Editorial

9 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

From Lab to Life: Exploring Cutting-Edge Models for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

by Masaru Tanaka and László Vécsei

Biomedicines 2024, 12(3), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12030613 - 08 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1615

Neuroscience, neurology, and psychiatry are rapidly evolving fields that aim to understand the complex mechanisms underlying brain function and dysfunction, as well as to develop effective interventions for various neurological and psychiatric disorders [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

20 pages, 1729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Health and Transition to Psychosis in People at Clinical High Risk

by Andrea De Micheli, Umberto Provenzani, Kamil Krakowski, Dominic Oliver, Stefano Damiani, Natascia Brondino, Philip McGuire and Paolo Fusar-Poli

Biomedicines 2024, 12(3), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12030523 - 26 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 851

Abstract

Background: The clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) construct represents an opportunity for prevention and early intervention in young adults, but the relationship between risk for psychosis and physical health in these patients remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a RECORD-compliant clinical register-based cohort [...] Read more.

Background: The clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) construct represents an opportunity for prevention and early intervention in young adults, but the relationship between risk for psychosis and physical health in these patients remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a RECORD-compliant clinical register-based cohort study, selecting the long-term cumulative risk of developing a persistent psychotic disorder as the primary outcome. We investigated associations between primary outcome and physical health data with Electronic Health Records at the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Trust, UK (January 2013–October 2020). We performed survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: The database included 137 CHR-P subjects; 21 CHR-P developed psychosis during follow-up, and the cumulative incidence of psychosis risk was 4.9% at 1 year and 56.3% at 7 years. Log-rank tests suggested that psychosis risk might change between different levels of nicotine and alcohol dependence. Kaplan-Meier curve analyses indicated that non-hazardous drinkers may have a lower psychosis risk than non-drinkers. In the Cox proportional hazard model, nicotine dependence presented a hazard ratio of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.1–1.64) (p = 0.01), indicating a 34% increase in psychosis risk for every additional point on the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a comprehensive assessment of tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity in CHR-P subjects is key to understanding how physical health contributes to psychosis risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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15 pages, 1288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Single Application of Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Fails to Enhance Motor Skill Acquisition in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

by Lidio Lima de Albuquerque, Milan Pantovic, Mitchell Clingo, Katherine Fischer, Sharon Jalene, Merrill Landers, Zoltan Mari and Brach Poston

Biomedicines 2023, 11(8), 2219; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082219 - 08 Aug 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1311

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to numerous impairments in motor function that compromise the ability to perform activities of daily living. Practical and effective adjunct therapies are needed to complement current treatment approaches in PD. Transcranial direct current [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to numerous impairments in motor function that compromise the ability to perform activities of daily living. Practical and effective adjunct therapies are needed to complement current treatment approaches in PD. Transcranial direct current stimulation applied to the cerebellum (c-tDCS) can increase motor skill in young and older adults. Because the cerebellum is involved in PD pathology, c-tDCS application during motor practice could potentially enhance motor skill in PD. The primary purpose was to examine the influence of c-tDCS on motor skill acquisition in a complex, visuomotor isometric precision grip task (PGT) in PD in the OFF-medication state. The secondary purpose was to determine the influence of c-tDCS on transfer of motor skill in PD. The study utilized a double-blind, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects design. A total of 16 participants completed a c-tDCS condition and a SHAM condition in two experimental sessions separated by a 7-day washout period. Each session involved practice of the PGT concurrent with either c-tDCS or SHAM. Additionally, motor transfer tasks were quantified before and after the practice and stimulation period. The force error in the PGT was not significantly different between the c-tDCS and SHAM conditions. Similarly, transfer task performance was not significantly different between the c-tDCS and SHAM conditions. These findings indicate that a single session of c-tDCS does not elicit acute improvements in motor skill acquisition or transfer in hand and arm tasks in PD while participants are off medications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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15 pages, 2378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sedation Therapy in Intensive Care Units: Harnessing the Power of Antioxidants to Combat Oxidative Stress

by Gen Inoue, Yuhei Ohtaki, Kazue Satoh, Yuki Odanaka, Akihito Katoh, Keisuke Suzuki, Yoshitake Tomita, Manabu Eiraku, Kazuki Kikuchi, Kouhei Harano, Masaharu Yagi, Naoki Uchida and Kenji Dohi

Biomedicines 2023, 11(8), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082129 - 28 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1154

Abstract

In critically ill patients requiring intensive care, increased oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis. Sedatives are widely used for sedation in many of these patients. Some sedatives are known antioxidants. However, no studies have evaluated the direct scavenging activity of various [...] Read more.

