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Neto A, Fernandes A, Barateiro A. The complex relationship between obesity and neurodegenerative diseases: an updated review. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1294420. [PMID: 38026693 PMCID: PMC10665538 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1294420] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global epidemic, affecting roughly 30% of the world's population and predicted to rise. This disease results from genetic, behavioral, societal, and environmental factors, leading to excessive fat accumulation, due to insufficient energy expenditure. The adipose tissue, once seen as a simple storage depot, is now recognized as a complex organ with various functions, including hormone regulation and modulation of metabolism, inflammation, and homeostasis. Obesity is associated with a low-grade inflammatory state and has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's (AD), and Parkinson's (PD). Mechanistically, reduced adipose expandability leads to hypertrophic adipocytes, triggering inflammation, insulin and leptin resistance, blood-brain barrier disruption, altered brain metabolism, neuronal inflammation, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline. Obesity impacts neurodegenerative disorders through shared underlying mechanisms, underscoring its potential as a modifiable risk factor for these diseases. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully grasp the intricate connections between obesity and neurodegeneration. Collaborative efforts in this field hold promise for innovative strategies to address this complex relationship and develop effective prevention and treatment methods, which also includes specific diets and physical activities, ultimately improving quality of life and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Neto
- Central Nervous System, Blood and Peripheral Inflammation, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Adelaide Fernandes
- Central Nervous System, Blood and Peripheral Inflammation, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Barateiro
- Central Nervous System, Blood and Peripheral Inflammation, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Sánchez-Vera I, Escudero E, Muñoz Ú, Sádaba MC. IgM to phosphatidylcholine in multiple sclerosis patients: from the diagnosis to the treatment. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231189919. [PMID: 37599706 PMCID: PMC10437209 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231189919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. It affects young people, and a considerable percentage of patients need the help of a wheelchair in 15 years of evolution. Currently, there is not a specific technique for the diagnosis of MS. The detection of oligoclonal IgG bands (OIgGBs) is the most sensitive assay for it, but it is not standardizable, only reference laboratories develop it, and uses cerebrospinal fluid. To obtain this sample, a lumbar puncture is necessary, an invasive proceeding with important side effects. It is important to develop and implement standard assays to obtain a rapid diagnosis because the earlier the treatment, the better the evolution of the disease. There are numerous modifying disease therapies, which delay the progression of the disease, but they have important side effects, and a considerable percentage of patients give up the treatment. In addition, around 40% of MS patients do not respond to the therapy and the disease progresses. Numerous researches have been focused on the characterization of predictive biomarkers of response to treatment, in order to help physicians to decide when to change to a second-line treatment, and then the best therapeutic option. Here, we review the new biomarkers for the diagnosis and response to treatment in MS. We draw attention in a new assay, the detection of serum IgM to phosphatidylcholine, that showed a similar sensitivity as OIgGBs and predicts the response to disease modifying treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Sánchez-Vera
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular Aplicada (IMMA), Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Escudero
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular Aplicada (IMMA), Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
| | - Úrsula Muñoz
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular Aplicada (IMMA), Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
| | - María C. Sádaba
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular Aplicada (INMA), Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Crta Boadilla del Monte Km 5,3, Madrid 28668, Spain
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Naffaa V, Magny R, Regazzetti A, Van Steenwinckel J, Gressens P, Laprévote O, Auzeil N, Schang AL. Shift in phospholipid and fatty acid contents accompanies brain myelination. Biochimie 2022; 203:20-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Migliorini F, Vaishya R, Eschweiler J, Oliva F, Hildebrand F, Maffulli N. Vitamins C and D and COVID-19 Susceptibility, Severity and Progression: An Evidence Based Systematic Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58070941. [PMID: 35888660 PMCID: PMC9318801 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Starting in early December 2019, the novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) from infection with COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic. Many aspects of its pathogenesis and related clinical consequences are still unclear. Early diagnosis and dynamic monitoring of prognostic factors are essential to improve the ability to manage COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to provide an account of the role played by vitamins C and D on the onset, progression and severity of COVID-19. Clinical features and infection-related risk factors are also briefly discussed. Material and Methods: In March 2022, the main online databases were accessed. All the articles that investigate the possible role of vitamins C and D on COVID-19 susceptibility, severity and progression were considered. Results: The current evidence on vitamin C and D supplementation in patients with COVID-19 infection is inconsistent and controversial. In some studies, vitamins were used as coadjuvant of a formal experimental therapy, while in others as main treatment. Ethnicity and hospital setting (inpatient/outpatient) were also variable. Moreover, there was no consensus between studies in administration protocol: high heterogeneity in dosage, administration, and duration of the treatment were evident. Finally, some studies administered vitamins pre- and/or during COVID infection, in patients with different risk factors and infection severity. Conclusions: While waiting to develop a targeted, safe and effective therapy, it is important to investigate individual predisposition and proper disease management. Concluding, available data on the use of nutraceuticals in COVID-19 are inconsistent. However, there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines which recommend vitamin C and D supplementation in patients with COVID-19, and results from high quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are inconsistent. Current investigations so far are mostly observational, and include a relatively small sample size which can lead to biased results. Large-scale multicentre studies are therefore needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.E.); (F.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-0241-80-35529
| | - Raju Vaishya
- Department of Orthopaedics, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Institutes of Orthopaedics, New Delhi 110076, India;
| | - Jörg Eschweiler
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.E.); (F.H.)
