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Nefodova A, Rudyk M, Dovhyi R, Dovbynchuk T, Dzubenko N, Tolstanova G, Skivka L. Systemic inflammation in Aβ 1-40-induced Alzheimer's disease model: New translational opportunities. Brain Res 2024; 1837:148960. [PMID: 38679313 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148960] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia, and the most common neurodegenerative disease, which is characterized by memory impairment, neuronal death, and synaptic loss in the hippocampus. Sporadic late-onset AD, which accounts for over 95 % of disease cases, is a multifactorial pathology with complex etiology and pathogenesis. Nowadays, neuroinflammation is considered the third most important component of AD pathogenesis in addition to amyloid peptide generation and deposition. Neuroinflammation is associated with the impairment of blood-brain barrier and leakage of inflammatory mediators into the periphery with developing systemic inflammatory responses. Systemic inflammation is currently considered one of the therapeutic targets for AD treatment, that necessitates in-depth study of this phenomenon in appropriate non-transgenic animal models. This study was aimed to explore systemic inflammatory manifestations in rats with Aβ1-40-induced AD. The impairment of spatial memory and cognitive flexibility in Aβ1-40-lesioned rats was accompanied by pronounced systemic inflammation, which was confirmed by commonly accepted biomarkers: increased hematological indices of systemic inflammation (NLR, dNLR, LMR, PLR and SII), signs of anemia of inflammation or chronic diseases, and pro-inflammatory polarized activation of circulating phagocytes. In addition, markers of systemic inflammation strongly correlated with disorders of remote cognitive flexibility in Aβ1-40-lesioned rats. These results indicate, that Aβ1-40-induced AD model permits the investigation of specific element of the disease - systemic inflammation in addition to well reproduced neuroinflammation and impairment of spatial memory and cognitive flexibility. It increases translational value of this well-known model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Nefodova
- Educational and Scientific Centre "Institute of Biology and Medicine", Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 2, Hlushkov Avenue, Kyiv 03022, Ukraine
| | - Mariia Rudyk
- Educational and Scientific Centre "Institute of Biology and Medicine", Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 2, Hlushkov Avenue, Kyiv 03022, Ukraine.
| | - Roman Dovhyi
- Educational and Scientific Centre "Institute of Biology and Medicine", Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 2, Hlushkov Avenue, Kyiv 03022, Ukraine
| | - Taisa Dovbynchuk
- Educational and Scientific Centre "Institute of Biology and Medicine", Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 2, Hlushkov Avenue, Kyiv 03022, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Dzubenko
- Educational and Scientific Institute of High Technologies, Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, 4g, Hlushkov Avenue, Kyiv 03022, Ukraine
| | - Ganna Tolstanova
- Educational and Scientific Institute of High Technologies, Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, 4g, Hlushkov Avenue, Kyiv 03022, Ukraine
| | - Larysa Skivka
- Educational and Scientific Centre "Institute of Biology and Medicine", Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 2, Hlushkov Avenue, Kyiv 03022, Ukraine
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2
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Murai T, Bailey L, Schultz L, Mongeau L, DeSana A, Silva AC, Roberts AC, Sukoff Rizzo SJ. Improving preclinical to clinical translation of cognitive function for aging-related disorders: the utility of comprehensive touchscreen testing batteries in common marmosets. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 24:325-348. [PMID: 38200282 PMCID: PMC11039501 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-023-01144-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Concerns about poor animal to human translation have come increasingly to the fore, in particular with regards to cognitive improvements in rodent models, which have failed to translate to meaningful clinical benefit in humans. This problem has been widely acknowledged, most recently in the field of Alzheimer's disease, although this issue pervades the spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, recent efforts have focused on improving preclinical to clinical translation by incorporating more clinically analogous outcome measures of cognition, such as touchscreen-based assays, which can be employed across species, and have great potential to minimize the translational gap. For aging-related research, it also is important to incorporate model systems that facilitate the study of the long prodromal phase in which cognitive decline begins to emerge and which is a major limitation of short-lived species, such as laboratory rodents. We posit that to improve translation of cognitive function and dysfunction, nonhuman primate models, which have conserved anatomical and functional organization of the primate brain, are necessary to move the field of translational research forward and to bridge the translational gaps. The present studies describe the establishment of a comprehensive battery of touchscreen-based tasks that capture a spectrum of domains sensitive to detecting aging-related cognitive decline, which will provide the greatest benefit through longitudinal evaluation throughout the prolonged lifespan of the marmoset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Murai
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Bailey
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Laura Schultz
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Mongeau
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew DeSana
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Afonso C Silva
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 514A Bridgeside Point 1, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Angela C Roberts
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stacey J Sukoff Rizzo
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 514A Bridgeside Point 1, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
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3
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Petersen SI, Okolicsanyi RK, Haupt LM. Exploring Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans as Mediators of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Neurogenesis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:30. [PMID: 38546765 PMCID: PMC10978659 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are major public health issues worldwide, with over 38 million people living with AD and approximately 48 million people (27-69 million) experiencing TBI annually. Neurodegenerative conditions are characterised by the accumulation of neurotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ) and microtubule-associated protein Tau (Tau) with current treatments focused on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are a diverse family of macromolecules that interact with various proteins and ligands and promote neurogenesis, a process where new neural cells are formed from stem cells. The syndecan (SDC) and glypican (GPC) HSPGs have been implicated in AD pathogenesis, acting as drivers of disease, as well as potential therapeutic targets. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) provide an attractive therapeutic option for studying and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases due to their relative ease of isolation and subsequent extensive in vitro expansive potential. Understanding how HSPGs regulate protein aggregation, a key feature of neurodegenerative disorders, is essential to unravelling the underlying disease processes of AD and TBI, as well as any link between these two neurological disorders. Further research may validate HSPG, specifically SDCs or GPCs, use as neurodegenerative disease targets, either via driving hMSC stem cell therapy or direct targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia I Petersen
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Rachel K Okolicsanyi
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Max Planck Queensland Centre for the Materials Sciences of Extracellular Matrices, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.
- ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Australia.
- Max Planck Queensland Centre for the Materials Sciences of Extracellular Matrices, Kelvin Grove, Australia.
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4
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Javanmard A, Azimzadeh-Irani M, Tafazzoli G, Esmaeilzadeh A, Shirinpoor-Kharf M, Haghayeghi SMH. In-silico structural analysis of Heterocephalus glaber amyloid beta: an anti-Alzheimer's peptide. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 13:29-42. [PMID: 38164365 PMCID: PMC10644309 DOI: 10.22099/mbrc.2023.48223.1862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Heterocephalus glaber, known as the Naked mole-rat, has an extraordinary immunity to Alzheimer's disease. The pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is cerebral accumulations of plaques, consisting of self-aggregated amyloid beta peptides. Homo sapiens and H. glaber amyloid beta peptides are different in only one amino acid. Herein, computational structural analyses were carried out to determine whether plaque development in H. glaber is prevented by the replacement of His13 with Arg13 in the amyloid beta peptide. AlphaFold2 was used to predict the structure of the H. glaber amyloid beta peptide. HADDOCK and Hex were used to self-dock the peptides and dock ions on peptides, respectively. Illustrations were made by PyMol and ChimeraX. Using VMD, we calculated the radius of gyration. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted by Mega. The results showed an accurate structure with two alpha helices separated by a short coil for H. glaber. Self-docking of the two amyloid beta peptides demonstrated a globular conformation in the H. glaber dimer, implying the unlikeliness of amyloid beta peptides' self-aggregation to form fibrillar structures. This conformational state resulted in lower electrostatic energy compared to H. sapiens, contributing to H. glaber's lower tendency for fibril and, ultimately, plaque formation. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that amyloid precursor protein is highly conserved in each taxon of rodentia and primata. This study provides insight into the connection between the structure of H. glaber amyloid beta and its plaque formation properties, showing that the Arg13 in H. glaber leads to fibril instability, and might prevent senile plaque accumulation.
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Sharma H, Chang KA, Hulme J, An SSA. Mammalian Models in Alzheimer's Research: An Update. Cells 2023; 12:2459. [PMID: 37887303 PMCID: PMC10605533 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A form of dementia distinct from healthy cognitive aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex multi-stage disease that currently afflicts over 50 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, previous therapeutic strategies developed from murine models emulating different aspects of AD pathogenesis were limited. Consequently, researchers are now developing models that express several aspects of pathogenesis that better reflect the clinical situation in humans. As such, this review seeks to provide insight regarding current applications of mammalian models in AD research by addressing recent developments and characterizations of prominent transgenic models and their contributions to pathogenesis as well as discuss the advantages, limitations, and application of emerging models that better capture genetic heterogeneity and mixed pathologies observed in the clinical situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himadri Sharma
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-A Chang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
| | - John Hulme
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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6
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Tian S, Ye T, Cheng X. The behavioral, pathological and therapeutic features of the triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease (3 × Tg-AD) mouse model strain. Exp Neurol 2023; 368:114505. [PMID: 37597764 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
As a classic animal model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the 3 × Tg-AD mouse not only recapitulates most of anatomical hallmarks observed in AD pathology but also displays cognitive alterations in memory and learning tasks. The 3 × Tg-AD can better show the two characteristics of AD, amyloid β (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). Therefore, 3 × Tg-AD strain is widely used in AD pathogenesis research and new drug development of AD. In this paper, the construction methods, pathological changes, and treatment characteristics of 3 × Tg-AD mouse models commonly used in AD research are summarized and commented, hoping to provide reference for researchers to choose and establish experimental patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Tian
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao 999078, PR China; Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250300, China
| | - Tianyuan Ye
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250300, China
| | - Xiaorui Cheng
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao 999078, PR China; Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250300, China.
