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Hölscher C. Glucagon-like peptide-1 class drugs show clear protective effects in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease clinical trials: A revolution in the making? Neuropharmacology 2024; 253:109952. [PMID: 38677445 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109952] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex syndrome for which there is no disease-modifying treatment on the market. However, a group of drugs from the Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class have shown impressive improvements in clinical phase II trials. Exendin-4 (Bydureon), Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) and Lixisenatide (Adlyxin), drugs that are on the market as treatments for diabetes, have shown clear effects in improving motor activity in patients with PD in phase II clinical trials. In addition, Liraglutide has shown improvement in cognition and brain shrinkage in a phase II trial in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Two phase III trials testing the GLP-1 drug semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) are ongoing. This perspective article will summarize the clinical results obtained so far in this novel research area. We are at a crossroads where GLP-1 class drugs are emerging as a new treatment strategy for PD and for AD. Newer drugs that have been designed to enter the brain easier are being developed already show improved effects in preclinical studies compared with the older GLP-1 class drugs that had been developed to treat diabetes. The future looks bright for new treatments for AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hölscher
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Neurodegeneration Research Group, 451100 Xinzheng, Henan province, China.
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Liu W, Wang Z, Wang W, Wang Z, Xing Y, Hölscher C. Liraglutide Reduces Alcohol Consumption, Anxiety, Memory Impairment, and Synapse Loss in Alcohol Dependent Mice. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1061-1075. [PMID: 38267691 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04093-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues have been commercialized for the management of type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have underscored GLP-1's role as a modulator of alcohol-related behavior. However, the role of the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide on alcohol-withdrawal responses have not been fully elucidated. Liraglutide binds to the G-protein-coupled receptor and activates an adenylyl cyclase and the associated classic growth factor signaling pathway, which acts growth factor-like and neuroprotective properties. The underlying neurobiological mechanisms of liraglutide on alcohol withdrawal remains unknown. This study endeavored to explore the effects of liraglutide on the emotion and memory ability of alcohol-withdrawal mice, and synaptic morphology in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the hippocampus (HP), and thus affects the relapse-like drinking of alcohol-withdrawal mice. The alcohol-withdrawal group was reintroduced to a 20% v/v alcohol and water through the two-bottle choice for four consecutive days, a period referred to as alcohol re-drinking. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to a regimen of 20% alcohol and water for a duration of 6 weeks. This regimen established the two-bottle choice model of alcohol exposure. Learning capabilities, memory proficiency, and anxiety-like behavior were evaluated using the Morris water maze, open field, and elevated plus maze paradigms. Furthermore, synaptic morphology and the levels of synaptic transport-related proteins were assessed via Golgi staining and Western Blot analysis after a two-week alcohol deprivation period. Alcohol re-drinking of alcohol-withdrawal mice was also evaluated using a two-bottle choice paradigm. Our findings indicate that liraglutide can substantially decrease alcohol consumption and preference (p < 0.05) in the alcohol group and enhance learning and memory performance (p < 0.01), as well as alleviate anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.01) of alcohol-withdrawal mice. Alcohol consumption led to a reduction in dendritic spine density in the mPFC and HP, which was restored to normal levels by liraglutide (p < 0.001). Furthermore, liraglutide was found to augment the levels of synaptic transport-related proteins in mice subjected to alcohol withdrawal (p < 0.01). The study findings corroborate that liraglutide has the potential to mitigate alcohol consumption and ameliorate the memory impairments and anxiety induced by alcohol withdrawal. The therapeutic efficacy of liraglutide might be attributed to its role in counteracting synapse loss in the mPFC and HP regions and thus prevented relapse-like drinking in alcohol-withdrawal mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Liu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Zhiju Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Henan Academy of Innovation in Medical Science, XinZheng, 451100, Henan, China.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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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Hao L, Shi M, Ma J, Shao S, Yuan Y, Liu J, Yu Z, Zhang Z, Hölscher C, Zhang Z. A Cholecystokinin Analogue Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits and Regulates Mitochondrial Dynamics via the AMPK/Drp1 Pathway in APP/PS1 Mice. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2024; 11:382-401. [PMID: 38374745 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2024.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no drugs on the market that can reverse or slow Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. A protease-resistant Cholecystokinin (CCK) analogue used in this study is based on the basic structure of CCK, which further increases the stability of the peptide fragment and prolongs its half-life in vivo. We observed a neuroprotective effect of CCK-8L in APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) AD mice. However, its corresponding mechanisms still need to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE This study examined CCK-8L's neuroprotective effects in enhancing cognitive impairment by regulating mitochondrial dynamics through AMPK/Drp1 pathway in the APP/PS1 AD mice. METHODS Behavioural tests are applied to assess competence in cognitive functions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to observe the ultrastructure of mitochondria of hippocampal neurons, Immunofluorescent staining was employed to assay for Aβ1-42, APP, Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and dynamin-related protein1 (Drp1). CRISPR/Cas9 was utilized for targeted knockout of the CCKB receptor (CCKBR) in the mouse APP/PS1 hippocampal CA1 region. A model of lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of APP in N2a cells was constructed. RESULTS In vivo, experiments revealed that CCK analogue and liraglutide significantly alleviated cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice, reduced Aβ1-42 expression, and ameliorated l damage, which is associated with CCKBR activation in the hippocampal CA1 region of mice. In vitro tests showed that CCK inhibited mitochondrial fission and promoted fusion through AMPK/Drp1 pathway. CONCLUSIONS CCK analogue ameliorates cognitive deficits and regulates mitochondrial dynamics by activating the CCKB receptor and the AMPK/Drp1 pathway in AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Hao
- Zhenqiang Zhang, Christian Holscher and Zijuan Zhang, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China. E-mail: , E-mail: , and E-mail: . Orcid ID of C. Hölscher: 0000-0002-8159-3260
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Du P, Zhang X, Lian X, Hölscher C, Xue G. O-GlcNAcylation and Its Roles in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1051-1068. [PMID: 38250776 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230955] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
As a non-classical post-translational modification, O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification (O-GlcNAcylation) is widely found in human organ systems, particularly in our brains, and is indispensable for healthy cell biology. With the increasing age of the global population, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing, too. The common characteristic of these disorders is the aggregation of abnormal proteins in the brain. Current research has found that O-GlcNAcylation dysregulation is involved in misfolding or aggregation of these abnormal proteins to mediate disease progression, but the specific mechanism has not been defined. This paper reviews recent studies on O-GlcNAcylation's roles in several neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Machado-Joseph's disease, and giant axonal neuropathy, and shows that O-GlcNAcylation, as glucose metabolism sensor, mediating synaptic function, participating in oxidative stress response and signaling pathway conduction, directly or indirectly regulates characteristic pathological protein toxicity and affects disease progression. The existing results suggest that targeting O-GlcNAcylation will provide new ideas for clinical diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyang Du
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xia Lian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guofang Xue
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Wang ZJ, Li XR, Chai SF, Li WR, Li S, Hou M, Li JL, Ye YC, Cai HY, Hölscher C, Wu MN. Semaglutide ameliorates cognition and glucose metabolism dysfunction in the 3xTg mouse model of Alzheimer's disease via the GLP-1R/SIRT1/GLUT4 pathway. Neuropharmacology 2023; 240:109716. [PMID: 37730113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109716] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of brain glucose metabolism is known to affect brain activity in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, recent evidence has shown an association between AD and type 2 diabetes. Numerous reports have found that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists improve the cognitive behavior and pathological features in AD patients and animals, which may be related to the improvement of glucose metabolism in the brain. However, the mechanism by which GLP-1 agonists improve the brain glucose metabolism in AD patients remains unclear. In this study, we found that SIRT1 is closely related to expression of GLP-1R in hippocampus of 3xTg mice. Therefore, we used semaglutide, a novel GLP-1R agonist currently undergoing two phase 3 clinical trials in AD patients, to observe the effect of SIRT1 after semaglutide treatment in 3XTg mice and HT22 cells, and to explore the mechanism of SIRT1 in the glucose metabolism disorders of AD. The mice were injected with semaglutide on alternate days for 30 days, followed by behavioral experiments including open field test, new object recognition test, and Y-maze. The content of glucose in the brain was also measured by using 18FDG-PET-CT scans. We measured the expression of Aβ and tau in the hippocampus, observed the expression of GLUT4 which is downstream of SIRT1, and tested the Glucose oxidase assay (GOD-POD) and Hexokinase (HK) in HT22 cells. Here, we found in the 3xTg mouse model of AD and in cultured HT22 mouse neurons that SIRT1 signaling is involved in the impairment of glucose metabolism in AD. Semaglutide can increased the expression levels of SIRT1 and GLUT4 in the hippocampus of 3xTg mice, accompanied by an improvement in learning and memory, decreased in Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In addition, we further demonstrated that semaglutide improved glucose metabolism in the brain of 3xTg mice in vitro, semaglutide promoted glycolysis and improved glycolytic disorders, and increased the membrane translocation of GLUT4 in cultured HT22 cells. These effects were blocked by the SIRT1 inhibitor (EX527). These findings indicate that semaglutide can regulate the expression of GLUT4 to mediate glucose transport through SIRT1, thereby improving glucose metabolism dysfunction in AD mice and cells. The present study suggests that SIRT1/GLUT4 signaling pathway may be an important mechanism for GLP-1R to promote glucose metabolism in the brain, providing a reliable strategy for effective therapy of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Control, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Xin-Ru Li
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shi-Fan Chai
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wei-Ran Li
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Meng Hou
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jia-Lei Li
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yu-Cai Ye
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hong-Yan Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mei-Na Wu
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China.
