1
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Pereira-Santos AR, Candeias E, Magalhães JD, Empadinhas N, Esteves AR, Cardoso SM. Neuronal control of microglia through the mitochondria. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167167. [PMID: 38626829 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The microbial toxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), which is derived from cyanobacteria, targets neuronal mitochondria, leading to the activation of neuronal innate immunity and, consequently, neurodegeneration. Although known to modulate brain inflammation, the precise role of aberrant microglial function in the neurodegenerative process remains elusive. To determine if neurons signal microglial cells, we treated primary cortical neurons with BMAA and then co-cultured them with the N9 microglial cell line. Our observations indicate that microglial cell activation requires initial neuronal priming. Contrary to what was observed in cortical neurons, BMAA was not able to activate inflammatory pathways in N9 cells. We observed that microglial activation is dependent on mitochondrial dysfunction signaled by BMAA-treated neurons. In this scenario, the NLRP3 pro-inflammatory pathway is activated due to mitochondrial impairment in N9 cells. These results demonstrate that microglia activation in the presence of BMAA is dependent on neuronal signaling. This study provides evidence that neurons may trigger microglia activation and subsequent neuroinflammation. In addition, we demonstrate that microglial activation may have a protective role in ameliorating neuronal innate immune activation, at least in the initial phase. This work challenges the current understanding of neuroinflammation by assigning the primary role to neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Pereira-Santos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Emanuel Candeias
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J D Magalhães
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Raquel Esteves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra M Cardoso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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2
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Li M, Qiu J, Yan G, Zheng X, Li A. How does the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine exist in biological matrices and cause toxicity? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171255. [PMID: 38417517 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been deemed as a risk factor for some neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS/PDC). This possible link has been proved in some primate models and cell cultures with the appearance that BMAA exposure can cause excitotoxicity, formation of protein aggregates, and/or oxidative stress. The neurotoxin BMAA extensively exists in the environment and can be transferred through the food web to human beings. In this review, the occurrence, toxicological mechanisms, and characteristics of BMAA were comprehensively summarized, and proteins and peptides were speculated as its possible binding substances in biological matrices. It is difficult to compare the published data from previous studies due to the inconsistent analytical methods and components of BMAA. The binding characteristics of BMAA should be focused on to improve our understanding of its health risk to human health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiangbing Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Guowang Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Xianyao Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China.
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3
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Du Q, Xing N, Guo S, Li R, Meng X, Wang S. Cycads: A comprehensive review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 220:114001. [PMID: 38286200 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Cycads, which primarily consist of the families Cycadaceae and Zamiaceae, possess intrinsic therapeutic attributes that are prominently expressed across their morphological spectrum, including roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds. In Chinese traditional medicine, the leaves of cycads are particularly revered for their profound healing capabilities. This meticulous review engages with existing literature on cycads and presents insightful avenues for future research. Over 210 phytoconstituents have been isolated and identified from various cycad tissues, including flavonoids, azoxy metabolites, sterols, lignans, non-proteogenic amino acids, terpenoids, and other organic constituents. The contemporary pharmacological discourse highlights the antineoplastic, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities inherent in these ancient plants, which are of particular importance to the field of oncology. Despite the prevalent focus on crude extracts and total flavonoid content, our understanding of the nuanced pharmacodynamics of cycads lags considerably behind. The notoriety of cycads derived toxicity, notably within the context of Guam's neurological disease cluster, has precipitated an established emphasis on toxicological research within this field. As such, this critical review emphasizes nascent domains deserving of academic and clinical pursuit, whilst nested within the broader matrix of current scientific understanding. The systematic taxonomy, traditional applications, phytochemical composition, therapeutic potential, and safety profile of cycads are holistically interrogated, assimilating an indispensable repository for future scholarly inquiries. In conclusion, cycads stand as a veritable treasure trove of pharmacological virtue, displaying remarkable therapeutic prowess and holding vast promise for ongoing scientific discovery and clinical utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyun Du
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Nan Xing
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Sa Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Rui Li
- Meishan Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, 620010, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Shaohui Wang
- Meishan Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, 620010, China; School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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4
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van Onselen R, Kennedy C, Downing TG. Protection against β-N-methylamino-l-alanineꟷinduced vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibition by hydroxyl-containing proteinogenic amino acids. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 107:104399. [PMID: 38403141 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) has been shown to inhibit vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), thereby preventing the uptake of monoaminergic neurotransmitters into platelet dense granules and synaptic vesicles. The inhibition is hypothesized to be through direct association of BMAA with hydroxyl groupꟷcontaining amino acid residues in VMAT2. This study evaluated whether BMAA-induced inhibition of VMAT2 could be prevented directly by co-incubation of BMAA with amino acids, and if this protection was specific for BMAA inhibition of VMAT2. l-tyrosine, and to a lesser extent l-serine, was able to prevent BMAA-induced VMAT2 inhibition in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas neither l-threonine nor amino acids without side chain hydroxyl groups could reduce this inhibition. Reserpine-induced VMAT2 inhibition was unaffected by any of the amino acids. These data support the hypothesized interaction between BMAA and hydroxyl groupꟷcontaining amino acids and suggests that this interaction might be leveraged to protect against the toxicity of BMAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianita van Onselen
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa.
| | - Chanté Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa.
| | - Tim G Downing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa.
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5
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Sini P, Galleri G, Ciampelli C, Galioto M, Padedda BM, Lugliè A, Iaccarino C, Crosio C. Evaluation of cyanotoxin L-BMAA effect on α-synuclein and TDP43 proteinopathy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360068. [PMID: 38596666 PMCID: PMC11002123 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors is considered the cause of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Among the environmental factors, toxins produced by cyanobacteria have received much attention due to the significant increase in cyanobacteria growth worldwide. In particular, L-BMAA toxin, produced by diverse taxa of cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and diatoms, has been extensively correlated to neurodegeneration. The molecular mechanism of L-BMAA neurotoxicity is still cryptic and far from being understood. In this research article, we have investigated the molecular pathways altered by L-BMAA exposure in cell systems, highlighting a significant increase in specific stress pathways and an impairment in autophagic processes. Interestingly, these changes lead to the accumulation of both α-synuclein and TDP43, which are correlated with PD and ALS proteinopathy, respectively. Finally, we were able to demonstrate specific alterations of TDP43 WT or pathological mutants with respect to protein accumulation, aggregation and cytoplasmic translocation, some of the typical features of both sporadic and familial ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Grazia Galleri
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cristina Ciampelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Manuela Galioto
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Bachisio Mario Padedda
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Lugliè
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ciro Iaccarino
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Crosio
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Bishop SL, Solonenka JT, Giebelhaus RT, Bakker DTR, Li ITS, Murch SJ. Microbial Diversity Impacts Non-Protein Amino Acid Production in Cyanobacterial Bloom Cultures Collected from Lake Winnipeg. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:169. [PMID: 38668594 PMCID: PMC11053616 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040169] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada is heavily impacted by harmful algal blooms that contain non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) produced by cyanobacteria: N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG), β-aminomethyl-L-alanine (BAMA), β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB). Our objective was to investigate the impact of microbial diversity on NPAA production by cyanobacteria using semi-purified crude cyanobacterial cultures established from field samples collected by the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium between 2016 and 2021. NPAAs were detected and quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) using validated analytical methods, while Shannon and Simpson alpha diversity scores were determined from 16S rRNA metagenomic sequences. Alpha diversity in isolate cultures was significantly decreased compared to crude cyanobacterial cultures (p < 0.001), indicating successful semi-purification. BMAA and AEG concentrations were higher in crude compared to isolate cultures (p < 0.0001), and AEG concentrations were correlated to the alpha diversity in cultures (r = 0.554; p < 0.0001). BAMA concentrations were increased in isolate cultures (p < 0.05), while DAB concentrations were similar in crude and isolate cultures. These results demonstrate that microbial community complexity impacts NPAA production by cyanobacteria and related organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Bishop
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (J.T.S.); (R.T.G.); (D.T.R.B.); (I.T.S.L.); (S.J.M.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Julia T. Solonenka
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (J.T.S.); (R.T.G.); (D.T.R.B.); (I.T.S.L.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Ryland T. Giebelhaus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (J.T.S.); (R.T.G.); (D.T.R.B.); (I.T.S.L.); (S.J.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2N4, Canada
- The Metabolomics Innovation Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2N4, Canada
| | - David T. R. Bakker
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (J.T.S.); (R.T.G.); (D.T.R.B.); (I.T.S.L.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Isaac T. S. Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (J.T.S.); (R.T.G.); (D.T.R.B.); (I.T.S.L.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Susan J. Murch
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (J.T.S.); (R.T.G.); (D.T.R.B.); (I.T.S.L.); (S.J.M.)
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7
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van Onselen R, Downing TG. Uptake of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) into glutamate-specific synaptic vesicles: Exploring the validity of the excitotoxicity mechanism of BMAA. Neurosci Lett 2024; 821:137593. [PMID: 38103629 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137593] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The first mechanism of toxicity proposed for the cyanobacterial neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) was excitotoxicity, and this was supported by numerous in vitro studies in which overactivation of both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors was reported. However, the excitotoxicity of BMAA is weak in comparison with other known excitotoxins and on par with that of glutamate, implying that to achieve sufficient synaptic concentrations of BMAA to cause classical in vivo excitotoxicity, BMAA must either accumulate in synapses to allow persistent glutamate receptor activation or it must be released in sufficiently high concentrations into synapses to cause the overexcitation. Since it has been shown that BMAA can be readily removed from synapses, release of high concentrations of BMAA into synapses must be shown to confirm its role as an excitotoxin in in vivo systems. This study therefore sought to evaluate the uptake of BMAA into synaptic vesicles and to determine if BMAA affects the uptake of glutamate into synaptic vesicles. There was no evidence to support uptake of BMAA into glutamate-specific synaptic vesicles but there was some indication that BMAA may affect the uptake of glutamate into synaptic vesicles. The uptake of BMAA into synaptic vesicles isolated from areas other than the cerebral cortex should be investigated before definite conclusions can be drawn about the role of BMAA as an excitotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianita van Onselen
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Tim G Downing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa.
