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Italia M, Salvadè M, La Greca F, Zianni E, Pelucchi S, Spinola A, Ferrari E, Archetti S, Alberici A, Benussi A, Solje E, Haapasalo A, Hoffmann D, Katisko K, Krüger J, Facchinetti R, Scuderi C, Padovani A, DiLuca M, Scheggia D, Borroni B, Gardoni F. Anti-GluA3 autoantibodies define a new sub-population of frontotemporal lobar degeneration patients with distinct neuropathological features. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:380-397. [PMID: 38485064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.018] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies directed against the GluA3 subunit (anti-GluA3 hIgGs) of AMPA receptors have been identified in 20%-25% of patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Data from patients and in vitro/ex vivo pre-clinical studies indicate that anti-GluA3 hIgGs negatively affect glutamatergic neurotransmission. However, whether and how the chronic presence of anti-GluA3 hIgGs triggers synaptic dysfunctions and the appearance of FTLD-related neuropathological and behavioural signature has not been clarified yet. To address this question, we developed and characterized a pre-clinical mouse model of passive immunization with anti-GluA3 hIgGs purified from patients. In parallel, we clinically compared FTLD patients who were positive for anti-GluA3 hIgGs to negative ones. Clinical data showed that the presence of anti-GluA3 hIgGs defined a subgroup of patients with distinct clinical features. In the preclinical model, anti-GluA3 hIgGs administration led to accumulation of phospho-tau in the postsynaptic fraction and dendritic spine loss in the prefrontal cortex. Remarkably, the preclinical model exhibited behavioural disturbances that mostly reflected the deficits proper of patients positive for anti-GluA3 hIgGs. Of note, anti-GluA3 hIgGs-mediated alterations were rescued in the animal model by enhancing glutamatergic neurotransmission with a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors. Overall, our study clarified the contribution of anti-GluA3 autoantibodies to central nervous system symptoms and pathology and identified a specific subgroup of FTLD patients. Our findings will be instrumental in the development of a therapeutic personalised medicine strategy for patients positive for anti-GluA3 hIgGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Italia
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Salvadè
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo La Greca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Zianni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Pelucchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Spinola
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Ferrari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvana Archetti
- Department of Laboratories, Central Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry Analysis. ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kasper Katisko
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Krüger
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Neurocenter, Neurology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Monica DiLuca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Scheggia
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gardoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Bonifacino T, Mingardi J, Facchinetti R, Sala N, Frumento G, Ndoj E, Valenza M, Paoli C, Ieraci A, Torazza C, Balbi M, Guerinoni M, Muhammad N, Russo I, Milanese M, Scuderi C, Barbon A, Steardo L, Bonanno G, Popoli M, Musazzi L. Changes at glutamate tripartite synapses in the prefrontal cortex of a new animal model of resilience/vulnerability to acute stress. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:62. [PMID: 36806044 PMCID: PMC9938874 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02366-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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress represents a main risk factor for psychiatric disorders. Whereas it is known that even a single trauma may induce psychiatric disorders in humans, the mechanisms of vulnerability to acute stressors have been little investigated. In this study, we generated a new animal model of resilience/vulnerability to acute footshock (FS) stress in rats and analyzed early functional, molecular, and morphological determinants of stress vulnerability at tripartite glutamate synapses in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We found that adult male rats subjected to FS can be deemed resilient (FS-R) or vulnerable (FS-V), based on their anhedonic phenotype 24 h after stress exposure, and that these two populations are phenotypically distinguishable up to two weeks afterwards. Basal presynaptic glutamate release was increased in the PFC of FS-V rats, while depolarization-evoked glutamate release and synapsin I phosphorylation at Ser9 were increased in both FS-R and FS-V. In FS-R and FS-V rats the synaptic expression of GluN2A and apical dendritic length of prelimbic PFC layers II-III pyramidal neurons were decreased, while BDNF expression was selectively reduced in FS-V. Depolarization-evoked (carrier-mediated) glutamate release from astroglia perisynaptic processes (gliosomes) was selectively increased in the PFC of FS-V rats, while GLT1 and xCt levels were higher and GS expression reduced in purified PFC gliosomes from FS-R. Overall, we show for the first time that the application of the sucrose intake test to rats exposed to acute FS led to the generation of a novel animal model of resilience/vulnerability to acute stress, which we used to identify early determinants of maladaptive response related to behavioral vulnerability to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- grid.7563.70000 0001 2174 1754School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy ,grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nathalie Sala
