10th Anniversary of Biomedicines—Translational Laboratory and Experimental Medicine for the Sake of Neurological Diseases and Mental Illness

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 51348

Special Issue Editor

HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Szeged, Hungary
Interests: neurohormones; neuropeptides; tryptophan; kynurenine; psychiatry; neurology; depression; anxiety; dementia; pain; Alzheimer’s disease; cognition; antidepressant; translational research
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of Biomedicines, a peer-reviewed open access journal in the biomedical field. So far, Biomedicines has published more than 2700 papers from more than 17,000 authors. We appreciate each author, reviewer, and academic editor whose support has brought us to where we are today.

To celebrate this significant milestone, we are publishing a Special Issue entitled 10th Anniversary of Biomedicines—Translational Laboratory and Experimental Medicine for the Sake of Neurological Diseases and Mental Illnesses.

In recent decades we have witnessed the accelerating evolution of neuroscience. Advancements include the identification of gene mutations causing neurological diseases; understanding the brain interaction with social stimuli; the role of neuroglial functions, brain plasticity, and neurochemistry in memory; the discovery of novel targets for migraines; and the exploration of neurocomputer interfaces and neural implants for Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, addiction, and chronic pain, among others.

Nevertheless, neurological diseases are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Mental illness has been increasing over the past decade around the world. Major depressive disorder and substance use disorder dominate among mental conditions and increasing cases of suicide, along with suicidal ideation and attempts, have been reported. This increase is more prominent in the adolescent age group.

Some of this research involved human subjects, but more and more research uses animal models, such as rats and mice. Some researchers utilize rotifers, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, or zebrafish, while others use in vitro neuronal cell lines.

This Memorial Special Issue highlights the advances of the last decade in in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models and bench-to-bed and/or bed-to-bench translational research in the fields of neuroscience, neurology, psychiatry, and/or psychology.

We cordially invite authors to contribute original articles on laboratory or experimental medicine that discusses the significance of the manuscript over the last decade, review articles discussing advancements in a specific area, and review articles forecasting possible advances in the next decade, focusing on, but not limited to, the following:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • multiple sclerosis
  • Huntington’s disease
  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • prion disease
  • HIV dementia
  • stroke
  • depressive disorder
  • bipolar disorder
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • anxiety disorder
  • schizophrenia
  • somatic symptom disorder
  • autism spectrum disorder
  • hyperactive attention deficit disorder
  • chronic pain
  • migraine
  • antidepressants
  • anxiolytics
  • analgesics
  • antimigraine agents
  • nootropic agents

Dr. Masaru Tanaka
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (21 papers)

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14 pages, 895 KiB  
Article
Effects of Virtual Reality Cognitive Training on Neuroplasticity: A Quasi-Randomized Clinical Trial in Patients with Stroke
by Antonio Gangemi, Rosaria De Luca, Rosa Angela Fabio, Paola Lauria, Carmela Rifici, Patrizia Pollicino, Angela Marra, Antonella Olivo, Angelo Quartarone and Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
Biomedicines 2023, 11(12), 3225; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11123225 - 06 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1255
Abstract
Cognitive Rehabilitation (CR) is a therapeutic approach designed to improve cognitive functioning after a brain injury, including stroke. Two major categories of techniques, namely traditional and advanced (including virtual reality—VR), are widely used in CR for patients with various neurological disorders. More objective [...] Read more.
Cognitive Rehabilitation (CR) is a therapeutic approach designed to improve cognitive functioning after a brain injury, including stroke. Two major categories of techniques, namely traditional and advanced (including virtual reality—VR), are widely used in CR for patients with various neurological disorders. More objective outcome measures are needed to better investigate cognitive recovery after a stroke. In the last ten years, the application of electroencephalography (EEG) as a non-invasive and portable neuroimaging method has been explored to extract the hallmarks of neuroplasticity induced by VR rehabilitation approaches, particularly within the chronic stroke population. The aim of this study is to investigate the neurophysiological effects of CR conducted in a virtual environment using the VRRS device. Thirty patients with moderate-to-severe ischemic stroke in the chronic phase (at least 6 months after the event), with a mean age of 58.13 (±8.33) for the experimental group and 57.33 (±11.06) for the control group, were enrolled. They were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, receiving neurocognitive stimulation using VR and the same amount of conventional neurorehabilitation, respectively. To study neuroplasticity changes after the training, we focused on the power band spectra of theta, alpha, and beta EEG rhythms in both groups. We observed that when VR technology was employed to amplify the effects of treatments on cognitive recovery, significant EEG-related neural improvements were detected in the primary motor circuit in terms of power spectral density and time-frequency domains. Indeed, EEG analysis suggested that VR resulted in a significant increase in both the alpha band power in the occipital areas and the beta band power in the frontal areas, while no significant variations were observed in the theta band power. Our data suggest the potential effectiveness of a VR-based rehabilitation approach in promoting neuroplastic changes even in the chronic phase of ischemic stroke. Full article
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14 pages, 1342 KiB  
Article
Gut Dysbiosis: A New Avenue for Stroke Prevention and Therapeutics
by Shin Young Park, Sang Pyung Lee, Dongin Kim and Woo Jin Kim
Biomedicines 2023, 11(9), 2352; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11092352 - 23 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1841
Abstract
A stroke is a serious life-threatening condition and a leading cause of death and disability that happens when the blood vessels to part of the brain are blocked or burst. While major advances in the understanding of the ischemic cascade in stroke was [...] Read more.
