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Mueller C, Nenert R, Catiul C, Pilkington J, Szaflarski JP, Amara AW. Relationship between sleep, physical fitness, brain microstructure, and cognition in healthy older adults: A pilot study. Brain Res 2024; 1839:149016. [PMID: 38768934 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149016] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a critical need for neuroimaging markers of brain integrity to monitor effects of modifiable lifestyle factors on brain health. This observational, cross-sectional study assessed relationships between brain microstructure and sleep, physical fitness, and cognition in healthy older adults. METHODS Twenty-three adults aged 60 and older underwent whole-brain multi-shell diffusion imaging, comprehensive cognitive testing, polysomnography, and exercise testing. Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) was used to quantify neurite density (NDI) and orientation dispersion (ODI). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to quantify axial diffusivity (AxD), fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD). Relationships between sleep efficiency (SE), time and percent in N3 sleep, cognitive function, physical fitness (VO2 peak) and the diffusion metrics in regions of interest and the whole brain were evaluated. RESULTS Higher NDI in bilateral white and gray matter was associated with better executive functioning. NDI in the right anterior cingulate and adjacent white matter was positively associated with language skills. Higher NDI in the left posterior corona radiata was associated with faster processing speed. Physical fitness was positively associated with NDI in the left precentral gyrus and corticospinal tract. N3 % was positively associated with NDI in the left caudate and right pre- and postcentral gyri. Higher ODI in the left putamen and adjacent white matter was associated with better executive function. CONCLUSION NDI and ODI derived from NODDI are potential neuroimaging markers for associations between brain microstructure and modifiable risk factors in aging. If these associations are observable in clinical samples, NODDI could be incorporated into clinical trials assessing the effects of modifiable risk factors on brain integrity in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mueller
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Neurology, 1719 6(th) Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States.
| | - Rodolphe Nenert
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Neurology, 1719 6(th) Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Corina Catiul
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Neurology, 1719 6(th) Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Jennifer Pilkington
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Neurology, 1719 6(th) Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Jerzy P Szaflarski
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Neurology, 1719 6(th) Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Amy W Amara
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Neurology, 1719 6(th) Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1635 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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Beckers E, Van Egroo M, Ashton NJ, Blennow K, Vandewalle G, Zetterberg H, Poser BA, Jacobs HIL. Microstructural associations between locus coeruleus, cortical, and subcortical regions are modulated by astrocyte reactivity: a 7T MRI adult lifespan study. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae261. [PMID: 38904081 PMCID: PMC11190376 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae261] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system plays a key role in supporting brain health along the lifespan, notably through its modulatory effects on neuroinflammation. Using ultra-high field diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, we examined whether microstructural properties (neurite density index and orientation dispersion index) in the locus coeruleus were related to those in cortical and subcortical regions, and whether this was modulated by plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein levels, as a proxy of astrocyte reactivity. In our cohort of 60 healthy individuals (30 to 85 yr, 50% female), higher glial fibrillary acidic protein correlated with lower neurite density index in frontal cortical regions, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. Furthermore, under higher levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (above ~ 150 pg/mL for cortical and ~ 145 pg/mL for subcortical regions), lower locus coeruleus orientation dispersion index was associated with lower orientation dispersion index in frontotemporal cortical regions and in subcortical regions. Interestingly, individuals with higher locus coeruleus orientation dispersion index exhibited higher orientation dispersion index in these (sub)cortical regions, despite having higher glial fibrillary acidic protein levels. Together, these results suggest that the interaction between locus coeruleus-norepinephrine cells and astrocytes can signal a detrimental or neuroprotective pathway for brain integrity and support the importance of maintaining locus coeruleus neuronal health in aging and in the prevention of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Beckers
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GIGA-CRC Human Imaging, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Maxime Van Egroo
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Institute Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RT, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health and Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80 Mölndal, Sweden
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, 75013 Paris, France
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, University of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei 230036, China
| | | | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80 Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London W1T 7NF, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Benedikt A Poser
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi I L Jacobs
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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3
