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1.
Neuropharmacology ; 258: 110097, 2024 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39094831

ABSTRACT

Aging is characterized by a functional decline in several physiological systems. α-Klotho-hypomorphic mice (Kl-/-) exhibit accelerated aging and cognitive decline. We evaluated whether male and female α-Klotho-hypomorphic mice show changes in the expression of synaptic proteins, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) subunits, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), synaptophysin and synapsin, and the activity of Na+, K+-ATPase (NaK) isoforms in the cerebellum and hippocampus. In this study, we demonstrated that in the cerebellum, Kl-/- male mice have reduced expression of GluA1 (AMPA) compared to wild-type (Kl+/+) males and Kl-/- females. Also, Kl-/- male and female mice show reduced ɑ2/ɑ3-NaK and Mg2+-ATPase activities in the cerebellum, respectively, and sex-based differences in NaK and Mg2+-ATPase activities in both the regions. Our findings suggest that α-Klotho could influence the expression of AMPAR and the activity of NaK isoforms in the cerebellum in a sex-dependent manner, and these changes may contribute, in part, to cognitive decline.


Subject(s)
Cerebellum , Hippocampus , Klotho Proteins , Receptors, AMPA , Sex Characteristics , Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase , Animals , Female , Male , Mice , Cerebellum/metabolism , Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein/metabolism , Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein/genetics , Hippocampus/metabolism , Klotho Proteins/metabolism , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Receptors, AMPA/metabolism , Receptors, AMPA/genetics , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/genetics , Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/metabolism , Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/genetics , Synapsins/metabolism , Synapsins/genetics , Synaptophysin/metabolism
2.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(14)2024 Jul 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39063141

ABSTRACT

KIAA0586 variants have been associated with a wide range of ciliopathies, mainly Joubert syndrome (JS, OMIM #616490) and short-rib thoracic dysplasia syndrome (SRTD, OMIM #616546). However, the hypothesis that this gene is involved with hydrolethalus syndrome (HSL, OMIM #614120) and orofaciodigital syndrome IV (OMIM #258860) has already been raised. Ciliopathies' clinical features are often overlapped despite differing in phenotype severity. Besides KIAA0586, HYLS1 and KIF7 are also known for being causative of ciliopathies, indicating that all three genes may have similar or converging genomic pathways. Overall, the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of ciliopathies becomes wider and conflicting while more and more new variants are added to this group of disorders' molecular pot. In this case report we discuss the first Brazilian individual clinically diagnosed with hydrolethalus syndrome and molecular findings that demonstrate the role of KIAA0586 as a causative gene of a group of genetic disorders. Also, recent reports on individuals with intronic and exonic variants combined leading to ciliopathies support our patient's molecular diagnosis. At the same time, we discuss variable expressivity and overlapping features in ciliopathies.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple , Cerebellum , Eye Abnormalities , Kidney Diseases, Cystic , Phenotype , Retina , Humans , Eye Abnormalities/genetics , Eye Abnormalities/pathology , Kidney Diseases, Cystic/genetics , Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Retina/abnormalities , Retina/pathology , Retina/metabolism , Cerebellum/abnormalities , Cerebellum/pathology , Ciliopathies/genetics , Male , Mutation , Female , Cell Cycle Proteins
3.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 18(7): e0012302, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38950061

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Giardiasis and zinc deficiency have been identified as serious health problems worldwide. Although Zn depletion is known to occur in giardiasis, no work has investigated whether changes occur in brain structures. METHODS: Three groups of gerbils were used: control (1), orogastrically inoculated on day 3 after birth with trophozoites of two isolates of Giardia intestinalis (HGINV/WB) group (2 and 3). Estimates were made at five ages covering: establishment of infection, Giardia population growth, natural parasite clearance and a post-infection age. QuantiChrome zinc assay kit, cresyl violet staining and TUNEL technique were used. RESULTS: A significant decrease (p<0.01) in tissue zinc was observed and persisted after infection. Cytoarchitectural changes were observed in 75% of gerbils in the HGINV or WB groups. Ectopic pyramidal neurons were found in the cornus ammonis (CA1-CA3). At 60 and 90 days of age loss of lamination was clearly visible in CA1. In the dentate gyrus (DG), thinning of the dorsal lamina and abnormal thickening of the ventral lamina were observed from 30 days of age. In the cerebellum, we found an increase (p<0.01) in the thickness of the external granular layer (EGL) at 14 days of age that persisted until day 21 (C 3 ± 0.3 µm; HGINV 37 ± 5 µm; WB 28 ± 3 µm); Purkinje cell population estimation showed a significant decrease; a large number of apoptotic somas were observed scattered in the molecular layer; in 60 and 90 days old gerbils we found granular cell heterotopia and Purkinje cell ectopia. The pattern of apoptosis was different in the cerebellum and hippocampus of parasitized gerbils. CONCLUSION: The morphological changes found suggest that neuronal migration is affected by zinc depletion caused by giardiasis in early postnatal life; for the first time, the link between giardiasis-zinc depletion and damaged brain structures is shown. This damage may explain the psychomotor/cognitive delay associated with giardiasis. These findings are alarming. Alterations in zinc metabolism and signalling are known to be involved in many brain disorders, including autism.