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7
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Deng Q, Wu C, Parker E, Liu TCY, Duan R, Yang L. Microglia and Astrocytes in Alzheimer's Disease: Significance and Summary of Recent Advances. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.0907. [PMID: 37815901 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, one of the most common forms of dementia, is characterized by a slow progression of cognitive impairment and neuronal loss. Currently, approved treatments for AD are hindered by various side effects and limited efficacy. Despite considerable research, practical treatments for AD have not been developed. Increasing evidence shows that glial cells, especially microglia and astrocytes, are essential in the initiation and progression of AD. During AD progression, activated resident microglia increases the ability of resting astrocytes to transform into reactive astrocytes, promoting neurodegeneration. Extensive clinical and molecular studies show the involvement of microglia and astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation in AD pathology, indicating that microglia and astrocytes may be potential therapeutic targets for AD. This review will summarize the significant and recent advances of microglia and astrocytes in the pathogenesis of AD in three parts. First, we will review the typical pathological changes of AD and discuss microglia and astrocytes in terms of function and phenotypic changes. Second, we will describe microglia and astrocytes' physiological and pathological role in AD. These roles include the inflammatory response, "eat me" and "don't eat me" signals, Aβ seeding, propagation, clearance, synapse loss, synaptic pruning, remyelination, and demyelination. Last, we will review the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies targeting microglia and astrocytes in AD. We conclude that microglia and astrocytes are essential in the initiation and development of AD. Therefore, understanding the new role of microglia and astrocytes in AD progression is critical for future AD studies and clinical trials. Moreover, pharmacological, and non-pharmacological therapies targeting microglia and astrocytes, with specific studies investigating microglia and astrocyte-mediated neuronal damage and repair, may be a promising research direction for future studies regarding AD treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianting Deng
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chongyun Wu
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Emily Parker
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Timon Cheng-Yi Liu
- Laboratory of Laser Sports Medicine, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Rui Duan
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Luodan Yang
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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8
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Karsuntseva EK, Voronova AD, Chadin AV, Shishkina VV, Fursa GA, Andretsova SS, Reshetov IV, Stepanova OV, Chekhonin VP. Application of Behavioral Tests for Evaluation of an Experimental Model of Alzheimer's Disease in Female Rats. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023:10.1007/s10517-023-05823-0. [PMID: 37336813 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05823-0] [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: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease was modeled in female Wistar rats aged 4 months by stereotaxic bilateral injection of a synthetic peptide β-amyloid (Aβ1-42) into the hippocampus. Behavioral tests (open field, Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze) revealed significant impairment of memory and spatial navigation 8 weeks after β-amyloid administration. At this term, the cognitive impairments typical of Alzheimer's disease are reproduced. The experimental model of Alzheimer's disease proposed by us can be used in preclinical studies of drugs for the treatment of this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Karsuntseva
- V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - A D Voronova
- V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Chadin
- V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - V V Shishkina
- V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - G A Fursa
- V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - S S Andretsova
- V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - I V Reshetov
- University Clinical Hospital No. 1, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - O V Stepanova
- V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- E. I. Chazov National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - V P Chekhonin
- V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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Trouche SG, Boutajangout A, Asuni A, Fontés P, Sigurdsson EM, Verdier JM, Mestre-Francés N. Amyloid-β targeting immunisation in aged non-human primate (Microcebus murinus). Brain Behav Immun 2023; 109:63-77. [PMID: 36592872 PMCID: PMC10023341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates have an important translational value given their close phylogenetic relationship to humans. Studies in these animals remain essential for evaluating efficacy and safety of new therapeutic approaches, particularly in aging primates that display Alzheimer's disease (AD) -like pathology. With the objective to improve amyloid-β (Aβ) targeting immunotherapy, we investigated the safety and efficacy of an active immunisation with an Aβ derivative, K6Aβ1-30-NH2, in old non-human primates. Thirty-two aged (4-10 year-old) mouse lemurs were enrolled in the study, and received up to four subcutaneous injections of the vaccine in alum adjuvant or adjuvant alone. Even though antibody titres to Aβ were not high, pathological examination of the mouse lemur brains showed a significant reduction in intraneuronal Aβ that was associated with reduced microgliosis, and the vaccination did not lead to microhemorrhages. Moreover, a subtle cognitive improvement was observed in the vaccinated primates, which was probably linked to Aβ clearance. This Aβ derivative vaccine appeared to be safe as a prophylactic measure based on the brain analyses and because it did not appear to have detrimental effects on the general health of these old animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie G Trouche
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France; PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Allal Boutajangout
- Departments of Neurology, and Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States.
| | - Ayodeji Asuni
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States.
| | | | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Psychiatry, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States.
| | - Jean-Michel Verdier
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France; PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Nadine Mestre-Francés
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France; PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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10
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Poon CH, Wong STN, Roy J, Wang Y, Chan HWH, Steinbusch H, Blokland A, Temel Y, Aquili L, Lim LW. Sex Differences between Neuronal Loss and the Early Onset of Amyloid Deposits and Behavioral Consequences in 5xFAD Transgenic Mouse as a Model for Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050780. [PMID: 36899916 PMCID: PMC10000751 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A promising direction in the research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the identification of biomarkers that better inform the disease progression of AD. However, the performance of amyloid-based biomarkers in predicting cognitive performance has been shown to be suboptimal. We hypothesise that neuronal loss could better inform cognitive impairment. We have utilised the 5xFAD transgenic mouse model that displays AD pathology at an early phase, already fully manifested after 6 months. We have evaluated the relationships between cognitive impairment, amyloid deposition, and neuronal loss in the hippocampus in both male and female mice. We observed the onset of disease characterized by the emergence of cognitive impairment in 6-month-old 5xFAD mice coinciding with the emergence of neuronal loss in the subiculum, but not amyloid pathology. We also showed that female mice exhibited significantly increased amyloid deposition in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, highlighting sex-related differences in the amyloid pathology of this model. Therefore, parameters based on neuronal loss might more accurately reflect disease onset and progression compared to amyloid-based biomarkers in AD patients. Moreover, sex-related differences should be considered in studies involving 5xFAD mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Him Poon