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8
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Ricciardelli A, Pollio A, Costantini M, Zupo V. Harmful and beneficial properties of cyanotoxins: Two sides of the same coin. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108235. [PMID: 37567398 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108235] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyanotoxins are by definition "harmful agents" produced by cyanobacteria. Their toxicity has been extensively studied and reviewed over the years. Cyanotoxins have been commonly classified, based on their poisonous effects on mammals, into three main classes, neurotoxins, hepatotoxins and dermatotoxins, and, considering their chemical features, mainly identified as peptides, alkaloids and lipopolysaccharides. Here we propose a broader subdivision of cyanotoxins into eight distinct classes, taking into account their molecular structures, biosynthesis and modes of action: alkaloids, non-ribosomal peptides, polyketides, non-protein amino acids, indole alkaloids, organophosphates, lipopeptides and lipoglycans. For each class, the structures and primary mechanisms of toxicity of the main representative cyanotoxins are reported. Despite their powerful biological activities, only recently scientists have considered the biotechnological potential of cyanotoxins, and their applications both in medical and in industrial settings, even if only a few of these have reached the biotech market. In this perspective, we discuss the potential uses of cyanotoxins as anticancer, antimicrobial, and biocidal agents, as common applications for cytotoxic compounds. Furthermore, taking into account their mechanisms of action, we describe peculiar potential bioactivities for several cyanotoxin classes, such as local anaesthetics, antithrombotics, neuroplasticity promoters, immunomodulating and antifouling agents. In this review, we aim to stimulate research on the potential beneficial roles of cyanotoxins, which require interdisciplinary cooperation to facilitate the discovery of innovative biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Ricciardelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, via Cinthìa, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonino Pollio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, via Cinthìa, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Costantini
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton, 80133 Naples, Italy.
| | - Valerio Zupo
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia Marine Centre, Punta San Pietro, 80077 Naples, Italy.
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9
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Menšíková K, Steele JC, Rosales R, Colosimo C, Spencer P, Lannuzel A, Ugawa Y, Sasaki R, Giménez-Roldán S, Matej R, Tuckova L, Hrabos D, Kolarikova K, Vodicka R, Vrtel R, Strnad M, Hlustik P, Otruba P, Prochazka M, Bares M, Boluda S, Buee L, Ransmayr G, Kaňovský P. Endemic parkinsonism: clusters, biology and clinical features. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:599-616. [PMID: 37684518 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00866-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The term 'endemic parkinsonism' refers to diseases that manifest with a dominant parkinsonian syndrome, which can be typical or atypical, and are present only in a particular geographically defined location or population. Ten phenotypes of endemic parkinsonism are currently known: three in the Western Pacific region; two in the Asian-Oceanic region; one in the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique; and four in Europe. Some of these disease entities seem to be disappearing over time and therefore are probably triggered by unique environmental factors. By contrast, other types persist because they are exclusively genetically determined. Given the geographical clustering and potential overlap in biological and clinical features of these exceptionally interesting diseases, this Review provides a historical reference text and offers current perspectives on each of the 10 phenotypes of endemic parkinsonism. Knowledge obtained from the study of these disease entities supports the hypothesis that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, not only in endemic parkinsonism but also in general. At the same time, this understanding suggests useful directions for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Menšíková
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Raymond Rosales
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomás, Manila, The Philippines
- St Luke's Institute of Neuroscience, Metro, Manila, The Philippines
| | - Carlo Colosimo
- Department of Neurology, Santa Maria University Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Peter Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Annie Lannuzel
- Départment de Neurologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Guadeloupe, Pointe-á-Pitre, France
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Human Neurophysiology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Ryogen Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Kuwana City Medical Center, Kuwana, Japan
| | | | - Radoslav Matej
- Department of Pathology, 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Tuckova
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Dominik Hrabos
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Kolarikova
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Vodicka
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Vrtel
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Strnad
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Hlustik
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Otruba
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Prochazka
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Bares
- First Department of Neurology, Masaryk University Medical School, Brno, Czech Republic
- St Anne University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Susana Boluda
- Département de Neuropathologie, Hôpital La Pitié - Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Luc Buee
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Research Centre, INSERM U1172, Lille, France
| | - Gerhard Ransmayr
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Petr Kaňovský
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Center, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
- University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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10
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Amzil Z, Derrien A, Terre Terrillon A, Savar V, Bertin T, Peyrat M, Duval A, Lhaute K, Arnich N, Hort V, Nicolas M. Five Years Monitoring the Emergence of Unregulated Toxins in Shellfish in France (EMERGTOX 2018-2022). Mar Drugs 2023; 21:435. [PMID: 37623716 PMCID: PMC10456248 DOI: 10.3390/md21080435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Shellfish accumulate microalgal toxins, which can make them unsafe for human consumption. In France, in accordance with EU regulations, three groups of marine toxins are currently under official monitoring: lipophilic toxins, saxitoxins, and domoic acid. Other unregulated toxin groups are also present in European shellfish, including emerging lipophilic and hydrophilic marine toxins (e.g., pinnatoxins, brevetoxins) and the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). To acquire data on emerging toxins in France, the monitoring program EMERGTOX was set up along the French coasts in 2018. Three new broad-spectrum LC-MS/MS methods were developed to quantify regulated and unregulated lipophilic and hydrophilic toxins and the BMAA group in shellfish (bivalve mollusks and gastropods). A single-laboratory validation of each of these methods was performed. Additionally, these specific, reliable, and sensitive operating procedures allowed the detection of groups of EU unregulated toxins in shellfish samples from French coasts: spirolides (SPX-13-DesMeC, SPX-DesMeD), pinnatoxins (PnTX-G, PnTX-A), gymnodimines (GYM-A), brevetoxins (BTX-2, BTX-3), microcystins (dmMC-RR, MC-RR), anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin and BMAA/DAB. Here, we present essentially the results of the unregulated toxins obtained from the French EMERGTOX monitoring plan during the past five years (2018-2022). Based on our findings, we outline future needs for monitoring to protect consumers from emerging unregulated toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zouher Amzil
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)/PHYTOX/METALG, F-44311 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Amélie Derrien
- IFREMER/LITTORAL/LER-BO, F-29900 Concarneau, France; (A.D.); (A.T.T.); (A.D.)
| | | | - Véronique Savar
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)/PHYTOX/METALG, F-44311 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Thomas Bertin
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Pesticides and Marine Biotoxins Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (M.P.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Marion Peyrat
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Pesticides and Marine Biotoxins Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (M.P.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Audrey Duval
- IFREMER/LITTORAL/LER-BO, F-29900 Concarneau, France; (A.D.); (A.T.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Korian Lhaute
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)/PHYTOX/METALG, F-44311 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Nathalie Arnich
- Risk Assessment Department, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Vincent Hort
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Pesticides and Marine Biotoxins Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (M.P.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Marina Nicolas
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Pesticides and Marine Biotoxins Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (M.P.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
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11
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Stipa G, Ancidoni A, Vanacore N, Bellomo G. Raw Water and ALS: A Unifying Hypothesis for the Environmental Agents Involved in ALS. Ann Neurosci 2023; 30:124-132. [PMID: 37706096 PMCID: PMC10496797 DOI: 10.1177/09727531221120358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Different studies identified the presence of several altered genes in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) forms. The experimental data, together with the epidemiological data, would seem to suggest the existence of molecular mechanisms (e.g., axonal transport) related to these genes, together with a susceptibility of the same genes to certain environmental factors that would therefore suggest an impact of the environment on the etiopathogenesis of ALS. In our review, we considered the most relevant environmental clusters around the world, collecting different hypotheses and underlining common environmental factors among the different clusters. Moreover, further epidemiological data identified a higher risk of ALS in professional athletes and, in particular, in soccer and football players. Despite this increased risk of ALS highlighted by the epidemiological evidence in aforementioned sports, the mechanisms remain unclear. At last, the use of raw water has been associated with ALS risk. The aim of the present review is to characterize a possible relationship between these clusters, to be explored in the context of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors on the etiopathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Stipa
- Clinical Neurophysiology Division, Neuroscience Department, S. Maria University Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Antonio Ancidoni
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health (ISS), Roma, Italy
| | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health (ISS), Roma, Italy
| | - Guido Bellomo
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health (ISS), Roma, Italy
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12
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Burton B, Collins K, Brooks J, Marx K, Renner A, Wilcox K, Moore E, Osowski K, Riley J, Rowe J, Pawlus M. The biotoxin BMAA promotes dysfunction via distinct mechanisms in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0278793. [PMID: 36893156 PMCID: PMC9997973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to the Cyanobacteria biotoxin Beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been associated with development of a sporadic form of ALS called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC), as observed within certain Indigenous populations of Guam and Japan. Studies in primate models and cell culture have supported the association of BMAA with ALS/PDC, yet the pathological mechanisms at play remain incompletely characterized, effectively stalling the development of rationally-designed therapeutics or application of preventative measures for this disease. In this study we demonstrate for the first time that sub-excitotoxic doses of BMAA modulate the canonical Wnt signaling pathway to drive cellular defects in human neuroblastoma cells, suggesting a potential mechanism by which BMAA may promote neurological disease. Further, we demonstrate here that the effects of BMAA can be reversed in cell culture by use of pharmacological modulators of the Wnt pathway, revealing the potential value of targeting this pathway therapeutically. Interestingly, our results suggest the existence of a distinct Wnt-independent mechanism activated by BMAA in glioblastoma cells, highlighting the likelihood that neurological disease may result from the cumulative effects of distinct cell-type specific mechanisms of BMAA toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Burton
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Kate Collins
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jordan Brooks
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Karly Marx
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Abigail Renner
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Kaylei Wilcox
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Ellie Moore
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Keith Osowski
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jordan Riley
- Department of Biology, University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jarron Rowe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Matthew Pawlus
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
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13
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Arnold FJ, Burns M, Chiu Y, Carvalho J, Nguyen AD, Ralph PC, La Spada AR, Bennett CL. Chronic BMAA exposure combined with TDP-43 mutation elicits motor neuron dysfunction phenotypes in mice. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 126:44-57. [PMID: 36931113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with an average age-of-onset of ∼60 years and is usually fatal within 2-5 years of diagnosis. Mouse models based upon single gene mutations do not recapitulate all ALS pathological features. Environmental insults may also contribute to ALS, and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is an environmental toxin linked with an increased risk of developing ALS. BMAA, along with cycasin, are hypothesized to be the cause of the Guam-ALS epicenter of the 1950s. We developed a multihit model based on low expression of a dominant familial ALS TDP-43 mutation (Q331K) and chronic low-dose BMAA exposure. Our two-hit mouse model displayed a motor phenotype absent from either lesion alone. By LC/MS analysis, free BMAA was confirmed at trace levels in brain, and were as high as 405 ng/mL (free) and 208 ng/mL (protein-bound) in liver. Elevated BMAA levels in liver were associated with dysregulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Our data represent initial steps towards an ALS mouse model resulting from combined genetic and environmental insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Arnold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M Burns
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Departments of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Y Chiu
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - J Carvalho
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A D Nguyen
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - P C Ralph
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A R La Spada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Departments of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - C L Bennett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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14
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Kennedy C, van Onselen R, Downing TG. β-N-methylamino-l-alanine is a non-competitive inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter 2. Toxicon 2023; 222:106978. [PMID: 36410456 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The neurotoxic, non-proteinogenic amino acid β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) has been implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases; however, the mechanism(s) and mode(s) of toxicity remain unclear. Similarities in the neuropathology and behavioural deficits of neonatal rats exposed to either BMAA or reserpine, a known vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, suggest a similar mode of action. The aims of this study were therefore to determine if BMAA could prevent the uptake of serotonin into dense granules via inhibition of VMAT2, and, if so, the type of inhibition caused by BMAA. Exposing platelet dense granules to BMAA resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction in serotonin uptake. The inhibition of VMAT2 was non-competitive. The findings from this study support previous reports that BMAA-associated neuropathologies in a neonatal rat model may be due to VMAT2 inhibition during critical periods of neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanté Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6021, South Africa.
