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He M, Liu Z, Lian T, Guo P, Zhang W, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Liu G, Zhang W, Li J, Guan H, Zhang W, Luo D, Qi J, Yue H, Wang X, Zhang W. Role of nerve growth factor on cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease carrying apolipoprotein E ε4. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14560. [PMID: 38112032 PMCID: PMC11163191 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14560] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the roles of neurotrophic factors on cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) carrying Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4. METHODS Totals of 173 patients with AD were divided into APOE ε4 carrier and non-carrier groups, and their demographics, cognition, and neurotrophic factors in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were compared. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess correlations among APOE ε4, neurotrophic factors and cognition. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess the sequential associations among APOE ε4, nerve growth factor (NGF), and cognition. RESULTS Global cognition and multiple domains were impaired in the APOE ε4 carrier group (all p < 0.05). NGF level in the APOE ε4 carrier group was lower than that in the non-carrier group (p = 0.016). NGF level showed significant correlations with both global and multiple domains cognitions. Specifically, NGF mediated the association between APOE ε4 and Animal Fluency Test score (β, -0.45; 95% CI [-0.96, -0.07]; p < 0.001) and Trail Making Test-A (time) (β, 0.15; 95% CI [0.01, 0.33]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION APOE ε4 is associated with cognitive impairment, and those carrying APOE ε4 have decreased NGF level in CSF. Declined NGF level is correlated with compromised cognition. NGF mediates APOE ε4-associated cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue He
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhan Liu
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Tenghong Lian
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Peng Guo
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological DiseasesBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Blood TransfusionBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Gaifen Liu
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological DiseasesBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Weijiao Zhang
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jinghui Li
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Huiying Guan
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Weijia Zhang
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Dongmei Luo
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jing Qi
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hao Yue
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Department of PhysiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological DiseasesBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Center of Parkinson's DiseaseBeijing Institute for Brain DisordersBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory on Parkinson DiseaseBeijingChina
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2
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Jiang X, Song Y, Lv C, Li Y, Feng X, Zhang H, Chen Y, Wang Q. Mushroom-derived bioactive components with definite structures in alleviating the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1373660. [PMID: 38835656 PMCID: PMC11148366 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1373660] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complicated neurodegenerative condition with two forms: familial and sporadic. The familial presentation is marked by autosomal dominance, typically occurring early in individuals under 65 years of age, while the sporadic presentation is late-onset, occurring in individuals over the age of 65. The majority of AD cases are characterized by late-onset and sporadic. Despite extensive research conducted over several decades, there is a scarcity of effective therapies and strategies. Considering the lack of a cure for AD, it is essential to explore alternative natural substances with higher efficacy and fewer side effects for AD treatment. Bioactive compounds derived from mushrooms have demonstrated significant potential in AD prevention and treatment by different mechanisms such as targeting amyloid formation, tau, cholinesterase dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, neurotrophic factors, ER stress, excitotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These compounds have garnered considerable interest from the academic community owing to their advantages of multi-channel, multi-target, high safety and low toxicity. This review focuses on the various mechanisms involved in the development and progression of AD, presents the regulatory effects of bioactive components with definite structure from mushroom on AD in recent years, highlights the possible intervention pathways of mushroom bioactive components targeting different mechanisms, and discusses the clinical studies, limitations, and future perspectives of mushroom bioactive components in AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Jiang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
- Koch Biotechnology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Changshun Lv
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangru Feng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Yujuan Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Qingshuang Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
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3
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Albadrani HM, Chauhan P, Ashique S, Babu MA, Iqbal D, Almutary AG, Abomughaid MM, Kamal M, Paiva-Santos AC, Alsaweed M, Hamed M, Sachdeva P, Dewanjee S, Jha SK, Ojha S, Slama P, Jha NK. Mechanistic insights into the potential role of dietary polyphenols and their nanoformulation in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116376. [PMID: 38508080 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116376] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very common neurodegenerative disorder associated with memory loss and a progressive decline in cognitive activity. The two major pathophysiological factors responsible for AD are amyloid plaques (comprising amyloid-beta aggregates) and neurofibrillary tangles (consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau protein). Polyphenols, a class of naturally occurring compounds, are immensely beneficial for the treatment or management of various disorders and illnesses. Naturally occurring sources of polyphenols include plants and plant-based foods, such as fruits, herbs, tea, vegetables, coffee, red wine, and dark chocolate. Polyphenols have unique properties, such as being the major source of anti-oxidants and possessing anti-aging and anti-cancerous properties. Currently, dietary polyphenols have become a potential therapeutic approach for the management of AD, depending on various research findings. Dietary polyphenols can be an effective strategy to tackle multifactorial events that occur with AD. For instance, naturally occurring polyphenols have been reported to exhibit neuroprotection by modulating the Aβ biogenesis pathway in AD. Many nanoformulations have been established to enhance the bioavailability of polyphenols, with nanonization being the most promising. This review comprehensively provides mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective potential of dietary polyphenols in treating AD. It also reviews the usability of dietary polyphenol as nanoformulation for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind Muteb Albadrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Eastern Province 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Payal Chauhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanad University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Sumel Ashique
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Durgapur 713212, West Bengal, India
| | - M Arockia Babu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Health Information Management, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Buraydah Private Colleges, Buraydah 51418, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajeed G Almutary
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mohammed Alsaweed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Munerah Hamed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Zoology, Kalindi College, University of Delhi, 110008, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Petr Slama
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura- 140401, Punjab, India.; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India.
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4
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Tomasello B, Bellia F, Naletova I, Magrì A, Tabbì G, Attanasio F, Tomasello MF, Cairns WRL, Fortino M, Pietropaolo A, Greco V, La Mendola D, Sciuto S, Arena G, Rizzarelli E. BDNF- and VEGF-Responsive Stimulus to an NGF Mimic Cyclic Peptide with Copper Ionophore Capability and Ctr1/CCS-Driven Signaling. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1755-1769. [PMID: 38602894 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00716] [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] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that play a key role in the development and regulation of the functioning of the central nervous system. Their use as drugs is made difficult by their poor stability, cellular permeability, and side effects. Continuing our effort to use peptides that mimic the neurotrophic growth factor (NGF), the family model protein, and specifically the N-terminus of the protein, here we report on the spectroscopic characterization and resistance to hydrolysis of the 14-membered cyclic peptide reproducing the N-terminus sequence (SSSHPIFHRGEFSV (c-NGF(1-14)). Far-UV CD spectra and a computational study show that this peptide has a rigid conformation and left-handed chirality typical of polyproline II that favors its interaction with the D5 domain of the NGF receptor TrkA. c-NGF(1-14) is able to bind Cu2+ with good affinity; the resulting complexes have been characterized by potentiometric and spectroscopic measurements. Experiments on PC12 cells show that c-NGF(1-14) acts as an ionophore, influencing the degree and the localization of both the membrane transporter (Ctr1) and the copper intracellular transporter (CCS). c-NGF(1-14) induces PC12 differentiation, mimics the protein in TrkA phosphorylation, and activates the kinase cascade, inducing Erk1/2 phosphorylation. c-NGF(1-14) biological activities are enhanced when the peptide interacts with Cu2+ even with the submicromolar quantities present in the culture media as demonstrated by ICP-OES measurements. Finally, c-NGF(1-14) and Cu2+ concur to activate the cAMP response element-binding protein CREB that, in turn, induces the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tomasello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, V.le Andrea Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellia
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Irina Naletova
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Antonio Magrì
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tabbì
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | | | | | - Warren R L Cairns
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP), c/o Campus Scientifico, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia Via Torino, Venezia Mestre 155-30170, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Fortino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Adriana Pietropaolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Valentina Greco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pisa, Bonanno Pisano 12, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Sciuto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Arena
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
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5
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Li J, Yang M, Dai Y, Guo X, Ding Y, Li X, Zhang S, Xu W, Chen L, Tao J, Liu W. Electroacupuncture regulates Rab5a-mediating NGF transduction to improve learning and memory ability in the early stage of AD mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14743. [PMID: 38780008 PMCID: PMC11112630 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14743] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Nerve growth factor (NGF) loss is a potential factor for the degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Rab5a is a key regulatory molecule of NGF signaling transduction. Here, we investigated the changes of Rab5a in 5 × FAD mice and further explored the mechanism of Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment in improving cognition in the early stage of AD. METHODS The total Rab5a and Rab5a-GTP in 5-month-old 5 × FAD mice and wild-type mice were detected using WB and IP technologies. 5 × FAD mice were treated with EA at the Bai hui (DU20) and Shen ting (DU24) acupoints for 4 weeks and CRE/LOXP technology was used to confirm the role of Rab5a in AD mediated by EA stimulation. The Novel Object Recognition and Morris water maze tests were used to evaluate the cognitive function of 5 × FAD mice. The Nissl, immunohistochemistry, and Thioflavin S staining were used to observe pathological morphological changes in the basal forebrain circuit. The Golgi staining was used to investigate the synaptic plasticity of the basal forebrain circuit and WB technology was used to detect the expression levels of cholinergic-related and NGF signal-related proteins. RESULTS The total Rab5a was unaltered, but Rab5a-GTP increased and the rab5a-positive early endosomes appeared enlarged in the hippocampus of 5 × FAD mice. Notably, EA reduced Rab5a-GTP in the hippocampus in the early stage of 5 × FAD mice. EA could improve object recognition memory and spatial learning memory by reducing Rab5a activity in the early stage of 5 × FAD mice. Moreover, EA could reduce Rab5a activity to increase NGF transduction and increase the levels of phosphorylated TrkA, AKT, and ERK in the basal forebrain and hippocampus, and increase the expression of cholinergic-related proteins, such as ChAT, vAchT, ChT1, m1AchR, and m2AchR in the basal forebrain and ChAT, m1AchR, and m2AchR in the hippocampus, improving synaptic plasticity in the basal forebrain hippocampal circuit in the early stage of 5 × FAD mice. CONCLUSIONS Rab5a hyperactivation is an early pathological manifestation of 5 × FAD mice. EA could suppress Rab5a-GTP to promote the transduction of NGF signaling, and enhance the synaptic plasticity of the basal forebrain hippocampal circuit improving cognitive impairment in the early stage of 5 × FAD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Li