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - San Tung Nicholas Wong
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jaydeep Roy
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingyi Wang
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui Wang Hujo Chan
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Harry Steinbusch
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Arjan Blokland
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Yasin Temel
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Aquili
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- College of Health and Education, Discipline of Psychology, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence:
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11
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Poon CH, Liu Y, Pak S, Zhao RC, Aquili L, Tipoe GL, Leung GKK, Chan YS, Yang S, Fung ML, Wu EX, Lim LW. Prelimbic Cortical Stimulation with L-methionine Enhances Cognition through Hippocampal DNA Methylation and Neuroplasticity Mechanisms. Aging Dis 2023; 14:112-135. [PMID: 36818556 PMCID: PMC9937711 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0706] [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: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Declining global DNA methylation and cognitive impairment are reported to occur in the normal aging process. It is not known if DNA methylation plays a role in the efficacy of memory-enhancing therapies. In this study, aged animals were administered prelimbic cortical deep brain stimulation (PrL DBS) and/or L-methionine (MET) treatment. We found that PrL DBS and MET (MET-PrL DBS) co-administration resulted in hippocampal-dependent spatial memory enhancements in aged animals. Molecular data suggested MET-PrL DBS induced DNA methyltransferase DNMT3a-dependent methylation, robust synergistic upregulation of neuroplasticity-related genes, and simultaneous inhibition of the memory-suppressing gene calcineurin in the hippocampus. We further found that MET-PrL DBS also activated the PKA-CaMKIIα-BDNF pathway, increased hippocampal neurogenesis, and enhanced dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. We next inhibited the activity of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) by RG108 infusion in the hippocampus of young animals to establish a causal relationship between DNMT activity and the effects of PrL DBS. Hippocampal DNMT inhibition in young animals was sufficient to recapitulate the behavioral deficits observed in aged animals and abolished the memory-enhancing and molecular effects of PrL DBS. Our findings implicate hippocampal DNMT as a therapeutic target for PrL DBS and pave way for the potential use of non-invasive neuromodulation modalities against dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Him Poon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Yanzhi Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Sojeong Pak
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | | | - Luca Aquili
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Discipline of Psychology, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | - George Lim Tipoe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Gilberto Ka-Kit Leung
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Sungchil Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Man-Lung Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Ed Xuekui Wu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Lee Wei LIM, Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. .
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12
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Gorina YV, Vlasova OL, Bolshakova AV, Salmina AB. Alzheimer’s Disease: a Search for the Best Experimental Models to Decode Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Its Development. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2023. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093023010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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13
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Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment Strategies and Their Limitations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213954. [PMID: 36430432 PMCID: PMC9697769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent case of neurodegenerative disease and is becoming a major public health problem all over the world. Many therapeutic strategies have been explored for several decades; however, there is still no curative treatment, and the priority remains prevention. In this review, we present an update on the clinical and physiological phase of the AD spectrum, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for AD treatment with a focus on prevention strategies, then research models used in AD, followed by a discussion of treatment limitations. The prevention methods can significantly slow AD evolution and are currently the best strategy possible before the advanced stages of the disease. Indeed, current drug treatments have only symptomatic effects, and disease-modifying treatments are not yet available. Drug delivery to the central nervous system remains a complex process and represents a challenge for developing therapeutic and preventive strategies. Studies are underway to test new techniques to facilitate the bioavailability of molecules to the brain. After a deep study of the literature, we find the use of soft nanoparticles, in particular nanoliposomes and exosomes, as an innovative approach for preventive and therapeutic strategies in reducing the risk of AD and solving problems of brain bioavailability. Studies show the promising role of nanoliposomes and exosomes as smart drug delivery systems able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and target brain tissues. Finally, the different drug administration techniques for neurological disorders are discussed. One of the promising therapeutic methods is the intranasal administration strategy which should be used for preclinical and clinical studies of neurodegenerative diseases.
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14
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Képes Z, Barkóczi A, Szabó JP, Kálmán-Szabó I, Arató V, Jószai I, Deák Á, Kertész I, Hajdu I, Trencsényi G. In Vivo Preclinical Assessment of β-Amyloid-Affine [ 11C]C-PIB Accumulation in Aluminium-Induced Alzheimer's Disease-Resembling Hypercholesterinaemic Rat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213950. [PMID: 36430429 PMCID: PMC9695619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213950] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) excess and hypercholesterinaemia are established risks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to establish an AD-resembling hypercholesterinaemic animal model-with the involvement of 8 week and 48 week-old Fischer-344 rats-by Al administration for the safe and rapid verification of β-amyloid-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals. Measurement of lipid parameters and β-amyloid-affine [11C]C-Pittsburgh Compound B ([11C]C-PIB) PET examinations were performed. Compared with the control, the significantly elevated cholesterol and LDL levels of the rats receiving the cholesterol-rich diet support the development of hypercholesterinaemia (p ≤ 0.01). In the older cohort, a notably increased age-related radiopharmaceutical accumulation was registered compared to in the young (p ≤ 0.05; p ≤ 0.01). A monotherapy-induced slight elevation of mean standardised uptake values (SUVmean) was statistically not significant; however, adult rats administered a combined diet expressed remarkable SUVmean increment compared to the adult control (SUVmean: from 0.78 ± 0.16 to 1.99 ± 0.28). One and two months after restoration to normal diet, the cerebral [11C]C-PIB accumulation of AD-mimicking animals decreased by half and a third, respectively, to the baseline value. The proposed in vivo Al-induced AD-resembling animal system seems to be adequate for the understanding of AD neuropathology and future drug testing and radiopharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zita Képes
