scholarly journals Glucosylceramide synthase inhibition alleviates aberrations in synucleinopathy models

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (10) ◽  
pp. 2699-2704 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Pablo Sardi ◽  
Catherine Viel ◽  
Jennifer Clarke ◽  
Christopher M. Treleaven ◽  
Amy M. Richards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Memory Deficits ◽  
Prolonged Treatment ◽  
Murine Models ◽  
Glucosylceramide Synthase ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Sporadic Disease

Mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA) confer a heightened risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, resulting in a lower age of onset and exacerbating disease progression. However, the precise mechanisms by which mutations inGBAincrease PD risk and accelerate its progression remain unclear. Here, we investigated the merits of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) inhibition as a potential treatment for synucleinopathies. Two murine models of synucleinopathy (a Gaucher-related synucleinopathy model,GbaD409V/D409Vand a A53T–α-synuclein overexpressing model harboring wild-type alleles ofGBA,A53T–SNCAmouse model) were exposed to a brain-penetrant GCS inhibitor, GZ667161. Treatment ofGbaD409V/D409Vmice with the GCS inhibitor reduced levels of glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine in the central nervous system (CNS), demonstrating target engagement. Remarkably, treatment with GZ667161 slowed the accumulation of hippocampal aggregates of α-synuclein, ubiquitin, and tau, and improved the associated memory deficits. Similarly, prolonged treatment ofA53T–SNCAmice with GZ667161 reduced membrane-associated α-synuclein in the CNS and ameliorated cognitive deficits. The data support the contention that prolonged antagonism of GCS in the CNS can affect α-synuclein processing and improve behavioral outcomes. Hence, inhibition of GCS represents a disease-modifying therapeutic strategy forGBA-related synucleinopathies and conceivably for certain forms of sporadic disease.

scholarly journals Combining P301L and S320F tau variants produces a novel accelerated model of tauopathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (19) ◽  
pp. 3255-3269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J Koller ◽  
Elsa Gonzalez De La Cruz ◽  
Timothy Machula ◽  
Kristen R Ibanez ◽  
Wen-Lang Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Memory Deficits ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Robust Model ◽  
Physiological Properties ◽  
Targeted Expression ◽  
Tangle Pathology ◽  
End Stage

Abstract Understanding the biological functions of tau variants can illuminate differential etiologies of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and primary tauopathies. Though the end-stage neuropathological attributes of AD and primary tauopathies are similar, the etiology and behavioral outcomes of these diseases follow unique and divergent trajectories. To study the divergent physiological properties of tau variants on a uniform immunogenetic background, we created somatic transgenesis CNS models of tauopathy utilizing neonatal delivery of adeno-associated viruses expressing wild-type (WT) or mutant tau in non-transgenic mice. We selected four different tau variants—WT tau associated with AD, P301L mutant tau associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), S320F mutant tau associated with Pick’s disease and a combinatorial approach using P301L/S320F mutant tau. CNS-targeted expression of WT and P301L mutant tau results in robust tau hyperphosphorylation without tangle pathology, gradually developing age-progressive memory deficits. In contrast, the S320F variant, especially in combination with P301L, produces an AD-type tangle pathology, focal neuroinflammation and memory impairment on an accelerated time scale. Using the doubly mutated P301L/S320F tau variant, we demonstrate that combining different mutations can have an additive effect on neuropathologies and associated co-morbidities, possibly hinting at involvement of unique functional pathways. Importantly, we also show that overexpression of wild-type tau as well as an FTD-associated tau variant can lead to cognitive deficits even in the absence of tangles. Together, our data highlights the synergistic neuropathologies and associated cognitive and synaptic alterations of the combinatorial tau variant leading to a robust model of tauopathy.

scholarly journals Infectious disease-associated encephalopathies

Critical Care ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria C. Barbosa-Silva ◽  
Maiara N. Lima ◽  
Denise Battaglini ◽  
Chiara Robba ◽  
Paolo Pelosi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Barrier Dysfunction ◽  
Glial Cell Activation ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractInfectious diseases may affect brain function and cause encephalopathy even when the pathogen does not directly infect the central nervous system, known as infectious disease-associated encephalopathy. The systemic inflammatory process may result in neuroinflammation, with glial cell activation and increased levels of cytokines, reduced neurotrophic factors, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, neurotransmitter metabolism imbalances, and neurotoxicity, and behavioral and cognitive impairments often occur in the late course. Even though infectious disease-associated encephalopathies may cause devastating neurologic and cognitive deficits, the concept of infectious disease-associated encephalopathies is still under-investigated; knowledge of the underlying mechanisms, which may be distinct from those of encephalopathies of non-infectious cause, is still limited. In this review, we focus on the pathophysiology of encephalopathies associated with peripheral (sepsis, malaria, influenza, and COVID-19), emerging therapeutic strategies, and the role of neuroinflammation. Graphic abstract

