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Mehta P, Raymond J, Nair T, Han M, Punjani R, Larson T, Berry J, Mohidul S, Horton DK. Prevalence of ALS in all 50 states in the United States, data from the National ALS Registry, 2011-2018. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38826088 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2358786] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Objective: To summarize the prevalence of ALS in all 50 states and Washington, DC in the United States from 2011 to 2018 using data collected and analyzed by the National ALS Registry. In October 2010, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) launched the congressionally mandated Registry to determine the incidence and prevalence of ALS within the USA, characterize the demographics of persons with ALS, and identify the potential risk factors for the disease. This is the first analysis of state-level ALS prevalence estimates. Methods: ALS is not a notifiable disease in the USA, so the Registry uses a two-pronged approach to identify cases. The first approach uses existing national administrative databases (Medicare, Veterans Health Administration, and Veterans Benefits Administration). The second method uses a secure web portal to gather voluntary participant data and identify cases not included in the national administrative databases. Results: State-level age-adjusted average prevalence from 2011-2018 ranged from 2.6 per 100,000 persons (Hawaii) to 7.8 per 100,000 persons (Vermont), with an average of 4.4 per 100,000 persons in the US. New England and Midwest regions had higher prevalence rates than the national average. Conclusions: These findings summarize the prevalence of ALS for all 50 states from 2011 to 2018. This is a continuing effort to identify ALS cases on a national population basis. The establishment of the National ALS Registry has allowed for epidemiological trends of this disease and the assessment of potential risk factors that could cause ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Mehta
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jaime Raymond
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Theresa Nair
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Moon Han
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Reshma Punjani
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Theodore Larson
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jasmine Berry
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suraya Mohidul
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - D Kevin Horton
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Wang J, Xin J, Xu X, Chen W, Lv Y, Wei Y, Wei X, Li Z, Ding Q, Zhao H, Wen Y, Zhang X, Fang Y, Zu X. Bacopaside I alleviates depressive-like behaviors by modulating the gut microbiome and host metabolism in CUMS-induced mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115679. [PMID: 38113632 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115679] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacopaside I (BSI) is a natural compound that is difficult to absorb orally but has been shown to have antidepressant effects. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is involved in the development of depression through the peripheral nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system and may be a key factor in the effect of BSI. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of BSI in the treatment of depression via the microbiota-gut-brain axis and to validate it in a fecal microbiota transplantation model. The antidepressant effect of BSI was established in CUMS-induced mice using behavioral tests and measurement of changes in hypothalamicpituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis-related hormones. The improvement of stress-induced gut-brain axis damage by BSI was observed by histopathological sections and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 16 S rDNA sequencing analysis indicated that BSI could modulate the abundance of gut microbiota and increase the abundance of probiotic bacteria. We also observed an increase in short-chain fatty acids, particularly acetic acid. In addition, BSI could modulate the disruption of lipid metabolism induced by CUMS. Fecal microbiota transplantation further confirmed that disruption of the microbiota-gut-brain axis is closely associated with the development of depression, and that the microbiota regulated by BSI exerts a partial antidepressant effect. In conclusion, BSI exerts antidepressant effects by remodeling gut microbiota, specifically through the Lactobacillus and Streptococcus-acetic acid-neurotrophin signaling pathways. Furthermore, BSI can repair damage to the gut-brain axis, regulate HPA axis dysfunction, and maintain immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Jiayun Xin
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Xike Xu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanhui Lv
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Yanping Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Xintong Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Zhanhong Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Qianqian Ding
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Houyu Zhao
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Research, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yukun Wen
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Research, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiuyun Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China.
| | - Yiqun Fang
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Research, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xianpeng Zu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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3
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Belosludtseva NV, Matveeva LA, Belosludtsev KN. Mitochondrial Dyshomeostasis as an Early Hallmark and a Therapeutic Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16833. [PMID: 38069154 PMCID: PMC10706047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316833] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal multisystem disease characterized by progressive death of motor neurons, loss of muscle mass, and impaired energy metabolism. More than 40 genes are now known to be associated with ALS, which together account for the majority of familial forms of ALS and only 10% of sporadic ALS cases. To date, there is no consensus on the pathogenesis of ALS, which makes it difficult to develop effective therapy. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondria, which play an important role in cellular homeostasis, are the earliest targets in ALS, and abnormalities in their structure and functions contribute to the development of bioenergetic stress and disease progression. Mitochondria are known to be highly dynamic organelles, and their stability is maintained through a number of key regulatory pathways. Mitochondrial homeostasis is dynamically regulated via mitochondrial biogenesis, clearance, fission/fusion, and trafficking; however, the processes providing "quality control" and distribution of the organelles are prone to dysregulation in ALS. Here, we systematically summarized changes in mitochondrial turnover, dynamics, calcium homeostasis, and alterations in mitochondrial transport and functions to provide in-depth insights into disease progression pathways, which may have a significant impact on current symptomatic therapies and personalized treatment programs for patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V. Belosludtseva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
| | - Lyudmila A. Matveeva
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Mari State University, pl. Lenina 1, Yoshkar-Ola 424001, Russia;
| | - Konstantin N. Belosludtsev
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Mari State University, pl. Lenina 1, Yoshkar-Ola 424001, Russia;
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4
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MEHTA PAUL, RAYMOND JAIME, PUNJANI RESHMA, HAN MOON, LARSON THEODORE, KAYE WENDY, NELSON LORENEM, TOPOL BARBARA, MURAVOV OLEG, GENSON CORINA, HORTON DKEVIN. Prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the United States using established and novel methodologies, 2017. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2023; 24:108-116. [PMID: 35422180 PMCID: PMC9568617 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2059380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective:To estimate the prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States for 2017 using data from the National ALS Registry (Registry) as well as capture-recapture methodology to account for under-ascertainment. Established in 2010, the Registry collects and examines data on ALS patients in the US to better describe the epidemiology of ALS (i.e. risk factor exposures, demographics).Methods: The Registry compiled data from national administrative databases (from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Veterans Health Administration, and the Veterans Benefits Administration) and a voluntary enrollment data through a web portal (www.cdc.gov/als). To estimate the number of missing cases, capture-recapture methodology was utilized.Results: The Registry conservatively identified 17,800 adult persons (lower-bound estimate) who met the Registry definition of ALS for an age-adjusted prevalence of 5.5 per 100,000 US population. Using capture-recapture methodology, we obtained a "mean case count" of 24,821 ALS cases (prevalence of 7.7 per 100,000 U.S. population) and estimated the upper-bound estimate to be 31,843 cases (prevalence of 9.9 per 100,000 U.S. population). The pattern of patient characteristics (e.g. age, sex, and race/ethnicity) remained unchanged from previous Registry reports. Overall, ALS was most common among whites, males, and persons aged 60-69 years. The age groups with the lowest number of cases were persons aged 18-39 years. Males had a higher prevalence than females overall and across all data sources.Conclusions: Existing Registry methodology, along with capture-recapture methodology, are being used to better describe the epidemiology and demographics of ALS in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- PAUL MEHTA
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National ALS Registry (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - JAIME RAYMOND
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National ALS Registry (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - RESHMA PUNJANI
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National ALS Registry (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - MOON HAN
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National ALS Registry (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - THEODORE LARSON
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National ALS Registry (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - WENDY KAYE
- McKing Consulting Corporation, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - LORENE M. NELSON
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - BARBARA TOPOL
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - OLEG MURAVOV
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National ALS Registry (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - CORINA GENSON
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National ALS Registry (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - D. KEVIN HORTON
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National ALS Registry (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA
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5
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Chen QY, Wu P, Wen T, Qin X, Zhang R, Jia R, Jin J, Hu F, Xie X, Dang J. Association of cerebral spinal fluid copper imbalance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:970711. [PMID: 36466599 PMCID: PMC9714432 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.970711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A plethora of environmental risk factors has been persistently implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including metal/metalloids. This study aimed to examine potential associations between cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) metal/metalloids and ALS risks. CSF concentrations of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in ALS (spinal- and bulbar-onset) patients and controls were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results from this study revealed marked differences between control, spinal-onset, and bulbar-onset groups. We report that Cu levels were lower in the ALS and spinal-onset groups compared to the control group. Ni level were higher in the spinal-onset group compared to the control and bulbar-onset groups. In addition, associations between CSF metal/metalloid levels with disease severity, sex, and serum triglycerides were also examined to broach the potential relevance of neurotoxic metal/metalloids in ALS disease heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Yi Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ting Wen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xing Qin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ronghua Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiaoting Jin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fangfang Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaoge Xie
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jingxia Dang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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6
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Shah S, Dooms MM, Amaral-Garcia S, Igoillo-Esteve M. Current Drug Repurposing Strategies for Rare Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:768023. [PMID: 34992533 PMCID: PMC8724568 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.768023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are life-threatening or chronically debilitating low-prevalent disorders caused by pathogenic mutations or particular environmental insults. Due to their high complexity and low frequency, important gaps still exist in their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Since new drug discovery is a very costly and time-consuming process, leading pharmaceutical companies show relatively low interest in orphan drug research and development due to the high cost of investments compared to the low market return of the product. Drug repurposing–based approaches appear then as cost- and time-saving strategies for the development of therapeutic opportunities for rare diseases. In this article, we discuss the scientific, regulatory, and economic aspects of the development of repurposed drugs for the treatment of rare neurodegenerative disorders with a particular focus on Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, Wolfram syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The role of academia, pharmaceutical companies, patient associations, and foundations in the identification of candidate compounds and their preclinical and clinical evaluation will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Shah
