α-Synuclein knockout mice have cognitive impairments

α-Synuclein is a member of the synuclein family of cytoplasmic, predominantly neuron-specific proteins. Considerable amount of α-synuclein is found in axons and presynaptic terminals of neurons located in brain areas responsible for emotions and memory. In the present study we have carried out behavioral evaluation of spatial and working long-term memory of α-synuclein knockout mice. Our data shows that α-synuclein knockout mice have reduced learning ability in tests requiring both working and spatial memory. For the first time we have demonstrated that α-synuclein is necessary for these types of learning.     

SIRT1 protects against α-synuclein aggregation by activating molecular chaperones

α-Synuclein is a key molecule in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathy including dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease, and multiple system atrophy. Sirtuins are NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylases that are highly conserved and counter aging in lower organisms. We show that the life span of a mouse model with A53T α-synuclein mutation is increased by overexpressing SIRT1 and decreased by knocking out SIRT1 in brain. Furthermore, α-synuclein aggregates are reduced in the brains of mice with SIRT1 overexpression and increased by SIRT1 deletion. We show that SIRT1 deacetylates HSF1 (heat shock factor 1) and increases HSP70 RNA and protein levels, but only in the brains of mice with A53T and SIRT1 expression. Thus, SIRT1 responds to α-synuclein aggregation-induced stress by activating molecular chaperones to protect against disease.     

Palmitoylethanolamide protects against the amyloid-β25-35-induced learning and memory impairment in mice, an experimental model of Alzheimer disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative dementia. Amyloid-β deposition, neurofibrillary tangle formation, and neuro-inflammation are the major pathogenic mechanisms that in concert lead to memory dysfunction and decline of cognition. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is the naturally occurring lipid amide between palmitic acid and ethanolamine. Despite its clear role in inflammation and pain control, only limited in vitro evidence exist about a role for PEA in neurodegenerative diseases. Here we describe the neuroprotective activities of PEA in mice injected intracerebroventricularly with amyloid-β 25-35 (Ab25-35) peptide (9?nmol). We used spatial and non-spatial memory tasks to evaluate learning and memory dysfunctions. Ab25-35 injection significantly impaired spontaneous alternation performances, water maze spatial reference and working-like memory, and novel object recognition test. PEA was administered once a day (3-30?mg/kg, subcutaneously), starting 3?h after Ab25-35, for 1 or 2 weeks. PEA reduced (10?mg/kg) or prevented (30?mg/kg) behavioral impairments induced by Ab25-35 injection. PEA failed to rescue memory deficits induced by Ab25-35 injection in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) null mice. GW7647 (2-(4-(2-(1-cyclohexanebutyl)-3-cyclohexylureido)ethyl)phenylthio)-2-methylpropionic acid; 5?mg/kg per day), a synthetic PPAR-α agonist, mimicked the effect of PEA. Acute treatment with PEA was ineffective. According with the neuroprotective profile of PEA observed during behavioral studies, experimental molecular and biochemical markers induced by Ab25-35 injection, such as lipid peroxidation, protein nytrosylation, inducible nitric oxide synthase induction, and caspase3 activation, were reduced by PEA treatment. These data disclose novel findings about the therapeutic potential of PEA, unrevealing a previously unknown therapeutic possibility to treat memory deficits associated with AD.     

The flavonoid apigenin protects brain neurovascular coupling against amyloid-β₂₅₋₃₅-induced toxicity in mice

Apigenin, one of the most common flavonoids, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and free radical-scavenging activities. Recent studies revealed its protective effects against amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity, but the mechanism was unclear. In the present study, we aimed to explore the anti-amnesic and protective effects of apigenin against Aβ?????-induced toxicity and the underlying mechanisms in the cerebral cortex in mice. The learning and memory impairments, changes in morphology of major components of neurovascular unit, ultrastructural changes and oxidative stress of cerebral cortex, cerebrovascular dysfunction, and neuronal changes were detected after oral administration of apigenin continuously for 8 days. Our results demonstrate that oral administration of apigenin for Aβ?????-induced amnesic mice conferred robust neurovascular coupling protection, involving improvement of the learning and memory capabilities, maintenance of neurovascular unit integrity, modulation of microvascular function, reduction of neurovascular oxidative damage, increase of regional cerebral blood flow, improvement of cholinergic system involving the inhibition of AChE activity and elevation of ACh level, and modification of BNDF, TrkB, and phospho-CREB levels.     

