scholarly journals Translatable pathways classification (TransPath-C) for inferring processes germane to human biology from animal studies data: example application in neurobiology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly J Carroll ◽  
Natàlia Garcia-Reyero ◽  
Edward J Perkins ◽  
Douglas A Lauffenburger
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Difficult Problem ◽  
Disease Phenotype ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Pathway Activation ◽  
Phenotype Analysis ◽  
Basic Biology

Abstract How to translate insights gained from studies in one organismal species for what is most likely to be germane in another species, such as from mice to humans, is a ubiquitous challenge in basic biology as well as biomedicine. This is an especially difficult problem when there are few molecular features that are obviously important in both species for a given phenotype of interest. Neuropathologies are a prominent realm of this complication. Schizophrenia is complex psychiatric disorder that affects 1% of the population. Many genetic factors have been proposed to drive the development of schizophrenia, and the 22q11 microdeletion (MD) syndrome has been shown to dramatically increase this risk. Due to heterogeneity of presentation of symptoms, diagnosis and formulation of treatment options for patients can often be delayed, and there is an urgent need for novel therapeutics directed toward the treatment of schizophrenia. Here, we present a novel computational approach, Translational Pathways Classification (TransPath-C), that can be used to identify shared pathway dysregulation between mouse models and human schizophrenia cohorts. This method uses variation of pathway activation in the mouse model to predict both mouse and human disease phenotype. Analysis of shared dysregulated pathways called out by both the mouse and human classifiers of TransPath-C can identify pathways that can be targeted in both preclinical and human cohorts of schizophrenia. In application to the 22q11 MD mouse model, our findings suggest that PAR1 pathway activation found upregulated in this mouse phenotype is germane for the corresponding human schizophrenia cohort such that inhibition of PAR1 may offer a novel therapeutic target.

Rapid Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease from Sebum using Paper Spray Ionisation Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Depanjan Sarkar ◽  
Drupad Trivedi ◽  
Eleanor Sinclair ◽  
Sze Hway Lim ◽  
Caitlin Walton-Doyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Ion Mobility ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Paper Spray ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Validation Set

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder for which identification of robust biomarkers to complement clinical PD diagnosis would accelerate treatment options and help to stratify disease progression. Here we demonstrate the use of paper spray ionisation coupled with ion mobility mass spectrometry (PSI IM-MS) to determine diagnostic molecular features of PD in sebum. PSI IM-MS was performed directly from skin swabs, collected from 34 people with PD and 30 matched control subjects as a training set and a further 91 samples from 5 different collection sites as a validation set. PSI IM-MS elucidates ~ 4200 features from each individual and we report two classes of lipids (namely phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin) that differ significantly in the sebum of people with PD. Putative metabolite annotations are obtained using tandem mass spectrometry experiments combined with accurate mass measurements. Sample preparation and PSI IM-MS analysis and diagnosis can be performed ~5 minutes per sample offering a new route to for rapid and inexpensive confirmatory diagnosis of this disease.

scholarly journals Oxidative Stress as a Possible Target in the Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: Perspectives and Ambiguities

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5705
Author(s):  
Karolina Szewczyk-Golec ◽  
Marta Pawłowska ◽  
Roland Wesołowski ◽  
Marcin Wróblewski ◽  
Celestyna Mila-Kierzenkowska
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Natural Antioxidants ◽  
Redox Status ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Parasite Viability

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite causing toxoplasmosis, a common disease, which is most typically asymptomatic. However, toxoplasmosis can be severe and even fatal in immunocompromised patients and fetuses. Available treatment options are limited, so there is a strong impetus to develop novel therapeutics. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology and treatment of T. gondii infection. Chemical compounds that modify redox status can reduce the parasite viability and thus be potential anti-Toxoplasma drugs. On the other hand, oxidative stress caused by the activation of the inflammatory response may have some deleterious consequences in host cells. In this respect, the potential use of natural antioxidants is worth considering, including melatonin and some vitamins, as possible novel anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics. Results of in vitro and animal studies are promising. However, supplementation with some antioxidants was found to promote the increase in parasitemia, and the disease was then characterized by a milder course. Undoubtedly, research in this area may have a significant impact on the future prospects of toxoplasmosis therapy.