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Lavery A, Backer L, Daniel J. Evaluation of Electronic Health Records to Monitor Illness From Harmful Algal Bloom Exposure in the United States. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2021; 839:8-14. [PMID: 36060209 PMCID: PMC9434719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are the rapid growth of algae that can produce toxic or harmful effects in people and animals. Potential health effects include respiratory illness, gastrointestinal illness, skin and eye irritation, and sometimes more severe toxic effects such as liver damage. Defining HAB exposure and related illness is challenging for many reasons, including characterizing the exposure. Large electronic health record databases present an opportunity to study health encounters specifically related to HAB exposure through querying medical diagnostic codes. We queried the MarketScan Research Databases between January 2009 and April 2019 for use of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for HAB exposure. We found a total of 558 records that used either the ICD-9 or ICD-10 code for HAB exposure. Respiratory illness was most commonly reported along with the HAB exposure code. Use of HAB exposure codes showed seasonal fluctuations during 2012-2019. We found that although the HAB-related ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes were used infrequently, they were most often recorded during bloom seasons in warmer months. This analysis is the first that utilizes a large-scale national database of de-identified health records to understand the use of medical diagnostic codes related to algae exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Lavery
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Lorraine Backer
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Johnni Daniel
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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8
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Muvva C, Murugan NA, Subramanian V. Assessment of Amyloid Forming Tendency of Peptide Sequences from Amyloid Beta and Tau Proteins Using Force-Field, Semi-Empirical, and Density Functional Theory Calculations. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063244. [PMID: 33806726 PMCID: PMC8005029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the accumulation of protein aggregates in intraneuronal or extraneuronal brain regions. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the extracellular aggregates originate from amyloid-β proteins, while the intracellular aggregates are formed from microtubule-binding tau proteins. The amyloid forming peptide sequences in the amyloid-β peptides and tau proteins are responsible for aggregate formation. Experimental studies have until the date reported many of such amyloid forming peptide sequences in different proteins, however, there is still limited molecular level understanding about their tendency to form aggregates. In this study, we employed umbrella sampling simulations and subsequent electronic structure theory calculations in order to estimate the energy profiles for interconversion of the helix to β-sheet like secondary structures of sequences from amyloid-β protein (KLVFFA) and tau protein (QVEVKSEKLD and VQIVYKPVD). The study also included a poly-alanine sequence as a reference system. The calculated force-field based free energy profiles predicted a flat minimum for monomers of sequences from amyloid and tau proteins corresponding to an α-helix like secondary structure. For the parallel and anti-parallel dimer of KLVFFA, double well potentials were obtained with the minima corresponding to α-helix and β-sheet like secondary structures. A similar double well-like potential has been found for dimeric forms for the sequences from tau fibril. Complementary semi-empirical and density functional theory calculations displayed similar trends, validating the force-field based free energy profiles obtained for these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charuvaka Muvva
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Inorganic & Physical Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600020, India;
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Natarajan Arul Murugan
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Venkatesan Subramanian
- Inorganic & Physical Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600020, India;
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Centre for High Computing, CSIR-CLRI, Adyar, Chennai 600020, India
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9
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Energy Balance as a Moderator of Neurologic Disease Risk and Progression. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:242-248. [PMID: 32215816 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00190-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease that like multiple other neurologic diseases has no curative treatment currently available. Environmental exposures to known neurotoxic compounds (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals, cyanobacterial toxins, etc.) are identified as risk factors associated with ALS. Assuming these environmental factors have causative roles in disease risk and given the ubiquity of these types of exposures for the modern human, why are not more people afflicted with ALS? Herein is proposed an energy balance moderation framework (EBMF)-a framework that postulates energy balance as a key moderator of neurologic disease risk. The EBMF proposes that the ability of the body to handle toxic compound exposures through excretion, metabolism, and/or storage impacts the acute and chronic tissue-specific toxicity which is moderated by energy balance. In this model, positive energy balance (weight gain or excess body weight/mass) would be protective against acute neurotoxic exposure permitting the assimilation and sequestration of toxic compounds within body stores separate from the nervous system. However, this protective buffering could be lost during sustained negative energy balance (weight loss) with the release of sequestered compounds redistributing to the nervous system. The EBMF may have relevance beyond ALS for other neurologic diseases with demonstrated environmental risks (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease) and offers new insights into potential strategies to reduce disease risk and develop novel treatments.
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10
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Erber AC, Cetin H, Berry D, Schernhammer ES. The role of gut microbiota, butyrate and proton pump inhibitors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review. Int J Neurosci 2019; 130:727-735. [PMID: 31870202 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2019.1702549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the study: We conducted a systematic review on existing literature in humans and animals, linking the gut microbiome with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Additionally, we sought to explore the role of the bacterially produced metabolite butyrate as well as of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in these associations.Materials and methods: Following PRISMA guidelines for systematic literature reviews, four databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science) were searched and screened by two independent reviewers against defined inclusion criteria. Six studies in humans and six animal studies were identified, summarized and reviewed.Results: Overall, the evidence accrued to date is supportive of changes in the gut microbiome being associated with ALS risk, and potentially progression, though observational studies are small (describing a total of 145 patients with ALS across all published studies), and not entirely conclusive.Conclusions: With emerging studies beginning to apply metagenome sequencing, more clarity regarding the importance and promise of the gut microbiome in ALS can be expected. Future studies may also help establish the therapeutic potential of butyrate, and the role of PPIs in these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid C Erber
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Hakan Cetin
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Berry
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Function, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Joint Microbiome Facility of the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva S Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Spencer P, Lagrange E, Camu W. ALS and environment: Clues from spatial clustering? Rev Neurol (Paris) 2019; 175:652-663. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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12
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Mini-Hydrocyclone Separation of Cyanobacterial and Green Algae: Impact on Cell Viability and Chlorine Consumption. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11071473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of non-toxic phytoplankton alongside cyanobacteria adds to the challenge of treating source waters with harmful algal blooms. The non-toxic species consume the oxidant and, thereby, reduce the efficacy of oxidation of both the extracellular and intracellular cyanotoxins. In this work, a 3D printed mini-hydrocyclone was used to separate a mixture of non-toxic green algae, Scenedesmus obliquus, from a toxic species of cyanobacteria, Microcystis aeruginosa. When water is pumped through the mini-hydrocyclone, cells exit through an overflow or underflow port depending on their size, shape, and density relative to the other cells and particles in the water matrix. The overflow port contains the cells that are smaller and less dense since these particles move toward the center of the hydrocyclone. In this work, the majority (>93%) of Microcystis cells were found in the overflow while the underflow contained primarily the Scenedesmus (>80%). This level of separation efficiency was maintained over the 30-min experiment and the majority of both cells (>86%) remained viable following the separation, which indicates that the pumping combined with forces exerted within the mini-hydrocyclone were not sufficient to cause cell death. The impact of free chlorine on the cells both pre-separation and post-separation was evaluated at two doses (1 and 2 mg/L). After separation, the overflow, which contained primarily Microcystis, had at least a 24% reduction in the free chlorine decay rate as compared to the feed water, which contained both species. This reduction in chlorine consumption shows that the cells separated via mini-hydrocyclone would likely require lower doses of oxidant to produce a similar level of degradation of the cyanotoxins present in either the extracellular or intracellular form. However, future work should be undertaken to evaluate this effect in natural bloom samples.
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Linford BD, Le Donne A, Scuderi D, Bodo E, Fridgen TD. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding in protonated β-methylaminoalanine: A vibrational spectroscopic and computational study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2019; 25:133-141. [PMID: 30563367 DOI: 10.1177/1469066718791998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The gas-phase structure of protonated β-methylaminoalanine was investigated using infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy in the C-H, N-H, O-H stretching region (2700-3800 cm-1) and the fingerprint region (1000-1900 cm-1). Calculations using density functional theory methods show that the lowest energy structures prefer protonation of the secondary amine. Formation of hydrogen bonds between the primary and secondary amine, and the secondary amine and carboxylic oxygen further stabilize the lowest energy structure. The infrared spectrum of the lowest energy structure originating with harmonic density functional theory has features that generally match the positions of the experimental spectra; however, the overall agreement with the experimental spectrum is poor. Molecular dynamics calculations were used to generate a gas-phase infrared spectrum. With these calculations a reasonable match with the experimental spectrum, especially in the high-energy region, was obtained. The results of the molecular dynamics simulation support the density functional theory calculations, with protonation of the secondary amine and the formation of a hydrogen bond between the protonated secondary amine and the primary amine. This work shows the importance of accounting for anharmonic effects in systems with very strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D Linford
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Memorial University, St John's, Canada
| | - Andrea Le Donne
- 2 Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Debora Scuderi
- 3 Laboratoire de Chimie Physique d'Orsay, Faculté des Sciences, Université Paris Sud, Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Enrico Bodo
- 2 Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Travis D Fridgen
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Memorial University, St John's, Canada
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14
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Chen YT, Chen WR, Lin TF. Oxidation of cyanobacterial neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) with chlorine, permanganate, ozone, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 142:187-195. [PMID: 29879656 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a new cyanobacterial neurotoxin produced by more than 20 genera of cyanobacteria, has been associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC) or Alzheimer's disease. Although BMAA has been shown to be removed in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), studies regarding the reactions between BMAA and the commonly used oxidants in DWTPs are limited to chlorine under specific conditions. In this study, the reaction kinetics between BMAA and five oxidants commonly used in DWTPs, including chlorine, potassium permanganate, ozone, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical were investigated. The oxidation of BMAA by chlorine, ozone or OH radical followed the second order reaction rate law, and the reaction rate was in the order of OH radicals > ozone >> chlorine. The rate constants increased by 20 times from 2 × 103 M-1s-1 at pH 5.8 to 4.93 × 104 M-1s-1 at pH 7, and kept in a relatively stable level at pH 7-9.5; rate constants of OH radicals were 1.11 × 108 M-1s-1 at pH 6.5 and 5.51 × 109- 1.35 × 1010 M-1s-1 at pH > 6.5. For both permanganate and H2O2 only, the removal of BMAA was negligible. The pH dependency of chlorine and the OH radical may be attributed to the neutral form of BMAA with free lone pair electrons readily to be attacked by oxidants. However, for ozonation of BMAA, the rate constants were 1.88 × 106-3.72 × 1010 M-1s-1, with a linear dependency on pH, implying that the hydroxide concentration governs the reaction. In addition, the rate of BMAA degradation was found to be slower in natural water if compared with that in deionized water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Global Water Quality Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ru Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Global Water Quality Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Tsair-Fuh Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Global Water Quality Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, 70101, Taiwan.
