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Yan N, Xie F, Tang LQ, Wang DF, Li X, Liu C, Liu ZP. Synthesis and biological evaluation of thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-3-amine derivatives as potent glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106663. [PMID: 37329814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a potential target for anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug development. In this study, a series of novel thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-3-amine derivatives was synthesized and evaluated as potential GSK-3β inhibitors by structure-based drug design. The thieno[3,2-c]pyrazol-3-amine derivative 54 with a 4-methylpyrazole moiety which interacted with Arg141 by π-cation interaction was identified as a potent GSK-3β inhibitor with an IC50 of 3.4 nM and an acceptable kinase selectivity profile. In the rat primary cortical neurons, compound 54 showed neuroprotective effects on Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Western blot analysis indicated that 54 inhibited GSK-3β by up-regulating the expression of phosphorylated GSK-3β at Ser9 and down-regulating the expression of phosphorylated GSK-3β at Tyr216. Meanwhile, 54 decreased tau phosphorylation at Ser396 in a dose-dependent way. In astrocytes and microglia cells, 54 inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), indicating that 54 showed an anti-neuroinflammatory effect. In the AlCl3-induced zebrafish AD model, 54 significantly ameliorated the AlCl3-induced dyskinesia, demonstrating its anti-AD activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Long-Qian Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - De-Feng Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.
| | - Zhao-Peng Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.
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Ghanaatfar F, Ghanaatfar A, Isapour P, Farokhi N, Bozorgniahosseini S, Javadi M, Gholami M, Ulloa L, Coleman-Fuller N, Motaghinejad M. Is lithium neuroprotective? An updated mechanistic illustrated review. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023; 37:4-30. [PMID: 35996185 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a pathological process characterized by progressive neuronal impairment, dysfunction, and loss due to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Many studies have shown that lithium protects against neurodegeneration. Herein, we summarize recent clinical and laboratory studies on the neuroprotective effects of lithium against neurodegeneration and its potential to modulate mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Recent findings indicate that lithium regulates critical intracellular pathways such as phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI3)/protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3β) and PI3/Akt/response element-binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We queried PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Elsevier, and other related databases using search terms related to lithium and its neuroprotective effect in various neurodegenerative diseases and events from January 2000 to May 2022. We reviewed the major findings and mechanisms proposed for the effects of lithium. Lithium's neuroprotective potential against neural cell degeneration is mediated by inducing anti-inflammatory factors, antioxidant enzymes, and free radical scavengers to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction. Lithium effects are regulated by two essential pathways: PI3/Akt/GSK3β and PI3/Akt/CREB/BDNF. Lithium acts as a neuroprotective agent against neurodegeneration by preventing inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction using PI3/Akt/GSK3β and PI3/Akt/CREB/BDNF signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Ghanaatfar
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanaatfar
- Student Research Committee, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Parisa Isapour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Negin Farokhi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University (IUAPS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahshid Javadi
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Gholami
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Center for Perioperative Organ Protection, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Natalie Coleman-Fuller
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Majid Motaghinejad
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kitanaka N, Hall FS, Uhl GR, Kitanaka J. Lithium Pharmacology and a Potential Role of Lithium on Methamphetamine Abuse and Dependence. Curr Drug Res Rev 2020; 11:85-91. [PMID: 31875781 DOI: 10.2174/2589977511666190620141824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of lithium salts in neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and treatment-resistant depression has been documented in an extensive scientific literature. Lithium inhibits inositol monophosphatase, inositol polyphosphate 1- phosphatase, and glycogen synthase kinase-3 and decreases expression level of tryptophan hydroxylase 2, conceivably underlying the mood stabilizing effects of lithium, as well as procognitive and neuroprotective effects. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of action of lithium on mood stabilizing and pro-cognitive effects in humans are still largely unknown. OBJECTIVE On the basis of the known aspects of lithium pharmacology, this review will discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of lithium on positive symptoms of methamphetamine abuse and dependence. CONCLUSION It is possible that lithium treatment reduces the amount of newly synthesized phosphatidylinositol, potentially preventing or reversing neuroadaptations contributing to behavioral sensitization induced by methamphetamine. In addition, it is suggested that exposure to repeated doses of methamphetamine induces hyperactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in the nucleus accumbens and in dorsal hippocampus, resulting in a long-term alterations in synaptic plasticity underlying behavioral sensitization as well as other behavioral deficits in memory-related behavior. Therefore it is clear that glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors can be considered as a potential candidate for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobue Kitanaka
