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Jia H, Li Z, Guo F, Hua Z, Zhou X, Li X, Li R, Liu Q, Liu Y, Dong H. Cortical structure and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110872. [PMID: 37827425 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110872] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current observational studies indicate progressive brain atrophy is closely associated with the clinical feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, it is unclear whether the changes in cortical structure are the cause or result of ALS. Our study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between cortical structure and ALS risk using a bidirectional two-sample MR study. METHODS We collected publicly available genome-wide association studies' summary statistics for cortical structure from UK Biobank and ENIGMA consortium (n = 33,992) and ALS from the Project MinE (n = 138,086). We used the inverse variance weighted method (IVW) as primary analysis in order to evaluate the causal effects. In addition, the weighted median and MR Egger methods were performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the IVW results. RESULTS We found the decreased surface of the paracentral lobule and thickness of the frontal pole and middle temporal lobe were suggestively associated with an increased risk of ALS as well as the increased surface of medial orbitofrontal and middle temporal lobe. In another aspect, the causalities between the susceptibility to ALS and the volume of the transverse temporal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus were negative. Besides, the susceptibility to ALS might also contribute to an increased thickness of the postcentral gyrus and superior parietal gyrus. CONCLUSION In this two-sample MR analysis, we observed that multiple cortical brain regions are associated with a higher ALS risk. Further research into the underlying mechanisms is required to back up our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongning Jia
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Department of Neurology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Zhiguang Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Department of Neurology, Xingtai Third Hospital, Xingtai, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Department of Basic Medicine, Xingtai Medical College, Xingtai, China
| | - Zixin Hua
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well known for its angiogenic activity, but recent evidence has revealed a neuroprotective action of this factor on injured or diseased neurons. In the present review, we summarize the most relevant findings that have contributed to establish a link between VEGF deficiency and neuronal degeneration. At issue, 1) mutant mice with reduced levels of VEGF show adult-onset muscle weakness and motoneuron degeneration resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 2) administration of VEGF to different animal models of motoneuron degeneration improves motor performance and ameliorates motoneuronal degeneration, and 3) there is an association between low plasmatic levels of VEGF and human ALS. Altogether, the results presented in this review highlight VEGF as an essential motoneuron neurotrophic factor endowed with promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of motoneuron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Calvo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosendo G Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rosa R de la Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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Jiang Q, Guo Y, Yang T, Li S, Hou Y, Lin J, Xiao Y, Ou R, Wei Q, Shang H. Cystatin C is associated with poor survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1309568. [PMID: 38249592 PMCID: PMC10796561 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1309568] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cystatin C (CysC) levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been found changes, however, the associations between serum CysC levels and the progression and survival of ALS remain largely unknown. Methods A total of 1,086 ALS patients and 1,026 sex-age matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. Serum CysC, other renal function, and metabolic parameters were measured. Correlation analysis and binary logistic regression were used to explore the factors related to serum CysC. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression model were used for survival analysis. Results CysC levels were significantly higher in ALS patients compared to HCs (0.94 vs. 0.85 mg/L, p < 0.001). Compared with ALS patients with lower CysC levels, those with higher CysC levels had an older age of onset, significantly lower ALSFRS-R scores (40.1 vs. 41.3, p < 0.001), a faster disease progression rate (0.75 vs. 0.67, p = 0.011), and lower frontal lobe function scores (15.8 vs. 16.1, p = 0.020). In the correlation analysis, CysC levels were significantly negatively correlated with ALSFRS-R scores (r = -0.16, p < 0.001). Additionally, ALS patients with higher CysC levels had significantly shorter survival time (40.0 vs. 51.8, p < 0.001) compared to patients with lower CysC levels. Higher CysC levels were associated with a higher risk of death in Cox analysis (HR: 1.204, 95% CI: 1.012-1.433). However, when treatment was included in the model, the result was no longer significant. Conclusion CysC levels in ALS patients were higher compared to HCs. Higher CysC levels were associated with greater disease severity, faster progression rate and shorter survival, needing early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qirui Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Guo
- Outpatient Department, West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianmi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shirong Li
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Neurology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yanbing Hou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junyu Lin
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruwei Ou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqian Wei
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Rogers ML, Schultz DW, Karnaros V, Shepheard SR. Urinary biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: candidates, opportunities and considerations. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad287. [PMID: 37946793 PMCID: PMC10631861 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a relentless neurodegenerative disease that is mostly fatal within 3-5 years and is diagnosed on evidence of progressive upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Around 15% of those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also have frontotemporal degeneration, and gene mutations account for ∼10%. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a variable heterogeneous disease, and it is becoming increasingly clear that numerous different disease processes culminate in the final degeneration of motor neurons. There is a profound need to clearly articulate and measure pathological process that occurs. Such information is needed to tailor treatments to individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis according to an individual's pathological fingerprint. For new candidate therapies, there is also a need for methods to select patients according to expected treatment outcomes and measure the success, or not, of treatments. Biomarkers are essential tools to fulfil these needs, and urine is a rich source for candidate biofluid biomarkers. This review will describe promising candidate urinary biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other possible urinary candidates in future areas of investigation as well as the limitations of urinary biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Louise Rogers
