2. The Role of BDNF in AD
AD is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, synaptic dysfunction, and memory impairment. Although the exact cause of AD is not fully understood, the amyloid hypothesis is widely recognized as a theory that provides a framework for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease
[63][11]. It proposes that the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain is a central event in the development of the disease. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane protein that is present in many cells, including neurons. In the amyloidogenic pathway, APP is first cleaved by β-secretase (BACE-1), and then the remaining fragment is cleaved by γ-secretase, releasing Aβ peptides of various lengths, including the longer Aβ42 form, which is particularly prone to aggregation. The aggregated Aβ is thought to have neurotoxic effects, leading to abnormal phosphorylation of the tau protein, the subsequent formation of neurofibrillary tangles, the death of neurons, and the progressive cognitive decline observed in AD (
Figure 1)
[63][11]. While the disease’s hallmark pathological features are the accumulation of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, increasing attention has been directed toward understanding the role of BDNF dysregulation in AD pathophysiology
[9,64][9][12].
Figure 1. The amyloid hypothesis and the interplay between BDNF and GCs in AD pathogenesis. APP is cleaved by γ-secretase, releasing Aβ peptides in the brain. The aggregated Aβ is thought to have neurotoxic effects, leading to the abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein, the subsequent formation of neurofibrillary tangles, the death of neurons, and the progressive cognitive decline observed in AD. BDNF and GCs exert a multifaceted interplay in the AD brain. BDNF signaling is integral to neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function. GCs, on the other hand, are central to the body’s response to stress and inflammation. BDNF, through its signaling pathways, may counteract some of the adverse effects of GCs in the brain. BDNF is known to promote neuroprotection, potentially mitigating the neuronal damage caused by excessive GC exposure. Several experimental approaches, such as BDNF mimetics, gene therapy, and lifestyle interventions, like physical activity, are being explored as potential ways to address BDNF dysregulation and its consequences. In addition, strategies that aim to modulate GC activity also represent a promising approach, including GRMs, 11β-HSD1 inhibitors, and physical activity.
A growing body of evidence suggests that individuals with AD exhibit significant alterations in BDNF levels. Notably, numerous studies have reported a reduction in BDNF expression in the brains of AD patients, particularly in regions susceptible to AD pathology, such as the hippocampus and cortex
[65,66][13][14]. These changes are indicative of disrupted BDNF homeostasis in AD. In addition to the reduced BDNF in the patients’ brains, the clinical relevance of altered serum BDNF levels in AD becomes apparent when examining their associations with cognitive decline
[67][15]. Lower serum BDNF levels have been consistently correlated with cognitive impairment and the severity of AD symptoms
[68,69][16][17]. These suggest that BDNF alterations may be an important factor contributing to the clinical manifestations of the disease.
Interestingly, the Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene has been reported to be associated with AD. Recent studies have suggested that individuals carrying the Met allele may have an increased risk of developing AD and may exhibit more severe cognitive decline compared to those with the Val/Val genotype
[70,71][18][19]. This genetic variation can affect the function and secretion of BDNF
[52[20][21],
72], and it has been associated with alterations in the brain structure and function, as well as various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including AD
[51,73][22][23].
The mechanisms behind BDNF dysregulation in AD are complex and not fully understood. One prominent factor contributing to decreased BDNF levels is the neurotoxicity associated with Aβ plaques
[74][24]. Aβ oligomers are known to interfere with BDNF signaling pathways and, thus, compromise BDNF availability in the brain
[75][25]. Moreover, mature BDNF levels decreased following intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1–42 in the rodent hippocampus
[76,77][26][27]. Additionally, an increase in the proBDNF/mature BDNF ratio was shown after treatment with Aβ25–35
[78,79][28][29]. These findings suggest that the proteolytic cleavage of BDNF was also affected by Aβ25–35. Interestingly, fibrillary Aβ25–35 has been shown to selectively elevate the mRNA levels of TrkB-T1, a dominant negative regulator of the full-length TrkB receptor
[80][30].