- Department of Pharmacology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Frank Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - George Richard Uhl
- Neurology and Research Services, New Mexico VA Healthcare System, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108, United States.,Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Junichi Kitanaka
- Department of Pharmacology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
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Abstract
Lithium has been an intriguing treatment option in psychiatry for over a century. While seemingly just a simple elemental compound, it has powerful treatment effects for both depression and bipolar disorder. The evidence base for treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder is relatively small, but, in recent years, additional clinical trial data have enabled lithium to re-emerge as a valuable and, in many cases, preferred treatment. Pharmacologically, lithium is complex, with varied effects at both intracellular and extracellular levels. As a treatment for bipolar disorder in pediatrics, lithium is challenging, given its narrow therapeutic window and myriad of potential side effects. However, the efficacy of lithium continues to match that of newer pharmacologic agents, and its tolerability has been shown to be comparable with more commonly prescribed medications. Lithium is still one of few drugs that have been proven to reduce the risk of suicidality, and it may have utility in illnesses beyond affective disorders. Practically, as a primary agent or as an adjunct, lithium continues to claim a rightful place in the treatment armamentarium of child psychiatry. New dosing paradigms have improved tolerability and reduced potential side effects. Recent evidence affirms that lithium is effective for pediatric bipolar disorder in multiple phases of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Grant
- Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - J A Salpekar
- Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Xu Y, Wang Q, Li D, Wu Z, Li D, Lu K, Zhao Y, Sun Y. Protective effect of lithium chloride against hypoglycemia-induced apoptosis in neuronal PC12 cell. Neuroscience 2016; 330:100-8. [PMID: 27241942 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypoglycemia is defined by an arbitrary plasma glucose level lower than 3.9mmol/L and is a most common and feared adverse effect of treatment of diabetes mellitus. Emerging evidences demonstrated that hypoglycemia could induce enhanced apoptosis. Lithium chloride (LiCl), a FDA approved drug clinically used for treatment of bipolar disorders, is recently proven having neuroprotection against various stresses in the cellular and animal models of neural disorders. Here, we have established a hypoglycemia model in vitro and assessed the neuroprotective efficacy of LiCl against hypoglycemia-induced apoptosis and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Our studies showed that LiCl protects against hypoglycemia-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. Exposure to hypoglycemia results in enhanced apoptosis and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved inhibition of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway by decreasing wnt3a levels, β-catenin levels and increasing GSK-3β levels, which was confirmed by the use of Wnt-specific activator LiCl. Hypoglycemia-induced apoptosis were significantly reversed by LiCl, leading to increased cell survival. LiCl also alters the expression/levels of the Wnt pathway genes/proteins, which were reduced due to exposed to hypoglycemia. Overall, our results conclude that LiCl provides neuroprotection against hypoglycemia-induced apoptosis via activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Xu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Tai'an, Taishan Medical College, Tai'an, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dongsheng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghua Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dawei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaili Lu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwu Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yongning Sun
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Fu R, Tang Y, Ling ZM, Li YQ, Cheng X, Song FH, Zhou LH, Wu W. Lithium enhances survival and regrowth of spinal motoneurons after ventral root avulsion. BMC Neurosci 2014; 15:84. [PMID: 24985061 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-15-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the clinical treatment of the brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA), reimplantation surgery can not completely repair the motor function of the hand because the axonal growth velocity of the spinal motoneurons (MNs) is too slow to re-innervate the intrinsic hand muscles before muscle atrophy. Here, we investigated whether lithium can enhance the regenerative capacity of the spinal MNs in a rat model of BPRA. Results The avulsion and immediate reimplantation of the C7 and C8 ventral roots were performed and followed with daily intraperitoneal administration of a therapeutic concentrationof LiCl. After a 20 week long-term rehabilitation, the motor function recovery of the injured forepaw was studied by a grasping test. The survival and regeneration of MNs were checked by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunofluorescence and by Fluoro-Gold (FG) retrograde labeling through the median and ulnar nerves of the ventral horn MNs. The number and diameter of the nerve fibers in the median nerve were assessed by toluidine blue staining. Our results showed that lithium plus reimplantation therapy resulted in a significantly higher grasping strength of the digits of the injured forepaw. Lithium plus reimplantation allowed 45.1% ± 8.11% of ChAT-positive MNs to survive the injury and increased the number and diameter of nerve fibers in the median nerve. The number of FG-labeled regenerative MNs was significantly elevated in all of the reimplantation animals. Our present data proved that lithium can enhance the regenerative capacity of spinal MNs. Conclusions These results suggest that immediate administration of lithium could be used to assist reimplantation surgery in repairing BPRA injuries in clinical treatment.