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - David W Schultz
- Neurology Department and MND Clinic, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Vassilios Karnaros
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stephanie R Shepheard
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
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Söbü E, Yildiz Z. Does cystatin C have an immunomodulatory role in Hashimoto's thyroiditis? J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2023; 36:58-63. [PMID: 36327158 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2022-0386] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies which report cystatin C's (Cys-C) role in immunological disorders are increasing. However, data in the pediatric age group is limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between serum Cys-C levels and thyroid autoantibodies in children and adolescents diagnosed with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis. METHODS The patient group was included 50 participants aged between 3 and 18 years, and the control group included 50 healthy children matched for age, gender, and body mass index. Patients with hypothyroidism or taking any medication were not included in the study. Fasting glucose, liver enzymes, urea, creatinine, lipid profile, Cys-C, free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb) levels were recorded in all subjects. RESULTS The mean age of control group was 13.5 ± 2.5 years, and the mean age of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) group was 14.2 ± 2.7 years, no statistically significant differences existed (p=0.205). Cys-C values were significantly higher in the HT group than in the control group (p=0.041). When all cases were evaluated, Cys-C levels were statistically positively correlated with fT3, TPOAb, and TGAb values (p<0.001, p=0.029, p=0.013 respectively). CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of our study, Cys-C levels in children and adolescents with euthyroid Hashimoto thyroiditis were statistically higher than their healthy peers. In conclusion, it can be said that Cys-C may be a factor in the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis, and even small changes in TSH values affect Cys-C levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Söbü
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Yildiz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Mahoney CJ, Ahmed RM, Huynh W, Tu S, Rohrer JD, Bedlack RS, Hardiman O, Kiernan MC. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Non-motor Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:483-505. [PMID: 33993457 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease typically presenting with bulbar or limb weakness. There is increasing evidence that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a multisystem disease with early and frequent impacts on cognition, behaviour, sleep, pain and fatigue. Dysfunction of normal physiological and metabolic processes also appears common. Evidence from pre-symptomatic studies and large epidemiological cohorts examining risk factors for the future development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have reported a high prevalence of changes in behaviour and mental health before the emergence of motor weakness. This suggests that changes beyond the motor system are underway at an early stage with dysfunction across brain networks regulating a variety of cognitive, behavioural and other homeostatic processes. The full impact of non-motor dysfunction continues to be established but there is now sufficient evidence that the presence of non-motor symptoms impacts overall survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and with up to 80% reporting non-motor symptoms, there is an urgent need to develop more robust therapeutic approaches. This review provides a contemporary overview of the pathobiology of non-motor dysfunction, offering readers a practical approach with regard to assessment and management. We review the current evidence for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of non-motor dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and highlight the need to further integrate non-motor dysfunction as an important outcome measure for future clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Mahoney
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rebekah M Ahmed
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - William Huynh
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sicong Tu
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Richard S Bedlack
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Serum Cystatin C and Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Potential Inflammatory Biomarker in Predicting Critical Illness and Mortality for Adult Patients. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:3764515. [PMID: 33061826 PMCID: PMC7545455 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3764515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at determining the relationship between baseline cystatin C levels and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and investigating the potential prognostic value of serum cystatin C in adult patients with COVID-19. 481 patients with COVID-19 were consecutively included in this study from January 2, 2020, and followed up to April 15, 2020. All clinical and laboratory data of COVID-19 patients with definite outcomes were reviewed. For every measure, COVID-19 patients were grouped into quartiles according to the baseline levels of serum cystatin C. The highest cystatin C level was significantly related to more severe inflammatory conditions, worse organ dysfunction, and worse outcomes among patients with COVID-19 (P values < 0.05). In the adjusted logistic regression analyses, the highest cystatin C level and ln-transformed cystatin C levels were independently associated with the risks of developing critically ill COVID-19 and all-cause death either in overall patients or in patients without chronic kidney disease (P values < 0.05). As a potential inflammatory marker, increasing baseline levels of serum cystatin C might independently predict adverse outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Serum cystatin C could be routinely monitored during hospitalization, which showed clinical importance in prognosticating for adult patients with COVID-19.