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Brown C, Das S, Xie L, Nasrallah I, Detre J, Chen‐Plotkin A, Shaw L, McMillan C, Yushkevich P, Wolk D. Medial temporal lobe gray matter microstructure in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:4147-4158. [PMID: 38747539 PMCID: PMC11180947 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13832] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Typical MRI measures of neurodegeneration have limited sensitivity in early disease stages. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) microstructural measures may allow for detection in preclinical stages. METHODS Participants had dMRI and either beta-amyloid PET or plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's pathology within 18 months of MRI. Microstructure was measured in portions of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) with high neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) burden based on a previously developed post mortem 3D-map. Regressions examined relationships between microstructure and markers of Alzheimer's pathology in preclinical disease and then across disease stages. RESULTS There was higher isometric volume fraction in amyloid-positive compared to amyloid-negative cognitively unimpaired individuals in high tangle MTL regions. Similarly, plasma biomarkers and 18F-flortaucipir were associated with microstructural changes in preclinical disease. Additional microstructural effects were seen across disease stages. DISCUSSION Combining a post mortem atlas of NFT pathology with microstructural measures allows for detection of neurodegeneration in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Highlights Typical markers of neurodegeneration are not sensitive in preclinical Alzheimer's. dMRI measured microstructure in regions with high NFT. Microstructural changes occur in medial temporal regions in preclinical disease. Microstructural changes occur in other typical Alzheimer's regions in later stages. Combining post mortem pathology atlases with in vivo MRI is a powerful framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Brown
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sandhitsu Das
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Long Xie
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Siemens HealthineersDigital Technology and InnovationPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Ilya Nasrallah
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - John Detre
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Alice Chen‐Plotkin
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Leslie Shaw
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Corey McMillan
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Paul Yushkevich
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - David Wolk
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Leinenga G, To XV, Bodea LG, Yousef J, Richter-Stretton G, Palliyaguru T, Chicoteau A, Dagley L, Nasrallah F, Götz J. Scanning ultrasound-mediated memory and functional improvements do not require amyloid-β reduction. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02509-5. [PMID: 38499653 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02509-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
A prevalent view in treating age-dependent disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD) is that the underlying amyloid plaque pathology must be targeted for cognitive improvements. In contrast, we report here that repeated scanning ultrasound (SUS) treatment at 1 MHz frequency can ameliorate memory deficits in the APP23 mouse model of AD without reducing amyloid-β (Aβ) burden. Different from previous studies that had shown Aβ clearance as a consequence of blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening, here, the BBB was not opened as no microbubbles were used. Quantitative SWATH proteomics and functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed that ultrasound induced long-lasting functional changes that correlate with the improvement in memory. Intriguingly, the treatment was more effective at a higher frequency (1 MHz) than at a frequency within the range currently explored in clinical trials in AD patients (286 kHz). Together, our data suggest frequency-dependent bio-effects of ultrasound and a dissociation of cognitive improvement and Aβ clearance, with important implications for the design of trials for AD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Leinenga
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Xuan Vinh To
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Liviu-Gabriel Bodea
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jumana Yousef
- Proteomics Facility, Advanced Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Gina Richter-Stretton
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tishila Palliyaguru
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Antony Chicoteau
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura Dagley
- Proteomics Facility, Advanced Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Fatima Nasrallah
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Spotorno N, Strandberg O, Stomrud E, Janelidze S, Blennow K, Nilsson M, van Westen D, Hansson O. Diffusion MRI tracks cortical microstructural changes during the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Brain 2024; 147:961-969. [PMID: 38128551 PMCID: PMC10907088 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad428] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increased interest in developing markers reflecting microstructural changes that could serve as outcome measures in clinical trials. This is especially important after unexpected results in trials evaluating disease-modifying therapies targeting amyloid-β (Aβ), where morphological metrics from MRI showed increased volume loss despite promising clinical treatment effects. In this study, changes over time in cortical mean diffusivity, derived using diffusion tensor imaging, were investigated in a large cohort (n = 424) of non-demented participants from the Swedish BioFINDER study. Participants were stratified following the Aβ/tau (AT) framework. The results revealed a widespread increase in mean diffusivity over time, including both temporal and parietal cortical regions, in Aβ-positive but still tau-negative individuals. These increases were steeper in Aβ-positive and tau-positive individuals and robust to the inclusion of cortical thickness in the model. A steeper increase in mean diffusivity was also associated with both changes over time in fluid markers reflecting astrocytic activity (i.e. plasma level of glial fibrillary acidic protein and CSF levels of YKL-40) and worsening of cognitive performance (all P < 0.01). By tracking cortical microstructural changes over time and possibly reflecting variations related to the astrocytic response, cortical mean diffusivity emerges as a promising marker for tracking treatments-induced microstructural changes in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Spotorno