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Xie Z, Zhao J, Wang H, Jiang Y, Yang Q, Fu Y, Zeng H, Hölscher C, Xu J, Zhang Z. Corrigendum to "Magnolol alleviates Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in transgenic C. elegans by promoting microglia phagocytosis and the degradation of beta-amyloid through activation of PPAR-γ" [Biomed. Pharmacother. 124 (2020) 109886]. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115785. [PMID: 37914613 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhishen Xie
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yali Jiang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Qiaoling Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Children's Hospital Affiliate to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Huahui Zeng
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Jiangyan Xu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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Zhang Z, Shi M, Li Z, Ling Y, Zhai L, Yuan Y, Ma H, Hao L, Li Z, Zhang Z, Hölscher C. A Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist Is More Effective than Liraglutide in the A53T Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Parkinsons Dis 2023; 2023:7427136. [PMID: 37791037 PMCID: PMC10545468 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7427136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex syndrome with many elements, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of dopaminergic neurons, build-up of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in cells, and energy depletion in neurons, that drive the disease. We and others have shown that treatment with mimetics of the growth factor glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) can normalize energy utilization, neuronal survival, and dopamine levels and reduce inflammation. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analogue that recently showed protective effects in phase 2 clinical trials in PD patients and in Alzheimer disease patients. We have developed a novel dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that can cross the blood-brain barrier and showed good protective effects in animal models of PD. Here, we test liraglutide against the dual GLP-1/GIP agonist DA5-CH (KP405) in the A53T tg mouse model of PD which expresses a human-mutated gene of α-synuclein. Drug treatment reduced impairments in three different motor tests, reduced levels of α-syn in the substantia nigra, reduced the inflammation response and proinflammatory cytokine levels in the substantia nigra and striatum, and normalized biomarker levels of autophagy and mitochondrial activities in A53T mice. DA5-CH was superior in almost all parameters measured and therefore may be a better drug treatment for PD than liraglutide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijuan Zhang
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Ming Shi
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Zhengmin Li
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Yuan Ling
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Luke Zhai
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - He Ma
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Li Hao
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Zhonghua Li
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
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Zhang Z, Yu Z, Yuan Y, Yang J, Wang S, Ma H, Hao L, Ma J, Li Z, Zhang Z, Hölscher C. Cholecystokinin Signaling can Rescue Cognition and Synaptic Plasticity in the APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5067-5089. [PMID: 37247071 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03388-7] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic impairment and loss are an important pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Memory is stored in neural networks through changes in synaptic activity, and synaptic dysfunction can cause cognitive dysfunction and memory loss. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is one of the major neuropeptides in the brain, and plays a role as a neurotransmitter and growth factor. The level of CCK in the cerebrospinal fluid is decreased in AD patients. In this study, a novel CCK analogue was synthesized on the basis of preserving the minimum bioactive fragment of endogenous CCK to investigate whether the novel CCK analogue could improve synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of the APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of AD and its possible molecular biological mechanism. Our study found that the CCK analogue could effectively improve spatial learning and memory, enhance synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, normalize synapse numbers and morphology and the levels of key synaptic proteins, up-regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and normalize PKA, CREB, BDNF and TrkB receptor levels in APP/PS1 mice. The amyloid plaque load in the brain was reduced by CCK, too. The use of a CCKB receptor antagonist and targeted knockdown of the CCKB receptor (CCKBR) attenuated the neuroprotective effect of the CCK analogue. These results demonstrate that the neuroprotective effect of CCK analogue is achieved by activating the PI3K/Akt as well as the PKA/CREB-BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway that leads to protection of synapses and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijuan Zhang
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Ziyang Yu
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan Engineering Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Diseases With Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan Engineering Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Diseases With Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Shijie Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan Engineering Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Diseases With Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - He Ma
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan Engineering Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Diseases With Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Li Hao
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Jinlian Ma
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan Engineering Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Diseases With Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhonghua Li
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan Engineering Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Diseases With Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan Engineering Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Diseases With Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China.
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan Engineering Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Major Chronic Diseases With Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, China.
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Walkowiak S, Coutrot A, Hegarty M, Velasco PF, Wiener JM, Dalton RC, Hölscher C, Hornberger M, Spiers HJ, Manley E. Cultural determinants of the gap between self-estimated navigation ability and wayfinding performance: evidence from 46 countries. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10844. [PMID: 37407585 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30937-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive abilities can vary widely. Some people excel in certain skills, others struggle. However, not all those who describe themselves as gifted are. One possible influence on self-estimates is the surrounding culture. Some cultures may amplify self-assurance and others cultivate humility. Past research has shown that people in different countries can be grouped into a set of consistent cultural clusters with similar values and tendencies, such as attitudes to masculinity or individualism. Here we explored whether such cultural dimensions might relate to the extent to which populations in 46 countries overestimate or underestimate their cognitive abilities in the domain of spatial navigation. Using the Sea Hero Quest navigation test and a large sample (N = 383,187) we found cultural clusters of countries tend to be similar in how they self-rate ability relative to their actual performance. Across the world population sampled, higher self-ratings were associated with better performance. However, at the national level, higher self-ratings as a nation were not associated with better performance as a nation. Germanic and Near East countries were found to be most overconfident in their abilities and Nordic countries to be most under-confident in their abilities. Gender stereotypes may play a role in mediating this pattern, with larger national positive attitudes to male stereotyped roles (Hofstede's masculinity dimension) associated with a greater overconfidence in performance at the national level. We also replicate, with higher precision than prior studies, evidence that older men tend to overestimate their navigation skill more than other groups. These findings give insight into how culture and demographics may impact self-estimates of our abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Walkowiak
- Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College London, London, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | - A Coutrot
- Laboratoire d'InfoRmatique en Image et Systèmes d'information (LIRIS), CNRS, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - M Hegarty
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
| | | | - J M Wiener
- Department of Psychology, Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - R C Dalton
- Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK
| | - C Hölscher
- ETH Zürich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Hornberger
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - H J Spiers
- Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Experimental Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
| | - E Manley
- Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College London, London, UK.
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK.
- School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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11
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Cai HY, Chen SR, Wang Y, Jiao JJ, Qiao J, Hölscher C, Wang ZJ, Zhang SX, Wu MN. Integrated analysis of the lncRNA-associated ceRNA network in Alzheimer's disease. Gene 2023; 876:147484. [PMID: 37187245 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that worsens with age. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) dysregulation and its associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network have a potential connection with the occurrence and development of AD. A total of 358 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened via RNA sequencing, including 302 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and 56 differential expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs). Anti-sense lncRNA is the main type of DElncRNA, which plays a major role in the cis and trans regulation. The constructed ceRNA network consisted of 4 lncRNAs (NEAT1, LINC00365, FBXL19-AS1, RAI1-AS1719) and 4 microRNAs (miRNAs) (HSA-Mir-27a-3p, HSA-Mir-20b-5p, HSA-Mir-17-5p, HSA-Mir-125b-5p), and 2 mRNAs (MKNK2, F3). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEmRNAs are involved in related biological functions of AD. The co-expressed DEmRNAs (DNAH11, HGFAC, TJP3, TAC1, SPTSSB, SOWAHB, RGS4, ADCYAP1) of humans and mice were screened and verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In this study, we analyzed the expression profile of human AD-related lncRNA genes, constructed a ceRNA network, and performed functional enrichment analysis of DEmRNAs between human and mice. The obtained gene regulatory networks and target genes can be used to further analyze AD-related pathological mechanisms to optimize AD diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Province, China.