- The Institute of Rehabilitation IndustryFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology900TH hospital of Joint Logistics Support ForceFuzhouChina
| | - Minguang Yang
- The Institute of Rehabilitation IndustryFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Yaling Dai
- National‐Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine TechnologyFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Xiaoqin Guo
- National‐Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine TechnologyFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Yanyi Ding
- National‐Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine TechnologyFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Provincial and Ministerial Co‐founded Collaborative Innovation Center of Rehabilitation TechnologyFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Shenghang Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology900TH hospital of Joint Logistics Support ForceFuzhouChina
| | - Wenshan Xu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cognitive RehabilitationAffiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Lidian Chen
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese MedicineFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Jing Tao
- The Institute of Rehabilitation IndustryFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Weilin Liu
- The Institute of Rehabilitation IndustryFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
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6
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Mitra S. Special Issue 'Advances in Neurodegenerative Diseases Research and Therapy 2.0'. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4709. [PMID: 38731928 PMCID: PMC11083915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) and the development of various therapeutic strategies to combat them have received increased attention in recent decades [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumonto Mitra
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of NVS, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
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7
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Reda SM, Setti SE, Berthiaume AA, Wu W, Taylor RW, Johnston JL, Stein LR, Moebius HJ, Church KJ. Fosgonimeton attenuates amyloid-beta toxicity in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00350. [PMID: 38599894 PMCID: PMC11067346 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00350] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Positive modulation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on its multimodal neurotrophic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects addressing the complex pathophysiology of neurodegeneration. Fosgonimeton is a small-molecule positive modulator of the HGF system that has demonstrated neurotrophic and pro-cognitive effects in preclinical models of dementia. Herein, we evaluate the neuroprotective potential of fosgonimeton, or its active metabolite, fosgo-AM, in amyloid-beta (Aβ)-driven preclinical models of AD, providing mechanistic insight into its mode of action. In primary rat cortical neurons challenged with Aβ (Aβ1-42), fosgo-AM treatment significantly improved neuronal survival, protected neurite networks, and reduced tau hyperphosphorylation. Interrogation of intracellular events indicated that cortical neurons treated with fosgo-AM exhibited a significant decrease in mitochondrial oxidative stress and cytochrome c release. Following Aβ injury, fosgo-AM significantly enhanced activation of pro-survival effectors ERK and AKT, and reduced activity of GSK3β, one of the main kinases involved in tau hyperphosphorylation. Fosgo-AM also mitigated Aβ-induced deficits in Unc-like kinase 1 (ULK1) and Beclin-1, suggesting a potential effect on autophagy. Treatment with fosgo-AM protected cortical neurons from glutamate excitotoxicity, and such effects were abolished in the presence of an AKT or MEK/ERK inhibitor. In vivo, fosgonimeton administration led to functional improvement in an intracerebroventricular Aβ25-35 rat model of AD, as it significantly rescued cognitive function in the passive avoidance test. Together, our data demonstrate the ability of fosgonimeton to counteract mechanisms of Aβ-induced toxicity. Fosgonimeton is currently in clinical trials for mild-to-moderate AD (NCT04488419; NCT04886063).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif M Reda
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Sharay E Setti
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | | | - Wei Wu
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Robert W Taylor
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Jewel L Johnston
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Liana R Stein
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Hans J Moebius
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Kevin J Church
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA.
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8
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Zota I, Chanoumidou K, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A. Dynamics of myelin deficits in the 5xFAD mouse model for Alzheimer's disease and the protective role of BDNF. Glia 2024; 72:809-827. [PMID: 38205694 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24505] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Recent findings highlight myelin breakdown as a decisive early event in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) acting as aggravating factor of its progression. However, it is still unclear whether myelin loss is attributed to increased oligodendrocyte vulnerability, reduced repairing capacity or toxic stimuli. In the present study, we sought to clarify the starting point of myelin disruption accompanied with Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell (OPC) elimination in the brain of the 5xFAD mouse model of AD at 6 months of age in Dentate Gyrus of the hippocampus in relation to neurotrophin system. Prominent inflammation presence was detected since the age of 6 months playing a key role in myelin disturbance and AD progression. Expression analysis of neurotrophin receptors in OPCs was performed to identify new targets that could increase myelination in health and disease. OPCs in both control and 5xFAD mice express TrkB, TrkC and p75 receptors but not TrkA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that binds to TrkB receptor is well-known about its pro-myelination effect, promoting oligodendrocytes proliferation and differentiation, so we focused our investigation on its effects in OPCs under neurodegenerative conditions. Our in vitro results showed that BDNF rescues OPCs from death and promotes their proliferation and differentiation in presence of the toxic Amyloid-β 1-42. Collectively, our results indicate that BDNF possess an additional neuroprotective role through its actions on oligodendrocytic component and its use could be proposed as a drug-based myelin-enhancing strategy, complementary to amyloid and tau centered therapies in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Zota
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Konstantina Chanoumidou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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9
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Reich N, Hölscher C. Cholecystokinin (CCK): a neuromodulator with therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 73:101122. [PMID: 38346453 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neuropeptide modulating digestion, glucose levels, neurotransmitters and memory. Recent studies suggest that CCK exhibits neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, we review the physiological function and therapeutic potential of CCK. The neuropeptide facilitates hippocampal glutamate release and gates GABAergic basket cell activity, which improves declarative memory acquisition, but inhibits consolidation. Cortical CCK alters recognition memory and enhances audio-visual processing. By stimulating CCK-1 receptors (CCK-1Rs), sulphated CCK-8 elicits dopamine release in the substantia nigra and striatum. In the mesolimbic pathway, CCK release is triggered by dopamine and terminates reward responses via CCK-2Rs. Importantly, activation of hippocampal and nigral CCK-2Rs is neuroprotective by evoking AMPK activation, expression of mitochondrial fusion modulators and autophagy. Other benefits include vagus nerve/CCK-1R-mediated expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, intestinal protection and suppression of inflammation. We also discuss caveats and the therapeutic combination of CCK with other peptide hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Reich
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Island Research Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK; Faculty of Health and Medicine, Biomedical & Life Sciences Division, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Second associated Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Neurodegeneration research group, Xinzhen, Henan province, China
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10
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Zhang L, Wang S, Ren N. Efficacy of urokinase and alteplase intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of acute phase cerebral infarction and impact on serum S-100β and nerve growth factor levels. Int J Neurosci 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38376498 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2322137] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of urokinase and alteplase intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of acute phase cerebral infarction and investigate their impact on serum S-100β and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels. METHODS Parameters assessed included NIHSS score reduction, vascular recanalization rates, mRS, Barthel Index, and adverse reactions. Post-treatment blood samples were also collected for further analysis. RESULTS The clinical treatment effectiveness and Vascular recanalization rate in Group A was higher than in Group B, with p < 0.05. After treatment, the NIHSS score in Group A was lower than in Group B (p < 0.05), and the mRS score was slightly lower, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). After treatment, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP in Group A were lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). The S-100β level in Group A was lower than in Group B, and NGF level was higher than in Group B (p < 0.05). Group A had better prognosis. CONCLUSION The efficacy and safety of both urokinase and alteplase intravenous thrombolysis for acute phase cerebral infarction have been demonstrated, yet disparities exist in neurological function recovery and regulation of biochemical indicators. Alteplase intravenous thrombolysis emerges as the superior option, displaying greater effectiveness and safety, alongside improved regulation of serum S-100β and NGF levels. Tailoring treatment plans to individual patient characteristics and drug mechanisms is essential. Given these findings, the promotion of alteplase intravenous thrombolysis in the management of acute phase cerebral infarction is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Cerebrovascular Disease, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Si Wang
- Cerebrovascular Disease, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Nannan Ren
- Cerebrovascular Disease, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, China
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11
