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Xu Y, Gao W, Sun Y, Wu M. New insight on microglia activation in neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutics. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1308345. [PMID: 38188026 PMCID: PMC10770846 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1308345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are immune cells within the central nervous system (CNS) closely linked to brain health and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In response to changes in the surrounding environment, microglia activate and change their state and function. Several factors, example for circadian rhythm disruption and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, influence microglia activation. In this review, we explore microglia's function and the associated neural mechanisms. We elucidate that circadian rhythms are essential factors influencing microglia activation and function. Circadian rhythm disruption affects microglia activation and, consequently, neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we found that abnormal microglia activation is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases and an essential factor of disease development. Here we highlight the importance of microglia activation in neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting microglia for neurodegenerative disease treatment is a promising direction. We introduce the progress of methods targeting microglia for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and summarize the progress of drugs developed with microglia as targets, hoping to provide new ideas for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucong Xu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingnan Sun
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Wang KW, Yuan YX, Zhu B, Zhang Y, Wei YF, Meng FS, Zhang S, Wang JX, Zhou JY. X chromosome-wide association study of quantitative biomarkers from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1277731. [PMID: 38035272 PMCID: PMC10682795 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1277731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease with high heritability. Compared to autosomes, a higher proportion of disorder-associated genes on X chromosome are expressed in the brain. However, only a few studies focused on the identification of the susceptibility loci for AD on X chromosome. Methods Using the data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Study, we conducted an X chromosome-wide association study between 16 AD quantitative biomarkers and 19,692 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on both the cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Results We identified 15 SNPs statistically significantly associated with different quantitative biomarkers of the AD. For the cross-sectional study, six SNPs (rs5927116, rs4596772, rs5929538, rs2213488, rs5920524, and rs5945306) are located in or near to six genes DMD, TBX22, LOC101928437, TENM1, SPANXN1, and ZFP92, which have been reported to be associated with schizophrenia or neuropsychiatric diseases in literature. For the longitudinal study, four SNPs (rs4829868, rs5931111, rs6540385, and rs763320) are included in or near to two genes RAC1P4 and AFF2, which have been demonstrated to be associated with brain development or intellectual disability in literature, while the functional annotations of other five novel SNPs (rs12157031, rs428303, rs5953487, rs10284107, and rs5955016) have not been found. Discussion 15 SNPs were found statistically significantly associated with the quantitative biomarkers of the AD. Follow-up study in molecular genetics is needed to verify whether they are indeed related to AD. The findings in this article expand our understanding of the role of the X chromosome in exploring disease susceptibility, introduce new insights into the molecular genetics behind the AD, and may provide a mechanistic clue to further AD-related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Xin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Fang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan-Shuo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Yuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, China
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陈 丽, 黄 定, 郑 刚, 孟 晓. [Lead exposure aggravates Aβ 1-42-induced microglial activation and copper ion accumulation in microglial cells]. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2023; 43:1752-1760. [PMID: 37933651 PMCID: PMC10630214 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.10.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of lead (Pb) exposure on Aβ1-42-induced microglial activation and copper ion accumulation in microglial cells and explore the regulatory mechanism of Pb-induced aggravation of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology. METHODS Cultured microglial BV2 cells were treated with different concentrations of Aβ1-42, lead acetate or their combination for 12 h, and the changes in cell viability and morphology were evaluated. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect iNOS and oxidative stress level in the treated cells, and the release of inflammatory factors was detected using ELISA. Western blotting and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were used to detect the expressions of CTR1 and ATP7A proteins and copper content in the cells. RESULTS Treatment with 15 and 20 μmol/L Aβ1-42 for 12 h significantly lowered the viability of BV2 cells. Treatment with Aβ1-42 at 10 μmol/L for 12 h obviously increased the release of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 in the cells (P<0.05), and its combination with 15 or 20 μmol/L lead acetate more strongly lowered BV2 cell viability (P<0.05). Compared with 10 μmol/L Aβ1-42 treatment alone, 10 μmol/L Aβ1-42 combined with 10 μmol/L lead acetate for 12 h caused more obvious microglial activation, as manifested by enlarged cell bodies, increased cell protrusions and elongation, enhanced release of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and ROS, and increased intracellular copper ion accumulation and expression of copper transporter CTR1 (P<0.05). Compared with the conditioned medium from activated BV2 cells, which caused obvious injuries in hippocampal neuron HT22 cells (P<0.001), the medium from BV2 cells treated with NAC and the copper ion chelating agent TM caused milder injuries in HT22 cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Lead exposure aggravates neuronal damage caused by Aβ1-42-treated microglial cells by increasing copper ion accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factor release to trigger microglial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- 丽旋 陈