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Olof Strandberg
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Stomrud
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
- Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Shorena Janelidze
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Markus Nilsson
- Diagnostic Radiology, Institution for Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Danielle van Westen
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
- Diagnostic Radiology, Institution for Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
- Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden
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Nir TM, Villalón-Reina JE, Salminen LE, Haddad E, Zheng H, Thomopoulos SI, Jack CR, Weiner MW, Thompson PM, Jahanshad N. Cortical microstructural associations with CSF amyloid and pTau. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:257-268. [PMID: 38092890 PMCID: PMC11116103 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02321-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion MRI (dMRI) can be used to probe microstructural properties of brain tissue and holds great promise as a means to non-invasively map Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Few studies have evaluated multi-shell dMRI models such as neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI in cortical gray matter where many of the earliest histopathological changes occur in AD. Here, we investigated the relationship between CSF pTau181 and Aβ1-42 burden and regional cortical NODDI and MAP-MRI indices in 46 cognitively unimpaired individuals, 18 with mild cognitive impairment, and two with dementia (mean age: 71.8 ± 6.2 years) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We compared findings to more conventional cortical thickness measures. Lower CSF Aβ1-42 and higher pTau181 were associated with cortical dMRI measures reflecting less hindered or restricted diffusion and greater diffusivity. Cortical dMRI measures, but not cortical thickness measures, were more widely associated with Aβ1-42 than pTau181 and better distinguished Aβ+ from Aβ- participants than pTau+ from pTau- participants. dMRI associations mediated the relationship between CSF markers and delayed logical memory performance, commonly impaired in early AD. dMRI metrics sensitive to early AD pathogenesis and microstructural damage may be better measures of subtle neurodegeneration in comparison to standard cortical thickness and help to elucidate mechanisms underlying cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia M Nir
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA.
| | - Julio E Villalón-Reina
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Lauren E Salminen
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Haddad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Hong Zheng
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Sophia I Thomopoulos
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael W Weiner
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Neda Jahanshad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
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Chen Z, Shan G, Wang X, Zuo Y, Song X, Ma Y, Zhao X, Jin Y. Top 100 most-cited articles on tau protein: a bibliometric analysis and evidence mapping. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1345225. [PMID: 38356652 PMCID: PMC10864446 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1345225] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tau, a microtubule-associated protein extensively distributed within the central nervous system (CNS), exhibits close associations with various neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we aimed to conduct a qualitative and quantitative bibliometric study of the top 100 most-cited publications on tau protein and reveal the current research hotspots and future perspectives. Methods The relevant literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace (v6.2.R4) and VOSviewer (1.6.19) were adopted for bibliometric analysis with statistical and visual analysis. Results Citations per article ranged from 615 to 3,123, with a median number of 765.5 times. "Neuroscience" emerged as the most extensively researched subject in this field. The USA has emerged as the leading country, with a publication record (n = 65), total citations (n = 66,543), strong centrality (0.29), and extensive international collaborations. Harvard University (n = 11) and the University of California, San Francisco (n = 11) were the top two institutions in terms of publications. Neuron dominated with 13 articles in the 37 high-quality journals. M. Goedert from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology was the most productive (n = 9) and top co-cited (n = 179) author. The most frequently studied keywords were Alzheimer's disease (n = 38). Future research is anticipated to intensify its focus on the pathogenesis of various tau-related diseases, emphasizing the phosphorylation and structural alterations of tau protein, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion The pathogenesis of various tau-related diseases, including the phosphorylation and structural alterations of the tau protein, will be the primary focus of future research, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer's disease as a central area of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanwu Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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8