Fenfluramine (ponderax)

1965 ◽  
Vol 3 (9) ◽  
pp. 36-36
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Benzene Ring ◽  
Prolonged Treatment ◽  
Trifluoromethyl Group ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Main Distinguishing Feature

Fenfluramine (Ponderax - Selpharm) is a new appetite depressant, developed in France and introduced in Britain late in 1963. It is chemically related to amphetamine: its main distinguishing feature is a trifluoromethyl group attached to the benzene ring. The makers state that the drug does not stimulate the central nervous system, that it is not habit forming, and that it can be used by diabetics and hypertensive patients. They also state that it not only reduces the appetite, but also makes possible ‘prolonged treatment resulting in a true re-education of the appetite - which will persist after . . . ending . . . treatment’.

Cognitive Deficits in Pediatric Craniopharyngioma: An Updated Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman Al-Mirza ◽  
Omar Al-Taei ◽  
Tariq Al-Saadi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Memory Deficits ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Children And Adolescent ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Standard Tests

AbstractCraniopharyngiomas (CP) are brain tumors that often occur in children and adolescent that results in many neurological and endocrinological disorders. The aim of this systematic review is to provide updated version of studies used to formalize standard tests used for cognitive impairment in pediatric patients with craniopharyngioma. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, Science Direct, Wiley Online, and Springer to identify studies assessing cognitive impairment in pediatric patients with craniopharyngioma. Academic and learning dysfunctions were reported in seven studies among 41 of 178 patients (23%). Visual–spatial deficits were reported in six studies. Speech and verbal dysfunctions were reported in three studies. Memory deficits were reported in eight studies among 61 of 197 patients (31%). Motor dysfunctions were reported in five studies. Sleep related issues were reported in four studies among 33 of 70 patients (47.1%). Patients with treated pediatric CP demonstrate a high incidence of neurological deficits including cognitive dysfunctions. Academic and learning dysfunctions, visual–spatial deficits, speech and verbal dysfunctions, memory deficits, and sleep-related issues were the most commonly reported cognitive deficits in the present study.

scholarly journals A Scoping Insight on Potential Prophylactics, Vaccines and Therapeutic Weaponry for the Ongoing Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic- A Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Dash ◽  
Subhashree Mohapatra ◽  
Sayantan Ghosh ◽  
Bismita Nayak
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Prolonged Treatment ◽  
Rdrp Activity ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Plasma Therapy ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy

The emergence of highly virulent CoVs (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of novel ongoing “COVID-19” pandemics has been marked as an alarming case of pneumonia posing a large global healthcare crisis of unprecedented magnitude. Currently, the COVID-19 outbreak has fueled an international demand in the biomedical field for the mitigation of the fast-spreading illness, all through the urgent deployment of safe, effective, and rational therapeutic strategies along with epidemiological control. Confronted with such contagious respiratory distress, the global population has taken significant steps towards a more robust strategy of containment and quarantine to halt the total number of positive cases but such a strategy can only delay the spread. A substantial number of potential vaccine candidates are undergoing multiple clinical trials to combat COVID-19 disease, includes live-attenuated, inactivated, viral-vectored based, sub-unit vaccines, DNA, mRNA, peptide, adjuvant, plant, and nanoparticle-based vaccines. However, there are no licensed anti-COVID-19 drugs/therapies or vaccines that have proven to work as more effective therapeutic candidates in open-label clinical trial studies. To counteract the infection (SARS-CoV-2), many people are under prolonged treatment of many chemical drugs that inhibit the PLpro activity (Ribavirin), viral proteases (Lopinavir/Ritonavir), RdRp activity (Favipiravir, Remdesivir), viral membrane fusion (Umifenovir, Chloroquine phosphate (CQ), Hydroxychloroquine phosphate (HCQ), IL-6 overexpression (Tocilizumab, Siltuximab, Sarilumab). Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy and Convalescent Plasma Therapy have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 virion. On the other hand, repurposing previously designed antiviral agents with tolerable safety profile and efficacy could be the only promising approach and fast response to the novel virion. In addition, research institutions and corporations have commenced the redesign of the available therapeutic strategy to manage the global crisis. Herein, we present succinct information on selected anti-COVID-19 therapeutic medications repurposed to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, this review will provide exhaustive detail on recent prophylactic strategies and ongoing clinical trials to curb this deadly pandemic, outlining the major therapeutic areas for researchers to step in.