In critically ill patients requiring intensive care, increased oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis. Sedatives are widely used for sedation in many of these patients. Some sedatives are known antioxidants. However, no studies have evaluated the direct scavenging activity of various sedative agents on different free radicals. This study aimed to determine whether common sedatives (propofol, thiopental, and dexmedetomidine (DEX)) have direct free radical scavenging activity against various free radicals using in vitro electron spin resonance. Superoxide, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, and nitric oxide (NO) direct scavenging activities were measured. All sedatives scavenged different types of free radicals. DEX, a new sedative, also scavenged hydroxyl radicals. Thiopental scavenged all types of free radicals, including NO, whereas propofol did not scavenge superoxide radicals. In this retrospective analysis, we observed changes in oxidative antioxidant markers following the administration of thiopental in patients with severe head trauma. We identified the direct radical-scavenging activity of various sedatives used in clinical settings. Furthermore, we reported a representative case of traumatic brain injury wherein thiopental administration dramatically affected oxidative-stress-related biomarkers. This study suggests that, in the future, sedatives containing thiopental may be redeveloped as an antioxidant therapy through further clinical research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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18 pages, 3521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Biosafety Study of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells Transduced with Adenoviral Vector Carrying Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor cDNA In Vitro

by Ilnur I. Salafutdinov, Dilara Z. Gatina, Maria I. Markelova, Ekaterina E. Garanina, Sergey Yu. Malanin, Ilnaz M. Gazizov, Andrei A. Izmailov, Albert A. Rizvanov, Rustem R. Islamov, András Palotás and Zufar Z. Safiullov

Biomedicines 2023, 11(7), 2020; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11072020 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1126

Abstract

The biosafety of gene therapy remains a crucial issue for both the direct and cell-mediated delivery of recombinant cDNA encoding biologically active molecules for the pathogenetic correction of congenital or acquired disorders. The diversity of vector systems and cell carriers for the delivery [...] Read more.

The biosafety of gene therapy remains a crucial issue for both the direct and cell-mediated delivery of recombinant cDNA encoding biologically active molecules for the pathogenetic correction of congenital or acquired disorders. The diversity of vector systems and cell carriers for the delivery of therapeutic genes revealed the difficulty of developing and implementing a safe and effective drug containing artificial genetic material for the treatment of human diseases in practical medicine. Therefore, in this study we assessed changes in the transcriptome and secretome of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MCs) genetically modified using adenoviral vector (Ad5) carrying cDNA encoding human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) or reporter green fluorescent protein (GFP). A preliminary analysis of UCB-MCs transduced with Ad5-VEGF165 and Ad5-GFP with MOI of 10 showed efficient transgene expression in gene-modified UCB-MCs at mRNA and protein levels. The whole transcriptome sequencing of native UCB-MCs, UCB-MC+Ad5-VEGF165, and UCB-MC+Ad5-GFP demonstrated individual sample variability rather than the effect of Ad5 or the expression of recombinant vegf165 on UCB-MC transcriptomes. A multiplex secretome analysis indicated that neither the transduction of UCB-MCs with Ad5-GFP nor with Ad5-VEGF165 affects the secretion of the studied cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors by gene-modified cells. Here, we show that UCB-MCs transduced with Ad5 carrying cDNA encoding human VEGF165 efficiently express transgenes and preserve transcriptome and secretome patterns. This data demonstrates the biosafety of using UCB-MCs as cell carriers of therapeutic genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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14 pages, 1882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TRPM4 Blocking Antibody Protects Cerebral Vasculature in Delayed Stroke Reperfusion

by Bo Chen, Shunhui Wei, See Wee Low, Charlene Priscilla Poore, Andy Thiam-Huat Lee, Bernd Nilius and Ping Liao

Biomedicines 2023, 11(5), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11051480 - 19 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1500

Abstract

Reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke aims to restore the blood flow of occluded blood vessels. However, successful recanalization is often associated with disruption of the blood-brain barrier, leading to reperfusion injury. Delayed recanalization increases the risk of severe reperfusion injury, including severe [...] Read more.

Reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke aims to restore the blood flow of occluded blood vessels. However, successful recanalization is often associated with disruption of the blood-brain barrier, leading to reperfusion injury. Delayed recanalization increases the risk of severe reperfusion injury, including severe cerebral edema and hemorrhagic transformation. The TRPM4-blocking antibody M4P has been shown to alleviate reperfusion injury and improve functional outcomes in animal models of early stroke reperfusion. In this study, we examined the role of M4P in a clinically relevant rat model of delayed stroke reperfusion in which the left middle cerebral artery was occluded for 7 h. To mimic the clinical scenario, M4P or control IgG was administered 1 h before recanalization. Immunostaining showed that M4P treatment improved vascular morphology after stroke. Evans blue extravasation demonstrated attenuated vascular leakage following M4P treatment. With better vascular integrity, cerebral perfusion was improved, leading to a reduction of infarct volume and animal mortality rate. Functional outcome was evaluated by the Rotarod test. As more animals with severe injuries died during the test in the control IgG group, we observed no difference in functional outcomes in the surviving animals. In conclusion, we identified the potential of TRPM4 blocking antibody M4P to ameliorate vascular injury during delayed stroke reperfusion. If combined with reperfusion therapy, M4P has the potential to improve current stroke management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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25 pages, 10639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia and Directed Information Flow between Brain and Body Indicate Different Management Strategies of fMRI-Related Anxiety

by Beate Rassler, Katarzyna Blinowska, Maciej Kaminski and Gert Pfurtscheller

Biomedicines 2023, 11(4), 1028; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11041028 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2237

Abstract

Background: Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) denotes decrease of cardiac beat-to-beat intervals (RRI) during inspiration and RRI increase during expiration, but an inverse pattern (termed negative RSA) was also found in healthy humans with elevated anxiety. It was detected using wave-by-wave analysis of cardiorespiratory [...] Read more.

Background: Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) denotes decrease of cardiac beat-to-beat intervals (RRI) during inspiration and RRI increase during expiration, but an inverse pattern (termed negative RSA) was also found in healthy humans with elevated anxiety. It was detected using wave-by-wave analysis of cardiorespiratory rhythms and was considered to reflect a strategy of anxiety management involving the activation of a neural pacemaker. Results were consistent with slow breathing, but contained uncertainty at normal breathing rates (0.2–0.4 Hz). Objectives and methods: We combined wave-by-wave analysis and directed information flow analysis to obtain information on anxiety management at higher breathing rates. We analyzed cardiorespiratory rhythms and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals from the brainstem and cortex in 10 healthy fMRI participants with elevated anxiety. Results: Three subjects with slow respiratory, RRI, and neural BOLD oscillations showed 57 ± 26% negative RSA and significant anxiety reduction by 54 ± 9%. Six participants with breathing rate of ~0.3 Hz showed 41 ± 16% negative RSA and weaker anxiety reduction. They presented significant information flow from RRI to respiration and from the middle frontal cortex to the brainstem, which may result from respiration-entrained brain oscillations, indicating another anxiety management strategy. Conclusions: The two analytical approaches applied here indicate at least two different anxiety management strategies in healthy subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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18 pages, 2301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estradiol Treatment Enhances Behavioral and Molecular Changes Induced by Repetitive Trigeminal Activation in a Rat Model of Migraine

by Eleonóra Spekker, Zsuzsanna Bohár, Annamária Fejes-Szabó, Mónika Szűcs, László Vécsei and Árpád Párdutz

Biomedicines 2022, 10(12), 3175; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10123175 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1812

Abstract

A migraine is a neurological condition that can cause multiple symptoms. It is up to three times more common in women than men, thus, estrogen may play an important role in the appearance attacks. Its exact pathomechanism is still unknown; however, the activation [...] Read more.

