Targeting the TCA cycle can ameliorate widespread axonal energy deficiency in neuroinflammatory lesions

Inflammation in the central nervous system can impair the function of neuronal mitochondria and contributes to axon degeneration in the common neuroinflammatory disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we combine cell-type-specific mitochondrial proteomics with in vivo biosensor imaging to dissect how inflammation alters the molecular composition and functional capacity of neuronal mitochondria. We show that neuroinflammatory lesions in the mouse spinal cord cause widespread and persisting axonal ATP deficiency, which precedes mitochondrial oxidation and calcium overload. This axonal energy deficiency is associated with impaired electron transport chain function, but also an upstream imbalance of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes, with several, including key rate-limiting, enzymes being depleted in neuronal mitochondria in experimental models and in MS lesions. Notably, viral overexpression of individual TCA enzymes can ameliorate the axonal energy deficits in neuroinflammatory lesions, suggesting that TCA cycle dysfunction in MS may be amendable to therapy

Targeting the TCA cycle can ameliorate widespread axonal energy deficiency in neuroinflammatory lesions

In this study, Tai et al. provide insights into the metabolic and bioenergetic responses in the axonal compartment in the context of multiple sclerosis. Moreover, they show how upregulating the tricarboxylic acid cycle confers protection against neuroinflammation-induced energy deprivation. Inflammation in the central nervous system can impair the function of neuronal mitochondria and contributes to axon degeneration in the common neuroinflammatory disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we combine cell-type-specific mitochondrial proteomics with in vivo biosensor imaging to dissect how inflammation alters the molecular composition and functional capacity of neuronal mitochondria. We show that neuroinflammatory lesions in the mouse spinal cord cause widespread and persisting axonal ATP deficiency, which precedes mitochondrial oxidation and calcium overload. This axonal energy deficiency is associated with impaired electron transport chain function, but also an upstream imbalance of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes, with several, including key rate-limiting, enzymes being depleted in neuronal mitochondria in experimental models and in MS lesions. Notably, viral overexpression of individual TCA enzymes can ameliorate the axonal energy deficits in neuroinflammatory lesions, suggesting that TCA cycle dysfunction in MS may be amendable to therapy

Association of physical exercise and calcium intake with bone mass measured by quantitative ultrasound

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Interventions other than medications in the management of osteoporosis are often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of physical activity and calcium intake with bone parameters.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We measured the heel T-score and stiffness index (SI) in 1890 pre- and postmenopausal women by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and assessed physical activity and dietary calcium intake by questionnaire. Participants were divided according to their weekly physical activity (sedentary, moderately active, systematically active) and daily calcium consumption (greater than or less than 800 mg/day).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>SI values were significantly different among premenopausal groups (p = 0.016) and between sedentary and systematically active postmenopausal women (p = 0.039). QUS T-scores in systematically active premenopausal women with daily calcium intake > 800 mg/day were significantly higher than those in all other activity groups (p < 0.05) independent of calcium consumption.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Systematic physical activity and adequate dietary calcium intake are indicated for women as a means to maximize bone status benefits.</p

Évaluation des nanoparticules et des aptamères pour le ciblage des tumeurs in vivo par l'imagerie optique

During this PhD project, optical imaging was used to study the biodistribution of different types of nanoparticles for passive tumor targeting and several candidate aptamers selected by in vivo SELEX for active tumor targeting, in animal models of cancer. For the part of passive tumor targeting, the effect of zwitterionic coating on the biodistribution of polydiacetylenic micelles was investigated. Planar fluorescence imaging demonstrated passive tumor targeting during 24 h but the micelles were not retained over time as opposed to PEGylated micelles. The biodistribution of two new types of nanogels and their constituent polymers was also evaluated. Planar imaging showed passive tumor targeting 24 h for the two nanogels. Surprisingly, tumor targeting was also observed for one of the polymers, while the other was not retained.For the part of active tumor targeting, only few sequences displayed potentials for active tumor targeting. However, further investigation of these promising sequences is needed in order to validate their favorable tumor uptake.Moreover, linear correlation was observed between in vivo and ex vivo planar imaging, demonstrating the utility of optical imaging to provide basic preclinical information regarding biodistribution of nanoparticles and aptamers.In conclusion, the work done during this thesis should help open new perspectives to the development of multimodal nano-objects that can be used for applications for tumor diagnosis and even drug delivery to sites of disease.Au cours de ce projet de thèse, l'imagerie optique a été utilisé pour étudier la biodistribution de différents types de nanoparticules pour un ciblage passif de tumeur et plusieurs aptamères sélectionnées par SELEX in vivo pour un ciblage actif, dans des modèles murins de cancer. Pour la partie ciblage passif, l'effet de l’enrobage zwitterionique sur la biodistribution de micelles a été étudié. L'imagerie planaire a montré qu’il y avait un ciblage tumoral passif à partir de 24 h post-injection. Apres 24h, les micelles ne sont pas retenues, par opposition aux micelles PEGylés. Concernant la biodistribution des nanogels, l’imagerie planaire a montré un ciblage tumoral passif à 24 h. Un ciblage passif de la tumeur a été également observé pour l'un des polymères, tandis que l'autre n'a pas été retenu. Pour la partie ciblage actif, seulement quelques séquences ont montrés un potentiel un ciblage des tumeurs. Cependant, des investigations plus approfondies sur les séquences prometteuses sont nécessaires afin de valider leur captation par le tissue tumoral.En outre, une corrélation linéaire a été observée entre l’imagerie planaire in vivo et ex vivo, illustrant l'utilité de l'imagerie optique pour fournir des informations de base sur la biodistribution et d'élimination des nanoparticules et les aptamères.En conclusion, le travail effectué au cours de cette thèse devrait permettre d'ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives pour le développement de nano-objets multimodales qui peuvent être utilisés pour des applications dans le diagnostic et même pour l'administration spécifique de médicaments à des sites de la maladie

Polyamine transport system-targeted nanometric micelles assembled from epipodophyllotoxin-amphiphiles

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Subtle changes in network composition impact the biodistribution and tumor accumulation of nanogels

International audienceWe studied the effect of subtle changes in side-chain chemistry and labelling with near infrared fluorophores of nanogels (NGs) prepared from thiolated poly(glycidol) on in vivo biodistribution in mice bearing human breast tumor xenografts. The stability and amphiphilic character of the side chain as well as labelling clearly influenced tumor targeting and overall biodistribution