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Zhang R, Liu S, Mousavi SM. Cognitive Dysfunction and Exercise: From Epigenetic to Genetic Molecular Mechanisms. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6279-6299. [PMID: 38286967 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03970-7] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining good health is crucial, and exercise plays a vital role in achieving this goal. It offers a range of positive benefits for cognitive function, regardless of age. However, as our population ages and life expectancy increases, cognitive impairment has become a prevalent issue, often coexisting with age-related neurodegenerative conditions. This can result in devastating consequences such as memory loss, difficulty speaking, and confusion, greatly hindering one's ability to lead an ordinary life. In addition, the decrease in mental capacity has a significant effect on an individual's physical and emotional well-being, greatly reducing their overall level of contentment and causing a significant financial burden for communities. While most current approaches aim to slow the decline of cognition, exercise offers a non-pharmacological, safe, and accessible solution. Its effects on cognition are intricate and involve changes in the brain's neural plasticity, mitochondrial stability, and energy metabolism. Moreover, exercise triggers the release of cytokines, playing a significant role in the body-brain connection and its impact on cognition. Additionally, exercise can influence gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms, leading to lasting improvements in brain function and behavior. Herein, we summarized various genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that can be modulated by exercise in cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhong Zhang
- Department of Physical Education, Luliang University, Lishi, 033000, Shanxi, China.
| | - Shangwu Liu
- Department of Physical Education, Luliang University, Lishi, 033000, Shanxi, China
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Wang T, Li T, Hao S, Han Y, Cai Y. Association of plasma BDNF levels with different stages of Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional study. Neurol Res 2023; 45:234-240. [PMID: 36453692 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2022.2129760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence shows that the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is altered in the peripheral blood of participants with Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is unclear, however, whether altered BDNF expression is also observed in the early stages of AD. METHODS In the present study, 138 normal controls (NC), 57 participants with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and 37 participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD were included. Plasma BDNF protein levels were assessed using a commercial multiplex Luminex-based kit. Patient samples were also probed for the presence of BDNF gene variant rs6265. RESULTS Pairwise comparisons between the groups showed that there was not a significant difference in BDNF levels when comparing SCD with NC and when comparing SCD with aMCI/AD, but BDNF levels in aMCI/AD samples were increased when compared with NC samples. For models differentiating clinical groups, discriminant analysis was performed by including education, APOE genotype, and BDNF levels in the model. This approach distinguishes participants with SCD (AUC = 0.630) and aMCI/AD (AUC = 0.665) from NC. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that expression of BDNF in plasma is altered at the clinical stage of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Biobank, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Taoran Li
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuwen Hao
- Department of Biobank, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Han
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanning Cai
- Department of Biobank, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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3
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The Nerve Growth Factor Receptor (NGFR/p75 NTR): A Major Player in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043200. [PMID: 36834612 PMCID: PMC9965628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the most prevalent type of dementia in elderly people, primarily characterized by brain accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, derived from Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), in the extracellular space (amyloid plaques) and intracellular deposits of the hyperphosphorylated form of the protein tau (p-tau; tangles or neurofibrillary aggregates). The Nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR/p75NTR) represents a low-affinity receptor for all known mammalians neurotrophins (i.e., proNGF, NGF, BDNF, NT-3 e NT-4/5) and it is involved in pathways that determine both survival and death of neurons. Interestingly, also Aβ peptides can blind to NGFR/p75NTR making it the "ideal" candidate in mediating Aβ-induced neuropathology. In addition to pathogenesis and neuropathology, several data indicated that NGFR/p75NTR could play a key role in AD also from a genetic perspective. Other studies suggested that NGFR/p75NTR could represent a good diagnostic tool, as well as a promising therapeutic target for AD. Here, we comprehensively summarize and review the current experimental evidence on this topic.
