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Gomez-Sequeda N, Jimenez-Del-Rio M, Velez-Pardo C. Combination of Tramiprosate, Curcumin, and SP600125 Reduces the Neuropathological Phenotype in Familial Alzheimer Disease PSEN1 I416T Cholinergic-like Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4925. [PMID: 38732141 PMCID: PMC11084854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is a complex and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder for which no curative therapies are yet available. Indeed, no single medication or intervention has proven fully effective thus far. Therefore, the combination of multitarget agents has been appealing as a potential therapeutic approach against FAD. Here, we investigated the potential of combining tramiprosate (TM), curcumin (CU), and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 (SP) as a treatment for FAD. The study analyzed the individual and combined effects of these two natural agents and this pharmacological inhibitor on the accumulation of intracellular amyloid beta iAβ; hyperphosphorylated protein TAU at Ser202/Thr205; mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm); generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); oxidized protein DJ-1; proapoptosis proteins p-c-JUN at Ser63/Ser73, TP53, and cleaved caspase 3 (CC3); and deficiency in acetylcholine (ACh)-induced transient Ca2+ influx response in cholinergic-like neurons (ChLNs) bearing the mutation I416T in presenilin 1 (PSEN1 I416T). We found that single doses of TM (50 μM), CU (10 μM), or SP (1 μM) were efficient at reducing some, but not all, pathological markers in PSEN 1 I416T ChLNs, whereas a combination of TM, CU, and SP at a high (50, 10, 1 μM) concentration was efficient in diminishing the iAβ, p-TAU Ser202/Thr205, DJ-1Cys106-SO3, and CC3 markers by -50%, -75%, -86%, and -100%, respectively, in PSEN1 I417T ChLNs. Although combinations at middle (10, 2, 0.2) and low (5, 1, 0.1) concentrations significantly diminished p-TAU Ser202/Thr205, DJ-1Cys106-SO3, and CC3 by -69% and -38%, -100% and -62%, -100% and -62%, respectively, these combinations did not alter the iAβ compared to untreated mutant ChLNs. Moreover, a combination of reagents at H concentration was able to restore the dysfunctional ACh-induced Ca2+ influx response in PSEN 1 I416T. Our data suggest that the use of multitarget agents in combination with anti-amyloid (TM, CU), antioxidant (e.g., CU), and antiapoptotic (TM, CU, SP) actions might be beneficial for reducing iAβ-induced ChLN damage in FAD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos Velez-Pardo
- Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, University of Antioquia, University Research Headquarters, Calle 62#52-59, Building 1, Laboratory 411/412, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (N.G.-S.); (M.J.-D.-R.)
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Park SY, Yang J, Yang H, Cho I, Kim JY, Bae H. Therapeutic Effects of Aβ-Specific Regulatory T Cells in Alzheimer's Disease: A Study in 5xFAD Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:783. [PMID: 38255856 PMCID: PMC10815725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The aging global population is placing an increasing burden on healthcare systems, and the social impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is on the rise. However, the availability of safe and effective treatments for AD remains limited. Adoptive Treg therapy has been explored for treating neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. To facilitate the clinical application of Treg therapy, we developed a Treg preparation protocol and highlighted the therapeutic effects of Tregs in 5xFAD mice. CD4+CD25+ Tregs, isolated after Aβ stimulation and expanded using a G-rex plate with a gas-permeable membrane, were adoptively transferred into 5xFAD mice. Behavioral analysis was conducted using Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. Additionally, we measured levels of Aβ, phosphorylated tau (pTAU), and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) in the hippocampus. Real-time RT-PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Our findings indicate that Aβ-specific Tregs not only improved cognitive function but also reduced Aβ and pTAU accumulation in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice. They also inhibited microglial neuroinflammation. These effects were observed at doses as low as 1.5 × 103 cells/head. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Aβ-specific Tregs can mitigate AD pathology in 5xFAD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Young Park
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.-Y.P.); (H.Y.)
| | - Juwon Yang
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.); (I.C.)
| | - Hyejin Yang
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.-Y.P.); (H.Y.)
| | - Inhee Cho
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.); (I.C.)
| | - Jae Yoon Kim
- Institute of Life Science & Biotechnology, VT Bio. Co., Ltd., 16 Samseong-ro 76-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06185, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (S.-Y.P.); (H.Y.)
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.); (I.C.)
