1
|
Chamard C, Alonso S, Carrière I, Villain M, Arnould L, Debourdeau E, Huguet H, Mura T, Daien V. Dementia and glaucoma: Results from a Nationwide French Study between 2006 and 2018. Acta Ophthalmol 2024; 102:e754-e761. [PMID: 38247022 DOI: 10.1111/aos.16624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The brain and eye share many characteristics, so the eye may provide an easy-access window on brain processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the link between glaucoma as well as intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering drops load and all-cause dementia. METHODS This was a nested case-control study based on the French national healthcare database from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2018in individuals aged ≥60 years. We compared cases of incident all-cause dementia with 1:5 controls matched by date of case diagnosis (index date), age, sex, and income. We set a 5-year exposure to glaucoma period ending 2 years before the index date (lag-time period to avoid protopathic bias). The main outcome was glaucoma defined with hospitalization related to POAG and/or dispensations of IOP-lowering drops. The secondary outcome was the IOP-lowering drops load. RESULTS In total, 4810 incident all-cause dementia and 24 050 matched controls were analysed (median [IQR] age 82 [10] years; 66.6% women). The prevalence of glaucoma was 14.0% in controls and cases. Risk of all-cause dementia was not associated with glaucoma (crude OR, 1.02; 95% CI [0.93-1.11]; p = 0.7; adjusted OR, 0.99; 95% CI [0.91-1.09]; p = 0.9) or IOP-lowering drops load (p = 0.2). CONCLUSION The present study in general population ≥60 years old in France did not find any association between glaucoma and incident all-cause dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Chamard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier, France
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Sandrine Alonso
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Public Health, CHRU Nîmes, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - Isabelle Carrière
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Max Villain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Louis Arnould
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Eloi Debourdeau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Héléna Huguet
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Public Health, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thibault Mura
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Public Health, CHRU Nîmes, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - Vincent Daien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier, France
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- The Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gaire BP, Koronyo Y, Fuchs DT, Shi H, Rentsendorj A, Danziger R, Vit JP, Mirzaei N, Doustar J, Sheyn J, Hampel H, Vergallo A, Davis MR, Jallow O, Baldacci F, Verdooner SR, Barron E, Mirzaei M, Gupta VK, Graham SL, Tayebi M, Carare RO, Sadun AA, Miller CA, Dumitrascu OM, Lahiri S, Gao L, Black KL, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology in the Retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 101:101273. [PMID: 38759947 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The retina is an emerging CNS target for potential noninvasive diagnosis and tracking of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies have identified the pathological hallmarks of AD, including amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposits and abnormal tau protein isoforms, in the retinas of AD patients and animal models. Moreover, structural and functional vascular abnormalities such as reduced blood flow, vascular Aβ deposition, and blood-retinal barrier damage, along with inflammation and neurodegeneration, have been described in retinas of patients with mild cognitive impairment and AD dementia. Histological, biochemical, and clinical studies have demonstrated that the nature and severity of AD pathologies in the retina and brain correspond. Proteomics analysis revealed a similar pattern of dysregulated proteins and biological pathways in the retina and brain of AD patients, with enhanced inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes, impaired oxidative-phosphorylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, investigational imaging technologies can now detect AD-specific amyloid deposits, as well as vasculopathy and neurodegeneration in the retina of living AD patients, suggesting alterations at different disease stages and links to brain pathology. Current and exploratory ophthalmic imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and hyperspectral imaging, may offer promise in the clinical assessment of AD. However, further research is needed to deepen our understanding of AD's impact on the retina and its progression. To advance this field, future studies require replication in larger and diverse cohorts with confirmed AD biomarkers and standardized retinal imaging techniques. This will validate potential retinal biomarkers for AD, aiding in early screening and monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhakta Prasad Gaire
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Haoshen Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Altan Rentsendorj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ron Danziger
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Vit
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nazanin Mirzaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonah Doustar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia Sheyn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Harald Hampel
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Miyah R Davis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ousman Jallow
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ernesto Barron
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivek K Gupta
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Clinical Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mourad Tayebi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Roxana O Carare
- Department of Clinical Neuroanatomy, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alfredo A Sadun
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carol A Miller
- Department of Pathology Program in Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Shouri Lahiri
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Liang Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Di Pippo M, Cipollini V, Giubilei F, Scuderi G, Abdolrahimzadeh S. Retinal and Choriocapillaris Vascular Changes in Early Alzheimer Disease Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. J Neuroophthalmol 2024; 44:184-189. [PMID: 37351953 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by ß-amyloid accumulation in the brain. A simple and reliable biomarker for AD that is not invasive is urgently needed, particularly in the preclinical and early stages of the disease. The retina shares with the brain, the same embryologic origins and it is affected by similar vascular changes. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of the retinal and choriocapillaris vascular structure through optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCTA) evaluation in patients with early AD. METHODS Eighteen patients with early AD (study group) and 18 healthy age-matched subjects (control group) were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent full neurologic and ophthalmologic examination, and OCTA scans. RESULTS We found a significant reduction in flow area of choriocapillaris in the study group compared with the control group ( P -value: 0.006), suggesting an impairment of choriocapillaris circulation in patients with early AD. CONCLUSIONS OCTA provides accumulative evidence on the microvasculature changes of the retina and choriocapillaris in patients with AD. Further studies and improved OCTA software are necessary to better evaluate the role of vascular changes shown with OCTA as potential biomarkers in early disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariachiara Di Pippo
- Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sense Organs (NESMOS) Department (MDP, VC, FG, GS, SA), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy; Neurology Unit (FG), and Ophthalmology Unit (GS, SA), St. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kwapong WR, Tang F, Liu P, Zhang Z, Cao L, Feng Z, Yang S, Shu Y, Xu H, Lu Y, Zhao X, Chong B, Wu B, Liu M, Lei P, Zhang S. Choriocapillaris reduction accurately discriminates against early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:4185-4198. [PMID: 38747519 PMCID: PMC11180859 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study addresses the urgent need for non-invasive early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) prediction. Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), we present a choriocapillaris model sensitive to EOAD, correlating with serum biomarkers. METHODS Eighty-four EOAD patients and 73 controls were assigned to swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA) or the spectral domain OCTA (SD-OCTA) cohorts. Our hypothesis on choriocapillaris predictive potential in EOAD was tested and validated in these two cohorts. RESULTS Both cohorts revealed diminished choriocapillaris signals, demonstrating the highest discriminatory capability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: SS-OCTA 0.913, SD-OCTA 0.991; P < 0.001). A sparser SS-OCTA choriocapillaris correlated with increased serum amyloid beta (Aβ)42, Aβ42/40, and phosphorylated tau (p-tau)181 levels (all P < 0.05). Apolipoprotein E status did not affect choriocapillaris measurement. DISCUSSION The choriocapillaris, observed in both cohorts, proves sensitive to EOAD diagnosis, and correlates with serum Aβ and p-tau181 levels, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool for identifying and tracking microvascular changes in EOAD. HIGHLIGHTS Optical coherence tomography angiography may be applied for non-invasive screening of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Choriocapillaris demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for early-onset AD diagnosis. Microvascular dynamics abnormalities are associated with AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of EmergencyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Le Cao
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Zijuan Feng
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Shiyun Yang
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Yang Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Ying Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Xinjun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Baochen Chong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Peng Lei
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Z, Kwapong WR, Cao L, Feng Z, Liu P, Wang R, Wu B, Zhang S. Correlation between serum biomarkers, brain volume, and retinal neuronal loss in early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2615-2623. [PMID: 38216851 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07256-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness measurement in early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) and controls using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). We also assessed the relationship between SD-OCT measurements and cognitive measures, serum biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and cerebral microstructural volume. METHODS pRNFL, RNFL, and GCC thicknesses were measured in 43 EOAD and 42 controls using SD-OCT. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess cognitive status, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tool was used to quantify cerebral microstructural volume, and serum biomarkers were quantified from peripheral blood. RESULTS EOAD patients had thinner pRNFL (P < 0.001), RNFL (P = 0.008), and GCC (P = 0.018) thicknesses compared to controls after adjusting for multiple factors. pRNFL thickness correlated (P = 0.016) with serum t-tau level. Serum Aβ42 (P < 0.05) concentration correlated with RNFL thickness. Importantly, occipital lobe volume (P = 0.010) correlated with GCC thicknesses in EOAD patients. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that retinal thickness may be useful markers for assessing neurodegenerative process in EOAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - William Robert Kwapong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Cao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Emergency, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Elmers J, Colzato LS, Ziemssen F, Ziemssen T, Beste C. Optical coherence tomography as a potential surrogate marker of dopaminergic modulation across the life span. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102280. [PMID: 38518921 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The retina has been considered a "window to the brain" and shares similar innervation by the dopaminergic system with the cortex in terms of an unequal distribution of D1 and D2 receptors. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview that Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging technique, which provides an "in vivo" representation of the retina, shows promise to be used as a surrogate marker of dopaminergic neuromodulation in cognition. Overall, most evidence supports reduced retinal thickness in individuals with dopaminergic dysregulation (e.g., patients with Parkinson's Disease, non-demented older adults) and with poor cognitive functioning. By using the theoretical framework of metacontrol, we derive hypotheses that retinal thinning associated to decreased dopamine (DA) levels affecting D1 families, might lead to a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) affecting cognitive persistence (depending on D1-modulated DA activity) but not cognitive flexibility (depending on D2-modulated DA activity). We argue that the use of OCT parameters might not only be an insightful for cognitive neuroscience research, but also a potentially effective tool for individualized medicine with a focus on cognition. As our society progressively ages in the forthcoming years and decades, the preservation of cognitive abilities and promoting healthy aging will hold of crucial significance. OCT has the potential to function as a swift, non-invasive, and economical method for promptly recognizing individuals with a heightened vulnerability to cognitive deterioration throughout all stages of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Elmers
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Lorenza S Colzato
- Cognitive Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Focke Ziemssen
- Ophthalmological Clinic, University Clinic Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Cognitive Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hasan MM, Phu J, Sowmya A, Meijering E, Kalloniatis M. Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of glaucoma and neurodegenerative diseases. Clin Exp Optom 2024; 107:130-146. [PMID: 37674264 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2023.2235346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly expanding field within computer science that encompasses the emulation of human intelligence by machines. Machine learning and deep learning - two primary data-driven pattern analysis approaches under the umbrella of artificial intelligence - has created considerable interest in the last few decades. The evolution of technology has resulted in a substantial amount of artificial intelligence research on ophthalmic and neurodegenerative disease diagnosis using retinal images. Various artificial intelligence-based techniques have been used for diagnostic purposes, including traditional machine learning, deep learning, and their combinations. Presented here is a review of the literature covering the last 10 years on this topic, discussing the use of artificial intelligence in analysing data from different modalities and their combinations for the diagnosis of glaucoma and neurodegenerative diseases. The performance of published artificial intelligence methods varies due to several factors, yet the results suggest that such methods can potentially facilitate clinical diagnosis. Generally, the accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis ranges from 67-98%, and the area under the sensitivity-specificity curve (AUC) ranges from 0.71-0.98, which outperforms typical human performance of 71.5% accuracy and 0.86 area under the curve. This indicates that artificial intelligence-based tools can provide clinicians with useful information that would assist in providing improved diagnosis. The review suggests that there is room for improvement of existing artificial intelligence-based models using retinal imaging modalities before they are incorporated into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahmudul Hasan