Neuroinflammation is another key player in the dysregulation of BDNF. In AD, chronic neuroinflammatory processes, characterized by the activation of microglia and astrocytes, lead to the increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1)
[81][31]. These inflammatory mediators can negatively affect BDNF expression and signaling
[82,83][32][33]. For example, a study demonstrated that repeated intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of IL-1 caused a decrease in BDNF mRNA expression
[84][34]. IL-1β was also found to compromise the neurotrophic effects provided by BDNF by suppressing PI3-K/Akt signaling
[85][35].
The interaction between BDNF and other molecules central to AD pathogenesis, including tau protein and apolipoprotein E (ApoE), further complicates BDNF dysregulation in the disease. Recently, Barbereau et al. (2020) demonstrated that the expression of the human Tau-P301L mutation in zebrafish neurons results in a decrease in BDNF expression, while it does not have an impact on TrkB expression
[86][36]. Moreover, a significant decrease in the mRNA levels of BDNF in the frontal cortex was observed five days after the administration of aggregated tau protein into the fourth lateral ventricle of C57Bl/6J mice
[87][37].
The APOE gene is the most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset AD, which is the most common form of the disease
[88][38]. Having the ApoE4 allele is associated with an increased risk of developing AD, while having the ApoE2 allele is associated with a decreased risk. ApoE3 is considered neutral in terms of AD risk
[89][39]. Interestingly, ApoE4 has been shown to enhance the nuclear translocation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in human neurons, leading to a reduction in BDNF gene transcription, while ApoE3 increases histone 3 acetylation and upregulates the expression of BDNF
[90][40]. Moreover, the presence of both ApoE4 and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms is correlated with a more severe impairment in egocentric navigation and greater atrophy in the medial temporal lobe regions among individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI)
[91][41]. Pietzuch et al. (2021) also suggested that the interactions between APOE and BDNF polymorphisms may have an impact on the maintenance of functional brain connections in older adults and could potentially represent a vulnerable phenotype associated with the progression of AD
[92][42].
Understanding these molecular interactions is crucial for unraveling the complex relationship between BDNF and AD pathology. It is worth noting that these insights do not imply a direct causative link but rather a complex interplay between multiple factors.
3. The Role of Glucocorticoids in AD
The role of glucocorticoids in the pathophysiology of AD is also a subject of growing interest and significance. The central concept for understanding the molecular relationship between glucocorticoids and AD is the presence of GRs in the brain. These receptors, primarily located in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, are known to mediate the effects of GCs on various physiological processes, including metabolism, immune response, and neural plasticity
[93,94][43][44].
Recent research has demonstrated that the expression of GRs in key brain regions is linked to vulnerability to AD pathology
[95][45]. The interaction between GCs and these receptors is complex. Under normal physiological conditions, GCs play a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, cognitive function, and memory consolidation
[96][46]. However, chronic exposure to elevated GC levels, a common consequence of chronic stress, can lead to GR dysregulation
[97][47]. This dysregulation may result in a hyperactive stress response and potentially contribute to AD pathogenesis
[97][47]. Epidemiological and clinical investigations have supplied evidence that supports the correlation between chronic exposure to GCs and an elevated risk of developing AD. For example, prolonged exposure to GCs, observed in clinical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or extended use of corticosteroid medications, has been linked to cognitive impairment resembling the characteristics of AD
[98,99][48][49]. Moreover, Zheng et al. (2020) recently demonstrated that AD patients exhibited higher morning cortisol levels compared to controls, and elevated cortisol levels were correlated with accelerated cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
[100][50].
Aβ plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles are the hallmarks of AD pathology. Studies have unveiled intriguing links between GCs and the accumulation of these toxic proteins
[101,102][51][52]. Notably, GCs appear to influence the levels of both Aβ and tau through distinct mechanisms. Research indicates that GCs can promote the production of Aβ peptides, particularly the more aggregation-prone Aβ42 isoform
[103][53]. This effect may be mediated through the modulation of enzymes involved in Aβ production, such as β-secretase
[104,105][54][55]. Furthermore, GCs have been implicated in impairing the clearance of Aβ from the brain, potentially by interfering with several Aβ-degrading proteases, such as insulin-degrading enzymes and matrix metalloproteinase-9
[106][56].