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Chen Q, Abrigo J, Deng M, Shi L, Wang YX, Chu WC. Structural Network Topology Reveals Higher Brain Resilience in Individuals with Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Connect 2023; 13:553-562. [PMID: 37551987 PMCID: PMC10771874 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2023.0013] [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: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires the presence of amyloid and tau pathology, but it remains unclear how they affect the structural network in the pre-clinical stage. We aimed to assess differences in topological properties in cognitively normal (CN) individuals with varying levels of amyloid and tau pathology, as well as their association with AD pathology burden. Methods: A total of 68 CN individuals were included and stratified by normal/abnormal (-/+) amyloid (A) and tau (T) status based on positron emission tomography results, yielding three groups: A-T- (n = 19), A+T- (n = 28), and A+T+ (n = 21). Topological properties were measured from structural connectivity. Group differences and correlations with A and T were evaluated. Results: Compared with the A-T- group, the A+T+ group exhibited changes in the structural network topology. At the global level, higher assortativity was shown in the A+T+ group and was correlated with greater tau burden (r = 0.29, p = 0.02), while no difference in global efficiency was found across the three groups. At the local level, the A+T+ group showed disrupted topological properties in the left hippocampus compared with the A-T- group, characterized by lower local efficiency (p < 0.01) and a lower clustering coefficient (p = 0.014). Conclusions: The increased linkage in the higher level architecture of the white matter network reflected by assortativity may indicate increased brain resilience in the early pathological state. Our results encourage further investigation of the topological properties of the structural network in pre-clinical AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyun Chen
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jill Abrigo
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Deng
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yi-Xiang Wang
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winnie C.W. Chu
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Gallagher RL, Koscik RL, Moody JF, Vogt NM, Adluru N, Kecskemeti SR, Van Hulle CA, Chin NA, Asthana S, Kollmorgen G, Suridjan I, Carlsson CM, Johnson SC, Dean DC, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Alexander AL, Bendlin BB. Neuroimaging of tissue microstructure as a marker of neurodegeneration in the AT(N) framework: defining abnormal neurodegeneration and improving prediction of clinical status. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:180. [PMID: 37848950 PMCID: PMC10583332 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01281-y] [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: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease involves accumulating amyloid (A) and tau (T) pathology, and progressive neurodegeneration (N), leading to the development of the AD clinical syndrome. While several markers of N have been proposed, efforts to define normal vs. abnormal neurodegeneration based on neuroimaging have been limited. Sensitive markers that may account for or predict cognitive dysfunction for individuals in early disease stages are critical. METHODS Participants (n = 296) defined on A and T status and spanning the AD-clinical continuum underwent multi-shell diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to generate Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) metrics, which were tested as markers of N. To better define N, we developed age- and sex-adjusted robust z-score values to quantify normal and AD-associated (abnormal) neurodegeneration in both cortical gray matter and subcortical white matter regions of interest. We used general logistic regression with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analysis to test whether NODDI metrics improved diagnostic accuracy compared to models that only relied on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) A and T status (alone and in combination). RESULTS Using internal robust norms, we found that NODDI metrics correlate with worsening cognitive status and that NODDI captures early, AD neurodegenerative pathology in the gray matter of cognitively unimpaired, but A/T biomarker-positive, individuals. NODDI metrics utilized together with A and T status improved diagnostic prediction accuracy of AD clinical status, compared with models using CSF A and T status alone. CONCLUSION Using a robust norms approach, we show that abnormal AD-related neurodegeneration can be detected among cognitively unimpaired individuals. Metrics derived from diffusion-weighted imaging are potential sensitive markers of N and could be considered for trial enrichment and as outcomes in clinical trials. However, given the small sample sizes, the exploratory nature of the work must be acknowledged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigina L Gallagher
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca Langhough Koscik
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jason F Moody
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nicholas M Vogt
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nagesh Adluru
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Waisman Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Carol A Van Hulle
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nathaniel A Chin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sanjay Asthana
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Veterans Administration, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Cynthia M Carlsson
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, Madison, WI, USA
- Veterans Administration, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sterling C Johnson
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, Madison, WI, USA
- Veterans Administration, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Douglas C Dean
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Waisman Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Andrew L Alexander
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Waisman Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Barbara B Bendlin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA.