Subject(s)
Cerebellum , Gerbillinae , Giardia lamblia , Giardiasis , Hippocampus , Zinc , Animals , Gerbillinae/parasitology , Zinc/deficiency , Zinc/metabolism , Giardiasis/parasitology , Giardiasis/pathology , Cerebellum/pathology , Cerebellum/parasitology , Hippocampus/pathology , Hippocampus/parasitology , Giardia lamblia/growth & development , Male , Disease Models, Animal
4.
Biol Res ; 57(1): 48, 2024 Jul 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39034395

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an irreversible progressive CNS pathology characterized by the loss of myelin (i.e. demyelination). The lack of myelin is followed by a progressive neurodegeneration triggering symptoms as diverse as fatigue, motor, locomotor and sensory impairments and/or bladder, cardiac and respiratory dysfunction. Even though there are more than fourteen approved treatments for reducing MS progression, there are still no cure for the disease. Thus, MS research is a very active field and therefore we count with different experimental animal models for studying mechanisms of demyelination and myelin repair, however, we still lack a preclinical MS model assembling demyelination mechanisms with relevant clinical-like signs. RESULTS: Here, by inducing the simultaneous demyelination of both callosal and cerebellar white matter fibers by the double-site injection of lysolecithin (LPC), we were able to reproduce CNS demyelination, astrocyte recruitment and increases levels of proinflammatory cytokines levels along with motor, locomotor and urinary impairment, as well as cardiac and respiratory dysfunction, in the same animal model. Single site LPC-injections either in corpus callosum or cerebellum only, fails in to reproduce such a complete range of MS-like signs. CONCLUSION: We here report that the double-site LPC injections treatment evoke a complex MS-like mice model. We hope that this experimental approach will help to deepen our knowledge about the mechanisms of demyelinated diseases such as MS.


Subject(s)
Cerebellum , Corpus Callosum , Demyelinating Diseases , Disease Models, Animal , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Multiple Sclerosis , Animals , Multiple Sclerosis/pathology , Corpus Callosum/pathology , Cerebellum/pathology , Demyelinating Diseases/pathology , Demyelinating Diseases/chemically induced , Mice , Male , Lysophosphatidylcholines , Cytokines/metabolism , Myelin Sheath/pathology
5.
Brain Res ; 1842: 149104, 2024 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38945469

ABSTRACT

Prolactin has been recognized as neuroprotective hormone against various types of neuronal damage. This study was aimed to determine if prolactin protects against streptozotocin injury. A series of experiments were performed to determine neuronal survival by counting total neurons in medial hippocampus cortex and cerebellum. Astrogliosis was determined by immunofluorescence assays using GFAP, and behavioral improvement by prolactin after neuronal damage was determined by open-field and light-dark box tests. Results demonstrated that prolactin induced significant neuronal survival in both the hippocampus and cortex, but not in the cerebellum. No increase in astrogliosis was identified, but a significant reduction in anxiety levels was observed. Overall data indicate that prolactin may protect against a complex form of cell damage including oxidant stress and metabolic disruption by streptozotocin. Prolactin may be helpful strategy in the treatment of neuronal damage in neurological diseases.