A stroke is a serious life-threatening condition and a leading cause of death and disability that happens when the blood vessels to part of the brain are blocked or burst. While major advances in the understanding of the ischemic cascade in stroke was made over several decades, limited therapeutic options and high mortality and disability have caused researchers to extend the focus toward peripheral changes beyond brain. The largest proportion of microbes in human body reside in the gut and the interaction between host and microbiota in health and disease is well known. Our study aimed to explore the gut microbiota in patients with stroke with comparison to control group. Fecal samples were obtained from 51 subjects: 25 stroke patients (18 hemorrhagic, 7 ischemic) and 26 healthy control subjects. The variable region V3–V4 of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. PICRUSt2 was used for prediction of metagenomics functions. Our results show taxonomic dysbiosis in stroke patients in parallel with functional dysbiosis. Here, we show that stroke patients have (1) increased Parabacteroides and Escherichia_Shigella, but decreased Prevotella and Fecalibacterium; (2) higher transposase and peptide/nickel transport system substrate-binding protein, but lower RNA polymerase sigma-70 factor and methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein, which are suggestive of malnutrition. Nutrients are essential regulators of both host and microbial physiology and function as key coordinators of host–microbe interactions. Manipulation of nutrition is expected to alleviate gut dysbiosis and prognosis and improve disability and mortality in the management of stroke. Full article
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19 pages, 2566 KiB  
Article
The Secretome of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Its Components GDF15 and HB-EGF Protect Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motoneurons against Death
by Richard Younes, Youssef Issa, Nadia Jdaa, Batoul Chouaib, Véronique Brugioti, Désiré Challuau, Cédric Raoul, Frédérique Scamps, Frédéric Cuisinier and Cécile Hilaire
Biomedicines 2023, 11(8), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082152 - 30 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1144
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and incurable paralytic disorder caused by the progressive death of upper and lower motoneurons. Although numerous strategies have been developed to slow disease progression and improve life quality, to date only a few therapeutic treatments are [...] Read more.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and incurable paralytic disorder caused by the progressive death of upper and lower motoneurons. Although numerous strategies have been developed to slow disease progression and improve life quality, to date only a few therapeutic treatments are available with still unsatisfactory therapeutic benefits. The secretome of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) contains numerous neurotrophic factors that could promote motoneuron survival. Accordingly, DPSCs confer neuroprotective benefits to the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. However, the mode of action of DPSC secretome on motoneurons remains largely unknown. Here, we used conditioned medium of human DPSCs (DPSCs-CM) and assessed its effect on survival, axonal length, and electrical activity of cultured wildtype and SOD1G93A motoneurons. To further understand the role of individual factors secreted by DPSCs and to circumvent the secretome variability bias, we focused on GDF15 and HB-EGF whose neuroprotective properties remain elusive in the ALS pathogenic context. DPSCs-CM rescues motoneurons from trophic factor deprivation-induced death, promotes axon outgrowth of wildtype but not SOD1G93A mutant motoneurons, and has no impact on the spontaneous electrical activity of wildtype or mutant motoneurons. Both GDF15 and HB-EGF protect SOD1G93A motoneurons against nitric oxide-induced death, but not against death induced by trophic factor deprivation. GDF15 and HB-EGF receptors were found to be expressed in the spinal cord, with a two-fold increase in expression for the GDF15 low-affinity receptor in SOD1G93A mice. Therefore, the secretome of DPSCs appears as a new potential therapeutic candidate for ALS. Full article
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12 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
Breaking Barriers: Artificial Intelligence Interpreting the Interplay between Mental Illness and Pain as Defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain
by Franciele Parolini, Márcio Goethel, Klaus Becker, Cristofthe Fernandes, Ricardo J. Fernandes, Ulysses F. Ervilha, Rubim Santos and João Paulo Vilas-Boas
Biomedicines 2023, 11(7), 2042; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11072042 - 20 Jul 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1747
Abstract
Low back pain is one of the main causes of motor disabilities and psychological stress, with the painful process encompassing sensory and affective components. Noxious stimuli originate on the periphery; however, the stimuli are recombined in the brain and therefore processed differently due [...] Read more.
Low back pain is one of the main causes of motor disabilities and psychological stress, with the painful process encompassing sensory and affective components. Noxious stimuli originate on the periphery; however, the stimuli are recombined in the brain and therefore processed differently due to the emotional environment. To better understand this process, our objective was to develop a mathematical representation of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) model of pain, covering the multidimensional representation of this phenomenon. Data from the Oswestry disability index; the short form of the depression, anxiety, and stress scale; and pain catastrophizing daily questionnaires were collected through online completion, available from 8 June 2022, to 8 April 2023 (1021 cases). Using the information collected, an artificial neural network structure was trained (based on anomaly detection methods) to identify the patterns that emerge from the relationship between the variables. The developed model proved to be robust and able to show the patterns and the relationship between the variables, and it allowed for differentiating the groups with altered patterns in the context of low back pain. The distinct groups all behave according to the main finding that psychological and pain events are directly associated. We conclude that our proposal is effective as it is able to test and confirm the definition of the IASP for the study of pain. Here we show that the fiscal and mental dimensions of pain are directly associated, meaning that mental illness can be an enhancer of pain episodes and functionality. Full article
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12 pages, 1572 KiB  
Article
Age, Dose, and Locomotion: Decoding Vulnerability to Ketamine in C57BL/6J and BALB/c Mice
by Wen-Chien Chen, Tzong-Shi Wang, Fang-Yu Chang, Po-An Chen and Yi-Chyan Chen
Biomedicines 2023, 11(7), 1821; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11071821 - 25 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1358
Abstract
Ketamine has been abused as a psychedelic agent and causes diverse neurobehavioral changes. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage but vulnerable to substances and environmental stimuli. Growing evidence shows that ketamine affects glutamatergic neurotransmission, which is important for memory storage, addiction, and psychosis. [...] Read more.