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, Madison, WI, USA.
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10
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Thaker AA, McConnell BV, Rogers DM, Carlson NE, Coughlan C, Jensen AM, Lopez-Paniagua D, Holden SK, Pressman PS, Pelak VS, Filley CM, Potter H, Solano DA, Heffernan KS, Bettcher BM. Astrogliosis, neuritic microstructure, and sex effects: GFAP is an indicator of neuritic orientation in women. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 113:124-135. [PMID: 37394144 PMCID: PMC10584366 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.026] [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] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data from human studies suggest that immune dysregulation is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and cognitive decline and that neurites may be affected early in the disease trajectory. Data from animal studies further indicate that dysfunction in astrocytes and inflammation may have a pivotal role in facilitating dendritic damage, which has been linked with negative cognitive outcomes. To elucidate these relationships further, we have examined the relationship between astrocyte and immune dysregulation, AD-related pathology, and neuritic microstructure in AD-vulnerable regions in late life. METHODS We evaluated panels of immune, vascular, and AD-related protein markers in blood and conducted in vivo multi-shell neuroimaging using Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) to assess indices of neuritic density (NDI) and dispersion (ODI) in brain regions vulnerable to AD in a cohort of older adults (n = 109). RESULTS When examining all markers in tandem, higher plasma GFAP levels were strongly related to lower neurite dispersion (ODI) in grey matter. No biomarker associations were found with higher neuritic density. Associations between GFAP and neuritic microstructure were not significantly impacted by symptom status, APOE status, or plasma Aβ42/40 ratio; however, there was a large sex effect observed for neurite dispersion, wherein negative associations between GFAP and ODI were only observed in females. DISCUSSION This study provides a comprehensive, concurrent appraisal of immune, vascular, and AD-related biomarkers in the context of advanced grey matter neurite orientation and dispersion methodology. Sex may be an important modifier of the complex associations between astrogliosis, immune dysregulation, and brain microstructure in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashesh A Thaker
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Brice V McConnell
- Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology Section, University of Colorado Alzheimer's & Cognition Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dustin M Rogers
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nichole E Carlson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christina Coughlan
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Alzheimer's & Cognition Center, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alexandria M Jensen
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dan Lopez-Paniagua
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Samantha K Holden
- Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology Section, University of Colorado Alzheimer's & Cognition Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter S Pressman
- Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology Section, University of Colorado Alzheimer's & Cognition Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Victoria S Pelak
- Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology Section, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers University of Colorado Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christopher M Filley
- Behavioral Neurology Section, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Colorado Alzheimer's & Cognition Center, Marcus Institute for Brain Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Huntington Potter
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Alzheimer's & Cognition Center, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - D Adriana Solano
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Alzheimer's & Cognition Center, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kate S Heffernan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurological Disorders, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brianne M Bettcher
- Department of Neurology, Behavioral Neurology Section, University of Colorado Alzheimer's & Cognition Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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11
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Weston PSJ, Coath W, Harris MJ, Malone IB, Dickson J, Aigbirhio FI, Cash DM, Zhang H, Schott JM. Cortical tau is associated with microstructural imaging biomarkers of neurite density and dendritic complexity in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:2750-2754. [PMID: 36932979 PMCID: PMC10614698 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13011] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Alzheimer's disease (AD), hyperphosphorylated tau is closely associated with focal neurodegeneration, but the mechanism remains uncertain. METHODS We quantified cortical microstructure using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging in 14 individuals with young onset AD. Diffusion tensor imaging measured mean diffusivity (MD). Amyloid beta and tau positron emission tomography were acquired and associations with microstructural measures were assessed. RESULTS When regional volume was adjusted for, in the medial temporal lobe there was a significant negative association between neurite density and tau (partial R2 = 0.56, p = 0.008) and between orientation dispersion and tau (partial R2 = 0.66, p = 0.002), but not between MD and tau. In a wider cortical composite, there was an association between orientation dispersion and tau (partial R2 = 0.43, p = 0.030), but not between other measures and tau. DISCUSSION Our findings are consistent with tau causing first dendritic pruning (reducing dispersion/complexity) followed by neuronal loss. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) microstructural measures have the potential to provide information relating to underlying tau deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip S. J. Weston