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Samir SM, Hassan HM, Elmowafy R, ElNashar EM, Alghamdi MA, AlSheikh MH, Al-Zahrani NS, Alasiri FM, Elhadidy MG. Neuroprotective effect of ranolazine improves behavioral discrepancies in a rat model of scopolamine-induced dementia. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1267675. [PMID: 38323121 PMCID: PMC10845649 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1267675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ranolazine (Rn), an antianginal agent, acts in the central nervous system and has been used as a potential treatment agent for pain and epileptic disorders. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases and the leading factor in dementia in the elderly. Aim We examined the impact of Rn on scopolamine (Sco)-induced dementia in rats. Methods Thirty-two albino male rats were divided into four groups: control, Rn, Sco, and Rn + Sco. Results A significant decrease in the escape latency in the Morris water maze test after pre-treatment with Rn explained better learning and memory in rats. Additionally, Rn significantly upregulated the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in the treated group compared to the Sco group but substantially reduced acetylcholinesterase activity levels in the hippocampus. Moreover, Rn dramatically reduced interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) and IL-6 and upregulated the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Furthermore, in the Sco group, the hippocampal tissue's immunohistochemical reaction of Tau and glial factor activating protein (GFAP) was significantly increased in addition to the upregulation of the Caspase-3 gene expression, which was markedly improved by pre-treatment with Rn. The majority of pyramidal neurons had large vesicular nuclei with prominent nucleoli and appeared to be more or less normal, reflecting the all-beneficial effects of Rn when the hippocampal tissue was examined under a microscope. Conclusion Our findings indicated that Rn, through its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as the control of the expression of GFAP, BDNF, and Tau proteins, has a novel neuroprotective impact against scopolamine-induced dementia in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shereen M. Samir
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hend M. Hassan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Rasha Elmowafy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Eman Mohamed ElNashar
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansour Abdullah Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Hmoud AlSheikh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah Saeed Al-Zahrani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faten Mohammed Alasiri
- Pharmacist in King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital Khamis Mushait, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona G. Elhadidy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Kim J, He MJ, Widmann AK, Lee FS. The role of neurotrophic factors in novel, rapid psychiatric treatments. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:227-245. [PMID: 37673965 PMCID: PMC10700398 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors are a family of growth factors that modulate cellular growth, survival, and differentiation. For many decades, it has been generally believed that a lack of neurotrophic support led to the decreased neuronal synaptic plasticity, death, and loss of non-neuronal supportive cells seen in neuropsychiatric disorders. Traditional psychiatric medications that lead to immediate increases in neurotransmitter levels at the synapse have been shown also to elevate synaptic neurotrophic levels over weeks, correlating with the time course of the therapeutic effects of these drugs. Recent advances in psychiatric treatments, such as ketamine and psychedelics, have shown a much faster onset of therapeutic effects (within minutes to hours). They have also been shown to lead to a rapid release of neurotrophins into the synapse. This has spurred a significant shift in understanding the role of neurotrophins and how the receptor tyrosine kinases that bind neurotrophins may work in concert with other signaling systems. In this review, this renewed understanding of synaptic receptor signaling interactions and the clinical implications of this mechanistic insight will be discussed within the larger context of the well-established roles of neurotrophic factors in psychiatric disorders and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Michelle J He
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Alina K Widmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Francis S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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13
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Mirzahosseini G, Adam JM, Nasoohi S, El-Remessy AB, Ishrat T. Lost in Translation: Neurotrophins Biology and Function in the Neurovascular Unit. Neuroscientist 2023; 29:694-714. [PMID: 35769016 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221104982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) refers to the functional building unit of the brain and the retina, where neurons, glia, and microvasculature orchestrate to meet the demand of the retina's and brain's function. Neurotrophins (NTs) are structural families of secreted proteins and are known for exerting neurotrophic effects on neuronal differentiation, survival, neurite outgrowth, synaptic formation, and plasticity. NTs include several molecules, such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, NT-3, NT-4, and their precursors. Furthermore, NTs are involved in signaling pathways such as inflammation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis in a nonneuronal cell type. Interestingly, NTs and the precursors can bind and activate the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) at low and high affinity. Mature NTs bind their cognate tropomyosin/tyrosine-regulated kinase receptors, crucial for maintenance and neuronal development in the brain and retina axis. Activation of p75NTR results in neuronal apoptosis and cell death, while tropomysin receptor kinase upregulation contributes to differentiation and cell growth. Recent findings indicate that modulation of NTs and their receptors contribute to neurovascular dysfunction in the NVU. Several chronic metabolic and acute ischemic diseases affect the NVU, including diabetic and ischemic retinopathy for the retina, as well as stroke, acute encephalitis, and traumatic brain injury for the brain. This work aims to review the current evidence through published literature studying the impact of NTs and their receptors, including the p75NTR receptor, on the injured and healthy brain-retina axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnoush Mirzahosseini
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Justin Mark Adam
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sanaz Nasoohi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Tauheed Ishrat
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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14
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Szućko-Kociuba I, Trzeciak-Ryczek A, Kupnicka P, Chlubek D. Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15960. [PMID: 37958943 PMCID: PMC10650066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hericium erinaceus is a valuable mushroom known for its strong bioactive properties. It shows promising potential as an excellent neuroprotective agent, capable of stimulating nerve growth factor release, regulating inflammatory processes, reducing oxidative stress, and safeguarding nerve cells from apoptosis. The active compounds in the mushroom, such as erinacines and hericenones, have been the subject of research, providing evidence of their neuroprotective effects. Further research and standardization processes for dietary supplements focused on H. erinaceus are essential to ensuring effectiveness and safety in protecting the nervous system. Advancements in isolation and characterization techniques, along with improved access to pure analytical standards, will play a critical role in achieving standardized, high-quality dietary supplements based on H. erinaceus. The aim of this study is to analyze the protective and nourishing effects of H. erinaceus on the nervous system and present the most up-to-date research findings related to this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Szućko-Kociuba
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 13 Wąska, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland;
- The Centre for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Szczecin, 13 Wąska, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Alicja Trzeciak-Ryczek
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 13 Wąska, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland;
- The Centre for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Szczecin, 13 Wąska, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kupnicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (D.C.)
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (D.C.)
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15
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Nabil M, Kassem DH, Ali AA, El-Mesallamy HO. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease rat model: Emerging role of SIRT1. Biofactors 2023; 49:1121-1142. [PMID: 37323056 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex form of neurodegenerative dementia. Growing body of evidence supports the cardinal role of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in neurodegeneration and AD development. Recently, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) have made their mark for a wide array of regenerative medicine applications, including neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Ad-MSCs in AD rat model, and to explore the possible implication of SIRT1. Ad-MSCs were isolated from rat epididymal fat pads and properly characterized. Aluminum chloride was used to induce AD in rats, and afterward, a group of AD-induced rats received a single dose of Ad-MSCs (2 × 106 cell, I.V per rat). One month after Ad-MSCs transplantation, behavioral tests were done, brain tissues were collected, then histopathological and biochemical assessments were performed. Amyloid beta and SIRT1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Whereas expression levels of neprilysin, BCL2 associated X protein, B-cell lymphoma-2, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and nerve growth factor in hippocampus and frontal cortex brain tissues were assessed using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our data demonstrated that transplantation of Ad-MSCs alleviated cognitive impairment in AD rats. Additionally, they exhibited anti-amyloidogenic, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, as well as neurogenic effects. Furthermore, Ad-MSCs were found to possibly mediate their therapeutic effects, at least partially, via modulating both central and systemic SIRT1 levels. Hence, the current study portrays Ad-MSCs as an effective therapeutic approach for AD management and opens the door for future investigations to further elucidate the role of SIRT1 and its interrelated molecular mediators in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Nabil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dina H Kassem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza A Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala O El-Mesallamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Sinai, Egypt
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16
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Colvett I, Gilmore A, Guzman S, Ledreux A, Quintero JE, Ginjupally DR, Gurwell JA, Slevin JT, Guduru Z, Gerhardt GA, van Horne CG, Granholm AC. Recipient Reaction and Composition of Autologous Sural Nerve Tissue Grafts into the Human Brain. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6121. [PMID: 37834764 PMCID: PMC10573749 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severe neurological disease for which there is no effective treatment or cure, and therefore it remains an unmet need in medicine. We present data from four participants who received autologous transplantation of small pieces of sural nerve tissue into either the basal forebrain containing the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) or the midbrain substantia nigra (SN). The grafts did not exhibit significant cell death or severe host-tissue reaction up to 55 months post-grafting and contained peripheral cells. Dopaminergic neurites showed active growth in the graft area and into the graft in the SN graft, and cholinergic neurites were abundant near the graft in the NBM. These results provide a histological basis for changes in clinical features after autologous peripheral nerve tissue grafting into the NBM or SN in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Colvett
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Anah Gilmore
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Samuel Guzman
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Aurélie Ledreux
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.L.)
| | - Jorge E. Quintero
- Brain Restoration Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.E.Q.); (J.A.G.); (J.T.S.); (G.A.G.); (C.G.v.H.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Dhanunjaya Rao Ginjupally
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Secunderabad 500003, Telangana, India
| | - Julie A. Gurwell
- Brain Restoration Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.E.Q.); (J.A.G.); (J.T.S.); (G.A.G.); (C.G.v.H.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - John T. Slevin
- Brain Restoration Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.E.Q.); (J.A.G.); (J.T.S.); (G.A.G.); (C.G.v.H.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Zain Guduru
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Greg A. Gerhardt
- Brain Restoration Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.E.Q.); (J.A.G.); (J.T.S.); (G.A.G.); (C.G.v.H.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Craig G. van Horne
- Brain Restoration Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.E.Q.); (J.A.G.); (J.T.S.); (G.A.G.); (C.G.v.H.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Ann-Charlotte Granholm
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.L.)