In the context of tau pathology, GCs have been associated with the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein
[102][52]. Chronic GC exposure is known to activate kinases responsible for tau phosphorylation, including GSK3, CDK5, and ERK1/2, leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles
[107,108,109,110][57][58][59][60]. This tau pathology is closely tied to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration in AD
[102][52].
Neuroinflammation is another crucial element in understanding the role of GCs in AD. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, play a pivotal role in maintaining brain homeostasis and responding to pathological insults. Recent research has revealed a multifaceted connection between GCs and microglia activation
[95,111][45][61]. Chronic exposure to elevated GC levels, as seen in conditions of chronic stress, may result in an overactivation of microglia
[112][62]. This hyperactivity can lead to a pro-inflammatory state, characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and other neurotoxic molecules
[112][62]. Such neuroinflammatory responses are detrimental to neuronal health and have been closely associated with the progression of AD
[112][62]. Additionally, GCs can modulate the microglial phenotype. Under normal conditions, microglia can exhibit both pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes, depending on the context
[113][63]. Dysregulated GC signaling has been shown to skew microglia toward the pro-inflammatory state, exacerbating neuroinflammation in AD
[113][63]. Moreover, microglia-mediated degradation of Aβ, which is crucial for Aβ clearance, may be impaired under conditions of GC dysregulation
[114][64].
Oxidative stress is another prominent feature of neuroinflammation and the pathophysiology of AD. GCs have been implicated in modulating oxidative stress pathways, further linking them to neuroinflammatory processes
[115][65]. Elevated GC levels can promote the generation of ROS and reduce the brain’s antioxidant defenses
[116][66]. This imbalance can lead to oxidative damage to cells, proteins, and lipids
[117][67]. Oxidative stress not only directly contributes to neurodegeneration but also exacerbates neuroinflammation by activating microglia and promoting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators
[118][68]. Furthermore, the oxidative damage inflicted by GC-induced oxidative stress may also play a role in the formation of Aβ plaques and tau tangles
[119][69]. Oxidatively modified proteins are more prone to aggregation, and they may contribute to the seeding and propagation of Aβ and tau pathology
[119][69].
Understanding these cellular mechanisms is vital to appreciating the intricate relationship between GC dysregulation and neuroinflammation in AD. Dysregulated GC signaling can create a microenvironment that favors neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are detrimental to neuronal health. However, it is essential to recognize that while GCs are a piece of this puzzle, they do not act in isolation. Genetic factors, other environmental stressors, and the interplay between different pathological processes in AD must also be considered in the complex pathophysiology of this disease.
4. BDNF and GCs as Therapeutic Targets in AD
Given the pivotal role of BDNF in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function, BDNF dysregulation presents an attractive target for therapeutic interventions in AD. Strategies aimed at restoring BDNF levels and function, either by promoting its production or enhancing its signaling, hold promise for mitigating the cognitive deficits associated with AD.
Several experimental approaches, such as BDNF mimetics
[120[70][71][72][73][74][75],
121,122,123,124,125], gene therapy
[126[76][77],
127], and lifestyle interventions like physical activity
[128[78][79][80],
129,130], are being explored as potential ways to address BDNF dysregulation and its consequences (
Figure 1). BDNF mimetics are compounds that mimic the actions of BDNF or enhance its receptor binding, promoting neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity. One of these BDNF-enhancing compounds is 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a selective TrkB agonist, as demonstrated by Jang et al. (2010)
[131][81]. Additionally, Yuk-Gunja-Tang (YG), a Korean traditional medicine, has the capacity to enhance the endogenous expression of BDNF
[123][73]. Numerous preclinical studies have provided evidence of the effectiveness of these agents in animal models of AD
[120,121,122,123,124,125][70][71][72][73][74][75].
