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Nutrients Apr 2021Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology is not completely understood; however, altered inflammatory response and glutamate signaling have been reported, leading...
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology is not completely understood; however, altered inflammatory response and glutamate signaling have been reported, leading to the investigation of molecules targeting the immune-glutamatergic system in ASD treatment. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring saturated N-acylethanolamine that has proven to be effective in controlling inflammation, depression, epilepsy, and pain, possibly through a neuroprotective role against glutamate toxicity. Here, we systematically reviewed all human and animal studies examining PEA and its biobehavioral correlates in ASD. Studies indicate altered serum/brain levels of PEA and other endocannabinoids (ECBs)/acylethanolamines (AEs) in ASD. Altered PEA signaling response to social exposure and altered expression/activity of enzymes responsible for the synthesis and catalysis of ECBs/AEs, as well as downregulation of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) and cannabinoid receptor target GPR55 mRNA brain expression, have been reported. Stress and exposure to exogenous cannabinoids may modulate ECBs/AEs levels and expression of candidate genes for neuropsychiatric disorders, with implications for ASD. Limited research suggests that PEA supplementation reduces overall autism severity by improving language and social and nonsocial behaviors. Potential neurobiological underpinnings include modulation of immune response, neuroinflammation, neurotrophy, apoptosis, neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, neurodegeneration, mitochondrial function, and microbiota activity, possibly through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) activation.
Topics: Amides; Animals; Apoptosis; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Brain; Down-Regulation; Endocannabinoids; Ethanolamines; Glutamic Acid; Humans; Immune System Phenomena; Inflammation; Mitochondria; Neuroprotective Agents; PPAR alpha; Palmitic Acids; Receptors, Cannabinoid; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 33919499
DOI: 10.3390/nu13041346 -
Journal of Clinical Pathology Dec 2022Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains the most common female reproductive endocrine disorder. Genetic studies have predominantly focused on the role of the nuclear... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains the most common female reproductive endocrine disorder. Genetic studies have predominantly focused on the role of the nuclear genome, while the contribution of mitochondrial genetics in PCOS remains largely unknown.
AIM
This study aims to systematically evaluate the literature regarding the associations between the mitochondrial genome and PCOS.
METHODS
A literature search focused on PCOS and mitochondrial genetics was conducted on (1) MEDLINE, (2) EMBASE and (3) The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL and Cochrane Reviews). Search results were screened for eligibility, and data involving genetic variants of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were extracted. Quantitative data were presented in forest plots, and where this was not possible, data were analysed in a qualitative manner. Quality of studies was assessed using the Q-Genie tool.
RESULTS
Of the 13 812 identified studies, 15 studies were eligible for inclusion, with 8 studies suitable for meta-analysis. Women with PCOS showed higher frequencies of a 9 bp deletion, and aberrant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ND5, A6 and 7 transfer RNA-encoding genes. They also showed lower frequencies of two SNPs in the D-loop of the genome. Women with PCOS also exhibited significantly lowered mtDNA copy number.
CONCLUSION
Women with PCOS harbour genetic variants in coding and non-coding regions of the mitochondrial genome. This may disrupt the electron transport chain and lead to oxidative stress, causing apoptosis of cells and further genetic damage. However, further studies of higher quality are required to confirm these associations.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021267991.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Genome, Mitochondrial; DNA, Mitochondrial; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Mitochondria
PubMed: 36113966
DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2021-208028 -
Clinical and Translational Science Nov 2021Frailty is a condition of global impairment due to depletion of physiological reserves. However, the underlying biological mechanisms are poorly understood. The aims of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Frailty is a condition of global impairment due to depletion of physiological reserves. However, the underlying biological mechanisms are poorly understood. The aims of the current study were to identify the differences in mitochondrial function and iron metabolism between frail and nonfrail populations, and to investigate the contribution of different methodological approaches to the results. Searches were performed, using five online databases up to November 2019. Studies reporting measurements of mitochondrial function or iron metabolism in frail and nonfrail subjects or subjects with and without sarcopenia, were included. Pooled effect estimates were expressed as Standardized Mean Differences. Heterogeneity, expressed as I , was explored using regression analyses. In total, 107 studies, reporting 75 measures of mitochondrial function or iron metabolism, using six different experimental approaches, in three species were identified. Significant decreases in measures of oxygen consumption were observed for frail humans but not in animal models. Conversely, no differences between frail and nonfrail humans were observed for apoptosis and autophagy, in contrast to animal models. The most significant effect of the type of frailty assessment was observed for respiratory chain complexes where only subjects categorized as frail by the Fried Frailty Index showed a significant decrease in activity. We identified iron metabolism in frailty as an important knowledge gap, highlighted the need of consistent frailty diagnostic tools, and pointed out the limited translational potential of animal models. Inconsistency between studies evaluating the molecular mechanisms underlying frailty may present a barrier to the development of effective therapies.