- 南方医科大学公共卫生学院职业卫生与职业医学系,广东 广州 510515Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 定帮 黄
- 南方医科大学公共卫生学院职业卫生与职业医学系,广东 广州 510515Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 刚 郑
- 空军军医大学军事预防医学系,特殊作业环境危害评估与防治教育部重点实验室,陕西 西安 710032Department of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Military Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - 晓静 孟
- 南方医科大学公共卫生学院职业卫生与职业医学系,广东 广州 510515Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Li M, Wang M, Wen Y, Zhang H, Zhao G, Gao Q. Signaling pathways in macrophages: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e349. [PMID: 37706196 PMCID: PMC10495745 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play diverse roles in development, homeostasis, and immunity. Accordingly, the dysfunction of macrophages is involved in the occurrence and progression of various diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 and atherosclerosis. The protective or pathogenic effect that macrophages exert in different conditions largely depends on their functional plasticity, which is regulated via signal transduction such as Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription, Wnt and Notch pathways, stimulated by environmental cues. Over the past few decades, the molecular mechanisms of signaling pathways in macrophages have been gradually elucidated, providing more alternative therapeutic targets for diseases treatment. Here, we provide an overview of the basic physiology of macrophages and expound the regulatory pathways within them. We also address the crucial role macrophages play in the pathogenesis of diseases, including autoimmune, neurodegenerative, metabolic, infectious diseases, and cancer, with a focus on advances in macrophage-targeted strategies exploring modulation of components and regulators of signaling pathways. Last, we discuss the challenges and possible solutions of macrophage-targeted therapy in clinical applications. We hope that this comprehensive review will provide directions for further research on therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage signaling pathways, which are promising to improve the efficacy of disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Department of Gynecological OncologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyCancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education)Tongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Mengjie Wang
- Department of Gynecological OncologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyCancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education)Tongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yuanjia Wen
- Department of Gynecological OncologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyCancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education)Tongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Hongfei Zhang
- Department of Gynecological OncologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyCancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education)Tongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Guang‐Nian Zhao
- Department of Gynecological OncologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyCancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education)Tongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynecological OncologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and GynecologyCancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education)Tongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Shishkina GT, Kalinina TS, Lanshakov DA, Bulygina VV, Komysheva NP, Bannova AV, Drozd US, Dygalo NN. Genes Involved by Dexamethasone in Prevention of Long-Term Memory Impairment Caused by Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2595. [PMID: 37892969 PMCID: PMC10604440 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory activation within the brain is linked to a decrease in cognitive abilities; however, the molecular mechanisms implicated in the development of inflammatory-related cognitive dysfunction and its prevention are poorly understood. This study compared the responses of hippocampal transcriptomes 3 months after the striatal infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 30 µg), resulting in memory loss, or with dexamethasone (DEX; 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal) pretreatment, which abolished the long-term LPS-induced memory impairment. After LPS treatment, a significant elevation in the expression of immunity/inflammatory-linked genes, including chemokines (Cxcl13), cytokines (Il1b and Tnfsf13b), and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II members (Cd74, RT1-Ba, RT1-Bb, RT1-Da, and RT1-Db1) was observed. DEX pretreatment did not change the expression of these genes, but significantly affected the expression of genes encoding ion channels, primarily calcium and potassium channels, regulators of glutamate (Slc1a2, Grm5, Grin2a), and GABA (Gabrr2, Gabrb2) neurotransmission, which enriched in such GO biological processes as "Regulation of transmembrane transport", "Cognition", "Learning", "Neurogenesis", and "Nervous system development". Taken together, these data suggest that (1) pretreatment with DEX did not markedly affect LPS-induced prolonged inflammatory response; (2) DEX pretreatment can affect processes associated with glutamatergic signaling and nervous system development, possibly involved in the recovery of memory impairment induced by LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina T. Shishkina
- Laboratory of Functional Neurogenomics, Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (T.S.K.); (D.A.L.); (V.V.B.); (N.P.K.); (A.V.B.); (U.S.D.); (N.N.D.)