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15
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16
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Huang Z, Liu Q, Peng Y, Dai J, Xie Y, Chen W, Long S, Pei Z, Su H, Yao X. Circadian Rhythm Dysfunction Accelerates Disease Progression in a Mouse Model With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2018; 9:218. [PMID: 29740382 PMCID: PMC5928145 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by interactions between environmental factors and genetic susceptibility. Circadian rhythm dysfunction (CRD) is a significant contributor to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, whether CRD contributes to the progression of ALS remains little known. We performed behavioral and physiological tests on SOD1G93A ALS model mice with and without artificially induced CRD, and on wild-type controls; we also analyzed spinal cord samples histologically for differences between groups. We found that CRD accelerated the disease onset and progression of ALS in model mice, as demonstrated by aggravated functional deficits and weight loss, as well as increased motor neuron loss, activated gliosis, and nuclear factor κB-mediated inflammation in the spinal cord. We also found an increasing abundance of enteric cyanobacteria in the ALS model mice shortly after disease onset that was further enhanced by CRD. Our study provides initial evidence on the CRD as a risk factor for ALS, and intestinal cyanobacteria may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Huang
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Clinical Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jiaying Dai
- Comprehensive Department, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youna Xie
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Clinical Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weineng Chen
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Clinical Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Simei Long
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Clinical Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Pei
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Clinical Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Xiaoli Yao
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Key Clinical Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Myhre O, Eide DM, Kleiven S, Utkilen HC, Hofer T. Repeated five-day administration of L-BMAA, microcystin-LR, or as mixture, in adult C57BL/6 mice - lack of adverse cognitive effects. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2308. [PMID: 29396538 PMCID: PMC5797144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20327-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyanobacterial toxins β-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) and microcystin-LR (MC-LR; a potent liver toxin) are suspected to cause neurological disorders. Adult male C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice aged approximately 11 months were subcutaneously injected for five consecutive days with L-BMAA and microcystin-LR alone, or as a mixture. A dose-range study determined a tolerable daily dose to be ~31 µg MC-LR/kg BW/day based on survival, serum liver status enzymes, and relative liver and kidney weight. Mice tolerating the first one-two doses also tolerated the subsequent three-four doses indicating adaptation. The LD50 was 43-50 μg MC-LR/kg BW. Long-term effects (up to 10 weeks) on spatial learning and memory performance was investigated using a Barnes maze, were mice were given 30 µg MC-LR/kg BW and/or 30 mg L-BMAA/kg BW either alone or in mixture for five consecutive days. Anxiety, general locomotor activity, willingness to explore, hippocampal and peri-postrhinal cortex dependent memory was investigated after eight weeks using Open field combined with Novel location/Novel object recognition tests. Toxin exposed animals did not perform worse than controls, and MC-LR exposed animals performed somewhat better during the first Barnes maze re-test session. MC-LR exposed mice rapidly lost up to ~5% body weight, but regained weight from day eight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oddvar Myhre
- Department of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Marcus Eide
- Department of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Synne Kleiven
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University College of Southeast Norway, Bø, Norway
| | - Hans Christian Utkilen
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University College of Southeast Norway, Bø, Norway
| | - Tim Hofer
- Department of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway.
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18
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Mitropoulos K, Merkouri Papadima E, Xiromerisiou G, Balasopoulou A, Charalampidou K, Galani V, Zafeiri KV, Dardiotis E, Ralli S, Deretzi G, John A, Kydonopoulou K, Papadopoulou E, di Pardo A, Akcimen F, Loizedda A, Dobričić V, Novaković I, Kostić VS, Mizzi C, Peters BA, Basak N, Orrù S, Kiskinis E, Cooper DN, Gerou S, Drmanac R, Bartsakoulia M, Tsermpini EE, Hadjigeorgiou GM, Ali BR, Katsila T, Patrinos GP. Genomic variants in the FTO gene are associated with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Greek patients. Hum Genomics 2017; 11:30. [PMID: 29216901 PMCID: PMC5721583 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-017-0126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease whose complex pathology has been associated with a strong genetic component in the context of both familial and sporadic disease. Herein, we adopted a next-generation sequencing approach to Greek patients suffering from sporadic ALS (together with their healthy counterparts) in order to explore further the genetic basis of sporadic ALS (sALS). RESULTS Whole-genome sequencing analysis of Greek sALS patients revealed a positive association between FTO and TBC1D1 gene variants and sALS. Further, linkage disequilibrium analyses were suggestive of a specific disease-associated haplotype for FTO gene variants. Genotyping for these variants was performed in Greek, Sardinian, and Turkish sALS patients. A lack of association between FTO and TBC1D1 variants and sALS in patients of Sardinian and Turkish descent may suggest a founder effect in the Greek population. FTO was found to be highly expressed in motor neurons, while in silico analyses predicted an impact on FTO and TBC1D1 mRNA splicing for the genomic variants in question. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to present a possible association between FTO gene variants and the genetic etiology of sALS. In addition, the next-generation sequencing-based genomics approach coupled with the two-step validation strategy described herein has the potential to be applied to other types of human complex genetic disorders in order to identify variants of clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleni Merkouri Papadima
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Angeliki Balasopoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Charalampidou
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Galani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Styliani Ralli
- School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | | | - Anne John
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | | | | | - Alba di Pardo
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fulya Akcimen
- Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation, NDAL, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Annalisa Loizedda
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,CNR IRGB, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valerija Dobričić
- Institute of Neurology CCS, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Novaković
- Institute of Neurology CCS, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir S Kostić
- Institute of Neurology CCS, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Clint Mizzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Brock A Peters
- Complete Genomics Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA.,BGI Shenzhen, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Nazli Basak
- Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation, NDAL, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sandro Orrù
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Evangelos Kiskinis
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Spyridon Gerou
- ANALYSI Diagnostic Laboratories S.A, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Marina Bartsakoulia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Evangelia-Eirini Tsermpini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Bassam R Ali
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Theodora Katsila
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - George P Patrinos
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Campus, Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece. .,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE.
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19
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Onshore Wind Speed Modulates Microbial Aerosols along an Urban Waterfront. ATMOSPHERE 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos8110215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Dunlop RA, Powell J, Guillemin GJ, Cox PA. Mechanisms of L-Serine Neuroprotection in vitro Include ER Proteostasis Regulation. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:123-132. [PMID: 29098664 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9829-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) is a neurotoxic non-protein amino acid produced by cyanobacteria. Recently, chronic dietary exposure to L-BMAA was shown to trigger neuropathology in nonhuman primates consistent with Guamanian ALS/PDC, a paralytic disease that afflicts Chamorro villagers who consume traditional food items contaminated with L-BMAA. However, the addition of the naturally occurring amino acid L-serine to the diet of the nonhuman primates resulted in a significant reduction in ALS/PDC neuropathology. L-serine is a dietary amino acid that plays a crucial role in central nervous system development, neuronal signaling, and synaptic plasticity and has been shown to impart neuroprotection from L-BMAA-induced neurotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo. We have previously shown that L-serine prevents the formation of autofluorescent aggregates and death by apoptosis in human cell lines and primary cells. These effects are likely imparted by L-serine blocking incorporation of L-BMAA into proteins hence preventing proteotoxic stress. However, there are likely other mechanisms for L-serine-mediated neuroprotection. Here, we explore the molecular mechanisms of L-serine neuroprotection using a human unfolded protein response real-time PCR array with genes from the ER stress and UPR pathways, and western blotting. We report that L-serine caused the differential expression of many of the same genes as L-BMAA, even though concentrations of L-serine in the culture medium were ten times lower than that of L-BMAA. We propose that L-serine may be functioning as a small proteostasis regulator, in effect altering the cells to quickly respond to a possible oxidative insult, thus favoring a return to homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Dunlop
- Brain Chemistry Labs, The Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA.,Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J Powell
- Brain Chemistry Labs, The Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - G J Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P A Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, The Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA.