scholarly journals The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Intra-Articular Microenvironment in Knee Osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5492
Author(s):  
Dawid Szwedowski ◽  
Joanna Szczepanek ◽  
Łukasz Paczesny ◽  
Jan Zabrzyński ◽  
Maciej Gagat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Operative Treatment ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Positive Effect

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) represents a clinical challenge due to poor potential for spontaneous healing of cartilage lesions. Several treatment options are available for KOA, including oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, braces, activity modification, and finally operative treatment. Intra-articular (IA) injections are usually used when the non-operative treatment is not effective, and when the surgery is not yet indicated. More and more studies suggesting that IA injections are as or even more efficient and safe than NSAIDs. Recently, research to improve intra-articular homeostasis has focused on biologic adjuncts, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The catabolic and inflammatory intra-articular processes that exists in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) may be influenced by the administration of PRP and its derivatives. PRP can induce a regenerative response and lead to the improvement of metabolic functions of damaged structures. However, the positive effect on chondrogenesis and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is still highly controversial. Recommendations from in vitro and animal research often lead to different clinical outcomes because it is difficult to translate non-clinical study outcomes and methodology recommendations to human clinical treatment protocols. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of PRP action. In this review, we will discuss mechanisms related to inflammation and chondrogenesis in cartilage repair and regenerative processes after PRP administration in in vitro and animal studies. Furthermore, we review clinical trials of PRP efficiency in changing the OA biomarkers in knee joint.

scholarly journals Chronic stress-induced gut dysfunction exacerbates Parkinson's disease phenotype and pathology in a rotenone-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 135 ◽  
pp. 104352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemraj B. Dodiya ◽  
Christopher B. Forsyth ◽  
Robin M. Voigt ◽  
Phillip A. Engen ◽  
Jinal Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Disease Phenotype ◽  
Gut Dysfunction

scholarly journals Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Extensive Progenitor Cell Deficiencies in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Metabolites ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josiane Joseph ◽  
Dong Cho ◽  
Jason Doles
Keyword(s):  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Progenitor Cell ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Mdx Mouse ◽  
Mdx Mice ◽  
Metabolic Alterations ◽  
Potential Contributor

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes severe morbidity and reduced lifespan. Individuals with DMD have an X-linked mutation that impairs their ability to produce functional dystrophin protein in muscle. No cure exists for this disease and the few therapies that are available do not dramatically delay disease progression. Thus, there is a need to better understand the mechanisms underlying DMD which may ultimately lead to improved treatment options. The muscular dystrophy (MDX) mouse model is frequently used to explore DMD disease traits. Though some studies of metabolism in dystrophic mice exist, few have characterized metabolic profiles of supporting cells in the diseased environment. Using nontargeted metabolomics we characterized metabolic alterations in muscle satellite cells (SCs) and serum of MDX mice. Additionally, live-cell imaging revealed MDX-derived adipose progenitor cell (APC) defects. Finally, metabolomic studies revealed a striking elevation of acylcarnitines in MDX APCs, which we show can inhibit APC proliferation. Together, these studies highlight widespread metabolic alterations in multiple progenitor cell types and serum from MDX mice and implicate dystrophy-associated metabolite imbalances in APCs as a potential contributor to adipose tissue disequilibrium in DMD.