Subject(s)
Hippocampus , Neurons , Neuroprotective Agents , Prolactin , Streptozocin , Animals , Prolactin/metabolism , Male , Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology , Hippocampus/metabolism , Hippocampus/drug effects , Neurons/metabolism , Neurons/drug effects , Rats , Neuroprotection/physiology , Neuroprotection/drug effects , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Gliosis/metabolism , Cerebellum/metabolism , Cerebellum/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cell Survival/physiology , Brain/metabolism , Brain/drug effects , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Oxidative Stress/physiology
6.
Neurologia (Engl Ed) ; 39(5): 408-416, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38830720

ABSTRACT

Ataxias are characterized by aberrant movement patterns closely related to cerebellar dysfunction. Purkinje cell axons are the sole outputs from the cerebellar cortex, and dysfunctional activity of Purkinje cells has been associated with ataxic movements. However, the synaptic characteristics of Purkinje cells in cases of ataxia are not yet well understood. The nicotinamide antagonist 3-acethylpyridine (3-AP) selectively destroys inferior olivary nucleus neurons so it is widely used to induce cerebellar ataxia. Five days after 3-AP treatment (65mg/kg) in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, motor incoordination was revealed through BBB and Rotarod testing. In addition, in Purkinje cells from lobules V-VII of the cerebellar vermis studied by the Golgi method, the density of dendritic spines decreased, especially the thin and mushroom types. Western blot analysis showed a decrease in AMPA and PSD-95 content with an increase of the α-catenin protein, while GAD-67 and synaptophysin were unchanged. Findings suggest a limited capacity of Purkinje cells to acquire and consolidate afferent excitatory inputs and an aberrant, rigid profile in the movement-related output patterns of Purkinje neurons that likely contributes to the motor-related impairments characteristic of cerebellar ataxias.


Subject(s)
Cerebellum , Purkinje Cells , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Animals , Purkinje Cells/drug effects , Purkinje Cells/pathology , Male , Rats , Cerebellum/drug effects , Cerebellar Ataxia/chemically induced , Pyridines/pharmacology , Neuronal Plasticity/drug effects
7.
Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) ; 70(5): e20231333, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38775505

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effects of leptin, cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor agonist ACEA and antagonist AM251, and the interactions between leptin and CB1 receptor agonist/antagonist on oxidant and antioxidant enzymes in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and pedunculus cerebri tissue samples were investigated in the penicillin-induced epileptic model. METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats (n=56) were included in this study. In anesthetized animals, 500 IU penicillin-G potassium was injected into the cortex to induce epileptiform activity. Leptin (1 µg), ACEA (7.5 µg), AM251 (0.25 µg), and the combinations of the leptin+ACEA and leptin+AM251 were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) after penicillin injections. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured in the cerebral tissue samples and plasma with the ELISA method. RESULTS: MDA levels increased, while SOD and GPx levels decreased after penicillin injection in the cerebrum and cerebellum. The efficacy of penicillin on SOD, MDA and GPx levels was further enhanced after leptin or AM251 injections. Whereas, ACEA decreased the MDA levels and increased GPx levels compared with the penicillin group. Administration of AM251+leptin did not change any oxidation parameter compared with the AM251. Furthermore, co-administration of ACEA and leptin significantly increased oxidative stress compared with the ACEA-treated group by increasing MDA and decreasing GPx levels. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that leptin reversed the effect of ACEA on oxidative stress. Co-administration of AM251 and leptin did not change oxidative stress compared with the AM251-treated group suggesting AM251 and leptin affect oxidative stress using the same pathways.


Subject(s)
Epilepsy , Leptin , Malondialdehyde , Piperidines , Pyrazoles , Rats, Wistar , Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 , Superoxide Dismutase , Animals , Leptin/pharmacology , Male , Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists , Epilepsy/drug therapy , Epilepsy/chemically induced , Malondialdehyde/analysis , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Superoxide Dismutase/analysis , Piperidines/pharmacology , Pyrazoles/pharmacology , Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism , Glutathione Peroxidase/analysis , Arachidonic Acids/pharmacology , Rats , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Disease Models, Animal , Penicillins , Cerebellum/drug effects , Cerebellum/metabolism , Cerebrum/drug effects , Cerebrum/metabolism , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
8.
Biol Res ; 57(1): 18, 2024 Apr 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38671534