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Jing P, Zhang JY, Ouyang Q, Wu J, Zhang XJ. Lithium treatment induces proteasomal degradation of over-expressed acetylcholinesterase (AChE-S) and inhibit GSK3β. Chem Biol Interact 2013; 203:309-13. [PMID: 22944069 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lithium is one of the most widely used mood-stabilizing agents for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium is also a potent inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) activity, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In experiments with cultured HEK293T cells, we show here that GSK3β stabilizes synaptic acetylcholinesterase (AChE-S), a critical component of AD development. Cells treated with lithium exhibited rapid proteasomal degradation of AChE-S. Furthermore treatment of the cells with MG132, an inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, prevented the destabilizing effect of lithium on AChE-S. Taken together, these findings suggest that regulation of AChE-S protein stability may be an important biological target of lithium therapy.
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Hillert M, Zimmermann M, Klein J. Uptake of lithium into rat brain after acute and chronic administration. Neurosci Lett 2012; 521:62-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Makoukji J, Belle M, Meffre D, Stassart R, Grenier J, Shackleford G, Fledrich R, Fonte C, Branchu J, Goulard M, de Waele C, Charbonnier F, Sereda MW, Baulieu EE, Schumacher M, Bernard S, Massaad C. Lithium enhances remyelination of peripheral nerves. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:3973-8. [PMID: 22355115 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1121367109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) inhibitors, especially the mood stabilizer lithium chloride, are also used as neuroprotective or anti-inflammatory agents. We studied the influence of LiCl on the remyelination of peripheral nerves. We showed that the treatment of adult mice with LiCl after facial nerve crush injury stimulated the expression of myelin genes, restored the myelin structure, and accelerated the recovery of whisker movements. LiCl treatment also promoted remyelination of the sciatic nerve after crush. We also demonstrated that peripheral myelin gene MPZ and PMP22 promoter activities, transcripts, and protein levels are stimulated by GSK3β inhibitors (LiCl and SB216763) in Schwann cells as well as in sciatic and facial nerves. LiCl exerts its action in Schwann cells by increasing the amount of β-catenin and provoking its nuclear localization. We showed by ChIP experiments that LiCl treatment drives β-catenin to bind to T-cell factor/lymphoid-enhancer factor response elements identified in myelin genes. Taken together, our findings open perspectives in the treatment of nerve demyelination by administering GSK3β inhibitors such as lithium.