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Smolen P, Dash PK, Redell JB. Traumatic brain injury-associated epigenetic changes and the risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1259405. [PMID: 37795186 PMCID: PMC10546067 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1259405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown that traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risk for developing neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). However, molecular mechanisms that underlie this risk are largely unidentified. TBI triggers widespread epigenetic modifications. Similarly, NDs such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's are associated with numerous epigenetic changes. Although epigenetic changes can persist after TBI, it is unresolved if these modifications increase the risk of later ND development and/or dementia. We briefly review TBI-related epigenetic changes, and point out putative feedback loops that might contribute to long-term persistence of some modifications. We then focus on evidence suggesting persistent TBI-associated epigenetic changes may contribute to pathological processes (e.g., neuroinflammation) which may facilitate the development of specific NDs - Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Finally, we discuss possible directions for TBI therapies that may help prevent or delay development of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Smolen
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Sood A, Fernandes V, Preeti K, Khatri DK, Singh SB. Sphingosine 1 phosphate lyase inhibition rescues cognition in diabetic mice by promoting anti-inflammatory microglia. Behav Brain Res 2023; 446:114415. [PMID: 36997095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is emerging as a crucial sphingolipid modulating neuroinflammation and cognition. S1P levels in the brain have been found to be decreased in cognitive impairment. S1P lyase (S1PL) is the key enzyme in metabolizing S1P and has been implicated in neuroinflammation. This study evaluated the effect of S1PL inhibition on cognition in type 2 diabetic mice. Fingolimod (0.5mg/kg and 1mg/kg) rescued cognition in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, as evident in the Y maze and passive avoidance test. We further evaluated the effect of fingolimod on the activation of microglia in the pre-frontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus of diabetic mice. Our study revealed that fingolimod inhibited S1PL and promoted anti-inflammatory microglia in both PFC and hippocampus of diabetic mice as it increased Ym-1 and arginase-1. The levels of p53 and apoptotic proteins (Bax and caspase-3) were elevated in the PFC and hippocampus of type 2 diabetic mice which fingolimod reversed. The underlying mechanism promoting anti-inflammatory microglial phenotype was also explored in this study. TIGAR, TP53-associated glycolysis and apoptosis regulator, is known to foster anti-inflammatory microglia and was found to be downregulated in the brain of type 2 diabetic mice. S1PL inhibition decreased the levels of p53 and promoted TIGAR, thereby increasing anti-inflammatory microglial phenotype and inhibiting apoptosis in the brain of diabetic mice. Our study reveals that S1PL inhibition could be beneficial in mitigating cognitive deficits in diabetic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Sood
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, Hyderabad, India
| | - Valencia Fernandes
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, Hyderabad, India
| | - Kumari Preeti
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, Hyderabad, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Khatri
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, Hyderabad, India.
| | - Shashi Bala Singh
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, Hyderabad, India.
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Ailioaie LM, Ailioaie C, Litscher G. Photobiomodulation in Alzheimer's Disease-A Complementary Method to State-of-the-Art Pharmaceutical Formulations and Nanomedicine? Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:916. [PMID: 36986776 PMCID: PMC10054386 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), as a neurodegenerative disorder, usually develops slowly but gradually worsens. It accounts for approximately 70% of dementia cases worldwide, and is recognized by WHO as a public health priority. Being a multifactorial disease, the origins of AD are not satisfactorily understood. Despite huge medical expenditures and attempts to discover new pharmaceuticals or nanomedicines in recent years, there is no cure for AD and not many successful treatments are available. The current review supports introspection on the latest scientific results from the specialized literature regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain photobiomodulation, as a complementary method with implications in AD. State-of-the-art pharmaceutical formulations, development of new nanoscale materials, bionanoformulations in current applications and perspectives in AD are highlighted. Another goal of this review was to discover and to speed transition to completely new paradigms for the multi-target management of AD, to facilitate brain remodeling through new therapeutic models and high-tech medical applications with light or lasers in the integrative nanomedicine of the future. In conclusion, new insights from this interdisciplinary approach, including the latest results from photobiomodulation (PBM) applied in human clinical trials, combined with the latest nanoscale drug delivery systems to easily overcome protective brain barriers, could open new avenues to rejuvenate our central nervous system, the most fascinating and complex organ. Picosecond transcranial laser stimulation could be successfully used to cross the blood-brain barrier together with the latest nanotechnologies, nanomedicines and drug delivery systems in AD therapy. Original, smart and targeted multifunctional solutions and new nanodrugs may soon be developed to treat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marinela Ailioaie
- Department of Medical Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Boulevard, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Constantin Ailioaie
- Department of Medical Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Boulevard, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gerhard Litscher
