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Munafò A, Cantone AF, Di Benedetto G, Torrisi SA, Burgaletto C, Bellanca CM, Gaudio G, Broggi G, Caltabiano R, Leggio GM, Bernardini R, Cantarella G. Pharmacological enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission alleviates neuroinflammation and improves functional outcomes in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1386224. [PMID: 38595916 PMCID: PMC11002120 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1386224] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting the elderly population worldwide. Due to the multifactorial nature of the disease, involving impairment of cholinergic neurotransmission and immune system, previous attempts to find effective treatments have faced challenges. Methods: In such scenario, we attempted to investigate the effects of alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline (α-GPC), a cholinomimetic molecule, on neuroinflammation and memory outcome in the triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD). Mice were enrolled at 4 months of age, treated orally with α-GPC dissolved in drinking water at a concentration resulting in an average daily dose of 100 mg/kg for 8 months and sacrificed at 12 months of age. Thereafter, inflammatory markers, as well as cognitive parameters, were measured. Results: Chronic α-GPC treatment reduced accumulation of amyloid deposits and led to a substantial re-balance of the inflammatory response of resident innate immune cells, astrocytes and microglia. Specifically, fluorescent immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that α-GPC contributed to reduction of cortical and hippocampal reactive astrocytes and pro-inflammatory microglia, concurrently increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory molecules. Whereas α-GPC beneficially affect the synaptic marker synaptophysin in the hippocampus. Furthermore, we observed that α-GPC was effective in restoring cognitive dysfunction, as measured by the Novel Object Recognition test, wherein 3xTg-AD mice treated with α-GPC significantly spent more time exploring the novel object compared to 3xTg-AD untreated mice. Discussion: In conclusion, chronic treatment with α-GPC exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity and sustained the key function of hippocampal synapses, crucial for the maintenance of a regular cognitive status. In light of our results, we suggest that α-GPC could be exploited as a promising therapeutic approach in early phases of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Munafò
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Flavia Cantone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Alfio Torrisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Burgaletto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gaudio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Cantone AF, Burgaletto C, Di Benedetto G, Pannaccione A, Secondo A, Bellanca CM, Augello E, Munafò A, Tarro P, Bernardini R, Cantarella G. Taming Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: Exploring Potential Implications of Choline Alphoscerate via α7 nAChR Modulation. Cells 2024; 13:309. [PMID: 38391922 PMCID: PMC10886565 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040309] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), marked by cognitive impairment, predominantly affects the brain regions regulated by cholinergic innervation, such as the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Cholinergic dysfunction, a key contributor to age-related cognitive decline, has spurred investigations into potential therapeutic interventions. We have previously shown that choline alphoscerate (α-GPC), a cholinergic neurotransmission-enhancing agent, protects from Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity. Herein, we investigated the effects of α-GPC on the microglial phenotype in response to Aβ via modulation of the nicotinic alpha-7 acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). BV2 microglial cells were pre-treated for 1 h with α-GPC and were treated for 24, 48, and 72 h with Aβ1-42 and/or α-BTX, a selective α7nAchR antagonist. Fluorescent immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that α-GPC was able to antagonize Aβ-induced inflammatory effects. Of note, α-GPC exerted its anti-inflammatory effect by directly activating the α7nAChR receptor, as suggested by the induction of an increase in [Ca2+]i and Ach-like currents. Considering that cholinergic transmission appears crucial in regulating the inflammatory profiles of glial cells, its modulation emerges as a potential pharmaco-therapeutic target to improve outcomes in inflammatory neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Flavia Cantone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Chiara Burgaletto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Antonio Munafò
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Paola Tarro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
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Bellanca CM, Augello E, Mariottini A, Bonaventura G, La Cognata V, Di Benedetto G, Cantone AF, Attaguile G, Di Mauro R, Cantarella G, Massacesi L, Bernardini R. Disease Modifying Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis: New Rays of Hope to Combat Disability? Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:CN-EPUB-137773. [PMID: 38275058 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240124114126] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent chronic autoimmune inflammatory- demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). It usually begins in young adulthood, mainly between the second and fourth decades of life. Usually, the clinical course is characterized by the involvement of multiple CNS functional systems and by different, often overlapping phenotypes. In the last decades, remarkable results have been achieved in the treatment of MS, particularly in the relapsing- remitting (RRMS) form, thus improving the long-term outcome for many patients. As deeper knowledge of MS pathogenesis and respective molecular targets keeps growing, nowadays, several lines of disease-modifying treatments (DMT) are available, an impressive change compared to the relative poverty of options available in the past. Current MS management by DMTs is aimed at reducing relapse frequency, ameliorating symptoms, and preventing clinical disability and progression. Notwithstanding the relevant increase in pharmacological options for the management of RRMS, research is now increasingly pointing to identify new molecules with high efficacy, particularly in progressive forms. Hence, future efforts should be concentrated on achieving a more extensive, if not exhaustive, understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this phase of the disease in order to characterize novel molecules for therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this review is to provide a compact overview of the numerous currently approved treatments and future innovative approaches, including neuroprotective treatments as anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody and cell therapies, for effective and safe management of MS, potentially leading to a cure for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alice Mariottini
- Department of Neurosciences Drugs and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Bonaventura
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Flavia Cantone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Attaguile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosaria Di Mauro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Massacesi
- Department of Neurosciences Drugs and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Bellanca CM, Augello E, Cantone AF, Di Mauro R, Attaguile GA, Di Giovanni V, Condorelli GA, Di Benedetto G, Cantarella G, Bernardini R. Insight into Risk Factors, Pharmacogenetics/Genomics, and Management of Adverse Drug Reactions in Elderly: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1542. [PMID: 38004408 PMCID: PMC10674329 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111542] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Medicine Agency (EMA) has defined Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) as "a noxious and unintended response to a medicine", not including poisoning, accidental, or intentional overdoses. The ADR occurrence differs based on the approach adopted for defining and detecting them, the characteristics of the population under study, and the research setting. ADRs have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality, particularly among older adults, and represent a financial burden for health services. Between 30% and 60% of ADRs might be predictable and preventable, emerging as a result of inappropriate prescription, drug chemistry inherent toxicity, cell-specific drug toxicity, age- and sex-related anomalies in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME), and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in combination therapies or when a patient is treated with different drugs for concomitant disorders. This is particularly important in chronic diseases which require long-term treatments. Rapid developments in pharmacogenetics/genomics have improved the understanding of ADRs accompanied by more accurate prescriptions and reduction in unnecessary costs. To alleviate the burden of ADRs, especially in the elderly, interventions focused on pharmaceutical principles, such as medication review and reconciliation, should be integrated into a broader assessment of patients' characteristics, needs, and health priorities. Digital health interventions could offer valuable solutions to assist healthcare professionals in identifying inappropriate prescriptions and promoting patient adherence to pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Flavia Cantone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Rosaria Di Mauro
- Dipartimento del Farmaco, ASP Trapani, 91100 Trapani, Italy; (R.D.M.); (V.D.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Antonino Attaguile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | | | - Guido Attilio Condorelli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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