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jack Phu
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine (Optometry), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arcot Sowmya
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erik Meijering
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Kalloniatis
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
- School of Medicine (Optometry), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nuñez-Diaz C, Andersson E, Schultz N, Pocevičiūtė D, Hansson O, Nilsson KPR, Wennström M. The fluorescent ligand bTVBT2 reveals increased p-tau uptake by retinal microglia in Alzheimer's disease patients and App NL-F/NL-F mice. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:4. [PMID: 38167557 PMCID: PMC10763304 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01375-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) accumulation have been identified in the retina of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and transgenic AD mice. Previous studies have shown that retinal microglia engulf Aβ, but this property decreases in AD patients. Whether retinal microglia also take up p-tau and if this event is affected in AD is yet not described. In the current study, we use the p-tau-specific thiophene-based ligand bTVBT2 to investigate the relationship between disease progression and p-tau uptake by microglia in the retina of AD patients and AppNL-F/NL-F knock-in mice, an AD mouse model known to demonstrate extracellular Aβ plaques and dystrophic neurites in the brain from 6 months of age. METHODS Evaluation of bTVBT2 specificity and its presence within microglia was assessed by immunofluorescent staining of hippocampal sections and flat-mount retina samples from non-demented controls, AD patients, 3-, 9-, and 12-month-old AppNL-F/NL-F knock-in mice and 12- and 18-month-old wild type (WT) mice. We used ImageJ to analyze the amount of bTVBT2 inside Iba1-positive microglia. Co-localization between the ligand and p-tau variant Ser396/Ser404 (PHF-1), Aβ, phosphorylated TAR DNA binding protein 43 (pTDP-43), and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in the brain and retina was analyzed using confocal imaging. RESULTS Confocal imaging analysis showed that bTVBT2 binds to PHF-1- and AT8-positive aggregates inside retinal microglia, and not to Aβ, pTDP-43, or IAPP. The density of bTVBT2-positive microglia was higher in cases with a high Aβ load compared to those with a low Aβ load. This density correlated with the neurofibrillary tangle load in the brain, but not with retinal levels of high molecular weight (aggregated) Aβ40 or Aβ42. Analysis of AppNL-F/NL-F knock-in mouse retina further showed that 50% of microglia in 3-month-old AppNL-F/NL-F knock-in mice contained bTVBT2. The percentage significantly increased in 9- and 12-month-old mice. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that the microglial capability to uptake p-tau in the retina persists and intensifies with AD progression. These results also highlight bTVBT2 as a ligand of interest in future monitoring of retinal AD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Nuñez-Diaz
- Cognitive Disorder Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Emelie Andersson
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Nina Schultz
- Cognitive Disorder Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Dovilė Pocevičiūtė
- Cognitive Disorder Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - K Peter R Nilsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology IFM, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Malin Wennström
- Cognitive Disorder Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alber J, Bouwman F, den Haan J, Rissman RA, De Groef L, Koronyo‐Hamaoui M, Lengyel I, Thal DR. Retina pathology as a target for biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: Current status, ophthalmopathological background, challenges, and future directions. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:728-740. [PMID: 37917365 PMCID: PMC10917008 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and tau-related lesions in the retina are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ and hyperphosphorylated (p)-tau deposits have been described in the retina and were associated with small amyloid spots visualized by in vivo imaging techniques as well as degeneration of the retina. These changes correlate with brain amyloid deposition as determined by histological quantification, positron emission tomography (PET) or clinical diagnosis of AD. However, the literature is not coherent on these histopathological and in vivo imaging findings. One important reason for this is the variability in the methods and the interpretation of findings across different studies. In this perspective, we indicate the critical methodological deviations among different groups and suggest a roadmap moving forward on how to harmonize (i) histopathologic examination of retinal tissue; (ii) in vivo imaging among different methods, devices, and interpretation algorithms; and (iii) inclusion/exclusion criteria for studies aiming at retinal biomarker validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Alber
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Rhode IslandKingstonRhode IslandUSA
- Butler Hospital Memory & Aging ProgramProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Femke Bouwman
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmcAlzheimer Center, Department of NeurologyAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jurre den Haan
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmcAlzheimer Center, Department of NeurologyAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Robert A. Rissman
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lies De Groef
- Cellular Communication and Neurodegeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of BiologyLeuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Maya Koronyo‐Hamaoui
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Neurology, and Biomedical SciencesMaxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Imre Lengyel
- The Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical ScienceQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- Laboratory of NeuropathologyDepartment of Imaging and Pathology, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of PathologyUZ LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Huh MG, Kim YK, Lee J, Shin YI, Lee YJ, Choe S, Kim DW, Jeong Y, Jeoung JW, Park KH. Relative Risks for Dementia among Individuals with Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Cohort Studies. KOREAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 37:490-500. [PMID: 37899286 PMCID: PMC10721395 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2023.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the relative risks (RRs) for dementia among individuals with glaucoma. METHODS We conducted a search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for observational cohort studies examining the association between glaucoma and dementia until March 2023. Two authors independently screened all titles and abstracts according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pooled RR and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated using random-effect models. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 18 cohort studies conducted in eight countries and involving 4,975,325 individuals. The pooled RR for the association between glaucoma and all-cause dementia was 1.314 (95% CI, 1.099-1.572; I2 = 95%). The pooled RRs for the associations of open-angle glaucoma with Alzheimer dementia and Parkinson disease were 1.287 (95% CI, 1.007-1.646; I2 = 96%) and 1.233 (95% CI, 0.677-2.243; I2 = 73%), respectively. The pooled RRs for the associations of angle-closure glaucoma with all-cause dementia and Alzheimer dementia were 0.978 (95% CI, 0.750-1.277; I2 = 17%) and 0.838 (95% CI, 0.421-1.669; I2 = 16%), respectively. No evidence of publication bias was detected in the Begg-Mazumdar adjusted rank correlation test (p = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS Based on current observational cohort studies, there is evidence supporting that glaucoma is a risk factor for dementia in the adult population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Gu Huh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Young Kook Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
- EyeLight Data Science Laboratory, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jaekyoung Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Young In Shin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Yun Jeong Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon,
Korea
| | - Sooyeon Choe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon,
Korea
| | - Dai Woo Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu,
Korea
| | - Yoon Jeong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jin Wook Jeoung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Ki Ho Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang R, Wu X, Zhang Z, Cao L, Kwapong WR, Wang H, Tao W, Ye C, Liu J, Wu B. Retinal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, white matter hyperintensities, and their interaction with cognition in older adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1240815. [PMID: 38035269 PMCID: PMC10685347 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1240815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We explored the interaction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters and white matter hyperintensities with cognitive measures in our older adult cohort. Methods This observational study enrolled participants who underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, structural 3-T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), visual acuity examination, and OCT imaging. Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers were read on MR images; lacune, cerebral microbleeds (CMB), white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), were defined according to the STRIVE standards. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses (μm) were measured on the OCT tool. Results Older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) showed lower RNFL (p = 0.001), GCIPL (p = 0.009) thicknesses, and lower hippocampal volume (p = 0.004) when compared to non-cognitively impaired (NCI). RNFL (p = 0.006) and GCIPL thicknesses (p = 0.032) correlated with MoCA scores. GCIPL thickness (p = 0.037), total WMH (p = 0.003), PWMH (p = 0.041), and DWMH (p = 0.001) correlated with hippocampal volume in our older adults after adjusting for covariates. With hippocampal volume as the outcome, a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between GCIPL and PWMH and total WMH was observed in our older adults. Conclusion Both GCIPL thinning and higher WMH burden (especially PWMH) are associated with hippocampal volume and older adults with both pathologies are more susceptible to subclinical cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Wang
- Ophthalmology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinmao Wu
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zengyi Zhang
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Cao
- Ophthalmology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Hang Wang
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wendan Tao
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Ye
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
García-Bermúdez MY, Vohra R, Freude K, van Wijngaarden P, Martin K, Thomsen MS, Aldana BI, Kolko M. Potential Retinal Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15834. [PMID: 37958816 PMCID: PMC10649108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a major diagnostic challenge, as early detection is crucial for effective intervention. This review examines the diagnostic challenges facing current AD evaluations and explores the emerging field of retinal alterations as early indicators. Recognizing the potential of the retina as a noninvasive window to the brain, we emphasize the importance of identifying retinal biomarkers in the early stages of AD. However, the examination of AD is not without its challenges, as the similarities shared with other retinal diseases introduce complexity in the search for AD-specific markers. In this review, we address the relevance of using the retina for the early diagnosis of AD and the complex challenges associated with the search for AD-specific retinal biomarkers. We provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and highlight avenues for progress in AD diagnosis by retinal examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rupali Vohra
- Eye Translational Research Unit, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Kristine Freude
- Group of Stem Cell Models and Embryology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Peter van Wijngaarden
- Center for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Keith Martin
- Center for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Maj Schneider Thomsen
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health, Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Blanca Irene Aldana
- Neurometabolism Research Group, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Eye Translational Research Unit, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chaitanuwong P, Singhanetr P, Chainakul M, Arjkongharn N, Ruamviboonsuk P, Grzybowski A. Potential Ocular Biomarkers for Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease and Their Roles in Artificial Intelligence Studies. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1517-1532. [PMID: 37468682 PMCID: PMC10444735 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00526-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Early detection is believed to be essential to disease management because it enables physicians to initiate treatment in patients with early-stage AD (early AD), with the possibility of stopping the disease or slowing disease progression, preserving function and ultimately reducing disease burden. The purpose of this study was to review prior research on the use of eye biomarkers and artificial intelligence (AI) for detecting AD and early AD. The PubMed database was searched to identify studies for review. Ocular biomarkers in AD research and AI research on AD were reviewed and summarized. According to numerous studies, there is a high likelihood that ocular biomarkers can be used to detect early AD: tears, corneal nerves, retina, visual function and, in particular, eye movement tracking have been identified as ocular biomarkers with the potential to detect early AD. However, there is currently no ocular biomarker that can be used to definitely detect early AD. A few studies that used AI with ocular biomarkers to detect AD reported promising results, demonstrating that using AI with ocular biomarkers through multimodal imaging could improve the accuracy of identifying AD patients. This strategy may become a screening tool for detecting early AD in older patients prior to the onset of AD symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pareena Chaitanuwong