| | - Si-Ru Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Juan-Juan Jiao
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Henan university of Chinese medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Province, China; Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Mei-Na Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Province, China; Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
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12
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Panagaki T, Randi EB, Szabo C, Hölscher C. Incretin Mimetics Restore the ER-Mitochondrial Axis and Switch Cell Fate Towards Survival in LUHMES Dopaminergic-Like Neurons: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Parkinson's Disease. JPD 2023; 13:1149-1174. [PMID: 37718851 PMCID: PMC10657688 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230030] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder that afflicts more than 10 million people worldwide. Available therapeutic interventions do not stop disease progression. The etiopathogenesis of PD includes unbalanced calcium dynamics and chronic dysfunction of the axis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria that all can gradually favor protein aggregation and dopaminergic degeneration. OBJECTIVE In Lund Human Mesencephalic (LUHMES) dopaminergic-like neurons, we tested novel incretin mimetics under conditions of persistent, calcium-dependent ER stress. METHODS We assessed the pharmacological effects of Liraglutide-a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog-and the dual incretin GLP-1/GIP agonist DA3-CH in the unfolded protein response (UPR), cell bioenergetics, mitochondrial biogenesis, macroautophagy, and intracellular signaling for cell fate in terminally differentiated LUHMES cells. Cells were co-stressed with the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor, thapsigargin. RESULTS We report that Liraglutide and DA3-CH analogs rescue the arrested oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. They mitigate the suppressed mitochondrial biogenesis and hyper-polarization of the mitochondrial membrane, all to re-establish normalcy of mitochondrial function under conditions of chronic ER stress. These effects correlate with a resolution of the UPR and the deficiency of components for autophagosome formation to ultimately halt the excessive synaptic and neuronal death. Notably, the dual incretin displayed a superior anti-apoptotic effect, when compared to Liraglutide. CONCLUSIONS The results confirm the protective effects of incretin signaling in ER and mitochondrial stress for neuronal degeneration management and further explain the incretin-derived effects observed in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Panagaki
- Faculty of Science & Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Elisa B Randi
- Faculty of Science & Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Faculty of Science & Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Research & Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Zhang L, Li C, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Jin QQ, Li L, Hölscher C. DA5-CH and Semaglutide Protect against Neurodegeneration and Reduce α-Synuclein Levels in the 6-OHDA Parkinson's Disease Rat Model. Parkinsons Dis 2022; 2022:1428817. [PMID: 36419409 PMCID: PMC9678466 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1428817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Insulin desensitization has been observed in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no cure. Semaglutide is a novel long-actingglucagon-likepeptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is on the market as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. It is in a phase II clinical trial in patients with PD. Two previous phase II trials in PD patients showed good effects with the older GLP-1 receptor agonists, exendin-4 and liraglutide. We have developed a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist (DA5-CH) that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) at a higher rate than semaglutide. We tested semaglutide and DA5-CH in the 6-OHDA-lesion rat model of PD. Treatment was semaglutide or DA5-CH (25 nmol/kg, i.p.) daily for 30 days postlesion. Both drugs reduced the apomorphine-induced rotational behavior and alleviated dopamine depletion and the inflammation response in the lesioned striatum as shown in reduced IL-1β and TNF-α levels, with DA5-CH being more effective. In addition, both drugs protected dopaminergic neurons and increased TH expression in the substantia nigra. Furthermore, the level of monomer and aggregated α-synuclein was reduced by the drugs, and insulin resistance as shown in reduced pIRS-1ser312 phosphorylation was also attenuated after drug treatment, with DA5-CH being more effective. Therefore, while semaglutide showed good effects in this PD model, DA5-CH was superior and may be a better therapeutic drug for neurodegenerative disorders such as PD than GLP-1 receptor agonists that do not easily cross the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chun Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Zijuan Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China
| | - Qian-Qian Jin
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China
- Second Hospital Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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14
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Reich N, Hölscher C. Beyond Appetite: Acylated Ghrelin As A Learning, Memory and Fear Behavior-modulating Hormone. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104952. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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15
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Reich N, Hölscher C. The neuroprotective effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: An in-depth review. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:970925. [PMID: 36117625 PMCID: PMC9475012 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.970925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is no disease-modifying treatment available for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (AD and PD) and that includes the highly controversial approval of the Aβ-targeting antibody aducanumab for the treatment of AD. Hence, there is still an unmet need for a neuroprotective drug treatment in both AD and PD. Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for both AD and PD. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone and growth factor that has shown neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies, and the success of GLP-1 mimetics in phase II clinical trials in AD and PD has raised new hope. GLP-1 mimetics are currently on the market as treatments for type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 analogs are safe, well tolerated, resistant to desensitization and well characterized in the clinic. Herein, we review the existing evidence and illustrate the neuroprotective pathways that are induced following GLP-1R activation in neurons, microglia and astrocytes. The latter include synaptic protection, improvements in cognition, learning and motor function, amyloid pathology-ameliorating properties (Aβ, Tau, and α-synuclein), the suppression of Ca2+ deregulation and ER stress, potent anti-inflammatory effects, the blockage of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis pathways, enhancements in the neuronal insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism, functional improvements in autophagy and mitophagy, elevated BDNF and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) synthesis as well as neurogenesis. The many beneficial features of GLP-1R and GLP-1/GIPR dual agonists encourage the development of novel drug treatments for AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Reich
- Biomedical and Life Sciences Division, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Niklas Reich,
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Neurology Department, Second Associated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhengzhou, China
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16
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Hölscher C. Glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide hormones and novel receptor agonists protect synapses in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:955258. [PMID: 35965783 PMCID: PMC9363704 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.955258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) are peptide hormones and growth factors. A major pathological feature of both Alzheimer’s dis-ease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the loss of synaptic transmission in the cortex in AD and the loss of dopaminergic synapses in the nigra-striatal dopaminergic projection. Several studies demonstrate that GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists protect synapses and synaptic transmission from the toxic events that underlie AD and PD. In a range of AD animal models, treatment with GLP-1, GIP, or dual-GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists effectively protected cognition, synaptic trans-mission, long-term potentiation (LTP), and prevented the loss of synapses and neurons. In PD models, dopaminergic production resumed and synapses became functional again. Importantly, the GLP-1 receptor agonists exendin-4 and liraglutide have shown good protective effects in clinical trials in AD and PD patients. Studies show that growth factors and peptide drugs that can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) better are more potent than those that do not cross the BBB. We therefore developed dual-GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists that can cross the BBB at an enhanced rate and showed superior protective properties on synapses in animal models of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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17
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diabetes is a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD) and shares similar dysregulated insulin pathways. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs originally designed to treat diabetes have shown potent neuroprotective activity in preclinical studies of PD. They are neuroprotective by inhibiting inflammation, improving neuronal survival, maintenance of synapses, and dopaminergic transmission in the brain. Building on this, three clinical studies have reported impressive effects in patients with PD, testing exendin-4 (Exenatide, Bydureon) or liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) is another peptide hormone that has shown good effects in animal models of PD. Novel dual GLP-1/GIP agonists have been developed that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and show superior effects in animal models compared to GLP-1 drugs. AREAS COVERED The review summarizes preclinical and clinical studies testing GLP-1R agonists and dual GLP-1/GIPR agonists in PD and discusses possible mechanisms of action. EXPERT OPINION Current strategies to treat PD by lowering the levels of alpha-synuclein have not shown effects in clinical trials. It is time to move on from the 'misfolding protein' hypothesis. Growth factors such as GLP-1 that can cross the BBB have already shown impressive effects in patients and are the future of drug discovery in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No. 221 West Yan' an Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Feng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Rong Ji
- Department of Neurology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No. 221 West Yan' an Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqing Ren
- Department of Neurology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No. 221 West Yan' an Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenshi Wei
- Department of Neurology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No. 221 West Yan' an Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi Province, China.,Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 233 Zhongyuan Road, Zhengzhou, China
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18
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Yang X, Qiang Q, Li N, Feng P, Wei W, Hölscher C. Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-Based Therapies in Ischemic Stroke: An Update Based on Preclinical Research. Front Neurol 2022; 13:844697. [PMID: 35370875 PMCID: PMC8964641 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.844697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The public and social health burdens of ischemic stroke have been increasing worldwide. Hyperglycemia leads to a greater risk of stroke. This increased risk is commonly seen among patients with diabetes and is in connection with worsened clinical conditions and higher mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Therapy for stroke focuses mainly on restoring cerebral blood flow (CBF) and ameliorating neurological impairment caused by stroke. Although choices of stroke treatment remain limited, much advance have been achieved in assisting patients in recovering from ischemic stroke, along with progress of recanalization therapy through pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis. However, it is still necessary to develop neuroprotective therapies for AIS to protect the brain against injury before and during reperfusion, prolong the time window for intervention, and consequently improve neurological prognosis. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are broadly regarded as effective drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Preclinical data on GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs have displayed an impressive neuroprotective efficacy in stroke, Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other neurodegenerative diseases. Based on the preclinical studies in the past decade, we review recent progress in the biological roles of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs in ischemic stroke. Emphasis will be placed on their neuroprotective effects in experimental models of cerebral ischemia stroke at cellular and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Qiang
- Department of Neurology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Neurology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Feng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenshi Wei
- Department of Neurology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhengzhou, China
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19
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Zhang Z, Li H, Su Y, Ma J, Yuan Y, Yu Z, Shi M, Shao S, Zhang Z, Hölscher C. Neuroprotective Effects of a Cholecystokinin Analogue in the 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine Parkinson’s Disease Mouse Model. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:814430. [PMID: 35368248 PMCID: PMC8964967 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.814430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been identified as a risk factor for PD. Drugs originally developed for T2DM treatment such as liraglutide have shown neuroprotective effects in mouse models of PD. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peptide hormone with growth factor properties. Here, we demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of the (pGLu)-(Gln)-CCK8 analogue in an acute PD mouse model induced by 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Administration of CCK analogue (50 nmol/kg ip.) for 14 days treatment improved the locomotor and exploratory activity of mice, and improved bradykinesia and movement balance of mice. The CCK analogue administration also restored tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive dopaminergic neurons number and synapse number (synaptophysin levels) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The CCK analogue decreased glia activation and neuroinflammation in the SNpc, and regulated autophagy dysfunction induced by MPTP. CCK analogue protected against mitochondrial damage and ER stress, and also decreased the ratio of apoptosis signaling molecules Bax/Bcl-2. Importantly, the CCK analogue improved the decrease of p-CREBS133 growth factor signaling in the SNpc. Therefore, the CCK analogue promotes cell survival of dopaminergic neuron in the SNpc by activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway that also inhibits apoptosis and regulates autophagy impairment. The present results indicate that CCK analogue shows a promising potential for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijuan Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai Li
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunfang Su
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinlian Ma
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ziyang Yu
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ming Shi
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Simai Shao
- School of Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Zhenqiang Zhang,
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Neurology Department of the Second Associated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Christian Hölscher,
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20
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Yang GZ, Gao QC, Li WR, Cai HY, Zhao HM, Wang JJ, Zhao XR, Wang JX, Wu MN, Zhang J, Hölscher C, Qi JS, Wang ZJ. (D-Ser2) oxyntomodulin recovers hippocampal synaptic structure and theta rhythm in Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2072-2078. [PMID: 35142699 PMCID: PMC8848598 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous studies, we have shown that (D-Ser2) oxyntomodulin (Oxm), a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP1R)/glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonist peptide, protects hippocampal neurons against Aβ1–42 -induced cytotoxicity, and stabilizes the calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial membrane potential of hippocampal neurons. Additionally, we have demonstrated that (D-Ser2) Oxm improves cognitive decline and reduces the deposition of amyloid-beta in Alzheimer's disease model mice. However, the protective mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we showed that 2 weeks of intraperitoneal administration of (D-Ser2) Oxm ameliorated the working memory and fear memory impairments of 9-month-old 3×Tg Alzheimer's disease model mice. In addition, electrophysiological data recorded by a wireless multichannel neural recording system implanted in the hippocampal CA1 region showed that (D-Ser2) Oxm increased the power of the theta rhythm. In addition, (D-Ser2) Oxm treatment greatly increased the expression level of synaptic-associated proteins SYP and PSD-95 and increased the number of dendritic spines in 3×Tg Alzheimer's disease model mice. These findings suggest that (D-Ser2) Oxm improves the cognitive function of Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice by recovering hippocampal synaptic function and theta rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Zhao Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qi-Chao Gao
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Wei-Ran Li
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Hong-Yan Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Hui-Min Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jian-Ji Wang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xin-Rui Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jia-Xin Wang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Mei-Na Wu
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Functional Laboratory Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jin-Shun Qi
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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21
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Chen R, Xue G, Hölscher C. The role of the TNFα-mediated astrocyte signaling pathway in epilepsy. Acta Epileptologica 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-021-00059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractEpilepsy is a common disease in the central nervous system. There is growing evidence that epilepsy is associated with glial cells, including astrocytes. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) is a “master regulator” of proinflammatory cytokine production and is secreted by microglia and astrocytes. TNFα secreted by microglia can activate astrocytes. Additionally, TNFα can regulate neuron activity and induce epilepsy by increasing the glutamate release, reducing the expression of γ-aminobutyric acid, inducing neuroinflammation and affecting the synaptic function in astrocytes. This review summarizes the signaling pathways and receptors of TNFα acting on astrocytes that are related to epilepsy and provides insights into the potential therapeutic strategies of epilepsy for clinical practice.