Topics: Frailty; Humans; Iron; Mitochondria
PubMed: 34240568
DOI: 10.1111/cts.13101 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Feb 2024To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on myocardial protection and postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy of electroacupuncture on myocardial protection and postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on myocardial protection and postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
METHODS
Eight databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and two clinical trial registries, were searched. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to EA intervention in cardiac surgery with CPB were collected. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two researchers independently screened articles and extracted data. After the quality evaluation, RevMan 5.3 software was used for analysis.
RESULTS
Fourteen RCTs involving 836 patients were included. Compared with the control treatment, EA significantly increased the incidence of cardiac automatic rebeat after aortic unclamping [relative risk () = 1.15, 95% confidence interval () (1.01, 1.31), 0.05; moderate]. Twenty-four hours after aortic unclamping, EA significantly increased the superoxide dismutase [standardized mean difference () = 0.96, 95% (0.32, 1.61), 0.05; low], and interleukin (IL)-2 [ = 1.33, 95% (0.19, 2.47), 0.05; very low] expression levels and decreased the malondialdehyde [ =-1.62, 95% (-2.15, -1.09), 0.05; moderate], tumour necrosis factor-α [ = -1.28, 95% (-2.37, -0.19), 0.05; moderate], and cardiac troponin I [SMD = -1.09, 95% (-1.85, -0.32), 0.05; low] expression levels as well as the inotrope scores [ = -0.77, 95% (-1.22, -0.31), 0.05; high]. There was no difference in IL-6 and IL-10 expression levels. The amount of intraoperative sedative [ = -0.31, 95% (-0.54, -0.09), 0.05; moderate] and opioid analgesic [ = -0.96, 95% (-1.53, -0.38), 0.05; low] medication was significantly lower in the EA group than in the control group. Moreover, the postoperative tracheal intubation time [ = -0.92, 95% (-1.40, -0.45), 0.05; low] and intensive care unit stay [ = -1.71, 95% (-3.06, -0.36), 0.05; low] were significantly shorter in the EA group than in the control group. There were no differences in the time to get out of bed for the first time, total days of antibiotic use after surgery, or postoperative hospital stay. No adverse reactions related to EA were reported in any of the included studies.
CONCLUSIONS
In cardiac surgery with CPB, EA may be a safe and effective strategy to reduce myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury and speed up the recovery of patients after surgery. These findings must be interpreted with caution, as most of the evidence was of low or moderate quality. More RCTs with larger sample sizes and higher quality are needed to provide more convincing evidence.
Topics: Humans; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; China; Electroacupuncture
PubMed: 38213234
DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20230904.003 -
Kidney International Sep 2022Primary Coenzyme Q10 deficiency is a rare mitochondriopathy with a wide spectrum of organ involvement, including steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome mainly associated...
Primary Coenzyme Q10 deficiency is a rare mitochondriopathy with a wide spectrum of organ involvement, including steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome mainly associated with disease-causing variants in the genes COQ2, COQ6 or COQ8B. We performed a systematic literature review, PodoNet, mitoNET, and CCGKDD registries queries and an online survey, collecting comprehensive clinical and genetic data of 251 patients spanning 173 published (47 updated) and 78 new cases. Kidney disease was first diagnosed at median age 1.0, 1.2 and 9.8 years in individuals with disease-causing variants in COQ2, COQ6 and COQ8B, respectively. Isolated kidney involvement at diagnosis occurred in 34% of COQ2, 10.8% of COQ6 and 70.7% of COQ8B variant individuals. Classic infantile multiorgan involvement comprised 22% of the COQ2 variant cohort while 47% of them developed neurological symptoms at median age 2.7 years. The association of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss was confirmed as the distinctive phenotype of COQ6 variants, with hearing impairment manifesting at average age three years. None of the patients with COQ8B variants, but 50% of patients with COQ2 and COQ6 variants progressed to kidney failure by age five. At adult age, kidney survival was equally poor (20-25%) across all disorders. A number of sequence variants, including putative local founder mutations, had divergent clinical presentations, in terms of onset age, kidney and non-kidney manifestations and kidney survival. Milder kidney phenotype was present in those with biallelic truncating variants within the COQ8B variant cohort. Thus, significant intra- and inter-familial phenotype variability was observed, suggesting both genetic and non-genetic modifiers of disease severity.
