Showing papers by "Paula I. Moreira published in 2017"

Brain GLP-1/IGF-1 Signaling and Autophagy Mediate Exendin-4 Protection Against Apoptosis in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a modern socioeconomic burden, mostly due to its long-term complications affecting nearly all tissues One of them is the brain, whose dysfunctional intracellular quality control mechanisms (namely autophagy) may upregulate apoptosis, leading to cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer disease (AD) Since impaired brain insulin signaling may constitute the crosslink between T2D and AD, its restoration may be potentially therapeutic herein Accordingly, the insulinotropic anti-T2D drugs from glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetics, namely, exendin-4 (Ex-4), could be a promising therapy In line with this, we hypothesized that peripherally administered Ex-4 rescues brain intracellular signaling pathways, promoting autophagy and ultimately protecting against chronic T2D-induced apoptosis Thus, we aimed to explore the effects of chronic, continuous, subcutaneous (sc) exposure to Ex-4 in brain cortical GLP-1/insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling, and in autophagic and cell death mechanisms in middle-aged (8 months old), male T2D Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats We used brain cortical homogenates obtained from middle-aged (8 months old) male Wistar (control) and T2D GK rats Ex-4 was continuously administered for 28 days, via sc implanted micro-osmotic pumps (5 μg/kg/day; infusion rate 25 μL/h) Peripheral characterization of the animal models was given by the standard biochemical analyses of blood or plasma, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, and the heart rate GLP-1, insulin, and IGF-1, their downstream signaling and autophagic markers were evaluated by specific ELISA kits and Western blotting Caspase-like activities and other apoptotic markers were given by colorimetric methods and Western blotting Chronic Ex-4 treatment attenuated peripheral features of T2D in GK rats, including hyperglycemia and insulin resistance Furthermore, sc Ex-4 enhanced their brain cortical GLP-1 and IGF-1 levels, and subsequent signaling pathways Specifically, Ex-4 stimulated protein kinase A (PKA) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, increasing cGMP and AMPK levels, and decreasing GSK3β and JNK activation in T2D rat brains Moreover, Ex-4 regulated several markers for autophagy in GK rat brains (as mTOR, PI3K class III, LC3 II, Atg7, p62, LAMP-1, and Parkin), ultimately protecting against apoptosis (by decreasing several caspase-like activities and mitochondrial cytochrome c, and increasing Bcl2 levels upon T2D) Altogether, this study demonstrates that peripheral Ex-4 administration may constitute a promising therapy against the chronic complications of T2D affecting the brain

Phosphatase 2A Inhibition Affects Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria Homeostasis Via Cytoskeletal Alterations in Brain Endothelial Cells

Abstract: The loss of endothelial cells (ECs) homeostasis is a trigger for cerebrovascular dysfunction that is a common event in several neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present work addressed the role of phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in cytoskeleton rearrangement, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, ER-mitochondria communication and mitochondrial dynamics in brain ECs. For this purpose, rat brain endothelial (RBE4) cells were exposed to okadaic acid, a well-known inhibitor of PP2A activity. An increase in the levels of tau phosphorylated on Ser396 and Thr181 residues was observed upon PP2A inhibition, concomitantly with the rearrangement of microtubules and actin cytoskeleton. Under these conditions, an increase in the levels of ER stress markers, namely GRP78, XBP1, p-eIF2αSer51, and ERO1α, was observed. Moreover, PP2A inhibition upregulated the Sigma-1 receptor, an ER chaperone located at the ER-mitochondria interface, and enhanced inter-organelle Ca2+ transfer, culminating in mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and activation of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. The inhibition of PP2A activity also promoted an alteration of the structural and spatial mitochondria network due to upregulation of mitochondrial fission (Drp1 and Fis1) and fusion (Mfn1, Mfn2 and OPA1) proteins, suggesting detrimental changes in mitochondrial dynamics. In accordance with our in vitro observations, brain vessels from 3xTg-AD mice showed a significant decrease in PP2A protein levels accompanied by an increase in tau phosphorylated on Ser396 and GRP78 protein levels. Collectively, these results suggest that the loss of cerebrovascular homeostasis that occurs in AD might be a downstream event of the compromised activity and/or expression of PP2A, which is observed in the brain of individuals affected with this devastating neurodegenerative disorder.