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Cai HY, Yang D, Qiao J, Yang JT, Wang ZJ, Wu MN, Qi JS, Hölscher C. A GLP-1/GIP Dual Receptor Agonist DA4-JC Effectively Attenuates Cognitive Impairment and Pathology in the APP/PS1/Tau Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:799-818. [PMID: 34366339 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disorder, accompanied by progressive cognitive decline, for which there is no cure. Recently, the close correlation between AD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been noted, and a promising anti-AD strategy is the use of anti-T2DM drugs. OBJECTIVE To investigate if the novel glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist DA4-JC shows protective effects in the triple APP/PS1/tau mouse model of AD. METHODS A battery of behavioral tests were followed by in vivo recording of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus, quantified synapses using the Golgi method, and biochemical analysis of biomarkers. RESULTS DA4-JC improved cognitive impairment in a range of tests and relieved pathological features of APP/PS1/tau mice, enhanced LTP in the hippocampus, increased numbers of synapses and dendritic spines, upregulating levels of post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYP), normalized volume and numbers of mitochondria and improving the phosphatase and tensin homologue induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) - Parkin mitophagy signaling pathway, while downregulating amyloid, p-tau, and autophagy marker P62 levels. CONCLUSION DA4-JC is a promising drug for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Qiao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun-Ting Yang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Province, China.,Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Mei-Na Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Province, China.,Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jin-Shun Qi
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Province, China.,Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Neuroscience Research Group, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Lv M, Xue G, Cheng H, Meng P, Lian X, Hölscher C, Li D. The GLP-1/GIP dual-receptor agonist DA5-CH inhibits the NF-κB inflammatory pathway in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease more effectively than the GLP-1 single-receptor agonist NLY01. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2231. [PMID: 34125470 PMCID: PMC8413783 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 has recently shown good effects in a phase II clinical trial in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Here, a comparison of the new GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist DA5-CH and NLY01, a 40 kDa pegylated form of exendin-4, on motor impairments and reducing inflammation in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) PD mouse model is provided. The drug groups received either DA5-CH or NLY01 (25 nmol/kg) i.p. after daily MPTP intraperitoneal injection. Both drugs showed improvements in motor activity, open field experiments, rotarod tests, and gait analysis, but DA5-CH was more potent. Tyrosine hydroxylase expression in dopaminergic neurons was much reduced by MPTP and improved by DA5-CH, while NLY01 showed weak effects. When analyzing levels of α-synuclein (α-Syn), DA5-CH reduced levels effectively while NLY01 had no effect. When measuring the levels of the inflammation markers Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), specific markers of microglia activation (Iba-1), the marker of astrocyte activation glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), DA5-CH was very effective in reducing the chronic inflammation response, while NLY01 did not show significant effects. Levels of key growth factors such as Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were much reduced by MPTP, and DA5-CH was able to normalize levels in the brain, while NLY01 showed little effect. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-Iβ) were much reduced by DA5-CH, too, while NLY01 showed no effect. In a separate experiment, we tested the ability of the two drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier. After injecting fluorescin-labelled peptides peripherally, the fluorescence in brain tissue was measured. It was found that the pegylated NLY01 peptide did not cross the BBB in meaningful quantities while exendin-4 and the dual agonist DA5-CH did. The results show that DA5-CH shows promise as a therapeutic drug for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- MiaoJun Lv
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - GuoFang Xue
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - HuiFeng Cheng
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - PengFei Meng
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Lian
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China.,Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - DongFang Li
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
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Zhang L, Zhang L, Li Y, Li L, Melchiorsen JU, Rosenkilde M, Hölscher C. The Novel Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist DA-CH5 Is Superior to Single GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in the MPTP Model of Parkinson's Disease. J Parkinsons Dis 2021; 10:523-542. [PMID: 31958096 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-191768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. In a clinical trial, the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist exendin-4 has shown good protective effects in PD patients. The hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) has also shown protective effects in animal models of PD. OBJECTIVE We tested DA-CH5, a novel dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. METHODS DA-CH5 activity was tested on cells expressing GLP-1, GLP-2, GIP or glucagon receptors. The ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) of DA-CH5, exendin-4, liraglutide or other dual receptor agonists was tested with fluorescein-labelled peptides. DA-CH5, exendin-4 and liraglutide were tested in the MPTP mouse model of PD. RESULTS Analysing the receptor activating properties showed a balanced activation of GLP-1 and GIP receptors while not activating GLP-2 or glucagon receptors. DA-CH5 crossed the BBB better than other single or other dual receptor agonists. In a dose-response comparison, DA-CH5 was more effective than the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4. When comparing the neuroprotective effect of DA-CH5 with Liraglutide, a GLP-1 analogue, both DA-CH5 and Liraglutide improved MPTP-induced motor impairments. In addition, the drugs reversed the decrease of the number of neurons expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the SN, alleviated chronic inflammation, reduced lipid peroxidation, inhibited the apoptosis pathway (TUNEL assay) and increased autophagy -related proteins expression in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum. Importantly, we found DA-CH5 was superior to Liraglutide in reducing microglia and astrocyte activation, improving mitochondrial activity by reducing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and normalising autophagy as found in abnormal expression of LC3 and p62. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that the DA-CH5 is superior to liraglutide and could be a therapeutic treatment for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Yanwei Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Shaoyang Medical College, Shaoyang, Hunan, PR China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | | | - Mette Rosenkilde
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Department of Second Hospital Neurology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China.,Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, PR China
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25
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Hölscher C. Protective properties of GLP-1 and associated peptide hormones in neurodegenerative disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:695-714. [PMID: 33900631 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the associated desensitisation of insulin signalling has been identified as a risk factor for progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and others. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that has growth factor-like and neuroprotective properties. Several clinical trials have been conducted, testing GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or diabetes-induced memory impairments. The trials showed clear improvements in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and diabetic patients. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) is the 'sister' incretin hormone of GLP-1. GIP analogues have shown neuroprotective effects in animal models of disease and can improve on the effects of GLP-1. Novel dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists have been developed that can enter the brain at an enhanced rate. The improved neuroprotective effects of these drugs suggest that they are superior to single GLP-1 receptor agonists and could provide disease-modifying care for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hölscher
- The Second Associated Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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26
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Gao G, Xie Z, Li EW, Yuan Y, Fu Y, Wang P, Zhang X, Qiao Y, Xu J, Hölscher C, Wang H, Zhang Z. Dehydroabietic acid improves nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through activating the Keap1/Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway to reduce ferroptosis. J Nat Med 2021; 75:540-552. [PMID: 33590347 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-021-01491-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides is one of the important causes of NAFLD. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of dehydroabietic acid (DA) on ferroptosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice and its possible mechanisms. DA improved NAFLD and reduced triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and lipid peroxidation level and inhibited ferroptosis in the liver of HFD-induced mice. DA binds with Keap1 to form 3 stable hydrogen bonds at VAL512 and LEU557 and increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response elemen (ARE) luciferase activity. DA promoted the expression downstream of Nrf2 such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione (GSH) and its peroxidase 4 (GPX4), so as to eliminate the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce lipid peroxides malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver. DA inhibited ferroptosis and increased the expression of key genes such as ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in vitro and vivo. In all, DA may bind with Keap1, activate Nrf2-ARE, induce its target gene expression, inhibit ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation, and reduce HFD-induced NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gai Gao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Zhishen Xie
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Er-Wen Li
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yonghui Qiao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Jiangyan Xu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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Zhang Z, Hao L, Shi M, Yu Z, Shao S, Yuan Y, Zhang Z, Hölscher C. Neuroprotective Effects of a GLP-2 Analogue in the MPTP Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model. J Parkinsons Dis 2021; 11:529-543. [PMID: 33523018 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a peptide hormone derived from the proglucagon gene expressed in the intestines, pancreas and brain. Some previous studies showed that GLP-2 improved aging and Alzheimer's disease related memory impairments. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, and to date, there is no particular medicine reversed PD symptoms effectively. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate neuroprotective effects of a GLP-2 analogue in the 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) PD mouse model. METHODS In the present study, the protease resistant Gly(2)-GLP-2 (50 nmol/kg ip.) analogue has been tested for 14 days by behavioral assessment, transmission electron microscope, immunofluorescence histochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot in an acute PD mouse model induced by MPTP. For comparison, the incretin receptor dual agonist DA5-CH was tested in a separate group. RESULTS The GLP-2 analogue treatment improved the locomotor and exploratory activity of mice, and improved bradykinesia and movement imbalance of mice. Gly(2)-GLP-2 treatment also protected dopaminergic neurons and restored tyrosine hydroxylase expression levels in the substantia nigra. Gly(2)-GLP-2 furthermore reduced the inflammation response as seen in lower microglia activation, and decreased NLRP3 and interleukin-1β pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels. In addition, the GLP-2 analogue improved MPTP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the substantia nigra. The protective effects were comparable to those of the dual agonist DA5-CH. CONCLUSION The present results demonstrate that Gly(2)-GLP-2 can attenuate NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation and mitochondrial damage in the substantia nigra induced by MPTP, and Gly(2)-GLP-2 shows neuroprotective effects in this PD animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijuan Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China.,Basic Medical Collenge, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
| | - Li Hao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China.,Basic Medical Collenge, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
| | - Ziyang Yu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
| | - Simai Shao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