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21
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Lo Bello M, Di Fini F, Notaro A, Spataro R, Conforti FL, La Bella V. ALS-Related Mutant FUS Protein Is Mislocalized to Cytoplasm and Is Recruited into Stress Granules of Fibroblasts from Asymptomatic FUS P525L Mutation Carriers. NEURODEGENER DIS 2017; 17:292-303. [PMID: 29035885 DOI: 10.1159/000480085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) shows a strong genetic basis, with SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, and C9ORF72 being the genes most frequently involved. This has allowed identification of asymptomatic mutation carriers, which may be of help in understanding the molecular changes preceding disease onset. OBJECTIVES We studied the cellular expression of FUS protein and the effect of heat-shock- and dithiothreitol-induced stress in fibroblasts from FUS P525L mutation carriers, healthy controls, and patients with sporadic ALS. METHODS Western blots and immunocytochemistry were performed to study the subcellular localization of FUS protein. Control and stressed cells were double stained with FUS and the stress marker TIA-R. RESULTS Fibroblasts from healthy controls and sporadic ALS cases showed a prominent nuclear FUS expression. In the 2 FUS P525L mutation carriers, instead, most cells showed a protein localization in both nucleus and cytoplasm, or exclusively in the cytoplasm. Stress prompted the formation of cytoplasmic granules in all subjects and in sporadic ALS FUS mislocalization to the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic FUS was recruited into stress granules, which showed a time-dependent decrease in all subjects. However, in the FUS P525L fibroblasts, the granules persisted longer, and they were more numerous than those detected in the cells from controls and sporadic ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS We show that in fibroblasts of FUS P525L mutation carriers, FUS mislocalized to the cytoplasm where it redistributed into stress granules with likely a dose effect, i.e. a higher number of cells with granules, which persist longer, than in controls and ALS cases. These data represent an early molecular change occurring before ALS onset, suggesting a transient preaggregative state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Lo Bello
- ALS Clinical Research Center and Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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22
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Hardiman O, Al-Chalabi A, Chio A, Corr EM, Logroscino G, Robberecht W, Shaw PJ, Simmons Z, van den Berg LH. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2017; 3:17071. [PMID: 28980624 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 766] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease, is characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. Until recently, ALS was classified primarily within the neuromuscular domain, although new imaging and neuropathological data have indicated the involvement of the non-motor neuraxis in disease pathology. In most patients, the mechanisms underlying the development of ALS are poorly understood, although a subset of patients have familial disease and harbour mutations in genes that have various roles in neuronal function. Two possible disease-modifying therapies that can slow disease progression are available for ALS, but patient management is largely mediated by symptomatic therapies, such as the use of muscle relaxants for spasticity and speech therapy for dysarthria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Room 5.41 Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adriano Chio
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emma M Corr
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Room 5.41 Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Wim Robberecht
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Department of Neurology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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23
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Bowling LC, Shaikh M, Brayan J, Malthus T. An evaluation of a handheld spectroradiometer for the near real-time measurement of cyanobacteria for bloom management purposes. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:495. [PMID: 28887739 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6205-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A commercially available handheld spectroradiometer, the WISP-3, was assessed as a tool for monitoring freshwater cyanobacterial blooms for management purposes. Three small eutrophic urban ponds which displayed considerable within-pond and between-pond variability in water quality and cyanobacterial community composition were used as trial sites. On-board algorithms provide field measurements of phycocyanin (CPC) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) from surface reflectance spectra measured by the instrument. These were compared with laboratory measurements. Although significant but weak relationships were found between WISP-3 measured CPC and cyanobacterial biovolume measurements and WISP-3 and laboratory Chl-a measurements, there was considerable scatter in the data due likely to error in both WISP-3 and laboratory measurements. The relationships generally differed only slightly between ponds, indicating that different cyanobacterial communities had little effect on the pigment retrievals of the WISP-3. The on-board algorithms need appropriate modification for local conditions, posing a problem if it is to be used extensively across water bodies with differing optical properties. Although suffering a range of other limitations, the WISP-3 has a potential as a rapid screening tool for preliminary risk assessment of cyanobacterial blooms. However, such field assessment would still require adequate support by sampling and laboratory-based analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee C Bowling
- DPI Water, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Private Bag 4008, Narellan, NSW, 2567, Australia.
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- , 3 Shrike Place, Ingleburn, NSW, 2565, Australia.
| | - Mustak Shaikh
- DPI Water, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 5123, Parramatta, NSW, 2124, Australia
| | - John Brayan
- DPI Water, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Private Bag 4008, Narellan, NSW, 2567, Australia
| | - Tim Malthus
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia
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24
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Laugeray A, Oummadi A, Jourdain C, Feat J, Meyer-Dilhet G, Menuet A, Plé K, Gay M, Routier S, Mortaud S, Guillemin GJ. Perinatal Exposure to the Cyanotoxin β-N-Méthylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA) Results in Long-Lasting Behavioral Changes in Offspring-Potential Involvement of DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:87-112. [PMID: 28879461 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9802-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that perinatal exposure to the glutamate-related herbicide, glufosinate ammonium, has deleterious effects on neural stem cell (NSC) homeostasis within the sub-ventricular zone (SVZ), probably leading to ASD-like symptoms in offspring later in life. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether perinatal exposure to another glutamate-related toxicant, the cyanobacterial amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), might also trigger neurodevelopmental disturbances. With this aim, female mice were intranasally exposed to low doses of BMAA, 50 mg kg-1 three times a week from embryonic days 7-10 to postnatal day 21. Behavioral analyses were performed during the offspring's early life and during adulthood. Developmental analyses revealed that perinatal exposure to BMAA hastened the appearance of some reflexes and communicative skills. BMAA-exposed offspring displayed sex-dependent changes in emotional cognition shortly after exposure. Later in life, the female offspring continued to express emotional defects and to display abnormal sociability, while males were less affected. To assess whether early exposure to BMAA had deleterious effects on NSC homeostasis, we exposed mice NSCs to 1 and 3 mM BMAA during 24 h. We found that BMAA-exposed NSCs produced high levels of ROS, highlighting the ability of BMAA to induce oxidative stress. We also showed that BMAA exposure increased the number of γH2AX/53BP1 foci per nucleus, suggesting that BMAA-induced DNA damage in NSCs. Collectively, this data strongly suggests that perinatal exposure to the cyanobacteria BMAA, even at low doses, results in neurobehavioral disturbances during both the postnatal period and adulthood. This is considered to be underpinned at the cellular level through dysregulation of NSC homeostasis in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Laugeray
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), UMR 7355, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 3b, rue de la Férollerie, 45071, Orléans, France. .,University of Orléans, Orléans, France.
| | | | | | - Justyne Feat
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), UMR 7355, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 3b, rue de la Férollerie, 45071, Orléans, France
| | - Géraldine Meyer-Dilhet
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), UMR 7355, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 3b, rue de la Férollerie, 45071, Orléans, France
| | - Arnaud Menuet
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), UMR 7355, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 3b, rue de la Férollerie, 45071, Orléans, France.,University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Karen Plé
- University of Orléans, Orléans, France.,Institute de Chimie Organique et Analytique, UMR 7311, Center National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France
| | - Marion Gay
- University of Orléans, Orléans, France.,Institute de Chimie Organique et Analytique, UMR 7311, Center National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France
| | - Sylvain Routier
- University of Orléans, Orléans, France.,Institute de Chimie Organique et Analytique, UMR 7311, Center National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France
| | - Stéphane Mortaud
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics (INEM), UMR 7355, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 3b, rue de la Férollerie, 45071, Orléans, France. .,University of Orléans, Orléans, France.
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, MND and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Center, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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Main BJ, Rodgers KJ. Assessing the Combined Toxicity of BMAA and Its Isomers 2,4-DAB and AEG In Vitro Using Human Neuroblastoma Cells. Neurotox Res 2017. [PMID: 28634653 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9763-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The non-protein amino acid (NPAA) ß-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is produced by a diverse range of cyanobacteria, diatoms and dinoflagellates, and is present in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems globally. Exposure to BMAA has been implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). BMAA is often found in nature along with its structural isomers 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) and aminoethylglycine (AEG); however, the toxicity of these NPAAs in combination has not been examined. We have previously demonstrated that BMAA induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and increases caspase and cathepsin activity in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), effects consistent with proteotoxic stress due to disturbances in protein synthesis, folding or turnover. The current study investigates whether 2,4-DAB and AEG share a similar mechanism of toxicity to BMAA, and if simultaneous exposure of cells to BMAA and its isomers results in increased toxicity in vitro. We show that a 48-h treatment with both 500 μM BMAA and 2,4-DAB decreases cell viability in vitro whereas AEG was not cytotoxic under the same conditions. Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with 2,4-DAB did not increase expression of ER stress markers. Combined treatment of cells with BMAA and 2,4-DAB resulted in increased caspase activity and increased apoptosis above that of BMAA or 2,4-DAB on their own. These results suggest that 2,4-DAB does not share the same mechanism of toxicity as BMAA but the presence of 2,4-DAB increases the toxicity of BMAA to human cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Main
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Kenneth J Rodgers
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Cox PA, Kostrzewa RM, Guillemin GJ. BMAA and Neurodegenerative Illness. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:178-183. [PMID: 28540663 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9753-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The cyanobacterial toxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) now appears to be a cause of Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS/PDC). Its production by cyanobacteria throughout the world combined with multiple mechanisms of BMAA neurotoxicity, particularly to vulnerable subpopulations of motor neurons, has significantly increased interest in investigating exposure to this non-protein amino acid as a possible risk factor for other forms of neurodegenerative illness. We here provide a brief overview of BMAA studies and provide an introduction to this collection of scientific manuscripts in this special issue on BMAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Alan Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, PO Box 3464, Jackson Hole, WY, 83001, USA.