Ketamine has been abused as a psychedelic agent and causes diverse neurobehavioral changes. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage but vulnerable to substances and environmental stimuli. Growing evidence shows that ketamine affects glutamatergic neurotransmission, which is important for memory storage, addiction, and psychosis. To explore diverse biological responses, this study was designed to assess ketamine sensitivity in mice of different ages and strains. Male C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice were studied in adolescence and adulthood separately. An open field test assessed motor behavioral changes. After a 30-min baseline habituation, mice were injected with ketamine (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg), and their locomotion was measured for 60 min. Following ketamine injection, the travelled distance and speed significantly increased in C57BL/6J mice between both age groups (p < 0.01), but not in BALB/c mice. The pattern of hyperlocomotion showed that mice were delayed at the higher dose (50 mg/kg) compared to the lower dose (25 mg/kg) of ketamine treatment. Ketamine accentuated locomotor activation in adolescent C57BL/6J mice compared to adults, but not in the BALB/c strain. Here, we show that ketamine-induced locomotor behavior is modulated by dose and age. The discrepancy of neurobehaviors in the two strains of mice indicates that sensitivity to ketamine is biologically determined. This study suggests that individual vulnerability to ketamine’s pharmacological responses varies biologically. Full article
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19 pages, 1207 KiB  
Article
Age-Related Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on Anxiety-like Behavior in C57/B6J Mice
by Sofia Nasini, Sara Tidei, Atea Shkodra, Danilo De Gregorio, Marco Cambiaghi and Stefano Comai
Biomedicines 2023, 11(6), 1705; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061705 - 13 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1290
Abstract
The synthesis of melatonin (MLT) physiologically decreases during aging. Treatment with MLT has shown anxiolytic, hypnotic, and analgesic effects, but little is known about possible age-dependent differences in its efficacy. Therefore, we studied the effects of MLT (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) on anxiety-like behavior [...] Read more.
The synthesis of melatonin (MLT) physiologically decreases during aging. Treatment with MLT has shown anxiolytic, hypnotic, and analgesic effects, but little is known about possible age-dependent differences in its efficacy. Therefore, we studied the effects of MLT (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) on anxiety-like behavior (open field (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPMT), three-chamber sociability, and marble-burying (MBT) tests), and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-dorsal hippocampus (dHippo) circuit in adolescent (35–40 days old) and adult (three-five months old) C57BL/6 male mice. MLT did not show any effect in adolescents in the OFT and EPMT. In adults, compared to vehicles, it decreased locomotor activity and time spent in the center of the arena in the OFT and time spent in the open arms in the EPMT. In the MBT, no MLT effects were observed in both age groups. In the three-chamber sociability test, MLT decreased sociability and social novelty in adults, while it increased sociability in adolescents. Using local field potential recordings, we found higher mPFC-dHippo synchronization in the delta and low-theta frequency ranges in adults but not in adolescents after MLT treatment. Here, we show age-dependent differences in the effects of MLT in anxiety paradigms and in the modulation of the mPFC-dHippo circuit, indicating that when investigating the pharmacology of the MLT system, age can significantly impact the study outcomes. Full article
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16 pages, 2720 KiB  
Article
UBL3 Interacts with Alpha-Synuclein in Cells and the Interaction Is Downregulated by the EGFR Pathway Inhibitor Osimertinib
by Bin Chen, Md. Mahmudul Hasan, Hengsen Zhang, Qing Zhai, A. S. M. Waliullah, Yashuang Ping, Chi Zhang, Soho Oyama, Mst. Afsana Mimi, Yuna Tomochika, Yu Nagashima, Tomohiko Nakamura, Tomoaki Kahyo, Kenji Ogawa, Daita Kaneda, Minoru Yoshida and Mitsutoshi Setou
Biomedicines 2023, 11(6), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061685 - 10 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2080
Abstract
Ubiquitin-like 3 (UBL3) acts as a post-translational modification (PTM) factor and regulates protein sorting into small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). sEVs have been reported as vectors for the pathology propagation of neurodegenerative diseases, such as α-synucleinopathies. Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) has been widely studied for its [...] Read more.
