor neurons. Although further studies to understand the mechanism are required, lovastatin may represent a potential neuroprotective therapy for patients with ALS. These data demonstrate the utility of a combined pharmacoepidemiologic and mouse model approach. ANN NEUROL 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin J Kreple
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Kathleen M Schoch
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Tao Shen
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Mark Shabsovich
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Yizhe Song
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Brad A Racette
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.,Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa
| | - Timothy M Miller
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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McCluskey G, Donaghy C, Morrison KE, McConville J, Duddy W, Duguez S. The Role of Sphingomyelin and Ceramide in Motor Neuron Diseases. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091418. [PMID: 36143200 PMCID: PMC9501626 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) are motor neuron diseases (MNDs) characterised by progressive motor neuron degeneration, weakness and muscular atrophy. Lipid dysregulation is well recognised in each of these conditions and occurs prior to neurodegeneration. Several lipid markers have been shown to predict prognosis in ALS. Sphingolipids are complex lipids enriched in the central nervous system and are integral to key cellular functions including membrane stability and signalling pathways, as well as being mediators of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. This review highlights the metabolism of sphingomyelin (SM), the most abundant sphingolipid, and of its metabolite ceramide, and its role in the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration, focusing on MNDs. We also review published lipidomic studies in MNDs. In the 13 studies of patients with ALS, 12 demonstrated upregulation of multiple SM species and 6 demonstrated upregulation of ceramides. SM species also correlated with markers of clinical progression in five of six studies. These data highlight the potential use of SM and ceramide as biomarkers in ALS. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies for targeting sphingolipid metabolism in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin McCluskey
- Personalised Medicine Center, School of Medicine, Ulster University, Derry BT47 6SB, UK
- Department of Neurology, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, BT47 6SB, UK
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Colette Donaghy
- Department of Neurology, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, BT47 6SB, UK
| | - Karen E. Morrison
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 6AG, UK
| | - John McConville
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Department of Neurology, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 1RH, UK
| | - William Duddy
- Personalised Medicine Center, School of Medicine, Ulster University, Derry BT47 6SB, UK
| | - Stephanie Duguez
- Personalised Medicine Center, School of Medicine, Ulster University, Derry BT47 6SB, UK
- Correspondence:
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