scholarly journals Role of Oxidative Damage in Alzheimer’s Disease and Neurodegeneration: From Pathogenic Mechanisms to Biomarker Discovery

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1353
Author(s):  
Francesca Romana Buccellato ◽  
Marianna D’Anca ◽  
Chiara Fenoglio ◽  
Elio Scarpini ◽  
Daniela Galimberti

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder accounting for over 50% of all dementia patients and representing a leading cause of death worldwide for the global ageing population. The lack of effective treatments for overt AD urges the discovery of biomarkers for early diagnosis, i.e., in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or prodromal AD. The brain is exposed to oxidative stress as levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increased, whereas cellular antioxidant defenses are decreased. Increased ROS levels can damage cellular structures or molecules, leading to protein, lipid, DNA, or RNA oxidation. Oxidative damage is involved in the molecular mechanisms which link the accumulation of amyloid-β and neurofibrillary tangles, containing hyperphosphorylated tau, to microglia response. In this scenario, microglia are thought to play a crucial role not only in the early events of AD pathogenesis but also in the progression of the disease. This review will focus on oxidative damage products as possible peripheral biomarkers in AD and in the preclinical phases of the disease. Particular attention will be paid to biological fluids such as blood, CSF, urine, and saliva, and potential future use of molecules contained in such body fluids for early differential diagnosis and monitoring the disease course. We will also review the role of oxidative damage and microglia in the pathogenesis of AD and, more broadly, in neurodegeneration.

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Süß ◽  
Johannes C.M. Schlachetzki

: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most frequent neurodegenerative disorder. Although proteinaceous aggregates of extracellular Amyloid-β (Aβ) and intracellular hyperphosphorylated microtubule- associated tau have long been identified as characteristic neuropathological hallmarks of AD, a disease- modifying therapy against these targets has not been successful. An emerging concept is that microglia, the innate immune cells of the brain, are major players in AD pathogenesis. Microglia are longlived tissue-resident professional phagocytes that survey and rapidly respond to changes in their microenvironment. Subpopulations of microglia cluster around Aβ plaques and adopt a transcriptomic signature specifically linked to neurodegeneration. A plethora of molecules and pathways associated with microglia function and dysfunction has been identified as important players in mediating neurodegeneration. However, whether microglia exert either beneficial or detrimental effects in AD pathology may depend on the disease stage. : In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the stage-dependent role of microglia in AD, including recent insights from genetic and gene expression profiling studies as well as novel imaging techniques focusing on microglia in human AD pathology and AD mouse models.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Marcelli ◽  
Massimo Corbo ◽  
Filomena Iannuzzi ◽  
Lucia Negri ◽  
Fabio Blandini ◽  
...  

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder recognized as the most common cause of chronic dementia among the ageing population. AD is histopathologically characterized by progressive loss of neurons and deposits of insoluble proteins, primarily composed of amyloid-β pelaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Methods: Several molecular processes contribute to the formation of AD cellular hallmarks. Among them, post-translational modifications (PTMs) represent an attractive mechanism underlying the formation of covalent bonds between chemical groups/peptides to target proteins, which ultimately result modified in their function. Most of the proteins related to AD undergo PTMs. Several recent studies show that AD-related proteins like APP, Aβ, tau, BACE1 undergo post-translational modifications. The effect of PTMs contributes to the normal function of cells, although aberrant protein modification, which may depend on many factors, can drive the onset or support the development of AD. Results: Here we will discuss the effect of several PTMs on the functionality of AD-related proteins potentially contributing to the development of AD pathology. Conclusion: We will consider the role of Ubiquitination, Phosphorylation, SUMOylation, Acetylation and Nitrosylation on specific AD-related proteins and, more interestingly, the possible interactions that may occur between such different PTMs.