Importantly, patients with AD are often prescribed antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to alleviate the depressive symptoms of AD
[132][82]. At the same time, it is well known that SSRIs exert their effects by acting on monoamine transporters, which subsequently results in the activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling
[133][83]. Interestingly, Casarotto et al. (2021) recently identified that SSRIs also directly bind to TrkB receptors, inducing an allosteric potentiation of TrkB signaling
[134][84]. These findings provide support for the notion that BDNF/TrkB signaling serves as the direct target for antidepressant drugs, playing a role in mediating their therapeutic effects in AD patients.
In addition to the pharmacological approaches, lifestyle interventions such as physical exercise and cognitive stimulation have been shown to boost BDNF levels in the brain
[130][80]. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, as reported by Jia et al. (2019), indicated that exercise interventions were linked to significant enhancements in global cognitive function among patients with mild-to-moderate AD
[135][85]. Likewise, research has shown that exercise training can enhance BDNF expression and cognitive function and stimulate neuroplasticity in animal models of AD
[128][78]. Another clinical study also demonstrated that healthy older adults exposed to 35-minute sessions of physical exercise, cognitive training, and mindfulness practice increased serum BDNF levels
[136][86]. Moreover, patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing cognitive stimulation displayed increased serum BDNF levels as compared to the placebo group
[137][87]. Additionally, Gomutbutra et al. (2022) recently showed that even a brief period of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) can elevate serum BDNF levels and decrease anxiety in healthy, meditation-naïve females in a randomized, crossover clinical trial
[138][88].
Recognizing the influence of GC dysregulation in AD pathophysiology opens up possibilities for novel therapeutic interventions. Strategies that aim to modulate GC activity represent a promising approach (
Figure 1). These include pharmacological interventions to normalize cortisol levels or reduce the sensitivity of glucocorticoid receptors. 11β-HSD1 is a pivotal enzyme that is responsible for the intracellular conversion of inactive cortisone into its active form, cortisol, in humans (or 11-dehydrocortisone into corticosterone in rodents). Consequently, inhibiting 11β-HSD1 results in a decrease in cortisol levels in humans (or CORT levels in rodents)
[139,140][89][90]. Sooy et al. (2010) showed that UE1961, an inhibitor of 11β-HSD1, demonstrated a significant enhancement in spatial memory performance in aged mice
[141][91]. Moreover, the researchers showed that the administration of another inhibitor, UE2316, led to a decrease in Aβ plaques within the cortex of aged Tg2576 mice
[142][92]. This reduction was concurrent with an elevation in insulin-degrading enzyme (one of the Aβ-degrading proteases) levels, which, in turn, resulted in memory improvements
[142][92]. In addition to 11β-HSD1 inhibitors, selective GR modulators (GRMs) are designed to specifically inhibit GR activity in AD. A study demonstrated that treatment with CORT108297, one of the GRMs, led to a reduction in the levels of APP C-terminal fragments in the 3xTg-AD mouse mode;
[143][93]. Another study also showed that mice that were administered CORT108297 via intraperitoneal injection exhibited a complete reversal of memory deficits, as evaluated through the T-maze test
[144][94].
Besides pharmacological approaches, non-pharmacological interventions aimed at fostering resilience to stress and improving cognitive function could potentially offer benefits in the management of AD
[145][95]. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness-based interventions and cognitive-behavioral therapy, may be explored as preventive measures for individuals at risk of AD
[140][90]. These approaches could reduce stress-related GR fluctuations and potentially delay disease onset
[146,147][96][97]. Lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, may also have a significant impact on GC regulation
[148][98]. These factors can help maintain a healthy stress response system and mitigate the effects of chronic stress on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and Aβ/Tau pathology
[147,149][97][99].
BDNF and GCs stand as pivotal factors in the pathophysiology of AD. Their roles in cognitive function, synaptic plasticity, and Aβ/Tau pathology underscore their significance in understanding the disease and their potential as therapeutic targets. Investigating the intricate relationship between BDNF and GCs in AD remains an active area of research, offering hope for novel interventions aimed at mitigating cognitive decline and improving the lives of individuals affected by this challenging neurodegenerative disorder.