| | - Rianita van Onselen
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6021, South Africa; Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Tim G Downing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6021, South Africa.
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15
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Garamszegi SP, Banack SA, Duque LL, Metcalf JS, Stommel EW, Cox PA, Davis DA. Detection of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine in postmortem olfactory bulbs of Alzheimer's disease patients using UHPLC-MS/MS: An autopsy case-series study. Toxicol Rep 2023; 10:87-96. [PMID: 36691605 PMCID: PMC9860447 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cyanobacterial blooms produce toxins that may become aerosolized, increasing health risks through inhalation exposures. Health related effects on the lower respiratory tract caused by these toxins are becoming better understood. However, nasal exposures to cyanotoxins remain understudied, especially for those with neurotoxic potential. Here, we present a case series study evaluating exposure to β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), a cyanobacterial toxin linked to neurodegenerative disease, in postmortem olfactory tissues of individuals with varying stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods Olfactory bulb (Ob) tissues were collected during autopsies performed between 2014 and 2017 from six South Florida brain donors (ages 47-78) with residences less than 140 m from a freshwater body. A triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method validated according to peer AOAC International guidelines was used to detect BMAA and two BMAA isomers: 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG). Quantitative PCR was performed on the contralateral Ob to evaluate the relative expression of genes related to proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 & IL-18), apoptotic pathways (CASP1 & BCL2), and mitochondrial stress (IRF1 & PINK1). Immunohistochemistry was also performed on the adjacent olfactory tract (Ot) to evaluate co-occurring neuropathology with BMAA tissue concentration. Results BMAA was detected in the Ob of all cases at a median concentration of 30.4 ng/g (Range <LLOQ - 488.4 ng/g). Structural isomers were also detected with median concentrations of 28.8 ng/g (AEG) and 103.6 ng/g (2,4-DAB). In addition, we found that cases with BMAA tissue concentrations above the <LLOQ also displayed increased expression of IL-6 (3.3-fold), CASP1 (1.7-fold), and IRF1 (1.6-fold). Reactive microglial, astrogliosis, myelinopathy, and neuronopathy of axonal processes in the Ot were also observed in cases with higher BMAA tissue concentrations. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the cyanobacterial toxin BMAA can be detected in the olfactory pathway, a window to the brain, and its presence may increase the occurrence of proinflammatory cytokines, reactive glia, and toxicity to axonal processes. Further studies will be needed to evaluate BMAA's toxicity via this route of exposure and factors that increase susceptibility.
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Key Words
- 2,4-DAB, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid
- AD, Alzheimer's disease
- AEG, N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine
- ALS/PDC, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/ parkinsonism dementia complex
- BMAA, β-N-methylamino-l-alanine
- CBs, Cyanobacterial blooms
- Cyanobacteria
- Cyanotoxin
- IL-6
- Inflammation
- OD, Olfactory dysfunction
- Ob, Olfactory bulb
- Olfactory dysfunction
- Ot, Olfactory tract
- UHPLC-MS/MS, Ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna P. Garamszegi
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sandra Anne Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Linda L. Duque
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - James S. Metcalf
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Elijah W. Stommel
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Department of Neurology, One Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Paul Alan Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - David A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Corresponding author.
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16
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Li A, Yan Y, Qiu J, Yan G, Zhao P, Li M, Ji Y, Wang G, Meng F, Li Y, Metcalf JS, Banack SA. Putative biosynthesis mechanism of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in marine diatoms based on a transcriptomics approach. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 441:129953. [PMID: 36116313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been presumed as an environmental cause of human neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Marine diatoms Thalassiosira minima are demonstrated here to produce BMAA-containing proteins in axenic culture while the isomer diaminobutyric acid was bacterially produced. In the co-culture with Cyanobacterium aponinum, diatom growth was inhibited but the biosynthesis of BMAA-containing proteins was stimulated up to seven times higher than that of the control group by cell-cell interactions. The stimulation effect was not caused by the cyanobacterial filtrate. Nitrogen deprivation also doubled the BMAA content of T. minima cells. Transcriptome analysis of the diatom in mixed culture revealed that pathways involved in T. minima metabolism and cellular functions were mainly influenced, including KEGG pathways valine and leucine/isoleucine degradation, endocytosis, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and SNARE interactions in vesicular transport. Based on the expression changes of genes related to protein biosynthesis, it was hypothesized that ubiquitination and autophagy suppression, and limited COPII vesicles transport accuracy and efficiency were responsible for biosynthesis of BMAA-containing proteins in T. minima. This study represents a first application of transcriptomics to investigate the biological processes associated with BMAA biosynthesis in diatoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Yeju Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiangbing Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Guowang Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Min Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Ying Ji
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Guixiang Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Fanping Meng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, College of Life Science, South China Normal University, West 55 of Zhongshan Avenue, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - James S Metcalf
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, PO Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Sandra A Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, PO Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
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17
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Environmental Neurotoxin β- N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) as a Widely Occurring Putative Pathogenic Factor in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122418. [PMID: 36557671 PMCID: PMC9781992 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122418] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present review we have discussed the occurrence of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its natural isomers, and the organisms and sample types in which the toxin(s) have been detected. Further, the review discusses general pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, and how modes of action of BMAA fit in those mechanisms. The biogeography of BMAA occurrence presented here contributes to the planning of epidemiological research based on the geographical distribution of BMAA and human exposure. Analysis of BMAA mechanisms in relation to pathogenic processes of neurodegeneration is used to critically assess the potential significance of the amino acid as well as to identify gaps in our understanding. Taken together, these two approaches provide the basis for the discussion on the potential role of BMAA as a secondary factor in neurodegenerative diseases, the rationale for further research and possible directions the research can take, which are outlined in the conclusions.
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18
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Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acid β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA): Bioactivity and Ecological Significance. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080539. [PMID: 36006201 PMCID: PMC9414260 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research interest in a non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) arose due to the discovery of a connection between exposure to BMAA and the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous reviews on this topic either considered BMAA as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases or focused on the problems of detecting BMAA in various environmental samples. Our review is devoted to a wide range of fundamental biological problems related to BMAA, including the molecular mechanisms of biological activity of BMAA and the complex relationships between producers of BMAA and the environment in various natural ecosystems. At the beginning, we briefly recall the most important facts about the producers of BMAA (cyanobacteria, microalgae, and bacteria), the pathways of BMAA biosynthesis, and reliable methods of identification of BMAA. The main distinctive feature of our review is a detailed examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of BMAA to living cells. A brand new aspect, not previously discussed in any reviews, is the effect of BMAA on cyanobacterial cells. These recent studies, conducted using transcriptomics and proteomics, revealed potent regulatory effects of BMAA on the basic metabolism and cell development of these ancient photoautotrophic prokaryotes. Exogenous BMAA strongly influences cell differentiation and primary metabolic processes in cyanobacteria, such as nitrogen fixation, photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and various biosynthetic processes involving 2-oxoglutarate and glutamate. Cyanobacteria were found to be more sensitive to exogenous BMAA under nitrogen-limited growth conditions. We suggest a hypothesis that this toxic diaminoacid can be used by phytoplankton organisms as a possible allelopathic tool for controlling the population of cyanobacterial cells during a period of intense competition for nitrogen and other resources in various ecosystems.