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCLUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - William Coath
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - Matthew J. Harris
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - Ian B. Malone
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - John Dickson
- Institute of Nuclear MedicineUniversity College London HospitalsLondonUK
| | - Franklin I. Aigbirhio
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Wolfson Brain Imaging CentreUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - David M. Cash
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Centre for Medical Image ComputingUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Jonathan M. Schott
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
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12
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Nir TM, Villalón-Reina JE, Salminen L, Haddad E, Zheng H, Thomopoulos SI, Jack CR, Weiner MW, Thompson PM, Jahanshad N. Cortical microstructural associations with CSF amyloid and pTau. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.04.10.23288366. [PMID: 37090601 PMCID: PMC10120803 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.10.23288366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion MRI (dMRI) can be used to probe microstructural properties of brain tissue and holds great promise as a means to non-invasively map Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Few studies have evaluated multi-shell dMRI models, such as neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and mean apparent propagator (MAP)-MRI, in cortical gray matter where many of the earliest histopathological changes occur in AD. Here, we investigated the relationship between CSF pTau181 and Aβ1-42 burden and regional cortical NODDI and MAP-MRI indices in 46 cognitively unimpaired individuals, 18 with mild cognitive impairment, and two with dementia (mean age: 71.8±6.2 years) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We compared findings to more conventional cortical thickness measures. Lower CSF Aβ1-42 and higher pTau181 were associated with cortical dMRI measures reflecting less hindered or restricted diffusion and greater diffusivity. Cortical dMRI measures were more widely associated with Aβ1-42 than pTau181 and better distinguished Aβ+ from Aβ- participants than pTau+/- participants. Conversely, cortical thickness was more tightly linked with pTau181. dMRI associations mediated the relationship between CSF markers and delayed logical memory performance, commonly impaired in early AD. dMRI measures sensitive to early AD pathogenesis and microstructural damage may elucidate mechanisms underlying cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia M. Nir
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, United States
| | - Julio E. Villalón-Reina
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, United States
| | - Lauren Salminen
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Haddad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, United States
| | - Hong Zheng
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, United States
| | - Sophia I. Thomopoulos
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, United States
| | - Clifford R. Jack
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michael W. Weiner
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, United States
| | - Neda Jahanshad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging & Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, United States
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13
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Chen Q, Abrigo J, Deng M, Shi L, Wang YX, Chu WCW. Diffusion Changes in Hippocampal Cingulum in Early Biologically Defined Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 91:1007-1017. [PMID: 36530082 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was recently shifted from clinical to biological construct to reflect underlying neuropathological status, where amyloid deposition designated patients to the Alzheimer's continuum, and additional tau positivity represented AD. OBJECTIVE To investigate white matter (WM) alteration in the brain of patients in the Alzheimer's continuum. METHODS A total of 236 subjects across the clinical and biological spectra of AD were included and stratified by normal/abnormal (-/+) amyloid (A) and tau (T) status based on positron emission tomography results, yielding five groups: A-T-cognitively normal (CN), A+T-CN, A+T+ CN, A+T+ mild cognitive impairment, and A+T+ AD. WM alteration was measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Group differences, correlation of DTI measures with amyloid and tau, and diagnostic performance of such measures were evaluated. RESULTS Compared with A-T-CN, widespread WM alteration was observed in the Alzheimer's continuum, including hippocampal cingulum (CGH), cingulum of the cingulate gyrus, and uncinate fasciculus. Diffusion changes measured by regional mean fractional anisotropy (FA) in the bilateral CGH were first detected in the A+T+ CN group and associated with tau burden in the Alzheimer's continuum (p < 0.001). For discrimination between A+T+ CN and A-T-CN groups, CGH FA achieved accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 74%, 58%, and 78% for right CGH and 57%, 83%, and 47% respectively for left CGH. CONCLUSION WM alteration is widespread in the Alzheimer's continuum. Diffusion alteration in CGH occurred early and was correlated with tau pathology, thus may be a promising biomarker in preclinical AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyun Chen