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Frumento
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elona Ndoj
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Valenza
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Paoli
- grid.7563.70000 0001 2174 1754School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy ,grid.5602.10000 0000 9745 6549Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ieraci
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy ,grid.449889.00000 0004 5945 6678Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Como, Italy
| | - Carola Torazza
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matilde Balbi
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Guerinoni
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nadeem Muhammad
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Isabella Russo
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy ,Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy ,grid.410345.70000 0004 1756 7871IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy ,grid.410345.70000 0004 1756 7871IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
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Valenza M, Facchinetti R, Steardo L, Scuderi C. Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic Implications. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091191. [PMID: 36139030 PMCID: PMC9496237 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), the naturally occurring amide of ethanolamine and palmitic acid, is an endogenous lipid compound endowed with a plethora of pharmacological functions, including analgesic, neuroprotective, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory effects. Although the properties of PEA were first characterized nearly 65 years ago, the identity of the receptor mediating these actions has long remained elusive, causing a period of research stasis. In the last two decades, a renewal of interest in PEA occurred, and a series of interesting studies have demonstrated the pharmacological properties of PEA and clarified its mechanisms of action. Recent findings showed the ability of formulations containing PEA in promoting oligodendrocyte differentiation, which represents the first step for the proper formation of myelin. This evidence opens new and promising research opportunities. White matter defects have been detected in a vast and heterogeneous group of diseases, including age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we summarize the history and pharmacology of PEA and discuss its therapeutic potential in restoring white matter defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Valenza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome—P.le A. Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome—P.le A. Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome—P.le A. Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Università Giustino Fortunato, 82100 Benevento, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome—P.le A. Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (C.S.)
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4
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Sala N, Paoli C, Bonifacino T, Mingardi J, Schiavon E, La Via L, Milanese M, Tornese P, Datusalia AK, Rosa J, Facchinetti R, Frumento G, Carini G, Salerno Scarzella F, Scuderi C, Forti L, Barbon A, Bonanno G, Popoli M, Musazzi L. Acute Ketamine Facilitates Fear Memory Extinction in a Rat Model of PTSD Along With Restoring Glutamatergic Alterations and Dendritic Atrophy in the Prefrontal Cortex. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:759626. [PMID: 35370690 PMCID: PMC8968915 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.759626] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress represents a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recently, we dissected the destabilizing effects of acute stress on the excitatory glutamate system in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Here, we assessed the effects of single subanesthetic administration of ketamine (10 mg/kg) on glutamate transmission and dendritic arborization in the PFC of footshock (FS)-stressed rats, along with changes in depressive, anxious, and fear extinction behaviors. We found that ketamine, while inducing a mild increase of glutamate release in the PFC of naïve rats, blocked the acute stress-induced enhancement of glutamate release when administered 24 or 72 h before or 6 h after FS. Accordingly, the treatment with ketamine 6 h after FS also reduced the stress-dependent increase of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) amplitude in prelimbic (PL)-PFC. At the same time, ketamine injection 6 h after FS was found to rescue apical dendritic retraction of pyramidal neurons induced by acute stress in PL-PFC and facilitated contextual fear extinction. These results show rapid effects of ketamine in animals subjected to acute FS, in line with previous studies suggesting a therapeutic action of the drug in PTSD models. Our data are consistent with a mechanism of ketamine involving re-establishment of synaptic homeostasis, through restoration of glutamate release, and structural remodeling of dendrites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Sala
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Caterina Paoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Schiavon