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Bai B, Li D, Xue G, Feng P, Wang M, Han Y, Wang Y, Hölscher C. The novel GLP-1/GIP dual agonist DA3-CH is more effective than liraglutide in reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress in diabetic rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2021; 31:333-343. [PMID: 33500109 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Diabetes is one of the most important risk factors and comorbidities of ischemic stroke. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is considered to be the major injury mechanism of ischemic stroke with diabetes. Studies have found that incretin can inhibit ERS in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the liver and heart. We aimed to explore the effects of GLP-1/GIP double agonist DA3-CH and GLP-1 single agonist liraglutide on ERS and apoptosis in diabetic rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS AND RESULTS 72 Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: ① blank group (Sham group, n = 18); model group (Saline group, n = 18); DA3 treatment group (DA3 group, n = 18); liraglutide treatment group (Lir group, n = 18). The Sham group was not given any treatment and was only raised in the same environment as the other groups. The remaining 3 groups used STZ-induced diabetes models. After the successful membrane formation of diabetes, DA3-CH and liraglutide (10 mmol/kg, once-daily for 14 days) were injected intraperitoneally. Thereafter, rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 24-h reperfusion. Animals were evaluated for neurologic deficit score, infarct volume, and biomarker analyses of the brain after ischemia. The DA3-CH-treated and liraglutide-treated groups showed significantly reduced scores of neurological dysfunction and cerebral infarction size, and reduced the expression of ERS markers GRP78, CHOP and Caspase-12, and the expression of apoptosis marker bax. Anti-apoptotic markers bcl-2 and neuronal numbers increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS DA3-CH and liraglutide have obvious neuroprotective effects in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury with diabetes, which can reduce the infarct size and the neurological deficit score. Their exert neuroprotective effects in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury with diabetes by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and thereby reducing apoptosis. DA3 is better than liraglutide.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology
- Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP
- Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor/agonists
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor/metabolism
- Humans
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
- Incretins/pharmacology
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/drug therapy
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/metabolism
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/pathology
- Liraglutide/pharmacology
- Neurons/drug effects
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neurons/pathology
- Peptides/pharmacology
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone/agonists
- Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone/metabolism
- Reperfusion Injury/metabolism
- Reperfusion Injury/pathology
- Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control
- Signal Transduction
- Streptozocin
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Bai
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi province, PR China
| | - Dongfang Li
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi province, PR China.
| | - Guofang Xue
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi province, PR China
| | - Peng Feng
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi province, PR China
| | - Meiqin Wang
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi province, PR China
| | - Yudi Han
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi province, PR China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi province, PR China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi province, PR China; Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan province, PR China
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Zhang LY, Jin QQ, Hölscher C, Li L. Glucagon-like peptide-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide dual receptor agonist DA-CH5 is superior to exendin-4 in protecting neurons in the 6-hydroxydopamine rat Parkinson model. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1660-1670. [PMID: 33433498 PMCID: PMC8323666 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.303045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have impaired insulin signaling in the brain. Incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), can re-sensitize insulin signaling. In a recent phase II clinical trial, the first GLP-1 mimic, exendin-4, has shown reliable curative effect in patients with PD. DA-CH5 is a novel GLP-1/GIP receptor unimolecular co-agonist with a novel peptide sequence added to cross the blood-brain barrier. Here we showed that both exendin-4 and DA-CH5 protected against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) cytotoxicity, inhibited apoptosis, improved mitogenesis and induced autophagy flux in SH-SY5Y cells via activation of the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway. We also found that DA-CH5 (10 nmol/kg) daily intraperitoneal administration for 30 days post-lesion alleviated motor dysfunction in rats and prevented stereotactic unilateral administration of 6-OHDA induced dopaminergic neurons loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta. However, DA-CH5 showed curative effects in reducing the levels of α-synuclein and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β). It was also more effective than exendin-4 in inhibiting apoptotic process and protecting mitochondrial functions. In addition, insulin resistance was largely alleviated and the expression of autophagy-related proteins was up-regulated in PD model rats after DA-CH5 treatment. These results in this study indicate DA-CH5 plays a therapeutic role in the 6-OHDA-unilaterally lesioned PD rat model and is superior to GLP-1 analogue exendin-4. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Shanxi Medical University of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yu Zhang
- Gerontology Institute, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qian-Qian Jin
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province; Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Lin Li
- Gerontology Institute, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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Abstract
Much thought has been given to the impact of Amyloid Beta, Tau and Alpha-Synuclein in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the clinical failures of the recent decades indicate that there are further pathological mechanisms at work. Indeed, besides amyloids, AD and PD are characterized by the culminative interplay of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and hyperfission, defective autophagy and mitophagy, systemic inflammation, BBB and vascular damage, demyelination, cerebral insulin resistance, the loss of dopamine production in PD, impaired neurogenesis and, of course, widespread axonal, synaptic and neuronal degeneration that leads to cognitive and motor impediments. Interestingly, the acylated form of the hormone ghrelin has shown the potential to ameliorate the latter pathologic changes, although some studies indicate a few complications that need to be considered in the long-term administration of the hormone. As such, this review will illustrate the wide-ranging neuroprotective properties of acylated ghrelin and critically evaluate the hormone's therapeutic benefits for the treatment of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Reich
- Biomedical & Life Sciences Division, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Neurology Department, A Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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31
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Su Y, Zhang Z, Li H, Ma J, Sun L, Shao S, Zhang Z, Hölscher C. A GLP-2 Analogue Protects SH-SY5Y and Neuro-2a Cells Against Mitochondrial Damage, Autophagy Impairments and Apoptosis in a Parkinson Model. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2020; 71:43-50. [PMID: 33022720 DOI: 10.1055/a-1266-3263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a peptide hormone that belongs to the glucagon-derived peptide family. We have previously shown that analogues of the sister hormone Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) showed neuroprotective effects. Here we investigated the effect of a GLP-2 agonist in a cell model of Parkinson's disease (PD) created by treating SH-SY5Y or Neuro-2a cells with 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-pyridine ion (MPP+). Cell viability and cell cytotoxicity was detected by MTT and LDH assays, respectively. The protein expression levels of mitochondrial, autophagy and apoptotic biomarkers including PGC-1α, Mfn2, IRE1, ATG7, LC3B, Beclin1 and Bcl-2 were detected by western blot. Mitochondrial superoxide was detected by MitoSOX Red. In addition, mitochondrial morphology, autophagosome and apoptotic corpuscles were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). We found that the GLP-1 and the GLP-2 agonists both protect cells against mitochondrial damage, autophagy impairments and apoptosis induced by MPP+both in SH-SY5Y and Neuro-2a cells. Cell signaling for mitogenesis was enhanced, and oxidative stress levels much reduced by the drugs. This demonstrates for the first time the neuroprotective effects of a GLP-2 analogue in PD cellular models, in which oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis play crucial roles. The protective effects were comparable to those seen with the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide. The results suggest that not only GLP-1, but also GLP-2 has neuroprotective properties and may be useful as a novel treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zijuan Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jinlian Ma
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Limin Sun
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Simai Shao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Neurology Department of the Second Associated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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32
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Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This relationship seems counter-intuitive as these pathological syndromes appear to be very different. However, they share underlying mechanisms such as desensitization of insulin signaling. Insulin not only regulates blood glucose levels, but also acts as a growth factor that is important for neuronal activity and repair. Insulin signaling desensitization has been found in the brains of people with progressive neurodegenerative diseases, which is most likely driven by chronic inflammation. Based on this, insulin has been tested in patients with Alzheimer's disease, and it was found that memory formation was improved and brain pathology reduced. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone, and numerous drugs that mimic this peptide are on the market to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Preclinical studies have provided robust evidence that some of these drugs, such as liraglutide or lixisenatide can enter the brain and improve key pathological parameters, such as memory loss, impairment of motor activity, synapse loss, reduced energy utilization by neurons and chronic inflammation in the brain. First clinical trials with a GLP-1 mimetic show good effects in patients with Parkinson's disease, improving motor control and insulin signaling in the brain. This is a proof of concept that this approach is viable and that drug treatment affects the main drivers of the disease and does not just modify the symptoms. It demonstrates that this new research area is a promising and fertile space for the development of novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hölscher
- Neurology Department of the Second Associated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China; Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
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33
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Femminella GD, Frangou E, Love SB, Busza G, Holmes C, Ritchie C, Lawrence R, McFarlane B, Tadros G, Ridha BH, Bannister C, Walker Z, Archer H, Coulthard E, Underwood BR, Prasanna A, Koranteng P, Karim S, Junaid K, McGuinness B, Nilforooshan R, Macharouthu A, Donaldson A, Thacker S, Russell G, Malik N, Mate V, Knight L, Kshemendran S, Harrison J, Hölscher C, Brooks DJ, Passmore AP, Ballard C, Edison P. Correction to: Evaluating the effects of the novel GLP-1 analogue liraglutide in Alzheimer's disease: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (ELAD study). Trials 2020; 21:660. [PMID: 32684162 PMCID: PMC7370449 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04608-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleni Frangou
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sharon B Love
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gail Busza
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Clive Holmes
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Havant, UK
| | - Craig Ritchie
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - George Tadros
- Aston Medical school, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Basil H Ridha
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Zuzana Walker
- University College London and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Runwell, UK
| | | | | | - Ben R Underwood
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough, UK
| | - Aparna Prasanna
- Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, West Bromwich, UK
| | - Paul Koranteng
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kettering, UK
| | - Salman Karim
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - Kehinde Junaid
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon Thacker
- Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derby, UK
| | - Gregor Russell
- Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Naghma Malik
- 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Warrington, UK
| | - Vandana Mate
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Redruth, UK
| | - Lucy Knight
- Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Bridgwater, UK
| | - Sajeev Kshemendran
- South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Stafford, UK
| | - John Harrison
- Alzheimer Center VUmc Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Research Department, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - David J Brooks
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Clive Ballard
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paul Edison
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK. .,School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4YS, UK.