Ubiquitin-like 3 (UBL3) acts as a post-translational modification (PTM) factor and regulates protein sorting into small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). sEVs have been reported as vectors for the pathology propagation of neurodegenerative diseases, such as α-synucleinopathies. Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) has been widely studied for its involvement in α-synucleinopathies. However, it is still unknown whether UBL3 interacts with α-syn, and is influenced by drugs or compounds. In this study, we investigated the interaction between UBL3 and α-syn, and any ensuing possible functional and pathological implications. We found that UBL3 can interact with α-syn by the Gaussia princeps based split luciferase complementation assay in cells and immunoprecipitation, while cysteine residues at its C-terminal, which are considered important as PTM factors for UBL3, were not essential for the interaction. The interaction was upregulated by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium exposure. In drug screen results, the interaction was significantly downregulated by the treatment of osimertinib. These results suggest that UBL3 interacts with α-syn in cells and is significantly downregulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway inhibitor osimertinib. Therefore, the UBL3 pathway may be a new therapeutic target for α-synucleinopathies in the future. Full article
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21 pages, 2331 KiB  
Article
Unlocking the Secrets: Exploring the Biochemical Correlates of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions
by Ivan Mirko Cremone, Benedetta Nardi, Giulia Amatori, Lionella Palego, Dario Baroni, Danila Casagrande, Enrico Massimetti, Laura Betti, Gino Giannaccini, Liliana Dell'Osso and Barbara Carpita
Biomedicines 2023, 11(6), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061600 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1704
Abstract
Involving 1 million people a year, suicide represents one of the major topics of psychiatric research. Despite the focus in recent years on neurobiological underpinnings, understanding and predicting suicide remains a challenge. Many sociodemographical risk factors and prognostic markers have been proposed but [...] Read more.
Involving 1 million people a year, suicide represents one of the major topics of psychiatric research. Despite the focus in recent years on neurobiological underpinnings, understanding and predicting suicide remains a challenge. Many sociodemographical risk factors and prognostic markers have been proposed but they have poor predictive accuracy. Biomarkers can provide essential information acting as predictive indicators, providing proof of treatment response and proposing potential targets while offering more assurance than psychological measures. In this framework, the aim of this study is to open the way in this field and evaluate the correlation between blood levels of serotonin, brain derived neurotrophic factor, tryptophan and its metabolites, IL-6 and homocysteine levels and suicidality. Blood samples were taken from 24 adults with autism, their first-degree relatives, and 24 controls. Biochemical parameters were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Suicidality was measured through selected items of the MOODS-SR. Here we confirm the link between suicidality and autism and provide more evidence regarding the association of suicidality with increased homocysteine (0.278) and IL-6 (0.487) levels and decreased tryptophan (−0.132) and kynurenic acid (−0.253) ones. Our results suggest a possible transnosographic association between these biochemical parameters and increased suicide risk. Full article
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17 pages, 986 KiB  
Article
Age-Dependent Alterations in Platelet Mitochondrial Respiration
by Zdeněk Fišar, Jana Hroudová, Martina Zvěřová, Roman Jirák, Jiří Raboch and Eva Kitzlerová
Biomedicines 2023, 11(6), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061564 - 28 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is an important cellular hallmark of aging and neurodegeneration. Platelets are a useful model to study the systemic manifestations of mitochondrial dysfunction. To evaluate the age dependence of mitochondrial parameters, citrate synthase activity, respiratory chain complex activity, and oxygen consumption kinetics [...] Read more.
Mitochondrial dysfunction is an important cellular hallmark of aging and neurodegeneration. Platelets are a useful model to study the systemic manifestations of mitochondrial dysfunction. To evaluate the age dependence of mitochondrial parameters, citrate synthase activity, respiratory chain complex activity, and oxygen consumption kinetics were assessed. The effect of cognitive impairment was examined by comparing the age dependence of mitochondrial parameters in healthy individuals and those with neuropsychiatric disease. The study found a significant negative slope of age-dependence for both the activity of individual mitochondrial enzymes (citrate synthase and complex II) and parameters of mitochondrial respiration in intact platelets (routine respiration, maximum capacity of electron transport system, and respiratory rate after complex I inhibition). However, there was no significant difference in the age-related changes of mitochondrial parameters between individuals with and without cognitive impairment. These findings highlight the potential of measuring mitochondrial respiration in intact platelets as a means to assess age-related mitochondrial dysfunction. The results indicate that drugs and interventions targeting mitochondrial respiration may have the potential to slow down or eliminate certain aging and neurodegenerative processes. Mitochondrial respiration in platelets holds promise as a biomarker of aging, irrespective of the degree of cognitive impairment. Full article
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18 pages, 11572 KiB  
Article
Light Alcohol Consumption Promotes Early Neurogenesis Following Ischemic Stroke in Adult C57BL/6J Mice
by Jiyu Li, Chun Li, Pushpa Subedi, Xinli Tian, Xiaohong Lu, Sumitra Miriyala, Manikandan Panchatcharam and Hong Sun
Biomedicines 2023, 11(4), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11041074 - 02 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Neurogenesis plays a crucial role in postischemic functional recovery. Alcohol dose-dependently affects the prognosis of ischemic stroke. We investigated the impact of light alcohol consumption (LAC) on neurogenesis under physiological [...] Read more.