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Gene- and Gender-Related Decrease in Serum BDNF Levels in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314599. [PMID: 36498925 PMCID: PMC9740390 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a protective role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines are potentially implicated in AD risk. In this study, BDNF was detected in serum of AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and investigated in association with gene polymorphisms of BDNF (Val66Met and C270T), of some oxidative stress-related genes (FOXO3A, SIRT3, GLO1, and SOD2), and of interleukin-1 family genes (IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-38). The APOE status and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score were also evaluated. Serum BDNF was significantly lower in AD (p = 0.029), especially when comparing the female subsets (p = 0.005). Patients with BDNFVal/Val homozygous also had significantly lower circulating BDNF compared with controls (p = 0.010). Moreover, lower BDNF was associated with the presence of the T mutant allele of IL-1α(rs1800587) in AD (p = 0.040). These results were even more significant in the female subsets (BDNFVal/Val, p = 0.001; IL-1α, p = 0.013; males: ns). In conclusion, reduced serum levels of BDNF were found in AD; polymorphisms of the IL-1α and BDNF genes appear to be involved in changes in serum BDNF, particularly in female patients, while no effects of other gene variants affecting oxidative stress have been found. These findings add another step in identifying gender-related susceptibility to AD.
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Abanmy N, Alsabhan J, Gard P, Scutt G. Association between the Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265/G196A) of the BDNF gene and cognitive performance with SSRI use in Arab Alzheimer's disease patients. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 29:1392-1398. [PMID: 35002376 PMCID: PMC8720700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain derived neutrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein and a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors, supports the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265/G196A) is responsible for BDNF synthesis that impact BDNF function that includes memory and cognition. This study investigated whether the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265/G196A) is associated with cognitive function changes in both Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and elderly participants. In addition the impact of SSRI use on cognition improvement will be assessed. Healthy young, middle ages (25–59 years old) and elderly (more than 60 years old) participants (140) as well as 40 AD patients of whom are both of Saudi Arabian origin were recruited. The genotyping for the association study was performed by real-time PCR using Taqman chemistry in the ABI Prism 7900HT Sequence Detection System. Both Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) were used to assess cognitive function of healthy and AD participants, respectively. The findings showed that the BDNF Val66Met genotype distributions and allele frequencies have significant association with cognitive performance in both elderly control group and AD patients. The main findings showed that carriers of GG homozygotes (Val/Val) have superior cognitive performance among AD patients and elderly control subjects. In addition the use of SSRIs in 13 AD patients and 17 elderly participants positively improved cognitive function in elderly (p > 0.001) but not in AD patients (p = 0.1).
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Affiliation(s)
- N Abanmy
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 14212, Saudi Arabia
| | - J Alsabhan
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 14212, Saudi Arabia
| | - P Gard
- School of Pharmacy and biomolecular sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4AT, UK
| | - G Scutt
- School of Pharmacy and biomolecular sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4AT, UK
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Sil A, Erfani A, Lamb N, Copland R, Riedel G, Platt B. Sex Differences in Behavior and Molecular Pathology in the 5XFAD Model. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:755-778. [PMID: 34864660 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is greater in women compared to men, but the reasons for this remain unknown. This sex difference has been widely neglected in experimental studies using transgenic mouse models of AD. OBJECTIVE Here, we studied behavior and molecular pathology of 5-month-old 5XFAD mice, which express mutated human amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 on a C57BL/6J background, versus their wild-type littermate controls, to compared both sex- and genotype-dependent differences. METHODS A novel behavioral paradigm was utilized (OF-NO-SI), comprising activity measures (Open Field, OF) arena, followed by Novel Object exploration (NO) and Social Interaction (SI) of a sex-matched conspecific. Each segment consisted of two repeated trials to assess between-trial habituation. Subsequently, brain pathology (amyloid load, stress response and inflammation markers, synaptic integrity, trophic support) was assessed using qPCR and western blotting. RESULTS Female 5XFAD mice had higher levels of human APP and amyloid-β and heightened inflammation versus males. These markers correlated with hyperactivity observed in both sexes, yet only female 5XFAD mice presented with deficits in object and social exploration. Male animals had higher expression of stress markers and neurotrophic factors irrespective of genotype, this correlated with cognitive performance. CONCLUSION The impact of sex on AD-relevant phenotypes is in line with human data and emphasizes the necessity of appropriate study design and reporting. Differential molecular profiles observed in male versus female mice offer insights into possible protective mechanisms, and hence treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annesha Sil
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Arina Erfani
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Nicola Lamb