2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 819-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana M. Mata ◽  
María Berrocal ◽  
M. Rosario Sepúlveda

AD (Alzheimer's disease) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disorder where the accumulation of neurotoxic Aβ (amyloid β-peptide) in senile plaques is a typical feature. Recent studies point out a relationship between Aβ neurotoxicity and Ca2+ dyshomoeostasis, but the molecular mechanisms involved are still under discussion. The PMCAs (plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases) are a multi-isoform family of proteins highly expressed in brain that is implicated in the maintenance of low intraneural Ca2+ concentration. Therefore the malfunction of this pump may also be responsible for Ca2+ homoeostasis failure in AD. We have found that the Ca2+-dependence of PMCA activity is affected in human brains diagnosed with AD, being related to the enrichment of Aβ. The peptide produces an inhibitory effect on the activity of PMCA which is isoform-specific, with the greatest inhibition of PMCA4. Besides, cholesterol blocked the inhibitory effect of Aβ, which is consistent with the lack of any Aβ effect on PMCA4 found in cholesterol-enriched lipid rafts isolated from pig brain. These observations suggest that PMCAs are a functional component of the machinery that leads to Ca2+ dysregulation in AD and propose cholesterol enrichment in rafts as a protector of the Aβ-mediated inhibition on PMCA.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasha R. Womack ◽  
Craig Vollert ◽  
Odochi Nwoko ◽  
Monika Schmitt ◽  
Sagi Montazari ◽  
...  

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is the most common cause of dementia in aged populations. A substantial amount of data demonstrates that chronic neuroinflammation can accelerate neurodegenerative pathologies, while epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that the use of anti-inflammatory agents may be neuroprotective. In AD, chronic neuroinflammation results in the upregulation of cyclooxygenase and increased production of prostaglandin H2, a precursor for many vasoactive prostanoids. While it is well-established that many prostaglandins can modulate the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, the role of prostacyclin (PGI2) in the brain is poorly understood. We have conducted studies to assess the effect of elevated prostacyclin biosynthesis in a mouse model of AD. Upregulated prostacyclin expression significantly worsened multiple measures associated with amyloid disease pathologies. Mice overexpressing both amyloid and PGI2 exhibited impaired learning and memory and increased anxiety-like behavior compared with non-transgenic and PGI2 control mice. PGI2 overexpression accelerated the development of amyloid accumulation in the brain and selectively increased the production of soluble amyloid-β 42. PGI2 damaged the microvasculature through alterations in vascular length and branching; amyloid expression exacerbated these effects. Our findings demonstrate that chronic prostacyclin expression plays a novel and unexpected role that hastens the development of the AD phenotype.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Su ◽  
Tian Li ◽  
Pei-Feng He ◽  
Xue-Chun Lu ◽  
Qi Yu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an intractable neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly population, currently lacking a cure. Trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, showed some neuroprotective roles, but its pathology-improvement effects in AD are still uncertain, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The present study aims to examine the anti-AD effects of TSA, particularly investigating its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Methods Novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests were used to evaluate the memory-ameliorating effects of TSA in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Immunofluorescence, Western blotting, Simoa assay, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to examine the pathology-improvement effects of TSA. Microglial activity was assessed by Western blotting and transwell migration assay. Protein-protein interactions were analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation and LC-MS/MS. Results TSA treatment not only reduced amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and soluble Aβ oligomers in the brain, but also effectively improved learning and memory behaviors of APP/PS1 mice. In vitro study suggested that the improvement of Aβ pathology by TSA was attributed to the enhancement of Aβ clearance, mainly by the phagocytosis of microglia, and the endocytosis and transport of microvascular endothelial cells. Notably, a meaningful discovery in the study was that TSA dramatically upregulated the expression level of albumin in cell culture, by which TSA inhibited Aβ aggregation and promoted the phagocytosis of Aβ oligomers. Conclusions These findings provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of AD and suggest TSA as a novel promising candidate for the AD treatment.


2004 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feda E. A. Ali ◽  
Kevin J. Barnham ◽  
Colin J. Barrow ◽  
Frances Separovic

The most common form of dementia in old age is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The presence in the brain of senile plaque is the major pathological marker of AD. The plaques are primarily composed of aggregated amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). Aβ is a 40–42 amino acid peptide that is a proteolytic product derived from the β-amyloid precursor protein. The function of Aβ and the exact mechanism of Aβ aggregation and neurotoxicity are unclear. However, metal coordination by Aβ plays an important role in inducing aggregation and the generation of reactive oxygen species, which appears to be at least partially responsible for Aβ neurotoxicity. In this review we examine the role of copper and zinc ions in Aβ neurotoxicity, especially with regards to the generation of free radicals. We discuss the role of copper or zinc ions in oxidative damage and Aβ conformational changes and the relationship of these metals to AD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (52) ◽  
pp. 26224-26229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafi U. Haque ◽  
Allan I. Levey