| | - Francesco Oliva
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (F.O.); (N.M.)
| | - Frank Hildebrand
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.E.); (F.H.)
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (F.O.); (N.M.)
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University Faculty of Medicine, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke on Trent ST5 5BG, UK
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DG, UK
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Pham H. Analyzing the relationship between the vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 mortality rate and modeling the time-delay interactions between body's immune healthy cells, infected cells, and virus particles with the effect of vitamin D levels. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:8975-9004. [PMID: 35942745 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents some recent views on the aspects of vitamin D levels in relation to the COVID-19 infections and analyzes the relationship between the prevalence rates of vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 death rates per million of various countries in Europe and Asia using the data from the PubMed database. The paper also discusses a new mathematical model of time-delay interactions between the body's immune healthy cells, infected cells, and virus particles with the effect of vitamin D levels. The model can be used to monitor the timely progression of healthy immune cells with the effects of the levels of vitamin D and probiotics supplement. It also can help to predict when the infected cells and virus particles free state can ever be reached as time progresses. The consideration of the time delay in the modeling due to effects of the infected cells or virus particles and the growth of healthy cells is also an important factor that can significantly change the outcomes of the body's immune cells as well as the infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Pham
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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Singh A, Chidharla A, Agarwal K, Singh P, Jain N, Hassen G, Abdelwahed S, Bhandari R, Patel K, Gupta S, Koritala T, Rabbani R. Vitamin D: The Missing Nutrient Behind the Two Deadly Pandemics, COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Diseases. Cureus 2022; 14:e24133. [PMID: 35573503 PMCID: PMC9106532 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is claiming millions of lives and creating an additional burden on health care, which is already affected by the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The scientific community, on the other side, is enormously engaged with studies to best identify the characteristics of the virus and minimize its effect while supporting the fight to contain NCDs, mainly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are contributing hugely to the global death toll. Hence, the roles of vitamin D in COVID-19 immunity and cardiovascular health are gaining traction recently. This literature review will mainly focus on summarizing pertinent studies and scientific publications which highlight the association of vitamin D levels with the various outcomes of COVID-19 and CVDs. It will also address how low vitamin D correlates with the epidemiology of CVDs and the inflammatory mechanisms attributed to COVID-19 severity. We believe that our review may open up hindsight perspectives and further discussions among the physicians in tapping the potential of vitamin D supplementation to tackle the morbidity, mortality, and health care cost of the two deadly diseases, COVID-19 and CVDs.
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Vesga-Jiménez DJ, Martin C, Barreto GE, Aristizábal-Pachón AF, Pinzón A, González J. Fatty Acids: An Insight into the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2577. [PMID: 35269720 PMCID: PMC8910658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most common lipids in the human body is palmitic acid (PA), a saturated fatty acid with essential functions in brain cells. PA is used by cells as an energy source, besides being a precursor of signaling molecules and protein tilting across the membrane. Although PA plays physiological functions in the brain, its excessive accumulation leads to detrimental effects on brain cells, causing lipotoxicity. This mechanism involves the activation of toll-like receptors (TLR) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathways, with the consequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and autophagy impairment. Importantly, some of the cellular changes induced by PA lead to an augmented susceptibility to the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson´s diseases. Considering the complexity of the response to PA and the intrinsic differences of the brain, in this review, we provide an overview of the molecular and cellular effects of PA on different brain cells and their possible relationships with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Furthermore, we propose the use of other fatty acids, such as oleic acid or linoleic acid, as potential therapeutic approaches against NDs, as these fatty acids can counteract PA's negative effects on cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Julián Vesga-Jiménez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota 110231, Colombia; (D.J.V.-J.); (A.F.A.-P.)