- Ophthalmology Department, Rajavithi Hospital, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panisa Singhanetr
- Mettapracharak Eye Institute, Mettapracharak (Wat Rai Khing) Hospital, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Methaphon Chainakul
- Ophthalmology Department, Rajavithi Hospital, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Niracha Arjkongharn
- Ophthalmology Department, Rajavithi Hospital, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paisan Ruamviboonsuk
- Ophthalmology Department, Rajavithi Hospital, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Andrzej Grzybowski
- Institute of Research in Ophthalmology, Foundation for Ophthalmology Development, Mickiewicza 24/3B, 60-836, Poznan, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Delavari P, Ozturan G, Yuan L, Yilmaz Ö, Oruc I. Artificial intelligence, explainability, and the scientific method: A proof-of-concept study on novel retinal biomarker discovery. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad290. [PMID: 37746328 PMCID: PMC10517742 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
We present a structured approach to combine explainability of artificial intelligence (AI) with the scientific method for scientific discovery. We demonstrate the utility of this approach in a proof-of-concept study where we uncover biomarkers from a convolutional neural network (CNN) model trained to classify patient sex in retinal images. This is a trait that is not currently recognized by diagnosticians in retinal images, yet, one successfully classified by CNNs. Our methodology consists of four phases: In Phase 1, CNN development, we train a visual geometry group (VGG) model to recognize patient sex in retinal images. In Phase 2, Inspiration, we review visualizations obtained from post hoc interpretability tools to make observations, and articulate exploratory hypotheses. Here, we listed 14 hypotheses retinal sex differences. In Phase 3, Exploration, we test all exploratory hypotheses on an independent dataset. Out of 14 exploratory hypotheses, nine revealed significant differences. In Phase 4, Verification, we re-tested the nine flagged hypotheses on a new dataset. Five were verified, revealing (i) significantly greater length, (ii) more nodes, and (iii) more branches of retinal vasculature, (iv) greater retinal area covered by the vessels in the superior temporal quadrant, and (v) darker peripapillary region in male eyes. Finally, we trained a group of ophthalmologists (N = 26 ) to recognize the novel retinal features for sex classification. While their pretraining performance was not different from chance level or the performance of a nonexpert group (N = 31 ), after training, their performance increased significantly (p < 0.001 , d = 2.63 ). These findings showcase the potential for retinal biomarker discovery through CNN applications, with the added utility of empowering medical practitioners with new diagnostic capabilities to enhance their clinical toolkit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Delavari
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V5Z 0A6 BC, Canada
- Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3 BC, Canada
| | - Gulcenur Ozturan
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V5Z 0A6 BC, Canada
| | - Lei Yuan
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V5Z 0A6 BC, Canada
| | - Özgür Yilmaz
- Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z2 BC, Canada
| | - Ipek Oruc
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V5Z 0A6 BC, Canada
- Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3 BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang Z, Kwapong WR, Cao L, Feng Z, Wu B, Liu J, Zhang S. APOE ε4 Gene Carriers Demonstrate Reduced Retinal Capillary Densities in Asymptomatic Older Adults. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5649. [PMID: 37685715 PMCID: PMC10488535 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Early identification of Apolipoprotein E (APOE)-related microvascular pathology will help to study the microangiopathic contribution to Alzheimer's disease and provide a therapeutic target for early intervention. To evaluate the differences in retinal microvasculature parameters between APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers, asymptomatic older adults aged ≥ 55 years underwent APOE ε4 genotype analysis, neuropsychological examination, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging. One hundred sixty-three older adults were included in the data analysis. Participants were also defined as cognitively impaired (CI) and non-cognitively impaired (NCI) according to their MoCA scores and educational years. APOE ε4 carriers demonstrated reduced SVC (p = 0.023) compared to APOE ε4 non-carriers. Compared to NCI, CI participants showed reduced SVC density (p = 0.006). In the NCI group, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the microvascular densities between APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers. In the CI group, APOE ε4 carriers displayed reduced microvascular densities compared to non-carriers (SVC, p = 0.006; DVC, p = 0.048). We showed that CI and APOE ε4 affect retinal microvasculature in older adults. Quantitative measures of the retinal microvasculature could serve as surrogates for brain microcirculation, providing an opportunity to study microvascular contributions to AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sparks S, Pinto J, Hayes G, Spitschan M, Bulte DP. The impact of Alzheimer's disease risk factors on the pupillary light response. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1248640. [PMID: 37650103 PMCID: PMC10463762 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1248640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, and its prevalence is increasing and is expected to continue to increase over the next few decades. Because of this, there is an urgent requirement to determine a way to diagnose the disease, and to target interventions to delay and ideally stop the onset of symptoms, specifically those impacting cognition and daily livelihood. The pupillary light response (PLR) is controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, and impairments to the pupillary light response (PLR) have been related to AD. However, most of these studies that assess the PLR occur in patients who have already been diagnosed with AD, rather than those who are at a higher risk for the disease but without a diagnosis. Determining whether the PLR is similarly impaired in subjects before an AD diagnosis is made and before cognitive symptoms of the disease begin, is an important step before using the PLR as a diagnostic tool. Specifically, identifying whether the PLR is impaired in specific at-risk groups, considering both genetic and non-genetic risk factors, is imperative. It is possible that the PLR may be impaired in association with some risk factors but not others, potentially indicating different pathways to neurodegeneration that could be distinguished using PLR. In this work, we review the most common genetic and lifestyle-based risk factors for AD and identify established relationships between these risk factors and the PLR. The evidence here shows that many AD risk factors, including traumatic brain injury, ocular and intracranial hypertension, alcohol consumption, depression, and diabetes, are directly related to changes in the PLR. Other risk factors currently lack sufficient literature to make any conclusions relating directly to the PLR but have shown links to impairments in the parasympathetic nervous system; further research should be conducted in these risk factors and their relation to the PLR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sierra Sparks
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Pinto
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Genevieve Hayes
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Spitschan
- TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences (TUM SG), Chronobiology and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS), Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Translational Sensory and Circadian Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel P. Bulte
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wolf A, Tripanpitak K, Umeda S, Otake-Matsuura M. Eye-tracking paradigms for the assessment of mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1197567. [PMID: 37546488 PMCID: PMC10399700 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1197567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), representing the 'transitional zone' between normal cognition and dementia, has become a novel topic in clinical research. Although early detection is crucial, it remains logistically challenging at the same time. While traditional pen-and-paper tests require in-depth training to ensure standardized administration and accurate interpretation of findings, significant technological advancements are leading to the development of procedures for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and facilitating the diagnostic process. Some of the diagnostic protocols, however, show significant limitations that hamper their widespread adoption. Concerns about the social and economic implications of the increasing incidence of AD underline the need for reliable, non-invasive, cost-effective, and timely cognitive scoring methodologies. For instance, modern clinical studies report significant oculomotor impairments among patients with MCI, who perform poorly in visual paired-comparison tasks by ascribing less attentional resources to novel stimuli. To accelerate the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025, this work provides an overview of research on saccadic and exploratory eye-movement deficits among older adults with MCI. The review protocol was drafted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Electronic databases were systematically searched to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2022 that examined visual processing in older adults with MCI and reported gaze parameters as potential biomarkers. Moreover, following the contemporary trend for remote healthcare technologies, we reviewed studies that implemented non-commercial eye-tracking instrumentation in order to detect information processing impairments among the MCI population. Based on the gathered literature, eye-tracking-based paradigms may ameliorate the screening limitations of traditional cognitive assessments and contribute to early AD detection. However, in order to translate the findings pertaining to abnormal gaze behavior into clinical applications, it is imperative to conduct longitudinal investigations in both laboratory-based and ecologically valid settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Wolf
- Cognitive Behavioral Assistive Technology (CBAT), Goal-Oriented Technology Group, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kornkanok Tripanpitak
- Cognitive Behavioral Assistive Technology (CBAT), Goal-Oriented Technology Group, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Umeda
- Department of Psychology, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mihoko Otake-Matsuura
- Cognitive Behavioral Assistive Technology (CBAT), Goal-Oriented Technology Group, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tang M, Blazes M, Lee CS. Imaging Amyloid and Tau in the Retina: Current Research and Future Directions. J Neuroophthalmol 2023; 43:168-179. [PMID: 36705970 PMCID: PMC10191872 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The retina is a key focus in the search for biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) because of its accessibility and shared development with the brain. The pathological hallmarks of AD, amyloid beta (Aβ), and hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) have been identified in the retina, although histopathologic findings have been mixed. Several imaging-based approaches have been developed to detect retinal AD pathology in vivo. Here, we review the research related to imaging AD-related pathology in the retina and implications for future biomarker research. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Electronic searches of published literature were conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS Curcumin fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging are both promising methods for detecting retinal Aβ, although both require validation in larger cohorts. Challenges remain in distinguishing curcumin-labeled Aβ from background fluorescence and standardization of dosing and quantification methods. Hyperspectral imaging is limited by confounding signals from other retinal features and variability in reflectance spectra between individuals. To date, evidence of tau aggregation in the retina is limited to histopathologic studies. New avenues of research are on the horizon, including near-infrared fluorescence imaging, novel Aβ labeling techniques, and small molecule retinal tau tracers. Artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, including machine learning models and deep learning-based image analysis, are active areas of investigation. CONCLUSIONS Although the histopathological evidence seems promising, methods for imaging retinal Aβ require further validation, and in vivo imaging of retinal tau remains elusive. AI approaches may hold the greatest promise for the discovery of a characteristic retinal imaging profile of AD. Elucidating the role of Aβ and pTau in the retina will provide key insights into the complex processes involved in aging and in neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mira Tang
- Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Marian Blazes
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Cecilia S. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lee CS, Krakauer C, Su YR, Walker RL, Blazes M, McCurry SM, Bowen JD, McCormick WC, Lee AY, Boyko EJ, O'Hare AM, Larson EB, Crane PK. Diabetic Retinopathy and Dementia Association, Beyond Diabetes Severity. Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 249:90-98. [PMID: 36513155 PMCID: PMC10106379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether associations between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain significant after controlling for several measures of diabetes severity. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) is a prospective cohort study of adults aged ≥65 years, randomly selected and recruited from the membership rolls of Kaiser Permanente Washington, who are dementia free at enrollment and followed biennially until incident dementia. The ACT participants were included in this study if they had type 2 diabetes mellitus at enrollment or developed it during follow-up, and data were collected through September, 2018 (3516 person-years of follow-up). Diabetes was defined by ≥ 2 diabetes medication fills in 1 year. Diagnosis of DR was based on International Classification of Diseases Ninth and Tenth Revision codes. Estimates of microalbuminuria, long-term glycemia, and renal function from longitudinal laboratory records were used as indicators of diabetes severity. Alzheimer's disease and dementia were diagnosed using research criteria at expert consensus meetings. RESULTS A total of 536 participants (median baseline age 75 [interquartile range 71-80], 54% women) met inclusion criteria. Significant associations between DR >5 years duration with dementia (hazard ratio 1.81 [95% CI 1.23, 2.65]) and AD (1.80 [1.15, 2.82]) were not altered by adjustment for estimates of microalbuminuria, long-term glycemia, and renal function (dementia: 1.69 [1.14, 2.50]; AD: 1.73 [1.10, 2.74]). CONCLUSIONS Among people with type 2 diabetes, DR itself appears to be an important biomarker of dementia risk in addition to glycemia and renal complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia S Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.S.L., M.B., A.Y.L.); Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.S.L., M.B., A.Y.L.).