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Luca La Via
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Tornese
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Ashok K Datusalia
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli, India
| | - Jessica Rosa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Carini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lia Forti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Valenza M, Facchinetti R, Steardo L, Scuderi C. Altered Waste Disposal System in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Astrocytic Aquaporin-4. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1656. [PMID: 32063858 PMCID: PMC7000422 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [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: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the diverse cell types included in the general population named glia, astrocytes emerge as being the focus of a growing body of research aimed at characterizing their heterogeneous and complex functions. Alterations of both their morphology and activities have been linked to a variety of neurological diseases. One crucial physiological need satisfied by astrocytes is the cleansing of the cerebral tissue from waste molecules. Several data demonstrate that aquaporin-4 (AQP-4), a protein expressed by astrocytes, is crucially important for facilitating the removal of waste products from the brain. Aquaporins are water channels found in all district of the human organism and the most abundant isoform in the brain is AQP-4. This protein is involved in a myriad of astrocytic activities, including calcium signal transduction, potassium buffering, synaptic plasticity, astrocyte migration, glial scar formation and neuroinflammation. The highest density of AQP-4 is found at the astrocytic domains closest to blood vessels, the endfeet that envelop brain vessels, with low to zero expression in other astrocytic membrane regions. Increased AQP-4 expression and loss of polarization have recently been documented in altered physiological conditions. Here we review the latest findings related to aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on this topic, as well as the available knowledge on pharmacological tools to target AQP-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Valenza
- Department Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Epitech Group SpA, Saccolongo, Italy
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- Department Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Università Telematica Giustino Fortunato, Benevento, Italy
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Bronzuoli MR, Facchinetti R, Valenza M, Cassano T, Steardo L, Scuderi C. Astrocyte Function Is Affected by Aging and Not Alzheimer's Disease: A Preliminary Investigation in Hippocampi of 3xTg-AD Mice. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:644. [PMID: 31244658 PMCID: PMC6562169 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Old age is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by hippocampal impairment together with substantial changes in glial cell functions. Are these alterations due to the disease progression or are they a consequence of aging? To start addressing this issue, we studied the expression of specific astrocytic and microglial structural and functional proteins in a validated transgenic model of AD (3×Tg-AD). These mice develop both amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and initial signs of the AD-like pathology have been documented as early as three months of age. We compared male 3×Tg-AD mice at 6 and 12 months of age with their wild-type age-matched counterparts. We also investigated neurons by examining the expression of both the microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), a neuronal structural protein, and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The latter is indeed a crucial indicator for synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis/neurodegeneration. Our results show that astrocytes are more susceptible to aging than microglia, regardless of mouse genotype. Moreover, we discovered significant age-dependent alterations in the expression of proteins responsible for astrocyte-astrocyte and astrocyte-neuron communication, as well as a significant age-dependent decline in BDNF expression. Our data promote further research on the unexplored role of astroglia in both physiological and pathological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosanna Bronzuoli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Valenza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Epitech Group SpA, Saccolongo, Italy
| | - Tommaso Cassano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Bronzuoli MR, Facchinetti R, Steardo L, Scuderi C. Astrocyte: An Innovative Approach for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 23:4979-4989. [PMID: 28699521 DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170710163411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurological illness with a heavy economic impact. Further comorbidities in combination with the social impact of this disorder increase the urgency of a clearer comprehension of its etiopathogenesis, allowing the execution of novel therapeutic strategies. Despite astrocytes have been widely described as active participant in the regulation of cerebral circuits, available data are still poor. Even less information is available about their precise role in the pathogenesis of illness. Moreover, the scant knowledge about the astrocyte-neuron interplay in health and disease still impedes