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is the sixth leading cause of death and the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Over the last few decades, significant advancements have been made in our understanding of AD by investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying amyloid-β and tau pathology. Despite this progress, no disease-modifying treatments exist for AD, an issue that will exacerbated by the rising costs and prevalence of the disorder. Moreover, effective therapies to address the devastating cognitive and behavioral symptoms are also urgently needed. This perspective focuses on the value of nonhuman primate (NHP) models in bridging the molecular, circuit, and behavioral levels of analysis to better understand the complex genetic and environmental/lifestyle factors that contribute to AD pathogenesis. These investigations could provide an opportunity for translating our understanding of the pathogenesis and physiological mechanisms underlying AD and related disorders into new diagnostic approaches and disease-modifying therapies to prevent disease or restore brain function for symptomatic individuals.


Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 58
Author(s):  
Enes Akyuz ◽  
Chiara Villa ◽  
Merve Beker ◽  
Birsen Elibol

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a complex etiology and characterized by cognitive deficits and memory loss. The pathogenesis of AD is not yet completely elucidated, and no curative treatment is currently available. Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels are important for playing a key role in maintaining the resting membrane potential and controlling cell excitability, being largely expressed in both excitable and non-excitable tissues, including neurons. Accordingly, the aim of the study is to investigate the role of neuronal Kir channels in AD pathophysiology. The mRNA and protein levels of neuronal Kir2.1, Kir3.1, and Kir6.2 were evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis from the hippocampus of an amyloid-β(Aβ)(1-42)-infused rat model of AD. Extracellular deposition of Aβ was confirmed by both histological Congo red staining and immunofluorescence analysis. Significant decreased mRNA and protein levels of Kir2.1 and Kir6.2 channels were observed in the rat model of AD, whereas no differences were found in Kir3.1 channel levels as compared with controls. Our results provide in vivo evidence that Aβ can modulate the expression of these channels, which may represent novel potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of AD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (16) ◽  
pp. 3979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvestro ◽  
Bramanti ◽  
Mazzon

miRNAs (or microRNAs) are a class of single-stranded RNA molecules, responsible for post-transcriptional gene silencing through binding to the coding region as well as 3’ and 5’ untranslated region of target genes. About 70% of experimentally detectable miRNAs are expressed in the brain and some studies suggest that miRNAs are intimately involved in synaptic function and in specific signals during memory formation. More and more evidence demonstrates the possible involvement of miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common form of senile dementia, a disease that affects memory and cognitive functions. It is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of synapses, extracellular amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), and intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated TAU protein. This review aims to provide an overview of the in vivo studies of the last 5 years in the literature describing the role of the different miRNAs involved in AD. miRNAs hold huge potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and, at the same time, their modulation could be a potential therapeutic strategy against AD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (20) ◽  
pp. 11280
Author(s):  
Shan-Ju Yeh ◽  
Ming-Hsun Chung ◽  
Bor-Sen Chen

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, characterized by progressive cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorder. Abnormal aggregations of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and unusual accumulations of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides are two important pathological features in AD brains. However, in spite of large-scale clinical studies and computational simulations, the molecular mechanisms of AD development and progression are still unclear. In this study, we divided all of the samples into two groups: early stage (Braak score I-–III) and later stage (Braak score IV–VI). By big database mining, the candidate genetic and epigenetic networks (GEN) have been constructed. In order to find out the real GENs for two stages of AD, we performed systems identification and system order detection scheme to prune false positives with the help of corresponding microarray data. Applying the principal network projection (PNP) method, core GENs were extracted from real GENs based on the projection values. By the annotation of KEGG pathway, we could obtain core pathways from core GENs and investigate pathogenetic mechanisms for the early and later stage of AD, respectively. Consequently, according to pathogenetic mechanisms, several potential biomarkers are identified as drug targets for multiple-molecule drug design in the treatment of AD.


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