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jill Abrigo
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Deng
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yi-Xiang Wang
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winnie Chiu Wing Chu
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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14
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Moody JF, Dean DC, Kecskemeti SR, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Kollmorgen G, Suridjan I, Wild N, Carlsson CM, Johnson SC, Alexander AL, Bendlin BB. Associations between diffusion MRI microstructure and cerebrospinal fluid markers of Alzheimer's disease pathology and neurodegeneration along the Alzheimer's disease continuum. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 14:e12381. [PMID: 36479018 PMCID: PMC9720004 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Introduction White matter (WM) degeneration is a critical component of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) models, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and mean apparent propagator MRI (MAP-MRI), have the potential to identify early neurodegenerative WM changes associated with AD. Methods We imaged 213 (198 cognitively unimpaired) aging adults with DWI and used tract-based spatial statistics to compare 15 DWI metrics of WM microstructure to 9 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of AD pathology and neurodegeneration treated as continuous variables. Results We found widespread WM injury in AD, as indexed by robust associations between DWI metrics and CSF biomarkers. MAP-MRI had more spatially diffuse relationships with Aβ42/40 and pTau, compared with NODDI and DTI. Discussion Our results suggest that WM degeneration may be more pervasive in AD than is commonly appreciated and that innovative DWI models such as MAP-MRI may provide clinically viable biomarkers of AD-related neurodegeneration in the earliest stages of AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason F. Moody
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Douglas C. Dean
- Waisman CenterUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | | | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologySahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgMölndalSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurochemistryInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologySahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgMölndalSweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry LaboratorySahlgrenska University HospitalMölndalSweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- UK Dementia Research InstituteUCLLondonUK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesHong KongChina
| | | | | | | | - Cynthia M. Carlsson
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Sterling C. Johnson
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical CenterMiddleton Memorial VA HospitalMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Andrew L. Alexander
- Waisman CenterUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Barbara B. Bendlin
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
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15
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Chylinski D, Narbutas J, Balteau E, Collette F, Bastin C, Berthomier C, Salmon E, Maquet P, Carrier J, Phillips C, Lina JM, Vandewalle G, Van Egroo M. Frontal grey matter microstructure is associated with sleep slow waves characteristics in late midlife. Sleep 2022; 45:zsac178. [PMID: 35869626 PMCID: PMC9644125 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac178] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The ability to generate slow waves (SW) during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep decreases as early as the 5th decade of life, predominantly over frontal regions. This decrease may concern prominently SW characterized by a fast switch from hyperpolarized to depolarized, or down-to-up, state. Yet, the relationship between these fast and slow switcher SW and cerebral microstructure in ageing is not established. METHODS We recorded habitual sleep under EEG in 99 healthy late midlife individuals (mean age = 59.3 ± 5.3 years; 68 women) and extracted SW parameters (density, amplitude, frequency) for all SW as well as according to their switcher type (slow vs. fast). We further used neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to assess microstructural integrity over a frontal grey matter region of interest (ROI). RESULTS In statistical models adjusted for age, sex, and sleep duration, we found that a lower SW density, particularly for fast switcher SW, was associated with a reduced orientation dispersion of neurites in the frontal ROI (p = 0.018, R2β* = 0.06). In addition, overall SW frequency was positively associated with neurite density (p = 0.03, R2β* = 0.05). By contrast, we found no significant relationships between SW amplitude and NODDI metrics. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the complexity of neurite organization contributes specifically to the rate of fast switcher SW occurrence in healthy middle-aged individuals, corroborating slow and fast switcher SW as distinct types of SW. They further suggest that the density of frontal neurites plays a key role for neural synchronization during sleep. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER EudraCT 2016-001436-35.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Chylinski
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Justinas Narbutas
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Balteau
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Collette
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christine Bastin
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Eric Salmon
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Maquet
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Julie Carrier