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Shim SS, Berglund K, Yu SP. Lithium: An Old Drug for New Therapeutic Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia. NEURODEGENER DIS 2023; 23:1-12. [PMID: 37666228 DOI: 10.1159/000533797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, the effective treatment of AD is not available currently. Multiple trials of drugs, which were developed based on the amyloid hypothesis of AD, have not been highly successful to improve cognitive and other symptoms in AD patients, suggesting that it is necessary to explore additional and alternative approaches for the disease-modifying treatment of AD. The diverse lines of evidence have revealed that lithium reduces amyloid and tau pathology, attenuates neuronal loss, enhances synaptic plasticity, and improves cognitive function. Clinical studies have shown that lithium reduces the risk of AD and deters the progress of mild cognitive impairment and early AD. SUMMARY Our recent study has revealed that lithium stabilizes disruptive calcium homeostasis, and subsequently, attenuates the downstream neuropathogenic processes of AD. Through these therapeutic actions, lithium produces therapeutic effects on AD with potential to modify the disease process. This review critically analyzed the preclinical and clinical studies for the therapeutic effects of lithium on AD. We suggest that disruptive calcium homeostasis is likely to be the early neuropathological mechanism of AD, and the stabilization of disruptive calcium homeostasis by lithium would be associated with its therapeutic effects on neuropathology and cognitive deficits in AD. KEY MESSAGES Lithium is likely to be efficacious for AD as a disease-modifying drug by acting on multiple neuropathological targets including disruptive calcium homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Sool Shim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Mental Health Service Line, Department of Veteran's Affair, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Department of Veteran's Affair, Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Ken Berglund
- Department of Veteran's Affair, Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shan Ping Yu
- Department of Veteran's Affair, Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Boyarko B, Podvin S, Greenberg B, Momper JD, Huang Y, Gerwick WH, Bang AG, Quinti L, Griciuc A, Kim DY, Tanzi RE, Feldman HH, Hook V. Evaluation of bumetanide as a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1190402. [PMID: 37601062 PMCID: PMC10436590 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1190402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutics discovery and development for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been an area of intense research to alleviate memory loss and the underlying pathogenic processes. Recent drug discovery approaches have utilized in silico computational strategies for drug candidate selection which has opened the door to repurposing drugs for AD. Computational analysis of gene expression signatures of patients stratified by the APOE4 risk allele of AD led to the discovery of the FDA-approved drug bumetanide as a top candidate agent that reverses APOE4 transcriptomic brain signatures and improves memory deficits in APOE4 animal models of AD. Bumetanide is a loop diuretic which inhibits the kidney Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter isoform, NKCC2, for the treatment of hypertension and edema in cardiovascular, liver, and renal disease. Electronic health record data revealed that patients exposed to bumetanide have lower incidences of AD by 35%-70%. In the brain, bumetanide has been proposed to antagonize the NKCC1 isoform which mediates cellular uptake of chloride ions. Blocking neuronal NKCC1 leads to a decrease in intracellular chloride and thus promotes GABAergic receptor mediated hyperpolarization, which may ameliorate disease conditions associated with GABAergic-mediated depolarization. NKCC1 is expressed in neurons and in all brain cells including glia (oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes) and the vasculature. In consideration of bumetanide as a repurposed drug for AD, this review evaluates its pharmaceutical properties with respect to its estimated brain levels across doses that can improve neurologic disease deficits of animal models to distinguish between NKCC1 and non-NKCC1 mechanisms. The available data indicate that bumetanide efficacy may occur at brain drug levels that are below those required for inhibition of the NKCC1 transporter which implicates non-NKCC1 brain mechansims for improvement of brain dysfunctions and memory deficits. Alternatively, peripheral bumetanide mechanisms may involve cells outside the central nervous system (e.g., in epithelia and the immune system). Clinical bumetanide doses for improved neurological deficits are reviewed. Regardless of mechanism, the efficacy of bumetanide to improve memory deficits in the APOE4 model of AD and its potential to reduce the incidence of AD provide support for clinical investigation of bumetanide as a repurposed AD therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Boyarko
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sonia Podvin
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Barry Greenberg
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jeremiah D. Momper
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Yadong Huang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - William H. Gerwick
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Anne G. Bang
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, Sanford Burnham Prebys, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Luisa Quinti
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Ana Griciuc
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Doo Yeon Kim
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Rudolph E. Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Howard H. Feldman
- Department of Neurosciences and Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
- Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Vivian Hook
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosciences and Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
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Xu Z, Zhou X, Hong X, Wang S, Wei J, Huang J, Ji L, Yang Y, Efferth T, Hong C, Li C. Essential oil of Acorus tatarinowii Schott inhibits neuroinflammation by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in 3 × Tg-AD transgenic mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 112:154695. [PMID: 36774844 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shi chang pu (Acorus tatarinowii Schott) is a herbal used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in China. The essential oil of Shi chang pu (SCP-oil) is the main active component. However, its effects on the neuroinflammation of AD have not been well studied. PURPOSE Neuroinflammation mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in AD. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of SCP-oil on cognitive impairment of AppSwe/PSEN1M146V/MAPTP301L triple transgenic (3 × Tg-AD) mice model and investigate the mechanism underlying its anti-inflammation effects. METHODS Thirty-two 3 × Tg-AD mice at 12 months and 8 wild-type B6 mice were used for this experiment. The 3 × Tg-AD mice were administered with SCP-oil or donepezil hydrochloride for 8 weeks. Morris water maze test and step-down test were used to evaluate the cognitive ability of mice. The pathological changes, neuroinflammation, and the NLRP3 inflammasome related-protein of AD mice were detected by histomorphological examination, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, Elisa, and western blot assays. RESULTS SCP-oil treatment attenuated cognitive dysfunction of 3 × Tg-AD mice. Moreover, SCP-oil also ameliorated characteristics pathological of AD, such as pathological changes damage, deposition of Aβ, phosphorylation of Tau, and neuronal loss. Additionally, SCP-oil treatment alleviated the neuroinflammation and inhibited phosphorylation of IKKβ, NF-κB, and NLRP3 inflammasome related-protein NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, cleaved-Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N in the hippocampus of 3 × Tg-AD mice. CONCLUSION Overall, SCP-oil contributed to neuroprotection in 3 × Tg-AD mice by reduced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhou
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiao Hong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Sichen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jiale Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Junhao Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Liting Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuanxiao Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Chunlan Hong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Changyu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Lee HW, Kim S, Jo Y, Kim Y, Ye BS, Yu YM. Neuroprotective effect of angiotensin II receptor blockers on the risk of incident Alzheimer's disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1137197. [PMID: 36949774 PMCID: PMC10025478 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1137197] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies on renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors have reported a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the effect of RAS inhibitor type and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability on the risk of AD is still unknown. Objectives To assess the effects of RAS inhibitors on the risk of AD based on the type and BBB permeability and investigate the cumulative duration-response relationship. Methods This was a population-based retrospective cohort study using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment database records from 2008 to 2019. The data of patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease between January 2009 and June 2009 were identified for inclusion in the analyses. Propensity score matching was used to balance RAS inhibitor users with non-users. The association between the use of RAS inhibitors and incident AD was evaluated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model. The results are presented in adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Among the 57,420 matched individuals, 7,303 developed AD within the follow-up period. While the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) was not significantly associated with AD risk, the use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) showed a significant association with reduced risk of incident AD (aHR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.90-0.99). Furthermore, the use of BBB-crossing ARBs was associated with a lower risk of AD (aHR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.78-0.88) with a cumulative duration-response relationship. A higher cumulative dose or duration of BBB-crossing ARBs was associated with a gradual decrease in AD risk (P for trend < 0.001). No significant association between the use of ACEIs and the risk of AD was observed regardless of BBB permeability. Conclusion Long-term use of BBB-crossing ARBs significantly reduced the risk of AD development. The finding may provide valuable insight into disease-modifying drug options for preventing AD in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine and Regulatory Sciences, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngkwon Jo
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Youjin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Seok Ye
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Mi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine and Regulatory Sciences, Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Yun Mi Yu,
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Whitehouse PJ, George DR. Dignity for All: How the Challenges of Alzheimer's Disease Need Rethinking and Revaluing. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:1831-1833. [PMID: 36404553 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Jang HY, Oh JM, Kim IW. Drug repurposing using meta-analysis of gene expression in Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:989174. [PMID: 36440278 PMCID: PMC9684643 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.989174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are disease that bring an increased global burden. However, the medicine developed to date remains limited. The purpose of this study is to predict drug repositioning candidates using a computational method that integrates gene expression profiles on Alzheimer's disease and compound-induced changes in gene expression levels. METHODS Gene expression data on Alzheimer's disease were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and we conducted a meta-analysis of their gene expression levels. The reverse scores of compound-induced gene expressions were computed based on the reversal relationship between disease and drug gene expression profiles. RESULTS Reversal genes and the candidate compounds were identified by the leave-one-out cross-validation procedure. Additionally, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of candidate compounds were obtained from ChEMBL and PubChem, respectively. CONCLUSION New therapeutic target genes and drug candidates against Alzheimer's disease were identified by means of drug repositioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Young Jang
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Mi Oh
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea,College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In-Wha Kim
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea,*Correspondence: In-Wha Kim,
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Trends and Perspectives of Biological Drug Approvals by the FDA: A Review from 2015 to 2021. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092325. [PMID: 36140426 PMCID: PMC9496574 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite belonging to a relatively new class of pharmaceuticals, biological drugs have been used since the 1980s, when they brought about a breakthrough in the treatment of chronic diseases, especially cancer. They conquered a large space in the pipeline of the pharmaceutical industry and boosted the innovation portfolio and arsenal of therapeutic compounds available. Here, we report on biological drug approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2015 to 2021. The number of drugs included in this class grew over this period, totaling 90 approvals, with an average of 13 authorizations per year. This figure contrasts with previous periods, which registered between 2 and 8 approvals per year. We highlight the great potential and advantages of biological drugs. In this context, these therapeutics show high efficacy and high selectivity, and they have brought about a significant increase in patient survival and a reduction of adverse reactions. The development and production of biopharmaceuticals pose a major challenge because these processes require cutting-edge technology, thereby making the drugs very expensive. However, we believe that, in the near future, biological medicines will be more accessible and new drugs belonging to this class will become available as new technologies emerge. Such advances will enhance the production of these biopharmaceuticals, thereby making the process increasingly profitable and less expensive, thereby bringing about greater availability of these drugs.