| | - Chloe Krakauer
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.K.); Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.K., Y-R.S., R.L.W., E.B.L.)
| | - Yu-Ru Su
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.K., Y-R.S., R.L.W., E.B.L.)
| | - Rod L Walker
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.K., Y-R.S., R.L.W., E.B.L.)
| | - Marian Blazes
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.S.L., M.B., A.Y.L.); Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.S.L., M.B., A.Y.L.)
| | - Susan M McCurry
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA (S.M.M.)
| | - James D Bowen
- Department of Neurology, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA (J.D.B.)
| | - Wayne C McCormick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA (W.C.M., E.J.B, E.B.L., P.K.C.)
| | - Aaron Y Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.S.L., M.B., A.Y.L.); Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.S.L., M.B., A.Y.L.)
| | - Edward J Boyko
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA (W.C.M., E.J.B, E.B.L., P.K.C.); Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington, USA (E.J.B., A.M.O)
| | - Ann M O'Hare
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington, USA (E.J.B., A.M.O)
| | - Eric B Larson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA (C.K., Y-R.S., R.L.W., E.B.L.); Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA (W.C.M., E.J.B, E.B.L., P.K.C.)
| | - Paul K Crane
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA (W.C.M., E.J.B, E.B.L., P.K.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ashraf G, McGuinness M, Khan MA, Obtinalla C, Hadoux X, van Wijngaarden P. Retinal imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies using brain amyloid beta status for case definition. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 15:e12421. [PMID: 37250908 PMCID: PMC10210353 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Introduction We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between retinal imaging parameters and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus were systematically searched for prospective and observational studies. Included studies had AD case definition based on brain amyloid beta (Aβ) status. Study quality assessment was performed. Random-effects meta-analyses of standardized mean difference, correlation, and diagnostic accuracy were conducted. Results Thirty-eight studies were included. There was weak evidence of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thinning on optical coherence tomography (OCT) (p = 0.14, 11 studies, n = 828), increased foveal avascular zone area on OCT-angiography (p = 0.18, four studies, n = 207), and reduced arteriole and venule vessel fractal dimension on fundus photography (p < 0.001 and p = 0.08, respectively, three studies, n = 297) among AD cases. Discussion Retinal imaging parameters appear to be associated with AD. Small study sizes and heterogeneity in imaging methods and reporting make it difficult to determine utility of these changes as AD biomarkers. Highlights We performed a systematic review on retinal imaging and Alzheimer's disease (AD).We only included studies in which cases were based on brain amyloid beta status.Several retinal biomarkers were associated with AD but clinical utility is uncertain.Studies should focus on biomarker-defined AD and use standardized imaging methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Ashraf
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- OphthalmologyDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Myra McGuinness
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Centre for Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMelbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Muhammad Azaan Khan
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Czarina Obtinalla
- Discipline of OrthopticsSchool of Allied HealthHuman Services & SportCollege of ScienceHealth & EngineeringLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Xavier Hadoux
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Peter van Wijngaarden
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- OphthalmologyDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Barrett-Young A, Ambler A, Cheyne K, Guiney H, Kokaua J, Tham YC, Williams MJA, Wilson GA, Wong TY, Poulton R. Childhood Social Isolation as a Predictor of Retinal Neuronal Thickness in Middle Age: A Lifecourse Birth Cohort Study. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:238-249. [PMID: 36800261 PMCID: PMC10073287 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated whether childhood social isolation was associated with retinal neural layer changes in adulthood, and whether this association was independent of other childhood or adulthood risk factors, including adult social isolation. METHODS Participants were members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a longitudinal population-based birth cohort from Aotearoa New Zealand ( n = 1037), born 1972 to 1973 and followed until age 45 years, with 94% of the living cohort still participating. Social isolation was recorded prospectively at ages 5, 7, 9, and 11 years, from teacher and parent report. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thicknesses were measured via optical coherence tomography at age 45 years. RESULTS Childhood social isolation was associated with thinner average RNFL ( B = -0.739, p = .02), nasal RNFL ( B = -1.118, p = .005), and inferior RNFL ( B = -1.524, p = .007), although only nasal RNFL remained significant after adjustment. These associations were not fully explained by other psychosocial or physical health risk factors in childhood or adulthood, nor were they mediated by adult loneliness or social support. CONCLUSIONS Childhood social isolation was an independent predictor of RNFL thickness in middle age. Highlighting prospective links between childhood psychosocial adversity and retinal neuronal measures will help to inform future research into the utility of retinal neuronal thickness as a biomarker for neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Barrett-Young
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Antony Ambler
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Kirsten Cheyne
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hayley Guiney
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jesse Kokaua
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Va’a O Tautai—Centre for Pacific Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yih Chung Tham
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Graham A. Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Richie Poulton
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Melin J, Cano SJ, Gillman A, Marquis S, Flöel A, Göschel L, Pendrill LR. Traceability and comparability through crosswalks with the NeuroMET Memory Metric. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5179. [PMID: 36997632 PMCID: PMC10063602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractAccurate assessment of memory ability for persons on the continuum of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is vital for early diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression and evaluation of new therapies. However, currently available neuropsychological tests suffer from a lack of standardization and metrological quality assurance. Improved metrics of memory can be created by carefully combining selected items from legacy short-term memory tests, whilst at the same time retaining validity, and reducing patient burden. In psychometrics, this is known as “crosswalks” to link items empirically. The aim of this paper is to link items from different types of memory tests. Memory test data were collected from the European EMPIR NeuroMET and the SmartAge studies recruited at Charité Hospital (Healthy controls n = 92; Subjective cognitive decline n = 160; Mild cognitive impairment n = 50; and AD n = 58; age range 55–87). A bank of items (n = 57) was developed based on legacy short-term memory items (i.e., Corsi Block Test, Digit Span Test, Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Word Learning Lists from the CERAD test battery and Mini Mental State Examination; MMSE). The NeuroMET Memory Metric (NMM) is a composite metric that comprises 57 dichotomous items (right/wrong). We previously reported on a preliminary item bank to assess memory based on immediate recall, and have now demonstrated direct comparability of measurements generated from the different legacy tests. We created crosswalks between the NMM and the legacy tests and between the NMM and the full MMSE using Rasch analysis (RUMM2030) and produced two conversion tables. Measurement uncertainties for estimates of person memory ability with the NMM across the full span were smaller than all individual legacy tests, which demonstrates the added value of the NMM. Comparisons with one (MMSE) of the legacy tests showed however higher measurement uncertainties of the NMM for people with a very low memory ability (raw score ≤ 19). The conversion tables developed through crosswalks in this paper provide clinicians and researchers with a practical tool to: (i) compensate for ordinality in raw scores, (ii) ensure traceability to make reliable and valid comparisons when measuring person ability, and (iii) enable comparability between test results from different legacy tests.
Collapse
|
23
|
Barrett-Young A, Abraham WC, Cheung CY, Gale J, Hogan S, Ireland D, Keenan R, Knodt AR, Melzer TR, Moffitt TE, Ramrakha S, Tham YC, Wilson GA, Wong TY, Hariri AR, Poulton R. Associations Between Thinner Retinal Neuronal Layers and Suboptimal Brain Structural Integrity in a Middle-Aged Cohort. Eye Brain 2023; 15:25-35. [PMID: 36936476 PMCID: PMC10018220 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s402510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The retina has potential as a biomarker of brain health and Alzheimer's disease (AD) because it is the only part of the central nervous system which can be easily imaged and has advantages over brain imaging technologies. Few studies have compared retinal and brain measurements in a middle-aged sample. The objective of our study was to investigate whether retinal neuronal measurements were associated with structural brain measurements in a middle-aged population-based cohort. Participants and Methods Participants were members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (n=1037; a longitudinal cohort followed from birth and at ages 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21, 26, 32, 38, and most recently at age 45, when 94% of the living Study members participated). Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Brain age gap estimate (brainAGE), cortical surface area, cortical thickness, subcortical grey matter volumes, white matter hyperintensities, were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results Participants with both MRI and OCT data were included in the analysis (RNFL n=828, female n=413 [49.9%], male n=415 [50.1%]; GC-IPL n=825, female n=413 [50.1%], male n=412 [49.9%]). Thinner retinal neuronal layers were associated with older brain age, smaller cortical surface area, thinner average cortex, smaller subcortical grey matter volumes, and increased volume of white matter hyperintensities. Conclusion These findings provide evidence that the retinal neuronal layers reflect differences in midlife structural brain integrity consistent with increased risk for later AD, supporting the proposition that the retina may be an early biomarker of brain health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carol Y Cheung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jesse Gale
- Department of Surgery & Anaesthesia, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sean Hogan
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David Ireland
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ross Keenan
- Department of Radiology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Pacific Radiology Group, Christchurch, New Zealand
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Annchen R Knodt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tracy R Melzer
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Terrie E Moffitt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Sandhya Ramrakha
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yih Chung Tham
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Graham A Wilson
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ahmad R Hariri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Richie Poulton
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Retinal Neurodegeneration Measured With Optical Coherence Tomography and Neuroimaging in Alzheimer Disease: A Systematic Review. J Neuroophthalmol 2023; 43:116-125. [PMID: 36255105 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has enabled several retinal alterations to be detected in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), alterations that could be potential biomarkers. However, the relationship between the retina and other biomarkers of AD has been underresearched. We gathered and analyzed the literature about the relationship between retinal and cerebral alterations detected via neuroimaging in patients with AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and preclinical AD. METHODS This systematic review followed the PRISMA Statement guidelines through the 27 items on its checklist. We searched in PubMed, BVS, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, using the keywords: Alzheimer's disease, optical coherence tomography, white matter, cortex, atrophy, cortical thickness, neuroimaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. We included articles that studied the retina in relation to neuroimaging in patients with AD, MCI, and preclinical AD. We excluded studies without OCT, without neuroimaging, clinical cases, opinion articles, systematic reviews, and animal studies. RESULTS Of a total of 35 articles found, 23 were finally included. Although mixed results were found, most of these corroborate the relationship between retinal and brain disorders. CONCLUSIONS More rigorous research is needed in the field, including homogenized, longitudinal, and prolonged follow-up studies, as well as studies that include all stages of AD. This will enable better understanding of the retina and its implications in AD, leading to the discovery of retinal biomarkers that reflect brain alterations in AD patients in an accessible and noninvasive manner.