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Cabrita A, Medeiros AM, Pereira T, Rodrigues AS, Kranendonk M, Mendes CS. Motor dysfunction in Drosophila melanogaster as a biomarker for developmental neurotoxicity. iScience 2022; 25:104541. [PMID: 35769875 PMCID: PMC9234254 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adequate alternatives to conventional animal testing are needed to study developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). Here, we used kinematic analysis to assess DNT of known (toluene (TOL) and chlorpyrifos (CPS)) and putative (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA)) neurotoxic compounds. Drosophila melanogaster was exposed to these compounds during development and evaluated for survival and adult kinematic parameters using the FlyWalker system, a kinematics evaluation method. At concentrations that do not induce general toxicity, the solvent DMSO had a significant effect on kinematic parameters. Moreover, while TOL did not significantly induce lethality or kinematic dysfunction, CPS not only induced developmental lethality but also significantly impaired coordination in comparison to DMSO. Interestingly, BMAA, which was not lethal during development, induced motor decay in young adult animals, phenotypically resembling aged flies, an effect later attenuated upon aging. Furthermore, BMAA induced abnormal development of leg motor neuron projections. Our results suggest that our kinematic approach can assess potential DNT of chemical compounds. Alternatives to mammalian testing are needed to detect developmental neurotoxicity The pesticide chlorpyrifos causes partial lethality and motor dysfunction Non-lethal levels of BMAA induce motor dysfunction in a dose-dependent manner Kinematic profiling of adult Drosophila can identify developmental neurotoxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cabrita
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. Medeiros
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Telmo Pereira
- NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Sebastião Rodrigues
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Michel Kranendonk
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Corresponding author
| | - César S. Mendes
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Corresponding author
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20
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Zhao P, Qiu J, Li A, Yan G, Li M, Ji Y. Matrix Effect of Diverse Biological Samples Extracted with Different Extraction Ratios on the Detection of β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine by Two Common LC-MS/MS Analysis Methods. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060387. [PMID: 35737048 PMCID: PMC9230712 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is hypothesized as an important pathogenic factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS-PDC). Comparative study on the accuracy of BMAA analyzed by the regular LC-MS/MS methods is still limited for different biological matrices. In this study, a free-BMAA sample of cyanobacterium and BMAA-containing positive samples of diatom, mussel, scallop, and oyster were extracted with varied extraction ratios (ER) ranging from 1:20 to 1:2000. These extracts were then purified by MCX cartridges. After SPE purification, these different biological samples were analyzed by two common LC-MS/MS analysis methods, a direct analysis without derivatization by a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-MS/MS and pre-column 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) derivatization combined with a C18 column. The results suggested that the recoveries of BMAA spiked in the cyanobacterial sample were close to 100% in the total soluble form extracts with the ER of 1:100 (g/mL) and the precipitated bound form extracts with the ER of 1:500. The recommended ER for the precipitated bound form of BMAA in diatoms and the total soluble form of BMAA in mollusks are 1:500 and 1:50, respectively. The quantitative results determined by the AQC derivatization method were lower than those determined by the direct analysis of the HILIC method in diatom and mollusk samples. The results of the HILIC method without the derivatization process were closer to the true value of BMAA in cyanobacteria. This work contributes to the performance of the solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification protocol and the accuracy of BMAA analysis by LC-MS/MS in diverse biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
| | - Jiangbing Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-532-66781935
| | - Guowang Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
| | - Min Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
| | - Ying Ji
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
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21
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Courtier A, Potheret D, Giannoni P. Environmental bacteria as triggers to brain disease: Possible mechanisms of toxicity and associated human risk. Life Sci 2022; 304:120689. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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22
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Whitaker MRL, Gilliéron F, Skirgaila C, Mescher MC, De Moraes CM. Experimental evidence challenges the presumed defensive function of a "slow toxin" in cycads. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6013. [PMID: 35397634 PMCID: PMC8994766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
[Formula: see text]-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a neurotoxic non-protein amino acid found in the tissues of cycad plants. The demonstrated toxicity of BMAA to diverse organisms, including humans, is widely assumed to imply a defensive function of BMAA against herbivores; however, this hypothesis has not previously been tested in an ecologically relevant system. We investigated the effects of dietary BMAA, across a range of dosages matching and exceeding levels typically present in cycad leaves, on the feeding preferences and performance of a generalist lepidopteran herbivore (Spodoptera littoralis).We observed no effects of dietary BMAA on the survival or development of S. littoralis larvae, nor any larval preference between BMAA-laced and control diets. These findings suggest that BMAA in cycad tissues does not deter feeding by insect herbivores, raising questions about other potential physiological or ecological functions of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R L Whitaker
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florence Gilliéron
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina Skirgaila
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark C Mescher
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Consuelo M De Moraes
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.
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No β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) Was Detected in Stranded Cetaceans from Galicia (North-West Spain). JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10030314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a non-proteinogenic amino acid produced by several species of both prokaryotic (cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic (diatoms) microorganisms, has been proposed to be associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. At first, BMAA appeared to be ubiquitously present worldwide in various organisms, from aquatic and terrestrial food webs. However, recent studies, using detection methods based on mass spectrometry, instead of fluorescence detection, suggest that the trophic transfer of BMAA is debatable. This study evaluated BMAA in 22 cetaceans of three different species (Phocoena phocoena, n = 8, Delphinus delphis, n = 8, and Tursiops truncatus, n = 6), found stranded in North-West Spain. BMAA analysis of the liver, kidney, or muscle tissues via sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry did not reveal the presence of this compound or its isomers. The absence recorded in this study highlights the need to better understand the trophic transfer of BMAA and its anatomical distribution in marine mammals.
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Neuropathological Mechanisms of β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA) with a Focus on Iron Overload and Ferroptosis. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:614-635. [PMID: 35023054 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00455-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and cyanobacterial blooms is concomitantly increasing worldwide. The cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is produced by most of the Cyanobacteria spp. This cyanotoxin is described as a potential environmental etiology factor for some sporadic neurodegenerative diseases. Climate change and eutrophication significantly increase the frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial bloom in water bodies. This review evaluates different neuropathological mechanisms of BMAA at molecular and cellular levels and compares the related studies to provide some useful recommendations. Additionally, the structure and properties of BMAA as well as its microbial origin, especially by gut bacteria, are also briefly covered. Unlike previous reviews, we hypothesize the possible neurotoxic mechanism of BMAA through iron overload. We also discuss the involvement of BMAA in excitotoxicity, TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) translocation and accumulation, tauopathy, and other protein misincorporation and misfolding.
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25
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Spencer PS. Parkinsonism and motor neuron disorders: Lessons from Western Pacific ALS/PDC. J Neurol Sci 2021; 433:120021. [PMID: 34635325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Recognized worldwide as an unusual "overlap" syndrome, Parkinsonism and motor neuron disease, with or without dementia, is best exemplified by the former high-incidence clusters of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC) in Guam, USA, in the Kii Peninsula of Honshu Island, Japan, and in Papua, Indonesia, on the western side of New Guinea. Western Pacific ALS/PDC is a disappearing neurodegenerative disorder with multiple and sometime overlapping phenotypes (ALS, atypical parkinsonism, dementia) that appear to constitute a single disease of environmental origin, in particular from exposure to genotoxins/neurotoxins in seed of cycad plants (Cycas spp.) formerly used as a traditional source of food (Guam) and/or medicine (Guam, Kii-Japan, Papua-Indonesia). Seed compounds include the principal cycad toxin cycasin, its active metabolite methylazoxymethanol (MAM) and a non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA); each reproduces components of ALS/PDC neuropathology when individually administered to laboratory species in single doses perinatally (MAM, L-BMAA) or repeatedly for prolonged periods to young adult animals (L-BMAA). Human exposure to MAM, a potent DNA-alkylating mutagen, also has potential relevance to the high incidence of diverse mutations found among Guamanians with/without ALS/PDC. In sum, seven decades of intensive study of ALS/PDC has revealed field and laboratory approaches leading to discovery of disease etiology that are now being applied to sporadic neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS beyond the Western Pacific region. This article is part of the Special Issue "Parkinsonism across the spectrum of movement disorders and beyond" edited by Joseph Jankovic, Daniel D. Truong and Matteo Bologna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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26