A migraine is a neurological condition that can cause multiple symptoms. It is up to three times more common in women than men, thus, estrogen may play an important role in the appearance attacks. Its exact pathomechanism is still unknown; however, the activation and sensitization of the trigeminal system play an essential role. We aimed to use an animal model, which would better illustrate the process of repeated episodic migraine attacks to reveal possible new mechanisms of trigeminal pain chronification. Twenty male (M) and forty ovariectomized (OVX) female adult rats were used for our experiment. Male rats were divided into two groups (M + SIF, M + IS), while female rats were divided into four groups (OVX + SIF, OVX + IS, OVX + E2 + SIF, OVX + E2 + IS); half of the female rats received capsules filled with cholesterol (OVX + SIF, OVX + IS), while the other half received a 1:1 mixture of cholesterol and 17β-estradiol (OVX + E2 + SIF, OVX + E2 + IS). The animals received synthetic interstitial fluid (SIF) (M + SIF, OVX + SIF, OVX + E2 + SIF) or inflammatory soup (IS) (M + IS, OVX + IS, OVX + E2 + IS) treatment on the dural surface through a cannula for three consecutive days each week (12 times in total). Behavior tests and immunostainings were performed. After IS application, a significant decrease was observed in the pain threshold in the M + IS (0.001 < p < 0.5), OVX + IS (0.01 < p < 0.05), and OVX + E2 + IS (0.001 < p < 0.05) groups compared to the control groups (M + SIF; OVX + SIF, OVX + E2 + SIF). The locomotor activity of the rats was lower in the IS treated groups (M + IS, 0.01 < p < 0.05; OVX + IS, p < 0.05; OVX + E2 + IS, 0.001 < p < 0.05), and these animals spent more time in the dark room (M + IS, p < 0.05; OVX + IS, 0.01 < p < 0.05; OVX + E2 + IS, 0.001 < p < 0.01). We found a significant difference between M + IS and OVX + E2 + IS groups (p < 0.05) in the behavior tests. Furthermore, IS increased the area covered by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactive (IR) fibers (M + IS, p < 0.01; OVX + IS, p < 0.01; OVX + E2 + IS, p < 0.001) and the number of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) IR cells (M + IS, 0.001< p < 0.05; OVX + IS, 0.01 < p < 0.05; OVX + E2 + IS, 0.001 < p < 0.05) in the caudal trigeminal nucleus (TNC). There was no difference between M + IS and OVX + IS groups; however, the area was covered by CGRP IR fibers (0.01 < p < 0.05) and the number of nNOS IR cells was significantly higher in the OVX + E2 + IS (p < 0.05) group than the other two IS- (M + IS, OVX + IS) treated animals. Overall, repeated administration of IS triggers activation and sensitization processes and develops nociceptive behavior changes. CGRP and nNOS levels increased significantly in the TNC after IS treatments, and moreover, pain thresholds and locomotor activity decreased with the development of photophobia. In our model, stable high estradiol levels proved to be pronociceptive. Thus, repeated trigeminal activation causes marked behavioral changes, which is more prominent in rats treated with estradiol, also reflected by the expression of the sensitization markers of the trigeminal system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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16 pages, 1252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Association Study and Machine Learning to Investigate Differences in Platelet Reactivity in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated with Aspirin

by Anna Ikonnikova, Anastasia Anisimova, Sergey Galkin, Anastasia Gunchenko, Zhabikai Abdukhalikova, Marina Filippova, Sergey Surzhikov, Lidia Selyaeva, Valery Shershov, Alexander Zasedatelev, Maria Avdonina and Tatiana Nasedkina

Biomedicines 2022, 10(10), 2564; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102564 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1919

Abstract

Aspirin resistance (AR) is a pressing problem in current ischemic stroke care. Although the role of genetic variations is widely considered, the data still remain controversial. Our aim was to investigate the contribution of genetic features to laboratory AR measured through platelet aggregation [...] Read more.

