24 research outputs found
Gemfibrozil-Induced Intracellular Triglyceride Increase in SH-SY5Y, HEK and Calu-3 Cells
Gemfibrozil is a drug that has been used for over 40 years to lower triglycerides in blood.
As a ligand for peroxisome proliferative-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα), which is expressed in
many tissues, it induces the transcription of numerous genes for carbohydrate and lipid-metabolism.
However, nothing is known about how intracellular lipid-homeostasis and, in particular, triglycerides
are affected. As triglycerides are stored in lipid-droplets, which are known to be associated with many
diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, fatty liver disease and type-2 diabetes, treatment with
gemfibrozil could adversely affect these diseases. To address the question whether gemfibrozil also
affects intracellular lipid-levels, SH-SY5Y, HEK and Calu-3 cells, representing three different metabolically active organs (brain, lung and kidney), were incubated with gemfibrozil and subsequently
analyzed semi-quantitatively by mass-spectrometry. Importantly, all cells showed a strong increase
in intracellular triglycerides (SH-SY5Y: 170.3%; HEK: 272.1%; Calu-3: 448.1%), suggesting that the
decreased triglyceride-levels might be due to an enhanced cellular uptake. Besides the common
intracellular triglyceride increase, a cell-line specific alteration in acylcarnitines are found, suggesting
that especially in neuronal cell lines gemfibrozil increases the transport of fatty acids to mitochondria
and therefore increases the turnover of fatty acids for the benefit of additional energy supply, which
could be important in diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease
Vitamin D and Its Analogues: From Differences in Molecular Mechanisms to Potential Benefits of Adapted Use in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Lifestyle habits and insufficient sunlight exposure lead to a high prevalence of vitamin
D hypovitaminosis, especially in the elderly. Recent studies suggest that in central Europe more
than 50% of people over 60 years are not sufficiently supplied with vitamin D. Since vitamin D
hypovitaminosis is associated with many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vitamin D
supplementation seems to be particularly useful for this vulnerable age population. Importantly, in
addition to vitamin D, several analogues are known and used for different medical purposes. These
vitamin D analogues differ not only in their pharmacokinetics and binding affinity to the vitamin D
receptor, but also in their potential side effects. Here, we discuss these aspects, especially those of the
commonly used vitamin D analogues alfacalcidol, paricalcitol, doxercalciferol, tacalcitol, calcipotriol,
and eldecalcitol. In addition to their pleiotropic effects on mechanisms relevant to AD, potential
effects of vitamin D analogues on comorbidities common in the context of geriatric diseases are
summarized. AD is defined as a complex neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system and
is commonly represented in the elderly population. It is usually caused by extracellular accumulation
of amyloidogenic plaques, consisting of amyloid (Aβ) peptides. Furthermore, the formation of
intracellular neurofibrillary tangles involving hyperphosphorylated tau proteins contributes to the
pathology of AD. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the importance of an adequate vitamin D
supply and discusses the specifics of administering various vitamin D analogues compared with
vitamin D in geriatric patients, especially those suffering from AD
Interprofessional education: a necessity in Alzheimer’s dementia care—a pilot study
Introduction: Interprofessional collaboration is seen as an indispensable
prerequisite for high-quality health services and patient care, especially for
complex diseases such as dementia. Thus, the current project aimed to extend
interprofessional and competency-based education in the field of dementia care
to the previously understudied therapy professions of nutrition, speech-language
pathology, and physiotherapy.
Methods: A three-day workshop was designed to provide specific learning
objectives related to patient-centered dementia care, as well as competences
for interprofessional collaboration. Teaching and learning approaches included
case-based learning in simulated interprofessional case-conferences and peerteaching. A total of 42 students (n  =  20 nutrition therapy and counseling, n  =  8
speech-language pathology, n  =  14 physiotherapy), ranging from first to seventh
semester, finished the whole workshop and were considered in data analysis.
Changes in self-perceived attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration and
education were measured by the German version of the UWE-IP. An in-house
questionnaire was developed to evaluate knowledge and skills in the field of
dementia, dementia management and interprofessional collaboration.
Results: Participation in the workshop led to significant improvements in the total
scores of the UWE-IP-D and the in-house questionnaire, as well as their respective
subscales. Moderate to large effect sizes were achieved. All professions improved
significantly in both questionnaires with large effect sizes. Significant differences
between professions were found in the UWE-IP-D total score between students of
speech-language pathology and physiotherapy in the posttest. Students of nutrition
therapy and counseling revealed a significant lower level of self-perceived knowledge
and skills in the in-house questionnaire pre- and post-testing.
Discussion: The pilot-study confirms the effectiveness of interprofessional
education to promote generic and interprofessional dementia care competencies
and to develop positive attitudes toward interprofessional learning and
collaboration in the therapy professions, thus increasing professional diversity
in interprofessional education research. Differences between professions were
confounded by heterogenous semester numbers and participation conditions.
