Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra Bluhm, Sarah Schrempel, Stephan Schilling, Stephan von Hoersten, Anja Schulze, Steffen Rossner, Maike Hartlage-Ruebsamen
Summary: The deposition of beta-amyloid peptides and alpha-synuclein proteins in the brains of AD and PD subjects is a neuropathological hallmark. However, it has been found that both proteins co-exist and interact with each other. In this study, a newly identified variant of alpha-synuclein, pGlu79-aSyn, along with the enzymes MMP-3 and QC, was investigated in AD and a transgenic AD mouse model. The results showed an association of pGlu79-aSyn, MMP-3, and QC with beta-amyloid plaques, suggesting their involvement in the pathogenesis of AD.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Gregorio Salazar, Judit Marsillach, Ingrid Reverte, Bharti Mackness, Michael Mackness, Jorge Joven, Jordi Camps, Maria Teresa Colomina
Summary: This study investigated the differences in PON1 and PON3 protein expression in the brain of a mouse model of AD, finding intense staining of these proteins in star-shaped cells surrounding A beta plaques. The results suggest that PON1 and PON3 may play a crucial role in preventing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in specific brain-cell types in AD pathology and potentially in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pol Picon-Pages, Hugo Fanlo-Ucar, Victor Herrera-Fernandez, Sira Auselle-Bosch, Lorena Galera-Lopez, Daniela A. Gutierrez, Andres Ozaita, Alejandra R. Alvarez, Baldomero Oliva, Francisco J. Munoz
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of extracellular amyloid plaques in the brain, which are composed of aggregated amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ). It has been found that Aβ oligomers (oAβ) induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in the oxidation of CaMKII alpha. This oxidized form of CaMKII alpha is present in brain samples from AD patients and is activated independently of calcium/calmodulin binding. The oxidation of CaMKII alpha promotes the phosphorylation of CREB and its translocation to the nucleus, leading to the transcription of ARC and BDNF in AD transgenic mice and primary cultures of murine hippocampal neurons.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Keisuke Takeda, Aoi Uda, Mikihiro Mitsubori, Shun Nagashima, Hiroko Iwasaki, Naoki Ito, Isshin Shiiba, Satoshi Ishido, Masaaki Matsuoka, Ryoko Inatome, Shigeru Yanagi
Summary: The loss of MITOL exacerbates cognitive decline in AD mouse models by promoting the accumulation of Aβ oligomers, rather than Aβ plaques, suggesting that alteration in mitochondrial morphology plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease progression.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yubin Liang, Chenghui Ye, Yuling Chen, Ying Chen, Shiyuan Diao, Min Huang
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by Aβ deposition, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal cell death. Berberine may inhibit the translation of BACE1 mediated by PERK/eIF2α signaling, reducing Aβ production and neuronal apoptosis, showing potential neuroprotective effects. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of berberine for treating AD by attenuating ER stress and oxidative stress.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ratnakar Jadhav, Yogesh A. Kulkarni
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognitive dysfunction, particularly in older individuals. The prevalence of the disease has increased due to the global aging population. Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease have limited efficacy and adverse effects. Recent research suggests that natural products, such as baicalein, could be potential treatment options for Alzheimer's disease. Baicalein, a flavonoid from the flavone subclass, has shown neuroprotective properties through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, AChE enzyme inhibitory, and anti-amyloid protein aggregation activities.
Review
Cell Biology
Scott Ayton, Ashley Bush
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a major disease without preventative or disease modifying therapy, and current drugs targeting amyloid beta have been unsuccessful in slowing cognitive decline. Debate is ongoing about whether to continue anti-A beta therapy or pursue alternative targets. The need for disease modifying AD therapies has become one of the highest priorities in all of medicine due to the growing burden of the disease on patients, families, and healthcare budgets.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Shang Wang, Taiyang Zhu, Wanyan Ni, Chao Zhou, Hui Zhou, Li Lin, Yuting Hu, Xiaoyu Sun, Jingjing Han, Yan Zhou, Guoliang Jin, Jie Zu, Hongjuan Shi, Xingxing Yang, Zuohui Zhang, Fang Hua
Summary: This study investigates the role of early activation of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in the pathophysiological process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The results showed that the early activation of TLR3 attenuated neuronal loss and neurobehavioral dysfunction in a mouse model of AD. This could be attributed to its role in A beta clearance, the inhibition of glial cells, and the regulation of neuroinflammation in the hippocampus.
ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sara Badesso, Paz Cartas-Cejudo, Maria Espelosin, Enrique Santamaria, Mar Cuadrado-Tejedor, Ana Garcia-Osta
Summary: DHA, as the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in the brain, is essential for successful aging and may lower the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. DHA enhances memory function through promoting synapse formation and has potential for dietary supplement for AD dementia prevention.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shaowei Li, Ziyi Luo, Renlong Zhang, Hao Xu, Ting Zhou, Liwei Liu, Junle Qu
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the disorders with the highest incidence worldwide due to the increase in the average age of humans, mainly caused by abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta protein (A beta). Distinguishing lesion areas in AD patients through spectroscopy and imaging methods based on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) can provide a new approach for clinical diagnosis and basic research.
Article
Neurosciences
Joseph F. Quinn, Martin J. Kelly, Christopher J. Harris, Wyatt Hack, Nora E. Gray, Veronika Kulik, Zoe Bostick, Barbara H. Brumbach, Philip F. Copenhaver
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of the non-steroidal estrogen receptor modulator STX in a mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease. The results suggest that oral STX treatment can attenuate A beta-associated mitochondrial toxicity and synaptic toxicity, improve spatial memory, and reduce markers for reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis. The neuroprotective effects of STX were more prominent in females.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wataru Araki, Fuyuki Kametani
Summary: Soluble oligomeric assemblies of amyloid beta-protein (A beta), called A beta oligomers (A beta Os), play a critical role in the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have shown that small molecules with antioxidative properties can reduce the neurotoxicity of A beta Os and have potential as drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xin Chen, Santosh Pandit, Lei Shi, Vaishnavi Ravikumar, Julie Bonne Kohler, Ema Svetlicic, Zhejian Cao, Abhroop Garg, Dina Petranovic, Ivan Mijakovic
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by the aggregation of misfolded amyloid-beta peptides in the brain. Graphene oxide nanoflakes have been found to effectively inhibit A beta aggregation in vitro. In this study using yeast as a model, it is shown that graphene oxide can penetrate yeast cells and reduce A beta 42 toxicity. The findings provide insights for designing graphene oxide-based therapies for attenuating cytotoxicity of A beta 42 and other misfolded proteins involved in neurodegenerative pathology.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lihan Mi, Meiling Fan, Tianjia Liu, Donglu Wu, Yang Wang, Fuqiang Li, Yong Cai, Zhidong Qiu, Da Liu, Lingling Cao
Summary: This study used a network pharmacology analysis and Caenorhabditis elegans experiments to discover that ginsenoside Rd (GS-Rd) may be a potential medication for Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that GS-Rd can prolong lifespan, improve resistance to stress, and increase oxidative stress responses in C. elegans by regulating multiple targets and pathways, such as the MAPK signal pathway and nuclear translocation of DAF-16. This research provides valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of GS-Rd for Alzheimer's disease.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lauren E. Oberlin, Kirk I. Erickson, Rachel Mackey, William E. Klunk, Howard Aizenstein, Brian J. Lopresti, Lewis H. Kuller, Oscar L. Lopez, Beth E. Snitz
Summary: In oldest-old cognitively unimpaired adults, peripheral inflammatory biomarkers are associated with and predictive of the progression of Aβ deposition, specifically among those with biomarker evidence of preclinical AD at baseline. This suggests that chronic, low-level systemic inflammation may exacerbate the deposition of Aβ pathology and increase the risk of clinically significant cognitive impairment.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Caioni, Angelo Viscido, Michele d'Angelo, Gloria Panella, Vanessa Castelli, Carmine Merola, Giuseppe Frieri, Giovanni Latella, Annamaria Cimini, Elisabetta Benedetti
Summary: The pathophysiological processes of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are not fully understood, but dysregulation of the gut immune system leading to overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a key factor. Both environmental and genetic factors are involved, with the microbiota playing a crucial role. PPARγ modulates interactions with environmental factors, and its impaired expression may represent a critical step in IBD pathogenesis, particularly in ulcerative colitis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariano Catanesi, Laura Brandolini, Michele d'Angelo, Elisabetta Benedetti, Maria Grazia Tupone, Margherita Alfonsetti, Enrico Cabri, Daniela Iaconis, Maddalena Fratelli, Annamaria Cimini, Vanessa Castelli, Marcello Allegretti
Summary: Methionine has been shown to play important roles in metabolism, immunity, and antioxidant enzyme activation. Methionine restriction can help prevent DNA damage and neurodegenerative processes. Additionally, an L-methionine-enriched diet may protect neurons during aging by maintaining mitochondrial functionality and preventing oxidative imbalance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Sepe, Francesca Rossiello, Valeria Cancila, Fabio Iannelli, Valentina Matti, Giada Cicio, Matteo Cabrini, Eugenia Marinelli, Busola R. Alabi, Alessia di Lillo, Arianna Di Napoli, Jerry W. Shay, Claudio Tripodo, Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna
Summary: As individuals age, the expression of ACE2 in the lungs increases, making elderly individuals more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Telomere damage triggers DDR activation, leading to an upregulation of ACE2 and potentially increasing susceptibility to infection in the elderly.