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17
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Gao J, Li L. Enhancement of neural regeneration as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:444. [PMID: 37614437 PMCID: PMC10443056 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12143] [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: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia worldwide, has gradually become a global health concern for society and individuals with the process of global ageing. Although extensive research has been carried out on AD, the etiology and pathological mechanism of the disease are still unclear, and there is no specific drug to cure or delay AD progression. The exploration of enhancing nerve regeneration in AD has gradually attracted increasing attention. In the current review, the existing therapeutic strategies were summarized to induce nerve regeneration which can increase the number of neurons, and improve the survival of neurons, the plasticity of synapses and synaptic activity. The strategies include increasing neurotrophic expression (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor), inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (such as donepezil, tacrine, rivastigmine and galanthamine), elevating histone deacetylase levels (such as RGFP-966, Tasquinimod, CM-414 and 44B), stimulating the brain by physiotherapy (such as near-infrared light, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation) and transplanting exogenous neural stem cells. However, further evaluations need to be performed to determine the optimal treatment. The present study reviews recent interventions for enhancing adult neurogenesis and attempts to elucidate their mechanisms of action, which may provide a theoretical basis for inducing nerve regeneration to fight against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Health Science Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Health Science Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
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Jeyaraman M, Rajendran RL, Muthu S, Jeyaraman N, Sharma S, Jha SK, Muthukanagaraj P, Hong CM, Furtado da Fonseca L, Santos Duarte Lana JF, Ahn BC, Gangadaran P. An update on stem cell and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle-based therapy in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17808. [PMID: 37449130 PMCID: PMC10336689 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, neurological diseases pose a major burden to healthcare professionals in terms of the management and prevention of the disorder. Among neurological diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for 50%-70% of dementia and is the fifth leading cause of mortality worldwide. AD is a progressive, degenerative neurological disease, with the loss of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex and subcortical regions. The management of AD remains a debate among physicians as no standard and specific "disease-modifying" modality is available. The concept of 'Regenerative Medicine' is aimed at regenerating the degenerated neural tissues to reverse the pathology in AD. Genetically modified engineered stem cells modify the course of AD after transplantation into the brain. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an emerging new approach in cell communication that involves the transfer of cellular materials from parental cells to recipient cells, resulting in changes at the molecular and signaling levels in the recipient cells. EVs are a type of vesicle that can be transported between cells. Many have proposed that EVs produced from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may have therapeutic promise in the treatment of AD. The biology of AD, as well as the potential applications of stem cells and their derived EVs-based therapy, were explored in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhan Jeyaraman
- Department of Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600056, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
| | - Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathish Muthu
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
- Department of Orthopedics, Government Dindigul Medical College and Hospital, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, 624001, India
| | - Naveen Jeyaraman
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
- Department of Orthopedics, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu, 603108, India
| | - Shilpa Sharma
- Indian Stem Cell Study Group (ISCSG) Association, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226010, India
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
| | - Purushothaman Muthukanagaraj
- Department of Internal Medicine & Psychiatry, SUNY-Upstate Binghamton Clinical Campus, Binghamton, NY, 13904, USA
| | - Chae Moon Hong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Lucas Furtado da Fonseca
- Department of Orthopedics, The Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Byeong-Cheol Ahn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
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19
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Du Y, Liu G, Chen D, Yang J, Wang J, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Liu Y. NQO1 regulates expression and alternative splicing of apoptotic genes associated with Alzheimer's disease in PC12 cells. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2917. [PMID: 37002649 PMCID: PMC10175992 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. Quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is an antioxidant enzyme that plays an important role in controlling cellular redox state, whose expression is altered in the brain tissues of AD patients. In addition to its traditional antioxidant effects, NQO1 also acts as a multifunctional RNA-binding protein involved in posttranscriptional regulation. Whether the RNA-binding activity of NQO1 influences AD pathology has not been investigated yet. METHODS The RNA-binding functions of NQO1 in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were investigated using siRNA knockdown followed by total RNA sequencing. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to explore the impact of NQO1 on the transcription and alternative splicing of apoptotic genes. RESULTS NQO1 knockdown led to a significant increase in cellular apoptosis. Genes involved in certain apoptosis pathways, such as positive regulation of apoptotic processes and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, were under global transcriptional and alternative splicing regulation. NQO1 regulated the transcription of apoptotic genes Cryab, Lgmn, Ngf, Apoe, Brd7, and Stat3, as well as the alternative splicing of apoptotic genes BIN1, Picalm, and Fyn. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that NQO1 participates in the pathology of AD by regulating the expression and alternative splicing of the genes involved in apoptosis. These results extend our understanding of NQO1 in apoptotic pathways at the posttranscriptional level in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingshi Du
- Section 1, Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gejing Liu
- Section 1, Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Center for Genome Analysis, ABLife Inc., Wuhan, China
| | - Jinggang Yang
- Section 1, Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Section 1, Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Center for Genome Analysis, ABLife Inc., Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center for Genome Analysis, ABLife Inc., Wuhan, China
| | - Yongming Liu
- Section 1, Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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20
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Fitzgerald GS, Chuchta TG, McNay EC. Insulin‐like growth factor‐2 is a promising candidate for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:1449-1469. [PMID: 36971212 PMCID: PMC10173726 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Current AD treatments slow the rate of cognitive decline, but do not restore lost function. One reason for the low efficacy of current treatments is that they fail to target neurotrophic processes, which are thought to be essential for functional recovery. Bolstering neurotrophic processes may also be a viable strategy for preventative treatment, since structural losses are thought to underlie cognitive decline in AD. The challenge of identifying presymptomatic patients who might benefit from preventative treatment means that any such treatment must meet a high standard of safety and tolerability. The neurotrophic peptide insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF2) is a promising candidate for both treating and preventing AD-induced cognitive decline. Brain IGF2 expression declines in AD patients. In rodent models of AD, exogenous IGF2 modulates multiple aspects of AD pathology, resulting in (1) improved cognitive function; (2) stimulation of neurogenesis and synaptogenesis; and, (3) neuroprotection against cholinergic dysfunction and beta amyloid-induced neurotoxicity. Preclinical evidence suggests that IGF2 is likely to be safe and tolerable at therapeutic doses. In the preventative treatment context, the intranasal route of administration is likely to be the preferred method for achieving the therapeutic effect without risking adverse side effects. For patients already experiencing AD dementia, routes of administration that deliver IGF2 directly access the CNS may be necessary. Finally, we discuss several strategies for improving the translational validity of animal models used to study the therapeutic potential of IGF2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - E C McNay
- University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
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21
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Johnston JL, Reda SM, Setti SE, Taylor RW, Berthiaume AA, Walker WE, Wu W, Moebius HJ, Church KJ. Fosgonimeton, a Novel Positive Modulator of the HGF/MET System, Promotes Neurotrophic and Procognitive Effects in Models of Dementia. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:431-451. [PMID: 36538176 PMCID: PMC10121968 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01325-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
All types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, are debilitating neurodegenerative conditions marked by compromised cognitive function for which there are few effective treatments. Positive modulation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET, a critical neurotrophic signaling system, may promote neuronal health and function, thereby addressing neurodegeneration in dementia. Here, we evaluate a series of novel small molecules for their ability to (1) positively modulate HGF/MET activity, (2) induce neurotrophic changes and protect against neurotoxic insults in primary neuron culture, (3) promote anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, and (4) reverse cognitive deficits in animal models of dementia. Through screening studies, the compound now known as fosgonimeton-active metabolite (fosgo-AM) was identified by use of immunocytochemistry to be the most potent positive modulator of HGF/MET and was selected for further testing. Primary hippocampal neurons treated with fosgo-AM showed enhanced synaptogenesis and neurite outgrowth, supporting the neurotrophic effects of positive modulators of HGF/MET. Additionally, fosgo-AM protected against neurotoxic insults in primary cortical neuron cultures. In vivo, treatment with fosgo-AM rescued cognitive deficits in the rat scopolamine amnesia model of dementia. Although fosgo-AM demonstrated several procognitive effects in vitro and in vivo, a prodrug strategy was used to enhance the pharmacological properties of fosgo-AM, resulting in the development of fosgonimeton (ATH-1017). The effect of fosgonimeton on cognition was confirmed in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory mouse model of dementia. Together, the results of these studies support the potential of positive modulators of HGF/MET to be used as novel therapeutics and suggest the drug candidate fosgonimeton might protect against neurodegeneration and be therapeutic in the management of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jewel L Johnston
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Sherif M Reda
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Sharay E Setti
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Robert W Taylor
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | | | - William E Walker
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Hans J Moebius
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA
| | - Kevin J Church
- Athira Pharma, Inc., 18706 North Creek Parkway, Suite 104, Bothell, WA, 98011, USA.
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22
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Li H, Liu H, Lutz MW, Luo S. Novel Genetic Variants in TP37, PIK3R1, CALM1, and PLCG2 of the Neurotrophin Signaling Pathway Are Associated with the Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 91:977-987. [PMID: 36530083 PMCID: PMC9905310 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered as the prodromal stage of AD. Previous studies showed that changes in the neurotrophin signaling pathway could lead to cognitive decline in AD. However, the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that are involved in this pathway with AD progression from MCI remains unclear. OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations between SNPs involved in the neurotrophin signaling pathway with AD progression. METHODS We performed single-locus analysis to identify neurotrophin-signaling-related SNPs associated with the AD progression using 767 patients from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study and 1,373 patients from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center study. We constructed polygenic risk scores (PRSs) using the identified independent non-APOE SNPs and evaluated its prediction performance on AD progression. RESULTS We identified 25 SNPs significantly associated with AD progression with Bayesian false-discovery probability ≤0.8. Based on the linkage disequilibrium clumping and expression quantitative trait loci analysis, we found 6 potentially functional SNPs that were associated with AD progression independently. The PRS analysis quantified the combined effects of these SNPs on longitudinal cognitive assessments and biomarkers from cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging. The addition of PRSs to the prediction model for 3-year progression to AD from MCI significantly increased the predictive accuracy. CONCLUSION Genetic variants in the specific genes of the neurotrophin signaling pathway are predictors of AD progression. eQTL analysis supports that these SNPs regulate expression of key genes involved in the neurotrophin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyue Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hongliang Liu
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael W. Lutz
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sheng Luo
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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23
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The Molecular Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:7095-7118. [PMID: 36083518 PMCID: PMC9616781 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03016-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is an environmental paradigm encompassing sensory, cognitive, and physical stimulation at a heightened level. Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of EE in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. EE improves cognitive function as well as ameliorates depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, making it a potentially effective neuroprotective strategy against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we summarize the current evidence for EE as a neuroprotective strategy as well as the potential molecular pathways that can explain the effects of EE from a biochemical perspective using animal models. The effectiveness of EE in enhancing brain activity against neurodegeneration is explored with a view to differences present in early and late life EE exposure, with its potential application in human being discussed. We discuss EE as one of the non pharmacological approaches in preventing or delaying the onset of AD for future research.