To achieve a curricular implementation, interprofessional education should
be expanded to include a larger group of participants belonging to different
professions, start early in the study program, and be evaluated over the long term
Effect of Caffeine and Other Methylxanthines on Aβ-Homeostasis in SH-SY5Y Cells
Methylxanthines (MTX) are alkaloids derived from the purine-base xanthine.
Whereas especially caffeine, the most prominent known MTX, has been formerly assessed to
be detrimental, this point of view has changed substantially. MTXs are discussed to have beneficial
properties in neurodegenerative diseases, however, the mechanisms of action are not completely
understood. Here we investigate the effect of the naturally occurring caffeine, theobromine
and theophylline and the synthetic propentofylline and pentoxifylline on processes involved in
Alzheimer’s disease (AD). All MTXs decreased amyloid-β (Aβ) level by shifting the amyloid precursor
protein (APP) processing from the Aβ-producing amyloidogenic to the non-amyloidogenic pathway.
The α-secretase activity was elevated whereas β-secretase activity was decreased. Breaking down
the molecular mechanism, caffeine increased protein stability of the major α-secretase ADAM10,
downregulated BACE1 expression and directly decreased β-secretase activity. Additionally, APP
expression was reduced. In line with literature, MTXs reduced oxidative stress, decreased cholesterol
and a decreased in Aβ1-42 aggregation. In conclusion, all MTXs act via the pleiotropic mechanism
resulting in decreased Aβ and show beneficial properties with respect to AD in neuroblastoma cells.
However, the observed effect strength was moderate, suggesting that MTXs should be integrated in a
healthy diet rather than be used exclusively to treat or prevent AD
Interprofessional education: a necessity in Alzheimer’s dementia care—a pilot study
IntroductionInterprofessional collaboration is seen as an indispensable prerequisite for high-quality health services and patient care, especially for complex diseases such as dementia. Thus, the current project aimed to extend interprofessional and competency-based education in the field of dementia care to the previously understudied therapy professions of nutrition, speech-language pathology, and physiotherapy.MethodsA three-day workshop was designed to provide specific learning objectives related to patient-centered dementia care, as well as competences for interprofessional collaboration. Teaching and learning approaches included case-based learning in simulated interprofessional case-conferences and peer-teaching. A total of 42 students (n = 20 nutrition therapy and counseling, n = 8 speech-language pathology, n = 14 physiotherapy), ranging from first to seventh semester, finished the whole workshop and were considered in data analysis. Changes in self-perceived attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration and education were measured by the German version of the UWE-IP. An in-house questionnaire was developed to evaluate knowledge and skills in the field of dementia, dementia management and interprofessional collaboration.ResultsParticipation in the workshop led to significant improvements in the total scores of the UWE-IP-D and the in-house questionnaire, as well as their respective subscales. Moderate to large effect sizes were achieved. All professions improved significantly in both questionnaires with large effect sizes. Significant differences between professions were found in the UWE-IP-D total score between students of speech-language pathology and physiotherapy in the posttest. Students of nutrition therapy and counseling revealed a significant lower level of self-perceived knowledge and skills in the in-house questionnaire pre- and post-testing.DiscussionThe pilot-study confirms the effectiveness of interprofessional education to promote generic and interprofessional dementia care competencies and to develop positive attitudes toward interprofessional learning and collaboration in the therapy professions, thus increasing professional diversity in interprofessional education research. Differences between professions were confounded by heterogenous semester numbers and participation conditions. To achieve a curricular implementation, interprofessional education should be expanded to include a larger group of participants belonging to different professions, start early in the study program, and be evaluated over the long term
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Deal with Alzheimer’s Disease : From Bench to Bedside: What Feasible Options Do Already Exist Today?
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the western
population. The incidence of this disease increases with age. Rising life expectancy and the resulting
increase in the ratio of elderly in the population are likely to exacerbate socioeconomic problems.
Alzheimer’s disease is a multifactorial disease. In addition to amyloidogenic processing leading to
plaques, and tau pathology, but also other molecular causes such as oxidative stress or inflammation
play a crucial role. We summarize the molecular mechanisms leading to Alzheimer’s disease and
which potential interventions are known to interfere with these mechanisms, focusing on nutritional
approaches and physical activity but also the beneficial effects of cognition-oriented treatments with
a focus on language and communication. Interestingly, recent findings also suggest a causal link
between oral conditions, such as periodontitis or edentulism, and Alzheimer’s disease, raising the
question of whether dental intervention in Alzheimer’s patients can be beneficial as well. Unfortunately, all previous single-domain interventions have been shown to have limited benefit to patients.