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Rachel Copland
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Bettina Platt
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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Zhu D, Montagne A, Zhao Z. Alzheimer's pathogenic mechanisms and underlying sex difference. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4907-4920. [PMID: 33844047 PMCID: PMC8720296 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03830-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AD is a neurodegenerative disease, and its frequency is often reported to be higher for women than men: almost two-thirds of patients with AD are women. One prevailing view is that women live longer than men on average of 4.5 years, plus there are more women aged 85 years or older than men in most global subpopulations; and older age is the greatest risk factor for AD. However, the differences in the actual risk of developing AD for men and women of the same age is difficult to assess, and the findings have been mixed. An increasing body of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies as well as the complications in estimating incidence support the sex-specific biological mechanisms in diverging AD risk as an important adjunct explanation to the epidemiologic perspective. Although some of the sex differences in AD prevalence are due to differences in longevity, other distinct biological mechanisms increase the risk and progression of AD in women. These risk factors include (1) deviations in brain structure and biomarkers, (2) psychosocial stress responses, (3) pregnancy, menopause, and sex hormones, (4) genetic background (i.e., APOE), (5) inflammation, gliosis, and immune module (i.e., TREM2), and (6) vascular disorders. More studies focusing on the underlying biological mechanisms for this phenomenon are needed to better understand AD. This review presents the most recent data in sex differences in AD-the gateway to precision medicine, therefore, shaping expert perspectives, inspiring researchers to go in new directions, and driving development of future diagnostic tools and treatments for AD in a more customized way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Axel Montagne
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Sanders CL, Rattinger GB, Deberard MS, Hammond AG, Wengreen H, Kauwe JSK, Buhusi M, Tschanz JT. Interaction Between Physical Activity and Genes Related to Neurotrophin Signaling in Late-Life Cognitive Performance: The Cache County Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 75:1633-1642. [PMID: 31504225 PMCID: PMC7494026 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Research indicates that lifestyle and genetic factors influence the course of cognitive impairment in aging, but their interactions have not been well-examined. This study examined the relationship between physical activity and genotypes related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in predicting cognitive performance in a sample of older adults with up to 12 years of follow-up. Physical activity levels (sedentary, light, and moderate/vigorous) were determined for the sample of 3,591 participants (57% female) without dementia. The genotypes examined included BDNF gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs6265 and rs56164415) and receptor gene SNPs (NTRK2 rs2289656 and NGFR rs2072446). Cognition was assessed triennially using the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam. Unadjusted linear mixed models indicated that sedentary (β = -5.05) and light (β = -2.41) groups performed worse than moderate-vigorous (p < .001). Addition of interaction effects showed significant differences in rate of decline between activity levels, particularly among males (p = .006). A three-way interaction with sex, NGFR SNP rs2072446, and physical activity suggested that the C/C allele was associated with better cognitive performance among males engaging in light activity only (p = .004). Physical activity and sex, but not BDNF-related SNPs, predicted rate of cognitive decline in older adults, while NGFR rs2072446 may modify main effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gail B Rattinger
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, New York
| | | | | | - Heidi Wengreen
- Dietetics and Food Sciences Department, Utah State University, Logan
| | - John S K Kauwe
- Biology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Mona Buhusi
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan
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Gamache J, Yun Y, Chiba-Falek O. Sex-dependent effect of APOE on Alzheimer's disease and other age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm045211. [PMID: 32859588 PMCID: PMC7473656 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.045211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of apolipoprotein E (APOE) in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) has been firmly established, but the mechanisms through which it exerts its pathogenic effects remain elusive. In addition, the sex-dependent effects of APOE on LOAD risk and endophenotypes have yet to be explained. In this Review, we revisit the different aspects of APOE involvement in neurodegeneration and neurological diseases, with particular attention to sex differences in the contribution of APOE to LOAD susceptibility. We discuss the role of APOE in a broader range of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, and summarize the biological factors linking APOE to sex hormones, drawing on supportive findings from rodent models to identify major mechanistic themes underlying the exacerbation of LOAD-associated neurodegeneration and pathology in the female brain. Additionally, we list sex-by-genotype interactions identified across neurodegenerative diseases, proposing APOE variants as a shared etiology for sex differences in the manifestation of these diseases. Finally, we present recent advancements in 'omics' technologies, which provide a new platform for more in-depth investigations of how dysregulation of this gene affects the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Collectively, the evidence summarized in this Review highlights the interplay between APOE and sex as a key factor in the etiology of LOAD and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases. We emphasize the importance of careful examination of sex as a contributing factor in studying the underpinning genetics of neurodegenerative diseases in general, but particularly for LOAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gamache