3′-Daidzein sulfonate sodium protects against memory impairment and hippocampal damage caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

3′-Daidzein sulfonate sodium(DSS) is a new synthetic water-soluble compound derived from daidzein,a soya isoflavone that plays regulatory roles in neurobiology.In this study,we hypothesized that the regulatory role of DSS in neurobiology exhibits therapeutic effects on hippocampal damage and memory impairment.To validate this hypothesis,we established rat models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion(CCH) by the permanent occlusion of the common carotid arteries using the two-vessel occlusion method.Three weeks after modeling,rat models were intragastrically administered 0.1,0.2,and 0.4 mg/kg DSS,once a day,for 5 successive weeks.The Morris water maze test was performed to investigate CCH-induced learning and memory deficits.TUNEL assay was used to analyze apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1,CA3 regions and dentate gyrus.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal CA1,CA3 regions and dentate gyrus.Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the phosphorylation of PKA,ERK1/2 and CREB in the hippocampal PKA/ERK1/2/CREB signaling pathway.Results showed that DSS treatment greatly improved the learning and memory deficits of rats with CCH,reduced apoptosis of neurons in the hippocampal CA1,CA3 regions and dentate gyrus,and increased the phosphorylation of PKA,ERK1/2,and CREB in the hippocampus.These findings suggest that DSS protects against CCH-induced memory impairment and hippocampal damage possibly through activating the PKA/ERK1/2/CREB signaling pathway.     

α-Synuclein pathology affecting Bergmann glia of the cerebellum in patients with α-synucleinopathies

We carried out immunohistochemical examinations of the brains (cerebella) of patients who had suffered from Parkinson's disease (PD), diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD) or multiple system atrophy (MSA), using antibodies specific for alpha-synuclein. Alpha-synuclein-positive doughnut-shaped structures were found occasionally in the cerebellar molecular layer in some of these patients. Double-labeling immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy studies revealed that these alpha-synuclein-positive doughnut-shaped structures were located in the glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive radial processes of Bergmann glia, corresponding to the outer area of Lewy body-like inclusions, and consisted of granulo-filamentous structures. These findings indicate that, although not frequently, Bergmann glia of the cerebellum are also the targets of alpha-synuclein pathology in alpha-synucleinopathies such as PD, DLBD and MSA.     

N-PEP-12 – a novel peptide compound that protects cortical neurons in culture against different age and disease associated lesions

Summary. The neuroprotective potency of N-PEP-12, a novel, proprietary compound consisting of biopeptides and amino acids was investigated. Lesion models have been applied in neuronal cultures of embryonic chicken cortex, pre-treated with N-PEP-12 from the first day onwards. On day 8 in vitro neurons were lesioned and cell viability was measured 24 and 48 hours later. To simulate acute brain ischemia, cytotoxic hypoxia was induced by sodium cyanide or by iodoacetate and excitotoxicity by L-glutamate. Ionomycin for up to 48 hours induced calcium overload. The cytoskeleton was disrupted by addition of colchicine. N-PEP-12 shows dose-dependent neuroprotection in all different models. The effect size depends on the recovery time but also on the extent of the lesion. In cases of mild to moderate lesion pronounced dose-dependent effects could be demonstrated. This indicates that chronic exposure to N-PEP-12 is able to prevent neuronal cell death associated to conditions occurring during normal aging and neurological disorders like ischemic stroke, hypoxia, brain trauma, or AD.     