Article
Cell Biology
Laura Brandolini, Michele d'Angelo, Rubina Novelli, Vanessa Castelli, Cristina Giorgio, Anna Sirico, Pasquale Cocchiaro, Francesco D'Egidio, Elisabetta Benedetti, Claudia Cristiano, Antonella Bugatti, Anna Ruocco, Pier Giorgio Amendola, Carmine Talarico, Candida Manelfi, Daniela Iaconis, Andrea Beccari, Andreza U. Quadros, Thiago M. Cunha, Arnaldo Caruso, Roberto Russo, Annamaria Cimini, Andrea Aramini, Marcello Allegretti
Summary: This study discovered that paclitaxel can bind and activate C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1), which is crucial in the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). In vitro studies and animal experiments confirmed the effectiveness of C5aR1 inhibition in protecting against neuropathological effects and reducing CIPN symptoms. Additionally, C5aR1 inhibition can counteract paclitaxel-induced hypersensitivity reactions. Thus, C5aR1 is identified as a potential pharmacological target for the prevention and treatment of CIPN and HSRs induced by paclitaxel.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Giulia Caioni, Annamaria Cimini, Elisabetta Benedetti
Summary: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for the well-being and health of the population, especially in terms of balanced nutrition. The choice of food and dietary habits can impact disease management, including Parkinson's disease. However, in today's western lifestyle, it has become challenging to maintain a balanced diet, and the importance of a healthy diet tends to be neglected. This issue should not only be addressed in terms of food choice, but also from an environmental perspective.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laura Brandolini, Andrea Aramini, Gianluca Bianchini, Anna Ruocco, Riccardo Bertini, Rubina Novelli, Patrizia Angelico, Anna Elisa Valsecchi, Roberto Russo, Vanessa Castelli, Annamaria Cimini, Marcello Allegretti
Summary: DF2755A, a selective inhibitor of chemokine receptors CXCR1/2, can prevent and reverse peripheral neuropathy in non-ulcerative interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) by inhibiting chemokine-induced excitation of sensory neurons. It shows anti-hyperalgesic effects by inhibiting the expression of CXCR2 agonists CXCL1/KC, CXCL5, and TRPV1.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Reyes Benot-Dominguez, Annamaria Cimini, Daniela Barone, Antonio Giordano, Francesca Pentimalli
Summary: This review provides an overview of the potential use of plant-based foods, nutraceuticals, and derived micronutrients as anticancer agents, with a focus on their mechanism of action as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. It also discusses the importance of CDKs as a target in breast and ovarian cancer treatment, as well as ongoing research on the management of obesity-related cancers through nutritional strategies and phytochemicals.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fiorella Colasuonno, Chiara Marioli, Marco Tartaglia, Enrico Bertini, Claudia Compagnucci, Sandra Moreno
Summary: Riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by insufficient supply of riboflavin and impairment of metabolic pathways. Recent studies have shown a connection between cellular energy dysmetabolism, cytoskeletal derangement, and RTD. Patient specific RTD models using induced pluripotent stem cells have provided evidence of redox imbalance and cytoskeletal perturbation. These insights may lead to custom therapeutic strategies for patients unresponsive to high-dose riboflavin treatments.