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Basselin M, Ramadan E, Rapoport SI. Imaging brain signal transduction and metabolism via arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid in animals and humans. Brain Res Bull 2012; 87:154-71. [PMID: 22178644 PMCID: PMC3274571 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), important second messengers in brain, are released from membrane phospholipid following receptor-mediated activation of specific phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) enzymes. We developed an in vivo method in rodents using quantitative autoradiography to image PUFA incorporation into brain from plasma, and showed that their incorporation rates equal their rates of metabolic consumption by brain. Thus, quantitative imaging of unesterified plasma AA or DHA incorporation into brain can be used as a biomarker of brain PUFA metabolism and neurotransmission. We have employed our method to image and quantify effects of mood stabilizers on brain AA/DHA incorporation during neurotransmission by muscarinic M(1,3,5), serotonergic 5-HT(2A/2C), dopaminergic D(2)-like (D(2), D(3), D(4)) or glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors, and effects of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, of selective serotonin and dopamine reuptake transporter inhibitors, of neuroinflammation (HIV-1 and lipopolysaccharide) and excitotoxicity, and in genetically modified rodents. The method has been extended for the use with positron emission tomography (PET), and can be employed to determine how human brain AA/DHA signaling and consumption are influenced by diet, aging, disease and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Basselin
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Epolia Ramadan
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stanley I. Rapoport
- Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Abstract
Growing evidence supports roles for brain insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) resistance and metabolic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whether the underlying problem stems from a primary disorder of central nervous system (CNS) neurons and glia, or secondary effects of systemic diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, the end-results include impaired glucose utilization, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and the propagation of cascades that result in the accumulation of neurotoxic misfolded, aggregated, and ubiquitinated fibrillar proteins. This article reviews the roles of impaired insulin and IGF signaling to AD-associated neuronal loss, synaptic disconnection, tau hyperphosphorylation, amyloid-beta accumulation, and impaired energy metabolism, and discusses therapeutic strategies and lifestyle approaches that could be used to prevent, delay the onset, or reduce the severity of AD. Finally, it is critical to recognize that AD is heterogeneous and has a clinical course that fully develops over a period of several decades. Therefore, early and multi-modal preventive and treatment approaches should be regarded as essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M de la Monte
- Department of Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Camins A, Verdaguer E, Junyent F, Yeste-Velasco M, Pelegrí C, Vilaplana J, Pallás M. Potential mechanisms involved in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases by lithium. CNS Neurosci Ther 2010; 15:333-44. [PMID: 19889130 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2009.00086.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lithium is a monovalent cation that was introduced in 1949 by John Cade for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Clinical reports and subsequent studies confirmed this application and the beneficial effects of this compound. However, over the last 15 years, various authors have also demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of lithium against several neurotoxic paradigms. Thus, experimental studies in neuronal cell cultures and animal models of Alzheimer disease and others pathologies have provided strong evidence for the potential benefits of lithium. The main mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effects is thought to be inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), although other biochemical pathways in the brain could also be affected. In this review, the main mechanisms of lithium action are summarized, including the modulation of glutamate receptors, effects on arachidonic acid metabolism, its role with respect to AKT, and other potential mechanisms. In addition, its effects on neuroprotective proteins such as Bcl-2 and p53 are also discussed. Although the cellular and molecular biological effects of lithium may constitute an effective therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer disease, further clinical and experimental studies with this drug and specific GSK-3 inhibitors are necessary to confirm the use of lithium in therapeutic approaches to neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Camins
- Unitat de Farmacologia i Farmacognòsia Facultat de Farmàcia, Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB). Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Kaidanovich-Beilin O, Lipina TV, Takao K, van Eede M, Hattori S, Laliberté C, Khan M, Okamoto K, Chambers JW, Fletcher PJ, MacAulay K, Doble BW, Henkelman M, Miyakawa T, Roder J, Woodgett JR. Abnormalities in brain structure and behavior in GSK-3alpha mutant mice. Mol Brain 2009; 2:35. [PMID: 19925672 PMCID: PMC2785804 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-2-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 11/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a widely expressed and highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase encoded by two genes that generate two related proteins: GSK-3alpha and GSK-3beta. Mice lacking a functional GSK-3alpha gene were engineered in our laboratory; they are viable and display insulin sensitivity. In this study, we have characterized brain functions of GSK-3alpha KO mice by using a well-established battery of behavioral tests together with neurochemical and neuroanatomical analysis. RESULTS Similar to the previously described behaviours of GSK-3beta(+/-) mice, GSK-3alpha mutants display decreased exploratory activity, decreased immobility time and reduced aggressive behavior. However, genetic inactivation of the GSK-3alpha gene was associated with: decreased locomotion and impaired motor coordination, increased grooming activity, loss of social motivation and novelty; enhanced sensorimotor gating and impaired associated memory and coordination. GSK-3alpha KO mice exhibited a deficit in fear conditioning, however memory formation as assessed by a passive avoidance test was normal, suggesting that the animals are sensitized for active avoidance of a highly aversive stimulus in the fear-conditioning paradigm. Changes in cerebellar structure and function were observed in mutant mice along with a significant decrease of the number and size of Purkinje cells. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data support a role for the GSK-3alpha gene in CNS functioning and possible involvement in the development of psychiatric disorders.