PACAP protects against TNFα-induced cell death in olfactory epithelium and olfactory placodal cell lines

In mouse olfactory epithelium (OE), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) protects against axotomy-induced apoptosis. We used mouse OE to determine whether PACAP protects neurons during exposure to the inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Live slices of neonatal mouse OE were treated with 40 ng/ml TNFα ± 40 nM PACAP for 6 h and dying cells were live-labeled with 0.5% propidium iodide. TNFα significantly increased the percentage of dying cells while co-incubation with PACAP prevented cell death. PACAP also prevented TNFα-mediated cell death in the olfactory placodal (OP) cell lines, OP6 and OP27. Although OP cell lines express all three PACAP receptors (PAC1, VPAC1,VPAC2), PACAP's protection of these cells from TNFα was mimicked by the specific PAC1 receptor agonist maxadilan and abolished by the PAC1 antagonist PACAP6-38. Treatment of OP cell lines with blockers or activators of the PLC and AC/MAPKK pathways revealed that PACAP-mediated protection from TNFα involved both pathways. PACAP may therefore function through PAC1 receptors to protect neurons from cell death during inflammatory cytokine release in vivo as would occur upon viral infection or allergic rhinitis-associated injury.     

17α-estradiol attenuates neuron loss in ovariectomized Dtg AβPP/PS1 mice

Quantitative microanalysis of brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) find neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in structures that control cognitive function. Though historically difficult to recapitulate in experimental models, several groups have recently reported that by middle-age, transgenic mice that co-express high levels of two AD-associated mutations, amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP(swe)) and presenilin 1 (PS1(ΔE9)), undergo significant AD-type neuron loss in sub-cortical nuclei with heavy catecholaminergic projections to the hippocampal formation. Here we report that by 13 months of age these dtg AβPP(swe)/PS1(ΔE9) mice also show significant loss of pyramidal neuron in a critical region for learning and memory, the CA1 subregion of hippocampus, as a direct function of amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation. We used these mice to test whether 17α-estradiol (17αE2), a less feminizing and non-carcinogenic enantiomer of 17β-estradiol, protects against this CA1 neuron loss. Female dtg AβPP(swe)/PS1(ΔE9) mice were ovariectomized at 8-9 months of age and treated for 60 days with either 17αE2 or placebo via subcutaneous pellets. Computerized stereology revealed that 17αE2 ameliorated the loss of neurons in CA1 and reduced microglial activation in the hippocampus. These findings support the view that 17αE2, which may act through non-genomic mechanisms independent of traditional estrogen receptors, could prevent or delay the progression of AD in older men and women.     

Adaptation to moderate hypoxia protects cortical neurons against ischemia-reperfusion injury and excitotoxicity independently of HIF-1α

Continuous exposure of cultured cortical neurons to moderate hypoxia (1% O(2)) elevates cellular accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and improves basal survival of cultured cortical neurons. We examined the effects of adaptation to moderate hypoxia on the vulnerability of cultured neurons to the acute injury of simulated ischemia-reperfusion. Cortical neurons cultured continuously in 1% O(2) were markedly protected against simulated ischemia-reperfusion, with protection persisting through 72h after ischemia. Neurons from 1% O(2) conditions were also highly resistant to glutamate-induced NMDA receptor-dependent excitotoxic injury, despite expression of NMDA receptors at levels not significantly changed from controls. Inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase, mimicking cellular signaling effects of hypoxia including HIF-1α stabilization, also protected neurons against simulated ischemia-reperfusion injury. Nevertheless, genetic deletion of HIF-1α expression did not diminish the protection of neurons adapted to 1% O(2) from excitotoxicity or ischemia-reperfusion injury, nor did it prevent the protective effect of prolyl hydroxylase inhibition. We conclude that chronic exposure to moderate hypoxia, through HIF-1α-independent mechanisms, produces strong protective effects against excitotoxic and ischemia-reperfusion related injury.     

Lithium protects against oxidative stress-mediated cell death in α-synuclein-overexpressing in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease

Lithium has recently been suggested to have neuroprotective properties in relation to several neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we examined the potential cytoprotective effect of lithium in preventing oxidative stress-induced protein accumulation and neuronal cell death in the presence of increased α-synuclein levels in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, lithium administration was found to protect against cell death in a hydrogen peroxide-treated, stable α-synuclein-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-overexpressing dopaminergic N27 cell line. Lithium feeding (0.255% lithium chloride) of 9-month-old pan-neuronal α-synuclein transgenic mice over a 3-month period was also sufficient to prevent accumulation of oxidized/nitrated α-synuclein as a consequence of chronic paraquat/maneb administration in multiple brain regions, including the glomerular layer, mitral cells, and the granule cell layer of the olfactory bulb (OB), striatum, substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. Lithium not only prevented α-synuclein-mediated protein accumulation/aggregation in these brain regions but also protected neuronal cells including mitral cells and dopaminergic SNpc neurons against oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration. These results suggest that lithium can prevent both α-synuclein accumulation and neurodegeneration in an animal model of PD, suggesting that this drug, already FDA-approved for use in bipolar disorder, may constitute a novel therapy for another human disease.     