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with liver cirrhosis may show minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) with mild cognitive impairment and motor incoordination. Rats with chronic hyperammonemia reproduce these alterations. Motor incoordination in hyperammonemic rats is due to increased GABAergic neurotransmission in cerebellum, induced by neuroinflammation, which enhances TNFα-TNFR1-S1PR2-CCL2-BDNF-TrkB pathway activation. The initial events by which hyperammonemia triggers activation of this pathway remain unclear. MHE in cirrhotic patients is triggered by a shift in inflammation with increased IL-17. The aims of this work were: (1) assess if hyperammonemia increases IL-17 content and membrane expression of its receptor in cerebellum of hyperammonemic rats; (2) identify the cell types in which IL-17 receptor is expressed and IL-17 increases in hyperammonemia; (3) assess if blocking IL-17 signaling with anti-IL-17 ex-vivo reverses activation of glia and of the TNFα-TNFR1-S1PR2-CCL2-BDNF-TrkB pathway. RESULTS: IL-17 levels and membrane expression of the IL-17 receptor are increased in cerebellum of rats with hyperammonemia and MHE, leading to increased activation of IL-17 receptor in microglia, which triggers activation of STAT3 and NF-kB, increasing IL-17 and TNFα levels, respectively. TNFα released from microglia activates TNFR1 in Purkinje neurons, leading to activation of NF-kB and increased IL-17 and TNFα also in these cells. Enhanced TNFR1 activation also enhances activation of the TNFR1-S1PR2-CCL2-BDNF-TrkB pathway which mediates microglia and astrocytes activation. CONCLUSIONS: All these steps are triggered by enhanced activation of IL-17 receptor in microglia and are prevented by ex-vivo treatment with anti-IL-17. IL-17 and IL-17 receptor in microglia would be therapeutic targets to treat neurological impairment in patients with MHE.


Subject(s)
Cerebellum , Hyperammonemia , Microglia , Rats, Wistar , Receptors, Interleukin-17 , Animals , Hyperammonemia/metabolism , Microglia/metabolism , Cerebellum/metabolism , Male , Rats , Receptors, Interleukin-17/metabolism , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/metabolism , Interleukin-17/metabolism , Hepatic Encephalopathy/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Disease Models, Animal
9.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(8)2024 Apr 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38673763

ABSTRACT

Chronic ethanol exposure often triggers neuroinflammation in the brain's reward system, potentially promoting the drive for ethanol consumption. A main marker of neuroinflammation is the microglia-derived monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) in animal models of alcohol use disorder in which ethanol is forcefully given. However, there are conflicting findings on whether MCP1 is elevated when ethanol is taken voluntarily, which challenges its key role in promoting motivation for ethanol consumption. Here, we studied MCP1 mRNA levels in areas implicated in consumption motivation-specifically, the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum-as well as in the cerebellum, a brain area highly sensitive to ethanol, of C57BL/6 mice subjected to intermittent and voluntary ethanol consumption for two months. We found a significant increase in MCP1 mRNA levels in the cerebellum of mice that consumed ethanol compared to controls, whereas no significant changes were observed in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, or striatum or in microglia isolated from the hippocampus and striatum. To further characterize cerebellar neuroinflammation, we measured the expression changes in other proinflammatory markers and chemokines, revealing a significant increase in the proinflammatory microRNA miR-155. Notably, other classical proinflammatory markers, such as TNFα, IL6, and IL-1ß, remained unaltered, suggesting mild neuroinflammation. These results suggest that the onset of neuroinflammation in motivation-related areas is not required for high voluntary consumption in C57BL/6 mice. In addition, cerebellar susceptibility to neuroinflammation may be a trigger to the cerebellar degeneration that occurs after chronic ethanol consumption in humans.


Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking , Cerebellum , Chemokine CCL2 , Corpus Striatum , Ethanol , Hippocampus , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Prefrontal Cortex , Animals , Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism , Prefrontal Cortex/drug effects , Prefrontal Cortex/pathology , Mice , Hippocampus/metabolism , Hippocampus/drug effects , Hippocampus/pathology , Cerebellum/metabolism , Cerebellum/drug effects , Cerebellum/pathology , Male , Corpus Striatum/metabolism , Corpus Striatum/pathology , Corpus Striatum/drug effects , Ethanol/adverse effects , Alcohol Drinking/adverse effects , Chemokine CCL2/metabolism , Chemokine CCL2/genetics , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/metabolism , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/etiology , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/pathology , Microglia/metabolism , Microglia/drug effects , Microglia/pathology , Inflammation/metabolism , Inflammation/pathology , Inflammation/chemically induced
10.
J Neurosurg ; 140(4): 1160-1168, 2024 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38564813