Aspirin resistance (AR) is a pressing problem in current ischemic stroke care. Although the role of genetic variations is widely considered, the data still remain controversial. Our aim was to investigate the contribution of genetic features to laboratory AR measured through platelet aggregation with arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in ischemic stroke patients. A total of 461 patients were enrolled. Platelet aggregation was measured via light transmission aggregometry. Eighteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ITGB3, GPIBA, TBXA2R, ITGA2, PLA2G7, HMOX1, PTGS1, PTGS2, ADRA2A, ABCB1 and PEAR1 genes and the intergenic 9p21.3 region were determined using low-density biochips. We found an association of rs1330344 in the PTGS1 gene with AR and AA-induced platelet aggregation. Rs4311994 in ADRA2A gene also affected AA-induced aggregation, and rs4523 in the TBXA2R gene and rs12041331 in the PEAR1 gene influenced ADP-induced aggregation. Furthermore, the effect of rs1062535 in the ITGA2 gene on NIHSS dynamics during 10 days of treatment was found. The best machine learning (ML) model for AR based on clinical and genetic factors was characterized by AUC = 0.665 and F1-score = 0.628. In conclusion, the association study showed that PTGS1, ADRA2A, TBXA2R and PEAR1 polymorphisms may affect laboratory AR. However, the ML model demonstrated the predominant influence of clinical features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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14 pages, 3293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PET/MRI in the Presurgical Evaluation of Patients with Epilepsy: A Concordance Analysis

by Katalin Borbély, Miklós Emri, István Kenessey, Márton Tóth, Júlia Singer, Péter Barsi, Zsolt Vajda, Endre Pál, Zoltán Tóth, Thomas Beyer, Tamás Dóczi, Gábor Bajzik, Dániel Fabó, József Janszky, Zsófia Jordán, Dániel Fajtai, Anna Kelemen, Vera Juhos, Max Wintermark, Ferenc Nagy, Mariann Moizs, Dávid Nagy, János Lückl and Imre Repa Show full author list Hide full author list

Biomedicines 2022, 10(5), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10050949 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the clinical impact of hybrid [¹⁸F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ([¹⁸F]-FDG PET/MRI) on the decision workflow of epileptic patients with discordant electroclinical and MRI data. A novel mathematical model [...] Read more.

The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the clinical impact of hybrid [¹⁸F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ([¹⁸F]-FDG PET/MRI) on the decision workflow of epileptic patients with discordant electroclinical and MRI data. A novel mathematical model was introduced for a clinical concordance calculation supporting the classification of our patients by subgroups of clinical decisions. Fifty-nine epileptic patients with discordant clinical and diagnostic results or MRI negativity were included in this study. The diagnostic value of the PET/MRI was compared to other modalities of presurgical evaluation (e.g., electroclinical data, PET, and MRI). The results of the population-level statistical analysis of the introduced data fusion technique and concordance analysis demonstrated that this model could be the basis for the development of a more accurate clinical decision support parameter in the future. Therefore, making the establishment of “invasive” (operable and implantable) and “not eligible for any further invasive procedures” groups could be much more exact. Our results confirmed the relevance of PET/MRI with the diagnostic algorithm of presurgical evaluation. The introduction of a concordance analysis could be of high importance in clinical and surgical decision-making in the management of epileptic patients. Our study corroborated previous findings regarding the advantages of hybrid PET/MRI technology over MRI and electroclinical data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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Review

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14 pages, 1240 KiB

Open AccessReview

Unraveling the Thread of Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Translational Cognitive Perspective

by Georgios Papageorgiou, Dimitrios Kasselimis, Nikolaos Laskaris and Constantin Potagas

Biomedicines 2023, 11(10), 2856; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102856 - 21 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1627

Abstract

Translational neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field that aims to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice. Regarding aphasia rehabilitation, there are still several unresolved issues related to the neural mechanisms that optimize language treatment. Although there are studies providing indications toward [...] Read more.