α-Synuclein is colocalized with 14-3-3 and synphilin-1 in A53T transgenic mice

α-Synuclein is a major constituent of Lewy bodies, the neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Three types of α-synuclein mutations, A53T, A30P, and E46K, have been reported in familial PD. Wild-type α-synuclein accumulates at high concentrations in Lewy bodies, and this process is accelerated with mutated A53T α-synuclein. The accumulation of α-synuclein is thought to be toxic, and causes neuronal death when α-synuclein aggregates into protofibrils and fibrils. Lewy bodies contain not only α-synuclein, but also other proteins including 14-3-3 proteins and synphilin-1. 14-3-3 Proteins exist mainly as dimers and are related to intracellular signal transduction pathways. Synphilin-1 is known to interact with α-synuclein, promoting the formation of cytoplasmic inclusions like Lewy bodies in vitro. To investigate the colocalization of α-synuclein, synphilin-1, and 14-3-3 proteins, we performed immunohistochemical studies on α-synuclein, 14-3-3 proteins, and synphilin-1 in the brain and spinal cord of A53T transgenic mice. In homozygous mouse brains, α-synuclein immunoreactivity was observed in the neuronal somata and processes in the medial part of the brainstem, deep cerebellar nuclei, and spinal cord. The distribution of 14-3-3 proteins and synphilin-1 immunoreactivity was similar to that of α-synuclein in the homozygous mice. Double immunofluorescent staining showed that α-synuclein and synphilin-1 or 14-3-3 proteins were colocalized in the pons and spinal cord. These results indicate that the accumulation of mutant α-synuclein occurs in association with 14-3-3 proteins and synphilin-1, and may cause the sequestration of important proteins including 14-3-3 proteins and synphilin-1. The sequestration and subsequent decrease in 14-3-3 proteins and synphilin-1 levels may account for neuronal cell death.     

Nicotine protects cultured cortical neurons against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity via α7-neuronal receptors and neuronal CNS receptors

We examined the effects of nicotine on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity using primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. The cell viability decreased significantly when cultures were exposed to glutamate for 10 min and then incubated with glutamate-free medium for 1 h. The exposure of cultures to nicotine (10 μM) for 8–24 h prior to glutamate application ameliorated the glutamate-induced cytotoxicity, with no significant effect of nicotine alone on the cell viability. Neuroprotection by nicotine was dependent on the incubation period. α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX) and methyllycaconitine (MLA), both of which are α₇-neuronal receptor antagonists, and dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE), a neuronal central nervous system (CNS) receptor antagonist, each significantly antagonized the protection by nicotine against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity. Ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, and S-nitrosocysteine (SNOC), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, also induced cytotoxicity in a manner similar to glutamate. Nicotine protected cultures against ionomycin-induced cytotoxicity, but not against SNOC-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggest that nicotine protects cultured cortical neurons against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity via α₇-neuronal receptors and neuronal CNS receptors by reducing NO-formation triggered by Ca²⁺ influx.     

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 blockade protects against experimental colitis in mice: a new strategy for inflammatory bowel diseases treatment?

Recent reports suggested that the activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) receptors in the gastrointestinal tract has pro‐inflammatory effects. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that TRPV4 mRNA expression is up‐regulated in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Furthermore, selective blockade of TRPV4 in the 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid animal model alleviates colitis and pain associated with the intestinal inflammation. Our study indicates that TRPV4 may play a role in mechanisms of defense in intestinal inflammation and that TRPV4 may be an attractive target for future systemic or topic anti‐inflammatory treatment in patients with IBD.     