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Sourial-bassillious N, Rydelius P, Aperia A, Aizman O. Glutamate-mediated calcium signaling: A potential target for lithium action. Neuroscience 2009; 161:1126-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2008] [Revised: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 04/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Machado-Vieira R, Manji HK, Zarate CA. The role of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder: convergent evidence for neurotrophic effects as a unifying hypothesis. Bipolar Disord 2009; 11 Suppl 2:92-109. [PMID: 19538689 PMCID: PMC2800957 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00714.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lithium has been and continues to be the mainstay of bipolar disorder (BD) pharmacotherapy for acute mood episodes, switch prevention, prophylactic treatment, and suicide prevention. Lithium is also the definitive proof-of-concept agent in BD, although it has recently been studied in other psychoses as well as diverse neurodegenerative disorders. Its neurotrophic effects can be viewed as a unifying model to explain several integrated aspects of the pathophysiology of mood disorders and putative therapeutics for those disorders. Enhancing neuroprotection (which directly involves neurotrophic effects) is a therapeutic strategy intended to slow or halt the progression of neuronal loss, thus producing long-term benefits by favorably influencing outcome and preventing either the onset of disease or clinical decline. The present article: (i) reviews what has been learned regarding lithium's neurotrophic effects since Cade's original studies with this compound; (ii) presents human data supporting the presence of cellular atrophy and death in BD as well as neurotrophic effects associated with lithium in human studies; (iii) describes key direct targets of lithium involved in these neurotrophic effects, including neurotrophins, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), and mitochondrial/endoplasmic reticulum key proteins; and (iv) discusses lithium's neurotrophic effects in models of apoptosis and excitotoxicity as well as its potential neurotrophic effects in models of neurological disorders. Taken together, the evidence reviewed here suggests that lithium's neurotrophic effects in BD are an example of an old molecule acting as a new proof-of-concept agent. Continued work to decipher lithium's molecular actions will likely lead to the development of not only improved therapeutics for BD, but to neurotrophic enhancers that could prove useful in the treatment of many other illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Machado-Vieira
- Experimental Therapeutics, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Research Program, NIMH-NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD
| | - Husseini K Manji
- Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Titusville, NJ, USA
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Research Program, NIMH-NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD
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Tsaltas E, Kontis D, Boulougouris V, Papadimitriou GN. Lithium and cognitive enhancement: leave it or take it? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 202:457-76. [PMID: 18781296 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1311-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Lithium is established as an effective treatment of acute mania, bipolar and unipolar depression and as prophylaxis against bipolar disorder. Accumulating evidence is also delineating a neuroprotective and neurotrophic role for lithium. However, its primary effects on cognitive functioning remain ambiguous. OBJECTIVES The aim of this paper is to review and combine the relevant translational studies, focusing on the putative cognitive enhancement properties of lithium, specifically on learning, memory, and attention. DISCUSSION These properties are also discussed in reference to research demonstrating a protective action of lithium against cognitive deficits induced by various challenges to the nervous system, such as stress, trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested on the basis of the evidence that the cognitive effects of lithium are best expressed and should, therefore, be sought under conditions of functional or biological challenge to the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Tsaltas
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 74 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece.