Middle-Aged Diabetic Females and Males Present Distinct Susceptibility to Alzheimer Disease-like Pathology

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a highly concerning public health problem of the twenty-first century. Currently, it is estimated that T2D affects 422 million people worldwide with a rapidly increasing prevalence. During the past two decades, T2D has been widely shown to have a major impact in the brain. This, together with the cognitive decline and increased risk for dementia upon T2D, may arise from the complex interaction between normal brain aging and central insulin signaling dysfunction. Among the several features shared between T2D and some neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer disease (AD)), the impairment of insulin signaling may be a key link. However, these may also involve changes in sex hormones' function and metabolism, ultimately contributing to the different susceptibilities between females and males to some pathologies. For example, female sex has been pointed as a risk factor for AD, particularly after menopause. However, less is known on the underlying molecular mechanisms or even if these changes start during middle-age (perimenopause). From the above, we hypothesized that sex differentially affects hormone-mediated intracellular signaling pathways in T2D brain, ultimately modulating the risk for neurodegenerative conditions. We aimed to evaluate sex-associated alterations in estrogen/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/insulin-related signaling, oxidative stress markers, and AD-like hallmarks in middle-aged control and T2D rat brain cortices. We used brain cortices homogenates obtained from middle-aged (8-month-old) control Wistar and non-obese, spontaneously T2D Goto-Kakizaki (GK) male and female rats. Peripheral characterization of the animal models was done by standard biochemical analyses of blood, plasma, or serum. Steroid sex hormones, oxidative stress markers, and AD-like hallmarks were given by specific ELISA kits and colorimetric techniques, whereas the levels of intracellular signaling proteins were determined by Western blotting. Albeit the high levels of plasma estradiol and progesterone observed in middle-aged control females suggested that they were still under their reproductive phase, some gonadal dysfunction might be already occurring in T2D ones, hence, anticipating their menopause. Moreover, the higher blood and lower brain cholesterol levels in female rats suggested that its dysfunctional uptake into the brain cortex may also hamper peripheral estrogen uptake and/or its local brain steroidogenic metabolism. Despite the massive drop in IGF-1 levels in females' brains, particularly upon T2D, they might have developed some compensatory mechanisms towards the maintenance of estrogen, IGF-1, and insulin receptors function and of the subsequent Akt- and ERK1/2-mediated signaling. These may ultimately delay the deleterious AD-like brain changes (including oxidative damage to lipids and DNA, amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein and increased tau protein phosphorylation) associated with T2D and/or age (reproductive senescence) in female rats. By demonstrating that differential sex steroid hormone profiles/action may play a pivotal role in brain over T2D progression, the present study reinforces the need to establish sex-specific preventive and/or therapeutic approaches and an appropriate time window for the efficient treatment against T2D and AD.

Mitochondria as a target for neuroprotection: implications for Alzheimer´s disease.

Abstract: Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is marked by progressive loss of memory and impairment of cognitive ability. Despite decades of intensive research and scientific advances, the intricate pathogenic mechanisms of AD are still not fully understood and, consequently, an effective treatment is yet to be developed. As widely accepted, the alterations of mitochondrial function are actively engaged in a plethora of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. With growing interest in the mitochondria as a potential target for understanding AD, it has even been hypothesized that deficits in these organelles may be at the heart of the progression of AD itself.Areas covered: The purpose of this review is to summarize relevant studies that suggest a role for mitochondrial (dys)function in AD and to provide a survey on latest developments regarding AD-related mitochondrial therapeutics.Expert commentary: As outlined in a plethora of studies, there is no doubt that mitocho...