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandra Barkóczi
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit P. Szabó
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ibolya Kálmán-Szabó
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Gyula Petrányi Doctoral School of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktória Arató
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Jószai
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ádám Deák
- Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Operative Techniques and Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Kertész
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Hajdu
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Trencsényi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Gyula Petrányi Doctoral School of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei St. 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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15
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Zhang W, Dun S, Ping Y, Wang Q, Tana S, Tana A, Qin S, Bao X, Qimuge A, Baiyin T, Yang D, Bao S, Baoyin S, Qimuge W. Differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs in PC12 cells under lysophosphatidylcholine stimulation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19333. [PMID: 36369435 PMCID: PMC9652419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21676-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) was previously found to show neuroprotective effect on nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induced signalings. Also, numerous studies reported the emerging roles of long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) involved in neurodegenerative disease. However, the biological mechanism of LPC and expression profile of lncRNAs has not been reported. Here, lncRNAs in PC12 cells under LPC and NGF treatment were analyzed using high throughput sequencing technology for the first time. We identified 564 annotated and 1077 novel lncRNAs in PC12 cells. Among them, 121 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in the PC12 cells under LPC stimulation. KEGG analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNAs co-expressed with lncRNAs mainly enriched in ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease etc. LncRNA-mRNA network analysis showed that lncRNA ENSRNOT00000082515 had interactions with 626 different mRNAs suggesting that lncRNA ENSRNOT00000082515 probably play vital role. Finally, sequencing data were validated by qRT-PCR for ENSRNOT00000084874, ENSRNOT00000082515, LNC_001033 forward Fgf18, Vcam1, and Pck2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- grid.411643.50000 0004 1761 0411School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021 China
| | - Su Dun
- Research and Development Center, HUA Cloud Intelligent Healthcare Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Yin Ping
- grid.411647.10000 0000 8547 6673Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, 028000 China
| | - Qingliang Wang
- grid.410612.00000 0004 0604 6392Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010010 China
| | - Siqin Tana
- grid.490194.1Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital, Hohhot, 010065 China
| | - Aodong Tana
- grid.490194.1Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital, Hohhot, 010065 China
| | - Si Qin
- grid.490194.1Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital, Hohhot, 010065 China
| | - Xilinqiqige Bao
- grid.410612.00000 0004 0604 6392Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010010 China
| | - Alateng Qimuge
- grid.490194.1Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital, Hohhot, 010065 China
| | - Tegexi Baiyin
- grid.411647.10000 0000 8547 6673Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, 028000 China
| | - Dezhi Yang
- grid.490194.1Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital, Hohhot, 010065 China
| | - Siqin Bao
- grid.490194.1Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital, Hohhot, 010065 China
| | - Seyin Baoyin
- grid.490194.1Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital, Hohhot, 010065 China
| | - Wuhan Qimuge
- grid.490194.1Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital, Hohhot, 010065 China ,Inner Mongolia Traditional Chinese&Mongolian Medical Research Institute, Hohhot, 010017 China
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16
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Tsui KC, Roy J, Chau SC, Wong KH, Shi L, Poon CH, Wang Y, Strekalova T, Aquili L, Chang RCC, Fung ML, Song YQ, Lim LW. Distribution and inter-regional relationship of amyloid-beta plaque deposition in a 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:964336. [PMID: 35966777 PMCID: PMC9371463 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.964336] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Although previous studies have selectively investigated the localization of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition in certain brain regions, a comprehensive characterization of the rostro-caudal distribution of Aβ plaques in the brain and their inter-regional correlation remain unexplored. Our results demonstrated remarkable working and spatial memory deficits in 9-month-old 5xFAD mice compared to wildtype mice. High Aβ plaque load was detected in the somatosensory cortex, piriform cortex, thalamus, and dorsal/ventral hippocampus; moderate levels of Aβ plaques were observed in the motor cortex, orbital cortex, visual cortex, and retrosplenial dysgranular cortex; and low levels of Aβ plaques were located in the amygdala, and the cerebellum; but no Aβ plaques were found in the hypothalamus, raphe nuclei, vestibular nucleus, and cuneate nucleus. Interestingly, the deposition of Aβ plaques was positively associated with brain inter-regions including the prefrontal cortex, somatosensory cortex, medial amygdala, thalamus, and the hippocampus. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive morphological profile of Aβ deposition in the brain and its inter-regional correlation. This suggests an association between Aβ plaque deposition and specific brain regions in AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Chun Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jaydeep Roy
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sze Chun Chau
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kah Hui Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Him Poon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingyi Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Normal Physiology and Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Luca Aquili
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Lung Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Man-Lung Fung,
| | - You-qiang Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- You-qiang Song,
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Lee Wei Lim,
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17
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The Monkey Head Mushroom and Memory Enhancement in Alzheimer’s Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152284. [PMID: 35892581 PMCID: PMC9331832 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, and no effective treatments are available to treat this disorder. Therefore, researchers have been investigating Hericium erinaceus, or the monkey head mushroom, an edible medicinal mushroom, as a possible treatment for AD. In this narrative review, we evaluated six preclinical and three clinical studies of the therapeutic effects of Hericium erinaceus on AD. Preclinical trials have successfully demonstrated that extracts and bioactive compounds of Hericium erinaceus have potential beneficial effects in ameliorating cognitive functioning and behavioral deficits in animal models of AD. A limited number of clinical studies have been conducted and several clinical trials are ongoing, which have thus far shown analogous outcomes to the preclinical studies. Nonetheless, future research on Hericium erinaceus needs to focus on elucidating the specific neuroprotective mechanisms and the target sites in AD. Additionally, standardized treatment parameters and universal regulatory systems need to be established to further ensure treatment safety and efficacy. In conclusion, Hericium erinaceus has therapeutic potential and may facilitate memory enhancement in patients with AD.