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA;
| | - Cynthia Martin
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA;
| | - George E. Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland;
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Andrés Felipe Aristizábal-Pachón
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota 110231, Colombia; (D.J.V.-J.); (A.F.A.-P.)
| | - Andrés Pinzón
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota 111321, Colombia;
| | - Janneth González
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota 110231, Colombia; (D.J.V.-J.); (A.F.A.-P.)
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Induction of Foxp3 and activation of Tregs by HSP gp96 for treatment of autoimmune diseases. iScience 2021; 24:103445. [PMID: 34877502 PMCID: PMC8633978 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Upregulation and stabilization of Foxp3 expression in Tregs are essential for regulating Treg function and immune homeostasis. In this study, gp96 immunization showed obvious therapeutic effects in a Lyn–/– mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, gp96 alleviated the initiation and progression of MOG-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Immunization of gp96 increased Treg frequency, expansion, and suppressive function. Gene expression profiling identified the NF-κB family member p65 and c-Rel as the key transcription factors for enhanced Foxp3 expression in Treg by gp96. Mutant gp96 within its Toll-like receptor (TLR) binding domain, TLR2 knockout mice, and mice with cell-specific deletion of MyD88, were used to demonstrate that gp96 activated Tregs and induced Foxp3 expression via a TLR2-MyD88-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, these results show that gp96 immunization restricted antibody-induced and Th-induced autoimmune diseases by integrating Treg expansion and activation, indicating its potential clinical usefulness against autoimmune diseases. SLE symptoms in Lyn–/– mice are ameliorated by gp96 immunization Tregs expanded by gp96 provide potential in suppressing Th-mediated EAE Gp96 promotes Treg proliferation, stability, and suppressive function Gp96 binds to and activates Treg in a TLR2-MyD88-NF-кB-Foxp3 pathway
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Metabolomics in Autoimmune Diseases: Focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematous, and Multiple Sclerosis. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11120812. [PMID: 34940570 PMCID: PMC8708401 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120812] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolomics approach represents the last downstream phenotype and is widely used in clinical studies and drug discovery. In this paper, we outline recent advances in the metabolomics research of autoimmune diseases (ADs) such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MuS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The newly discovered biomarkers and the metabolic mechanism studies for these ADs are described here. In addition, studies elucidating the metabolic mechanisms underlying these ADs are presented. Metabolomics has the potential to contribute to pharmacotherapy personalization; thus, we summarize the biomarker studies performed to predict the personalization of medicine and drug response.
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Borsche L, Glauner B, von Mendel J. COVID-19 Mortality Risk Correlates Inversely with Vitamin D3 Status, and a Mortality Rate Close to Zero Could Theoretically Be Achieved at 50 ng/mL 25(OH)D3: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2021; 13:3596. [PMID: 34684596 PMCID: PMC8541492 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much research shows that blood calcidiol (25(OH)D3) levels correlate strongly with SARS-CoV-2 infection severity. There is open discussion regarding whether low D3 is caused by the infection or if deficiency negatively affects immune defense. The aim of this study was to collect further evidence on this topic. METHODS Systematic literature search was performed to identify retrospective cohort as well as clinical studies on COVID-19 mortality rates versus D3 blood levels. Mortality rates from clinical studies were corrected for age, sex, and diabetes. Data were analyzed using correlation and linear regression. RESULTS One population study and seven clinical studies were identified, which reported D3 blood levels preinfection or on the day of hospital admission. The two independent datasets showed a negative Pearson correlation of D3 levels and mortality risk (r(17) = -0.4154, p = 0.0770/r(13) = -0.4886, p = 0.0646). For the combined data, median (IQR) D3 levels were 23.2 ng/mL (17.4-26.8), and a significant Pearson correlation was observed (r(32) = -0.3989, p = 0.0194). Regression suggested a theoretical point of zero mortality at approximately 50 ng/mL D3. CONCLUSIONS The datasets provide strong evidence that low D3 is a predictor rather than just a side effect of the infection. Despite ongoing vaccinations, we recommend raising serum 25(OH)D levels to above 50 ng/mL to prevent or mitigate new outbreaks due to escape mutations or decreasing antibody activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julian von Mendel
- Artificial Intelligence, IU International University of Applied Sciences, D-99084 Erfurt, Germany;
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Garcia Corrales AV, Haidar M, Bogie JFJ, Hendriks JJA. Fatty Acid Synthesis in Glial Cells of the CNS. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158159. [PMID: 34360931 PMCID: PMC8348209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) are of crucial importance for brain homeostasis and neural function. Glia cells support the high demand of FAs that the central nervous system (CNS) needs for its proper functioning. Additionally, FAs can modulate inflammation and direct CNS repair, thereby contributing to brain pathologies such Alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Intervention strategies targeting FA synthesis in glia represents a potential therapeutic opportunity for several CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida V Garcia Corrales