- President of ISLA (International Society for Medical Laser Applications), Research Unit of Biomedical Engineering in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Research Unit for Complementary and Integrative Laser Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Research Center Graz, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 39, 8036 Graz, Austria
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Caruso G, Di Pietro L, Caraci F. Gap Junctions and Connexins in Microglia-Related Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation: Perspectives for Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030505. [PMID: 36979440 PMCID: PMC10046203 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia represent the immune system of the brain. Their role is central in two phenomena, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are at the roots of different pathologies related to the central nervous system (CNS). In order to maintain the homeostasis of the brain and re-establish the equilibrium after a threatening imbalance, microglia communicate with each other and other cells within the CNS by receiving specific signals through membrane-bound receptors and then releasing neurotrophic factors into either the extracellular milieu or directly into the cytoplasm of nearby cells, such as astrocytes and neurons. These last two mechanisms rely on the activity of protein structures that enable the formation of channels in the membrane, namely, connexins and pannexins, that group and form gap junctions, hemichannels, and pannexons. These channels allow the release of gliotransmitters, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutamate, together with calcium ion (Ca2+), that seem to play a pivotal role in inter-cellular communication. The aim of the present review is focused on the physiology of channel protein complexes and their contribution to neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress-related phenomena, which play a central role in neurodegenerative disorders. We will then discuss how pharmacological modulation of these channels can impact neuroinflammatory phenomena and hypothesize that currently available nutraceuticals, such as carnosine and N-acetylcysteine, can modulate the activity of connexins and pannexins in microglial cells and reduce oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0957385036
| | - Lucia Di Pietro
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Catania, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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Visconte C, Golia MT, Fenoglio C, Serpente M, Gabrielli M, Arcaro M, Sorrentino F, Busnelli M, Arighi A, Fumagalli G, Rotondo E, Rossi P, Arosio B, Scarpini E, Verderio C, Galimberti D. Plasma microglial-derived extracellular vesicles are increased in frail patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and exert a neurotoxic effect. GeroScience 2023:10.1007/s11357-023-00746-0. [PMID: 36725819 PMCID: PMC10400496 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00746-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of cellular communication that can be released by almost all cell types in both physiological and pathological conditions and are present in most biological fluids. Such characteristics make them attractive in the research of biomarkers for age-related pathological conditions. Based on this, the aim of the present study was to examine the changes in EV concentration and size in the context of frailty, a geriatric syndrome associated with a progressive physical and cognitive decline. Specifically, total EVs and neural and microglial-derived EVs (NDVs and MDVs respectively) were investigated in plasma of frail and non-frail controls (CTRL), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects, and in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Results provided evidence that AD patients displayed diminished NDV concentration (3.61 × 109 ± 1.92 × 109 vs 7.16 × 109 ± 4.3 × 109 particles/ml) and showed high diagnostic performance. They are able to discriminate between AD and CTRL with an area under the curve of 0.80, a sensitivity of 78.95% and a specificity of 85.7%, considering the cut-off of 5.27 × 109 particles/ml. Importantly, we also found that MDV concentration was increased in frail MCI patients compared to CTRL (5.89 × 109 ± 3.98 × 109 vs 3.16 × 109 ± 3.04 × 109 particles/ml, P < 0.05) and showed high neurotoxic effect on neurons. MDV concentration discriminate frail MCI vs non-frail CTRL (AUC = 0.76) with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 70%, considering the cut-off of 2.69 × 109 particles/ml. Altogether, these results demonstrated an alteration in NDV and MDV release during cognitive decline, providing important insight into the role of EVs in frailty status.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Visconte
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M T Golia
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Vedano al Lambro, Monza and Brianza, Milan, Italy
| | - C Fenoglio
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Milan, Italy.
| | - M Serpente
- Fondazione, IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Gabrielli
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Vedano al Lambro, Monza and Brianza, Milan, Italy
| | - M Arcaro
- Fondazione, IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - F Sorrentino
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M Busnelli
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Vedano al Lambro, Monza and Brianza, Milan, Italy
| | - A Arighi
- Fondazione, IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - G Fumagalli
- Fondazione, IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - E Rotondo
- Fondazione, IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - P Rossi
- Fondazione, IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - B Arosio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - E Scarpini
- Fondazione, IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - C Verderio
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Vedano al Lambro, Monza and Brianza, Milan, Italy
| | - D Galimberti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione, IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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