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18
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Yu WS, Aquili L, Wong KH, Lo ACY, Chan LLH, Chan YS, Lim LW. Transcorneal electrical stimulation enhances cognitive functions in aged and 5XFAD mouse models. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1515:249-265. [PMID: 35751874 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is a major burden on global health for which there are no effective treatments. The use of noninvasive visual stimulation to ameliorate cognitive deficits is a novel concept that may be applicable for treating dementia. In this study, we investigated the effects of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) on memory enhancement using two mouse models, in aged mice and in the 5XFAD model of Alzheimer's disease. After 3 weeks of TES treatment, mice were subjected to Y-maze and Morris water maze tests to assess hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Immunostaining of the hippocampus of 5XFAD mice was also performed to examine the effects of TES on amyloid plaque pathology. The results showed that TES improved the performance of both aged and 5XFAD mice in memory tests. TES also reduced hippocampal plaque deposition in male, but not female, 5XFAD mice. Moreover, TES significantly reversed the downregulated level of postsynaptic protein 95 in the hippocampus of male 5XFAD mice, suggesting the effects of TES involve a postsynaptic mechanism. Overall, these findings support further investigation of TES as a potential treatment for cognitive dysfunction and mechanistic studies of TES effects in other dementia models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Shan Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Luca Aquili
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kah Hui Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leanne Lai Hang Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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19
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Intrinsically disordered proteins and proteins with intrinsically disordered regions in neurodegenerative diseases. Biophys Rev 2022; 14:679-707. [DOI: 10.1007/s12551-022-00968-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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20
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Uddin MS, Lim LW. Glial cells in Alzheimer's disease: From neuropathological changes to therapeutic implications. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 78:101622. [PMID: 35427810 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that usually develops slowly and progressively worsens over time. Although there has been increasing research interest in AD, its pathogenesis is still not well understood. Although most studies primarily focus on neurons, recent research findings suggest that glial cells (especially microglia and astrocytes) are associated with AD pathogenesis and might provide various possible therapeutic targets. Growing evidence suggests that microglia can provide protection against AD pathogenesis, as microglia with weakened functions and impaired responses to Aβ proteins are linked with elevated AD risk. Interestingly, numerous findings also suggest that microglial activation can be detrimental to neurons. Indeed, microglia can induce synapse loss via the engulfment of synapses, possibly through a complement-dependent process. Furthermore, they can worsen tau pathology and release inflammatory factors that cause neuronal damage directly or through the activation of neurotoxic astrocytes. Astrocytes play a significant role in various cerebral activities. Their impairment can mediate neurodegeneration and ultimately the retraction of synapses, resulting in AD-related cognitive deficits. Deposition of Aβ can result in astrocyte reactivity, which can further lead to neurotoxic effects and elevated secretion of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Moreover, glial-induced inflammation in AD can exert both beneficial and harmful effects. Understanding the activities of astrocytes and microglia in the regulation of AD pathogenesis would facilitate the development of novel therapies. In this article, we address the implications of microglia and astrocytes in AD pathogenesis. We also discuss the mechanisms of therapeutic agents that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sahab Uddin
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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21
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Ohno Y, Murphy R, Choi M, Ou W, Sumbria RK. Full- versus Sub-Regional Quantification of Amyloid-Beta Load on Mouse Brain Sections. JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS : JOVE 2022:10.3791/63669. [PMID: 35661689 PMCID: PMC9851888 DOI: 10.3791/63669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques is one of the major pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and is the target of the only FDA-approved disease-modifying treatment for AD. Accordingly, the use of transgenic mouse models that overexpress the amyloid precursor protein and thereby accumulate cerebral Aβ plaques are widely used to model human AD in mice. Therefore, immunoassays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunostaining, commonly measure the Aβ load in brain tissues derived from AD transgenic mice. Though the methods for Aβ detection and quantification have been well established and documented, the impact of the size of the region of interest selected in the brain tissue on Aβ load measurements following immunostaining has not been reported. Therefore, the current protocol aimed to compare the Aβ load measurements across the full- and sub-regions of interest using an image analysis software. The steps involved in brain tissue preparation, free-floating brain section immunostaining, imaging, and quantification of Aβ load in full- versus sub-regions of interest are described using brain sections derived from 13-month-old APP/PS1 double transgenic male mice. The current protocol and the results provide valuable information about the impact of the size of the region of interest on Aβ-positive area quantification, and show a strong correlation between the Aβ-positive area obtained using the full- and sub-regions of interest analyses for brain sections derived from 13-month-old male APP/PS1 mice that show widespread Aβ deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuu Ohno
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Riley Murphy
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Choi
- Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Weijun Ou
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rachita K. Sumbria
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, USA,Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA,corresponding author: Rachita K. Sumbria, ()
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22
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Cerebral small vessel disease alters neurovascular unit regulation of microcirculation integrity involved in vascular cognitive impairment. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 170:105750. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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23