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Mansour Haidar
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jeroen F J Bogie
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jerome J A Hendriks
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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13
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Houen G, Trier NH, Frederiksen JL. Epstein-Barr Virus and Multiple Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:587078. [PMID: 33391262 PMCID: PMC7773893 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.587078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic disease affecting myelinated nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). The disease often debuts as a clinically isolated syndrome, e.g., optic neuritis (ON), which later develops into relapsing-remitting (RR) MS, with temporal attacks or primary progressive (PP) MS. Characteristic features of MS are inflammatory foci in the CNS and intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins (Igs), measured as an IgG index, oligoclonal bands (OCBs), or specific antibody indexes. Major predisposing factors for MS are certain tissue types (e.g., HLA DRB1*15:01), vitamin D deficiency, smoking, obesity, and infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Many of the clinical signs of MS described above can be explained by chronic/recurrent EBV infection and current models of EBV involvement suggest that RRMS may be caused by repeated entry of EBV-transformed B cells to the CNS in connection with attacks, while PPMS may be caused by more chronic activity of EBV-transformed B cells in the CNS. In line with the model of EBV's role in MS, new treatments based on monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) targeting B cells have shown good efficacy in clinical trials both for RRMS and PPMS, while MAbs inhibiting B cell mobilization and entry to the CNS have shown efficacy in RRMS. Thus, these agents, which are now first line therapy in many patients, may be hypothesized to function by counteracting a chronic EBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Houen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | | | - Jette Lautrup Frederiksen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-2 in Murine Development, Metabolism, and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228619. [PMID: 33207603 PMCID: PMC7697999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-2 (SCD2) is a member of the Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD) family of enzymes that catalyze the rate-limiting step in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) synthesis. The MUFAs palmitoleoyl-CoA (16:1n7) and oleoyl-CoA (18:1n9) are the major products of SCD2. Palmitoleoyl-CoA and oleoyl-CoA have various roles, from being a source of energy to signaling molecules. Under normal feeding conditions, SCD2 is ubiquitously expressed and is the predominant SCD isoform in the brain. However, obesogenic diets highly induce SCD2 in adipose tissue, lung, and kidney. Here we provide a comprehensive review of SCD2 in mouse development, metabolism, and various diseases, such as obesity, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer′s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson′s disease. In addition, we show that bone mineral density is decreased in SCD2KO mice under high-fat feeding conditions and that SCD2 is not required for preadipocyte differentiation or the expression of PPARγ in vivo despite being required in vitro.
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Mercola J, Grant WB, Wagner CL. Evidence Regarding Vitamin D and Risk of COVID-19 and Its Severity. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113361. [PMID: 33142828 PMCID: PMC7692080 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency co-exists in patients with COVID-19. At this time, dark skin color, increased age, the presence of pre-existing illnesses and vitamin D deficiency are features of severe COVID disease. Of these, only vitamin D deficiency is modifiable. Through its interactions with a multitude of cells, vitamin D may have several ways to reduce the risk of acute respiratory tract infections and COVID-19: reducing the survival and replication of viruses, reducing risk of inflammatory cytokine production, increasing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 concentrations, and maintaining endothelial integrity. Fourteen observational studies offer evidence that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are inversely correlated with the incidence or severity of COVID-19. The evidence to date generally satisfies Hill’s criteria for causality in a biological system, namely, strength of association, consistency, temporality, biological gradient, plausibility (e.g., mechanisms), and coherence, although experimental verification is lacking. Thus, the evidence seems strong enough that people and physicians can use or recommend vitamin D supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19 in light of their safety and wide therapeutic window. In view of public health policy, however, results of large-scale vitamin D randomized controlled trials are required and are currently in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mercola
- Natural Health Partners, LLC, 125 SW 3rd Place, Cape Coral, FL 33991, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-239-599-9529
| | - William B. Grant
- Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 641603, San Francisco, CA 94164-1603, USA;
| | - Carol L. Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, 10 McClennan Banks Drive, MSC 915, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
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