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The lateral aspect of the cerebellomesencephalic fissure frequently harbors vascular pathology and is a common surgical corridor used to access the pons tegmentum, as well as the cerebellum and its superior and middle peduncles. The quadrangular lobule of the cerebellum (QLC) represents an obstacle to reach these structures. The authors sought to analyze and compare exposure of the cerebellar interpeduncular region (CIPR) before and after QLC resection and provide a case series to evaluate its clinical applicability. METHODS: Forty-two sides of human brainstems were prepared with Klingler's method and dissected. The exposure area before and after resection of the QLC was measured and statistically studied. A case series of 59 patients who underwent QLC resection for the treatment of CIPR lesions was presented and clinical outcomes were evaluated at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The anteroposterior surgical corridor of the CIPR increased by 10.3 mm after resection of the QLC. The mean exposure areas were 42 mm2 before resection of the QLC and 159.6 mm2 after resection. In this series, ataxia, extrapyramidal syndrome, and akinetic mutism were found after surgery. However, all these cases resolved within 1 year of follow-up. Modified Rankin Scale score improved by 1 grade, on average. CONCLUSIONS: QLC resection significantly increased the exposure area, mainly in the anteroposterior axis. This surgical strategy appears to be safe and may help the neurosurgeon when operating on the lateral aspect of the cerebellomesencephalic fissure.


Subject(s)
Cerebellum , Neurosurgical Procedures , Humans , Cerebellum/surgery , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Brain Stem/surgery , Microsurgery/methods , Craniotomy/methods
13.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 173: 116316, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38394853

ABSTRACT

Ethanol is one of the psychoactive substances most used by young individuals, usually in an intermittent and episodic manner, also called binge drinking. In the adolescent period, brain structures undergo neuromaturation, which increases the vulnerability to psychotropic substances. Our previous studies have revealed that ethanol binge drinking during adolescence elicits neurobehavioral alterations associated with brain damage. Thus, we explored the persistence of motor function impairment and cerebellum damage in the context of ethanol withdrawal periods (emerging adulthood and adult life) in adolescent female rats. Female Wistar rats (35 days old) received orally 4 cycles of ethanol (3.0 g/kg/day) or distilled water in 3 days on-4 days off paradigm (35th until 58th day of life). Motor behavioral tests (open field, grip strength, beam walking, and rotarod tests) and histological assays (Purkinje's cell density and NeuN-positive cells) were assessed on the 1-, 30-, and 60-days of binge alcohol exposure withdrawal. Our findings demonstrate that the adolescent binge drinking exposure paradigm induced cerebellar cell loss in all stages evaluated, measured through the reduction of Purkinje's cell density and granular layer neurons. The cerebellar tissue alterations were accompanied by behavioral impairments. In the early withdrawal, the reduction of spontaneous movement, incoordination, and unbalance was seen. However, the grip strength reduction was found at long-term withdrawal (60 days of abstinence). The cerebellum morphological changes and the motor alterations persisted until adulthood. These data suggest that binge drinking exposure during adolescence causes motor function impairment associated with cerebellum damage, even following a prolonged withdrawal, in adult life.


Subject(s)
Alcoholism , Binge Drinking , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome , Rats , Animals , Female , Rats, Wistar , Ethanol/toxicity , Alcohol Drinking , Cerebellum/pathology , Alcoholism/pathology , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/pathology , Age Factors
14.
Mol Neurobiol ; 61(8): 5102-5116, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38165584

ABSTRACT

Cerebellar ataxia is a heterogeneous group of neural disorders clinically characterized by cerebellar dysfunction. The diagnosis of patients with progressive cerebellar ataxia is complex due to the direct correlation with other neuron diseases. Although there is still no cure for this pathological condition, some metabolic, hereditary, inflammatory, and immunological factors affecting cerebellar ataxia are being studied and may become therapeutic targets. Advances in studying the neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, and molecular biology of the cerebellum (CE) contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the development of this disorder. In this study, Wistar rats aged 30 to 35 days were injected intraperitoneally with 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP) and/or metformin (for AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme activation) and euthanized in 24 hours and 4 days after injection. We analyzed the neuromodulatory role of the AMPK on cerebellar ataxia induced by the neurotoxin 3-AP in the brain stem (BS) and CE, after pre-treatment for 7 and 15 days with metformin, a pharmacological indirect activator of AMPK. The results shown here suggest that AMPK activation in the BS and CE leads to a significant reduction in neuroinflammation in these regions. AMPK was able to restore the changes in fatty acid composition and pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by 3-AP, suggesting that the action of AMPK seems to result in a possible neuroprotection on the cerebellar ataxia model.