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Neurogenesis plays a crucial role in postischemic functional recovery. Alcohol dose-dependently affects the prognosis of ischemic stroke. We investigated the impact of light alcohol consumption (LAC) on neurogenesis under physiological conditions and following ischemic stroke. C57BL/6J mice (three months old) were fed with 0.7 g/kg/day ethanol (designed as LAC) or volume-matched water (designed as control) daily for eight weeks. To evaluate neurogenesis, the numbers of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)+/doublecortin (DCX)+ and BrdU+/NeuN+ neurons were assessed in the subventricular zone (SVZ), dentate gyrus (DG), ischemic cortex, and ischemic striatum. The locomotor activity was determined by the accelerating rotarod and open field tests. LAC significantly increased BrdU+/DCX+ and BrdU+/NeuN+ cells in the SVZ under physiological conditions. Ischemic stroke dramatically increased BrdU+/DCX+ and BrdU+/NeuN+ cells in the DG, SVZ, ischemic cortex, and ischemic striatum. The increase in BrdU+/DCX+ cells was significantly greater in LAC mice compared to the control mice. In addition, LAC significantly increased BrdU+/NeuN+ cells by about three folds in the DG, SVZ, and ischemic cortex. Furthermore, LAC reduced ischemic brain damage and improved locomotor activity. Therefore, LAC may protect the brain against ischemic stroke by promoting neurogenesis. Full article
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20 pages, 3771 KiB  
Article
The Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic System Is Suppressed in Cuprizone-Induced Model of Demyelination Simulating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
by Helga Polyák, Zsolt Galla, Nikolett Nánási, Edina Katalin Cseh, Cecília Rajda, Gábor Veres, Eleonóra Spekker, Ágnes Szabó, Péter Klivényi, Masaru Tanaka and László Vécsei
Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030945 - 20 Mar 2023
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5993
Abstract
Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with a unique pattern, which is histologically classified into the subpial type 3 lesions in the autopsy. The lesion is also homologous to that of cuprizone (CPZ) toxin-induced animal models of demyelination. Aberration of the [...] Read more.
Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with a unique pattern, which is histologically classified into the subpial type 3 lesions in the autopsy. The lesion is also homologous to that of cuprizone (CPZ) toxin-induced animal models of demyelination. Aberration of the tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic system has been observed in patients with MS; nevertheless, the KYN metabolite profile of progressive MS remains inconclusive. In this study, C57Bl/6J male mice were treated with 0.2% CPZ toxin for 5 weeks and then underwent 4 weeks of recovery. We measured the levels of serotonin, TRP, and KYN metabolites in the plasma and the brain samples of mice at weeks 1, 3, and 5 of demyelination, and at weeks 7 and 9 of remyelination periods by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) after body weight measurement and immunohistochemical analysis to confirm the development of demyelination. The UHPLC-MS/MS measurements demonstrated a significant reduction of kynurenic acid, 3-hydoxykynurenine (3-HK), and xanthurenic acid in the plasma and a significant reduction of 3-HK, and anthranilic acid in the brain samples at week 5. Here, we show the profile of KYN metabolites in the CPZ-induced mouse model of demyelination. Thus, the KYN metabolite profile potentially serves as a biomarker of progressive MS and thus opens a new path toward planning personalized treatment, which is frequently obscured with immunologic components in MS deterioration. Full article
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13 pages, 1549 KiB  
Article
The Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Increases in Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Responders Patients with First-Episode, Drug-Naïve Major Depression
by Reiji Yoshimura, Naomichi Okamoto, Enkmurun Chibaatar, Tomoya Natsuyama and Atsuko Ikenouchi
Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020584 - 16 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2005
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor synthesized in the cell bodies of neurons and glia, which affects neuronal maturation, the survival of nervous system, and synaptic plasticity. BDNF play an important role in the pathophysiology of major depression (MD). The serum [...] Read more.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor synthesized in the cell bodies of neurons and glia, which affects neuronal maturation, the survival of nervous system, and synaptic plasticity. BDNF play an important role in the pathophysiology of major depression (MD). The serum BDNF levels changed over time, or with the improvement in depressive symptoms. However, the change of serum BDNF during pharmacotherapy remains obscure in MDD. In particular, the changes in serum BDNF associated with pharmacotherapy have not yet been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to compare the changes in serum BDNF concentrations in first-episode, drug-naive patients with MD treated with antidepressants between treatment-response and treatment-nonresponse groups. The study included 35 inpatients and outpatients composed of 15 males and 20 females aged 36.7 ± 6.8 years at the Department of Psychiatry of our University Hospital. All patients met the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for MD. The antidepressants administered included paroxetine, duloxetine, and escitalopram. Severity of depressive state was assessed using the 17-item HAMD before and 8 weeks after drug administration. Responders were defined as those whose total HAMD scores at 8 weeks had decreased by 50% or more compared to those before drug administration, while non-responders were those whose total HAMD scores had decreased by less than 50%. Here we showed that serum BDNF levels were not significantly different at any point between the two groups. The responder group, but not the non-responder group, showed statistically significant changes in serum BDNF 0 and serum BDNF 8. The results suggest that the changes of serum BDNF might differ between the two groups. The measurement of serum BDNF has the potential to be a useful predictor of pharmacotherapy in patients with first-episode, drug-naïve MD. Full article
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19 pages, 4099 KiB  
Article
Noradrenergic Modulation of Learned and Innate Behaviors in Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats by Guanfacine
by Anna Volnova, Natalia Kurzina, Anastasia Belskaya, Arina Gromova, Arseniy Pelevin, Maria Ptukha, Zoia Fesenko, Alla Ignashchenkova and Raul R. Gainetdinov
Biomedicines 2023, 11(1), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11010222 - 15 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2121
Abstract
Investigation of the precise mechanisms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other dopamine-associated conditions is crucial for the development of new treatment approaches. In this study, we assessed the effects of repeated and acute administration of α2A-adrenoceptor agonist guanfacine on innate [...] Read more.