A multifunctional peptide rescues memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice by inhibiting Aβ42-induced cytotoxicity and increasing microglial phagocytosis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive memory loss due to extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. The toxic β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregates that form in AD can induce the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and proinflammatory cytokines. These Aβ aggregates likely play a pivotal role in the onset and progression of AD. Reducing Aβ generation, inhibiting Aβ toxicity, and improving Aβ clearance are promising therapeutic strategies for AD. The present paper is the first to reveal a heptapeptide (XD4) isolated from a Ph.D.-C7C library through phage display that significantly inhibited Aβ cytotoxicity, increased the microglial phagocytosis of Aβ, decreased the Aβ-induced generation of ROS and NO, and attenuated the disequilibrium of calcium homeostasis in vitro. Remarkably, XD4 also attenuated memory deficits in β-amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APPswe/PS1dE9) transgenic mice, and reduced amyloid plaque burden and Aβ40/42 levels. The results of the present study indicate that this peptide, which specifically targets Aβ, may be a promising new therapy for patients exhibiting cognitive impairment and increased Aβ burden.     

Inhibition of miR-181a protects female mice from transient focal cerebral ischemia by targeting astrocyte estrogen receptor-α

Whether the effect of miR-181a is sexually dimorphic in stroke is unknown. Prior work showed protection of male mice with miR-181a inhibition. Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) is an identified target of miR181 in endometrium. Therefore we investigated the separate and joint effects of miR-181a inhibition and 17β-estradiol (E2) replacement after ovariectomy. Adult female mice were ovariectomized and implanted with an E2- or vehicle-containing capsule for 14d prior to 1 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Each group received either miR-181a antagomir or mismatch control by intracerebroventricular injection 24 h before MCAO. After MCAO neurologic deficit and infarct volume were assessed. Primary male and female astrocyte cultures were subjected to glucose deprivation with miR-181a inhibitor or transfection control, and E2 or vehicle control, with/without ESRα knockdown with small interfering RNA. Cell death was assessed by propidium iodide staining, and lactate dehydrogenase assay. A miR-181a/ERα target site blocker (TSB), with/without miR-181a mimic, was used to confirm targeting of ERα by miR-181a in astrocytes. Individually, miR-181a inhibition or E2 decreased infarct volume and improved neurologic score in female mice, and protected male and female astrocyte cultures. Combined miR-181a inhibition plus E2 afforded greater protection of female mice and female astrocyte cultures, but not in male astrocyte cultures. MiR-181a inhibition only increased ERα levels in vivo and in female cultures, while ERα knockdown with siRNA increased cell death in both sexes. Treatment with ERα TSB was strongly protective in both sexes. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest miR-181a inhibition enhances E2-mediated stroke protection in females in part by augmenting ERα production, a mechanism detected in female mice and female astrocytes. Sex differences were observed with combined miR-181a inhibition/E2 treatment, and miR-181a targeting of ERα.     

α-Synuclein Transgenic Mice Reveal Compensatory Increases in Parkinson's Disease-Associated Proteins DJ-1 and Parkin and Have Enhanced α-Synuclein and PINK1 Levels After Rotenone Treatment

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder characterised by loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra. The pathological hallmarks are cytoplasmic inclusions termed Lewy bodies consisting primarily of aggregated α-synuclein (αSN). Different lines of transgenic mice have been developed to model PD but have failed to recapitulate the hallmarks of this disease. Since treatment of rodents with the pesticide rotenone can reproduce nigrostriatal cell loss and other features of PD, we aimed to test chronic oral administration of rotenone to transgenic mice over-expressing human αSN with the A53T mutation. Initial assessment of this transgenic line for compensatory molecular changes indicated decreased brain β-synuclein expression and significantly increased levels of the PD-associated oxidative stress response protein, DJ-1, and the E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme, Parkin. Rotenone treatment of 30 mg/kg for 25 doses over a 35-day period was tolerated in the transgenic mice and resulted in decreased spontaneous locomotor movement and increased cytoplasmic αSN expression. The mitochondrial Parkinson's-associated PTEN-induced kinase 1 protein levels were also increased in transgenic mouse brain after rotenone treatment; there was no change in brain dopamine levels or nigrostriatal cell loss. These hA53T αSN transgenic mice provide a useful model for presymptomatic Parkinson's features and are valuable for study of associated compensatory changes in early Parkinson's disease stages.