| | - Richard M Kostrzewa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70577, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Macquarie University, MND Research Centre, FMHS, 2 Technology Place, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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Crawford A, Holliday J, Merrick C, Brayan J, van Asten M, Bowling L. Use of three monitoring approaches to manage a major Chrysosporum ovalisporum bloom in the Murray River, Australia, 2016. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:202. [PMID: 28364328 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-5916-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
An unusual bloom of Chrysosporum ovalisporum (basionym Aphanizomenon ovalisporum) occurred for the first time in the Murray River and distributary rivers in New South Wales, Australia, from mid-February to early June 2016. At its greatest extent, it contaminated a combined river length of ca. 2360 km. Chrysosporum ovalisporum usually comprised >99% of the total bloom biovolume at most locations sampled, which at times exceeded 40 mm3 l-1. The origins of the bloom were most likely reservoirs on the upper Murray River, with cyanobacterial-infested water released from them contaminating the river systems downstream. An integrated approach using three analytical methods: (1) identification and enumeration by microscopy, (2) multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and (3) toxin analysis, was used to obtain data for the assessment of risk to water users and management of the bloom. qPCR indicated some cyrA and stxA genes responsible for cylindrospermopsin and saxitoxin biosynthesis respectively were present, but mostly below the level of quantification. No mcyE genes for microcystin biosynthesis were detected. Toxin analysis also revealed that cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxin and microcystin were all below detection. Lack of measurable toxicity in a species usually considered a cylindrospermopsin producer elsewhere meant the possibility of relaxing management guidelines; however, high (Red) alerts needed to be maintained due to risk to water users from other biohazards potentially produced by the cyanobacteria such as contact irritants. A three-tiered monitoring strategy is suggested for monitoring cyanobacterial blooms to provide enhanced data for bloom management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Crawford
- DPI Water, Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Private Bag 4008, Narellan, NSW, 2568, Australia
| | - Jon Holliday
- DPI Water, Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Private Bag 4008, Narellan, NSW, 2568, Australia
| | - Chester Merrick
- DPI Water, Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 829, Albury, NSW, 2640, Australia
- Water NSW, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - John Brayan
- DPI Water, Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Private Bag 4008, Narellan, NSW, 2568, Australia
| | - Mark van Asten
- Diagnostic Technology, 7 Narabang Way, Belrose, NSW, 2085, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Lee Bowling
- DPI Water, Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Private Bag 4008, Narellan, NSW, 2568, Australia.
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- , 3 Shrike Place, Ingleburn, NSW, 2565, Australia.
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Abstract
ALS is a relentless neurodegenerative disease in which motor neurons are the susceptible neuronal population. Their death results in progressive paresis of voluntary and respiratory muscles. The unprecedented rate of discoveries over the last two decades have broadened our knowledge of genetic causes and helped delineate molecular pathways. Here we critically review ALS epidemiology, genetics, pathogenic mechanisms, available animal models, and iPS cell technologies with a focus on their translational therapeutic potential. Despite limited clinical success in treatments to date, the new discoveries detailed here offer new models for uncovering disease mechanisms as well as novel strategies for intervention.
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Chernoff N, Hill DJ, Diggs DL, Faison BD, Francis BM, Lang JR, Larue MM, Le TT, Loftin KA, Lugo JN, Schmid JE, Winnik WM. A critical review of the postulated role of the non-essential amino acid, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine, in neurodegenerative disease in humans. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:1-47. [PMID: 28598725 PMCID: PMC6503681 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1297592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The compound BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine) has been postulated to play a significant role in four serious neurological human diseases: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC) found on Guam, and ALS, Parkinsonism, and dementia that occur globally. ALS/PDC with symptoms of all three diseases first came to the attention of the scientific community during and after World War II. It was initially associated with cycad flour used for food because BMAA is a product of symbiotic cycad root-dwelling cyanobacteria. Human consumption of flying foxes that fed on cycad seeds was later suggested as a source of BMAA on Guam and a cause of ALS/PDC. Subsequently, the hypothesis was expanded to include a causative role for BMAA in other neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD) through exposures attributed to proximity to freshwaters and/or consumption of seafood due to its purported production by most species of cyanobacteria. The hypothesis that BMAA is the critical factor in the genesis of these neurodegenerative diseases received considerable attention in the medical, scientific, and public arenas. This review examines the history of ALS/PDC and the BMAA-human disease hypotheses; similarities and differences between ALS/PDC and the other diseases with similar symptomologies; the relationship of ALS/PDC to other similar diseases, studies of BMAA-mediated effects in lab animals, inconsistencies and data gaps in the hypothesis; and other compounds and agents that were suggested as the cause of ALS/PDC on Guam. The review concludes that the hypothesis of a causal BMAA neurodegenerative disease relationship is not supported by existing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Chernoff
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - D. J. Hill
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - D. L. Diggs
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Internship/Research Participation Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - B. D. Faison
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology, Washington, DC, USA
| | - B. M. Francis
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL, USA
| | - J. R Lang
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Internship/Research Participation Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - M. M. Larue
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Internship/Research Participation Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - T.-T. Le
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Internship/Research Participation Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - J. N. Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - J. E. Schmid
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - W. M. Winnik
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Bowling LC, Zamyadi A, Henderson RK. Assessment of in situ fluorometry to measure cyanobacterial presence in water bodies with diverse cyanobacterial populations. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 105:22-33. [PMID: 27592302 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A YSI EXO2 water quality sonde fitted with fluorometric sensors for chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and phycocyanin (CPC) was used to determine its applicability in cyanobacterial quantification in three small urban ponds in Sydney, Australia displaying considerable variations in cyanobacterial community composition and abundance, as well as eukaryotic algae, turbidity and chromophoric dissolved organic matter. CPC and Chl-a measured in situ with the instrument was compared against laboratory measures of cyanobacterial biovolume over two summer sampling periods. A good correlation was found between CPC and total cyanobacterial biovolume in two of the three ponds. The poor correlation in the third was due to the frequent dominance of picoplanktonic sized cyanobacteria. CPC did not correlate well with cell counts, and Chl-a was a poor measure of cyanobacterial presence. The relationship between CPC measured by fluorometry varied according to the dominant cyanobacterial taxa present in the ponds at any one time. Fluorometry has good potential for use in environmental monitoring of cyanobacterial biovolume, but may need to be based on predetermined relations applicable to local water bodies. Management guidelines based on CPC concentrations would also enhance the usefulness of in situ CPC measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee C Bowling
- DPI Water, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Private Bag 4008, Narellan, New South Wales, 2567, Australia; Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
| | - Arash Zamyadi
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; The bioMASS Lab, School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
| | - Rita K Henderson
- The bioMASS Lab, School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
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Cox PA, Davis DA, Mash DC, Metcalf JS, Banack SA. Dietary exposure to an environmental toxin triggers neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid deposits in the brain. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:rspb.2015.2397. [PMID: 26791617 PMCID: PMC4795023 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.2397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and β-amyloid plaques are the neurological hallmarks of both Alzheimer's disease and an unusual paralytic illness suffered by Chamorro villagers on the Pacific island of Guam. Many Chamorros with the disease suffer dementia, and in some villages one-quarter of the adults perished from the disease. Like Alzheimer's, the causal factors of Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS/PDC) are poorly understood. In replicated experiments, we found that chronic dietary exposure to a cyanobacterial toxin present in the traditional Chamorro diet, β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), triggers the formation of both NFT and β-amyloid deposits similar in structure and density to those found in brain tissues of Chamorros who died with ALS/PDC. Vervets (Chlorocebus sabaeus) fed for 140 days with BMAA-dosed fruit developed NFT and sparse β-amyloid deposits in the brain. Co-administration of the dietary amino acid l-serine with l-BMAA significantly reduced the density of NFT. These findings indicate that while chronic exposure to the environmental toxin BMAA can trigger neurodegeneration in vulnerable individuals, increasing the amount of l-serine in the diet can reduce the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David A Davis
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Deborah C Mash
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Levine TD, Miller RG, Bradley WG, Moore DH, Saperstein DS, Flynn LE, Katz JS, Forshew DA, Metcalf JS, Banack SA, Cox PA. Phase I clinical trial of safety of L-serine for ALS patients. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 18:107-111. [PMID: 27589995 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2016.1221971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We performed a randomized, double-blind phase I clinical trial for six months on the effects of oral L-serine in patients with ALS. The protocol called for enrollment of patients with a diagnosis of probable or definite ALS, age 18-85 years, disease duration of less than three years and forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥ 60%. Patients were randomly assigned to four different oral twice-daily dose regimens (0.5, 2.5, 7.5, or 15 g/dose). Blood, urine and CSF samples, ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores and forced vital capacity (FVC) were obtained throughout the trial. Disease progression was compared with matched historical placebo controls from five previous ALS therapeutic trials. Of 20 patients enrolled, one withdrew before receiving study drug and two withdrew with gastro-intestinal problems. Three patients died during the trial. L-serine was generally well tolerated by the patients and L-serine did not appear to accelerate functional decline of patients as measured by slope of their ALSFRS-R scores. Based on this small study, L-serine appears to be generally safe for patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd D Levine
- a Phoenix Neurological Associates , Phoenix , Arizona
| | - Robert G Miller
- b Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center, California Pacific Medical Center , San Francisco , California
| | - Walter G Bradley
- c Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine , University of Miami , Miami , Florida , and
| | - Dan H Moore
- b Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center, California Pacific Medical Center , San Francisco , California
| | | | - Lynne E Flynn
- a Phoenix Neurological Associates , Phoenix , Arizona
| | - Jonathan S Katz
- b Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center, California Pacific Medical Center , San Francisco , California
| | - Dallas A Forshew
- b Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center, California Pacific Medical Center , San Francisco , California
| | - James S Metcalf
- d Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine , Jackson , Wyoming , USA
| | - Sandra A Banack
- d Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine , Jackson , Wyoming , USA
| | - Paul A Cox
- d Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine , Jackson , Wyoming , USA