Collapse
|
25
|
Lista S, Vergallo A, Teipel SJ, Lemercier P, Giorgi FS, Gabelle A, Garaci F, Mercuri NB, Babiloni C, Gaire BP, Koronyo Y, Koronyo-Hamaoui M, Hampel H, Nisticò R. Determinants of approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitor response outcomes in Alzheimer's disease: relevance for precision medicine in neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 84:101819. [PMID: 36526257 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) are the global standard of care for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and show significant positive effects in neurodegenerative diseases with cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Although experimental and large-scale clinical evidence indicates the potential long-term efficacy of ChEI, primary outcomes are generally heterogeneous across outpatient clinics and regional healthcare systems. Sub-optimal dosing or slow tapering, heterogeneous guidelines about the timing for therapy initiation (prodromal versus dementia stages), healthcare providers' ambivalence to treatment, lack of disease awareness, delayed medical consultation, prescription of ChEI in non-AD cognitive disorders, contribute to the negative outcomes. We present an evidence-based overview of determinants, spanning genetic, molecular, and large-scale networks, involved in the response to ChEI in patients with AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. A comprehensive understanding of cerebral and retinal cholinergic system dysfunctions along with ChEI response predictors in AD is crucial since disease-modifying therapies will frequently be prescribed in combination with ChEI. Therapeutic algorithms tailored to genetic, biological, clinical (endo)phenotypes, and disease stages will help leverage inter-drug synergy and attain optimal combined response outcomes, in line with the precision medicine model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lista
- Memory Resources and Research Center (CMRR), Neurology Department, Gui de Chauliac University Hospital, Montpellier, France; School of Pharmacy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Stefan J Teipel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Pablo Lemercier
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Audrey Gabelle
- Memory Resources and Research Center (CMRR), Neurology Department, Gui de Chauliac University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Francesco Garaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Casa di Cura "San Raffaele Cassino", Cassino, Italy
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Babiloni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Hospital San Raffaele Cassino, Cassino, Italy
| | - Bhakta Prasad Gaire
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Harald Hampel
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Robert Nisticò
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Vujosevic S, Parra MM, Hartnett ME, O'Toole L, Nuzzi A, Limoli C, Villani E, Nucci P. Optical coherence tomography as retinal imaging biomarker of neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration in systemic disorders in adults and children. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:203-219. [PMID: 35428871 PMCID: PMC9012155 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina and the optic nerve are considered extensions of the central nervous system (CNS) and thus can serve as the window for evaluation of CNS disorders. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows for detailed evaluation of the retina and the optic nerve. OCT can non-invasively document changes in single retina layer thickness and structure due to neuronal and retinal glial cells (RGC) modifications in systemic and local inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. These can include evaluation of retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell complex, hyper-reflective retinal spots (HRS, sign of activated microglial cells in the retina), subfoveal neuroretinal detachment, disorganization of the inner retinal layers (DRIL), thickness and integrity of the outer retinal layers and choroidal thickness. This review paper will report the most recent data on the use of OCT as a non invasive imaging biomarker for evaluation of the most common systemic neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative/neurocognitive disorders in the adults and in paediatric population. In the adult population the main focus will be on diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, optic neuromyelitis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis, Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease and schizophrenia. In the paediatric population, demyelinating diseases, lysosomal storage diseases, Nieman Pick type C disease, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, human immunodeficiency virus, leukodystrophies spinocerebellar ataxia will be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stela Vujosevic
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Eye Clinic, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.
| | - M Margarita Parra
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Hartnett
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Louise O'Toole
- Department of Ophthalmology Mater Private Network, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alessia Nuzzi
- Eye Clinic, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Celeste Limoli
- Eye Clinic, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Villani
- Eye Clinic, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Nucci
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mozdbar S, Petersen M, Zhang F, Johnson L, Tolman A, Nyalakonda R, Gutierrez A, O’Bryant S. Application of Structural Retinal Biomarkers to Detect Cognitive Impairment in a Primary Care Setting. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2022; 6:749-755. [PMID: 36721487 PMCID: PMC9837730 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the diagnostic accuracy of advanced neurodiagnostic procedures, the detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains poor in primary care. There is an urgent need for screening tools to aid in the detection of early AD. Objective This study examines the predictive ability of structural retinal biomarkers in detecting cognitive impairment in a primary care setting. Methods Participants were recruited from Alzheimer's Disease in Primary Care (ADPC) study. As part of the ADPC Retinal Biomarker Study (ADPC RBS), visual acuity, an ocular history questionnaire, eye pressure, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, and fundus imaging was performed. Results Data were examined on n = 91 participants. The top biomarkers for predicting cognitive impairment included the inferior quadrant of the outer retinal layers, all four quadrants of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, and the inferior quadrant of the macular retinal nerve fiber layer. Conclusion The current data provides strong support for continued investigation into structural retinal biomarkers, particularly the retinal nerve fiber layer, as screening tools for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sima Mozdbar
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Fort Worth, TX, USA,University of North Texas Health Science Center, North Texas Eye Research Institute, Fort Worth, TX, USA,Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA,Correspondence to: Sima Mozdbar, OD, MPH, FAAO, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA. Tel.: +1 817 735 2197; Fax: +1 817 735 7983; E-mail:
| | - Melissa Petersen
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, TX, USA,University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Translational Research, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Fan Zhang
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, TX, USA,University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Translational Research, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Leigh Johnson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Fort Worth, TX, USA,University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Translational Research, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Alex Tolman
- Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Ramyashree Nyalakonda
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Alejandra Gutierrez
- Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Sid O’Bryant
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, TX, USA,University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Translational Research, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chua J, Li C, Ho LKH, Wong D, Tan B, Yao X, Gan A, Schwarzhans F, Garhöfer G, Sng CCA, Hilal S, Venketasubramanian N, Cheung CY, Fischer G, Vass C, Wong TY, Chen CLH, Schmetterer L. A multi-regression framework to improve diagnostic ability of optical coherence tomography retinal biomarkers to discriminate mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:41. [PMID: 35272711 PMCID: PMC8908577 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-00982-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Diagnostic performance of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains limited. We assessed whether compensating the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness for multiple demographic and anatomical factors as well as the combination of macular layers improves the detection of MCI and AD. Methods This cross-sectional study of 62 AD (n = 92 eyes), 108 MCI (n = 158 eyes), and 55 cognitively normal control (n = 86 eyes) participants. Macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) thickness was extracted. Circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) measurement was compensated for several ocular factors. Thickness measurements and their corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were compared between the groups. The main outcome measure was OCT thickness measurements. Results Participants with MCI/AD showed significantly thinner measured and compensated cpRNFL, mGCC, and altered retinal vessel density (p < 0.05). Compensated RNFL outperformed measured RNFL for discrimination of MCI/AD (AUC = 0.74 vs 0.69; p = 0.026). Combining macular and compensated cpRNFL parameters provided the best detection of MCI/AD (AUC = 0.80 vs 0.69; p < 0.001). Conclusions and relevance Accounting for interindividual variations of ocular anatomical features in cpRNFL measurements and incorporating macular information may improve the identification of high-risk individuals with early cognitive impairment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13195-022-00982-0.
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang R, Kwapong WR, Tao W, Cao L, Ye C, Liu J, Zhang S, Wu B. Association of retinal thickness and microvasculature with cognitive performance and brain volumes in elderly adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1010548. [PMID: 36466601 PMCID: PMC9709407 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1010548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal structural and microvascular changes can be visualized and have been linked with cognitive decline and brain changes in cerebral age-related disorders. We investigated the association between retinal structural and microvascular changes with cognitive performance and brain volumes in elderly adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a battery of neuropsychological examinations. Macula retinal thicknesses (retinal nerve fiber layer, mRNFL, and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, GCIPL) were imaged and measured with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) while Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) imaged and measured the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC) of the retina. RESULTS Out of the 135 participants, 91 (67.41%) were females and none had dementia. After adjusting for risk factors, Shape Trail Test (STT)-A correlated with SVC (P < 0.001), DVC (P = 0.015) and mRNFL (P = 0.013) while STT-B correlated with SVC (P = 0.020) and GCIPL (P = 0.015). mRNFL thickness correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (P = 0.007) and Stroop A (P = 0.030). After adjusting for risk factors and total intracranial volume, SVC correlated with hippocampal volume (P < 0.001). Hippocampal volume correlated (P < 0.05) with most cognitive measures. Stroop B (P < 0.001) and Stroop C (P = 0.020) correlated with white matter volume while Stroop measures and STT-A correlated with gray matter volume (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the retinal structure and microvasculature can be useful pointers for cognitive performance, giving a choice for early discovery of decline in cognition and potential early treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Wendan Tao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Cao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Chiara C, Gilda C, Daniela M, Antonio C, Miriana M, Marcello M, Elena S, Roberta L, Ciro C, Vincenzo BM. A two-year longitudinal study of retinal vascular impairment in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:993621. [PMID: 36420311 PMCID: PMC9678013 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.993621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the relation between retinal vascular impairment and cognitive decline in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) over time.MethodsSpectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT angiography study was performed in aMCI patients over 2 years follow-up and compared to baseline.ResultsThirty-eight eyes from 19 aMCI patients were evaluated. Structural and vascular OCT measures were reduced at follow-up except for vessel density (VD) of the choriocapillaris, unchanged, and foveal avascular zone, which was increased; no changes in any parameter were found in 18 age-matched healthy controls. Overall, these findings were confirmed when patients were evaluated separately according to progression to dementia. Only non-converters to dementia showed significant VD reduction in the deep capillary plexuses (coeff. β = −4.20; p < 0.001), may be for an initial massive VD depletion becoming less evident with progression of the disease. MMSE reduction was associated with a higher ganglion cell complex reduction (coeff. β = 0.10; p = 0.04) and a higher VD reduction in the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) plexus (coeff. β = 0.14; p = 0.02) in the whole patient group, while it was associated with a higher VD reduction only in RPC plexus in converters (coeff. β = 0.21; p < 0.001).ConclusionOur data shows vascular impairment progression in the inner retina of aMCI patients and support the hypothesis that vascular changes may contribute to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Other follow-up studies, with a larger number of patients, are needed to better define VD as a potential biomarker.