Translational neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field that aims to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice. Regarding aphasia rehabilitation, there are still several unresolved issues related to the neural mechanisms that optimize language treatment. Although there are studies providing indications toward a translational approach to the remediation of acquired language disorders, the incorporation of fundamental neuroplasticity principles into this field is still in progress. From that aspect, in this narrative review, we discuss some key neuroplasticity principles, which have been elucidated through animal studies and which could eventually be applied in the context of aphasia treatment. This translational approach could be further strengthened by the implementation of intervention strategies that incorporate the idea that language is supported by domain-general mechanisms, which highlights the impact of non-linguistic factors in post-stroke language recovery. Here, we highlight that translational research in aphasia has the potential to advance our knowledge of brain–language relationships. We further argue that advances in this field could lead to improvement in the remediation of acquired language disturbances by remodeling the rationale of aphasia–therapy approaches. Arguably, the complex anatomy and phenomenology of aphasia dictate the need for a multidisciplinary approach with one of its main pillars being translational research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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31 pages, 1017 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Heart–Mind Connection: Unraveling the Shared Pathways between Depression and Cardiovascular Diseases

by Justyna Sobolewska-Nowak, Katarzyna Wachowska, Artur Nowak, Agata Orzechowska, Agata Szulc, Olga Płaza and Piotr Gałecki

Biomedicines 2023, 11(7), 1903; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11071903 - 05 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3376

Abstract

Civilization diseases are defined as non-communicable diseases that affect a large part of the population. Examples of such diseases are depression and cardiovascular disease. Importantly, the World Health Organization warns against an increase in both of these. This narrative review aims to summarize [...] Read more.

Civilization diseases are defined as non-communicable diseases that affect a large part of the population. Examples of such diseases are depression and cardiovascular disease. Importantly, the World Health Organization warns against an increase in both of these. This narrative review aims to summarize the available information on measurable risk factors for CVD and depression based on the existing literature. The paper reviews the epidemiology and main risk factors for the coexistence of depression and cardiovascular disease. The authors emphasize that there is evidence of a link between depression and cardiovascular disease. Here, we highlight common risk factors for depression and cardiovascular disease, including obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity, as well as the importance of the prevention and treatment of CVD in preventing depression and other mental disorders. Conversely, effective treatment of CVD can also help prevent depression and improve mental health outcomes. It seems advisable to introduce screening tests for depression in patients treated for cardiac reasons. Importantly, in patients treated for mood disorders, it is worth controlling CVD risk factors, for example, by checking blood pressure and pulse during routine visits. It is also worth paying attention to the mental condition of patients with CVD. This study underlines the importance of interdisciplinary co-operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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27 pages, 1522 KiB

Open AccessReview

Move Your Body, Boost Your Brain: The Positive Impact of Physical Activity on Cognition across All Age Groups

by Felice Festa, Silvia Medori and Monica Macrì

Biomedicines 2023, 11(6), 1765; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061765 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5916

Abstract

While the physical improvements from exercise have been well documented over the years, the impact of physical activity on mental health has recently become an object of interest. Physical exercise improves cognition, particularly attention, memory, and executive functions. However, the mechanisms underlying these [...] Read more.

While the physical improvements from exercise have been well documented over the years, the impact of physical activity on mental health has recently become an object of interest. Physical exercise improves cognition, particularly attention, memory, and executive functions. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have yet to be fully understood. Consequently, we conducted a narrative literature review concerning the association between acute and chronic physical activity and cognition to provide an overview of exercise-induced benefits during the lifetime of a person. Most previous papers mainly reported exercise-related greater expression of neurotransmitter and neurotrophic factors. Recently, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques allowed for the detection of increased grey matter volumes for specific brain regions and substantial modifications in the default mode, frontoparietal, and dorsal attention networks following exercise. Here, we highlighted that physical activity induced significant changes in functional brain activation and cognitive performance in every age group and could counteract psychological disorders and neural decline. No particular age group gained better benefits from exercise, and a specific exercise type could generate better cognitive improvements for a selected target subject. Further research should develop appropriate intervention programs concerning age and comorbidity to achieve the most significant cognitive outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic, Epigenetic, Environmental, and Pharmacological Models for Neuroscience, Neurologic Diseases, and Psychiatric Disorders: Advancement in Bench-to-Bedside Translational Research)

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