Subject(s)
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases , Cerebellar Ataxia , Disease Models, Animal , Metformin , Neuroprotective Agents , Rats, Wistar , Metformin/pharmacology , Metformin/therapeutic use , Animals , Cerebellar Ataxia/drug therapy , Cerebellar Ataxia/metabolism , Cerebellar Ataxia/pathology , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology , Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use , Male , Neurotoxins/toxicity , Enzyme Activation/drug effects , Rats , Cerebellum/drug effects , Cerebellum/pathology , Cerebellum/metabolism , Brain Stem/drug effects , Brain Stem/metabolism , Brain Stem/pathology , Cytokines/metabolism , Pyridines
16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38267766

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible and neurodegenerative disorder. Its etiology is not clear, but the involvement of genetic components plays a central role in the onset of the disease. In the present study, the expression of 10 genes (APP, PS1 and PS2, APOE, APBA2, LRP1, GRIN2B, INSR, GJB1, and IDE) involved in the main pathways related to AD were analyzed in auditory cortices and cerebellum from 29 AD patients and 29 healthy older adults. Raw analysis revealed tissue-specific changes in genes LRP1, INSR, and APP. A correlation analysis showed a significant effect also tissue-specific AD in APP, GRIN2B, INSR, and LRP1. Furthermore, the E4 allele of the APOE gene revealed a significant correlation with change expression tissue-specific in ABPA2, APP, GRIN2B, LRP1, and INSR genes. To assess the existence of a correction between changes in target gene expression and a probability of AD in each tissue (auditory cortices and cerebellum) an analysis of the effect of expressions was realized and showed that the reduction in the expression of the APP in auditory cortex and GRIN2B cerebellum had a significant effect in increasing the probability of AD, in the same logic, our result also suggesting that increased expression of the LRP1 and INSR genes had a significant effect on increasing the probability of AD. Our results showed tissue-specific gene expression alterations associated with AD and certainly opened new perspectives to characterize factors involved in gene regulation and to obtain possible biomarkers for AD.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Antigens, CD , Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1 , Humans , Alzheimer Disease/genetics , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Male , Female , Aged , Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1/genetics , Cerebellum/metabolism , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/genetics , Receptor, Insulin/genetics , Receptor, Insulin/metabolism , Auditory Cortex/metabolism , Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/genetics , Aged, 80 and over , Apolipoproteins E/genetics , Gene Expression/genetics , Case-Control Studies
17.
Int J Dev Neurosci ; 84(2): 122-133, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38238938

ABSTRACT

Dietary polyphenol consumption is associated with a wide range of neuroprotective effects by improving mitochondrial function and signaling. Consequently, the use of polyphenol supplementation has been investigated as an approach to prevent neurodevelopmental diseases during gestation; however, the data obtained are still very inconclusive, mostly because of the difficulty of choosing the correct doses and period of administration to properly prevent neurodegenerative diseases without undermining normal brain development. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of naringin supplementation during the third week of gestation on mitochondrial health and signaling in the cerebellum of 21-day-old offspring. The offspring born to naringin-supplemented dams displayed higher mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and superoxide content in the cerebellum without protein oxidative damage. Such alterations were associated with dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) downregulation, whereas the sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) levels were strongly upregulated. Our findings suggest that high dietary polyphenol supplementation during gestation may reduce mitochondrial fission and affect mitochondrial dynamics even 3 weeks after delivery via SIRT3 and p-AKT. Although the offspring born to naringin dams did not present neurobehavioral defects, the mitochondrial alterations elicited by naringin may potentially interfere during neurodevelopment and need to be further investigated.