Investigation of the precise mechanisms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other dopamine-associated conditions is crucial for the development of new treatment approaches. In this study, we assessed the effects of repeated and acute administration of α2A-adrenoceptor agonist guanfacine on innate and learned forms of behavior of dopamine transporter knockout (DAT-KO) rats to evaluate the possible noradrenergic modulation of behavioral deficits. DAT-KO and wild type rats were trained in the Hebb–Williams maze to perform spatial working memory tasks. Innate behavior was evaluated via pre pulse inhibition (PPI). Brain activity of the prefrontal cortex and the striatum was assessed. Repeated administration of GF improved the spatial working memory task fulfillment and PPI in DAT-KO rats, and led to specific changes in the power spectra and coherence of brain activity. Our data indicate that both repeated and acute treatment with a non-stimulant noradrenergic drug lead to improvements in the behavior of DAT-KO rats. This study further supports the role of the intricate balance of norepinephrine and dopamine in the regulation of attention. The observed compensatory effect of guanfacine on the behavior of hyperdopaminergic rats may be used in the development of combined treatments to support the dopamine–norepinephrine balance. Full article
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12 pages, 762 KiB  
Article
Vertigo in Acute Stroke Is a Predictor of Brain Location but Is Not Related to Early Outcome: The Experience of Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry
by Angela d’Annunzio, Adrià Arboix, Luís García-Eroles and María-José Sánchez-López
Biomedicines 2022, 10(11), 2830; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112830 - 06 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2750
Abstract
Background: Vertigo is an uncommon symptom among acute stroke victims. Knowledge about the clinical profile, the brain location, and the early outcome in stroke patients with cerebrovascular diseases and vertigo remains limited. Objectives: In this study, the effects of vertigo on cerebral topography [...] Read more.
Background: Vertigo is an uncommon symptom among acute stroke victims. Knowledge about the clinical profile, the brain location, and the early outcome in stroke patients with cerebrovascular diseases and vertigo remains limited. Objectives: In this study, the effects of vertigo on cerebral topography and early prognosis in cerebrovascular diseases were investigated. Methods: A comparative analysis in terms of demographics, risk factors, clinical characteristics, stroke subtypes, cerebral and vascular topography, and early outcome was performed between patients with presence or absence of vertigo on a sample of 3743 consecutive acute stroke patients available from a 24-year ongoing single-center hospital-based stroke registry. Results: Vertigo was present in 147 patients (3.9%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that variables independently associated with vertigo were: location in the cerebellum (OR 5.59, CI 95% 3.24–9.64), nausea or vomiting (OR 4.48, CI 95% 2.95–6.82), medulla (OR 2.87, CI 95% 1.31–6.30), pons (OR 2.39, CI 95% 1.26–4.51), basilar artery (OR 2.36, CI 95% 1.33–4.17), ataxia (OR 2.33, CI 95% 1.41–3.85), and headache (OR 2.31, CI 95% 1.53–3.49). Conclusion: The study confirmed that the presence of vertigo was not related with increased in-hospital mortality or poor prognosis at hospital discharge. Vertigo is mainly related to non-lacunar vertebrobasilar stroke with topographic localization in the cerebellum and/or brainstem. Full article
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18 pages, 3627 KiB  
Article
Human iPSC Modeling of Genetic Febrile Seizure Reveals Aberrant Molecular and Physiological Features Underlying an Impaired Neuronal Activity
by Stefania Scalise, Clara Zannino, Valeria Lucchino, Michela Lo Conte, Luana Scaramuzzino, Pierangelo Cifelli, Tiziano D’Andrea, Katiuscia Martinello, Sergio Fucile, Eleonora Palma, Antonio Gambardella, Gabriele Ruffolo, Giovanni Cuda and Elvira Immacolata Parrotta
Biomedicines 2022, 10(5), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10051075 - 05 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2544
Abstract
Mutations in SCN1A gene, encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) NaV1.1, are widely recognized as a leading cause of genetic febrile seizures (FS), due to the decrease in the Na+ current density, mainly affecting the inhibitory neuronal transmission. Here, we [...] Read more.
Mutations in SCN1A gene, encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) NaV1.1, are widely recognized as a leading cause of genetic febrile seizures (FS), due to the decrease in the Na+ current density, mainly affecting the inhibitory neuronal transmission. Here, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived neurons (idNs) from a patient belonging to a genetically well-characterized Italian family, carrying the c.434T > C mutation in SCN1A gene (hereafter SCN1AM145T). A side-by-side comparison of diseased and healthy idNs revealed an overall maturation delay of SCN1AM145T cells. Membranes isolated from both diseased and control idNs were injected into Xenopus oocytes and both GABA and AMPA currents were successfully recorded. Patch-clamp measurements on idNs revealed depolarized action potential for SCN1AM145T, suggesting a reduced excitability. Expression analyses of VGSCs and chloride co-transporters NKCC1 and KCC2 showed a cellular “dysmaturity” of mutated idNs, strengthened by the high expression of SCN3A, a more fetal-like VGSC isoform, and a high NKCC1/KCC2 ratio, in mutated cells. Overall, we provide strong evidence for an intrinsic cellular immaturity, underscoring the role of mutant NaV1.1 in the development of FS. Furthermore, our data are strengthening previous findings obtained using transfected cells and recordings on human slices, demonstrating that diseased idNs represent a powerful tool for personalized therapy and ex vivo drug screening for human epileptic disorders. Full article
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Review

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21 pages, 1392 KiB  
Review
Fronto–Cerebellar Diaschisis and Cognitive Dysfunction after Pontine Stroke: A Case Series and Systematic Review
by Kei Shimmyo and Shigeru Obayashi
Biomedicines 2024, 12(3), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12030623 - 11 Mar 2024
Viewed by 756
Abstract
It is well known that cortical damage may affect cognitive functions, whereas subcortical damage, especially brainstem stroke, would be far less likely to cause cognitive decline, resulting in this condition being overlooked. Few studies have focused on cognitive dysfunction after a pontine stroke. [...] Read more.
