AlzPED: Optimizing the predictive power of drug efficacy studies in Alzheimer’s disease animal models

A combinatorial cocktail approach is suggested as a rationale intervention to attenuate chronic inflammation and confer neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The requirement for an assemblage of pharmacological compounds follows from the host of pro-inflammatory pathways and mechanisms present in activated microglia in the disease process. This article suggests a starting point using four compounds which present some differential in anti-inflammatory targets and actions but a commonality in showing a finite permeability through Blood-brain Barrier (BBB). A basis for firstchoice compounds demonstrated neuroprotection in animal models (thalidomide and minocycline), clinical trial data showing some slowing in the progression of pathology in AD brain (ibuprofen) and indirect evidence for putative efficacy in blocking oxidative damage and chemotactic response mediated by activated microglia (dapsone). It is emphasized that a number of candidate compounds, other than ones suggested here, could be considered as components of the cocktail approach and would be expected to be examined in subsequent work. In this case, systematic testing in AD animal models is required to rigorously examine the efficacy of first-choice compounds and replace ones showing weaker effects. This protocol represents a practical approach to optimize the reduction of microglial-mediated chronic inflammation in AD pathology. Subsequent work would incorporate the anti-inflammatory cocktail delivery as an adjunctive treatment with ones independent of inflammation as an overall preventive strategy to slow the progression of AD.

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Neuropeptides in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Update

Current Alzheimer Research ◽

10.2174/1567205016666190503152555 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. 544-558 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Carla Petrella ◽

Maria Grazia Di Certo ◽

Christian Barbato ◽

Francesca Gabanella ◽

Massimo Ralli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Animal Models ◽

Potential Role ◽

Brain Distribution ◽

Brain Areas ◽

Small Proteins ◽

Current Review ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Available Information

Neuropeptides are small proteins broadly expressed throughout the central nervous system, which act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neuroregulators. Growing evidence has demonstrated the involvement of many neuropeptides in both neurophysiological functions and neuropathological conditions, among which is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The role exerted by neuropeptides in AD is endorsed by the evidence that they are mainly neuroprotective and widely distributed in brain areas responsible for learning and memory processes. Confirming this point, it has been demonstrated that numerous neuropeptide-containing neurons are pathologically altered in brain areas of both AD patients and AD animal models. Furthermore, the levels of various neuropeptides have been found altered in both Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and blood of AD patients, getting insights into their potential role in the pathophysiology of AD and offering the possibility to identify novel additional biomarkers for this pathology. We summarized the available information about brain distribution, neuroprotective and cognitive functions of some neuropeptides involved in AD. The main focus of the current review was directed towards the description of clinical data reporting alterations in neuropeptides content in both AD patients and AD pre-clinical animal models. In particular, we explored the involvement in the AD of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART), Cholecystokinin (CCK), bradykinin and chromogranin/secretogranin family, discussing their potential role as a biomarker or therapeutic target, leaving the dissertation of other neuropeptides to previous reviews.

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{BLR 2564} Alzheimer's Disease - Animal Models

Biotechnology Law Report ◽

10.1089/blr.1997.16.634 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 16 (5-6) ◽

pp. 634-635

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Animal Models

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Animal models of Alzheimer's disease and evaluation of anti-dementia drugs

Pharmacology & Therapeutics ◽

10.1016/s0163-7258(00)00081-4 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 88 (2) ◽

pp. 93-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 117

Author(s):

Kiyofumi Yamada ◽

Toshitaka Nabeshima

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Animal Models

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Ceramide and Related-Sphingolipid Levels Are Not Altered in Disease-Associated Brain Regions of APPSLand APPSL/PS1M146LMouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease: Relationship with the Lack of Neurodegeneration?

International Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.4061/2011/920958 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Laurence Barrier ◽

Bernard Fauconneau ◽

Anastasia Noël ◽

Sabrina Ingrand

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Animal Models ◽

Neuronal Death ◽

Time Course ◽

Neuronal Loss ◽

Brain Regions ◽

App Processing ◽

Ceramide Accumulation ◽

The Brain

There is evidence linking sphingolipid abnormalities, APP processing, and neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We previously reported a strong elevation of ceramide levels in the brain of the APPSL/PS1Ki mouse model of AD, preceding the neuronal death. To extend these findings, we analyzed ceramide and related-sphingolipid contents in brain from two other mouse models (i.e., APPSLand APPSL/PS1M146L) in which the time-course of pathology is closer to that seen in most currently available models. Conversely to our previous work, ceramides did not accumulate in disease-associated brain regions (cortex and hippocampus) from both models. However, the APPSL/PS1Ki model is unique for its drastic neuronal loss coinciding with strong accumulation of neurotoxic Aβisoforms, not observed in other animal models of AD. Since there are neither neuronal loss nor toxic Aβspecies accumulation in APPSLmice, we hypothesized that it might explain the lack of ceramide accumulation, at least in this model.

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