pioneering discoveries. The focus of this review is to look for new and innovative pharmacological approaches against AD. In order to perform this, we used the following keywords in PubMed search engine: astrocytes, therapy, Alzheimer's disease, and glia in different combinations. With this review, we collected data available in literature describing how also astrocytes besides neurons might be new potential targets for drug discovery. Different approaches currently being studied include modulation of glutamate transporters expression, astroglial genetic manipulation, free radicals inhibition, up-regulation of neurotrophins, and regulation of astrogliosis and neuroinflammation. Since several studies already demonstrated that astrocytes are definitely involved in AD pathogenesis, these cells can represent a promising new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria R Bronzuoli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, P.le A. Moro, 5 - 00185 Rome. Italy
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, P.le A. Moro, 5 - 00185 Rome. Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, P.le A. Moro, 5 - 00185 Rome. Italy
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, P.le A. Moro, 5 - 00185 Rome. Italy
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Bronzuoli MR, Facchinetti R, Ingrassia D, Sarvadio M, Schiavi S, Steardo L, Verkhratsky A, Trezza V, Scuderi C. Neuroglia in the autistic brain: evidence from a preclinical model. Mol Autism 2018; 9:66. [PMID: 30603062 PMCID: PMC6307226 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0254-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroglial cells that provide homeostatic support and form defence of the nervous system contribute to all neurological disorders. We analyzed three major types of neuroglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia in the brains of an animal model of autism spectrum disorder, in which rats were exposed prenatally to antiepileptic and mood stabilizer drug valproic acid; this model being of acknowledged clinical relevance. Methods We tested the autistic-like behaviors of valproic acid-prenatally exposed male rats by performing isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations, the three-chamber test, and the hole board test. To account for human infancy, adolescence, and adulthood, such tasks were performed at postnatal day 13, postnatal day 35, and postnatal day 90, respectively. After sacrifice, we examined gene and protein expression of specific markers of neuroglia in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum, these brain regions being associated with autism spectrum disorder pathogenesis. Results Infant offspring of VPA-exposed dams emitted less ultrasonic vocalizations when isolated from their mothers and siblings and, in adolescence and adulthood, they showed altered sociability in the three chamber test and increased stereotypic behavior in the hole board test. Molecular analyses indicate that prenatal valproic acid exposure affects all types of neuroglia, mainly causing transcriptional modifications. The most prominent changes occur in prefrontal cortex and in the hippocampus of autistic-like animals; these changes are particularly evident during infancy and adolescence, while they appear to be mitigated in adulthood. Conclusions Neuroglial pathological phenotype in autism spectrum disorder rat model appears to be rather mild with little signs of widespread and chronic neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosanna Bronzuoli
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Vittorio Erspamer" SAPIENZA University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Vittorio Erspamer" SAPIENZA University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ingrassia
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Vittorio Erspamer" SAPIENZA University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sarvadio
- 2Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- 2Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Vittorio Erspamer" SAPIENZA University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- 3Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT UK.,4Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,5Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Viviana Trezza
- 2Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Vittorio Erspamer" SAPIENZA University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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10
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Scuderi C, Bronzuoli MR, Facchinetti R, Pace L, Ferraro L, Broad KD, Serviddio G, Bellanti F, Palombelli G, Carpinelli G, Canese R, Gaetani S, Steardo L, Steardo L, Cassano T. Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide rescues learning and memory impairments in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by exerting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:32. [PMID: 29382825 PMCID: PMC5802581 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In an aging society, Alzheimer's disease (AD) exerts an increasingly serious health and economic burden. Current treatments provide inadequate symptomatic relief as several distinct pathological processes are thought to underlie the decline of cognitive and neural function seen in AD. This suggests that the efficacy of treatment requires a multitargeted approach. In this context, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) provides a novel potential adjunct therapy that can be incorporated into a multitargeted treatment strategy. We used young (6-month-old) and adult (12-month-old) 3×Tg-AD mice that received