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24
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Martínez-Iglesias O, Naidoo V, Carrera I, Corzo L, Cacabelos R. Nosustrophine: An Epinutraceutical Bioproduct with Effects on DNA Methylation, Histone Acetylation and Sirtuin Expression in Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112447. [PMID: 36432638 PMCID: PMC9698419 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, causes irreversible memory loss and cognitive deficits. Current AD drugs do not significantly improve cognitive function or cure the disease. Novel bioproducts are promising options for treating a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Targeting the epigenetic apparatus with bioactive compounds (epidrugs) may aid AD prevention treatment. The aims of this study were to determine the composition of a porcine brain-derived extract Nosustrophine, and whether treating young and older trigenic AD mice produced targeted epigenetic and neuroprotective effects against neurodegeneration. Nosustrophine regulated AD-related APOE and PSEN2 gene expression in young and older APP/BIN1/COPS5 mice, inflammation-related (NOS3 and COX-2) gene expression in 3-4-month-old mice only, global (5mC)- and de novo DNA methylation (DNMT3a), HDAC3 expression and HDAC activity in 3-4-month-old mice; and SIRT1 expression and acetylated histone H3 protein levels in 8-9-month-old mice. Mass spectrometric analysis of Nosustrophine extracts revealed the presence of adenosylhomocysteinase, an enzyme implicated in DNA methylation, and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, which produces the NAD+ precursor, enhancing SIRT1 activity. Our findings show that Nosustrophine exerts substantial epigenetic effects against AD-related neurodegeneration and establishes Nosustrophine as a novel nutraceutical bioproduct with epigenetic properties (epinutraceutical) that may be therapeutically effective for prevention and early treatment for AD-related neurodegeneration.
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25
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Neuroprotection and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: Facts or Fiction? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213775. [PMID: 36430251 PMCID: PMC9692544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive Magnetic Transcranial Stimulation (rTMS), are well-known non-pharmacological approaches to improve both motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Their use is of particular interest especially for the treatment of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), as well as axial disturbances in Parkinson's (PD), where conventional pharmacological therapies show very mild and short-lasting effects. However, their ability to interfere with disease progression over time is not well understood; recent evidence suggests that NIBS may have a neuroprotective effect, thus slowing disease progression and modulating the aggregation state of pathological proteins. In this narrative review, we gather current knowledge about neuroprotection and NIBS in neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., PD and AD), just mentioning the few results related to stroke. As further matter of debate, we discuss similarities and differences with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)-induced neuroprotective effects, and highlight possible future directions for ongoing clinical studies.
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26
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Nerve Growth Factor and Burn Wound Healing: Update of Molecular Interactions with Skin Cells. Burns 2022:S0305-4179(22)00282-0. [DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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27
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Testa G, Mainardi M, Vannini E, Pancrazi L, Cattaneo A, Costa M. Disentangling the signaling complexity of nerve growth factor receptors by
CRISPR
/Cas9. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22498. [PMID: 37036720 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101760rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The binding of nerve growth factor (NGF) to the tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) and p75NTR receptors activates a large variety of pathways regulating critical processes as diverse as proliferation, differentiation, membrane potential, synaptic plasticity, and pain. To ascertain the details of TrkA-p75NTR interaction and cooperation, a plethora of experiments, mostly based on receptor overexpression or downregulation, have been performed. Among the heterogeneous cellular systems used for studying NGF signaling, the PC12 pheochromocytoma-derived cell line is a widely used model. By means of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we created PC12 cells lacking TrkA, p75NTR , or both. We found that TrkA-null cells become unresponsive to NGF. Conversely, the absence of p75NTR enhances the phosphorylation of TrkA and its effectors. Using a patch-clamp, we demonstrated that the individual activation of TrkA and p75NTR by NGF results in antagonizing effects on the membrane potential. These newly developed PC12 cell lines can be used to investigate the specific roles of TrkA and p75NTR in a genetically defined cellular model, thus providing a useful platform for future studies and further gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Testa
- Laboratory of Biology “Bio@SNS” Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa Italy
| | - Marco Mainardi
- Laboratory of Biology “Bio@SNS” Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa Italy
- Neuroscience Institute National Research Council (CNR) Pisa Italy
| | - Eleonora Vannini
- Neuroscience Institute National Research Council (CNR) Pisa Italy
| | - Laura Pancrazi
- Neuroscience Institute National Research Council (CNR) Pisa Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Laboratory of Biology “Bio@SNS” Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa Italy
- European Brain Research Institute “Rita Levi Montalcini” (EBRI) Rome Italy
| | - Mario Costa
- Laboratory of Biology “Bio@SNS” Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa Italy
- Neuroscience Institute National Research Council (CNR) Pisa Italy
- Centro Pisano ricerca e implementazione clinica Flash Radiotherapy “CPFR@CISUP”, “S. Chiara” Hospital Pisa Italy
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28
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Abdolahi S, Zare-Chahoki A, Noorbakhsh F, Gorji A. A Review of Molecular Interplay between Neurotrophins and miRNAs in Neuropsychological Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:6260-6280. [PMID: 35916975 PMCID: PMC9463196 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02966-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Various neurotrophins (NTs), including nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4, promote cellular differentiation, survival, and maintenance, as well as synaptic plasticity, in the peripheral and central nervous system. The function of microRNAs (miRNAs) and other small non-coding RNAs, as regulators of gene expression, is pivotal for the appropriate control of cell growth and differentiation. There are positive and negative loops between NTs and miRNAs, which exert modulatory effects on different signaling pathways. The interplay between NTs and miRNAs plays a crucial role in the regulation of several physiological and pathological brain procedures. Emerging evidence suggests the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of the interactions between NTs and miRNAs in several neuropsychological disorders, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and drug abuse. Here, we review current data regarding the regulatory interactions between NTs and miRNAs in neuropsychological disorders, for which novel diagnostic and/or therapeutic strategies are emerging. Targeting NTs-miRNAs interactions for diagnostic or therapeutic approaches needs to be validated by future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdolahi
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Zare-Chahoki
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farshid Noorbakhsh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Gorji
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
- Department of Neurology and Institute for Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
- Epilepsy Research Center, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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29
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Vittorio S, Manelfi C, Gervasoni S, Beccari AR, Pedretti A, Vistoli G, Talarico C. Computational Insights into the Sequence-Activity Relationships of the NGF(1–14) Peptide by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182808. [PMID: 36139382 PMCID: PMC9497175 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) belongs to the neurothrophins protein family involved in the survival of neurons in the nervous system. The interaction of NGF with its high-affinity receptor TrkA mediates different cellular pathways related to Alzheimer’s disease, pain, ocular dysfunction, and cancer. Therefore, targeting NGF-TrkA interaction represents a valuable strategy for the development of new therapeutic agents. In recent years, experimental studies have revealed that peptides belonging to the N-terminal domain of NGF are able to partly mimic the biological activity of the whole protein paving the way towards the development of small peptides that can selectively target specific signaling pathways. Hence, understanding the molecular basis of the interaction between the N-terminal segment of NGF and TrkA is fundamental for the rational design of new peptides mimicking the NGF N-terminal domain. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation, binding free energy calculations and per-residue energy decomposition analysis were combined in order to explore the molecular recognition pattern between the experimentally active NGF(1–14) peptide and TrkA. The results highlighted the importance of His4, Arg9 and Glu11 as crucial residues for the stabilization of NGF(1–14)-TrkA interaction, thus suggesting useful insights for the structure-based design of new therapeutic peptides able to modulate NGF-TrkA interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Vittorio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, EXSCALATE, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Gervasoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea R. Beccari
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, EXSCALATE, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pedretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulio Vistoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Carmine Talarico
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, EXSCALATE, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence:
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30
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Ospondpant D, Gao X, Dong TT, Tsim KWK. Dracaena cochinchinensis stemwood extracts inhibit amyloid-β fibril formation and promote neuronal cell differentiation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:943638. [PMID: 36147317 PMCID: PMC9486383 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.943638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposition of amyloid plaques in the brain. The prevention of amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced neuronal toxicity is considered a major target for drug development for AD treatment. Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C. Chen, a Thai folk medicine named “Chan-Daeng,” is a member of the Asparagaceae family. The stemwood of D. cochinchinensis has been traditionally used for its antipyretic, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to determine the pharmacological activities of ethanol and water extracts of D. cochinchinensis stemwood in blocking the Aβ fibril formation, preventing Aβ-mediated cell toxicity, and promoting neuronal differentiation in cultured PC12 cells. The herbal extracts of D. cochinchinensis stemwood prevented the formation of Aβ fibrils and disassembled the aggregated Aβ in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, they prevented Aβ fibril-mediated cell death. The synergy of the herbal extract with a low dose of the nerve growth factor showed an increase in the protein expression of neurofilaments, that is, NF68, NF160, and NF200. These findings suggest that the extracts of D. cochinchinensis stemwood may be used for AD treatment by targeting Aβ fibril formation and inducing neuron regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusadee Ospondpant
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiong Gao
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tina Tingxia Dong
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Karl Wah Keung Tsim
- Division of Life Science, Center for Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Karl Wah Keung Tsim,
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31
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Advances in polysaccharides of natural source of the anti-Alzheimer's disease effect and mechanism. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 296:119961. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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32
