Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kunpeng Liu, Xiaogao Jin, Xiaoying Zhang, Hongkai Lian, Jianping Ye
Summary: Insulin resistance is a major factor in metabolic disorders associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. While the roles of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids in insulin resistance have been extensively studied, the activities of nucleotides in regulating insulin sensitivity remain to be fully reviewed. This article examines the activities of nucleotides, such as ATP, NADH, and cGAMP, in insulin signaling and resistance and discusses their potential as biomarkers. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in uncovering the mechanisms of insulin resistance.
JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlos Alberto Castillo, Inmaculada Ballesteros-Yanez, David Agustin Leon-Navarro, Jose Luis Albasanz, Mairena Martin
Summary: The amyloid beta peptide plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Exposure to A beta(25-35) in rat cortical neurons increased mGluR density and affinity, along with up-regulation of adenosine A(1)R and A(2A)R. The study highlights the possible involvement of metabotropic glutamate and adenosine receptors in the early events of AD physiopathology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
E. K. Erickson, A. J. DaCosta, S. C. Mason, Y. A. Blednov, R. D. Mayfield, R. A. Harris
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in the behavioral effects of ethanol through GPCR-mediated calcium signaling. Activation of G(q)-DREADD in astrocytes increases ethanol intake, while reducing calcium signaling decreases sensitivity to ethanol. Astrocyte calcium signaling also alters the stimulatory and sedative-hypnotic effects of ethanol.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Moriah E. Weese-Myers, Michael T. Cryan, Colby E. Witt, Kaejaren C. N. Caldwell, Bindu Modi, Ashley E. Ross
Summary: In this paper, the authors measure endogenous guanosine release using fast voltammetry during pre- and post-ischemic conditions. Changes in event concentration, duration, and interevent time indicate alterations in guanosine release under ischemic conditions. Pharmacological studies confirm the calcium-dependent nature of guanosine release and its purinergic signaling. The validity of the ischemic model is demonstrated through staining and fluorescent imaging. Overall, this paper paves the way for rapid guanosine monitoring and provides a platform for investigating guanosine accumulation at the site of brain injury, such as ischemia.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Michelle Corkrum, Alfonso Araque
Summary: Astrocytes respond to dopamine signaling and modulate information processing in key brain regions. They exhibit circuit-specific modulation of neuronal networks, potentially serving as a therapeutic target for dopamine pathologies.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Kosmowska, Jadwiga Wardas
Summary: Current pharmacotherapy for ET is often inadequate, with deep brain stimulation being the most effective but also associated with undesirable side effects and reserved for advanced disease patients who are unresponsive to drugs. Therefore, it is crucial to explore new treatment strategies for ET.
Article
Neurosciences
M. Angela Cenci, Katrine Skovgard, Per Odin
Summary: Dopamine replacement therapy is the most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, but it is limited by its side effects. Recent evidence suggests that altered dopamine transmission affects non-dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Researchers are exploring drugs that target non-dopaminergic receptors to improve the side effects of dopamine replacement therapy. This review discusses the different non-dopaminergic targets that have been studied, with a particular focus on modulators of glutamatergic and serotonergic transmission.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anderson Camargo, Ana P. Dalmagro, Glorister A. Alte, Ana Lucia B. Zeni, Carla I. Tasca, Ana Lucia S. Rodrigues
Summary: This study investigated the antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects of guanosine and ketamine in mice and found that both substances showed protective effects against glutamate-induced damage. The combination of guanosine and ketamine exhibited enhanced antidepressant-like effects and increased glutamine synthetase activity and GLT-1 levels. The findings suggest that guanosine has potential as a treatment for depression and should be further studied.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Qian Zheng-Mine, Wu Zi, Huang Qi, Wang Chuan-Xi, Tan Guo-Yin, Li Wen-Jia, Sun Wan-Yang, Lv Gen-Pin, Gao Hao
Summary: An eco-friendly and fast HPLC method was developed for the determination of bioactive components in Cordyceps and related products, showing good separation and analytical performance.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF NATURAL MEDICINES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisa Ehlers, Aditi Kuppe, Alexandra Damerau, Siska Wilantri, Marieluise Kirchner, Philipp Mertins, Cindy Strehl, Frank Buttgereit, Timo Gaber