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Rochat S, Grote Z, Severin K. Ruthenium-based metallacrown complexes for the selective detection of lithium ions in water and in serum by fluorescence spectroscopy. Org Biomol Chem 2009; 7:1147-53. [DOI: 10.1039/b820592b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are central mediators of innate antimicrobial and inflammatory responses and play instructive roles in the development of the adaptive immune response. Thus when stimulated by certain agonists, TLRs serve as adjuvant receptors that link innate and adaptive immunity. However, when excessively activated or inadequately controlled during an infection, TLRs may contribute to immunopathology associated with inflammatory diseases, such as periodontitis. Moreover, certain microbial pathogens appear to exploit aspects of TLR signalling in ways that enhance their adaptive fitness. The diverse and important roles played by TLRs suggest that therapeutic manipulation of TLR signalling may have implications in the control of infection, attenuation of inflammation, and the development of vaccine adjuvants for the treatment of periodontitis. Successful application of TLR-based therapeutic modalities in periodontitis would require highly selective and precisely targeted intervention. This would in turn necessitate precise characterization of TLR signalling pathways in response to periodontal pathogens, as well as development of effective and specific agonists or antagonists of TLR function and signalling. This review summarizes the current status of TLR biology as it relates to periodontitis, and evaluates the potential of TLR-based approaches for host-modulation therapy in this oral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Hajishengallis
- Department of Periodontics/ Oral Health and Systemic Disease, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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Marmol F. Lithium: bipolar disorder and neurodegenerative diseases Possible cellular mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of lithium. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1761-71. [PMID: 18789369 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2008] [Revised: 08/19/2008] [Accepted: 08/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar illness is a major psychiatric disorder that affects 1-3% of the worldwide population. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that this illness is substantially heritable. However, the genetic characteristics remain unknown and a clear personality has not been identified for these patients. The clinical history of lithium began in mid-19th century when it was used to treat gout. In 1940, it was used as a substitute for sodium chloride in hypertensive patients. However, it was then banned, as it had major side effects. In 1949, Cade reported that lithium could be used as an effective treatment for bipolar disorder and subsequent studies confirmed this effect. Over the years, different authors have proposed many biochemical and biological effects of lithium in the brain. In this review, the main mechanisms of lithium action are summarised, including ion dysregulation; effects on neurotransmitter signalling; the interaction of lithium with the adenylyl cyclase system; inositol phosphate and protein kinase C signalling; and possible effects on arachidonic acid metabolism. However, none of the above mechanisms are definitive, and sometimes results have been contradictory. Recent advances in cellular and molecular biology have reported that lithium may represent an effective therapeutic strategy for treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, due to its effects on neuroprotective proteins like Bcl-2 and its actions on regulators of apoptosis and cellular resilience, such as GSK-3. However, results are contradictory and more specific studies into the use of lithium in therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Marmol
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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Yeste-velasco M, Folch J, Jiménez A, Rimbau V, Pallàs M, Camins A. GSK-3β inhibition and prevention of mitochondrial apoptosis inducing factor release are not involved in the antioxidant properties of SB-415286. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 588:239-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2007] [Revised: 03/20/2008] [Accepted: 04/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Pizarro JG, Yeste‐Velasco M, Rimbau V, Casadesús G, Smith MA, Pallàs M, Folch J, Camins A. Neuroprotective effects of SB‐415286 on hydrogen peroxide‐induced cell death in B65 rat neuroblastoma cells and neurons. Int J Dev Neurosci 2008; 26:269-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2008.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2008] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/01/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Javier G. Pizarro
- Unitat de Farmacologia i Farmacognòsia i Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Facultat de FarmàciaUniversitat de Barcelona, Nucli Universitari de Pedralbes08028BarcelonaSpain
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Marc Yeste‐Velasco
- Unitat de Farmacologia i Farmacognòsia i Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Facultat de FarmàciaUniversitat de Barcelona, Nucli Universitari de Pedralbes08028BarcelonaSpain
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Victor Rimbau
- Unitat de Farmacologia i Farmacognòsia i Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Facultat de FarmàciaUniversitat de Barcelona, Nucli Universitari de Pedralbes08028BarcelonaSpain
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Gemma Casadesús
- Department of NeurosciencesCase Western Reserve University School of MedicineClevelandOH44106USA
| | - Mark A. Smith
- Department of PathologyCase Western Reserve University School of MedicineClevelandOH44106USA
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Unitat de Farmacologia i Farmacognòsia i Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Facultat de FarmàciaUniversitat de Barcelona, Nucli Universitari de Pedralbes08028BarcelonaSpain
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Jaume Folch
- Unitat de Bioquimica, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la SalutUniversitat Rovira i VirgiliC./St. Llorenç 2143201ReusTarragonaSpain
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Antoni Camins
- Unitat de Farmacologia i Farmacognòsia i Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Facultat de FarmàciaUniversitat de Barcelona, Nucli Universitari de Pedralbes08028BarcelonaSpain
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
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Forette F, Forette F. La maladie d’Alzheimer : des lésions cérébrales aux perspectives thérapeutiques. Bulletin de l'Académie Nationale de Médecine 2008; 192:363-80. [DOI: 10.1016/s0001-4079(19)32836-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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