However, the latest studies indicate that combining these efforts into multidomain approaches may
have increased preventive or therapeutic potential. Therefore, as another emphasis in this review,
we provide an overview of current literature dealing with studies combining the above-mentioned
approaches and discuss potential advantages compared to monotherapies. Considering current
literature and intervention options, we also propose a multidomain interdisciplinary approach for
the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease patients that synergistically links the individual approaches. In
conclusion, this review highlights the need to combine different approaches in an interdisciplinary
manner, to address the future challenges of Alzheimer’s disease
Mechanistic Link between Vitamin B12 and Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly population,
affecting over 55 million people worldwide. Histopathological hallmarks of this multifactorial disease
are an increased plaque burden and tangles in the brains of affected individuals. Several lines of
evidence indicate that B12 hypovitaminosis is linked to AD. In this review, the biochemical pathways
involved in AD that are affected by vitamin B12, focusing on APP processing, Aβ fibrillization, Aβ induced oxidative damage as well as tau hyperphosphorylation and tau aggregation, are summarized.
Besides the mechanistic link, an overview of clinical studies utilizing vitamin B supplementation are
given, and a potential link between diseases and medication resulting in a reduced vitamin B12 level
and AD are discussed. Besides the disease-mediated B12 hypovitaminosis, the reduction in vitamin
B12 levels caused by an increasing change in dietary preferences has been gaining in relevance. In
particular, vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, and therefore
might have potential implications for AD. In conclusion, our review emphasizes the important role
of vitamin B12 in AD, which is particularly important, as even in industrialized countries a large
proportion of the population might not be sufficiently supplied with vitamin B12
Methylxanthines Induce a Change in the AD/Neurodegeneration-Linked Lipid Profile in Neuroblastoma Cells
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by an increased plaque burden and tangle
accumulation in the brain accompanied by extensive lipid alterations. Methylxanthines (MTXs) are
alkaloids frequently consumed by dietary intake known to interfere with the molecular mechanisms
leading to AD. Besides the fact that MTX consumption is associated with changes in triglycerides
and cholesterol in serum and liver, little is known about the effect of MTXs on other lipid classes,
which raises the question of whether MTX can alter lipids in a way that may be relevant in AD.
Here we have analyzed naturally occurring MTXs caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and the
synthetic MTXs pentoxifylline and propentofylline also used as drugs in different neuroblastoma cell
lines. Our results show that lipid alterations are not limited to triglycerides and cholesterol in the
liver and serum, but also include changes in sphingomyelins, ceramides, phosphatidylcholine, and
plasmalogens in neuroblastoma cells. These changes comprise alterations known to be beneficial,
but also adverse effects regarding AD were observed. Our results give an additional perspective
of the complex link between MTX and AD, and suggest combining MTX with a lipid-altering diet
compensating the adverse effects of MTX rather than using MTX alone to prevent or treat AD
Targeted Lipidomics of Mitochondria in a Cellular Alzheimer’s Disease Model
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is neuropathologically characterized by the accumulation of
Amyloid-β (Aβ) in senile plaques derived from amyloidogenic processing of a precursor protein
(APP). Recently, changes in mitochondrial function have become in the focus of the disease. Whereas
a link between AD and lipid-homeostasis exists, little is known about potential alterations in the
lipid composition of mitochondria. Here, we investigate potential changes in the main mitochondrial phospholipid classes phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and the corresponding
plasmalogens and lyso-phospholipids of a cellular AD-model (SH-SY5Y APPswedish transfected
cells), comparing these results with changes in cell-homogenates. Targeted shotgun-lipidomics
revealed lipid alterations to be specific for mitochondria and cannot be predicted from total cell
analysis. In particular, lipids containing three and four times unsaturated fatty acids (FA X:4), such
as arachidonic-acid, are increased, whereas FA X:6 or X:5, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are decreased. Additionally, PE plasmalogens are increased in contrast
to homogenates. Results were confirmed in another cellular AD model, having a lower affinity to
amyloidogenic APP processing. Besides several similarities, differences in particular in PE species
exist, demonstrating that differences in APP processing might lead to specific changes in lipid homeostasis in mitochondria. Importantly, the observed lipid alterations are accompanied by changes in
the carnitine carrier system, also suggesting an altered mitochondrial functionalit
Vitamin B12 Attenuates Changes in Phospholipid Levels Related to Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells
Oxidative stress is closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and is detected peripherally
as well as in AD-vulnerable brain regions. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between
the generation and degradation of reactive oxidative species (ROS), leading to the oxidation of
proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Extensive lipid changes have been found in post mortem AD
brain tissue; these changes include the levels of total phospholipids, sphingomyelin, and ceramide,
as well as plasmalogens, which are highly susceptible to oxidation because of their vinyl ether
bond at the sn-1 position of the glycerol-backbone. Several lines of evidence indicate that a deficiency in the neurotropic vitamin B12 is linked with AD. In the present study, treatment of the
neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y with vitamin B12 resulted in elevated levels of phosphatidylcholine,
phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin, and plasmalogens. Vitamin B12 also protected plasmalogens from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2
)-induced oxidative stress due to an elevated expression of the
ROS-degrading enzymes superoxide-dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, vitamin B12
elevates plasmalogen synthesis by increasing the expression of alkylglycerone phosphate synthase
(AGPS) and choline phosphotransferase 1 (CHPT1) in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to H2O2
-induced
oxidative stress