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Davis DA, Garamszegi SP, Banack SA, Dooley PD, Coyne TM, McLean DW, Rotstein DS, Mash DC, Cox PA. BMAA, Methylmercury, and Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Dolphins: A Natural Model of Toxin Exposure. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13100697. [PMID: 34678990 PMCID: PMC8540894 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dolphins are well-regarded sentinels for toxin exposure and can bioaccumulate a cyanotoxin called β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) that has been linked to human neurodegenerative disease. The same dolphins also possessed hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggesting a possible association between toxin exposure and neuropathology. However, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in dolphins and the impact cyanotoxins have on these processes are unknown. Here, we evaluate BMAA exposure by investigating transcription signatures using PCR for dolphin genes homologous to those implicated in AD and related dementias: APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT, GRN, TARDBP, and C9orf72. Immunohistochemistry and Sevier Münger silver staining were used to validate neuropathology. Methylmercury (MeHg), a synergistic neurotoxicant with BMAA, was also measured using PT-GC-AFS. We report that dolphins have up to a three-fold increase in gene transcription related to Aβ+ plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plaques, and TDP-43+ intracytoplasmic inclusions. The upregulation of gene transcription in our dolphin cohort paralleled increasing BMAA concentration. In addition, dolphins with BMAA exposures equivalent to those reported in AD patients displayed up to a 14-fold increase in AD-type neuropathology. MeHg was detected (0.16–0.41 μg/g) and toxicity associated with exposure was also observed in the brain. These results demonstrate that dolphins develop neuropathology associated with AD and exposure to BMAA and MeHg may augment these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Susanna P. Garamszegi
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | - Sandra Anne Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Patrick D. Dooley
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | - Thomas M. Coyne
- Office of the District 21 Medical Examiner, Fort Myers, FL 33907, USA;
| | - Dylan W. McLean
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | | | - Deborah C. Mash
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL 33328, USA
| | - Paul Alan Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
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Giménez-Roldán S, Steele JC, Palmer VS, Spencer PS. Lytico-bodig in Guam: Historical links between diet and illness during and after Spanish colonization. JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE NEUROSCIENCES 2021; 30:335-374. [PMID: 34197260 DOI: 10.1080/0964704x.2021.1885946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper analyses documents on health and disease among Chamorro people during and after 333 years (1565-1898) of the Spanish claim to and occupation of Guam. Here, a complex neurodegenerative disease-known locally as lytico-bodig and medically as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC)-reached hyperendemic proportions in the mid-twentieth century but then declined and is now disappearing. A tau-dominated polyproteinopathy, clinical phenotypes included amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or lytico), atypical parkinsonism with dementia (P-D or bodig), and dementia alone. A plausible etiology for lytico-bodig is consumption of flour derived from the incompletely detoxified seed of Cycas micronesica (fadang in Chamorro; Federico in Spanish), a poisonous gymnosperm that survives climatic extremes that can affect the island. Traditional methods for safe consumption appear to have been lost over the course of time since governors Francisco de Villalobos (1796-1862) and Felipe de la Corte (1855-1866) proposed banning consumption in view of its acute toxic effects. A death certificate issued in 1823 might suggest ALS/PDC in people dying with disability or impedidos, and premature aging and a short life was linked to food use of fadang in the mid-1850s (Guam Vital Statistics Report, 1823). During the Japanese occupation of Guam (1941-1944), Chamorro people took refuge in the jungle for months, where they relied on insufficiently processed fadang as a staple food. After World War II, traditional foods and medicines were subsequently replaced as islanders rapidly acculturated to North American life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John C Steele
- Resident Neurologist, Micronesia and Guam (1972-2014)
| | - Valerie S Palmer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Peter S Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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28
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Longinetti E, Pupillo E, Belometti C, Bianchi E, Poloni M, Fang F, Beghi E. Geographical clusters of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the Bradford Hill criteria. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 23:329-343. [PMID: 34565247 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1980891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
With the aim of shedding further light on the role of environmental factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) etiology, we hereby conducted a historical narrative review to critically appraise the published reports on ALS geographical clusters using the modern interpretation of the Bradford Hill criteria for causation. Our research hypothesis was that the more criteria were met, the greater was the evidence supporting a causal association. We found that cluster studies that met the greatest number of Bradford's Hill criteria regarded the non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) and exposure to metals and minerals, but the evidence for causation was at best moderate and was poor for other environmental factors. This defective picture might be attributed not only to the methodological approach adopted by published studies, but also to the inherent difficulties in the application of Bradford Hill criteria, due to the complexity of the disease phenotype and the underlying pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Longinetti
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabetta Pupillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy, and
| | - Chiara Belometti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy, and
| | - Elisa Bianchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy, and
| | - Marco Poloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy, and
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy, and
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29
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Italiano CJ, Pu L, Violi JP, Duggin IG, Rodgers KJ. Cysteine biosynthesis contributes to β-methylamino-l-alanine tolerance in Escherichia coli. Res Microbiol 2021; 172:103852. [PMID: 34246779 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2021.103852] [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: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to mammalian cells, bacteria such as Escherichia coli have been shown to display tolerance towards the neurotoxin β-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) suggesting that these prokaryotes possess a way to metabolise BMAA or its products, resulting in their export, degradation, or detoxification. Single gene deletion mutants of E. coli K-12 with inactivated amino acid biosynthesis pathways were treated with 500 μg/ml BMAA and the resulting growth was monitored. Wild type E. coli and most of the gene deletion mutants displayed unaltered growth in the presence of BMAA over 12 h. Conversely, deletion of genes in the cysteine biosynthesis pathway, cysE, cysK or cysM resulted in a BMAA dose-dependent growth delay in minimal medium. Through further studies of the ΔcysE strain, we observed increased susceptibility to oxidative stress from H2O2 in minimal medium, and disruptions in glutathione levels and oxidation state. The cysteine biosynthesis pathway is therefore linked to the tolerance of BMAA and oxidative stress in E. coli, which potentially represents a mechanism of BMAA detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly J Italiano
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Lisa Pu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Jake P Violi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Iain G Duggin
- The iThree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Kenneth J Rodgers
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
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Cyanobacteria, Cyanotoxins, and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Dangerous Liaisons. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168726. [PMID: 34445429 PMCID: PMC8395864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative disease (ND) is increasing, partly owing to extensions in lifespan, with a larger percentage of members living to an older age, but the ND aetiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood, and effective treatments are still lacking. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are generally thought to progress as a consequence of genetic susceptibility and environmental influences. Up to now, several environmental triggers have been associated with NDs, and recent studies suggest that some cyanotoxins, produced by cyanobacteria and acting through a variety of molecular mechanisms, are highly neurotoxic, although their roles in neuropathy and particularly in NDs are still controversial. In this review, we summarize the most relevant and recent evidence that points at cyanotoxins as environmental triggers in NDs development.
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31
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Kok JR, Palminha NM, Dos Santos Souza C, El-Khamisy SF, Ferraiuolo L. DNA damage as a mechanism of neurodegeneration in ALS and a contributor to astrocyte toxicity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5707-5729. [PMID: 34173837 PMCID: PMC8316199 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03872-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports the involvement of DNA damage in several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Elevated levels of DNA damage are consistently observed in both sporadic and familial forms of ALS and may also play a role in Western Pacific ALS, which is thought to have an environmental cause. The cause of DNA damage in ALS remains unclear but likely differs between genetic subgroups. Repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene is the most common genetic cause of familial ALS and responsible for about 10% of sporadic cases. These genetic mutations are known to cause R-loops, thus increasing genomic instability and DNA damage, and generate dipeptide repeat proteins, which have been shown to lead to DNA damage and impairment of the DNA damage response. Similarly, several genes associated with ALS including TARDBP, FUS, NEK1, SQSTM1 and SETX are known to play a role in DNA repair and the DNA damage response, and thus may contribute to neuronal death via these pathways. Another consistent feature present in both sporadic and familial ALS is the ability of astrocytes to induce motor neuron death, although the factors causing this toxicity remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarise the evidence for DNA damage playing a causative or secondary role in the pathogenesis of ALS as well as discuss the possible mechanisms involved in different genetic subtypes with particular focus on the role of astrocytes initiating or perpetuating DNA damage in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannigje Rachel Kok
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Sheffield, UK
| | - Nelma M Palminha
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute, Sheffield, UK
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Sheffield, UK
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The Healthy Lifespan Institute, Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, West Yorkshire, UK.