Cellular transplantation and platelet-rich plasma injections for discogenic pain: a contemporary review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Fiani ◽  
Alden Dahan ◽  
Mohamed H El-Farra ◽  
Michael W Kortz ◽  
Juliana M Runnels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Chronic Back Pain ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Discogenic Pain ◽  
Cellular Transplantation ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Growth Factor Therapy

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is the leading cause of chronic back pain. It is a pathologic condition associated with aging and is believed to result from catabolic excess in the intervertebral discs’ (IVD) extracellular matrix. Two new treatment options are intradiscal cellular transplantation and growth factor therapy. Recent investigations on the use of these therapies are discussed and compared with emerging evidence supporting novel cellular injections. At present, human and animal studies provide a compelling rationale for the use of cellular injections in the treatment of discogenic pain. Since DDD results from the IVD extracellular matrix’s unmitigated catabolism, cellular injections are used to induce regeneration and homeostasis in the IVD. Here, we review intervertebral disc anatomy, DDD pathophysiology and clinical considerations, as well as the current and emerging literature investigating outcomes associated with cellular transplantation and platelet-rich plasma for discogenic pain. Further high-quality trials are certainly warranted.

Essential tremor: genetic update

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Deng ◽  
Shan Wu ◽  
Joseph Jankovic
Keyword(s):  
Essential Tremor ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Genetic Analyses ◽  
Disease Definition ◽  
Neurological Movement Disorder

Abstract Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological movement disorder characterised by bilateral limb kinetic/postural tremor, with or without tremor in other body parts including head, voice and lower limbs. Since no causative genes for ET have been identified, it is likely that the disorder occurs as a result of complex genetic factors interacting with various cellular and environmental factors that can result in abnormal function of circuitry involving the cerebello–thalamo–cortical pathway. Genetic analyses have uncovered at least 14 loci and 11 genes that are related to ET, as well as various risk or protective genetic factors. Limitations in ET genetic analyses include inconsistent disease definition, small sample size, varied ethnic backgrounds and many other factors that may contribute to paucity of relevant genetic data in ET. Genetic analyses, coupled with functional and animal studies, have led to better insights into possible pathogenic mechanisms underlying ET. These genetic studies may guide the future development of genetic testing and counselling, and specific, pathogenesis-targeted, therapeutic strategies.

scholarly journals MLTI-14. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF TREATMENT PARADIGMS FOR PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER AND ONE OR MORE BRAIN METASTASES

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i17-i17
Author(s):  
Yosef Ellenbogen ◽  
Karanbir Brar ◽  
Nebras Warsi ◽  
Jetan Badhiwala ◽  
Alireza Mansouri
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract BACKGROUND: Upwards of 50% of patients with advanced breast cancer are diagnosed with brain metastases (BM). Treatment options for these patients have been rapidly evolving due to increased understanding of the tumor pathophysiology and its genetic underpinnings. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to clarify the evidence guiding the treatment of brain metastases from breast cancer. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, ClincialTrials.gov, and Web of Science were searched from inception to October 2018 for RCTs comparing treatments for breast cancer BM. We screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias independently and in duplicate. Outcomes assessed were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (Grade 3+). RESULTS: Among 3188 abstracts, only 3 RCTs (N=412; mean sample size per group N=54.7) meeting inclusion criteria were identified. The studies were phase II or III open-label parallel superiority trials. Inclusion criteria among these trials consisted of age >18 with radiologic evidence of >1 BM. Exclusion criteria consisted of poor-performance functional status (ECOG >2 or KPS < 70). The treatment groups included whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) vs WBRT + Temozolomide, WBRT vs WBRT + Efaproxiral, and Afatinib vs Vinorelbine vs investigators’ choice (86% of these patients received WBRT or SRS prior to study enrolment). While two trials found no significant difference in OS, one trial found significant improvement in OS with Efaproxiral in addition to WBRT compared to WBRT alone (HR 0.52; 95%CI 0.332–0.816). No significant differences were found with PFS or rate of adverse events amongst treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Considering the high prevalence of breast cancer BM and our improved understanding of genomic/molecular features of these tumors, a greater number of RCTs dedicated at this disease are needed.

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