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Young Yun
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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Mufson EJ, Counts SE, Ginsberg SD, Mahady L, Perez SE, Massa SM, Longo FM, Ikonomovic MD. Nerve Growth Factor Pathobiology During the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:533. [PMID: 31312116 PMCID: PMC6613497 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The current review summarizes the pathobiology of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its cognate receptors during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both transcript and protein data indicate that cholinotrophic neuronal dysfunction is related to an imbalance between TrkA-mediated survival signaling and the NGF precursor (proNGF)/p75NTR-mediated pro-apoptotic signaling, which may be related to alteration in the metabolism of NGF. Data indicate a spatiotemporal pattern of degeneration related to the evolution of tau pathology within cholinotrophic neuronal subgroups located within the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM). Despite these degenerative events the cholinotrophic system is capable of cellular resilience and/or plasticity during the prodromal and later stages of the disease. In addition to neurotrophin dysfunction, studies indicate alterations in epigenetically regulated proteins occur within cholinotrophic nbM neurons during the progression of AD, suggesting a mechanism that may underlie changes in transcript expression. Findings that increased cerebrospinal fluid levels of proNGF mark the onset of MCI and the transition to AD suggests that this proneurotrophin is a potential disease biomarker. Novel therapeutics to treat NGF dysfunction include NGF gene therapy and the development of small molecule agonists for the cognate prosurvival NGF receptor TrkA and antagonists against the pan-neurotrophin p75NTR death receptor for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott J. Mufson
- Department of Neurobiology and Neurology, Department of Neurobiology, and Department of Neurological Sciences, Alzheimer’s Disease Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Scott E. Counts
- Translational Science and Molecular Medicine Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Stephen D. Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, and Physiology and NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Laura Mahady
- Department of Neurobiology and Neurology, Department of Neurobiology, and Department of Neurological Sciences, Alzheimer’s Disease Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Sylvia E. Perez
- Department of Neurobiology and Neurology, Department of Neurobiology, and Department of Neurological Sciences, Alzheimer’s Disease Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Stephen M. Massa
- Department of Neurology, San Francisco VA Health Care System, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Frank M. Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Milos D. Ikonomovic
- Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Toro CA, Zhang L, Cao J, Cai D. Sex differences in Alzheimer's disease: Understanding the molecular impact. Brain Res 2019; 1719:194-207. [PMID: 31129153 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that presents with cognitive impairment and behavioral disturbance. Approximately 5.5 million people in the United States live with AD, most of whom are over the age of 65 with two-thirds being woman. There have been major advancements over the last decade or so in the understanding of AD neuropathological changes and genetic involvement. However, studies of sex impact in AD have not been adequately integrated into the investigation of disease development and progression. It becomes indispensable to acknowledge in both basic science and clinical research studies the importance of understanding sex-specific differences in AD pathophysiology and pathogenesis, which could guide future effort in the discovery of novel targets for AD. Here, we review the latest and most relevant literature on this topic, highlighting the importance of understanding sex dimorphism from a molecular perspective and its association to clinical trial design and development in AD research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Toro
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| | - Larry Zhang
- Research and Development, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Jiqing Cao
- Research and Development, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
| | - Dongming Cai
- Research and Development, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Neurology Section, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
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Ilievski V, Zuchowska PK, Green SJ, Toth PT, Ragozzino ME, Le K, Aljewari HW, O’Brien-Simpson NM, Reynolds EC, Watanabe K. Chronic oral application of a periodontal pathogen results in brain inflammation, neurodegeneration and amyloid beta production in wild type mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204941. [PMID: 30281647 PMCID: PMC6169940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The results from cross sectional and longitudinal studies show that periodontitis is closely associated with cognitive impairment (CI) and Alzhemer’s Disease (AD). Further, studies using animal model of periodontitis and human post-mortem brain tissues from subjects with AD strongly suggest that a gram-negative periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and/or its product gingipain is/are translocated to the brain. However, neuropathology resulting from Pg oral application is not known. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that repeated exposure of wild type C57BL/6 mice to orally administered Pg results in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, microgliosis, astrogliosis and formation of intra- and extracellular amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) which are pathognomonic signs of AD. Methods Experimental chronic periodontitis was induced in ten wild type 8-week old C57BL/6 WT mice by repeated oral application (MWF/week) of Pg/gingipain for 22 weeks (experimental group). Another 10 wild type 8-week old C57BL/6 mice received vehicle alone (control group) MWF per week for 22 weeks. Brain tissues were collected and the presence of Pg/gingipain was determined by immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy, confocal microscopy, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The hippocampi were examined for the signs of neuropathology related to AD: TNFα, IL1β, and IL6 expression (neuroinflammation), NeuN and Fluoro Jade C staining (neurodegeneration) and amyloid beta1-42 (Aβ42) production and phosphorylation of tau protein at Ser396 were assessed by IF and confocal microscopy. Further, gene expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP), beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein10 (ADAM10) for α-secretase and presenilin1 (PSEN1) for ɣ-secretase, and NeuN (rbFox3) were determined by RT-qPCR. Microgliosis and astrogliosis were also determined by IF microscopy. Results Pg/gingipain was detected in the hippocampi of mice in the experimental group by immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and qPCR confirming the translocation of orally applied Pg to the brain. Pg/gingipain was localized intra-nuclearly and peri-nuclearly in microglia (Iba1+), astrocytes (GFAP+), neurons (NeuN+) and was evident extracellularly. Significantly greater levels of expression of IL6, TNFα and IL1β were evident in experimental as compared to control group (p<0.01, p<0.00001, p<0.00001 respectively). In addition, microgliosis and astrogliosis were evident in the experimental but not in control group (p <0.01, p<0.0001 respectively). Neurodegeneration was evident in the experimental group based on a fewer number of intact neuronal cells assessed by NeuN positivity and rbFOX3 gene expression, and there was a greater number of degenerating neurons in the hippocampi of experimental mice assessed by Fluoro Jade C positivity. APP and BACE1 gene expression were increased in experimental group compared with control group (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively). PSEN1 gene expression was higher in experimental than control group but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). ADAM10 gene expression was significantly decreased in experimental group compared with control group (p<0.01). Extracellular Aβ42 was detected in the parenchyma in the experimental but not in the control group (p< 0.00001). Finally, phospho-Tau (Ser396) protein was detected and NFTs were evident in experimental but not in the control group (p<0.00001). Conclusions This study is the first to show neurodegeneration and the formation of extracellular Aβ42 in young adult WT mice after repeated oral application of Pg. The neuropathological features observed in this study strongly suggest that low grade chronic periodontal pathogen infection can result in the development of neuropathology that is consistent with that of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Ilievski
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Paulina K. Zuchowska
- Undergraduate Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stefan J. Green
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, Unites States of America
| | - Peter T. Toth
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Ragozzino
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Khuong Le
- Undergraduate Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Haider W. Aljewari
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | | | - Eric C. Reynolds
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keiko Watanabe
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Rodríguez-Rojo IC, Cuesta P, López ME, de Frutos-Lucas J, Bruña R, Pereda E, Barabash A, Montejo P, Montenegro-Peña M, Marcos A, López-Higes R, Fernández A, Maestú F. BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism and Gamma Band Disruption in Resting State Brain Functional Connectivity: A Magnetoencephalography Study in Cognitively Intact Older Females. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:684. [PMID: 30333719 PMCID: PMC6176075 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological processes undermining brain functioning decades before the onset of the clinical symptoms associated with dementia are still not well understood. Several heritability studies have reported that the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Val66Met genetic polymorphism could contribute to the acceleration of cognitive decline in aging. This mutation may affect brain functional connectivity (FC), especially in those who are carriers of the BDNF Met allele. The aim of this work was to explore the influence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in whole brain eyes-closed, resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) FC in a sample of 36 cognitively intact (CI) older females. All of them were ε3ε3 homozygotes for the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and were divided into two subgroups according to the presence of the Met allele: Val/Met group (n = 16) and Val/Val group (n = 20). They did not differ in age, years of education, Mini-Mental State Examination scores, or normalized hippocampal volumes. Our results showed reduced antero-posterior gamma band FC within the Val/Met genetic risk group, which may be caused by a GABAergic network impairment. Despite the lack of cognitive decline, these results might suggest a selective brain network vulnerability due to the carriage of the BDNF Met allele, which is linked to a potential progression to dementia. This neurophysiological signature, as tracked with MEG FC, indicates that age-related brain functioning changes could be mediated by the influence of particular genetic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada C Rodríguez-Rojo
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Complutense and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Cuesta