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Sheffield, UK.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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Quinn AW, Phillips CR, Violi JP, Steele JR, Johnson MS, Westerhausen MT, Rodgers KJ. β-Methylamino-L-alanine-induced protein aggregation in vitro and protection by L-serine. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1351-1359. [PMID: 34283312 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03049-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The cyanobacterial non-protein amino acid α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid, more commonly known as BMAA, was first discovered in the seeds of the ancient gymnosperm Cycad circinalis (now Cycas micronesica Hill). BMAA was linked to the high incidence of neurological disorders on the island of Guam first reported in the 1950s. BMAA still attracts interest as a possible causative factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) following the identification of ALS disease clusters associated with living in proximity to lakes with regular cyanobacterial blooms. Since its discovery, BMAA toxicity has been the subject of many in vivo and in vitro studies. A number of mechanisms of toxicity have been proposed including an agonist effect at glutamate receptors, competition with cysteine for transport system xc_ and other mechanisms capable of generating cellular oxidative stress. In addition, a wide range of studies have reported effects related to disturbances in proteostasis including endoplasmic reticulum stress and activation of the unfolded protein response. In the present studies we examine the effects of BMAA on the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and on chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) by measuring levels of ubiquitinated proteins and lamp2a protein levels in a differentiated neuronal cell line exposed to BMAA. The BMAA induced increases in oxidised proteins and the increase in CMA activity reported could be prevented by co-administration of L-serine but not by the two antioxidants examined. These data provide further evidence of a protective role for L-serine against the deleterious effects of BMAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W Quinn
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Connor R Phillips
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Jake P Violi
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Joel R Steele
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Michael S Johnson
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Mika T Westerhausen
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Kenneth J Rodgers
- Neurotoxin Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Syd, ney, Faculty of Science, Building 4, Level 7, room 329. Thomas Street, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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34
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de Jongh AD, van Eijk RPA, Peters SM, van Es MA, Horemans AMC, van der Kooi AJ, Voermans NC, Vermeulen RCH, Veldink JH, van den Berg LH. Incidence, Prevalence, and Geographical Clustering of Motor Neuron Disease in the Netherlands. Neurology 2021; 96:e1227-e1236. [PMID: 33472922 PMCID: PMC8055340 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000011467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess time trends in motor neuron disease (MND) incidence, prevalence, and mortality and to investigate geographic clustering of MND cases in the Netherlands from 1998 to 2017, we analyzed data from the Netherlands Personal Records database, the Netherlands MND Center, and the Netherlands Patient Association of Neuromuscular Diseases. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, Poisson regression was used to assess time trends in MND risk. We calculated age- and sex-standardized, observed, and expected cases for 1,694 areas. Bayesian smoothed risk mapping was used to investigate geographic MND risk. RESULTS We identified 7,992 MND cases, reflecting an incidence of 2.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.62-2.67) per 100,000 person-years and a prevalence of 9.5 (95% CI 9.1-10.0) per 100,000 persons. Highest age-standardized prevalence and mortality rates occurred at a later age in men than in women (p < 0.001). Unadjusted mortality rates increased by 53.2% from 2.57 per 100,000 person-years in 1998 to 3.86 per 100,000 person-years in 2017. After adjustment for age and sex, an increase in MND mortality rate of 14.1% (95% CI 5.7%-23.2%, p < 0.001) remained. MND relative risk ranged from 0.78 to 1.43 between geographic areas; multiple urban and rural high-risk areas were identified. CONCLUSIONS We found a significant national increase in MND mortality from 1998 through 2017, explained only partly by an aging Dutch population, and a geographic variability in MND risk, suggesting a role for environmental or demographic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan D de Jongh
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Susan M Peters
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michael A van Es
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anja M C Horemans
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anneke J van der Kooi
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicol C Voermans
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Roel C H Vermeulen
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan H Veldink
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., LH.v.d.B.), Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (R.C.H.V.), University Medical Center Utrecht; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (S.M.P., R.C.H.V.), Utrecht University, the Netherlands; National Patient Organization for Neuromuscular Diseases (A.M.C.H.), Baarn; Department of Neurology (A.J.v.d.K.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology (N.C.V.), Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Błaszczyk A, Siedlecka-Kroplewska K, Woźniak M, Mazur-Marzec H. Presence of ß-N-methylamino-L-alanine in cyanobacteria and aquatic organisms from waters of Northern Poland; BMAA toxicity studies. Toxicon 2021; 194:90-97. [PMID: 33610631 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BMAA (ß-N-methylamino-L-alanine) was originally found in the seeds of cycad Cycas micronesica in the 1960s. Some years later it was discovered that the amino acid is genuinely produced by endosymbiotic cyanobacteria. Further research has proven the neurotoxic activity of BMAA, leading to neurodegenerative disease diagnosed as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC). The aim of the present work was to examine the occurrence of BMAA in samples from Polish waterbodies. Both, the field cyanobacterial samples and the isolated cyanobacterial strains were analyzed. Also mussel and fish samples were checked for the BMAA accumulation. The additional goal was to assess the biological activity of BMAA in in vivo and in vitro assays. In waters of Northern Poland, BMAA was detected in cyanobacteria from Synechococcales, Oscillatoriales and Nostocales orders. The free and protein-bound forms of BMAA were detected in 9 and 4 (of 37) environmental samples, respectively. Both forms of BMAA were also identified in 2 out of 21 cyanobacterial strains isolated from Polish waterbodies. Our analyses of cyanobacterial material did not confirm the presence of soluble protein-bound form of BMAA. The amino acid was detected neither in the tissues of fish nor in the mussels. Biological activity of BMAA was tested with the application of hippocampal neural cell line HT22 and crustaceans: Thamnocephalus platyurus, Artemia franciscana and Daphnia magna. Among them, only D. magna assay revealed toxic effects of BMAA. The results of our research did not demonstrate the widespread production of BMAA by cyanobacteria from Northern Poland waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Błaszczyk
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Division of Marine Biotechnology, Piłsudskiego 46, Gdynia, Poland.
| | | | - Michał Woźniak
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Medical Chemistry, Dębinki 1, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Hanna Mazur-Marzec
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Division of Marine Biotechnology, Piłsudskiego 46, Gdynia, Poland
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36
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Misincorporation Proteomics Technologies: A Review. Proteomes 2021; 9:proteomes9010002. [PMID: 33494504 PMCID: PMC7924376 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes9010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteinopathies are diseases caused by factors that affect proteoform conformation. As such, a prevalent hypothesis is that the misincorporation of noncanonical amino acids into a proteoform results in detrimental structures. However, this hypothesis is missing proteomic evidence, specifically the detection of a noncanonical amino acid in a peptide sequence. This review aims to outline the current state of technology that can be used to investigate mistranslations and misincorporations whilst framing the pursuit as Misincorporation Proteomics (MiP). The current availability of technologies explored herein is mass spectrometry, sample enrichment/preparation, data analysis techniques, and the hyphenation of approaches. While many of these technologies show potential, our review reveals a need for further development and refinement of approaches is still required.
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37
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Layalle S, They L, Ourghani S, Raoul C, Soustelle L. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020904. [PMID: 33477509 PMCID: PMC7831090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons. Most ALS cases are sporadic but approximately 10% of ALS cases are due to inherited mutations in identified genes. ALS-causing mutations were identified in over 30 genes with superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and TAR DNA-binding protein (TARDBP, encoding TDP-43) being the most frequent. In the last few decades, Drosophila melanogaster emerged as a versatile model for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. In this review, we describe the different Drosophila ALS models that have been successfully used to decipher the cellular and molecular pathways associated with SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and TDP-43. The study of the known fruit fly orthologs of these ALS-related genes yielded significant insights into cellular mechanisms and physiological functions. Moreover, genetic screening in tissue-specific gain-of-function mutants that mimic ALS-associated phenotypes identified disease-modifying genes. Here, we propose a comprehensive review on the Drosophila research focused on four ALS-linked genes that has revealed novel pathogenic mechanisms and identified potential therapeutic targets for future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Layalle
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
| | - Laetitia They
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
| | - Sarah Ourghani
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Laurent Soustelle
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France; (S.L.); (L.T.); (S.O.)
- Correspondence: (C.R.); (L.S.)
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38
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Samardzic K, Steele JR, Violi JP, Colville A, Mitrovic SM, Rodgers KJ. Toxicity and bioaccumulation of two non-protein amino acids synthesised by cyanobacteria, β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), on a crop plant. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111515. [PMID: 33099142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the toxicity of the cyanobacterial non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) L-β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its structural isomer L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) in the forage crop plant alfalfa (Medicago sativa), seedlings were exposed to NPAA-containing media for four days. Root growth was significantly inhibited by both treatments. The content of derivatised free and protein-bound BMAA and DAB in seedlings was then analysed by LC-MS/MS. Both NPAAs were detected in free and protein-bound fractions with higher levels detected in free fractions. Compared to shoots, there was approximately tenfold more BMAA and DAB in alfalfa roots. These results suggest that NPAAs might be taken up into crop plants from contaminated irrigation water and enter the food chain. This may present an exposure pathway for NPAAs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Samardzic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
| | - Joel R Steele
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Jake P Violi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Anne Colville
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Simon M Mitrovic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Kenneth J Rodgers
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
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Abstract
Among the 20 cytoplasmic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AlaRS) has unique features. AlaRS is the only aaRS that exclusively recognizes a single G3:U70 wobble base pair in the acceptor stem of tRNA, which serves as the identity element for both the synthetic and the proofreading activities of the synthetase. The recognition is relaxed during evolution and eukaryotic AlaRS can mis-aminoacylate noncognate tRNAs with a G4:U69 base pair seemingly as a deliberate gain of function for unknown reasons. Unlike other class II aaRSs, dimerization of AlaRS is not necessarily required for aminoacylation possibly due to functional compensations from the C-terminal domain (C-Ala). In contrast to other 19 cytoplasmic aaRSs that append additional domains or motifs to acquire new functions during evolution, the functional expansion of AlaRS is likely achieved through transformations of the existing C-Ala. Given both essential canonical and diverse non-canonical roles of AlaRS, dysfunction of AlaRS leads to neurodegenerative disorders in human and various pathological phenotypes in mouse models. In this review, the uniqueness of AlaRS in both physiological and pathological events is systematically discussed, with a particular focus on its novel functions gained in evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiang-Lei Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Litao Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
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40
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Silva DF, Candeias E, Esteves AR, Magalhães JD, Ferreira IL, Nunes-Costa D, Rego AC, Empadinhas N, Cardoso SM. Microbial BMAA elicits mitochondrial dysfunction, innate immunity activation, and Alzheimer's disease features in cortical neurons. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:332. [PMID: 33153477 PMCID: PMC7643281 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After decades of research recognizing it as a complex multifactorial disorder, sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) still has no known etiology. Adding to the myriad of different pathways involved, bacterial neurotoxins are assuming greater importance in the etiology and/or progression of sAD. β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a neurotoxin produced by some microorganisms namely cyanobacteria, was previously detected in the brains of AD patients. Indeed, the consumption of BMAA-enriched foods has been proposed to induce amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS-PDC), which implicated this microbial metabolite in neurodegeneration mechanisms. METHODS Freshly isolated mitochondria from C57BL/6 mice were treated with BMAA and O2 consumption rates were determined. O2 consumption and glycolysis rates were also measured in mouse primary cortical neuronal cultures. Further, mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production were evaluated by fluorimetry and the integrity of mitochondrial network was examined by immunofluorescence. Finally, the ability of BMAA to activate neuronal innate immunity was quantified by addressing TLRs (Toll-like receptors) expression, p65 NF-κB translocation into the nucleus, increased expression of NLRP3 (Nod-like receptor 3), and pro-IL-1β. Caspase-1 activity was evaluated using a colorimetric substrate and mature IL-1β levels were also determined by ELISA. RESULTS Treatment with BMAA reduced O2 consumption rates in both isolated mitochondria and in primary cortical cultures, with additional reduced glycolytic rates, decrease mitochondrial potential and increased ROS production. The mitochondrial network was found to be fragmented, which resulted in cardiolipin exposure that stimulated inflammasome NLRP3, reinforced by decreased mitochondrial turnover, as indicated by increased p62 levels. BMAA treatment also activated neuronal extracellular TLR4 and intracellular TLR3, inducing p65 NF-κB translocation into the nucleus and activating the transcription of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β. Increased caspase-1 activity resulted in elevated levels of mature IL-1β. These alterations in mitochondrial metabolism and inflammation increased Tau phosphorylation and Aβ peptides production, two hallmarks of AD. CONCLUSIONS Here we propose a unifying mechanism for AD neurodegeneration in which a microbial toxin can induce mitochondrial dysfunction and activate neuronal innate immunity, which ultimately results in Tau and Aβ pathology. Our data show that neurons, alone, can mount inflammatory responses, a role previously attributed exclusively to glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana F Silva
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Emanuel Candeias
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Raquel Esteves
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João D Magalhães
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - I Luísa Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Nunes-Costa
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Cristina Rego
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra M Cardoso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês de Pombal, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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41
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Western Pacific ALS-PDC: Evidence implicating cycad genotoxins. J Neurol Sci 2020; 419:117185. [PMID: 33190068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex (ALS-PDC) is a disappearing neurodegenerative disorder of apparent environmental origin formerly hyperendemic among Chamorros of Guam-USA, Japanese residents of the Kii Peninsula, Honshu Island, Japan and Auyu-Jakai linguistic groups of Papua-Indonesia on the island of New Guinea. The most plausible etiology is exposure to genotoxins in seed of neurotoxic cycad plants formerly used for food and/or medicine. Primary suspicion falls on methylazoxymethanol (MAM), the aglycone of cycasin and on the non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine, both of which are metabolized to formaldehyde. Human and animal studies suggest: (a) exposures occurred early in life and sometimes during late fetal brain development, (b) clinical expression of neurodegenerative disease appeared years or decades later, and (c) pathological changes in various tissues indicate the disease was not confined to the CNS. Experimental evidence points to toxic molecular mechanisms involving DNA damage, epigenetic changes, transcriptional mutagenesis, neuronal cell-cycle reactivation and perturbation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system that led to polyproteinopathy and culminated in neuronal degeneration. Lessons learned from research on ALS-PDC include: (a) familial disease may reflect common toxic exposures across generations, (b) primary disease prevention follows cessation of exposure to culpable environmental triggers; and (c) disease latency provides a prolonged period during which to intervene therapeutically. Exposure to genotoxic chemicals ("slow toxins") in the early stages of life should be considered in the search for the etiology of ALS-PDC-related neurodegenerative disorders, including sporadic forms of ALS, progressive supranuclear palsy and Alzheimer's disease.
