Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niti Sharma, Mario A. Tan, Seong Soo A. An
Summary: Phytosterols, a class of natural products, are crucial components in diet and have various applications in foods, cosmetics, and herbal medicines. Stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol are common types of phytosterols with significant activities related to neurodegenerative diseases. This mini-review provides an overview of research on selected phytosterols associated with neurodegenerative diseases, covering major phytosterols and their biological activities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emily R. Mahoney, Logan Dumitrescu, Annah M. Moore, Francis E. Cambronero, Philip L. De Jager, Mary Ellen Koran, Vladislav A. Petyuk, Rena A. S. Robinson, Sandeep Goyal, Julie A. Schneider, David A. Bennett, Angela L. Jefferson, Timothy J. Hohman
Summary: The study revealed that the VEGF gene family plays a complex role in neuroprotection and is associated with cognitive performance, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease pathology.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Montse Guardiola, Gerard Muntane, Iris Martinez, Lourdes Martorell, Josefa Girona, Daiana Ibarretxe, Nuria Plana, Maria J. Bullido, Elisabet Vilella, Josep Ribalta
Summary: This study identified three variants in PVRL2 that predispose individuals to Alzheimer's disease (AD) while also influencing the lipid profile, increasing cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Sergio Vegas-Suarez, Jorge Simon, Maria Luz Martinez-Chantar, Rosario Moratalla
Summary: Chronic liver diseases encompass various hepatic disorders with different etiologies and severity levels. NAFLD and ALD are the most common forms, contributing to harmful substance release and promoting neurodegenerative disorders. Liver-related hyperammonemia and inflammation may lead to neuroinflammation, exacerbating the risks for AD and PD.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Emil W. Westi, Jens Andersen, Blanca I. Aldana
Summary: Disrupted brain metabolism is crucial for neurodegenerative diseases, and the energy metabolism of neurons and astrocytes through the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle plays a vital role in neurotransmitter recycling. Isotope tracing, a technique to monitor cellular metabolism, has helped elucidate the mechanistic involvement of altered brain metabolism in disease progression. This review discusses the advantages, drawbacks, and applications of isotope tracing in different cerebral preparations and narrates how it has facilitated the discovery of central metabolic features in neurodegeneration, particularly in the metabolic cooperation between neurons and astrocytes.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Angelika Wieckowska-Gacek, Anna Mietelska-Porowska, Malgorzata Wydrych, Urszula Wojda
Summary: The studies suggest that an excess of saturated fatty acids and simple sugars in the diet is a known environmental risk factor of Alzheimer's disease. The systemic alterations induced by a Western diet, including metabolic changes, obesity, inflammation, may drive impairment of the blood-brain barrier and neuroinflammation, leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richard N. L. Lamptey, Bivek Chaulagain, Riddhi Trivedi, Avinash Gothwal, Buddhadev Layek, Jagdish Singh
Summary: Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by neuron loss. Most current treatments only alleviate associated symptoms due to the limited effectiveness of drugs crossing the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles offer a promising approach for targeted drug delivery to the brain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marika Lanza, Rossella Basilotta, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Maria Bulzomi, Salvatore Oddo, Giovanna Casili, Emanuela Esposito
Summary: The prevalence of obesity worldwide is rapidly increasing and is considered a leading cause of death. Added sugar consumption is one of the main factors contributing to this, as it is associated with a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and brain illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Excess sugar can worsen oxidative damage and brain inflammation, which are neuropathological signs of AD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Euitaek Yang, Junwei Wang, Lauren N. Woodie, Michael W. Greene, Amal Kaddoumi
Summary: Aging is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, and metabolic and behavioral parameters are altered with age and pathology. The effect of pathology on these parameters is greater than normal aging, and there is an inverse correlation between sleep hours and blood-brain barrier breakdown. Treatment with oleocanthal improves these parameters and reduces symptoms of anxiety-like behavior and sleep disturbances. Monitoring changes in metabolic and behavioral phenotypes can provide a valuable tool for assessing disease severity and treatment efficacy in AD mouse models.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lina Ma, Xuefan Jiang, Qiaoyi Huang, Wenxuan Chen, Huiqin Zhang, Hui Pei, Yu Cao, Huichan Wang, Hao Li
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and the formation of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Gut microbiota, a complex community of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal system, can impact cognitive function through the gut-brain axis. Imbalance in gut microbiota can lead to immune dysregulation and inflammation, potentially contributing to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Traditional Chinese medicine shows promise in treating Alzheimer's disease by regulating gut microbiota. This review provides insights and strategies for future Alzheimer's disease research and treatment.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Reardon
Summary: The study indicates that the amyloid-targeting drug candidate has the potential to slow down cognitive decline in certain individuals, but concerns remain regarding its possible side effects.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Rahmat Ullah, Imran Saied, Tughrul Arslan
Summary: This paper presents a processing pipeline for a microwave head imaging system to monitor whole-brain atrophy as a way of monitoring neurodegenerative diseases. The integrated imaging algorithm and novel pre-processing techniques successfully remove clutter effects and accurately detect and locate whole-brain atrophy. The proposed method shows potential for real-time monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases.
BIOMEDICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING AND CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lindsey I. Sinclair, Asher Mohr, Mizuki Morisaki, Martin Edmondson, Selina Chan, A. Bone-Connaughton, Gustavo Turecki, Seth Love
Summary: This study investigated the association between late-life depression and dementia. Contrary to some previous findings, the results showed no evidence of impaired vascular function or increased Aβ in late-life depression. These results suggest that depression is a risk factor for dementia rather than an early manifestation of AD or a consequence of cerebral vascular insufficiency.
ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Brylinski, Katarzyna Kostelecka, Filip Wolinski, Piotr Duda, Joanna Gora, Michal Granat, Jolanta Flieger, Grzegorz Teresinski, Grzegorz Buszewicz, Ryszard Sitarz, Jacek Baj
Summary: Aluminium (Al) is widely present in the Earth's crust and its role in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases is still debated. This review examines Al toxicokinetics and its involvement in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, alcohol use disorder, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and dialysis encephalopathy. The literature suggests excessive Al accumulation in the central nervous system in these diseases, as well as epidemiological links between Al exposure and increased disease prevalence. Al also shows potential as a disease marker and the use of Al chelators has beneficial effects in some cases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Fang Zheng, Yucheng Pang, Luyao Li, Yuxing Pang, Jiaxin Zhang, Xinyi Wang, Geert Raes
Summary: Nanobodies are antibody fragments derived from camelids, which possess properties such as low molecular weight, high affinity, and low immunogenicity. This review discusses the characterization, manufacturing, and applications of nanobodies, with a focus on their potential for crossing the blood-brain barrier and their use in brain-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and brain tumors. The review also highlights the advancements in nanobody engineering and modification technologies that allow for their conjugation with other substances, expanding their potential applications.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Simona Federica Spampinato, Sara Merlo, Yasuteru Sano, Takashi Kanda, Maria Angela Sortino
Summary: Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid with important physiological and pathological functions. The drug siponimod (BAF-312) has been approved for secondary progressive MS treatment by targeting S1P1 and S1P5 receptors, showing potential to strengthen BBB properties and provide additional effects for MS treatment.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Grazia Ilaria Caruso, Simona Federica Spampinato, Giuseppe Costantino, Sara Merlo, Maria Angela Sortino
Summary: Microglia show an early defensive response to Aβ42, involving SIRT1-mediated BDNF upregulation, which can be externally modulated by melatonin. Prolonged exposure to Aβ42 leads to changes in microglial features, with increased inflammatory markers, while melatonin exhibits protective effects by preventing NF-kB nuclear translocation and acetylation.
Article
Neurosciences
Simona F. Spampinato, Sara Merlo, Giuseppe Costantino, Yasuteru Sano, Takashi Kanda, Maria Angela Sortino
Summary: The study demonstrates that BAF-312 can reduce the migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells through endothelial cells under inflammatory conditions by controlling astrocyte activation, adhesion molecule expression, and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines levels, highlighting the importance of astrocytes in mediating drug effects on BBB function.
JOURNAL OF NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arianna Carolina Rosa, Patrizia Nardini, Silvia Sgambellone, Maura Gurrieri, Simona Federica Spampinato, Alfonso Dell'Accio, Paul L. Chazot, Ilona Obara, Wai L. Liu, Alessandro Pini
Summary: The study evaluated the effect of a histamine H-3 receptor antagonist on autonomic neuropathy of the intestinal tract associated with diabetes. The antagonist effectively prevented mucus overproduction and the decrease in inhibitory component of enteric motility caused by diabetes, suggesting its potential importance in preventing diabetes-induced gastrointestinal complications.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sara Merlo, Grazia Ilaria Caruso, Laura Bonfili, Simona Federica Spampinato, Giuseppe Costantino, Anna Maria Eleuteri, Maria Angela Sortino
Summary: This study explored the effects of melatonin on microglial cells in Alzheimer's disease and found that melatonin can inhibit inflammation, restore the expression of beneficial genes, and protect neuronal cells from damage caused by beta-amyloid.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fabio D'Amico, Giuseppe Costantino, Lucia Salvatorelli, Alice Ramondetta, Rocco De Pasquale, Maria Angela Sortino, Sara Merlo
Summary: This study found that SIRT1 expression was significantly downregulated while NAMPT expression was upregulated in the skin of psoriatic patients, suggesting their involvement in the pathogenesis and inflammation of psoriasis. These findings provide direction for exploring novel pharmacological targets in the treatment of psoriasis.
ADVANCES IN MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Federica Spampinato, Giuseppe Costantino, Sara Merlo, Pier Luigi Canonico, Maria Angela Sortino
Summary: Modulating S1P receptors in microglia may contribute to the reinforcement of the endothelial barrier at the blood-brain barrier, suggesting an additional effect of the drug in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giorgia Serena Gullotta, Giuseppe Costantino, Maria Angela Sortino, Simona Federica Spampinato
Summary: Microglia are intrinsic immune cells in the central nervous system that have immune surveillance function and modulating effect on neuronal synaptic development and function. Upon injury, microglia are activated and change their morphology to ameboid phenotype with pro- or anti-inflammatory features. This article describes the specific crosstalk of microglia with different cellular components of the blood-brain barrier, and focuses on the involvement of microglia in the modulation of blood-brain barrier function in neuroinflammatory conditions associated with acute events or slow neurodegenerative diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Merlo, Grazia Ilaria Caruso, Dhwani Sunil Korde, Alla Khodorovska, Christian Humpel, Maria Angela Sortino
Summary: Melatonin exerts neuroprotective effects on neuronal and glial cells, with its effects on microglia mediated by MT1 receptor and dependent on SIRT1 activation. In this study, the effects of melatonin on hippocampal microglia in a 3D context were compared to a single cell type context using the HMC3 cell line. Melatonin showed anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-induced inflammation, including the regulation of NF-kB expression, and these effects were mediated by SIRT1. The multicellular context is important for the full activity of melatonin, especially in a preventive view, and organotypic brain cultures can be used as a favorable model to study inflammatory responses.