Subject(s)
Flavanones , Sirtuin 3 , Rats , Animals , Female , Pregnancy , Rats, Wistar , Sirtuin 3/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , Cerebellum/metabolism , Dietary Supplements , Mitochondria/metabolism , Polyphenols/metabolism
18.
Neurol Sci ; 45(3): 837-848, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38172414

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a disease known for its neurological involvement. SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers neuroinflammation, which could significantly contribute to the development of long-term neurological symptoms and structural alterations in the gray matter. However, the existence of a consistent pattern of cerebral atrophy remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to identify patterns of brain involvement in recovered COVID-19 patients and explore potential relationships with clinical variables during hospitalization. METHODOLOGY: In this study, we included 39 recovered patients and 39 controls from a pre-pandemic database to ensure their non-exposure to the virus. We obtained clinical data of the patients during hospitalization, and 3 months later; in addition we obtained T1-weighted magnetic resonance images and performed standard screening cognitive tests. RESULTS: We identified two groups of recovered patients based on a cluster analysis of the significant cortical thickness differences between patients and controls. Group 1 displayed significant cortical thickness differences in specific cerebral regions, while Group 2 exhibited significant differences in the cerebellum, though neither group showed cognitive deterioration at the group level. Notably, Group 1 showed a tendency of higher D-dimer values during hospitalization compared to Group 2, prior to p-value correction. CONCLUSION: This data-driven division into two groups based on the brain structural differences, and the possible link to D-dimer values may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of SARS-COV-2 neurological disruption and its impact on the brain during and after recovery from the disease.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/complications , COVID-19/pathology , SARS-CoV-2 , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Cerebellum/pathology , Cluster Analysis
19.
Mov Disord Clin Pract ; 11(1): 45-52, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38291837

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: RFC1-related disorder (RFC1/CANVAS) shares clinical features with other late-onset ataxias, such as spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) and multiple system atrophy cerebellar type (MSA-C). Thinning of cranial nerves V (CNV) and VIII (CNVIII) has been reported in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of RFC1/CANVAS, but its specificity remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the usefulness of CNV and CNVIII thinning to differentiate RFC1/CANVAS from SCA and MSA-C. METHODS: Seventeen individuals with RFC1/CANVAS, 57 with SCA (types 2, 3 and 6), 11 with MSA-C and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. The Balanced Fast Field Echo sequence was used for assessment of cranial nerves. Images were reviewed by a neuroradiologist, who classified these nerves as atrophic or normal, and subsequently the CNV was segmented manually by an experienced neurologist. Both assessments were blinded to patient and clinical data. Non-parametric tests were used to assess between-group comparisons. RESULTS: Atrophy of CNV and CNVIII, both alone and in combination, was significantly more frequent in the RFC1/CANVAS group than in healthy controls and all other ataxia groups. Atrophy of CNV had the highest sensitivity (82%) and combined CNV and CNVIII atrophy had the best specificity (92%) for diagnosing RFC1/CANVAS. In the quantitative analyses, CNV was significantly thinner in the RFC1/CANVAS group relative to all other groups. The cutoff CNV diameter that best identified RFC1/CANVAS was ≤2.2 mm (AUC = 0.91; sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 95.6%). CONCLUSION: MRI evaluation of CNV and CNVIII using a dedicated sequence is an easy-to-use tool that helps to distinguish RFC1/CANVAS from SCA and MSA-C.


Subject(s)
Multiple System Atrophy , Spinocerebellar Ataxias , Humans , Ataxia/pathology , Atrophy/pathology , Cerebellum/pathology , Cranial Nerves/pathology , Multiple System Atrophy/diagnosis , Spinocerebellar Ataxias/diagnosis
20.
J Atten Disord ; 28(3): 321-334, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38153047

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 3% of children in the world. OBJECTIVE: In this work, we seek to compare the different brain activations of pediatric patients with and without ADHD. METHODS: A functional resonance examination with BOLD contrast was applied using the MOXO-CPT test (Continuous Performance test with single and double visual-auditory distractors). RESULTS: Differences in BOLD activation were observed indicating that control children regularly presented negative BOLD activations that were not found in children with ADHD. Inhibitory activity in audiovisual association zones in control patients was greater than in patients with ADHD. The inhibition in the frontal and motor regions in the controls contrasted with the overactivation of the motor areas in patients with ADHD, this, together with the detection of cerebellar activation which attempted to modulate the responses of the different areas that lead to executive failure in patients with ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: In view of these results, it can be argued that the lack of inhibition of ADHD patients in their executive functions led to a disorganization of the different brain systems.


Subject(s)
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity , Motor Cortex , Humans , Child , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis , Brain , Executive Function , Cerebellum , Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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