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42
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Whitaker MRL, Salzman S. Ecology and evolution of cycad-feeding Lepidoptera. Ecol Lett 2020; 23:1862-1877. [PMID: 32969575 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cycads are an ancient group of tropical gymnosperms that are toxic to most animals - including humans - though the larvae of many moths and butterflies (order: Lepidoptera) feed on cycads with apparent immunity. These insects belong to distinct lineages with varying degrees of specialisation and diverse feeding ecologies, presenting numerous opportunities for comparative studies of chemically mediated eco-evolutionary dynamics. This review presents the first evolutionary evaluation of cycad-feeding among Lepidoptera along with a comprehensive review of their ecology. Our analysis suggests that multiple lineages have independently colonised cycads from angiosperm hosts, yet only a few clades appear to have radiated following their transitions to cycads. Defensive traits are likely important for diversification, as many cycad specialists are warningly coloured and sequester cycad toxins. The butterfly family Lycaenidae appears to be particularly predisposed to cycad-feeding and several cycadivorous lycaenids are warningly coloured and chemically defended. Cycad-herbivore interactions provide a promising but underutilised study system for investigating plant-insect coevolution, convergent and divergent adaptations, and the multi-trophic significance of defensive traits; therefore the review ends by suggesting specific research gaps that would be fruitfully addressed in Lepidoptera and other cycad-feeding insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R L Whitaker
- Entomological Collection, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland.,Museum of Comparative Zoology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Shayla Salzman
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, 502 Mann Library, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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43
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Campbell IC, Fletcher L, Grant PA, Abdulla EM. Validation of In Vitro Tests in Neurotoxicology. Altern Lab Anim 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/026119299602400307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The major challenges in neurotoxicity testing relate to the complexity of the nervous system, the diversity of cell types involved, and the level of integration in the mammalian nervous system. In addition, compounds which have selective pharmacological effects as receptor agonists/antagonists (for example, strychnine) may be neurotoxic at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Tests should answer the following questions: a) when is an effect toxic?, b) when is a substance to be considered toxic? and c) is the long-term risk assessment valid? The two major strategies used in the development of in vitro neurotoxicity tests are: mechanistic, in which an attempt is made to elucidate the biochemical processes involved in neurotoxicity, and disease based, which could ultimately be the most useful strategy but which is currently constrained by lack of knowledge of the aetiology of most neurological illnesses. Potential in vitro test systems which are being developed include: a) simple tests which measure the activity of an enzyme (for example, acetylcholine esterase); b) studies involving single cell type culture (for example, neuroblastomas or dorsal root ganglion cells); c) complex primary co-culture systems (for example, reaggregate culture; 1, 2); and d) combinations of these, including tiered testing and battery testing (3). Unfortunately, the more complex a system is, the more extensive is the characterisation needed, and, arguably, such systems will never fully mimic the intact central nervous system/peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS). To demonstrate some of the problems inherent in neurotoxicity test development, the use of a system which involves the inhibition of outgrowth is described. The ideas are developed to include the shift toward proliferation and/or apoptosis of non-terminally differentiated neurons. The most realistic objective for the optimised, integrated and validated in vitro reductionist approach for neurotoxicological assessment is for the screening of new compounds in parallel with: a) the in vivo holistic approach (for example, to obtain pharmacokinetics and absorption/receptor-binding data); and b) quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs). This is necessarily a selective review, and more details of methodologies and strategies are presented in other publications (3, 4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain C. Campbell
- Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Lynda Fletcher
- Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Paul A.A. Grant
- Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
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van Onselen R, Scott LL, Downing TG. Evaluating amino acids as protectants against β-N-methylamino-l-alanine-induced developmental neurotoxicity in a rat model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 403:115140. [PMID: 32682829 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
With accumulating evidence that supports the role of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) in neurodegeneration, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms and modes of BMAA toxicity so as to facilitate the search for potential preventative/therapeutic strategies. Daily supplementation with l-serine was suggested as a possible therapy to treat BMAA-induced neurotoxicity, based on the hypothesized mechanism of BMAA misincorporation into proteins for l-serine. As an alternative to misincorporation, it was hypothesized that BMAA toxicity may, in part, be due to its high affinity for associating with hydroxyl group-containing amino acids, and that a dietary excess of the hydroxyl-containing l-serine might offer protection by binding to BMAA and reducing its toxicity. Additionally, l-serine can also reduce the uptake of BMAA into human cells by competitive uptake at ASCT2, and l-phenylalanine, by competitive uptake at LAT1, and l-alanine, by competitive uptake at SNAT2, can also reduce BMAA uptake into human cells. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the protective value of l-serine, l-phenylalanine and l-alanine in reducing the effects of neonatal exposure to BMAA in a Sprague Dawley rat model. Pre-treatment with l-phenylalanine reduced the observed behavioral abnormalities and neuropathologies by 60-70% in most cases. l-serine was also effective in reducing some of the behavioral abnormalities and neuropathologies, most markedly spinal cord neuronal loss. However, the protective effect of l-serine was obfuscated by neuropathies that were observed in l-serine-treated control male rats. l-alanine had no effect in protecting against BMAA-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting that competitive amino acid uptake plays a minor role in protecting against BMAA-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianita van Onselen
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Laura Louise Scott
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Tim G Downing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa..
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Fiore M, Parisio R, Filippini T, Mantione V, Platania A, Odone A, Signorelli C, Pietrini V, Mandrioli J, Teggi S, Costanzini S, Antonio C, Zuccarello P, Oliveri Conti G, Nicoletti A, Zappia M, Vinceti M, Ferrante M. Living near waterbodies as a proxy of cyanobacteria exposure and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population based case-control study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109530. [PMID: 32335431 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies highlighted the possibility that exposure to cyanotoxins leads to the development of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS We devised a population-based case-control study in two Italian populations. We used residential proximity of the residence to water bodies as a measure of possible exposure to cyanotoxins. RESULTS Based on 703 newly-diagnosed ALS cases and 2737 controls, we calculated an ALS odds ratio (OR) of 1.41 (95% CI: 0.72-2.74) for current residence in the vicinity of water bodies, and a slightly lower estimate for historical residence (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 0.57-2.99). Subjects <65 years and people living in the Northern Italy province of Modena had higher ORs, especially when historical residence was considered. CONCLUSIONS Overall, despite some risk of bias due to exposure misclassification and unmeasured confounding, our results appear to support the hypothesis that cyanotoxin exposure may increase ALS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fiore
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123.
| | - Roberto Parisio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valerio Mantione
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Armando Platania
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy; School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 58 Via Olgettina Milano, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Vladimiro Pietrini
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology Unit, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 1355 Via Pietro Giardini, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Sergio Teggi
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 10 Via Vivarelli, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Sofia Costanzini
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 10 Via Vivarelli, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristaldi Antonio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123.