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Complutense and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Electrical Engineering and Bioengineering Lab, Department of Industrial Engineering and IUNE, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - María Eugenia López
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Complutense and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaisalmer de Frutos-Lucas
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Complutense and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Bruña
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Complutense and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernesto Pereda
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Complutense and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Electrical Engineering and Bioengineering Lab, Department of Industrial Engineering and IUNE, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ana Barabash
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroendocrinology and Genetics, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Montejo
- Center for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Public Health Institute, Madrid-Salud, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Montenegro-Peña
- Center for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Public Health Institute, Madrid-Salud, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos
- Neurology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón López-Higes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Fernández
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Complutense and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Pathology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Maestú
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Complutense and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
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14
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Valvassori SS, Borges C, Bavaresco DV, Varela RB, Resende WR, Peterle BR, Arent CO, Budni J, Quevedo J. Hypericum perforatum chronic treatment affects cognitive parameters and brain neurotrophic factor levels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 40:367-375. [PMID: 30110089 PMCID: PMC6899380 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2017-2271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of Hypericum perforatum (hypericum) on cognitive behavior and neurotrophic factor levels in the brain of male and female rats. Methods: Male and female Wistar rats were treated with hypericum or water during 28 days by gavage. The animals were then subjected to the open-field test, novel object recognition and step-down inhibitory avoidance test. Nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels were evaluated in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Results: Hypericum impaired the acquisition of short- and long-term aversive memory in male rats, evaluated in the inhibitory avoidance test. Female rats had no immediate memory acquisition and decreased short-term memory acquisition in the inhibitory avoidance test. Hypericum also decreased the recognition index of male rats in the object recognition test. Female rats did not recognize the new object in either the short-term or the long-term memory tasks. Hypericum decreased BDNF in the hippocampus of male and female rats. Hypericum also decreased NGF in the hippocampus of female rats. Conclusions: The long-term administration of hypericum appears to cause significant cognitive impairment in rats, possibly through a reduction in the levels of neurotrophic factors. This effect was more expressive in females than in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira S Valvassori
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Cenita Borges
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Daniela V Bavaresco
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Roger B Varela
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Wilson R Resende
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Bruna R Peterle
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Camila O Arent
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Josiane Budni
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - João Quevedo
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Experimental Models in Psychiatry, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Fisher DW, Bennett DA, Dong H. Sexual dimorphism in predisposition to Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 70:308-324. [PMID: 29754747 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies indicate that Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects women in both disease prevalence and rate of symptom progression, but the mechanisms underlying this sexual divergence are unknown. Although some have suggested this difference in risk is a reflection of the known differences in longevity between men and women, mounting clinical and preclinical evidence supports women also having intrinsic susceptibilities toward the disease. Although a number of potential risk factors have been hypothesized to mediate these differences, none have been definitively verified. In this review, we first summarize the epidemiologic studies of prevalence and incidence of AD among the sexes. Next, we discuss the most likely risk factors to date that interact with biological sex, including (1) genetic factors, (2) sex hormones (3) deviations in brain structure, (4) inflammation and microglia, and (5) and psychosocial stress responses. Overall, though differences in life span are likely to account for part of the divide between the sexes in AD prevalence, the abundance of preclinical and clinical evidence presented here suggests an increase in intrinsic AD risk for women. Therefore, future studies focusing on the underlying biological mechanisms for this phenomenon are needed to better understand AD pathogenesis in both sexes, with the eventual goal of sex-specific prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Fisher
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hongxin Dong
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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