scholarly journals Flos Puerariae Extract Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong-he Liu ◽  
Hong-guang Chen ◽  
Pan-feng Wu ◽  
Qing Yao ◽  
Hong-ke Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Ache Activity ◽  
Memory Deficits ◽  
Test Body ◽  
Morris Water Maze Test ◽  
Diabetic Mice ◽  
Mice Model

Objective. The effects of Flos Puerariae extract (FPE) on cognitive impairment associated with diabetes were assessed in C57BL/6J mice.Methods. Experimental diabetic mice model was induced by one injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) for 5 days consecutively. FPE was orally administrated at the dosages of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day, respectively. The learning and memory ability was assessed by Morris water maze test. Body weight, blood glucose, free fatty acid (FFA) and total cholesterol (TCH) in serum, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were also measured.Results. Oral administration of FPE significantly improved cognitive deficits in STZ-induced diabetic mice. FPE treatment also maintained body weight and ameliorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in diabetic mice. Additionally, decreased MDA level, enhanced CAT, and GSH-Px activities in cerebral cortex or hippocampus, as well as alleviated AChE activity in cerebral cortex, were found in diabetic mice supplemented with FPE.Conclusion. This study suggests that FPE ameliorates memory deficits in experimental diabetic mice, at least partly through the normalization of metabolic abnormalities, ameliorated oxidative stress, and AChE activity in brain.

The neuroepidemiology of human prion disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 367-378
Author(s):  
Patrick JM Urwin ◽  
Anna M Molesworth
Keyword(s):  
Prion Protein ◽  
Prion Disease ◽  
Protein Misfolding ◽  
Prion Diseases ◽  
Prion Protein Gene ◽  
Human Prion Disease ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Jakob Disease ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Sporadic Disease

Human prion diseases comprise a number of rare and fatal neurodegenerative conditions that result from the accumulation in the central nervous system of an abnormal form of a naturally occurring protein, called the prion protein. The diseases occur in genetic, sporadic, and acquired forms: genetic disease is associated with mutations in the prion protein gene (PRNP); sporadic disease is thought to result from a spontaneous protein misfolding event; acquired disease results from transmission of infection from an animal or another human. The potential transmissibility of the prion in any of these forms, either in disease states or during the incubation period, has implications for public health. Here we focus on Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), including variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), although we will also discuss other forms of human prion disease.

Delirium in Meningitis and Encephalitis: Emergence and Prediction in a 6-Year Cohort

2020 ◽  
pp. 088506662091300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tolga Dittrich ◽  
Stephan Marsch ◽  
Stephan Rüegg ◽  
Gian Marco De Marchis ◽  
Sarah Tschudin-Sutter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Receiver Operating Curve ◽  
Prolonged Treatment ◽  
Hospital Treatment ◽  
Early Predictors ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Frequent Administration ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Background/Objective: Data regarding delirium in patients presenting with infections of the central nervous system, such as meningitis and/or encephalitis (ME), are scarce. We aimed to determine the frequency and early predictors of delirium in the acute phase of ME. Methods: We assessed clinical, radiologic, and laboratory data of patients with ME at a Swiss academic medical center from 2011 to 2017. The highest Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) score was assessed within 24 hours around lumbar puncture. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of delirium (ICDSC ≥4). Results: Among 330 patients with ME, infectious pathogens were identified in 41%. An ICDSC >1 was found in 28% with and 19% without identified infectious pathogens. Delirium was diagnosed in 18% with and 14% without infectious pathogens and significantly associated with prolonged in-hospital treatment and mechanical ventilation, more frequent administration of neuroleptics and anesthetics (in 96% with delirium vs 35% without), complications, and less recovery to premorbid functional baseline. Low serum albumin at presentation was the only independent predictor of delirium (area under the receiver–operating curve [AUROC] = 0.792) in patients with pathogens. In patients with infections, the AUROC was smallest for encephalitis (AUROC = 0.641) and larger for patients with meningeal infections (meningitis AUROC = 0.807; meningoencephalitis AUROC = 0.896). Conclusions: Delirium in the context of ME is seen in almost every fifth patient and linked to prolonged treatment, complications, and incomplete recovery. Among clinical, radiologic, and laboratory parameters, the good calibration and discrimination of low albumin serum concentrations for the prediction of delirium in patients with ME seem promising, especially if meninges are affected.

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