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Section of Neurosciences, Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Zappia
- Section of Neurosciences, Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
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Di Gioia D, Bozzi Cionci N, Baffoni L, Amoruso A, Pane M, Mogna L, Gaggìa F, Lucenti MA, Bersano E, Cantello R, De Marchi F, Mazzini L. A prospective longitudinal study on the microbiota composition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BMC Med 2020; 18:153. [PMID: 32546239 PMCID: PMC7298784 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01607-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A connection between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and altered gut microbiota composition has previously been reported in animal models. This work is the first prospective longitudinal study addressing the microbiota composition in ALS patients and the impact of a probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota and disease progression. METHODS Fifty patients and 50 matched controls were enrolled. The microbial profile of stool samples from patients and controls was analyzed via PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis, and the main microbial groups quantified via qPCR. The whole microbiota was then analyzed via next generation sequencing after amplification of the V3-V4 region of 16S rDNA. Patients were then randomized to receive probiotic treatment or placebo and followed up for 6 months with ALSFRS-R, BMI, and FVC%. RESULTS The results demonstrate that the gut microbiota of ALS patients is characterized by some differences with respect to controls, regardless of the disability degree. Moreover, the gut microbiota composition changes during the course of the disease as demonstrated by the significant decrease in the number of observed operational taxonomic unit during the follow-up. Interestingly, an unbalance between potentially protective microbial groups, such as Bacteroidetes, and other with potential neurotoxic or pro-inflammatory activity, such as Cyanobacteria, has been shown. The 6-month probiotic treatment influenced the gut microbial composition; however, it did not bring the biodiversity of intestinal microbiota of patients closer to that of control subjects and no influence on the progression of the disease measured by ALSFRS-R was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Our study poses the bases for larger clinical studies to characterize the microbiota changes as a novel ALS biomarker and to test new microbial strategy to ameliorate the health status of the gut. TRIAL REGISTRATION CE 107/14, approved by the Ethics Committee of the "Maggiore della Carità" University Hospital, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Di Gioia
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 42, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicole Bozzi Cionci
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 42, Bologna, Italy
| | - Loredana Baffoni
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 42, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Amoruso
- BIOLAB RESEARCH srl, via E. Mattei 3, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Pane
- BIOLAB RESEARCH srl, via E. Mattei 3, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Luca Mogna
- BIOLAB RESEARCH srl, via E. Mattei 3, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesca Gaggìa
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 42, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Ausiliatrice Lucenti
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Enrica Bersano
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Roberto Cantello
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100, Novara, Italy.
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Transfer of the Neurotoxin β- N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) in the Agro-Aqua Cycle. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18050244. [PMID: 32384637 PMCID: PMC7281744 DOI: 10.3390/md18050244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxic non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is connected to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. BMAA has been shown to accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, and filter-feeding molluscs seem particularly susceptible to BMAA accumulation. The blue mussels farmed along the Swedish coastline in the Baltic Sea are, due to their small size, exclusively used to produce feed for chicken and fish in the agro-aqua cycle. We have investigated the possible biotransfer of BMAA from mussels, via mussel-based feed, into chickens. Chickens were divided into two groups, the control and the treatment. BMAA was extracted from the muscle, liver, brain, and eye tissues in both chicken groups; a UPLC-MS/MS method was subsequently used to quantify BMAA. The results indicate detectable concentrations of BMAA in both chicken groups. However, the BMAA concentration in chicken was 5.65 times higher in the treatment group than the control group, with the highest concentration found in muscle tissue extracted from the treatment group chickens. These data suggest that there is a BMAA transfer route within the agro-aqua cycle, so further investigation is recommended before using mussel-based feed in the chicken industry.
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Filippini T, Tesauro M, Fiore M, Malagoli C, Consonni M, Violi F, Iacuzio L, Arcolin E, Oliveri Conti G, Cristaldi A, Zuccarello P, Zucchi E, Mazzini L, Pisano F, Gagliardi I, Patti F, Mandrioli J, Ferrante M, Vinceti M. Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Population-Based Case-Control Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082882. [PMID: 32331298 PMCID: PMC7216189 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease with still unknown etiology. We aimed at investigating the association between environmental and occupational factors with ALS risk. Methods: We performed a population-based case-control study in four Italian provinces (Catania, Modena, Novara, and Reggio Emilia) by administration of tailored questionnaires to ALS cases (n = 95) and randomly selected population referents (n = 135). We estimated ALS risk by calculating the odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) using an unconditional logistic regression model. Results: We found a positive association with disease risk for history of occupation in the agricultural sector (OR = 2.09, 95% CI 0.79-7.54), especially for longer than 10 years (OR = 2.72, 95% 1.02-7.20). Overall occupational exposure to solvents also suggested a positive association, especially for thinners (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.14-4.54) and paint removers (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 0.90-4.48). Both occupational and environmental exposure to electromagnetic fields show a slightly increased risk with OR = 1.69 (95% CI 0.70-4.09) and 2.41 (95% CI 1.13-5.12), respectively. Occupational but not environmental exposure to pesticides (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.63-2.37), particularly fungicides, and exposure to metals (OR = 4.20, 95% CI 1.88-9.38), particularly lead, mercury, and selenium, showed an imprecise but positive association. Finally, there was an indication of increased risk for living in proximity to water bodies. Conclusions: Despite the caution that needs to be used due to some study limitations, such as the low number of exposed subjects and the possibility of recall bias, these results suggest the potential role of some environmental and occupational factors in ALS etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Filippini
- CREAGEN-Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (C.M.); (F.V.); (L.I.); (E.A.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marina Tesauro
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Maria Fiore
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G. F. Ingrassia”, Catania University, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.C.); (A.C.); (P.Z.); (F.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Carlotta Malagoli
- CREAGEN-Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (C.M.); (F.V.); (L.I.); (E.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Michela Consonni
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Federica Violi
- CREAGEN-Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (C.M.); (F.V.); (L.I.); (E.A.); (M.V.)
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Laura Iacuzio
- CREAGEN-Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (C.M.); (F.V.); (L.I.); (E.A.); (M.V.)
- Department of Public Health, Local Health Unit, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Arcolin
- CREAGEN-Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (C.M.); (F.V.); (L.I.); (E.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G. F. Ingrassia”, Catania University, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.C.); (A.C.); (P.Z.); (F.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Antonio Cristaldi
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G. F. Ingrassia”, Catania University, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.C.); (A.C.); (P.Z.); (F.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G. F. Ingrassia”, Catania University, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.C.); (A.C.); (P.Z.); (F.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Centre Department of Neurology, ‘Maggiore della Carità’ University Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.M.); (I.G.)
| | - Fabrizio Pisano
- Neurological Rehabilitation Division, Policlinico San Marco di Zingonia, 24046 Zingonia (BG), Italy;
| | - Ileana Gagliardi
- ALS Centre Department of Neurology, ‘Maggiore della Carità’ University Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.M.); (I.G.)
| | - Francesco Patti
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G. F. Ingrassia”, Catania University, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.C.); (A.C.); (P.Z.); (F.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy;
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G. F. Ingrassia”, Catania University, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.C.); (A.C.); (P.Z.); (F.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN-Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (C.M.); (F.V.); (L.I.); (E.A.); (M.V.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Li A, Espinoza J, Hamdoun A. Inhibitory effects of neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine on fertilization and early development of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 221:105425. [PMID: 32058875 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been widely detected in diverse aquatic organisms and hypothesized as an environmental risk to neurodegenerative diseases in humans. However, the knowledge of its toxicity to marine organisms requires attention. In the present study, embryos and sperm of the sea urchin, Lytechinus pictus, were used to assess the toxicity of BMAA. Effects of BMAA on fertilization and development of sea urchin embryos were measured, and its impacts on efflux transport of sea urchin blastula were also assayed. Results demonstrated that the fertilization and development of embryos were significantly inhibited by high concentrations of BMAA above 300 μg L-1. The EC50 values indicated by active swimming larvae and total larvae numbers at 96 HPF (hours post fertilization) were 165 μg L-1 (1.4 μmol L-1) and 329 μg L-1 (2.8 μmol L-1), respectively. Additionally, sperm exposed to BMAA for 10 min significantly reduced the fertilization ratio of sea urchin eggs. However, the ABC transport activity on the cytomembrane of sea urchin blastula was not inhibited by the presence of BMAA at 50 μg L-1, even up to 500 μg L-1. Abnormal division and developmental malformations occurred at different developmental stages for sea urchin embryos exposed to BMAA at 500 μg L-1. The inhibitory effects of BMAA on sea urchin embryos were reported at the first time in this study, for which the toxicological mechanisms will be explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Jose Espinoza
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0202, USA
| | - Amro Hamdoun
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0202, USA
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50
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Korn A, Höfling C, Zeitschel U, Krueger M, Roßner S, Huster D. Incorporation of the Nonproteinogenic Amino Acid β-Methylamino-alanine Affects Amyloid β Fibril Properties and Toxicity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1038-1047. [PMID: 32141731 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The nonproteinogenic amino acid β-methylamino alarelevant example for environmental hazards are nonnine (BMAA) is a neurotoxin and represents a potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Despite intense research over the last years, the pathological mechanism of BMAA is still unclear. One of the main open questions is whether BMAA can be misincorporated into proteins, especially as a substitute for serine, and whether this has structural and functional consequences for the afflicted proteins leading to early onset neurodegeneration. In this study, we hypothesize that BMAA was indeed incorporated into Aβ40 molecules and study the structural and dynamical consequences of such misincorporation along with the effect such mutated Aβ40 peptides have on neuronal cells. We used the synthetic β-amyloid peptide (Aβ40), a known key player in the development of Alzheimer's disease, to incorporate BMAA substitutions at three different positions in the peptide sequence: Ser8BMAA at the peptide's N-terminus, Phe19BMAA in the hydrophobic core region, and S26BMAA in the flexible turn region of Aβ40 fibrils. We performed a set of biophysical experiments including fluorescence, circular dichroism, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction to investigate structural and functional aspects of the mutated peptides compared to wildtype Aβ40. All variants showed high structural tolerance to BMAA misincorporation. In contrast, the cellular response and neuronal survival were affected in a mutation site-specific manner. As a consequence, we can state from the physicochemical point of view that, if BMAA was misincorporated into proteins, it could indeed represent a risk factor that could potentially play a role in neurodegeneration. Further research addressing the role of BMAA, especially its protein-associated form, should be performed to obtain a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and to develop new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Korn
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Corinna Höfling
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstr. 19, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Zeitschel
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstr. 19, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krueger
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Liebigstr 13, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffen Roßner
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstr. 19, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Huster
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany
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