Collapse
|
31
|
Microvascular Changes in the Retina Correlate with MRI Markers in Patients with Early-Onset Dementia. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12101391. [PMID: 36291324 PMCID: PMC9599536 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Recent reports suggest that results from imaging retinal microvascular changes with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in dementia patients reflect cerebral microcirculation changes that occur during dementia. Macula microvascular impairment has been shown in dementia patients compared to controls, but very little is known about its correlation with radiological visual rating scores associated with dementia. We aimed to explore the association between retinal microvasculature and radiological visual rating in early-onset dementia (EOD) patients. Methods: Swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA) was used to image the retinal microvasculature of all EOD patients. Automated software in the OCTA tool segmented and measured the densities in the superficial vascular plexus (SVC) and deep vascular plexus (DVC) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas. Radiological visual rating scores were evaluated on all MR images. Results: Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) scores significantly correlated with FAZ area (p = 0.031) in EOD patients after adjusting for risk factors. PWMH correlated with SVC (p = 0.032) while DWMH significantly correlated with SVC (p = 0.007), DVC (p = 0.018) and FAZ (p = 0.001) in EOD patients. Discussion: FAZ changes correlated with MTA scores in EOD patients, while retinal microvasculature correlated with white matter hyperintensity. Our report suggests that microvascular changes in the retina may reflect cortical changes in the brain of EOD patients.
Collapse
|
32
|
Machine learning for comprehensive prediction of high risk for Alzheimer's disease based on chromatic pupilloperimetry. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9945. [PMID: 35705601 PMCID: PMC9200977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13999-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently there are no reliable biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) at the preclinical stage. This study assessed the pupil light reflex (PLR) for focal red and blue light stimuli in central and peripheral retina in 125 cognitively normal middle age subjects (45–71 years old) at high risk for AD due to a family history of the disease (FH+), and 61 age-similar subjects with no family history of AD (FH−) using Chromatic Pupilloperimetry coupled with Machine Learning (ML). All subjects had normal ophthalmic assessment, and normal retinal and optic nerve thickness by optical coherence tomography. No significant differences were observed between groups in cognitive function and volumetric brain MRI. Chromatic pupilloperimetry-based ML models were highly discriminative in differentiating subjects with and without AD family history, using transient PLR for focal red (primarily cone-mediated), and dim blue (primarily rod-mediated) light stimuli. Features associated with transient pupil response latency (PRL) achieved Area Under the Curve Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC-ROC) of 0.90 ± 0.051 (left-eye) and 0.87 ± 0.048 (right-eye). Parameters associated with the contraction arm of the rod and cone-mediated PLR were more discriminative compared to parameters associated with the relaxation arm and melanopsin-mediated PLR. Significantly shorter PRL for dim blue light was measured in the FH+ group in two test targets in the temporal visual field in right eye that had highest relative weight in the ML algorithm (mean ± standard error, SE 0.449 s ± 0.007 s vs. 0.478 s ± 0.010 s, p = 0.038). Taken together our study suggests that subtle focal changes in pupil contraction latency may be detected in subjects at high risk to develop AD, decades before the onset of AD clinical symptoms. The dendrites of melanopsin containing retinal ganglion cells may be affected very early at the preclinical stages of AD.
Collapse
|
33
|
Fisher RA, Miners JS, Love S. Pathological changes within the cerebral vasculature in Alzheimer's disease: New perspectives. Brain Pathol 2022; 32:e13061. [PMID: 35289012 PMCID: PMC9616094 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease underpins vascular dementia (VaD), but structural and functional changes to the cerebral vasculature contribute to disease pathology and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this review, we discuss the contribution of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and non‐amyloid small vessel disease in AD, and the accompanying changes to the density, maintenance and remodelling of vessels (including alterations to the composition and function of the cerebrovascular basement membrane). We consider how abnormalities of the constituent cells of the neurovascular unit – particularly of endothelial cells and pericytes – and impairment of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) impact on the pathogenesis of AD. We also discuss how changes to the cerebral vasculature are likely to impair Aβ clearance – both intra‐periarteriolar drainage (IPAD) and transport of Aβ peptides across the BBB, and how impaired neurovascular coupling and reduced blood flow in relation to metabolic demand increase amyloidogenic processing of APP and the production of Aβ. We review the vasoactive properties of Aβ peptides themselves, and the probable bi‐directional relationship between vascular dysfunction and Aβ accumulation in AD. Lastly, we discuss recent methodological advances in transcriptomics and imaging that have provided novel insights into vascular changes in AD, and recent advances in assessment of the retina that allow in vivo detection of vascular changes in the early stages of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Fisher
- Dementia Research Group, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - J Scott Miners
- Dementia Research Group, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Seth Love
- Dementia Research Group, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dixon E, Anderson J, Lazar A. Understanding How Sensory Changes Experienced by Individuals with a Range of Age-Related Cognitive Changes can Effect Technology Use. ACM TRANSACTIONS ON ACCESSIBLE COMPUTING 2022; 15. [DOI: 10.1145/3511906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical researchers have identified sensory changes people with age-related cognitive changes, such as dementia and mild cognitive impairment, experience which are different from typical age-related sensory changes. Technology designers and researchers do not yet have an understanding of how these unique sensory changes affect technology use. This work begins to bridge the gap between the clinical knowledge of sensory changes and technology research and design through interviews with people with mild to moderate dementia, mild cognitive impairment, subjective cognitive decline, and healthcare professionals. This extended version of our ASSETS conference paper includes people with a range of age-related cognitive changes describing changes in vision, hearing, speech, dexterity, proprioception, and smell. We discuss each of these sensory changes and ways to leverage optimal modes of sensory interaction for accessible technology use with existing and emerging technologies. Finally, we discuss how accessible sensory stimulation may change across the spectrum of age-related cognitive changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Dixon
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Amanda Lazar
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Christinaki E, Kulenovic H, Hadoux X, Baldassini N, Van Eijgen J, De Groef L, Stalmans I, van Wijngaarden P. Retinal imaging biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. Clin Exp Optom 2022; 105:194-204. [PMID: 34751086 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1984179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The timely detection of neurodegenerative diseases is central to improving clinical care as well as enabling the development and deployment of disease-modifying therapies. Retinal imaging is emerging as a method to detect features of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, given the anatomical and functional similarities between the retina and the brain. This review provides an overview of the current status of retinal imaging biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis. Whilst research findings are promising, efforts to harmonise study designs and imaging methods will be important in translating these findings into clinical care. Doing so may mean that eye care providers will play important roles in the detection of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Christinaki
- Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hana Kulenovic
- Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xavier Hadoux
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Baldassini
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jan Van Eijgen
- Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Stalmans
- Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter van Wijngaarden
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
CUNHA LP, PIRES LA, CRUZEIRO MM, ALMEIDA ALM, MARTINS LC, MARTINS PN, SHIGAEFF N, VALE TC. Optical coherence tomography in neurodegenerative disorders. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2022; 80:180-191. [DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2021-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Structural imaging of the brain is the most widely used diagnostic tool for investigating neurodegenerative diseases. More advanced structural imaging techniques have been applied to early or prodromic phases, but they are expensive and not widely available. Therefore, it is highly desirable to search for noninvasive, easily accessible, low-cost clinical biomarkers suitable for large-scale population screening, in order to focus on making diagnoses at the earliest stages of the disease. In this scenario, imaging studies focusing on the structures of the retina have increasingly been used for evaluating neurodegenerative diseases. The retina shares embryological, histological, biochemical, microvascular and neurotransmitter similarities with the cerebral cortex, thus making it a uniquely promising biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. Optical coherence tomography is a modern noninvasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution two-dimensional cross-sectional images and quantitative reproducible three-dimensional volumetric measurements of the optic nerve head and retina. This technology is widely used in ophthalmology practice for diagnosing and following up several eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Its clinical impact on neurodegenerative diseases has raised enormous interest over recent years, as several clinical studies have demonstrated that these diseases give rise to reduced thickness of the inner retinal nerve fiber layer, mainly composed of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. In this review, we aimed to address the clinical utility of optical coherence tomography for diagnosing and evaluating different neurodegenerative diseases, to show the potential of this noninvasive and easily accessible method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Provetti CUNHA
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Leopoldo Antônio PIRES
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiza Cunha MARTINS
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | | | - Nadia SHIGAEFF
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Thiago Cardoso VALE
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
den Haan J, Hart de Ruyter FJ, Lochocki B, Kroon MA, Kemper EM, Teunissen CE, van Berckel B, Scheltens P, Hoozemans JJ, de Kreeke AV, Verbraak FD, de Boer JF, Bouwman FH. No difference in retinal fluorescence after oral curcumin intake in amyloid‐proven AD cases compared to controls. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA: DIAGNOSIS, ASSESSMENT & DISEASE MONITORING 2022; 14:e12347. [PMID: 35991218 PMCID: PMC9376971 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Previous work has showed the in vivo presence of retinal amyloid in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients using curcumin. We aimed to replicate these findings in an amyloid biomarker–confirmed cohort. Methods Twenty‐six patients with AD (age 66 [+9], Mini‐Mental Status Examination [MMSE] ≥17) and 14 controls (age 71 [+12]) used one of three curcumin formulations: Longvida, Theracurmin, and Novasol. Plasma levels were determined and pre‐ and post‐curcumin retinal fluorescence scans were assessed visually in all cases and quantitatively assessed in a subset. Results Visual assessment showed no difference between AD patients and controls for pre‐ and post‐curcumin images. This was confirmed by quantitative analyses on a subset. Mean conjugated plasma curcumin levels were 198.7 nM (Longvida), 576.6 nM (Theracurmin), and 1605.8 nM (Novasol). Discussion We found no difference in retinal fluorescence between amyloid‐confirmed AD cases and control participants, using Longvida and two additional curcumin formulations. Additional replication studies in amyloid‐confirmed cohorts are needed to assess the diagnostic value of retinal fluorescence as an AD biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jurre den Haan
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc Alzheimer Center Neurology Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Benjamin Lochocki
- VU Amsterdam Department of Physics LaserLaB Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Maurice A.G.M. Kroon
- Amsterdam UMC, location AMC Department of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - E. Marleen Kemper
- Amsterdam UMC, location AMC Department of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte E. Teunissen
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc Neurochemistry Lab Department of Clinical Chemistry Amsterdam Neuroscience Amsterdam UMC Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Berckel
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc Department of Nuclear Medicine Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc Alzheimer Center Neurology Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J. Hoozemans
- Amsterdam UMC location VUmc Department of Pathology Amsterdam Neuroscience Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Aleid van de Kreeke
- Amsterdam UMC location VUmc Ophthalmology Department Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Frank D. Verbraak
- Amsterdam UMC location VUmc Ophthalmology Department Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Femke H. Bouwman
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc Alzheimer Center Neurology Amsterdam The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
MacCormick IJC, Zhang B, Hill D, Cordeiro MF, Small DS. A proposed theoretical framework for retinal biomarkers. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA: DIAGNOSIS, ASSESSMENT & DISEASE MONITORING 2022; 14:e12327. [PMID: 35769873 PMCID: PMC9211063 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective Propose a theoretical framework for retinal biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Background The retina and brain share important biological features that are relevant to AD. Developing retinal biomarkers of AD is a strategic priority but as yet none have been validated for clinical use. Part of the reason may be that fundamental inferential assumptions have been overlooked. Failing to recognize these assumptions will disadvantage biomarker discovery and validation, but incorporating them into analyses could facilitate translation. New theory The biological assumption that a disease causes analogous effects in the brain and retina can be expressed within a Bayesian network. This allows inferences about abstract theory and individual events, and provides an opportunity to falsify the foundational hypothesis of retina–brain analogy. Graphical representation of the relationships between variables simplifies comparison between studies and facilitates judgements about whether key assumptions are valid given the current state of knowledge. Major challenges The framework provides a visual approach to retinal biomarkers and may help to rationalize analysis of future studies. It suggests possible reasons for inconsistent results in existing literature on AD biomarkers. Linkage to other theories The framework can be modified to describe alternative theories of retinal biomarker biology, such as retrograde degeneration resulting from brain disease, and can incorporate confounding factors such as co‐existent glaucoma or macular degeneration. Parallels with analogue confirmation theory and surrogate marker validation suggest strengths and weaknesses of the framework that can be anticipated when developing analysis plans. Highlights Retinal biomarkers hold great promise for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but none are currently used clinically. Assumptions about the cause of retinal and brain changes are often overlooked, and this may disadvantage biomarker discovery and validation. We present a new approach to retinal biomarkers that describes cause and effect graphically in a Bayesian network. We show how this allows a more complete assessment of how well a biomarker might reflect the brain, and how data from right and left eyes can be used to rule out poor biomarker candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian James Callum MacCormick
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchUniversity of EdinburghThe Queen's Medical Research InstituteEdinburgh BioQuarterEdinburghUK
| | - Bo Zhang
- Wharton Department of Statistics and Data ScienceUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Daniel Hill
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchUniversity of EdinburghThe Queen's Medical Research InstituteEdinburgh BioQuarterEdinburghUK
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyLondonUK
| | - Maria Francesca Cordeiro
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyLondonUK
- Western Eye Hospital Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
- ICORGImperial CollegeLondonUK
| | - Dylan S. Small
- Wharton Department of Statistics and Data ScienceUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in finding non-invasive biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). This observational study investigated AD-specific biomarkers in tear fluid. Tear fluid was collected from a total of 65 subjects, including 23 patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), 22 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 11 dementia patients and 9 healthy controls (HC). Levels of amyloid-beta peptides (AB38, AB40, AB42), total-tau (t-tau) and phosphorylated-tau (p-tau) were determined using multiplex immunoassays. Levels of AB40 and t-tau were detectable in the vast majority (> 94%) of tear fluid samples. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was available from a subset of patients. In this group, tear t-tau levels were significantly higher in people with dementia compared to SCD patients. Tear t-tau levels were elevated in patients with neurodegeneration (classified according to the A/T/N system) compared to patients without neurodegeneration. Negative correlations were found between CSF AB42 and CSF t-tau, and between CSF AB42 and tear t-tau. In summary, this study shows the potential of tau proteins in tear fluid to be associated with disease severity and neurodegeneration.