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Roy J, Wong KY, Aquili L, Uddin MS, Heng BC, Tipoe GL, Wong KH, Fung ML, Lim LW. Role of melatonin in Alzheimer's disease: From preclinical studies to novel melatonin-based therapies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100986. [PMID: 35167824 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin and novel melatonin-based therapies such as melatonin-containing hybrid molecules, melatonin analogues, and melatonin derivatives have been investigated as potential therapeutics against Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. In this review, we examine the developmental trends of melatonin therapies for AD from 1997 to 2021. We then highlight the neuroprotective mechanisms of melatonin therapy derived from preclinical studies. These mechanisms include the alleviation of amyloid-related burden, neurofibrillary tangle accumulation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired neuroplasticity and neurotransmission. We further illustrate the beneficial effects of melatonin on behavior in animal models of AD. Next, we discuss the clinical effects of melatonin on sleep, cognition, behavior, psychiatric symptoms, electroencephalography findings, and molecular biomarkers in patients with mild cognitive impairment and AD. We then explore the effectiveness of novel melatonin-based therapies. Lastly, we discuss the limitations of current melatonin therapies for AD and suggest two emerging research themes for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaydeep Roy
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kan Yin Wong
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Luca Aquili
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Discipline of Psychology, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Boon Chin Heng
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - George Lim Tipoe
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kah Hui Wong
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Man Lung Fung
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Li F, Wang N, Zheng Y, Luo Y, Zhang Y. cGAS- Stimulator of Interferon Genes Signaling in Central Nervous System Disorders. Aging Dis 2021; 12:1658-1674. [PMID: 34631213 PMCID: PMC8460300 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic nucleic acid sensors contribute to the initiation of innate immune responses by playing a critical role in the detection of pathogens and endogenous nucleic acids. The cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic-GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and its downstream effector, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), mediate innate immune signaling by promoting the release of type I interferons (IFNs) and other inflammatory cytokines. These biomolecules are suggested to play critical roles in host defense, senescence, and tumor immunity. Recent studies have demonstrated that cGAS-STING signaling is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) diseases which are underscored by neuroinflammatory-driven disease progression. Understanding and regulating the interactions between cGAS-STING signaling and the nervous system may thus provide an effective approach to prevent or delay late-onset CNS disorders. Here, we present a review of recent advances in the literature on cGAS-STING signaling and provide a comprehensive overview of the modulatory patterns of the cGAS-STING pathway in CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Li
- 1Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ningqun Wang
- 2Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yangmin Zheng
- 2Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yumin Luo
- 2Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yongbo Zhang
- 1Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
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25
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Ye C, Liang Y, Chen Y, Xiong Y, She Y, Zhong X, Chen H, Huang M. Berberine Improves Cognitive Impairment by Simultaneously Impacting Cerebral Blood Flow and β-Amyloid Accumulation in an APP/tau/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051161. [PMID: 34064687 PMCID: PMC8150323 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is accompanied by β-amyloid (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles, and neuron cell death, and is one of the most commonly occurring diseases among the elderly. The pathology of AD is complex, involving Aβ overproduction and accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuronal loss. In addition, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is ubiquitous in the AD patients and plans a pivotal role in triggering and exacerbating the pathophysiological progress of AD. The goal of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective properties of berberine (BBR) and the underlying mechanism. During the study, BBR was administrated to treat the triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (3×Tg AD). To thoroughly evaluate the effects of the BBR administration, multiple manners were utilized, for instance, 3D arterial spin labeling technique, Morris water maze assay, immunofluorescence staining, TUNEL assay, laser speckle contrast imaging, western blotting, etc. The results showed that BBR ameliorated cognitive deficits in 3×Tg AD mice, reduced the Aβ accumulation, inhibited the apoptosis of neurons, promoted the formation of microvessels in the mouse brain by enhancing brain CD31, VEGF, N-cadherin, Ang-1. The new vessels promoted by BBR were observed to have a complete structure and perfect function, which in turn promoted the recovery of cerebral blood flow (CBF). In general, berberine is effective to 3×Tg AD mice, has a neuroprotective effect, and is a candidate drug for the multi-target prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghui Ye
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (C.Y.); (Y.C.); (Y.X.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yubin Liang
- Department of Neurology, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, China;
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (C.Y.); (Y.C.); (Y.X.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yu Xiong
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (C.Y.); (Y.C.); (Y.X.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yingfang She
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (C.Y.); (Y.C.); (Y.X.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaochun Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (C.Y.); (Y.C.); (Y.X.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
| | - Hongda Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (M.H.)
| | - Min Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (C.Y.); (Y.C.); (Y.X.); (Y.S.); (X.Z.)
- Correspondence: (H.C.); (M.H.)
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26
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Hossain MF, Wang N, Chen R, Li S, Roy J, Uddin MG, Li Z, Lim LW, Song YQ. Exploring the multifunctional role of melatonin in regulating autophagy and sleep to mitigate Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101304. [PMID: 33610813 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) is a neurohormone that is regulated by the circadian clock and plays multifunctional roles in numerous neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common form of dementia and is associated with the degradation of axons and synapses resulting in memory loss and cognitive impairment. Despite extensive research, there is still no effective cure or specific treatment to prevent the progression of AD. The pathogenesis of AD involves atrophic alterations in the brain that also result in circadian alterations, sleep disruption, and autophagic dysfunction. In this scenario, MLT and autophagy play a central role in removing the misfolded protein aggregations. MLT also promotes autophagy through inhibiting methamphetamine toxicity to protect against neuronal cell death in AD brain. Besides, MLT plays critical roles as either a pro-autophagic indicator or anti-autophagic regulator depending on the phase of autophagy. MLT also has antioxidant properties that can counteract mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Aging, a major risk factor for AD, can change sleep patterns and sleep quality, and MLT can improve sleep quality through regulating sleep cycles. The primary purpose of this review is to explore the putative mechanisms of the beneficial effects of MLT in AD patients. Furthermore, we also summarize the findings from preclinical and clinical studies on the multifunctional roles of MLT on autophagic regulation, the control of the circadian clock-associated genes, and sleep regulation.