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Thellung S, Corsaro A, Dellacasagrande I, Nizzari M, Zambito M, Florio T. Proteostasis unbalance in prion diseases: Mechanisms of neurodegeneration and therapeutic targets. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:966019. [PMID: 36148145 PMCID: PMC9485628 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.966019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, are progressive neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system that affect humans and animals as sporadic, inherited, and infectious forms. Similarly to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, any attempt to reduce TSEs' lethality or increase the life expectancy of affected individuals has been unsuccessful. Typically, the onset of symptoms anticipates the fatal outcome of less than 1 year, although it is believed to be the consequence of a decades-long process of neuronal death. The duration of the symptoms-free period represents by itself a major obstacle to carry out effective neuroprotective therapies. Prions, the infectious entities of TSEs, are composed of a protease-resistant protein named prion protein scrapie (PrPSc) from the prototypical TSE form that afflicts ovines. PrPSc misfolding from its physiological counterpart, cellular prion protein (PrPC), is the unifying pathogenic trait of all TSEs. PrPSc is resistant to intracellular turnover and undergoes amyloid-like fibrillation passing through the formation of soluble dimers and oligomers, which are likely the effective neurotoxic entities. The failure of PrPSc removal is a key pathogenic event that defines TSEs as proteopathies, likewise other neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, characterized by alteration of proteostasis. Under physiological conditions, protein quality control, led by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and macroautophagy clears cytoplasm from improperly folded, redundant, or aggregation-prone proteins. There is evidence that both of these crucial homeostatic pathways are impaired during the development of TSEs, although it is still unclear whether proteostasis alteration facilitates prion protein misfolding or, rather, PrPSc protease resistance hampers cytoplasmic protein quality control. This review is aimed to critically analyze the most recent advancements in the cause-effect correlation between PrPC misfolding and proteostasis alterations and to discuss the possibility that pharmacological restoring of ubiquitin-proteasomal competence and stimulation of autophagy could reduce the intracellular burden of PrPSc and ameliorate the severity of prion-associated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Dellacasagrande
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Zambito
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Tullio Florio
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George DR. Book Review. J Alzheimers Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-220791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Multitargeting the Action of 5-HT 6 Serotonin Receptor Ligands by Additional Modulation of Kinases in the Search for a New Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease: Can It Work from a Molecular Point of View? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158768. [PMID: 35955902 PMCID: PMC9368844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In view of the unsatisfactory treatment of cognitive disorders, in particular Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the aim of this review was to perform a computer-aided analysis of the state of the art that will help in the search for innovative polypharmacology-based therapeutic approaches to fight against AD. Apart from 20-year unrenewed cholinesterase- or NMDA-based AD therapy, the hope of effectively treating Alzheimer’s disease has been placed on serotonin 5-HT6 receptor (5-HT6R), due to its proven, both for agonists and antagonists, beneficial procognitive effects in animal models; however, research into this treatment has so far not been successfully translated to human patients. Recent lines of evidence strongly emphasize the role of kinases, in particular microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4), Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase I/II (ROCKI/II) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) in the etiology of AD, pointing to the therapeutic potential of their inhibitors not only against the symptoms, but also the causes of this disease. Thus, finding a drug that acts simultaneously on both 5-HT6R and one of those kinases will provide a potential breakthrough in AD treatment. The pharmacophore- and docking-based comprehensive literature analysis performed herein serves to answer the question of whether the design of these kind of dual agents is possible, and the conclusions turned out to be highly promising.