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Zhang L, Zhang L, Li L, Hölscher C. Semaglutide is Neuroprotective and Reduces α-Synuclein Levels in the Chronic MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. J Parkinsons Dis 2020; 9:157-171. [PMID: 30741689 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-181503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological motor control disorder. A key feature is the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-syn). No current treatment is on the market that slows or halts disease progression. Previous studies have shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have neuroprotective effects in animal models of PD. In addition, in a phase II clinical trial, the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 has shown good protective effects in PD patients. In the present study, we have investigated the neuroprotective effects of the GLP-1 analogues semaglutide (25 nmol/kg ip. once every two days for 30 days) and liraglutide (25 nmol/kg ip. once daily for 30 days) in the chronic MPTP mouse model of PD. Both drugs are currently on the market as a treatment for Type II diabetes. Our results show that both semaglutide and liraglutide improved MPTP-induced motor impairments. In addition, both drugs rescued the decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels, reduced the accumulation of α-syn, alleviated the chronic inflammation response in the brain, reduced lipid peroxidation, and inhibited the mitochondrial mitophagy signaling pathway, and furthermore increased expression of the key growth factor GDNF that protects dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum. Moreover, the long- acting GLP-1 analogue semaglutide was more potent compared with once daily liraglutide in most parameters measured in this study. Our results demonstrate that semaglutide may be a promising treatment for PD. A clinical trial testing semaglutide in PD patients will start shortly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - LingYu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Department of Second Hospital Neurology, Shanxi medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China.,Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
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35
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Xie Z, Zhao J, Wang H, Jiang Y, Yang Q, Fu Y, Zeng H, Hölscher C, Xu J, Zhang Z. Magnolol alleviates Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in transgenic C. elegans by promoting microglia phagocytosis and the degradation of beta-amyloid through activation of PPAR-γ. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 124:109886. [PMID: 32000045 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate whether magnolol (MG), a natural neolignane compound, can prevent AD induced by beta-amyloid (Aβ) and the possible mechanisms involved. MG dose-dependently reduces Aβ deposition, toxicity and memory impairment caused by Aβ in transgenic C. elegans. More importantly, these effects are reversed by GW9662, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) antagonist. MG is more effective in enhancing PPAR-γ luciferase levels than honokiol (HK). Meanwhile, MG has the potential to bind with the ligand binding domain of PPAR-γ (PPAR-γ-LBD). As expected, MG inhibited the luciferase activity of NF-κB and its target genes of inflammatory cytokines, and this effect was blocked by GW9662. The luciferase activity of Nrf2-ARE expression can be activated by MG and decreased Aβ-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). The target gene LXR of PPAR-γ is activated by MG, which upregulates ApoE and promotes microglia phagocytosis and the degradation of Aβ, and these effects were also reversed by GW9662. In summary, MG can attenuate Aβ-induced AD and the underlying mechanism is the reduction of inflammation and promotion of phagocytosis and degradation of Aβ, which is dependent on PPAR-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishen Xie
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yali Jiang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Qiaoling Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Children's Hospital Affiliate to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Huahui Zeng
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Jiangyan Xu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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36
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Abstract
Introduction: This review evaluates the novel strategy of treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (AD and PD) withdrugs that initially have been developed to treat type 2 diabetes. As insulin signalling has been found to be de-sensitized in the brains of patients, drugs that can re-sensitize insulin signalling have been tested to evaluate if this strategy can alter disease progression.Areas covered: The review will give an overview of preclinical and clinical tests in AD and PD of drugs activating insulin receptors, glucagon-like peptide -1 (GLP-1) receptors, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors.Expert opinion: Insulin, GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists have shown good effects in preclinical studies. First clinical trials in MCI/AD patients have shown that insulin can improve on key pathological symptoms of AD such as memory impairment, brain activity, neuronal energy utilization, and inflammation markers. A GLP-1 receptor agonist has shown disease-modifying effects in PD patients, and first pilot studies have shown encouraging effects of a GLP-1 receptor agonist in AD patients. Novel dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists that cross the blood brain barrier show superior neuroprotective effects compared to single GLP-1 or GIP receptor agonists, and show great promise as novel treatments of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hölscher
- Second Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China.,Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
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37
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Zhang Z, Jing Y, Ma Y, Duan D, Li B, Hölscher C, Li C, Wei J, Gao A, Shang L, Tao F, Xing Y. Driving GABAergic neurons optogenetically improves learning, reduces amyloid load and enhances autophagy in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 525:928-935. [PMID: 32173530 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The changes of local field potentials (LFP, mainly gamma rhythm and theta rhythm) in the brain are closely related to learning and memory formation. Reduced gamma rhythm (20-50 Hz) and theta rhythm (4-10 Hz) has been observed in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but it is not clear whether it is related to cognition in AD. Here, we investigated behaviorally driven gamma rhythm and theta rhythm in APP/PS1 mice, and optogenetically stimulated GABAergic neurons in the brain to better understand the relationship between the changes of LFP, cognition, and cellular pathologies. Optogenetically driving GABAergic neurons rescued memory formation in a water maze task and normalized theta and gamma rhythm in the EEG. Furthermore, the optogenetic stimulation alleviated neuroinflammation and levels of amyloid-β (Aβ)1-42 fragments, and induced autophagy. GABA blockers also reversed the normalization of theta and gamma rhythms in the brain by optogenetic stimulation. The results demonstrate that stimulation of GABAergic interneurons not only rescues LFP rhythms and memory formation, but furthermore activates autophagy and reduces neuroinflammation, which have beneficial additional effects such as clearing amyloid. This is a proof of concept for a novel therapeutic approach to AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China; Experimental Teaching Center, Basic Medical School of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Ying Jing
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yajing Ma
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Dongxiao Duan
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jingwen Wei
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Aishe Gao
- Experimental Teaching Center, Basic Medical School of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Lizhi Shang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Feng Tao
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA; Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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38
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Abstract
Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a peptide hormone of the incretin family. It has growth factor properties and can re-activate energy utilization. In progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, energy utilization is much reduced, and GIP has the potential to reverse this. Furthermore, GIP can reduce the inflammation response in the brain and reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Tests in animal models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease show good neuroprotective effects. In Parkinson's disease models, motor activity is normalized, dopaminergic neurons are protected, synapse numbers and dopamine levels are maintained. Levels of growth factors that are essential for neuronal and synaptic function are increased and alpha-synuclein levels are reduced. The chronic inflammation response and mitochondrial damage is reduced. In Alzheimer's disease models, memory is rescued, synapse numbers and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus is normalized, amyloid plaque load and the chronic inflammation is reduced. Similar protective effects have been previously reported with analogues of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), the sister incretin hormone. First clinical trials show good protective effects in both diseases. Recently, novel dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists have been developed. The ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is key to their neuroprotective effects. We have developed two dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that have cell penetrating sequences added for better BBB penetration. In direct comparisons, these dual agonists show improved neuroprotection in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, such novel multiple receptor agonists hold great promise as potential treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qiang Zhang
- Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
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39
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Li C, Liu W, Li X, Zhang Z, Qi H, Liu S, Yan N, Xing Y, Hölscher C, Wang Z. The novel GLP-1/GIP analogue DA5-CH reduces tau phosphorylation and normalizes theta rhythm in the icv. STZ rat model of AD. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01505. [PMID: 31960630 PMCID: PMC7066337 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. Recent studies have shown a close link between type 2 diabetes and AD, which suggested that drugs for type 2 diabetes may be effective for AD. GLP-1 and GIP are incretin hormones that can ameliorate diabetes. METHODS In the present study, we tested the novel dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist DA5-CH in the icv. streptozotocin (STZ)-induced insulin desensitization model of AD in rats to explore the protective effects of DA5-CH. RESULTS The results show that DA5-CH could reverse the STZ-induced working memory impairments in a Y-maze tests, and spatial memory impairments in the water maze task, and decrease the levels of phosphorylated tauS396 protein in the hippocampus. In EEG recordings, STZ treatment diminished the power of the theta band frequency. DA5-CH was able to increase the energy of theta band activity in the hippocampal CA1 region. The drug also increased the expression of synapse-related proteins in the hippocampus. After DA5-CH treatment, mitochondrial stress was alleviated as shown by the improved ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in the hippocampus. Growth factor signaling was also normalized as shown by the increased level of the transcription factor P-CREBS133 . In addition, we were able to show that DA5-CH can cross the blood-brain barrier at an increased rate compared with other dual GLP-1/GIP or single GLP-1 receptor agonists. CONCLUSION Therefore, our results demonstrate that DA5-CH has neuroprotective effects in the STZ-induced animal model and that DA5-CH has potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- Department of Physiology and NeurobiologySchool of MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanPR China
| | - Weizhen Liu
- Department of Physiology and NeurobiologySchool of MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanPR China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Physiology and NeurobiologySchool of MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanPR China
| | - Zijuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and NeurobiologySchool of MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanPR China
| | - Huaxin Qi
- Department of Physiology and NeurobiologySchool of MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanPR China
| | - Shijin Liu
- Department of Physiology and NeurobiologySchool of MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanPR China
| | - Ningning Yan
- Department of Physiology and NeurobiologySchool of MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanPR China
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology and NeurobiologySchool of MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanPR China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Research and Experimental CenterHenan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouHenanPR China
| | - Zhiju Wang
- Department of Physiology and NeurobiologySchool of MedicineZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanPR China
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40