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27
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The Role of Butyrylcholinesterase and Iron in the Regulation of Cholinergic Network and Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042033. [PMID: 33670778 PMCID: PMC7922581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia in elderly individuals, is marked by progressive neuron loss. Despite more than 100 years of research on AD, there is still no treatment to cure or prevent the disease. High levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain are neuropathological hallmarks of AD. However, based on postmortem analyses, up to 44% of individuals have been shown to have high Aβ deposits with no clinical signs, due to having a “cognitive reserve”. The biochemical mechanism explaining the prevention of cognitive impairment in the presence of Aβ plaques is still unknown. It seems that in addition to protein aggregation, neuroinflammatory changes associated with aging are present in AD brains that are correlated with a higher level of brain iron and oxidative stress. It has been shown that iron accumulates around amyloid plaques in AD mouse models and postmortem brain tissues of AD patients. Iron is required for essential brain functions, including oxidative metabolism, myelination, and neurotransmitter synthesis. However, an imbalance in brain iron homeostasis caused by aging underlies many neurodegenerative diseases. It has been proposed that high iron levels trigger an avalanche of events that push the progress of the disease, accelerating cognitive decline. Patients with increased amyloid plaques and iron are highly likely to develop dementia. Our observations indicate that the butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) level seems to be iron-dependent, and reports show that BChE produced by reactive astrocytes can make cognitive functions worse by accelerating the decay of acetylcholine in aging brains. Why, even when there is a genetic risk, do symptoms of the disease appear after many years? Here, we discuss the relationship between genetic factors, age-dependent iron tissue accumulation, and inflammation, focusing on AD.
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28
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Tan SZK, Zhao RC, Chakrabarti S, Stambler I, Jin K, Lim LW. Interdisciplinary Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Roles International Societies Can Play. Aging Dis 2021; 12:36-41. [PMID: 33532125 PMCID: PMC7801283 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2020.0602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
An ever-increasing ageing population has elevated Alzheimer's disease to be one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine. Alzheimer's disease is highly complex, and we are still no closer to understanding the causes, let alone an effective treatment. The lack of good experimental models and lack of critical understanding has led to high failure rates of clinical trials with high associated costs, as well as difficulties in implementing treatments. The multifaceted nature of this disease highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach to address these concerns. In this essay, we suggest how collaborative work can be useful in addressing some of the above issues. We then propose that international organisations and publishers need to support interdisciplinary research by creating platforms, lobbying funders, and pushing for interdisciplinary publications. We further highlight some of the issues involved in implementing these suggestions and argue that willpower of the research community, together with a re-evaluation of evaluation metrics and incentive systems, are needed in order to foster interdisciplinary research. Overall, we emphasise the need for interdisciplinary research in Alzheimer's disease and suggest that international societies should play a huge role in this endeavour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Zheng Kai Tan
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- International Society on Aging and Disease (ISOAD), Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
- The Executive Committee on Anti-aging and Disease Prevention in the framework of Science and Technology, Pharmacology and Medicine Themes under an Interactive Atlas along the Silk Roads, UNESCO, Paris, France.
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Sasanka Chakrabarti
- International Society on Aging and Disease (ISOAD), Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
- The Executive Committee on Anti-aging and Disease Prevention in the framework of Science and Technology, Pharmacology and Medicine Themes under an Interactive Atlas along the Silk Roads, UNESCO, Paris, France.
- Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Cell, M M Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, India.
| | - Ilia Stambler
- International Society on Aging and Disease (ISOAD), Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
- The Executive Committee on Anti-aging and Disease Prevention in the framework of Science and Technology, Pharmacology and Medicine Themes under an Interactive Atlas along the Silk Roads, UNESCO, Paris, France.
- The Geriatric Medical Center "Shmuel Harofe", Beer Yaakov, affiliated to Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Kunlin Jin
- International Society on Aging and Disease (ISOAD), Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
- The Executive Committee on Anti-aging and Disease Prevention in the framework of Science and Technology, Pharmacology and Medicine Themes under an Interactive Atlas along the Silk Roads, UNESCO, Paris, France.
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas, USA.
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- International Society on Aging and Disease (ISOAD), Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
- The Executive Committee on Anti-aging and Disease Prevention in the framework of Science and Technology, Pharmacology and Medicine Themes under an Interactive Atlas along the Silk Roads, UNESCO, Paris, France.
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Mihardja M, Roy J, Wong KY, Aquili L, Heng BC, Chan YS, Fung ML, Lim LW. Therapeutic potential of neurogenesis and melatonin regulation in Alzheimer's disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1478:43-62. [PMID: 32700392 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the hallmark pathologies of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Symptoms of this devastating disease include behavioral changes and deterioration of higher cognitive functions. Impairment of neurogenesis has also been shown to occur in AD, which adversely impacts new neuronal cell growth, differentiation, and survival. This impairment possibly results from the cumulative effects of the various pathologies of AD. Preclinical studies have suggested that the administration of melatonin-the pineal hormone primarily responsible for the regulation of the circadian rhythm-targets the effects of AD pathologies and improves cognitive impairment. It is postulated that by mitigating the effect of these pathologies, melatonin can also rescue neurogenesis impairment. This review aims to explore the effect of AD pathologies on neurogenesis, as well as the mechanisms by which melatonin is able to ameliorate AD pathologies to potentially promote neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazel Mihardja
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jaydeep Roy
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kan Yin Wong
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Luca Aquili
- Division of Psychology, College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Boon Chin Heng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.,Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man Lung Fung
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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