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Dominant Heterogeneity of Upper and Lower Motor Neuron Degeneration to Motor Manifestation of Involved Region in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20059. [PMID: 31882886 PMCID: PMC6934517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56665-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to localize the anatomic distribution of upper motor neuron (UMN) loss through examining cortical thickness at the clinical onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and explore motor manifestation in functionally impaired body region attribute to impairment of lower motor neuron (LMN) or UMN or mixed LMN and UMN? The clinical features, cortical thickness of corresponding areas from different body regions in MRI and electromyography (EMG) data were collected from 108 classical ALS patients. The cortical thickness was thinner in ALS group than control group in bilateral head-face and upper-limb areas (p < 0.05). In head-face area, the cortical thickness of bulbar-onset group was significantly lower than that of control groups (p < 0.05). In upper-limb areas, the cortical thickness of cervical-onset group was significantly thinner than that of control group. Notably, the bulbar ALSFRS-R subscore was correlated with cortical thickness in bilateral head-face areas (p < 0.05). The bulbar ALSFRS-R subscore of the positive LMN damage group was lower compared to that of the negative LMN damage group (P < 0.001). The limb ALSFRS-R subscore correlated with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes of median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves (P < 0.001), but was not related to cortical thickness. In conclusion, the UMN degeneration in ALS was derived from focal initiation, bulbar- and cervical-onset may date from head-face and upper-limb areas in motor homunculus cortex, respectively. The bulbar dysfunction was resulted from the mixed UMN and LMN impairment, while limb dysfunction derived mostly from LMN loss.
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Zhang W, Zi M, Sun L, Wang F, Chen S, Zhao Y, Liang S, Hu J, Liu S, Liu L, Zhan Y, Lew AM, Xu Y. Cystatin C regulates major histocompatibility complex-II-peptide presentation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-dependent polarizing cytokine production by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2019; 97:916-930. [PMID: 31513306 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cystatin C is a ubiquitously expressed cysteine protease inhibitor that protects cells from either improper hydrolysis by endogenous proteases or pathogen growth/virulence by exogenous proteases. Although commonly used as a serum biomarker for evaluating renal function, cystatin C is associated with many immunological disorders under various pathophysiological conditions. How cystatin C affects immune cells, especially dendritic cells (DCs), however, is far from clear. In this study, we found that pharmacological treatment with or genetic overexpression of cystatin C in bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) reduced their capacity to stimulate CD4+ T-cell proliferation, despite increased antigen uptake. This reduced capacity corresponded with reduced major histocompatibility complex-II presentation owing to diminished levels of the chaperon H2-DM in BMDCs. Instead of promoting proliferation, cystatin C promoted skewing of T cells toward proinflammatory T-helper (Th)1/Th17 differentiation. This was mediated by augmented extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in BMDCs, leading to secretion of polarizing cytokines, which in turn led to the Th deviation. Collectively, our study explained the cellular and molecular basis of how this protease inhibitor can regulate immune responses, namely by affecting BMDCs and their cytokine pathway. Our results might open up an avenue for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of cystatin C-related immunological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Mengting Zi
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Li Sun
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Fengge Wang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Yanfang Zhao
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Shuangchao Liang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Jiqiong Hu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Yifan Zhan
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Andrew M Lew
- The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Yuekang Xu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