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Wang L, Zhao J, Wang C, Hou X, Ning N, Sun C, Guo S, Yuan Y, Li L, Hölscher C, Wang X. D-Ser2-oxyntomodulin ameliorated Aβ31-35-induced circadian rhythm disorder in mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2020; 26:343-354. [PMID: 31411808 PMCID: PMC7053239 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The occurrence of circadian rhythm disorder in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely related to the abnormal deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ), and d-Ser2-oxyntomodulin (Oxy) is a protease-resistant oxyntomodulin analogue that has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects. AIMS This study aimed to explore whether Oxy, a new GLP-1R/GCGR dual receptor agonist, can improve the Aβ-induced disrupted circadian rhythm and the role of GLP-1R. METHODS A mouse wheel-running experiment was performed to explore the circadian rhythm, and western blotting and real-time PCR were performed to assess the expression of the circadian clock genes Bmal1 and Per2. Furthermore, a lentivirus encoding an shGLP-1R-GFP-PURO was used to interfere with GLP-1R gene expression and so explore the role of GLP-1R. RESULTS The present study has confirmed that Oxy could restore Aβ31-35-induced circadian rhythm disorders and improve the abnormal expression of Bmal1 and Per2. After interfering the GLP-1R gene, we found that Oxy could not improve the Aβ31-35-induced circadian rhythm disorder and abnormal expression of clock genes. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that Oxy could improve Aβ31-35-induced circadian rhythm disorders, and GLP-1R plays a critical role. This study thus describes a novel target that may be potentially used in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of PathologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of PathologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Chang‐Tu Wang
- Department of PathologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
- Laboratory of ChronobiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Xiao‐Hong Hou
- Department of PathologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Na Ning
- Department of PathologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Cong Sun
- Department of PathologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Shuai Guo
- Department of PathologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Basic Medical SciencesShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Cellular PhysiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Second HospitalShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
- Biomedical and Life Science, Faculty of Health and MedicineLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Xiao‐Hui Wang
- Department of PathologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
- Laboratory of ChronobiologyShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
- Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Basic Medical SciencesShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
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41
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Maskery M, Goulding EM, Gengler S, Melchiorsen JU, Rosenkilde MM, Hölscher C. The Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist DA4-JC Shows Superior Protective Properties Compared to the GLP-1 Analogue Liraglutide in the APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2020; 35:1533317520953041. [PMID: 32959677 PMCID: PMC10623903 DOI: 10.1177/1533317520953041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no cure. Here, we test a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist (DA4-JC) that has a cell penetrating sequence added to enhance blood-brain barrier penetration. We show in a receptor activity study that DA4-JC has balanced activity on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors but not on GLP-2 or Glucagon receptors. A dose-response study in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD showed both a dose-dependent drug effect on the inflammation response and the reduction of amyloid plaques in the brain. When comparing DA4-JC with the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide at equal doses of 10nmol/kg bw ip. once-daily for 8 weeks, DA4-JC was more effective in reversing memory loss, enhancing synaptic plasticity (LTP) in the hippocampus, reducing amyloid plaques and lowering pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the brain. The results suggest that DA4-JC may be a novel treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Maskery
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Royal Preston Hospital, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Mary Goulding
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Gengler
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Christian Hölscher
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
- Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Salles GN, Calió ML, Hölscher C, Pacheco-Soares C, Porcionatto M, Lobo AO. Neuroprotective and restorative properties of the GLP-1/GIP dual agonist DA-JC1 compared with a GLP-1 single agonist in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2019; 162:107813. [PMID: 31628935 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [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: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The sister incretins glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are growth factors responsible for re-sensitizing insulin signalling. Interestingly, their analogues, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D), have demonstrated a range of neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties. Novel peptide GLP-1/GIP dual agonist (DA) shows good effects in diabetic patients, superior to the effects demonstrated by single GIP or GLP-1 mimetics. Furthermore, novel DAs have shown considerable neuroprotection in neurodegenerative models. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective and restorative involvement of the DA DA-JC1 and liraglutide (Lg), a single GLP-1 receptor analogue, in vitro using human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) against oxidative stress induced by oxygen peroxide (H2O2), and in vivo, in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), APP/PS1. First, we determined the ideal concentration of the peptides and demonstrated that DA-JC1 protects cells against oxidative stress more than Lg, improving cell viability, normalizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and attenuating DNA damage generated by H2O2. Moreover, in 10-to-12-months-old APP/PS1 animals treated for 4 weeks, both Lg and DA-JC1 were very efficient in stimulating neurogenesis and reducing some important hallmarks of AD, but DA-JC1 was better than Lg in attenuating crucial neuroinflammatory markers, especially reactive astrocyte, in both wild-type (WT) and APP/PS1 hippocampal regions. Altogether, this study suggests an interactive role of GLP-1 and GIP receptors, enhancing the efficiency of single GLP-1 analogues, especially in attenuating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. We confirm that combining GLP-1 and GIP results in a variety of beneficial effects, providing key evidences for the development of a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geisa Nogueira Salles
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Cellular Compartments, Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (IP&D), Universidade Do Vale Do Paraiba, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, 12244-000, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil; Departament of Biochemestry, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669, 04039-032, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Michele Longoni Calió
- Departament of Biochemestry, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669, 04039-032, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 450000, Zhengzhou City, Henan province, China
| | - Cristina Pacheco-Soares
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Cellular Compartments, Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (IP&D), Universidade Do Vale Do Paraiba, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, 12244-000, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marimelia Porcionatto
- Departament of Biochemestry, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669, 04039-032, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson Oliveira Lobo
- LIMAV - Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Materials Science & Engineering Graduate Program, UFPI - Federal University of Piauí, 64049-550, Teresina, PI, Brazil.
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Tian MJ, Wang RF, Hölscher C, Mi RL, Yuan ZY, Li DF, Xue GF. The novel GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist DA3-CH is neuroprotective in the pilocarpine-induced epileptogenesis rat model. Epilepsy Res 2019; 154:97-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The underlying mechanism that links up the two conditions seems to be the de-sensitization of insulin signaling. In patients with AD, insulin signaling was found to be de-sensitized in the brain, even if they did not have diabetes. Insulin is an important growth factor that regulates cell growth, energy utilization, mitochondrial function and replacement, autophagy, oxidative stress management, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function. Insulin desensitization, therefore, can enhance the risk of developing neurological disorders in later life. Other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or brain injury, also enhance the likelihood of developing AD. All these risk factors have one thing in common – they induce a chronic inflammation response in the brain. Pro-inflammatory cytokines block growth factor signaling and enhance oxidative stress. The underlying molecular processes for this are described in the review. Treatments to re-sensitize insulin signaling in the brain are also described, such as nasal insulin tests in AD patients, or treatments with re-sensitizing hormones, such as leptin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1),and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). The first clinical trials show promising results and are a proof of concept that utilizing such treatments is valid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hölscher
- Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Femminella GD, Frangou E, Love SB, Busza G, Holmes C, Ritchie C, Lawrence R, McFarlane B, Tadros G, Ridha BH, Bannister C, Walker Z, Archer H, Coulthard E, Underwood BR, Prasanna A, Koranteng P, Karim S, Junaid K, McGuinness B, Nilforooshan R, Macharouthu A, Donaldson A, Thacker S, Russell G, Malik N, Mate V, Knight L, Kshemendran S, Harrison J, Hölscher C, Brooks DJ, Passmore AP, Ballard C, Edison P. Evaluating the effects of the novel GLP-1 analogue liraglutide in Alzheimer's disease: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (ELAD study). Trials 2019; 20:191. [PMID: 30944040 PMCID: PMC6448216 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3259-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue currently approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Preclinical evidence in transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease suggests that liraglutide exerts neuroprotective effects by reducing amyloid oligomers, normalising synaptic plasticity and cerebral glucose uptake, and increasing the proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the change in cerebral glucose metabolic rate after 12 months of treatment with liraglutide in participants with Alzheimer's disease compared to those who are receiving placebo. METHODS/DESIGN ELAD is a 12-month, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase IIb trial of liraglutide in participants with mild Alzheimer's dementia. A total of 206 participants will be randomised to receive either liraglutide or placebo as a daily injection for a year. The primary outcome will be the change in cerebral glucose metabolic rate in the cortical regions (hippocampus, medial temporal lobe, and posterior cingulate) from baseline to follow-up in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. The key secondary outcomes are the change from baseline to 12 months in z scores for clinical and cognitive measures (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale and Executive domain scores of the Neuropsychological Test Battery, Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes, and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living) and the incidence and severity of treatment-emergent adverse events or clinically important changes in safety assessments. Other secondary outcomes are 12-month change in magnetic resonance imaging volume, diffusion tensor imaging parameters, reduction in microglial activation in a subgroup of participants, reduction in tau formation and change in amyloid levels in a subgroup of participants measured by tau and amyloid imaging, and changes in composite scores using support machine vector analysis in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. DISCUSSION Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide. As available treatments are only symptomatic, the search for disease-modifying therapies is a priority. If the ELAD trial is successful, liraglutide and GLP-1 analogues will represent an important class of compounds to be further evaluated in clinical trials for Alzheimer's treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01843075 . Registration 30 April 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleni Frangou
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sharon B Love
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gail Busza
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Clive Holmes
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Havant, UK
| | - Craig Ritchie
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - George Tadros
- Aston Medical school, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Basil H Ridha
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Zuzana Walker
- University College London and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Runwell, UK
| | | | | | - Ben R Underwood
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough, UK
| | - Aparna Prasanna
- Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, West Bromwich, UK
| | - Paul Koranteng
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kettering, UK
| | - Salman Karim
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - Kehinde Junaid
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon Thacker
- Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derby, UK
| | - Gregor Russell
- Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Naghma Malik
- 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Warrington, UK
| | - Vandana Mate
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Redruth, UK
| | - Lucy Knight
- Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Bridgwater, UK
| | - Sajeev Kshemendran
- South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Stafford, UK
| | - John Harrison
- Alzheimer Center VUmc Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - David J Brooks
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Clive Ballard
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paul Edison
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK. .,School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4YS, UK.