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Bahlakeh G, Rahbarghazi R, Abedelahi A, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Karimipour M. Neurotrophic factor-secreting cells restored endogenous hippocampal neurogenesis through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in AD model mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:343. [PMID: 35883119 PMCID: PMC9327342 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Impairment in neurogenesis correlates with memory and cognitive dysfunction in AD patients. In the recent decade, therapies with stem cell bases are growing and proved to be efficient. This study is a preliminary attempt to explore the impact of NTF-SCs on hippocampal neurogenesis mediated by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in AD-like mouse brain parenchyma. Methods The BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: Control, AD +Vehicle, AD+ TF-SCs-CM and AD+NTF-SCs (n = 10). For AD induction, 100 µM Aβ1-42 was injected into lateral ventricles. The AD-like model was confirmed via passive avoidance test and Thioflavin-S staining 21 days following Aβ injection. Next, NTF-SCs were differentiated from ADMSCs, and both NTF-SCs and supernatant (NTF-SCs-CM) were injected into the hippocampus after AD confirmation. Endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation capacity was assessed after 50 mg/kbW BrdU injection for 4 days using immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The percent of BrdU/Nestin and BrdU/NeuN positive NSCs were calculated. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect genes related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. The spatial learning and memory alternation was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM). Results Data showed the reduction in escape latency over 5 days in the AD mice compared to the control group. The administration of NTF-SCs and NTF-SCs-CM increased this value compared to the AD-Vehicle group. Both NTF-SCs and NTF-SCs-CM were the potential to reduce the cumulative distance to the platform in AD mice compared to the AD-Vehicle group. The time spent in target quadrants was ameliorated following NTF-SCs and NTF-SCs-CM transplantation followed by an improved MWM performance. IF imaging revealed the increase in BrdU/Nestin+ and BrdU/NeuN+ in AD mice that received NTF-SCs and NTF-SCs-CM, indicating enhanced neurogenesis. Based on real-time PCR analysis, the expression of PI3K, Akt, MAPK, ERK, Wnt, and β-catenin was upregulated and coincided with the suppression of GSK-3β after injection of NTF-SCs-CM and NTF-SCs. In this study, NTF-SCs had superior effects in AD mice that received NTF-SCs compared to NTF-SCs-CM. Conclusions The activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway via NTF-SCs can be touted as a possible therapeutic approach to restore neurogenesis in AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozal Bahlakeh
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimipour
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Amylin and Secretases in the Pathology and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070996. [PMID: 35883551 PMCID: PMC9312829 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070996] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease remains a prevailing neurodegenerative condition which has an array physical, emotional, and financial consequences to patients and society. In the past decade, there has been a greater degree of investigation on therapeutic small peptides. This group of biomolecules have a profile of fundamentally sound characteristics which make them an intriguing area for drug development. Among these biomolecules, there are four modulatory mechanisms of interest in this review: alpha-, beta-, gamma-secretases, and amylin. These protease-based biomolecules all have a contributory role in the amyloid cascade hypothesis. Moreover, the involvement of various biochemical pathways intertwines these peptides to have shared regulators (i.e., retinoids). Further clinical and translational investigation must occur to gain a greater understanding of its potential application in patient care. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the contemporary literature on these protease biomolecule modulators and determine its utility in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Wu Y, Rakotoarisoa M, Angelov B, Deng Y, Angelova A. Self-Assembled Nanoscale Materials for Neuronal Regeneration: A Focus on BDNF Protein and Nucleic Acid Biotherapeutic Delivery. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12132267. [PMID: 35808102 PMCID: PMC9268293 DOI: 10.3390/nano12132267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Enabling challenging applications of nanomedicine and precision medicine in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders requires deeper investigations of nanocarrier-mediated biomolecular delivery for neuronal targeting and recovery. The successful use of macromolecular biotherapeutics (recombinant growth factors, antibodies, enzymes, synthetic peptides, cell-penetrating peptide–drug conjugates, and RNAi sequences) in clinical developments for neuronal regeneration should benefit from the recent strategies for enhancement of their bioavailability. We highlight the advances in the development of nanoscale materials for drug delivery in neurodegenerative disorders. The emphasis is placed on nanoformulations for the delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) using different types of lipidic nanocarriers (liposomes, liquid crystalline or solid lipid nanoparticles) and polymer-based scaffolds, nanofibers and hydrogels. Self-assembled soft-matter nanoscale materials show favorable neuroprotective characteristics, safety, and efficacy profiles in drug delivery to the central and peripheral nervous systems. The advances summarized here indicate that neuroprotective biomolecule-loaded nanoparticles and injectable hydrogels can improve neuronal survival and reduce tissue injury. Certain recently reported neuronal dysfunctions in long-COVID-19 survivors represent early manifestations of neurodegenerative pathologies. Therefore, BDNF delivery systems may also help in prospective studies on recovery from long-term COVID-19 neurological complications and be considered as promising systems for personalized treatment of neuronal dysfunctions and prevention or retarding of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, F-92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France; (Y.W.); (M.R.)
| | - Miora Rakotoarisoa
- CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, F-92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France; (Y.W.); (M.R.)
| | - Borislav Angelov
- Institute of Physics, ELI Beamlines, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Na Slovance 2, CZ-18221 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Yuru Deng
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1, Jinlian Road, Longwan District, Wenzhou 325001, China;
| | - Angelina Angelova
- CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, F-92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France; (Y.W.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Neurotrophin Signaling Impairment by Viral Infections in the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105817. [PMID: 35628626 PMCID: PMC9146244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), NT-4, and NT-5, are proteins involved in several important functions of the central nervous system. The activation of the signaling pathways of these neurotrophins, or even by their immature form, pro-neurotrophins, starts with their recognition by cellular receptors, such as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) and 75 kD NT receptors (p75NTR). The Trk receptor is considered to have a high affinity for attachment to specific neurotrophins, while the p75NTR receptor has less affinity for attachment with neurotrophins. The correct functioning of these signaling pathways contributes to proper brain development, neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity. Unbalanced levels of neurotrophins and pro-neurotrophins have been associated with neurological disorders, illustrating the importance of these molecules in the central nervous system. Furthermore, reports have indicated that viruses can alter the normal levels of neurotrophins by interfering with their signaling pathways. This work discusses the importance of neurotrophins in the central nervous system, their signaling pathways, and how viruses can affect them.
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Abubakar MB, Sanusi KO, Ugusman A, Mohamed W, Kamal H, Ibrahim NH, Khoo CS, Kumar J. Alzheimer’s Disease: An Update and Insights Into Pathophysiology. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:742408. [PMID: 35431894 PMCID: PMC9006951 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.742408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible brain disorder associated with slow, progressive loss of brain functions mostly in older people. The disease processes start years before the symptoms are manifested at which point most therapies may not be as effective. In the hippocampus, the key proteins involved in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, such as p-JAK2-Tyr1007 and p-STAT3-Tyr705 were found to be elevated in various models of AD. In addition to neurons, glial cells such as astrocytes also play a crucial role in the progression of AD. Without having a significant effect on tau and amyloid pathologies, the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in reactive astrocytes exhibits a behavioral impact in the experimental models of AD. Cholinergic atrophy in AD has been traced to a trophic failure in the NGF metabolic pathway, which is essential for the survival and maintenance of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN). In AD, there is an alteration in the conversion of the proNGF to mature NGF (mNGF), in addition to an increase in degradation of the biologically active mNGF. Thus, the application of exogenous mNGF in experimental studies was shown to improve the recovery of atrophic BFCN. Furthermore, it is now coming to light that the FGF7/FGFR2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway mediated by microRNA-107 is also involved in AD pathogenesis. Vascular dysfunction has long been associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of AD. Vascular risk factors are associated with higher tau and cerebral beta-amyloid (Aβ) burden, while synergistically acting with Aβ to induce cognitive decline. The apolipoprotein E4 polymorphism is not just one of the vascular risk factors, but also the most prevalent genetic risk factor of AD. More recently, the research focus on AD shifted toward metabolisms of various neurotransmitters, major and minor nutrients, thus giving rise to metabolomics, the most important “omics” tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of neurodegenerative diseases based on an individual’s metabolome. This review will therefore proffer a better understanding of novel signaling pathways associated with neural and glial mechanisms involved in AD, elaborate potential links between vascular dysfunction and AD, and recent developments in “omics”-based biomarkers in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtala Bello Abubakar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Kamaldeen Olalekan Sanusi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Azizah Ugusman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wael Mohamed
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Haziq Kamal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Husna Ibrahim
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ching Soong Khoo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Jaya Kumar,
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Neurite Outgrowth-Promoting Compounds from Cockscomb Hydrolysate. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071422. [PMID: 35406035 PMCID: PMC9002945 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071422] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cockscomb hydrolysate was found to have neurite outgrowth-promoting activity in PC12 cells. To investigate the neurite outgrowth-promoting compounds derived from cockscomb hydrolysate, bioassay-guided purification was carried out. Purified active fractions were obtained by liquid–liquid partition, followed by column chromatography. High-performance liquid chromatography and proton nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of the purified active fractions clarified that the main compounds are threonine, alanine, valine, and methionine. By screening for 20 kinds of amino acids, it was shown that valine and methionine, but not threonine and alanine, have neurite outgrowth-promoting activity. The results of activity evaluation of the mixture of amino acids indicated that alanine enhanced the activity of valine and that the mixture of valine and methionine showed a higher ratio of neurite formation than did each of them alone. On the other hand, dipeptides formed by valine and methionine showed weak neurite outgrowth-promoting activity. A mixture of threonine, alanine, valine, and methionine at the same concentrations as those in cockscomb hydrolysate showed neurite outgrowth-promoting activity comparable to that of cockscomb hydrolysate although threonine, alanine, valine, and methionine alone did not show activity at their concentrations in cockscomb hydrolysate. Therefore, the strong neurite outgrowth-promoting activity of cockscomb hydrolysate was considered to be due to the synergistic effect of threonine, alanine, valine, and methionine.
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Role of Cholinergic Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27061816. [PMID: 35335180 PMCID: PMC8949236 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter secreted by cholinergic neurons, is involved in signal transduction related to memory and learning ability. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive and commonly diagnosed neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by memory and cognitive decline and behavioral disorders. The pathogenesis of AD is complex and remains unclear, being affected by various factors. The cholinergic hypothesis is the earliest theory about the pathogenesis of AD. Cholinergic atrophy and cognitive decline are accelerated in age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. In addition, abnormal central cholinergic changes can also induce abnormal phosphorylation of ttau protein, nerve cell inflammation, cell apoptosis, and other pathological phenomena, but the exact mechanism of action is still unclear. Due to the complex and unclear pathogenesis, effective methods to prevent and treat AD are unavailable, and research to explore novel therapeutic drugs is various and active in the world. This review summaries the role of cholinergic signaling and the correlation between the cholinergic signaling pathway with other risk factors in AD and provides the latest research about the efficient therapeutic drugs and treatment of AD.