Collapse
|
40
|
Gijs M, Ramakers IHGB, Visser PJ, Verhey FRJ, van de Waarenburg MPH, Schalkwijk CG, Nuijts RMMA, Webers CAB. Association of tear fluid amyloid and tau levels with disease severity and neurodegeneration. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22675. [PMID: 34811435 PMCID: PMC8608861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01993-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in finding non-invasive biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). This observational study investigated AD-specific biomarkers in tear fluid. Tear fluid was collected from a total of 65 subjects, including 23 patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), 22 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 11 dementia patients and 9 healthy controls (HC). Levels of amyloid-beta peptides (AB38, AB40, AB42), total-tau (t-tau) and phosphorylated-tau (p-tau) were determined using multiplex immunoassays. Levels of AB40 and t-tau were detectable in the vast majority (> 94%) of tear fluid samples. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was available from a subset of patients. In this group, tear t-tau levels were significantly higher in people with dementia compared to SCD patients. Tear t-tau levels were elevated in patients with neurodegeneration (classified according to the A/T/N system) compared to patients without neurodegeneration. Negative correlations were found between CSF AB42 and CSF t-tau, and between CSF AB42 and tear t-tau. In summary, this study shows the potential of tau proteins in tear fluid to be associated with disease severity and neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Gijs
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Inez H G B Ramakers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Alzheimer Center Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter Jelle Visser
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Alzheimer Center Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frans R J Verhey
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Alzheimer Center Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjo P H van de Waarenburg
- Department of Internal Medicine, School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Casper G Schalkwijk
- Department of Internal Medicine, School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rudy M M A Nuijts
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carroll A B Webers
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhou Y, Cheng Y, Li Y, Ma J, Wu Z, Chen Y, Mei J, Chen M. Soluble β-amyloid impaired the GABA inhibition by mediating KCC2 in early APP/PS1 mice. Biosci Trends 2021; 15:330-340. [PMID: 34526443 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2021.01245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, which has become the leading cause of dementia cases globally. Synaptic failure is an early pathological feature of AD. However, the cause of synaptic failure in AD, especially the GABAergic synaptic activity remains unclear. Extensive evidence indicates that the presence of soluble amyloid-β is an early pathological feature in AD, which triggers synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. Our recent study explored the relation of GABAergic transmission and soluble Aβ in early APP/PS1 mice. Firstly, we found soluble Aβ42 levels were significantly increased in serum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in 3-4 months APP/PS1 mice, which was much earlier than Aβ plagues formation. In addition, we found TNF-α and BDNF expression levels were increased, while KCC2 and GABAAR expression were decreased in 3-4 months APP/PS1 hippocampus. When we treated 3-4 months APP/PS1 mice with a potent γ-secretase inhibitor, LY411575, which can reduce the soluble Aβ42 levels, the TNF-α and BDNF protein levels were decreased, while KCC2 and GABAAR levels were increased. In conclusion, our study suggested soluble Aβ may impaired the GABA inhibition by mediating KCC2 levels in early APP/PS1 mice. KCC2 may be served as a potential biomarker for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yujie Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiyao Ma
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhihan Wu
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuenan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jinyu Mei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Marino MJ, Gehlbach PL, Rege A, Jiramongkolchai K. Current and novel multi-imaging modalities to assess retinal oxygenation and blood flow. Eye (Lond) 2021; 35:2962-2972. [PMID: 34117399 PMCID: PMC8526664 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01570-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ischemia characterizes the underlying pathology in a multitude of retinal diseases that can ultimately lead to vision loss. A variety of novel imaging modalities have been developed to characterize retinal ischemia by measuring retinal oxygenation and blood flow in-vivo. These technologies offer valuable insight into the earliest pathophysiologic changes within the retina and provide physicians and researchers with new diagnostic and monitoring capabilities. Future retinal imaging technologies with the capability to provide affordable, noninvasive, and comprehensive data on oxygen saturation, vasculature, and blood flow mechanics are needed. This review will highlight current and future trends in multimodal imaging to assess retinal blood flow and oxygenation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Marino
- grid.415233.20000 0004 0444 3298Department of Medicine, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Peter L. Gehlbach
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Retina Division, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Abhishek Rege
- grid.505446.6Vasoptic Medical, Inc., Baltimore, MD USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Mei X, Qiu C, Zhou Q, Chen Z, Chen Y, Xu Z, Zou C. Changes in retinal multilayer thickness and vascular network of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Biomed Eng Online 2021; 20:97. [PMID: 34602087 PMCID: PMC8489058 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-021-00931-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been extensively investigated in recent decades. Retinal nervous and vascular parameters can reflect brain conditions, and they can facilitate early diagnosis of AD. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to evaluate the difference in retinal neuro-layer thickness and vascular parameters of patients with AD and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS Non-invasive optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to determine the combined thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL), as well as the full retinal thickness (FRT). The vascular branching (VB), vascular curvature (VC), and vascular density (VD) for AD and HC groups were also obtained. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to evaluate the cognitive performance of all the participants. After obtaining all the parameters, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean values of all the retinal parameters of the patients with AD and the HCs. Pearson's correlation was used to test the association between retinal parameters, MMSE scores, and vascular parameters. RESULTS Seventy-eight eyes from 39 participants (19 AD and 20 HC; male, 52.6% in AD and 45.0% in HC; mean [standard deviation] age of 73.79 [7.22] years in AD and 74.35 [6.07] years in HC) were included for the analysis. The average RNFL + GCL thickness (106.32 ± 7.34 μm), FRTs of the four quadrants (290.35 ± 13.05 μm of inferior quadrant, 294.68 ± 9.37 μm of superior quadrant, 302.97 ± 6.52 μm of nasal quadrant, 286.02 ± 13.74 μm of temporal quadrant), and retinal VD (0.0148 ± 0.003) of patients with AD, compared with the HCs, were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Retinal thickness was significantly correlated with the MMSE scores (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, retinal VD was significantly correlated with the average RNFL + GCL thickness (r2 = 0.2146, p < 0.01). When the vascular parameters were considered, the sensitivity of the AD diagnosis was increased from 0.874 to 0.892. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that the patients with AD, compared with age-matched HCs, had significantly reduced RNFL + GCL thickness and vascular density. These reductions correlated with the cognitive performance of the participants. By combining nerve and vessel parameters, the diagnosis of AD can be improved using OCTA technology. Trail registration Name of the registry: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000035243, Date of registration: Aug. 5, 2020. URL of trial registry record: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Mei
- Kangning Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Zhuangyu South Road 1#, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Conglong Qiu
- Kangning Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Zhuangyu South Road 1#, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Kangning Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Zhuangyu South Road 1#, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongming Chen
- Kangning Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Zhuangyu South Road 1#, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Kangning Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Zhuangyu South Road 1#, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zemin Xu
- Kangning Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Zhuangyu South Road 1#, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenjun Zou
- Kangning Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Zhuangyu South Road 1#, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Yan Y, Wu X, Wang X, Geng Z, Wang L, Xiao G, Wu Y, Zhou S, Liao R, Wei L, Tian Y, Wang K. The Retinal Vessel Density Can Reflect Cognitive Function in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence from Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 79:1307-1316. [PMID: 33427738 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients may present decreased cerebral blood perfusion before pathological brain changes. Using the retina as a window to the brain, we can study disorders of the central nervous system through the eyes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate differences in retinal structure and vessel density (VD) between patients with mild AD and healthy controls (HCs). Furthermore, we explored the relationship between retinal VD and cognitive function. METHODS We enrolled 37 patients with AD and 29 age-matched HCs who underwent standard ophthalmic optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) for evaluation of the retinal layer thickness and VD parameters. Cognitive function was evaluated using a battery of neuropsychological assessments. Finally, the correlations among retinal layer thickness, VD parameters, and cognitive function were evaluated. RESULTS The retinal fiber layer thickness and retinal VD of patients with AD were significantly reduced compared with HCs. The retinal VD was significantly correlated with overall cognition, memory, executive, and visual-spatial perception functions. However, there was no significant between-group difference in the macular thickness. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a positive correlation between retinal VD and some, but not all, cognitive function domains. Most importantly, we demonstrated the role of OCTA in detecting early capillary changes, which could be a noninvasive biomarker for early AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Yan
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Xingqi Wu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Geng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Guixian Xiao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Rongfeng Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Wei
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Yanghua Tian
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China.,Department of Medical Psychology, Chaohu Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Santangelo R, Huang SC, Bernasconi MP, Falautano M, Comi G, Magnani G, Leocani L. Neuro-Retina Might Reflect Alzheimer's Disease Stage. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 77:1455-1468. [PMID: 32925026 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathological hallmarks were found in retinas of AD patients. Several studies showed a significant reduction of neuro-retina thickness measured through optical coherence tomography (OCT) in AD patients, but possible correlations between retina morphology, cognition, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers (Aβ42, t-tau, and p-tau) have been poorly investigated so far. OBJECTIVE In the present cross-sectional study, we measured the thickness of neuro-retinal layers through OCT searching for possible correlations with patients' cognitive performances and CSF AD biomarkers. METHODS 137 consecutive subjects [43 with AD, 37 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 57 healthy controls (HC)], received an OCT scan acquisition to measure the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. In a subsample of 21 AD, 18 MCI, and 18 HC, the macular volume of ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and inner nuclear layer was computed. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and CSF AD biomarkers' concentrations were available in AD and MCI patients. RESULTS Peripapillary RNFL, global, and in superior quadrant was significantly thinner in AD and MCI patients when compared to HC, while macular GCL volume was significantly reduced only in AD. RNFL thickness in nasal and inferior quadrants was correlated with single CSF AD biomarker concentrations, but no differences were found in retina morphology depending on the presence of a CSF profile typical for AD. Memory performances were positively associated with GCL and IPL volume. CONCLUSION Our findings might propose OCT as a reliable and easy to handle tool able to detect neuro-retinal atrophy in AD in relation with cognitive performances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Santangelo
