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Cunha-Oliveira T, Montezinho L, Simões RF, Carvalho M, Ferreiro E, Silva FSG. Mitochondria: A Promising Convergent Target for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:248. [PMID: 38334639 PMCID: PMC10854804 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030248] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, for which current treatment options are limited. Recent studies have shed light on the role of mitochondria in ALS pathogenesis, making them an attractive therapeutic intervention target. This review contains a very comprehensive critical description of the involvement of mitochondria and mitochondria-mediated mechanisms in ALS. The review covers several key areas related to mitochondria in ALS, including impaired mitochondrial function, mitochondrial bioenergetics, reactive oxygen species, metabolic processes and energy metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, turnover, autophagy and mitophagy, impaired mitochondrial transport, and apoptosis. This review also highlights preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated various mitochondria-targeted therapies for ALS treatment. These include strategies to improve mitochondrial function, such as the use of dichloroacetate, ketogenic and high-fat diets, acetyl-carnitine, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants. Additionally, antiapoptotic agents, like the mPTP-targeting agents minocycline and rasagiline, are discussed. The paper aims to contribute to the identification of effective mitochondria-targeted therapies for ALS treatment by synthesizing the current understanding of the role of mitochondria in ALS pathogenesis and reviewing potential convergent therapeutic interventions. The complex interplay between mitochondria and the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS holds promise for the development of novel treatment strategies to combat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Cunha-Oliveira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana Montezinho
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Rui F. Simões
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Carvalho
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ferreiro
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filomena S. G. Silva
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Mitotag Lda, Biocant Park, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
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Sacoor C, Marugg JD, Lima NR, Empadinhas N, Montezinho L. Gut-Brain Axis Impact on Canine Anxiety Disorders: New Challenges for Behavioral Veterinary Medicine. Vet Med Int 2024; 2024:2856759. [PMID: 38292207 PMCID: PMC10827376 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2856759] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders in dogs are ever-growing and represent an important concern in the veterinary behavior field. These disorders are often disregarded in veterinary clinical practice, negatively impacting the animal's and owner's quality of life. Moreover, these anxiety disorders can potentially result in the abandonment or euthanasia of dogs. Growing evidence shows that the gut microbiota is a central player in the gut-brain axis. A variety of microorganisms inhabit the intestines of dogs, which are essential in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. These microbes can impact mental health through several mechanisms, including metabolic, neural, endocrine, and immune-mediated pathways. The disruption of a balanced composition of resident commensal communities, or dysbiosis, is implicated in several pathological conditions, including mental disorders such as anxiety. Studies carried out in rodent models and humans demonstrate that the intestinal microbiota can influence mental health through these mechanisms, including anxiety disorders. Furthermore, novel therapeutic strategies using prebiotics and probiotics have been shown to ameliorate anxiety-related symptoms. However, regarding the canine veterinary behavior field, there is still a lack of insightful research on this topic. In this review, we explore the few but relevant studies performed on canine anxiety disorders. We agree that innovative bacterial therapeutical approaches for canine anxiety disorders will become a promising field of investigation and certainly pave the way for new approaches to these behavioral conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Sacoor
- Vasco da Gama Research Center (CIVG), Vasco da Gama University School (EUVG), 3020–210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000–801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - John D. Marugg
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004–504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004–504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno R. Lima
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000–801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, and Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 5000–801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Innovation in Health and Well-Being Research Unit (iHealth4Well-Being), Polytechnic Health Institute of North (IPSN-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004–504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004–504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana Montezinho
- Vasco da Gama Research Center (CIVG), Vasco da Gama University School (EUVG), 3020–210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004–504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004–504 Coimbra, Portugal
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Santos JC, Marques CC, Baptista MC, Pimenta J, Teixeira J, Montezinho L, Cagide F, Borges F, Oliveira PJ, Pereira RMLN. Effect of a Novel Hydroxybenzoic Acid Based Mitochondria Directed Antioxidant Molecule on Bovine Sperm Function and Embryo Production. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070804. [PMID: 35405794 PMCID: PMC8996912 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070804] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells are particularly vulnerable to reactive oxygen species (ROS), impairing their fertilizing ability. Our objective was to study the effect of a novel mitochondrial-directed antioxidant, AntiOxBEN2, on bovine sperm function. This antioxidant was added to the semen capacitation medium (CAP), during the swim-up process, and to the fertilization medium (FERT) during the co-incubation of matured oocytes and capacitated spermatozoa, in concentrations of 0 (control), 1, and 10 µM. After the swim-up, sperm motility (CASA and visual analysis), vitality (eosin-nigrosin), mitochondrial membrane potential (JC1), intracellular ROS, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and basal metabolism (Seahorse Xfe96) were evaluated. Embryo development and quality were also assessed. Higher cleavage rates were obtained when 1 µM AntiOxBEN2 were added to CAP and FERT media (compared to control, p < 0.04). A positive effect of AntiOxBEN2 on intracellular ROS reduction (p = 0.01), on the increment of mitochondrial membrane potential (p ≤ 0.003) and, consequently, on the sperm quality was identified. However, the highest dose impaired progressive motility, ATP production, and the number of produced embryos. The results demonstrate a beneficial effect of AntiOxBEN2 (1 µM) on sperm capacitation and fertilization processes, thus improving embryonic development. This may constitute a putative novel therapeutic strategy to improve the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- João Campos Santos
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Unit, INIAV—National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (J.C.S.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.); (J.P.)