Summary: AMPD2 is expressed on the surface of human immune cells and may modify inflammatory states by altering the extracellular milieu. The expression of eAMPD2 on monocytes is enhanced after TLR stimulation. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis show significantly higher levels of eAMPD2 expression on PBMCs compared to healthy controls.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lan -Ting Zhou, Dan Liu, Hui-Cong Kang, Lu Lu, He-Zhou Huang, Wen-Qing Ai, Yang Zhou, Man-Fei Deng, Hao Li, Zhi-Qiang Liu, Wei-Feng Zhang, Ya-Zhuo Hu, Zhi-Tao Han, Hong -Hong Zhang, Jian-Jun Jia, Avijite Kumer Sarkar, Saldin Sharaydeh, Jie Wang, Heng-Ye Man, Marcel Schilling, Lars Bertram, Youming Lu, Ziyuan Guo, Ling-Qiang Zhu
Summary: In this study, it was found that excessive expression of adenosine receptor 1 (A1R) in neurons is dependent on tau pathology and regulated posttranscriptionally by Mef2c via miR-133a-3p. Restoring the miR-133a-3p/A1R signal effectively improved synaptic and memory impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. Additionally, neuronal A1R promoted the release of lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) and resulted in astrocyte activation. Silencing neuronal Lcn2 in AD mice ameliorated astrocyte activation and restored synaptic plasticity and learning/memory. These findings demonstrate the remodeling of neuron-glial cross-talk by tau pathology and suggest A1R as a potential therapeutic target for AD.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jia Zhang, Yanjun Hou, Xue-liang Du, Dan Chen, Guangzhi Sui, Yong Qi, Julio Licinio, Ma-Li Wong, Yunlei Yang
Summary: Understanding the interaction between brain and adipocytes is crucial for regulating energy and glucose homeostasis. Central ADORA(1) signaling reduces body weight and induces adipose tissue lipolysis, while peripheral ADORA(1) signaling may contribute to obesity. This study proposes a novel mechanism where central and peripheral ADORA(1) signaling play opposite roles in modulating diet-induced obesity.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tao Chen, Ling Cheng, Jingwen Ma, Jiyuan Yuan, Chao Pi, Linjin Xiong, Jinglin Chen, Huiyang Liu, Jia Tang, Yueting Zhong, Xiaomei Zhang, Zerong Liu, Ying Zuo, Hongping Shen, Yumeng Wei, Ling Zhao
Summary: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic relapsing psychiatric disorder with limited efficacy of conventional antidepressants. N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine and 5-HT2A receptor agonist psilocybin have demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects by affecting various synapse targets. This article reviews the new pharmacological targets and discusses possible strategies for future antidepressant research.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Carlos Sousa-Soares, Jose Bernardo Noronha-Matos, Paulo Correia-de-Sa
Summary: The vertebrate neuromuscular junction is a specialised synapse composed of a presynaptic region, a postsynaptic skeletal motor endplate area, and perisynaptic Schwann cells that play a significant role in maintaining neuromuscular integrity, transmission, and plasticity. Acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter at this synapse and is modulated by purinergic neuromodulators. Adenine nucleotides and adenosine, released alongside acetylcholine, regulate transmitter release and expression of ACh receptors via P2Y and P2X receptors. Adenosine, through A1 and A2A receptors, also modulates ACh release by motor nerve terminals. Understanding the complex interplay between purines and neuromuscular transmission is essential for conditions like Myasthenia gravis.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jonathan Lezmy
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in synapse processing by controlling formation, strength, and termination of synapses. They release ATP, which has diverse effects, and recent studies have revealed its modulation of cellular mechanisms in nearby neurons and glia, signal transmission, and behavioral outputs. A flowchart of astrocytic ATP signaling is provided, suggesting its tendency to inhibit neural circuits to match energy demands.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Andreia Rocha, Bruna Bellaver, Debora G. Souza, Guilherme Schu, Igor C. Fontana, Gianina T. Venturin, Samuel Greggio, Fernanda U. Fontella, Manoela L. Schiavenin, Luiza S. Machado, Diogo Miron, Jaderson C. da Costa, Pedro Rosa-Neto, Diogo O. Souza, Luc Pellerin, Eduardo R. Zimmer
Summary: This study used FDG-PET imaging to investigate the impact of the antipsychotic drug clozapine on brain glucose metabolism in rats, and found that downregulation of GLT-1 resulted in astrocyte-dependent cortical hypometabolism, resembling the hypometabolic signature observed in people developing dementia.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andrea L. Benedet, Wagner S. Brum, Oskar Hansson, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Thomas K. Karikari, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Henrik Zetterberg, Kaj Blennow, Nicholas J. Ashton
Summary: Plasma A beta 42/40, quantified by IP-MS, demonstrates high performance in detecting A beta positivity at all stages of AD continuum, with GFAP and p-tau181 contributing further in cognitive impaired stage. However, variations between assays greatly affect the performance of A beta 42/40 but not of GFAP and p-tau181. Plasma GFAP and p-tau181 should be considered for more robust determination of A beta burden in cognitively unimpaired and cognitively impaired participants when dealing with between-assay CVs exceeding 5%.
ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicholas J. Ashton, Andrea L. Benedet, Tharick A. Pascoal, Thomas K. Karikari, Juan Lantero-Rodriguez, Wagner S. Brum, Sulantha Mathotaarachchi, Joseph Therriault, Melissa Savard, Mira Chamoun, Erik Stoops, Cindy Francois, Eugeen Vanmechelen, Serge Gauthier, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Henrik Zetterberg, Kaj Blennow, Pedro Rosa-Neto
Summary: CSF p-tau epitopes increase early in the development of AD pathology and are a primary candidate for detecting incipient Aβ pathology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Douglas T. Leffa, Joao Pedro Ferrari-Souza, Bruna Bellaver, Cecile Tissot, Pamela C. L. Ferreira, Wagner S. Brum, Arthur Caye, Jodie Lord, Petroula Proitsi, Thais Martins-Silva, Luciana Tovo-Rodrigues, Dana L. Tudorascu, Victor L. Villemagne, Ann D. Cohen, Oscar L. Lopez, William E. Klunk, Thomas K. Karikari, Pedro Rosa-Neto, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Brooke S. G. Molina, Luis Augusto Rohde, Tharick A. Pascoal
Summary: The genetic liability for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology, especially in individuals with increased amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Joseph Therriault, Marie Vermeiren, Stijn Servaes, Cecile Tissot, Nicholas J. Ashton, Andrea Lessa Benedet, Thomas K. Karikari, Juan Lantero-Rodriguez, Wagner S. Brum, Firoza Z. Lussier, Gleb Bezgin, Jenna Stevenson, Nesrine Rahmouni, Peter Kunach, Yi-Ting Wang, Jaime Fernandez-Arias, Kely Quispialaya Socualaya, Arthur C. Macedo, Joao Pedro Ferrari-Souza, Pamela C. L. Ferreira, Bruna Bellaver, Douglas T. Leffa, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Paolo Vitali, Jean-Paul Soucy, Gallen Triana-Baltzer, Hartmuth C. Kolb, Tharick A. Pascoal, Paramita Saha-Chaudhuri, Serge Gauthier, Henrik Zetterberg, Kaj Blennow, Pedro Rosa-Neto
Summary: This study investigates the association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma p-tau biomarkers and the hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer's disease (AD): amyloid-beta plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. The results suggest that p-tau is mainly associated with amyloid-beta accumulation, indicating that p-tau abnormalities may be an early event in the pathogenesis of AD.
Article
Neurosciences
Marina Tedeschi Dauar, Tharick Ali Pascoal, Joseph Therriault, Jared Rowley, Sara Mohaddes, Monica Shin, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Simon Fristed Eskildsen, Vladimir S. Fonov, Serge Gauthier, Judes Poirier, Pedro Rosa-Neto
Summary: This study assessed the association between cognitive measures and pathophysiological events in Alzheimer's disease patients, specifically focusing on delayed episodic memory tests. The findings revealed correlations between memory scores and regional amyloid deposition and brain metabolism across different stages of the disease.