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Capsoni S, Cattaneo A. Getting Into the Brain: The Intranasal Approach to Enhance the Delivery of Nerve Growth Factor and Its Painless Derivative in Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:773347. [PMID: 35360160 PMCID: PMC8961408 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.773347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) holds a great potential as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of neurological diseases. However, its safe and effective delivery to the brain is limited by the fact that NGF needs to be selectively targeted to the brain, to avoid severe side effects such as pain and to bypass the blood brain barrier. In this perspective, we will summarize the different approaches that have been used, or are currently applied, to deliver NGF to the brain, during preclinical and clinical trials to develop NGF as a therapeutic drug for Alzheimer’s disease. We will focus on the intranasal delivery of NGF, an approach that is used to deliver proteins to the brain in a non-invasive, safe, and effective manner minimizing systemic exposure. We will also describe the main experimental facts related to the effective intranasal delivery of a mutant form of NGF [painless NGF, human nerve growth factor painless (hNGFp)] in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and compare it to other ways to deliver NGF to the brain. We will also report new data on the application of intranasal delivery of hNGFp in Down Syndrome mouse model. These new data extend the therapeutic potential of hNGFp for the treatment of the dementia that is progressively associated to Down Syndrome. In conclusion, we will show how this approach can be a promising strategy and a potential solution for other unmet medical needs of safely and effectively delivering this neuroprotective neurotrophin to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Section of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Capsoni,
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute–Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
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Som S, Antony J, Dhanabal SP, Ponnusankar S. Neuroprotective role of Diosgenin, a NGF stimulator, against Aβ (1-42) induced neurotoxicity in animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:359-372. [PMID: 35023028 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00880-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Diosgenin is a neurosteroid derived from the plants and has been previously reported for its numerous health beneficial properties, such as anti-arrhythmic, hypolipidemic, and antiproliferative effects. Although several studies conducted earlier suggested cognition enhancement actions of diosgenin against neurodegenerative disorders, but the molecular mechanisms underlying are not clearly understood. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of diosgenin in the Wistar rats that received an intracerebroventricular injection of Amyloid-β (1-42) peptides, representing a rodent model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Animals were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg/p.o of diosgenin for 28 days, followed by Amyloid-β (1-42) peptides infusion. Animals were assessed for the spatial learning and memory by using radial arm maze and passive avoidance task. Subsequently, animals were euthanized and brains were collected for biochemical estimations and histopathological studies. Our results revealed that, diosgenin administration dose dependently improved the spatial learning and memory and protected the animals from Amyloid-β (1-42) peptides induced disrupted cognitive functions. Further, biochemical analysis showed that diosgenin successfully attenuated Amyloid-β (1-42) mediated plaque load, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and elevated acetylcholinesterase activity. In addition, histopathological evaluation also supported neuroprotective effects of diosgenin in hippocampus of rat brain when assessed using hematoxylin-eosin and Cresyl Violet staining. Thus, the aforementioned effects suggested protective action of diosgenin against Aβ (1-42) induced neuronal damage and thereby can serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Som
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty-643001, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Justin Antony
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty-643001, Tamilnadu, India
| | - SPalanisamy Dhanabal
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty-643001, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sivasankaran Ponnusankar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty-643001, Tamilnadu, India.
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Visser LA, Folcher M, Delgado Simao C, Gutierrez Arechederra B, Escudero E, Uyl-de Groot CA, Redekop WK. The Potential Cost-Effectiveness of a Cell-Based Bioelectronic Implantable Device Delivering Interferon-β1a Therapy Versus Injectable Interferon-β1a Treatment in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:91-108. [PMID: 34480325 PMCID: PMC8739553 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01081-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are injectable or oral treatments. The Optogenerapy consortium is developing a novel bioelectronic cell-based implant for controlled release of beta-interferon (IFNβ1a) protein into the body. The current study estimated the potential cost effectiveness of the Optogenerapy implant (hereafter: Optoferon) compared with injectable IFNβ1a (Avonex). METHODS A Markov model simulating the costs and effects of Optoferon compared with injectable 30 mg IFNβ1a over a 9-year time horizon from a Dutch societal perspective. Costs were reported in 2019 Euros and discounted at a 4% annual rate; health effects were discounted at a 1.5% annual rate. The cohort consisted of 35-year-old, relapsing-remitting MS patients with mild disability. The device is implanted in a daycare setting, and is replaced every 3 years. In the base-case analysis, we assumed equal input parameters for Optoferon and Avonex regarding disability progression, health effects, adverse event probabilities, and acquisition costs. We assumed reduced annual relapse rates and withdrawal rates for Optoferon compared with Avonex. Sensitivity, scenario, value of information, and headroom analysis were performed. RESULTS Optoferon was the dominant strategy with cost reductions (- €26,966) and health gains (0.45 quality-adjusted life-years gained). A main driver of cost differences are the acquisition costs of Optoferon being 2.5 times less than the costs of Avonex. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was most sensitive to variations in the annual acquisition costs of Avonex, the annual withdrawal rate of Avonex and Optoferon, and the disability progression of Avonex. CONCLUSION Innovative technology such as the Optoferon implant may be a cost-effective therapy for patients with MS. The novel implantable mode of therapeutic protein administration has the potential to become a new mode of treatment administration for MS patients and in other disease areas. However, trials are needed to establish safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurenske A. Visser
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Department: Health Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Folcher
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Opthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Delgado Simao
- Functional Printing and Embedded Devices Unit, Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, 08302 Mataró, Spain
| | | | - Encarna Escudero
- Plastic Materials Unit, Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Cerdanyola de Valles, Spain
| | - Carin A. Uyl-de Groot
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Department of Health Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - William Ken Redekop
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Department: Health Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Do Carmo S, Kannel B, Cuello AC. The Nerve Growth Factor Metabolic Pathway Dysregulation as Cause of Alzheimer's Cholinergic Atrophy. Cells 2021; 11:16. [PMID: 35011577 PMCID: PMC8750266 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cause of the loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) and their terminal synapses in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has provoked a decades-long controversy. The cholinergic phenotype of this neuronal system, involved in numerous cognitive mechanisms, is tightly dependent on the target-derived nerve growth factor (NGF). Consequently, the loss of BFCNs cholinergic phenotype in AD was initially suspected to be due to an NGF trophic failure. However, in AD there is a normal NGF synthesis and abundance of the NGF precursor (proNGF), therefore the NGF trophic failure hypothesis for the atrophy of BCNs was abandoned. In this review, we discuss the history of NGF-dependency of BFCNs and the atrophy of these neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further to it, we propose that trophic factor failure explains the BFCNs atrophy in AD. We discuss evidence of the occurrence of a brain NGF metabolic pathway, the dysregulation of which, in AD explains the severe deficiency of NGF trophic support for the maintenance of BFCNs cholinergic phenotype. Finally, we revise recent evidence that the NGF metabolic dysregulation in AD pathology starts at preclinical stages. We also propose that the alteration of NGF metabolism-related markers in body fluids might assist in the AD preclinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Do Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada;
| | - Benjamin Kannel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
| | - A. Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada;
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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Goel H, Kalra V, Verma SK, Dubey SK, Tiwary AK. Convolutions in the rendition of nose to brain therapeutics from bench to bedside: Feats & fallacies. J Control Release 2021; 341:782-811. [PMID: 34906605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Brain, a subtle organ of multifarious nature presents plethora of physiological, metabolic and bio-chemical convolutions that impede the delivery of biomolecules and thereby resulting in truncated therapeutic outcome in pathological conditions of central nervous system (CNS). The absolute bottleneck in the therapeutic management of such devastating CNS ailments is the BBB. Another pitfall is the lack of efficient technological platforms (due to high cost and low approval rates) as well as limited clinical trials (due to failures of neuro‑leads in late-stage pipelines) for CNS disorders which has become a literal brain drain with poorest success rates compared to other therapeutic areas, owing to time consuming processes, tremendous convolutions and conceivable adverse effects. With the advent of intranasal delivery (via direct N2B or indirect nose to blood to brain), several novel drug delivery carriers viz. unmodified or surface modified nanoparticle based carriers, lipid based colloidal nanocarriers and drysolid/liquid/semisolid nanoformulations or delivery platforms have been designed as a means to deliver therapeutic agents (small and large molecules, peptides and proteins, genes) to brain, bypassing BBB for disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), epilepsy, schizophrenia and CNS malignancies primarily glioblastomas. Intranasal application offers drug delivery through both direct and indirect pathways for the peripherally administered psychopharmacological agents to CNS. This route could also be exploited for the repurposing of conventional drugs for new therapeutic uses. The limited clinical translation of intranasal formulations has been primarily due to existence of barriers of mucociliary clearance in the nasal cavity, enzyme degradation and low permeability of the nasal epithelium. The present review literature aims to decipher the new paradigms of nano therapeutic systems employed for specific N2B drug delivery of CNS drugs through in silico complexation studies using rationally chosen mucoadhesive polymers (exhibiting unique physicochemical properties of nanocarrier's i.e. surface modification, prolonging retention time in the nasal cavity, improving penetration ability, and promoting brain specific delivery with biorecognitive ligands) via molecular docking simulations. Further, the review intends to delineate the feats and fallacies associated with N2B delivery approaches by understanding the physiological/anatomical considerations via decoding the intranasal drug delivery pathways or critical factors such as rationale and mechanism of excipients, affecting the permeability of CNS drugs through nasal mucosa as well as better efficacy in terms of brain targeting, brain bioavailability and time to reach the brain. Additionally, extensive emphasis has also been laid on the innovative formulations under preclinical investigation along with their assessment by means of in vitro /ex vivo/in vivo N2B models and current characterization techniques predisposing an efficient intranasal delivery of therapeutics. A critical appraisal of novel technologies, intranasal products or medical devices available commercially has also been presented. Finally, it could be warranted that more reminiscent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships or validated computational models are mandated to obtain effective screening of molecular architecture of drug-polymer-mucin complexes for clinical translation of N2B therapeutic systems from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honey Goel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India.
| | - Vinni Kalra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Sant Kumar Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Indo-Soviet Friendship College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | | | - Ashok Kumar Tiwary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India.