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Wang L, Zhang R, Hou X, Wang C, Guo S, Ning N, Sun C, Yuan Y, Li L, Hölscher C, Wang X. DA-JC1 improves learning and memory by antagonizing Aβ31-35-induced circadian rhythm disorder. Mol Brain 2019; 12:14. [PMID: 30744651 PMCID: PMC6371467 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0432-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that a normal circadian rhythm is crucial to learning and memory. Circadian rhythm disturbances that occur at early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) aggravate the progression of the disease and further reduce learning and memory in AD patients. The novel, dual GLP-1R/GIPR agonist DA-JC1 has been found to exert a stronger hypoglycemic effect than a GLP-1R agonist alone and has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects. However, it is not clear whether DA-JC1 improves the Aβ31–35-induced decline in learning and memory ability by restoring disrupted circadian rhythms. In the present study, we carried out a mouse wheel-running experiment and Morris water maze test (MWM) and found that DA-JC1 could effectively improve the decline of learning and memory and circadian rhythm disorders induced by Aβ31–35. After downregulating Per2 expression via lentivirus-shPer2 in the hippocampus and the hippocampal HT22 cells, we found that circadian rhythm disorders occurred, and that DA-JC1 could not improve the impaired learning and memory. These results suggest that DA-JC1 improves damage to learning and memory by antagonizing circadian rhythm disorders induced by Aβ31–35. The outcome of this ongoing study may provide a novel therapeutic intervention for AD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Hou
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Changtu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Chronobiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Ning
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China.,Biomedical and Life Science, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China. .,Laboratory of Chronobiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China. .,Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China.
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47
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hölscher
- Research and Experimental Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 450046 Zhengzhou city, Henan province, PR China.
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48
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Holubová M, Hrubá L, Popelová A, Bencze M, Pražienková V, Gengler S, Kratochvílová H, Haluzík M, Železná B, Kuneš J, Hölscher C, Maletínská L. Liraglutide and a lipidized analog of prolactin-releasing peptide show neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of β-amyloid pathology. Neuropharmacology 2018; 144:377-387. [PMID: 30428311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [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: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are important risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Drugs originally developed for T2DM treatment, e.g., analog of glucagon-like peptide 1 liraglutide, have shown neuroprotective effects in mouse models of AD. We previously examined the neuroprotective properties of palm11-PrRP31, an anorexigenic and glucose-lowering analog of prolactin-releasing peptide, in a mouse model of AD-like Tau pathology, THY-Tau22 mice. Here, we demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of palm11-PrRP31 in double transgenic APP/PS1 mice, a model of AD-like β-amyloid (Aβ) pathology. The 7-8-month-old APP/PS1 male mice were subcutaneously injected with liraglutide or palm11-PrRP31 for 2 months. Both the liraglutide and palm11-PrRP31 treatments reduced the Aβ plaque load in the hippocampus. Palm11-PrRP31 also significantly reduced hippocampal microgliosis, consistent with our observations of a reduced Aβ plaque load, and reduced cortical astrocytosis, similar to the treatment with liraglutide. Palm11-PrRP31 also tended to increase neurogenesis, as indicated by the number of doublecortin-positive cells in the hippocampus. After the treatment with both anorexigenic compounds, we observed a significant decrease in Tau phosphorylation at Thr231, one of the first epitopes phosphorylated in AD. This effect was probably caused by elevated activity of protein phosphatase 2A subunit C, the main Tau phosphatase. Both liraglutide and palm11-PrRP31 reduced the levels of caspase 3, which has multiple roles in the pathogenesis of AD. Palm11-PrRP31 increased protein levels of the pre-synaptic marker synaptophysin, suggesting that palm11-PrRP31 might help preserve synapses. These results indicate that palm11-PrRP31 has promising potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Holubová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Hrubá
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Popelová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Bencze
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Pražienková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Simon Gengler
- Biomedical and Life Science, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Kratochvílová
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital, 128 08, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Haluzík
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital, 128 08, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Železná
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Kuneš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Biomedical and Life Science, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Lenka Maletínská
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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49
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Salles GN, Calió ML, Afewerki S, Pacheco-Soares C, Porcionatto M, Hölscher C, Lobo AO. Prolonged Drug-Releasing Fibers Attenuate Alzheimer's Disease-like Pathogenesis. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2018; 10:36693-36702. [PMID: 30298718 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Delivering drugs and agents to the brain is a huge challenge, especially for chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). For this, prolonged and sustained release methods to increase brain uptake represent an impacting concept. The bioresorbable polymer poly-lactic acid (PLA) has high potential for medical implants; at the same time, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues have considerable neuroprotective attributes and represent a therapeutic strategy for AD. Here, a biodevice is produced by electrospinning PLA with a GLP-1 analogue (liraglutide, LG), coated with a thin layer of gelatin. The biodevice is subcutaneously implanted in a transgenic mouse model of AD and LG is released for 14 days in mice serum. After 4 weeks of implantation, crucial hallmarks of the AD are highly diminished: hippocampal senile amyloid β plaque load and neuroinflammatory markers. Furthermore, neurogenesis is enhanced in the subventricular zone, an important neurogenic niche in the brain. The designed biodevice holds great promise for being an affordable candidate to act as a prolonged drug provider, promoting LG mission through increasing its lifetime, constituting a relevant approach for old and impaired brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geisa Nogueira Salles
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Cellular Compartments, Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento , Universidade do Vale do Paraiba , Sao Jose dos Campos 12244-000 , São Paulo , Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Neurobiology Laboratory, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal São Paulo , São Paulo 04021-00 , Brazil
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine , Lancaster University , Lancaster LA1 4YQ , U.K
| | - Michele Longoni Calió
- Department of Biochemistry, Neurobiology Laboratory, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal São Paulo , São Paulo 04021-00 , Brazil
| | - Samson Afewerki
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School , Brigham & Women's Hospital , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Science and Technology , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
| | - Cristina Pacheco-Soares
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Cellular Compartments, Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento , Universidade do Vale do Paraiba , Sao Jose dos Campos 12244-000 , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Marimelia Porcionatto
- Department of Biochemistry, Neurobiology Laboratory, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal São Paulo , São Paulo 04021-00 , Brazil
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine , Lancaster University , Lancaster LA1 4YQ , U.K
| | - Anderson O Lobo
- Institute of Science and Technology , Universidade Brasil , Itaquera 08230-030 , São Paulo , Brazil
- LIMAv-Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Advanced Materials, PPGCM-Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Program , UFPI-Federal University of Piaui , Teresina 64049-550 , Piauí , Brazil
- Department of Chemistry , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139-4307 , United States
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50
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Nasaruddin ML, Pan X, McGuinness B, Passmore P, Kehoe PG, Hölscher C, Graham SF, Green BD. Evidence That Parietal Lobe Fatty Acids May Be More Profoundly Affected in Moderate Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Pathology Than in Severe AD Pathology. Metabolites 2018; 8:metabo8040069. [PMID: 30373213 PMCID: PMC6316131 DOI: 10.3390/metabo8040069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain is a lipid-rich tissue, and fatty acids (FAs) play a crucial role in brain function, including neuronal cell growth and development. This study used GC-MS to survey all detectable FAs in the human parietal cortex (Brodmann area 7). These FAs were accurately quantified in 27 cognitively normal age-matched controls, 16 cases of moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD), 30 severe AD, and 14 dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). A total of 24 FA species were identified. Multiple comparison procedures, using stepdown permutation tests, noted higher levels of 13 FAs but the majority of changes were in moderate AD and DLB, rather than severe AD. Subjects with moderate AD and DLB pathology exhibited significantly higher levels of a number of FAs (13 FAs and 12 FAs, respectively). These included nervonic, lignoceric, cis-13,16-docosadienoic, arachidonic, cis-11,14,17-eicosatrienoic, erucic, behenic, α-linolenic, stearic, oleic, cis-10-heptanoic, and palmitic acids. The similarities between moderate AD and DLB were quite striking-arachidic acid was the only FA which was higher in moderate AD than control, and was not similarly affected in DLB. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between moderate AD and DLB. The associations between each FA and a number of variables, including diagnosis, age, gender, Aβ plaque load, tau load, and frontal tissue pH, were also investigated. To conclude, the development of AD or DLB pathology affects brain FA composition but, intriguingly, moderate AD neuropathology impacts this to a much greater extent. Post-mortem delay is a potential confounding factor, but the findings here suggest that there could be a more dynamic metabolic response in the earlier stages of the disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad L Nasaruddin
- Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 6AG, Ireland.
| | - Xiaobei Pan
- Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 6AG, Ireland.
| | - Bernadette McGuinness
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast BT12 6BA, Ireland.
| | - Peter Passmore
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast BT12 6BA, Ireland.
| | - Patrick G Kehoe
- Dementia Research Group, Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK.
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Research and experimental center, Henan university of traditional Chinese medicine, Longzihu university campus, 156 Jinshui Dong Road, 450000 Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China.
| | - Stewart F Graham
- Metabolomics Research, Beaumont Research Institute 3811 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA.
- Metabolomics Research, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA.
| | - Brian D Green
- Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 6AG, Ireland.
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