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Acosta L, Morcuende S, Silva-Hucha S, Pastor AM, de la Cruz RR. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Prevents the Downregulation of the Cholinergic Phenotype in Axotomized Motoneurons of the Adult Rat. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:241. [PMID: 30050409 PMCID: PMC6052088 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was initially characterized by its activity on the vascular system. However, there is growing evidence indicating that VEGF also acts as a neuroprotective factor, and that its administration to neurons suffering from trauma or disease is able to rescue them from cell death. We questioned whether VEGF could also maintain damaged neurons in a neurotransmissive mode by evaluating the synthesis of their neurotransmitter, and whether its action would be direct or through its well-known angiogenic activity. Adult rat extraocular motoneurons were chosen as the experimental model. Lesion was performed by monocular enucleation and immediately a gelatine sponge soaked in VEGF was implanted intraorbitally. After 7 days, abducens, trochlear, and oculomotor nuclei were examined by immunohistochemistry against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the biosynthetic enzyme of the motoneuronal neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Lesioned motoneurons exhibited a noticeable ChAT downregulation which was prevented by VEGF administration. To explore whether this action was mediated via an increase in blood vessels or in their permeability, we performed immunohistochemistry against laminin, glucose transporter-1 and the plasmatic protein albumin. The quantification of the immunolabeling intensity against these three proteins showed no significant differences between VEGF-treated, axotomized and control animals. Therefore, the present data indicate that VEGF is able to sustain the cholinergic phenotype in damaged motoneurons, which is a first step for adequate neuromuscular neurotransmission, and that this action seems to be mediated directly on neurons since no sign of angiogenic activity was evident. These data reinforces the therapeutical potential of VEGF in motoneuronal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Acosta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Sara Morcuende
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Silvia Silva-Hucha
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Rosa R de la Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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11
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Zi M, Xu Y. Involvement of cystatin C in immunity and apoptosis. Immunol Lett 2018; 196:80-90. [PMID: 29355583 PMCID: PMC7112947 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
As an abundantly expressed cysteine protease inhibitor widely distributed in the organisms, cystatin C is involved in various physiological processes. Due to its relatively small molecular weight and easy detection, cystatin C is commonly used as a measure for glomerular filtration rate. In pathological conditions, however, growing evidences suggest that cystatin C is associated with various immune responses against either exogenous or endogenous antigens, which ultimately result in inflammatory autoimmune diseases or tumor development if not properly controlled. Thus the fluctuation of cystatin C levels might have more clinical implications than a reflection of kidney functions. Here, we summarize the latest development of studies on the pathophysiological functions of cystatin C, with focus on its immune regulatory roles at both cellular and molecular levels including antigen presentation, secretion of cytokines, synthesis of nitric oxide, as well as apoptosis. Finally, we discuss the clinical implications and therapeutic potentials of what this predominantly expressed protease inhibitor can bring to us.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Zi
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, School of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Yuekang Xu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, School of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China.
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12
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Webster CP, Smith EF, Shaw PJ, De Vos KJ. Protein Homeostasis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Therapeutic Opportunities? Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:123. [PMID: 28512398 PMCID: PMC5411428 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein homeostasis (proteostasis), the correct balance between production and degradation of proteins, is essential for the health and survival of cells. Proteostasis requires an intricate network of protein quality control pathways (the proteostasis network) that work to prevent protein aggregation and maintain proteome health throughout the lifespan of the cell. Collapse of proteostasis has been implicated in the etiology of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common adult onset motor neuron disorder. Here, we review the evidence linking dysfunctional proteostasis to the etiology of ALS and discuss how ALS-associated insults affect the proteostasis network. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic benefit of proteostasis network modulation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Webster
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Emma F Smith
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
| | - Kurt J De Vos
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of SheffieldSheffield, UK