It is well known that cortical damage may affect cognitive functions, whereas subcortical damage, especially brainstem stroke, would be far less likely to cause cognitive decline, resulting in this condition being overlooked. Few studies have focused on cognitive dysfunction after a pontine stroke. Here, we begin with describing our nine new case reports of in-depth neuropsychological findings from patients with pontine stroke. The dominant domain of cognitive dysfunction was commonly characterized by executive dysfunction, almost in line with previous studies. The severity was relatively mild. We give an overview of the available literature on cognitive decline following a pontine stroke. This is followed by discussions regarding the prognosis of the cognitive disabilities. Based on previous neuroimaging findings, we would like to get to the core of the neuropathology underlying the cognitive declines in the context of “diaschisis”, a phenomenon of a broad range of brain dysfunctions remote from the local lesions. Specifically, our unique paper, with two modalities of neuroimaging techniques, may help us better understand the pathology. SPECT scans yield evidence of frontal and thalamic hyper-perfusion and cerebellar hypo-perfusion in patients with pontine stroke. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy, when focusing on the supplementary motor area (SMA) as one of the hyper-perfusion areas, exhibits that SMA responses may be subject to the severity of cognitive decline due to a pontine stroke and would also be related to the recovery. Finally, we posit that cognitive decline due to pontine stroke could be explained by the failure of hierarchical cognitive processing in the fronto–ponto–cerebellar–thalamic loop. Full article
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14 pages, 1096 KiB  
Review
Rehabilitation: Neurogenic Bone Loss after Spinal Cord Injury
by Giovanna E. Leone, Donald C. Shields, Azizul Haque and Narendra L. Banik
Biomedicines 2023, 11(9), 2581; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11092581 - 20 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1370
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder which can severely limit one’s ability to complete daily tasks due to the increased risk of bone fractures, reducing quality of life. Spinal cord injury (SCI) can also result in osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Most individuals experience sarcopenia [...] Read more.
Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder which can severely limit one’s ability to complete daily tasks due to the increased risk of bone fractures, reducing quality of life. Spinal cord injury (SCI) can also result in osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Most individuals experience sarcopenia and osteoporosis due to advancing age; however, individuals with SCI experience more rapid and debilitating levels of muscle and bone loss due to neurogenic factors, musculoskeletal disuse, and cellular/molecular events. Thus, preserving and maintaining bone mass after SCI is crucial to decreasing the risk of fragility and fracture in vulnerable SCI populations. Recent studies have provided an improved understanding of the pathophysiology and risk factors related to musculoskeletal loss after SCI. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies have also provided for the reduction in or elimination of neurogenic bone loss after SCI. This review article will discuss the pathophysiology and risk factors of muscle and bone loss after SCI, including the mechanisms that may lead to muscle and bone loss after SCI. This review will also focus on current and future pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies for reducing or eliminating neurogenic bone loss following SCI. Full article
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21 pages, 1894 KiB  
Review
Beyond the Microbiota: Understanding the Role of the Enteric Nervous System in Parkinson’s Disease from Mice to Human
by Martina Montanari, Paola Imbriani, Paola Bonsi, Giuseppina Martella and Antonella Peppe
Biomedicines 2023, 11(6), 1560; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061560 - 27 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2839
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a nerve network composed of neurons and glial cells that regulates the motor and secretory functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There is abundant evidence of mutual communication between the brain and the GI tract. Dysfunction of [...] Read more.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a nerve network composed of neurons and glial cells that regulates the motor and secretory functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There is abundant evidence of mutual communication between the brain and the GI tract. Dysfunction of these connections appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Alterations in the ENS have been shown to occur very early in PD, even before central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Post-mortem studies of PD patients have shown aggregation of α-synuclein (αS) in specific subtypes of neurons in the ENS. Subsequently, αS spreads retrogradely in the CNS through preganglionic vagal fibers to this nerve’s dorsal motor nucleus (DMV) and other central nervous structures. Here, we highlight the role of the ENS in PD pathogenesis based on evidence observed in animal models and using a translational perspective. While acknowledging the putative role of the microbiome in the gut–brain axis (GBA), this review provides a comprehensive view of the ENS not only as a “second brain”, but also as a window into the “first brain”, a potentially crucial element in the search for new therapeutic approaches that can delay and even cure the disease. Full article
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62 pages, 2744 KiB  
Review
NLRP3 Inflammasome’s Activation in Acute and Chronic Brain Diseases—An Update on Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives with Respect to Other Inflammasomes
by Anna Chiarini, Li Gui, Chiara Viviani, Ubaldo Armato and Ilaria Dal Prà
Biomedicines 2023, 11(4), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11040999 - 23 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4460
Abstract
Increasingly prevalent acute and chronic human brain diseases are scourges for the elderly. Besides the lack of therapies, these ailments share a neuroinflammation that is triggered/sustained by different innate immunity-related protein oligomers called inflammasomes. Relevant neuroinflammation players such as microglia/monocytes typically exhibit a [...] Read more.