Insights into the human brain proteome: Disclosing the biological meaning of protein networks in cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an excellent source of biological information regarding the nervous system, once it is in close contact and accurately reflects alterations in this system. Several studies have analyzed differential protein profiles of CSF samples between healthy and diseased human subjects. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms and how CSF proteins relate to diseases are still poorly known. By applying bioinformatics tools, we attempted to provide new insights on the biological and functional meaning of proteomics data envisioning the identification of putative disease biomarkers. Bioinformatics analysis of data retrieved from 99 mass spectrometry (MS)-based studies on CSF profiling highlighted 1985 differentially expressed proteins across 49 diseases. A large percentage of the modulated proteins originate from exosome vesicles, and the majority are involved in either neuronal cell growth, development, maturation, migration, or neurotransmitter-mediated cellular communication. Ne...

Mitochondria in Alzheimer's Disease and Diabetes-Associated Neurodegeneration: License to Heal!

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a difficult puzzle to solve, in part because the etiology of this devastating neurodegenerative disorder remains murky. However, diabetes has been pinpointed as a major risk factor for the sporadic forms of AD. Several overlapping neurodegenerative mechanisms have been identified between AD and diabetes, including mitochondrial malfunction. This is not surprising taking into account that neurons are cells with a complex morphology, long lifespan, and high energetic requirements which make them particularly reliant on a properly organized and dynamic mitochondrial network to sustain neuronal function and integrity. In this sense, this chapter provides an overview on the role of mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics to the neurodegenerative events that occur in AD and diabetes, and how these organelles may represent a mechanistic link between these two pathologies. From a therapeutic perspective, it will be discussed how mitochondria can be targeted in order to efficaciously counteract neurodegeneration associated with AD and diabetes.

Diabesity and Brain Energy Metabolism: The Case of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: It is widely accepted that high calorie diets and a sedentary lifestyle sturdily influence the incidence and outcome of type 2 diabetes and obesity, which can occur simultaneously, a situation called diabesity. Tightly linked with metabolic and energy regulation, a close association between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been proposed. Among the common pathogenic mechanisms that underpin both conditions, insulin resistance, brain glucose hypometabolism, and metabolic dyshomeostasis appear to have a pivotal role. This century is an unprecedented diabetogenic period in human history, so therapeutic strategies and/or approaches to control and/or revert this evolving epidemic is of utmost importance. This chapter will make a brief contextualization about the impact that diabetes and obesity can exert in brain structure and function alongside with a brief survey about the role of insulin in normal brain function, exploring its roles in cognition and brain glucose metabolism. Later, attention will be given to the intricate relation of diabesity, insulin resistance, and AD. Finally, both pharmacological and lifestyle interventions will also be reviewed as strategies aimed at fighting diabesity and/or AD-related metabolic effects.

Unpuzzling the Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension-Related Cognitive Dysfunction and Stroke

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a highly disabling, major socioeconomic burden, whose long-term complications (particularly those affecting the central nervous system (CNS), as Alzheimer disease (AD)) can be further exacerbated by the frequent development of comorbid hypertension. Although the precise mechanisms involved herein remain elusive, it is conceivable that chronic T2D-related brain insulin resistance (IRES) and hyperglycemia may crosstalk with an overactivated brain renin-angiotensin-II-aldosterone system (RAAS) further potentiating the hypertension-related injury and culminating in cognitive dysfunction and AD. Indeed, several studies showed the contribution of abnormal RAAS activation upon hypertension per se to the pathophysiology of CNS disorders, such as stroke and AD. However, most of this available knowledge relies on the indirect effects of pharmacological inhibition of RAAS by drugs belonging either to the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEi) groups. For instance, antihypertensive drugs have also shown anti-neuroinflammatory properties, widely known to play a pivotal role in brain and cognitive dysfunction.

Isolation of Rodent Brain Vessels

Abstract: The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing worldwide. Cerebrovascular disorders and/or conditions known to affect brain vasculature, such as diabetes, are well-known risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, the evaluation of the brain vasculature is of great importance to better understand the mechanisms underlying brain damage. We established a protocol for the isolation of brain vessels from rodents. This is a simple, non-enzymatic isolation protocol that allows us to perform comparative studies in different animal models of disease, helping understand the impact of several pathological conditions on brain vasculature and how those alterations predispose to neurodegenerative conditions.