- CIVG, Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Sciences, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Carla Cruz Marques
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Unit, INIAV—National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (J.C.S.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Maria Conceição Baptista
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Unit, INIAV—National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (J.C.S.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Jorge Pimenta
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Unit, INIAV—National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (J.C.S.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.); (J.P.)
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Teixeira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.T.); (P.J.O.)
- MitoTAG, Biocant Park—Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, Núcleo 04, Lote 04, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
| | - Liliana Montezinho
- CIVG, Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Sciences, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Fernando Cagide
- CIQUP/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (F.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Fernanda Borges
- CIQUP/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (F.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Paulo J. Oliveira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.T.); (P.J.O.)
| | - Rosa M. L. N. Pereira
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Unit, INIAV—National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal; (J.C.S.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.B.); (J.P.)
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +351-00345767300
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Sacoor C, Barros LM, Montezinho L. What are the potential biomarkers that should be considered in diagnosing and managing canine chronic inflammatory enteropathies? Open Vet J 2021; 10:412-430. [PMID: 33614437 PMCID: PMC7830176 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v10i4.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory enteropathies in dogs are characterized by persistent or recurrent gastrointestinal signs that last for more than 3 weeks. Despite unclear etiopathogenesis, it is considered that a genetic predisposition associated with environmental factors, such as dietary antigens and intestinal microbiota, might induce an abnormal immune response in the host. The diagnosis of this condition requires full investigation in order to exclude all other possible causes. Currently, the observation of clinical signs associated with histopathologic evaluation and systematic therapeutic trials is the gold standard for the diagnosis of chronic enteropathies. Furthermore, diagnosis, monitoring the disease progression, and treatment response evaluation can be exhausting, since this whole process is time-consuming, costly, and partially invasive. Therefore, biomarkers appear as non-invasive tools, which can be useful in evaluating gastrointestinal function, identifying the presence of the disease and assessing its natural progression, monitoring gastrointestinal inflammation, predicting response to treatment, and clinical outcomes. Over the past decade, several studies were conducted in order to explore the clinical utility of biomarkers. Thus, the aim of this dissertation is to provide an overview of the biomarkers considered relevant in the diagnosis and management of dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathies. The biomarkers addressed in this study may be serological, present in urine and feces, or even tissue-derived. This study argues that biomarkers, in particular calprotectin and calgranulin C, have great potential to be used in clinical practice in the diagnosis and management of affected dogs. However, a single biomarker cannot assuredly predict disease severity, progression, response to treatment, and clinical outcomes. Therefore, in order to achieve greater accuracy, it would be beneficial if these tools are used in conjunction with contemporary ones. Future research is needed with the aim to better determine the usefulness of these tools in chronic inflammatory enteropathies in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Sacoor
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), University School of Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Meireles Barros
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), University School of Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana Montezinho
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), University School of Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal
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Crans DC, Barkley NE, Montezinho L, Castro MM. Vanadium Compounds as Enzyme Inhibitors with a Focus on Anticancer Effects. Metal-based Anticancer Agents 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/9781788016452-00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Vanadium salts and coordination compounds have desirable cellular anticancer effects, and although they have been investigated in detail as a potential treatment for diabetes, less attention has been given to the anticancer effects. The inhibition of some signal transduction enzymes is known, and studies of the metabolism and activation pathways both in vitro and in vivo are important for future investigations and development of vanadium's role as a new potential drug. In addition, a new approach has demonstrated that the enhancement of oncolytic viruses using vanadium salts and coordination complexes for immunotherapy is very promising. Some differences exist between this approach and current antidiabetic and anticancer studies because vanadium(iv) complexes have been found to be most potent in the latter approach, but the few compounds investigated with oncolytic viruses show that vanadium(v) systems are more effective. We conclude that recent studies demonstrate effects on signal transduction enzymes and anticancer pathways, thus suggesting potential applications of vanadium as anticancer agents in the future both as standalone treatments as well as combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie C. Crans
- Colorado State University, Department of Chemistry Fort Collins CO 80525 USA
- Colorado State University, Cell and Molecular Biology Fort Collins CO 80525 USA
| | - Noah E. Barkley
- Colorado State University, Molecular and Cellular Integrative Neuroscience Program Fort Collins CO 80525 USA
| | - Liliana Montezinho
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama Coimbra Portugal
| | - M. Margarida Castro
- University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology 3000-456 Coimbra Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Chemistry Center 3000-456 Coimbra Portugal
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