- CARSM, CIUSSS of Nord-de l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Christophe Phillips
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- GIGA-In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marc Lina
- CARSM, CIUSSS of Nord-de l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Gilles Vandewalle
- Corresponding authors. Gilles Vandewalle, GIGA-Cyclotron Research Centre-In Vivo Imaging, Bâtiment B30, Université de Liège, Allée du Six Août, 8, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Maxime Van Egroo
- Maxime Van Egroo, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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16
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Benitez A, Jensen JH, Thorn K, Dhiman S, Fountain-Zaragoza S, Rieter WJ, Spampinato MV, Hamlett ED, Nietert PJ, Falangola MDF, Helpern JA. Greater diffusion restriction in white matter in Preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Ann Neurol 2022; 91:864-877. [PMID: 35285067 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Alzheimer's Continuum is biologically defined by beta-amyloid deposition which, at the earliest stages, is superimposed upon white matter degeneration in aging. However, the extent to which these co-occurring changes are characterized is relatively under-explored. The goal of this study was to use Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging (DKI) and biophysical modeling to detect and describe amyloid-related white matter changes in preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Cognitively unimpaired participants ages 45-85 completed brain MRI, amyloid PET (florbetapir), neuropsychological testing, and other clinical measures at baseline in a cohort study. We tested whether beta amyloid-negative (AB-) and -positive (AB+) participants differed on DKI-based conventional (i.e. Fractional Anisotropy [FA], Mean Diffusivity [MD], Mean Kurtosis [MK]) and modeling (i.e. Axonal Water Fraction [AWF], extra-axonal radial diffusivity [De,⊥ ]) metrics, and whether these metrics were associated with other biomarkers. RESULTS We found significantly greater diffusion restriction (higher FA/AWF, lower MD/ De,⊥ ) in white matter in AB+ than AB- (partial η2 = 0.08-0.19), more notably in the extra-axonal space within primarily late-myelinating tracts. Diffusion metrics predicted amyloid status incrementally over age (AUC=0.84) with modest yet selective associations, where AWF (a marker of axonal density) correlated with speed/executive functions and neurodegeneration, whereas De,⊥ (a marker of gliosis/myelin repair) correlated with amyloid deposition and white matter hyperintensity volume. INTERPRETATION These results support prior evidence of a non-monotonic change in diffusion behavior, where an early increase in diffusion restriction is hypothesized to reflect inflammation and myelin repair prior to an ensuing decrease in diffusion restriction, indicating glial and neuronal degeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreana Benitez
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jens H Jensen
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kathryn Thorn
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Siddhartha Dhiman
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephanie Fountain-Zaragoza
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - William J Rieter
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Maria Vittoria Spampinato
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Eric D Hamlett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Paul J Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Maria de Fatima Falangola
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joseph A Helpern
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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17
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Blinkouskaya Y, Caçoilo A, Gollamudi T, Jalalian S, Weickenmeier J. Brain aging mechanisms with mechanical manifestations. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 200:111575. [PMID: 34600936 PMCID: PMC8627478 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Brain aging is a complex process that affects everything from the subcellular to the organ level, begins early in life, and accelerates with age. Morphologically, brain aging is primarily characterized by brain volume loss, cortical thinning, white matter degradation, loss of gyrification, and ventricular enlargement. Pathophysiologically, brain aging is associated with neuron cell shrinking, dendritic degeneration, demyelination, small vessel disease, metabolic slowing, microglial activation, and the formation of white matter lesions. In recent years, the mechanics community has demonstrated increasing interest in modeling the brain's (bio)mechanical behavior and uses constitutive modeling to predict shape changes of anatomically accurate finite element brain models in health and disease. Here, we pursue two objectives. First, we review existing imaging-based data on white and gray matter atrophy rates and organ-level aging patterns. This data is required to calibrate and validate constitutive brain models. Second, we review the most critical cell- and tissue-level aging mechanisms that drive white and gray matter changes. We focuse on aging mechanisms that ultimately manifest as organ-level shape changes based on the idea that the integration of imaging and mechanical modeling may help identify the tipping point when normal aging ends and pathological neurodegeneration begins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Blinkouskaya
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, United States
| | - Andreia Caçoilo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, United States
| | - Trisha Gollamudi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, United States
| | - Shima Jalalian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, United States
| | - Johannes Weickenmeier
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, United States.
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