Article
Information Science & Library Science
Carolina Bittencourt Gomes, Luciana Calabro, Suzana Rachel de Oliveira, Leo Anderson Meira Martins, Diogo Onofre Souza, Ediane Maria Gheno
Summary: This article evaluated the characteristics of grantees in the Health Sciences area of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. Various indicators were used to assess 1,634 researchers with current grants in 2021. The study found differences in the distribution of articles among Committees and the influence of article numbers on the level of grants. It provides important insights for public policies in Science and Technology and contributes to the field by evaluating the Health Sciences area using diverse indicators.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Bruna Bellaver, Albert Puig-Pijoan, Joao Pedro Ferrari-Souza, Douglas T. Leffa, Firoza Z. Lussier, Pamela C. L. Ferreira, Cecile Tissot, Guilherme Povala, Joseph Therriault, Andrea L. Benedet, Nicholas J. Ashton, Stijn Servaes, Mira Chamoun, Jenna Stevenson, Nesrine Rahmouni, Marie Vermeiren, Arthur C. Macedo, Aida Fernandez-Lebrero, Greta Garcia-Escobar, Irene Navalpotro-Gomez, Oscar Lopez, Dana L. Tudorascu, Ann Cohen, Victor L. Villemagne, William E. Klunk, Serge Gauthier, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Thomas K. Karikari, Kaj Blennow, Henrik Zetterberg, Marc Suarez-Calvet, Pedro Rosa-Neto, Tharick A. Pascoal
Summary: The permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may affect the levels of brain-derived proteins in the blood, which in turn can impact the relationship between brain and blood biomarkers. The study found that BBB permeability influenced the relationship between plasma A beta(42/40) and CSF A beta(42/40) as well as A beta-PET positivity, but did not significantly impact the relationship between brain and plasma p-tau levels.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Igor C. Fontana, Debora G. Souza, Diogo O. Souza, Antony Gee, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Salvatore Bongarzone
Summary: The excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) is crucial for the clearance and recycling of glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Dysfunctions in EAAT2 can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS and AD. Detecting EAAT2 in the living human brain is important for improving diagnosis and therapy for these diseases. This article discusses the role of EAAT2 and presents potential activators for therapy and molecular imaging tools for diagnosis.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aline Rigon Zimmer, Bianca Franco Leonardi, Eduardo Rigon Zimmer, Alexandre Pastoris Muller, Grace Gosmann, Luis Valmor Cruz Portela
Summary: This study evaluated the protective effects of Capsicum baccatum red pepper on metabolic syndrome induced by an ultra-processed diet in rats. The results showed that oral administration of C. baccatum along with the ultra-processed diet prevented adipose tissue accumulation, reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels, and improved glucose metabolism, all commonly associated with metabolic syndrome. The study suggests that C. baccatum red pepper is a secure and enriched source of bioactive compounds promising to protect against pathological processes associated with metabolic syndrome.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Blessing A. Obafemi, Isaac A. Adedara, Ana L. A. Segatto, Diogo O. Souza, Joao B. T. da Rocha, Olawande C. Olagoke
Summary: In this study, the mechanism of inflammatory response to organometallic cation methylmercury, common cooking seasoning (NaCl and MSG), and their crosstalk with redox signaling were investigated using the lobster cockroach as a model. The activation of Nox/Duox NADPH oxidases, along with JNK and Rel signaling pathways, was found to play crucial roles during methylmercury and MSG exposure.
JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Wyllians Vendramini Borelli, Carolina Rodrigues Formoso, Andrei Bieger, Pamela Lukasewicz Ferreira, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Tharick Ali Pascoal, Marcia Lorena Fagundes Chaves, Raphael Machado Castilhos
Summary: Risk factors for dementia vary among different races, and hearing loss is the most important contributor to overall population attributable fraction in all races. Public policies aimed at reducing preventable risk factors for dementia should consider the race of the target populations.
ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA: DIAGNOSIS, ASSESSMENT & DISEASE MONITORING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Mychael V. Lourenco, Wyllians Vendramini Borelli, Claudia Duran-Aniotz, Eduardo R. Zimmer, Shamyr Sulyvan de Castro
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global health issue, with immense socioeconomic burden on low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) as well as high-income countries. However, LMICs face disparities in resources and barriers to publishing in international journals, including funding constraints, language barriers, and high article processing charges. The equalization of publication fees by publishing companies could help reduce scientific inequality and improve AD research capacity in LMICs.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pamela C. L. Ferreira, Bruna Bellaver, Guilherme Povala, Wagner S. Brum, Cecile Tissot, Atef Badji, Matthew E. Sloan, Andrea L. Benedet, Pedro Rosa-Neto, Nicholas J. Ashton, Tharick A. Pascoal, Antoine Leuzy, Eduardo R. Zimmer
Summary: Endocannabinoid system biomarkers are associated with the progression and pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. Although not specific enough for diagnosis, they hold promise for prognosis, drug-target engagement, and a better understanding of the disease.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Debora G. Souza, Andreia Rocha, Roberto F. Almeida, Guilherme Schu, Giovanna B. Salles, Ana Cristina L. J. Oliveira, Christian Limberger, Marco Antonio De Bastiani, Samuel Greggio, Gianina T. Venturin, Jaderson C. Costa, Diogo O. Souza, Eduardo R. Zimmer
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2022)