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Neuroprotection for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100192. [PMID: 36570623 PMCID: PMC9767822 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Early to intermediate AMD is characterized by the accumulation of lipid- and protein-rich drusen. Late stages of the disease are characterized by the development of choroidal neovascularization, termed "exudative" or "neovascular AMD," or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell and photoreceptor death, termed "geographic atrophy" (GA) in advanced nonexudative AMD. Although we have effective treatments for exudative AMD in the form of anti-VEGF agents, they have no role for patients with GA. Neuroprotection strategies have emerged as a possible way to slow photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss in patients with GA. These approaches include reduction of oxidative stress, modulation of the visual cycle, reduction of toxic molecules, inhibition of pathologic protein activity, prevention of cellular apoptosis or programmed necrosis (necroptosis), inhibition of inflammation, direct activation of neurotrophic factors, delivery of umbilical tissue-derived cells, and RPE replacement. Despite active investigation in this area and significant promise based on preclinical studies, many clinical studies have not yielded successful results. We discuss selected past and current neuroprotection trials for AMD, highlight the lessons learned from these past studies, and discuss our perspective regarding remaining questions that must be answered before neuroprotection can be successfully applied in the field of AMD research.
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Key Words
- AD, Alzheimer disease
- ALA, alpha lipoic acid
- AMD, age-related macular degeneration
- AREDS, Age-Related Eye Disease Study
- AREDS2, Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2
- Age-related macular degeneration
- CFH, complement factor H
- CNTF, ciliary neurotrophic factor
- GA, geographic atrophy
- HTRA1, high-temperature requirement A1
- IOP, intraocular pressure
- Neuroprotection
- RBP, retinol-binding protein
- RGC, retinal ganglion cell
- RIPK3, receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- RPE, retinal pigment epithelium
- Retinal degeneration
- VA, visual acuity
- iPSC, induced pluripotent stem cell
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Styck AC, George DR. Evaluating the Impact of Community Gardening on Sense of Purpose for Persons Living with Dementia: A Cluster-Randomized Mixed Methods Pilot Study. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2022; 6:359-367. [PMID: 36072363 PMCID: PMC9397880 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gardening has been shown to have positive effects on persons living with dementia, but no studies have explored the effects of gardening on sense of purpose. Objective: Explore how gardening may influence sense of purpose for people with dementia. Methods: Ten residents with dementia diagnoses living in a skilled care facility participated in hour-long gardening sessions twice weekly at outdoor raised beds over a two-month duration. One group (n = 5) donated vegetables to a food pantry while the other (n = 5) harvested produce for personal use. Semi-structured interviews with participants and their caregivers conducted post-intervention were analyzed for themes. Results: Participants and caregivers reported biopsychosocial benefits of gardening, identifying four main themes: 1) Gardening outdoors provided specific physical benefits that improved quality of life; 2) Working on a project in a group setting improved mood and fostered a sense of community; 3) Gardening promoted reminiscence and reinforced a sense of self; 4) Gardening provided participants with a sense of purpose and pride. Conclusion: Gardening has biopsychosocial benefits for persons living with dementia, and there appears to be additive benefit linked to improved sense of purpose via charitable giving.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel R. George
- Department of Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Tedeschi P, Nigro M, Travagli A, Catani M, Cavazzini A, Merighi S, Gessi S. Therapeutic Potential of Allicin and Aged Garlic Extract in Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136950. [PMID: 35805955 PMCID: PMC9266652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Garlic, Allium sativum, has long been utilized for a number of medicinal purposes around the world, and its medical benefits have been well documented. The health benefits of garlic likely arise from a wide variety of components, possibly working synergistically. Garlic and garlic extracts, especially aged garlic extracts (AGEs), are rich in bioactive compounds, with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. In light of these effects, garlic and its components have been examined in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia without therapy, and a growing health concern in aging societies. With the aim of offering an updated overview, this paper reviews the chemical composition, metabolism and bioavailability of garlic bioactive compounds. In addition, it provides an overview of signaling mechanisms triggered by garlic derivatives, with a focus on allicin and AGE, to improve learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Tedeschi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences—DOCPAS, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Manuela Nigro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Alessia Travagli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Martina Catani
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences—DOCPAS, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Alberto Cavazzini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences—DOCPAS, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Stefania Merighi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-455434
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.G.)
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