Review
Biology
Francesco D'Egidio, Giorgia Lombardozzi, Housem E. Kacem Ben Haj M'Barek, Giada Mastroiacovo, Margherita Alfonsetti, Annamaria Cimini
Summary: Neuropathic pain, caused by lesions or diseases of the somatosensory nervous system, affects 7-10% of the global population. Dietary interventions, such as the use of nutraceuticals or probiotics, may be beneficial in alleviating neuropathic pain and associated symptoms.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oscar Solis, Andrea R. Beccari, Daniela Iaconis, Carmine Talarico, Camilo A. Ruiz-Bedoya, Jerome C. Nwachukwu, Annamaria Cimini, Vanessa Castelli, Riccardo Bertini, Monica Montopoli, Veronica Cocetta, Stefano Borocci, Ingrid G. Prandi, Kelly Flavahan, Melissa Bahr, Anna Napiorkowski, Giovanni Chillemi, Masato Ooka, Xiaoping Yang, Shiliang Zhang, Menghang Xia, Wei Zheng, Jordi Bonaventura, Martin G. Pomper, Jody E. Hooper, Marisela Morales, Avi Z. Rosenberg, Kendall W. Nettles, Sanjay K. Jain, Marcello Allegretti, Michael Michaelides
Summary: This study discovered an interaction between the spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and human estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha), and identified a highly conserved and functional nuclear receptor coregulator (NRC) LXD-like motif on the S2 sub-unit.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica Marinaccio, Emanuela Micheli, Ion Udroiu, Michela Di Nottia, Rosalba Carrozzo, Nicolo Baranzini, Annalisa Grimaldi, Stefano Leone, Sandra Moreno, Maurizio Muzzi, Antonella Sgura
Summary: Our study found that TERT plays a role in antioxidant defense and preserves mitochondrial functionality in human fibroblasts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Michele d'Angelo, Laura Brandolini, Mariano Catanesi, Vanessa Castelli, Cristina Giorgio, Margherita Alfonsetti, Mara Tomassetti, Mara Zippoli, Elisabetta Benedetti, Maria Candida Cesta, Sandro Colagioia, Pasquale Cocchiaro, Annamaria Cimini, Marcello Allegretti
Summary: Intestinal barrier disruption can lead to leaky gut, characterized by loss of epithelial integrity. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to have harmful effects on intestinal and gastric epithelial integrity. This study compared the effects of different classes of NSAIDs in an in vitro model of leaky gut. The results showed that ketoprofen and ketoprofen lysine salt counteracted oxidative stress and morphological changes in the intestinal barrier, while ibuprofen and its salts had similar effects.
Article
Developmental Biology
Carmine Merola, Giulia Caioni, Annamaria Cimini, Monia Perugini, Elisabetta Benedetti
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of sodium valproate (SV) on zebrafish early-life stages and found that SV has teratogenic potential, causing morphological abnormalities in the head and body of zebrafish, as well as significant malformations in the brain. Additionally, the study suggests a potential protective role of pparg in SV dose-dependent toxicity, which is reported for the first time.
BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco D'Egidio, Vanessa Castelli, Annamaria Cimini, Michele d'Angelo
Summary: Huntington's Disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a CAG triplet repeat in the HTT gene, resulting in the production of an aberrant huntingtin (Htt) protein. The accumulation of mutant protein leads to neuronal dysfunction and cell death, primarily through oxidative damage, excitotoxicity, inflammation, and mitochondrial impairment. This review aims to provide an overview of the cell's response to stress in HD, with a focus on the role of oxidative stress and its interaction with the antioxidant system.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Compagnoni, Veronica Zelli, Andrea Bianchi, Antinisca Di Marco, Roberta Capelli, Davide Vecchiotti, Laura Brandolini, Anna Maria Cimini, Francesca Zazzeroni, Marcello Allegretti, Edoardo Alesse, Alessandra Tessitore
Summary: This study analyzed the regulation of microRNA levels in corneal cells in response to recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) treatment, and identified key genes and pathways involved in neurotrophin signaling and cell proliferation and apoptosis control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)