Topics: Ataxia; Genetic Association Studies; Humans; Mitochondrial Diseases; Muscle Weakness; Mutation; Nephrotic Syndrome; Steroids; Ubiquinone
PubMed: 35483523
DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.02.040 -
Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology... 2020Mitochondrial disease is a term used to describe a set of heterogeneous genetic diseases caused by impaired structure or function of mitochondria. Pyruvate therapy for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mitochondrial disease is a term used to describe a set of heterogeneous genetic diseases caused by impaired structure or function of mitochondria. Pyruvate therapy for mitochondrial disease is promising from a clinical point of view.
METHODS
According to PRISMA guidelines, the following databases were searched to identify studies regarding pyruvate therapy for mitochondrial disease: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and . The search was up to April 2019. The endpoints were specific biomarkers (plasma level of lactate, plasma level of pyruvate, L/P ratio) and clinical rating scales [Japanese mitochondrial disease-rating scale (JMDRS), Newcastle Mitochondrial Disease Adult Scale (NMDAS), and others]. Two researchers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the studies.
RESULTS
A total of six studies were included. Considerable differences were noted between studies in terms of study design, patient information, and outcome measures. The collected evidence may indicate an effective potential of pyruvate therapy on the improvement of mitochondrial disease. The majority of the common adverse events of pyruvate therapy were diarrhea and short irritation of the stomach.
CONCLUSION
Pyruvate therapy with no serious adverse events may be a potential therapeutic candidate for patients with incurable mitochondrial diseases, such as Leigh syndrome. However, recent evidence taken from case series and case reports, and theoretical supports of basic research are not sufficient. The use of global registries to collect patient data and more adaptive trial designs with larger numbers of participants are necessary to clarify the efficacy of pyruvate therapy.
PubMed: 32695307
DOI: 10.1177/2042018820938240 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2022Heparan sulfate modified proteins or proteoglycans (HSPGs) are an abundant class of cell surface and extracellular matrix molecules. They serve important co-receptor...
Heparan sulfate modified proteins or proteoglycans (HSPGs) are an abundant class of cell surface and extracellular matrix molecules. They serve important co-receptor functions in the regulation of signaling as well as membrane trafficking. Many of these activities directly affect processes associated with neurodegeneration including uptake and export of Tau protein, disposition of Amyloid Precursor Protein-derived peptides, and regulation of autophagy. In this review we focus on the impact of HSPGs on autophagy, membrane trafficking, mitochondrial quality control and biogenesis, and lipid metabolism. Disruption of these processes are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and there is evidence that altering heparan sulfate structure and function could counter AD-associated pathological processes. Compromising presenilin function in several systems has provided instructive models for understanding the molecular and cellular underpinnings of AD. Disrupting presenilin function produces a constellation of cellular deficits including accumulation of lipid, disruption of autophagosome to lysosome traffic and reduction in mitochondrial size and number. Inhibition of heparan sulfate biosynthesis has opposing effects on all these cellular phenotypes, increasing mitochondrial size, stimulating autophagy flux to lysosomes, and reducing the level of intracellular lipid. These findings suggest a potential mechanism for countering pathology found in AD and related disorders by altering heparan sulfate structure and influencing cellular processes disrupted broadly in neurodegenerative disease. Vertebrate and invertebrate model systems, where the cellular machinery of autophagy and lipid metabolism are conserved, continue to provide important translational guideposts for designing interventions that address the root cause of neurodegenerative pathology.
PubMed: 36699460
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1012706 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2021The neurobiological bases of mood instability are poorly understood. Neuronal network alterations and neurometabolic abnormalities have been implicated in the... (Review)
Review
The neurobiological bases of mood instability are poorly understood. Neuronal network alterations and neurometabolic abnormalities have been implicated in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety conditions associated with mood instability and hence are candidate mechanisms underlying its neurobiology. Fast-spiking parvalbumin GABAergic interneurons modulate the activity of principal excitatory neurons through their inhibitory action determining precise neuronal excitation balance. These interneurons are directly involved in generating neuronal networks activities responsible for sustaining higher cerebral functions and are especially vulnerable to metabolic stress associated with deficiency of energy substrates or mitochondrial dysfunction. Parvalbumin interneurons are therefore candidate key players involved in mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of brain disorders associated with both neuronal networks' dysfunction and brain metabolism dysregulation. To provide empirical support to this hypothesis, we hereby report meta-analytical evidence of parvalbumin interneurons loss or dysfunction in the brain of patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD), a condition primarily characterized by mood instability for which the pathophysiological role of mitochondrial dysfunction has recently emerged as critically important. We then present a comprehensive review of evidence from the literature illustrating the bidirectional relationship between deficiency in mitochondrial-dependent energy production and parvalbumin interneuron abnormalities. We propose a mechanistic explanation of how alterations in neuronal excitability, resulting from parvalbumin interneurons loss or dysfunction, might manifest clinically as mood instability, a poorly understood clinical phenotype typical of the most severe forms of affective disorders. The evidence we report provides insights on the broader therapeutic potential of pharmacologically targeting parvalbumin interneurons in psychiatric and neurological conditions characterized by both neurometabolic and neuroexcitability abnormalities.