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology-INSPE, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Su-Chun Huang
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology-INSPE, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Giancarlo Comi
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology-INSPE, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Leocani
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology-INSPE, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hwang PH, Longstreth W, Thielke SM, Francis CE, Carone M, Kuller LH, Fitzpatrick AL. Ophthalmic conditions associated with dementia risk: The Cardiovascular Health Study. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:1442-1451. [PMID: 33788406 PMCID: PMC8527838 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ophthalmic conditions and dementia appear to overlap and may share common pathways, but research has not differentiated dementia subtypes. METHODS Diagnoses of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and glaucoma were based on medical histories and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes for 3375 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), was classified using standardized research criteria. RESULTS Cataracts were associated with AD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.80) and VaD/mixed dementia (HR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.02-1.95). AMD was associated with AD only (HR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.13-3.09), whereas DR was associated with VaD/mixed dementia only (HR = 2.63; 95% CI = 1.10-6.27). DISCUSSION Differential associations between specific ophthalmic conditions and dementia subtypes may elucidate pathophysiologic pathways. Lack of association between glaucoma and dementia was most surprising from these analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip H. Hwang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA;,Corresponding author contact information: University of Washington, Department of Epidemiology, 3980 15 Avenue Northeast, Box 351619, Seattle, WA 98195, , Phone: (206) 331-8633
| | - W.T. Longstreth
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA;,Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephen M. Thielke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA;,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Marco Carone
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lewis H. Kuller
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Annette L. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA;,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA;,Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ngolab J, Donohue M, Belsha A, Salazar J, Cohen P, Jaiswal S, Tan V, Gessert D, Korouri S, Aggarwal NT, Alber J, Johnson K, Jicha G, van Dyck C, Lah J, Salloway S, Sperling RA, Aisen PS, Rafii MS, Rissman RA. Feasibility study for detection of retinal amyloid in clinical trials: The Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease (A4) trial. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 13:e12199. [PMID: 34430703 PMCID: PMC8369843 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The retina and brain exhibit similar pathologies in patients diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases. The ability to access the retina through imaging techniques opens the possibility for non-invasive evaluation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. While retinal amyloid deposits are detected in individuals clinically diagnosed with AD, studies including preclinical individuals are lacking, limiting assessment of the feasibility of retinal imaging as a biomarker for early-stage AD risk detection. METHODS In this small cross-sectional study we compare retinal and cerebral amyloid in clinically normal individuals who screened positive for high amyloid levels through positron emission tomography (PET) from the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease (A4) trial as well as a companion cohort of individuals who exhibited low levels of amyloid PET in the Longitudinal Evaluation of Amyloid Risk and Neurodegeneration (LEARN) study. We quantified the number of curcumin-positive fluorescent retinal spots from a small subset of participants from both studies to determine retinal amyloid deposition at baseline. RESULTS The four participants from the A4 trial showed a greater number of retinal spots compared to the four participants from the LEARN study. We observed a positive correlation between retinal spots and brain amyloid, as measured by the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr). DISCUSSION The results of this small pilot study support the use of retinal fundus imaging for detecting amyloid deposition that is correlated with brain amyloid PET SUVr. A larger sample size will be necessary to fully ascertain the relationship between amyloid PET and retinal amyloid both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ngolab
- Department of NeurosciencesSan Diego, School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael Donohue
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alison Belsha
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jennifer Salazar
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Paula Cohen
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sandhya Jaiswal
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Veasna Tan
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Devon Gessert
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Shaina Korouri
- Department of NeurosciencesSan Diego, School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Neelum T. Aggarwal
- Department of Neurological Sciences and the Rush Alzheimer's Disease CenterRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Jessica Alber
- George & Anne Ryan Institute for NeuroscienceUniversity of Rhode IslandKingstonRhode IslandUSA
| | - Ken Johnson
- NeuroVision Imaging IncSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gregory Jicha
- Department of Neurology & the Sanders‐Brown Center on AgingUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Christopher van Dyck
- Alzheimer's Disease Research UnitDepartments of PsychiatryNeurology, and Neuroscience, Yale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - James Lah
- Department of NeurologyEmory Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Stephen Salloway
- Memory and Aging ProgramButler HospitalProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Reisa A. Sperling
- Center for Alzheimer Research and TreatmentBrigham and Women's Hospital Massachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Paul S. Aisen
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael S. Rafii
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Robert A. Rissman
- Department of NeurosciencesSan Diego, School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Liao C, Xu J, Chen Y, Ip NY. Retinal Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease and Implications for Biomarkers. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081215. [PMID: 34439882 PMCID: PMC8394950 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that manifests as cognitive deficits and memory decline, especially in old age. Several biomarkers have been developed to monitor AD progression. Given that the retina and brain share some similarities including features related to anatomical composition and neurological functions, the retina is closely associated with the progression of AD. Herein, we review the evidence of retinal dysfunction in AD, particularly at the early stage, together with the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, we compared the retinal pathologies of AD and other ophthalmological diseases and summarized potential retinal biomarkers measurable by existing technologies for detecting AD, providing insights for the future development of diagnostic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Liao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science—Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; (C.L.); (J.X.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Jinying Xu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science—Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; (C.L.); (J.X.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Shenzhen College of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science—Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; (C.L.); (J.X.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Shenzhen College of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (N.Y.I.); Tel.: +86-755-2692-5498 (Y.C.); +852-2358-6161 (N.Y.I.)
| | - Nancy Y. Ip
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Division of Life Science, Molecular Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (N.Y.I.); Tel.: +86-755-2692-5498 (Y.C.); +852-2358-6161 (N.Y.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Moons L, De Groef L. Multimodal retinal imaging to detect and understand Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 72:1-7. [PMID: 34399146 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Retinal neurodegeneration and visual dysfunctions have been reported in a majority of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients, and, in light of the quest for novel biomarkers for these neurodegenerative proteinopathies, the retina has been receiving increasing attention as an organ for diagnosing, monitoring, and understanding disease. Thinning of retinal layers, abnormalities in vasculature, and protein deposition can be imaged at unprecedented resolution, which offers a unique systems biology view on the cellular and molecular changes underlying these pathologies. It makes the retina not only a promising target for biomarker development, but it also suggests that novel fundamental insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease can be obtained by studying the retina-brain axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Biology Department, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 61 Box 2464, Leuven, 3000, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Biology Department, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 61 Box 2464, Leuven, 3000, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Arthur E, Alber J, Thompson LI, Sinoff S, Snyder PJ. OCTA reveals remodeling of the peripheral capillary free zones in normal aging. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15593. [PMID: 34341456 PMCID: PMC8329222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal neurovascular unit consists of blood vessel endothelial cells, pericytes, neurons, astrocytes, and Müller cells that form the inner retinal blood barrier. A peripheral capillary free zone (pCFZ) represents the distance that oxygen and nutrients must diffuse to reach the neural retina, and serves as a metric of retinal tissue oxygenation. The pCFZs are formed based on oxygen saturation in the retinal arterioles and venules. Because retinal arterioles contain a larger concentration of oxygenated blood than venules, there is a reduced need for capillaries to exist closely to arterioles compared to venules. Therefore, in a healthy individual, larger periarteriole CFZs are expected compared to perivenule CFZs. With normal aging, there is atrophy of the inner retinal neurons, and consequently reduced extraction of oxygen and nutrients from the retinal vessels (i.e., increased oxygen saturation). Therefore, we hypothesized that the peripheral CFZ will remodel with normal aging. Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography, we showed that the pCFZs do remodel in normal aging with large (perivenule: η2p = 0.56) and moderate (periarteriole: η2p = 0.12) effect sizes, opening the possibility that such changes may be further increased by neurodegenerative diseases that adversely impact the health of the retinal neural cell layers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Arthur
- grid.20431.340000 0004 0416 2242Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI USA ,grid.20431.340000 0004 0416 2242George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI 02881 USA ,grid.273271.20000 0000 8593 9332Butler Hospital Memory and Aging Program, Providence, RI USA
| | - Jessica Alber
- grid.20431.340000 0004 0416 2242Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI USA ,grid.20431.340000 0004 0416 2242George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI 02881 USA ,grid.273271.20000 0000 8593 9332Butler Hospital Memory and Aging Program, Providence, RI USA
| | - Louisa I. Thompson
- grid.273271.20000 0000 8593 9332Butler Hospital Memory and Aging Program, Providence, RI USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Stuart Sinoff
- grid.432466.10000 0004 0382 745XBayCare Health, Clearwater, FL USA
| | - Peter J. Snyder
- grid.20431.340000 0004 0416 2242Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI USA ,grid.20431.340000 0004 0416 2242George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI 02881 USA
| |
Collapse
|