Increasingly prevalent acute and chronic human brain diseases are scourges for the elderly. Besides the lack of therapies, these ailments share a neuroinflammation that is triggered/sustained by different innate immunity-related protein oligomers called inflammasomes. Relevant neuroinflammation players such as microglia/monocytes typically exhibit a strong NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Hence the idea that NLRP3 suppression might solve neurodegenerative ailments. Here we review the recent Literature about this topic. First, we update conditions and mechanisms, including RNAs, extracellular vesicles/exosomes, endogenous compounds, and ethnic/pharmacological agents/extracts regulating NLRP3 function. Second, we pinpoint NLRP3-activating mechanisms and known NLRP3 inhibition effects in acute (ischemia, stroke, hemorrhage), chronic (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, MS, ALS), and virus-induced (Zika, SARS-CoV-2, and others) human brain diseases. The available data show that (i) disease-specific divergent mechanisms activate the (mainly animal) brains NLRP3; (ii) no evidence proves that NLRP3 inhibition modifies human brain diseases (yet ad hoc trials are ongoing); and (iii) no findings exclude that concurrently activated other-than-NLRP3 inflammasomes might functionally replace the inhibited NLRP3. Finally, we highlight that among the causes of the persistent lack of therapies are the species difference problem in disease models and a preference for symptomatic over etiologic therapeutic approaches. Therefore, we posit that human neural cell-based disease models could drive etiological, pathogenetic, and therapeutic advances, including NLRP3’s and other inflammasomes’ regulation, while minimizing failure risks in candidate drug trials. Full article
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20 pages, 2153 KiB  
Review
The Neurobiological Correlates of Gaze Perception in Healthy Individuals and Neurologic Patients
by Simone Battaglia, Jasper H. Fabius, Katarina Moravkova, Alessio Fracasso and Sara Borgomaneri
Biomedicines 2022, 10(3), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10030627 - 09 Mar 2022
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 5485
Abstract
The ability to adaptively follow conspecific eye movements is crucial for establishing shared attention and survival. Indeed, in humans, interacting with the gaze direction of others causes the reflexive orienting of attention and the faster object detection of the signaled spatial location. The [...] Read more.
The ability to adaptively follow conspecific eye movements is crucial for establishing shared attention and survival. Indeed, in humans, interacting with the gaze direction of others causes the reflexive orienting of attention and the faster object detection of the signaled spatial location. The behavioral evidence of this phenomenon is called gaze-cueing. Although this effect can be conceived as automatic and reflexive, gaze-cueing is often susceptible to context. In fact, gaze-cueing was shown to interact with other factors that characterize facial stimulus, such as the kind of cue that induces attention orienting (i.e., gaze or non-symbolic cues) or the emotional expression conveyed by the gaze cues. Here, we address neuroimaging evidence, investigating the neural bases of gaze-cueing and the perception of gaze direction and how contextual factors interact with the gaze shift of attention. Evidence from neuroimaging, as well as the fields of non-invasive brain stimulation and neurologic patients, highlights the involvement of the amygdala and the superior temporal lobe (especially the superior temporal sulcus (STS)) in gaze perception. However, in this review, we also emphasized the discrepancies of the attempts to characterize the distinct functional roles of the regions in the processing of gaze. Finally, we conclude by presenting the notion of invariant representation and underline its value as a conceptual framework for the future characterization of the perceptual processing of gaze within the STS. Full article
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 1930 KiB  
Systematic Review
Obliviate! Reviewing Neural Fundamentals of Intentional Forgetting from a Meta-Analytic Perspective
by Olga Lucia Gamboa, Hu Chuan-Peng, Christian E. Salas and Kenneth S. L. Yuen
Biomedicines 2022, 10(7), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10071555 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2059
Abstract
Intentional forgetting (IF) is an important adaptive mechanism necessary for correct memory functioning, optimal psychological wellbeing, and appropriate daily performance. Due to its complexity, the neuropsychological processes that give birth to successful intentional forgetting are not yet clearly known. In this study, we [...] Read more.
Intentional forgetting (IF) is an important adaptive mechanism necessary for correct memory functioning, optimal psychological wellbeing, and appropriate daily performance. Due to its complexity, the neuropsychological processes that give birth to successful intentional forgetting are not yet clearly known. In this study, we used two different meta-analytic algorithms, Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) & Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to quantitatively assess the neural correlates of IF and to evaluate the degree of compatibility between the proposed neurobiological models and the existing brain imaging data. We found that IF involves the interaction of two networks, the main “core regions” consisting of a primarily right-lateralized frontal-parietal circuit that is activated irrespective of the paradigm used and sample characteristics and a second less constrained “supportive network” that involves frontal-hippocampal interactions when IF takes place. Additionally, our results support the validity of the inhibitory or thought suppression hypothesis. The presence of a neural signature of IF that is stable regardless of experimental paradigms is a promising finding that may open new venues for the development of effective clinical interventions. Full article
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