PubMed: 34616292
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.689473 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2021Allograft ischemia during liver transplantation (LT) adversely affects the function of mitochondria, resulting in impairment of oxidative phosphorylation and compromised... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Allograft ischemia during liver transplantation (LT) adversely affects the function of mitochondria, resulting in impairment of oxidative phosphorylation and compromised post-transplant recovery of the affected organ. Several preservation methods have been developed to improve donor organ quality; however, their effects on mitochondrial functions have not yet been compared. This study aimed to summarize the available data on mitochondrial effects of graft preservation methods in preclinical models of LT. Furthermore, a network meta-analysis was conducted to determine if any of these treatments provide a superior benefit, suggesting that they might be used on humans. A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE (via PubMed), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Web of Science) for controlled animal studies using preservation methods for LT. The ATP content of the graft was the primary outcome, as this is an indicator overall mitochondrial function. Secondary outcomes were the respiratory activity of mitochondrial complexes, cytochrome c and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) release. Both a random-effects model and the SYRCLE risk of bias analysis for animal studies were used. After a comprehensive search of the databases, 25 studies were enrolled in the analysis. Treatments that had the most significant protective effect on ATP content included hypothermic and subnormothermic machine perfusion (HMP and SNMP) (MD = -1.0, 95% CI: (-2.3, 0.3) and MD = -1.1, 95% CI: (-3.2, 1.02)), while the effects of warm ischemia (WI) without cold storage (WI) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) were less pronounced (MD = -1.8, 95% CI: (-2.9, -0.7) and MD = -2.1 MD; CI: (-4.6; 0.4)). The subgroup of static cold storage (SCS) with shorter preservation time (< 12 h) yielded better results than SCS ≥ 12 h, NMP and WI, in terms of ATP preservation and the respiratory capacity of complexes. HMP and SNMP stand out in terms of mitochondrial protection when compared to other treatments for LT in animals. The shorter storage time at lower temperatures, together with the dynamic preservation, provided superior protection for the grafts in terms of mitochondrial function. Additional clinical studies on human patients including marginal donors and longer ischemia times are needed to confirm any superiority of preservation methods with respect to mitochondrial function.
Topics: Animals; Delayed Graft Function; Humans; Liver Transplantation; Mitochondria, Liver; Organ Preservation; Warm Ischemia
PubMed: 33802177
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062816 -
Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases 2021Leigh syndrome (LS) is the most frequent paediatric clinical presentation of mitochondrial disease. The clinical phenotype of LS is highly heterogeneous. Though...
BACKGROUND
Leigh syndrome (LS) is the most frequent paediatric clinical presentation of mitochondrial disease. The clinical phenotype of LS is highly heterogeneous. Though historically the treatment for LS is largely supportive, new treatments are on the horizon. Due to the rarity of LS, large-scale interventional studies are scarce, limiting dissemination of information of therapeutic options to the wider scientific and clinical community.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review of pharmacological therapies of LS following the guidelines for FAIR-compliant datasets.
METHODS
We searched for interventional studies within Clincialtrials.gov and European Clinical trials databases. Randomised controlled trials, observational studies, case reports and case series formed part of a wider MEDLINE search.
RESULTS
Of the 1,193 studies initially identified, 157 met our inclusion criteria, of which 104 were carried over into our final analysis. Treatments for LS included very few interventional trials using EPI-743 and cysteamine bitartrate. Wider literature searches identified case series and reports of treatments repleting glutathione stores, reduction of oxidative stress and restoration of oxidative phosphorylation.
CONCLUSIONS
Though interventional randomised controlled trials have begun for LS, the majority of evidence remains in case reports and case series for a number of treatable genes, encoding cofactors or transporter proteins of the mitochondria. Our findings will form part of the international expert-led Solve-RD efforts to assist clinicians initiating treatments in patients with treatable variants of LS.
Topics: Child; Humans; Leigh Disease; Mitochondria; Phenotype
PubMed: 34308912
DOI: 10.3233/JND-210715