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Mehta P, Kaye W, Bryan L, Larson T, Copeland T, Wu J, Muravov O, Horton K. Prevalence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - United States, 2012-2013. MMWR. SURVEILLANCE SUMMARIES : MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT. SURVEILLANCE SUMMARIES 2016; 65:1-12. [PMID: 27490513 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.ss6508a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM/CONDITION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease for which no cure or viable treatment has been identified. ALS, like most noncommunicable diseases, is not a nationally notifiable disease in the United States. The prevalence of ALS in the United States during 2010-2011 was estimated to be 3.9 cases per 100,000 persons in the general population. Updated prevalence estimates are needed to help monitor disease status, better understand etiology, and identify risk factors for ALS. PERIOD COVERED 2012-2013. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM The National ALS Registry, established in 2009, collects data on ALS patients in the United States to better describe the incidence and prevalence of ALS, examine risk factors such as environmental and occupational exposures, and characterize the demographics of those living with ALS. To identify prevalent cases of ALS, data are compiled from four national administrative databases (maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Veterans Health Administration, and the Veterans Benefits Administration). To identify cases not included in these databases and to better understand risk-factors associated with ALS and disease progression, the Registry also includes data that are collected from patients who voluntarily enroll and complete online surveys. RESULTS During 2012 and 2013, the Registry identified 14,713 and 15,908 persons, respectively, who met the surveillance case definition of ALS. The estimated ALS prevalence rate was 4.7 cases per 100,000 U.S. population for 2012 and 5.0 per 100,000 for 2013. Due to revisions to the algorithm and use of death data from the National Death Index, an updated prevalence estimate has been calculated retrospectively for October 19, 2010-December 31, 2011. This updated estimate showed a prevalence rate of 4.3 per 100,000 population and a total of 13,282 cases. Since the inception of the Registry, the pattern of characteristics (e.g., age, sex, and race/ethnicity) among persons with ALS have remained unchanged. Overall, ALS was more common among whites, males, and persons aged 60-69 years. The age groups with the lowest number of ALS cases were persons aged 18-39 years and those aged ≥80 years. Males had a higher prevalence rate of ALS than females overall and across all data sources. These findings remained consistent during October 2010-December 2013. INTERPRETATION The Registry is the only available data source that can be used to estimate the national prevalence for ALS in the United States. Use of both administrative national databases and self-report from patients enables a comprehensive approach to estimate ALS prevalence. The overall increase in the prevalence rate from 4.3 per 100,000 persons (revised) during 2010-2011 to 4.7 and 5.0 per 100,000 persons, respectively, during 2012-2013 likely is not an actual increase in the number of ALS cases. Rather, this increase might be attributed to improved case ascertainment due to the refinement of the algorithm used to identify definite ALS cases, along with an increased public awareness of the Registry. Registry estimates of ALS prevalence are consistent with findings from long-established ALS registries in Europe and from smaller-scale epidemiologic studies previously conducted in the United States. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS Data collected by the National ALS Registry are being used to better describe the epidemiology of ALS in the United States and to help facilitate research. The combined approach of using national administrative databases and a self-enrollment web portal to collect data is novel and potentially could be used for other non-notifiable diseases such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. Increased public awareness of the Registry might lead to more ALS cases being identified from the secure web portal (https://www.cdc.gov/als), which can ascertain cases apart from the national administrative databases. For example, in 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, a social media-centered campaign, received extensive public visibility and created increased awareness of ALS. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) works closely with ALS advocacy and support groups, researchers, health care professionals, and others to promote the National ALS Registry and to identify all cases of ALS in the United States. In addition to estimating the prevalence of ALS, the Registry is being used to collect specimens from patient enrollees through a new biorepository, connect patient enrollees with new clinical trials and epidemiologic studies, and fund studies to help learn more about the etiology of ALS. Additional information about the National ALS Registry is available at http://www.cdc.gov/als or by calling toll-free at 1-877-442-9719.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Mehta
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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Chatziefthimiou AD, Metcalf JS, Glover WB, Banack SA, Dargham SR, Richer RA. Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins are present in drinking water impoundments and groundwater wells in desert environments. Toxicon 2016; 114:75-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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35
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Berdalet E, Fleming LE, Gowen R, Davidson K, Hess P, Backer LC, Moore SK, Hoagland P, Enevoldsen H. Marine harmful algal blooms, human health and wellbeing: challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 2015; 2015:10.1017/S0025315415001733. [PMID: 26692586 PMCID: PMC4676275 DOI: 10.1017/s0025315415001733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Microalgal blooms are a natural part of the seasonal cycle of photosynthetic organisms in marine ecosystems. They are key components of the structure and dynamics of the oceans and thus sustain the benefits that humans obtain from these aquatic environments. However, some microalgal blooms can cause harm to humans and other organisms. These harmful algal blooms (HABs) have direct impacts on human health and negative influences on human wellbeing, mainly through their consequences to coastal ecosystem services (fisheries, tourism and recreation) and other marine organisms and environments. HABs are natural phenomena, but these events can be favoured by anthropogenic pressures in coastal areas. Global warming and associated changes in the oceans could affect HAB occurrences and toxicity as well, although forecasting the possible trends is still speculative and requires intensive multidisciplinary research. At the beginning of the 21st century, with expanding human populations, particularly in coastal and developing countries, mitigating HABs impacts on human health and wellbeing is becoming a more pressing public health need. The available tools to address this global challenge include maintaining intensive, multidisciplinary and collaborative scientific research, and strengthening the coordination with stakeholders, policymakers and the general public. Here we provide an overview of different aspects of the HABs phenomena, an important element of the intrinsic links between oceans and human health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Berdalet
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lora E Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3HD, UK
| | - Richard Gowen
- Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK ; Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Keith Davidson
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Philipp Hess
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Phycotoxines, BP21105, Rue de l'lle d'Yeu, 44311 Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Lorraine C Backer
- National Center for Environmental Health, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS F-60, Chamblee, GA 30341
| | - Stephanie K Moore
- University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Joint Office for Science Support. Visiting Scientist at Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Porter Hoagland
- Marine Policy Center, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Henrik Enevoldsen
- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, IOC Science and Communication Centre on Harmful Algae, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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36
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Salomonsson ML, Fredriksson E, Alfjorden A, Hedeland M, Bondesson U. Seafood sold in Sweden contains BMAA: A study of free and total concentrations with UHPLC-MS/MS and dansyl chloride derivatization. Toxicol Rep 2015; 2:1473-1481. [PMID: 28962490 PMCID: PMC5598248 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is a potential neurotoxin associated with the aquatic environment. Validated analytical methods for the quantification of both free and total concentrations of BMAA were used in an investigation of seafood purchased from different grocery stores in Uppsala, Sweden. The analysis was performed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) and detection of BMAA as a dansyl derivate. The determined concentrations of free BMAA (after a simple trichloroacetic acid extraction) in mussels and scallops were up to 0.46 μg g-1 wet homogenate. The total BMAA (after hydrochloric acid hydrolysis) levels were between 0.29 and 7.08 μg g-1 wet mussel homogenate. The highest concentration of total BMAA was found in imported cooked and canned mussels which contained about ten times the quantity of BMAA measured in domestic cooked and frozen mussels. In this study it was also concluded that BMAA could be detected in seafood origin from four different continents. The risks associated with human exposure to BMAA through food are unknown today. However, the results of this study show that imported seafood in Sweden contain BMAA, indicating that this area needs more investigation, including a risk assessment regarding the consumption of e.g., mussels, scallops and crab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda L. Salomonsson
- Section of Chemical Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Uppsala University, BMC, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Fredriksson
- Section of Chemical Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Alfjorden
- Section of Fish, Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael Hedeland
- Section of Chemical Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Uppsala University, BMC, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulf Bondesson
- Section of Chemical Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Uppsala University, BMC, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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Theme 8 Epidemiology. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 16 Suppl 1:146-59. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1098813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Beach DG, Kerrin ES, Quilliam MA. Selective quantitation of the neurotoxin BMAA by use of hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-DMS-MS/MS). Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 407:8397-409. [PMID: 26396078 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-9012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been reported in cyanobacteria and shellfish, raising concerns about widespread human exposure. However, inconsistent results for BMAA analysis have led to controversy. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the most appropriate method for analysis of BMAA, but the risk of interference from isomers, other sample components, and the electrospray background is still present. We have investigated differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) as an ion filter to improve selectivity in the hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic (HILIC)-MS/MS determination of BMAA. We obtained standards for two BMAA isomers not previously analyzed by HILIC-MS, β-amino-N-methylalanine and 3,4-diaminobutanoic acid, and the typically used 2,4-diaminobutanoic acid and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine. DMS separation of BMAA from these isomers was achieved and optimized conditions were used to develop a sensitive and highly selective multidimensional HILIC-DMS-MS/MS method. This work revealed current technical limitations of DMS for trace quantitation, and practical solutions were implemented. Accurate control of low levels of DMS carrier gas modifier was essential, but required external metering. The linearity of our optimized method was excellent from 0.01 to 6 μmol L(-1). The instrumental LOD was 0.4 pg BMAA injected on-column and the estimated method LOD was 20 ng g(-1) dry weight for BMAA in sample matrix. The method was used to analyze cycad plant tissue, a cyanobacterial reference material, and mussel tissues, by use of isotope-dilution quantitation with deuterated BMAA. This confirmed the presence of BMAA and several of its isomers in cycad and mussel tissues, including commercially available mussel tissue reference materials certified for other biotoxins. Graphical Abstract Differential Mobility Spectrometry is used to increases the selectivity of BMAA analysis by HILIC-MS/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Beach
- Measurement Science and Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada.
| | - Elliott S Kerrin
- Measurement Science and Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 6274 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Michael A Quilliam
- Measurement Science and Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 6274 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
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A Multiscale Mapping Assessment of Lake Champlain Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:11560-78. [PMID: 26389930 PMCID: PMC4586691 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120911560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lake Champlain has bays undergoing chronic cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms that pose a public health threat. Monitoring and assessment tools need to be developed to support risk decision making and to gain a thorough understanding of bloom scales and intensities. In this research application, Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), Rapid Eye, and Proba Compact High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (CHRIS) images were obtained while a corresponding field campaign collected in situ measurements of water quality. Models including empirical band ratio regressions were applied to map chlorophyll-a and phycocyanin concentrations; all sensors performed well with R2 and root-mean-square error (RMSE) ranging from 0.76 to 0.88 and 0.42 to 1.51, respectively. The outcomes showed spatial patterns across the lake with problematic bays having phycocyanin concentrations >25 µg/L. An alert status metric tuned to the current monitoring protocol was generated using modeled water quality to illustrate how the remote sensing tools can inform a public health monitoring system. Among the sensors utilized in this study, Landsat 8 OLI holds the most promise for providing exposure information across a wide area given the resolutions, systematic observation strategy and free cost.