ultramicronized PEA (um-PEA) for 3 months via a subcutaneous delivery system. Mice were tested with a range of cognitive and noncognitive tasks, scanned with magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRI/MRS), and neurochemical release was assessed by microdialysis. Potential neuropathological mechanisms were assessed postmortem by western blot, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunofluorescence. Our data demonstrate that um-PEA improves learning and memory, and ameliorates both the depressive and anhedonia-like phenotype of 3×Tg-AD mice. Moreover, it reduces Aβ formation, the phosphorylation of tau proteins, and promotes neuronal survival in the CA1 subregion of the hippocampus. Finally, um-PEA normalizes astrocytic function, rebalances glutamatergic transmission, and restrains neuroinflammation. The efficacy of um-PEA is particularly potent in younger mice, suggesting its potential as an early treatment. These data demonstrate that um-PEA is a novel and effective promising treatment for AD with the potential to be integrated into a multitargeted treatment strategy in combination with other drugs. Um-PEA is already registered for human use. This, in combination with our data, suggests the potential to rapidly proceed to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosanna Bronzuoli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Facchinetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Kevin Donald Broad
- UCL Institute of Opthalmology, University College, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- C.U.R.E. Centre for Liver Diseases Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellanti
- C.U.R.E. Centre for Liver Diseases Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianmauro Palombelli
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Carpinelli
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Canese
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Cassano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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11
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Abstract
The intrahippocampal injection of amyloid beta peptide (1-42) (Aβ(1-42)) represents one of the most useful animal models of Alzheimer disease. Since none of these available models fully represents the main pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease, stereotaxic Aβ(1-42) infusion provides researchers with an in vivo alternative paradigm. When performed by well-trained individuals, this model is the best-suited one for short-term studies focusing on the effects of Aβ(1-42) on a specific brain region or circuitry. Here, we describe all methodological phases of such a model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Facchinetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosanna Bronzuoli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Zamboni M, Facchinetti R, Armellini F, Turcato E, Bergamo Andreis IA, Bosello O. Effects of visceral fat and weight loss on lipoprotein(a) concentration in subjects with obesity. Obes Res 1997; 5:332-7. [PMID: 9285840 DOI: 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1997.tb00560.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We studied the relationships between regional body fat distribution and metabolic variables with lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as well as the effects of weight loss on Lp(a) in 25 women and 9 men with obesity. Regional body fat distribution, as evaluated by the use of computed tomography; Lp(a); and fasting glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides were analyzed before and after a very low-energy diet. No significant correlations were found between visceral, subcutaneous, and total fat and Lp(a) or between metabolic variables and Lp(a). All anthropometric variables significantly decreased after a very low-energy diet. Fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol significantly decreased after a very low-energy diet. No significant changes in Lp(a) concentration after a very low-energy diet were found. The correlation between the initial values of Lp(a) and changes of Lp(a) after a very low-energy diet was slightly significant (rho = 0.33, p < 0.06). In conclusion, our study shows that Lp(a) is not influenced by obesity, visceral fat, metabolic variables, or weight loss induced by a very low-energy diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zamboni
- University of Verona, Policlinic of Borgo Roma, Italy
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lippi
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, University of Verona, Italy
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14
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Bianchi G, Galvanini G, Schiavone D, Facchinetti R, Malossini G, Lo Cascio V, Mobilio G. Diagnostic value of urinary cyclic AMP measurement in patients with calcium nephrolithiasis. Int Urol Nephrol 1985; 17:311-4. [PMID: 3011700 DOI: 10.1007/bf02083499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
One hundred patients with recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis were submitted to the Pak test. At fasting state hypercalciuria was found in 27 cases, while a group of 16 further patients became hypercalciuric after oral calcium load. Only measurement of urinary cAMP excretion in both conditions made it possible to diagnose renal hypercalciuria in 9 out of 27 patients in the former group; according to test results 4 patients were expected to have primary hyperparathyroidism, but afterwards the disease was identified in only one case.
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