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Manni L, Conti G, Chiaretti A, Soligo M. Intranasal Delivery of Nerve Growth Factor in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neurotrauma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:754502. [PMID: 34867367 PMCID: PMC8635100 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.754502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 1980s, the development of a pharmacology based on nerve growth factor (NGF) has been postulated for the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This hypothesis was based on the rescuing effect of the neurotrophin on the cholinergic phenotype of the basal forebrain neurons, primarily compromised during the development of AD. Subsequently, the use of NGF was put forward to treat a broader spectrum of neurological conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, degenerative retinopathies, severe brain traumas and neurodevelopmental dysfunctions. While supported by solid rational assumptions, the progress of a pharmacology founded on these hypotheses has been hampered by the difficulty of conveying NGF towards the brain parenchyma without resorting to invasive and risky delivery methods. At the end of the last century, it was shown that NGF administered intranasally to the olfactory epithelium was able to spread into the brain parenchyma. Notably, after such delivery, pharmacologically relevant concentration of exogenous NGF was found in brain areas located at considerable distances from the injection site along the rostral-caudal axis. These observations paved the way for preclinical characterization and clinical trials on the efficacy of intranasal NGF for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and of the consequences of brain trauma. In this review, a summary of the preclinical and clinical studies published to date will be attempted, as well as a discussion about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy and the possible development of the pharmacology based on intranasal conveyance of NGF to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Department of Emergency, Intensive Pediatric Therapy and Pediatric Trauma Center, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
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Amyloid-Beta Peptides and Activated Astroglia Impairs Proliferation of Nerve Growth Factor Releasing Cells In Vitro: Implication for Encapsulated Cell Biodelivery-Mediated AD Therapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112834. [PMID: 34831056 PMCID: PMC8616486 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment is constrained due to the inability of peripherally administered therapeutic molecules to cross the blood–brain barrier. Encapsulated cell biodelivery (ECB) devices, a tissue-targeted approach for local drug release, was previously optimized for human mature nerve growth factor (hmNGF) delivery in AD patients but was found to have reduced hmNGF release over time. To understand the reason behind reduced ECB efficacy, we exposed hmNGF-releasing cells (NGC0211) in vitro to human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI), Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), and AD patients. Subsequently, we exposed NGC0211 cells directly to AD-related factors like amyloid-β peptides (Aβ40/42) or activated astrocyte-conditioned medium (Aβ40/42/IL-1β/TNFα-treated) and evaluated biochemical stress markers, cell death indicators, cell proliferation marker (Ki67), and hmNGF release. We found that all patients’ CSF significantly reduced hmNGF release from NGC0211 cells in vitro. Aβ40/42, inflammatory molecules, and activated astrocytes significantly affected NGC0211 cell proliferation without altering hmNGF release or other parameters important for essential functions of the NGC0211 cells. Long-term constant cell proliferation within the ECB device is critically important to maintain a steady cell population needed for stable mNGF release. These data show hampered proliferation of NGC0211 cells, which may lead to a decline of the NGC0211 cell population in ECBs, thereby reducing hmNGF release. Our study highlights the need for future studies to strengthen ECB-mediated long-term drug delivery approaches.
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The Potential Role of Cytokines and Growth Factors in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102790. [PMID: 34685770 PMCID: PMC8534363 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prominent neurodegenerative diseases, which impairs cognitive function in afflicted individuals. AD results in gradual decay of neuronal function as a consequence of diverse degenerating events. Several neuroimmune players (such as cytokines and growth factors that are key players in maintaining CNS homeostasis) turn aberrant during crosstalk between the innate and adaptive immunities. This aberrance underlies neuroinflammation and drives neuronal cells toward apoptotic decline. Neuroinflammation involves microglial activation and has been shown to exacerbate AD. This review attempted to elucidate the role of cytokines, growth factors, and associated mechanisms implicated in the course of AD, especially with neuroinflammation. We also evaluated the propensities and specific mechanism(s) of cytokines and growth factors impacting neuron upon apoptotic decline and further shed light on the availability and accessibility of cytokines across the blood-brain barrier and choroid plexus in AD pathophysiology. The pathogenic and the protective roles of macrophage migration and inhibitory factors, neurotrophic factors, hematopoietic-related growth factors, TAU phosphorylation, advanced glycation end products, complement system, and glial cells in AD and neuropsychiatric pathology were also discussed. Taken together, the emerging roles of these factors in AD pathology emphasize the importance of building novel strategies for an effective therapeutic/neuropsychiatric management of AD in clinics.
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Bahlakeh G, Rahbarghazi R, Mohammadnejad D, Abedelahi A, Karimipour M. Current knowledge and challenges associated with targeted delivery of neurotrophic factors into the central nervous system: focus on available approaches. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:181. [PMID: 34641969 PMCID: PMC8507154 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00694-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, numerous basic and clinical studies have been conducted to assess the delivery efficiency of therapeutic agents into the brain and spinal cord parenchyma using several administration routes. Among conventional and in-progress administrative routes, the eligibility of stem cells, viral vectors, and biomaterial systems have been shown in the delivery of NTFs. Despite these manifold advances, the close association between the delivery system and regeneration outcome remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to discuss recent progress in the delivery of these factors and the pros and cons related to each modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozal Bahlakeh
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Daruosh Mohammadnejad
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Karimipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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48
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Amadoro G, Latina V, Balzamino BO, Squitti R, Varano M, Calissano P, Micera A. Nerve Growth Factor-Based Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:735928. [PMID: 34566573 PMCID: PMC8459906 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.735928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease which is the most common cause of dementia among the elderly. Imbalance in nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling, metabolism, and/or defect in NGF transport to the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons occurs in patients affected with AD. According to the cholinergic hypothesis, an early and progressive synaptic and neuronal loss in a vulnerable population of basal forebrain involved in memory and learning processes leads to degeneration of cortical and hippocampal projections followed by cognitive impairment with accumulation of misfolded/aggregated Aβ and tau protein. The neuroprotective and regenerative effects of NGF on cholinergic neurons have been largely demonstrated, both in animal models of AD and in living patients. However, the development of this neurotrophin as a disease-modifying therapy in humans is challenged by both delivery limitations (inability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), poor pharmacokinetic profile) and unwanted side effects (pain and weight loss). Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal disease which represents the major cause of blindness in developed countries and shares several clinical and pathological features with AD, including alterations in NGF transduction pathways. Interestingly, nerve fiber layer thinning, degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and changes of vascular parameters, aggregation of Aβ and tau protein, and apoptosis also occur in the retina of both AD and AMD. A protective effect of ocular administration of NGF on both photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cell degeneration has been recently described. Besides, the current knowledge about the detection of essential trace metals associated with AD and AMD and their changes depending on the severity of diseases, either systemic or locally detected, further pave the way for a promising diagnostic approach. This review is aimed at describing the employment of NGF as a common therapeutic approach to AMD and AD and the diagnostic power of detection of essential trace metals associated with both diseases. The multiple approaches employed to allow a sustained release/targeting of NGF to the brain and its neurosensorial ocular extensions will be also discussed, highlighting innovative technologies and future translational prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Amadoro
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)-CNR, Rome, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Rosanna Squitti
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Monica Varano
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Micera
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
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The Beneficial Role of Natural Endocrine Disruptors: Phytoestrogens in Alzheimer's Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:3961445. [PMID: 34527172 PMCID: PMC8437597 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3961445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia with a growing incidence rate primarily among the elderly. It is a neurodegenerative, progressive disorder leading to significant cognitive loss. Despite numerous pieces of research, no cure for halting the disease has been discovered yet. Phytoestrogens are nonestradiol compounds classified as one of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), meaning that they can potentially disrupt hormonal balance and result in developmental and reproductive abnormalities. Importantly, phytoestrogens are structurally, chemically, and functionally akin to estrogens, which undoubtedly has the potential to be detrimental to the organism. What is intriguing, although classified as EDCs, phytoestrogens seem to have a beneficial influence on Alzheimer's disease symptoms and neuropathologies. They have been observed to act as antioxidants, improve visual-spatial memory, lower amyloid-beta production, and increase the growth, survival, and plasticity of brain cells. This review article is aimed at contributing to the collective understanding of the role of phytoestrogens in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Importantly, it underlines the fact that despite being EDCs, phytoestrogens and their use can be beneficial in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
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50
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Mitra S, Turconi G, Darreh-Shori T, Mätlik K, Aquilino M, Eriksdotter M, Andressoo JO. Increased Endogenous GDNF in Mice Protects Against Age-Related Decline in Neuronal Cholinergic Markers. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:714186. [PMID: 34475820 PMCID: PMC8406776 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.714186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gradual decline in cholinergic transmission and cognitive function occurs during normal aging, whereas pathological loss of cholinergic function is a hallmark of different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is known to modulate and enhance the dopamine system. However, how endogenous GDNF influences brain cholinergic transmission has remained elusive. In this study, we explored the effect of a twofold increase in endogenous GDNF (Gdnf hypermorphic mice, Gdnfwt/hyper) on cholinergic markers and cognitive function upon aging. We found that Gdnfwt/hyper mice resisted an overall age-associated decline in the cholinergic index observed in the brain of Gdnfwt/wt animals. Biochemical analysis revealed that the level of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is important for survival and function of central cholinergic neurons, was significantly increased in several brain areas of old Gdnfwt/hyper mice. Analysis of expression of genes involved in cholinergic transmission in the cortex and striatum confirmed modulation of cholinergic pathways by GDNF upon aging. In line with these findings, Gdnfwt/hyper mice did not undergo an age-related decline in cognitive function in the Y-maze test, as observed in the wild type littermates. Our results identify endogenous GDNF as a potential modulator of cholinergic transmission and call for future studies on endogenous GDNF function in neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cognitive impairments, including AD, LBD, and PDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumonto Mitra
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Giorgio Turconi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taher Darreh-Shori
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Kärt Mätlik
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matilde Aquilino
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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