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Henry KA, Fagliano J, Jordan HM, Rechtman L, Kaye WE. Geographic Variation of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Incidence in New Jersey, 2009-2011. Am J Epidemiol 2015; 182:512-9. [PMID: 26041711 PMCID: PMC4564938 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwv095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Few analyses in the United States have examined geographic variation and socioeconomic disparities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) incidence, because of lack of population-based incidence data. In this analysis, we used population-based ALS data to identify whether ALS incidence clusters geographically and to determine whether ALS risk varies by area-based socioeconomic status (SES). This study included 493 incident ALS cases diagnosed (via El Escorial criteria) in New Jersey between 2009 and 2011. Geographic variation and clustering of ALS incidence was assessed using a spatial scan statistic and Bayesian geoadditive models. Poisson regression was used to estimate the associations between ALS risk and SES based on census-tract median income while controlling for age, sex, and race. ALS incidence varied across and within counties, but there were no statistically significant geographic clusters. SES was associated with ALS incidence. After adjustment for age, sex, and race, the relative risk of ALS was significantly higher (relative risk (RR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.82) in the highest income quartile than in the lowest. The relative risk of ALS was significantly lower among blacks (RR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.83) and Asians (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.97) than among whites. Our findings suggest that ALS incidence in New Jersey appears to be associated with SES and race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A. Henry
- Correspondence to Dr. Kevin A. Henry, Department of Geography and Urban Studies, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, Gladfelter Hall, Room 313b, Philadelphia, PA 19122 (e-mail: )
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Serrano T, Dupas R, Upegui E, Buscail C, Grimaldi C, Viel JF. Geographical modeling of exposure risk to cyanobacteria for epidemiological purposes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 81:18-25. [PMID: 25913322 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The cyanobacteria-derived neurotoxin β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) represents a plausible environmental trigger for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating and fatal neuromuscular disease. With the eutrophication of water bodies, cyanobacterial blooms and their toxins are becoming increasingly prevalent in France, especially in the Brittany region. Cyanobacteria are monitored at only a few recreational sites, preventing an estimation of exposure of the human population. By contrast, phosphorus, a limiting nutrient for cyanobacterial growth and thus considered a good proxy for cyanobacteria exposure, is monitored in many but not all surface water bodies. Our goal was to develop a geographic exposure indicator that could be used in epidemiological research. We considered the total phosphorus (TP) concentration (mg/L) of samples collected between October 2007 and September 2012 at 179 monitoring stations distributed throughout the Brittany region. Using readily available spatial data, we computed environmental descriptors at the watershed level with a Geographic Information System. Then, these descriptors were introduced into a backward stepwise linear regression model to predict the median TP concentration in unmonitored surface water bodies. TP concentrations in surface water follow an increasing gradient from West to East and inland to coast. The empirical concentration model included five predictor variables with a fair coefficient of determination (R(2) = 0.51). The specific total runoff and the watershed slope correlated negatively with the TP concentrations (p = 0.01 and p< 10(-9), respectively), whereas positive associations were found for the proportion of built-up area, the upstream presence of sewage treatment plants, and the algae volume as indicated by the Landsat red/green reflectance ratio (p < 0.01, p < 10(-6) and p < 0.01, respectively). Complementing the monitoring networks, this geographical modeling can help estimate TP concentrations at the watershed level, delivering a proxy for cyanobacteria exposure that can be used along with other risk factors in further ALS epidemiologic case-control studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Serrano
- INSERM-IRSET n° 1085, University of Rennes 1, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Rémi Dupas
- INRA, Agrocampus Ouest, n° 1069 SAS, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Erika Upegui
- Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Camille Buscail
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University Hospital, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | | | - Jean François Viel
- INSERM-IRSET n° 1085, University of Rennes 1, F-35000 Rennes, France; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University Hospital, F-35000 Rennes, France.
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Steinberg KM, Yu B, Koboldt DC, Mardis ER, Pamphlett R. Exome sequencing of case-unaffected-parents trios reveals recessive and de novo genetic variants in sporadic ALS. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9124. [PMID: 25773295 PMCID: PMC4360641 DOI: 10.1038/srep09124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of genetic variants to sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains largely unknown. Either recessive or de novo variants could result in an apparently sporadic occurrence of ALS. In an attempt to find such variants we sequenced the exomes of 44 ALS-unaffected-parents trios. Rare and potentially damaging compound heterozygous variants were found in 27% of ALS patients, homozygous recessive variants in 14% and coding de novo variants in 27%. In 20% of patients more than one of the above variants was present. Genes with recessive variants were enriched in nucleotide binding capacity, ATPase activity, and the dynein heavy chain. Genes with de novo variants were enriched in transcription regulation and cell cycle processes. This trio study indicates that rare private recessive variants could be a mechanism underlying some case of sporadic ALS, and that de novo mutations are also likely to play a part in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bing Yu
- Department of Medical Genomics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel C Koboldt
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Elaine R Mardis
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Roger Pamphlett
- The Stacey MND Laboratory, Department of Pathology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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An R, Xi J, Yang X, Yao X, Xu Y. No evidence of association between polymorphisms in four genes and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Han Chinese. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 16:245-8. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2014.999790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Cloutier F, Marrero A, O'Connell C, Morin P. MicroRNAs as potential circulating biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 56:102-12. [PMID: 25433762 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0471-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a condition primarily characterized by the selective loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Motor neuron loss gives rise to muscle tissue malfunctions, including weakness, spasticity, atrophy, and ultimately paralysis, with death typically due to respiratory failure within 2 to 5 years of symptoms' onset. The mean delay in time from presentation to diagnosis remains at over 1 year. Biomarkers are urgently needed to facilitate ALS diagnosis and prognosis as well as to act as indicators of therapeutic response in clinical trials. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that can influence posttranscriptional gene expression of a variety of transcript targets. Interestingly, miRNAs can be released into the circulation by pathologically affected tissues. This review presents therapeutic and diagnostic challenges associated with ALS, highlights the potential role of miRNAs in ALS, and discusses the diagnostic potential of these molecules in identifying ALS-specific miRNAs or in distinguishing between the various genotypic and phenotypic forms of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Cloutier
- Institut de l'Atlantique en Neurosciences Atlantic Institute, Vitalité Health Network, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dr Georges-L.-Dumont/Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Moncton, NB, Canada,
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Delzor A, Couratier P, Boumédiène F, Nicol M, Druet-Cabanac M, Paraf F, Méjean A, Ploux O, Leleu JP, Brient L, Lengronne M, Pichon V, Combès A, El Abdellaoui S, Bonneterre V, Lagrange E, Besson G, Bicout DJ, Boutonnat J, Camu W, Pageot N, Juntas-Morales R, Rigau V, Masseret E, Abadie E, Preux PM, Marin B. Searching for a link between the L-BMAA neurotoxin and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a study protocol of the French BMAALS programme. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e005528. [PMID: 25180055 PMCID: PMC4156816 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neurone disease. It occurs in two forms: (1) familial cases, for which several genes have been identified and (2) sporadic cases, for which various hypotheses have been formulated. Notably, the β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) toxin has been postulated to be involved in the occurrence of sporadic ALS. The objective of the French BMAALS programme is to study the putative link between L-BMAA and ALS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The programme covers the period from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2011. Using multiple sources of ascertainment, all the incident ALS cases diagnosed during this period in the area under study (10 counties spread over three French regions) were collected. First, the standardised incidence ratio will be calculated for each municipality under concern. Then, by applying spatial clustering techniques, overincidence and underincidence zones of ALS will be sought. A case-control study, in the subpopulation living in the identified areas, will gather information about patients' occupations, leisure activities and lifestyle habits in order to assess potential risk factors to which they are or have been exposed. Specimens of drinking water, food and biological material (brain tissue) will be examined to assess the presence of L-BMAA in the environment and tissues of ALS cases and controls. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been reviewed and approved by the French ethical committee of the CPP SOOM IV (Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud-Ouest & Outre-Mer IV). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Delzor
- Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR 1094, Limoges, France
- University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Centre national de la recherche scientifique FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Philippe Couratier
- Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR 1094, Limoges, France
- University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Centre national de la recherche scientifique FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, University Hospital Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - Farid Boumédiène
- Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR 1094, Limoges, France
- University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Centre national de la recherche scientifique FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Marie Nicol
- Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR 1094, Limoges, France
- University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Centre national de la recherche scientifique FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, University Hospital Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - Michel Druet-Cabanac
- Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR 1094, Limoges, France
- University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Centre national de la recherche scientifique FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, University Hospital Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - François Paraf
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, University Hospital Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - Annick Méjean
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Tomorrow's Energy Pack (LIED), CNRS UMR 8236, University Paris Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Ploux
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Tomorrow's Energy Pack (LIED), CNRS UMR 8236, University Paris Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Leleu
- Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR 1094, Limoges, France