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Hayashi K, Mochizuki Y, Takeuchi R, Shimizu T, Nagao M, Watabe K, Arai N, Oyanagi K, Onodera O, Hayashi M, Takahashi H, Kakita A, Isozaki E. Clinicopathological characteristics of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis resulting in a totally locked-in state (communication Stage V). Acta Neuropathol Commun 2016; 4:107. [PMID: 27716404 PMCID: PMC5045653 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-016-0379-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis to clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that had progressed to result in a totally locked-in state (communication Stage V), in which all voluntary movements are lost and communication is impossible. In 11 patients, six had phosphorylated TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (pTDP-43)-immunoreactive (ir) neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCI), two had fused in sarcoma (FUS)-ir NCI, and three had copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1)-ir NCI. The time from ALS onset to the need for tracheostomy invasive ventilation was less than 24 months in ten patients. Regardless of accumulated protein, all the patients showed common lesions in the pallido–nigro–luysian system, brainstem reticular formation, and cerebellar efferent system, in addition to motor neurons. In patients with pTDP-43-ir NCI, patients with NCI in the hippocampal dentate granule neurons (DG) showed a neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex, and patients without NCI in DG showed a preserved cerebral cortex. By contrast, in patients with FUS-ir NCI, patients with NCI in DG showed a preserved cerebral cortex and patients without NCI in DG showed marked cerebral degeneration. The cerebral cortex of patients with SOD1-ir NCI was preserved. Together, these findings suggest that lesions of the cerebrum are probably not necessary for progression to Stage V. In conclusion, patients with ALS that had progressed to result in communication Stage V showed rapidly-progressed symptoms, and their common lesions could cause the manifestations of communication Stage V.
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Cystatin C is a disease-associated protein subject to multiple regulation. Immunol Cell Biol 2015; 93:442-51. [PMID: 25643616 PMCID: PMC7165929 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2014.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A protease inhibitor, cystatin C (Cst C), is a secreted cysteine protease inhibitor abundantly expressed in body fluids. Clinically, it is mostly used to measure glomerular filtration rate as a marker for kidney function due to its relatively small molecular weight and easy detection. However, recent findings suggest that Cst C is regulated at both transcriptional and post‐translational levels, and Cst C production from haematopoietic cell lineages contributes significantly to the systematic pools of Cst C. Furthermore, Cst C is directly linked to many pathologic processes through various mechanisms. Thus fluctuation of Cst C levels might have serious clinical implications rather than a mere reflection of kidney functions. Here, we summarize the pathophysiological roles of Cst C dependent and independent on its inhibition of proteases, outline its change of expression by various stimuli, and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms to control this disease‐related protease inhibitor. Finally, we discuss the clinical implications of these findings for translational gains.
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TDP-43 pathology and neuronal loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis spinal cord. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 128:423-37. [PMID: 24916269 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1299-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We examined the phosphorylated 43-kDa TAR DNA-binding protein (pTDP-43) inclusions as well as neuronal loss in full-length spinal cords and five selected regions of the central nervous system from 36 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 10 age-matched normal controls. The most severe neuronal loss and pTDP-43 lesions were seen in lamina IX motor nuclei columns 4, 6, and 8 of lower cervical segments and in columns 9-11 of lumbosacral segments. Severity of pTDP-43 pathology and neuronal loss correlated closely with gray and white matter oligodendroglial involvement and was linked to onset of disease, with severe involvement of columns 4, 6, and 8 of upper extremity onset cases and severe involvement of columns of 9, 10, and 11 in cases with lower extremity onset. Severe TDP-43 lesions and neuronal loss were observed in stage 4 cases and sometimes included Onuf's nucleus. Notably, three cases displayed pTDP-43 aggregates in the midbrain oculomotor nucleus, which we had not seen previously even in cases with advanced (i.e., stage 4) pathology. pTDP-43 aggregates were observed in neurons of Clarke's column in 30.6 % of cases but rarely in the intermediolateral nucleus (IML). Gray matter oligodendroglial pTDP-43 inclusions were present in areas devoid of neuronal pTDP-43 aggregates and neuronal loss. Taken together, our findings indicate that (1) the dorsolateral motor nuclei columns of the cervical and lumbosacral anterior horn may be the earliest foci of pTDP-43 pathology in the spinal cord, (2) gray matter oligodendroglial involvement is an early event in the ALS disease process that possibly heralds subsequent involvement of neurons by pTDP-43 pathology, and (3) in some very advanced cases, there is oculomotor nucleus involvement, which may constitute an additional neuropathological stage (designated here as stage 5) of pTDP-43 pathology in ALS.
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