- University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Centre national de la recherche scientifique FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Luc Brient
- UMR 6553 ECOBIO, Ecosystems—Biodiversity—Evolution, University Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Marion Lengronne
- UMR 6553 ECOBIO, Ecosystems—Biodiversity—Evolution, University Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Valérie Pichon
- Department of Analytical, Bioanalytical Sciences and Miniaturization (LSABM), UMR ESPCI-ParisTech-CNRS 8231 CBI, Paris, France
- University Sorbonne, University Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris, France
| | - Audrey Combès
- Department of Analytical, Bioanalytical Sciences and Miniaturization (LSABM), UMR ESPCI-ParisTech-CNRS 8231 CBI, Paris, France
- University Sorbonne, University Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris, France
| | - Saïda El Abdellaoui
- Department of Analytical, Bioanalytical Sciences and Miniaturization (LSABM), UMR ESPCI-ParisTech-CNRS 8231 CBI, Paris, France
- University Sorbonne, University Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris, France
| | - Vincent Bonneterre
- Environment and Health Prediction in Populations (EPSP), CNRS-TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525 UJF-Grenoble 1, Grenoble, France
| | - Emmeline Lagrange
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Gérard Besson
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Dominique J Bicout
- Environment and Health Prediction in Populations (EPSP), CNRS-TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525 UJF-Grenoble 1, Grenoble, France
- Biomathematics and Epidemiology, Environment and Health Prediction in Populations (EPSP), VetAgro Sup, Marcy-l'Etoile, France
| | - Jean Boutonnat
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - William Camu
- Motoneuron Diseases: Neuroinflammation and Therapy, INSERM UMR 1051, Neurosciences Institute, Montpellier, France
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, University Hospital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Pageot
- Motoneuron Diseases: Neuroinflammation and Therapy, INSERM UMR 1051, Neurosciences Institute, Montpellier, France
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, University Hospital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Raul Juntas-Morales
- Motoneuron Diseases: Neuroinflammation and Therapy, INSERM UMR 1051, Neurosciences Institute, Montpellier, France
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, University Hospital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Rigau
- Motoneuron Diseases: Neuroinflammation and Therapy, INSERM UMR 1051, Neurosciences Institute, Montpellier, France
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, University Hospital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Estelle Masseret
- UMR 5119 ECOSYM, Ecology of Coastal Marine Systems, UM2-CNRS-IRD-Ifremer-UM1, University Montpellier II, Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Abadie
- Environment Resources Laboratory/Languedoc-Roussillon, Ifremer, Sète, France
| | - Pierre-Marie Preux
- Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR 1094, Limoges, France
- University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Centre national de la recherche scientifique FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
- Department of Neurology, ALS Center, University Hospital Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - Benoît Marin
- Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR 1094, Limoges, France
- University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Centre national de la recherche scientifique FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
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Moloney EB, de Winter F, Verhaagen J. ALS as a distal axonopathy: molecular mechanisms affecting neuromuscular junction stability in the presymptomatic stages of the disease. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:252. [PMID: 25177267 PMCID: PMC4132373 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is being redefined as a distal axonopathy, in that many molecular changes influencing motor neuron degeneration occur at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) at very early stages of the disease prior to symptom onset. A huge variety of genetic and environmental causes have been associated with ALS, and interestingly, although the cause of the disease can differ, both sporadic and familial forms of ALS show a remarkable similarity in terms of disease progression and clinical manifestation. The NMJ is a highly specialized synapse, allowing for controlled signaling between muscle and nerve necessary for skeletal muscle function. In this review we will evaluate the clinical, animal experimental and cellular/molecular evidence that supports the idea of ALS as a distal axonopathy. We will discuss the early molecular mechanisms that occur at the NMJ, which alter the functional abilities of the NMJ. Specifically, we focus on the role of axon guidance molecules on the stability of the cytoskeleton and how these molecules may directly influence the cells of the NMJ in a way that may initiate or facilitate the dismantling of the neuromuscular synapse in the presymptomatic stages of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B. Moloney
- Department of Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and ScienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fred de Winter
- Department of Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and ScienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical CentreLeiden, Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Department of Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and ScienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
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Glover WB, Mash DC, Murch SJ. The natural non-protein amino acid N-β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is incorporated into protein during synthesis. Amino Acids 2014; 46:2553-9. [PMID: 25096519 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1812-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
N-β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is an amino acid produced by cyanobacteria and accumulated through trophic levels in the environment and natural food webs. Human exposure to BMAA has been linked to progressive neurodegenerative diseases, potentially due to incorporation of BMAA into protein. The insertion of BMAA and other non-protein amino acids into proteins may trigger protein misfunction, misfolding and/or aggregation. However, the specific mechanism by which BMAA is associated with proteins remained unidentified. Such studies are challenging because of the complexity of biological systems and samples. A cell-free in vitro protein synthesis system offers an excellent approach for investigation of changing amino acid composition in protein. In this study, we report that BMAA incorporates into protein as an error in synthesis when a template DNA sequence is used. Bicinchoninic acid assay of total protein synthesis determined that BMAA effectively substituted for alanine and serine in protein product. LC-MS/MS confirmed that BMAA was selectively inserted into proteins in place of other amino acids, but isomers N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) did not share this characteristic. Incorporation of BMAA into proteins was significantly higher when genomic DNA from post-mortem brain was the template. About half of BMAA in the synthetic proteins was released with denaturation with sodium dodecylsulfonate and dithiothreitol, but the remaining BMAA could only be released by acid hydrolysis. Together these data demonstrate that BMAA is incorporated into the amino acid backbone of proteins during synthesis and also associated with proteins through non-covalent bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Broc Glover
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 3247 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
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Yin HZ, Yu S, Hsu CI, Liu J, Acab A, Wu R, Tao A, Chiang BJ, Weiss JH. Intrathecal infusion of BMAA induces selective motor neuron damage and astrogliosis in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Exp Neurol 2014; 261:1-9. [PMID: 24918341 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) was first identified as a "toxin of interest" in regard to the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Parkinsonism Dementia Complex of Guam (ALS/PDC); studies in recent years highlighting widespread environmental sources of BMAA exposure and providing new clues to toxic mechanisms have suggested possible relevance to sporadic ALS as well. However, despite clear evidence of uptake into tissues and a range of toxic effects in cells and animals, an animal model in which BMAA induces a neurodegenerative picture resembling ALS is lacking, possibly in part reflecting limited understanding of critical factors pertaining to its absorption, biodistribution and metabolism. To bypass some of these issues and ensure delivery to a key site of disease pathology, we examined effects of prolonged (30day) intrathecal infusion in wild type (WT) rats, and rats harboring the familial ALS associated G93A SOD1 mutation, over an age range (80±2 to 110±2days) during which the G93A rats are developing disease pathology yet remain asymptomatic. The BMAA exposures induced changes that in many ways resemble those seen in the G93A rats, with degenerative changes in ventral horn motor neurons (MNs) with relatively little dorsal horn pathology, marked ventral horn astrogliosis and increased 3-nitrotyrosine labeling in and surrounding MNs, a loss of labeling for the astrocytic glutamate transporter, GLT-1, surrounding MNs, and mild accumulation and aggregation of TDP-43 in the cytosol of some injured and degenerating MNs. Thus, prolonged intrathecal infusion of BMAA can reproduce a picture in spinal cord incorporating many of the pathological hallmarks of diverse forms of human ALS, including substantial restriction of overt pathological changes to the ventral horn, consistent with the possibility that environmental BMAA exposure could be a risk factor and/or contributor to some human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Z Yin
- Department of Neurology, University of CA, Irvine, USA
| | - Stephen Yu
- Department of Neurology, University of CA, Irvine, USA
| | - Cheng-I Hsu
- Department of Neurology, University of CA, Irvine, USA
| | - Joe Liu
- Department of Neurology, University of CA, Irvine, USA
| | - Allan Acab
- Department of Neurology, University of CA, Irvine, USA
| | - Richard Wu
- Department of Neurology, University of CA, Irvine, USA
| | - Anna Tao
- Department of Neurology, University of CA, Irvine, USA
| | | | - John H Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of CA, Irvine, USA; Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of CA, Irvine, USA.
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Juntas-Morales R, Pageot N, Corcia P, Camu W. [Environmental factors in ALS]. Presse Med 2014; 43:549-54. [PMID: 24703731 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS is likely to be a disorder of multifactorial origin. Among all the factors that may increase the risk of ALS, environmental ones are being studied for many years, but in the recent years, several advances have pointed to a new interest in their potential involvement in the disease process, especially for the cyanotoxin BMAA. Food containing BMAA has been found on Guam, a well-known focus of ALS/parkinsonism/dementia and high levels of BMAA have been identified into the brain of these patients. The BMAA cyanotoxin is potentially ubiquitous and have also been found into the food of patients who died from ALS both in Europe and USA. BMAA can be wrongly integrated into the protein structure during mRNA traduction, competing with serine. This may induce abnormal protein folding and a subsequent cell death. Heavy metals, such as lead or mercury may be directly toxic for neuronal cells. Several works have suggested an increased risk of ALS in individuals chronically exposed to these metals. Exposure to pesticides has been suggested to be linked to an increased risk of developing ALS. The mechanism of their toxicity is likely to be mediated by paraoxonases. These proteins are in charge of detoxifying the organism from toxins, and particularly organophosphates. To date, there are insufficient scientific data to suggest that exposure to electromagnetic fields may increase the risk of having ALS. We are particularly missing longitudinal cohorts to demonstrate that risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Juntas-Morales
- Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, service de neurologie, clinique du motoneurone, Inserm 1051, 34925 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Nicolas Pageot
- Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, service de neurologie, clinique du motoneurone, Inserm 1051, 34925 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- CHRU de Tours, centre SLA, service de neurologie et neurophysiologie clinique, UMR Inserm U930, 37000 Tours, France
| | - William Camu
- Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, service de neurologie, clinique du motoneurone, Inserm 1051, 34925 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
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