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Saccaro LF, Tassone M, Tozzi F, Rutigliano G. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of N-acetyl aspartate in first depressive episode and chronic major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 355:265-282. [PMID: 38554884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) is a marker of neuronal integrity and metabolism. Deficiency in neuronal plasticity and hypometabolism are implicated in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) pathophysiology. To test if cerebral NAA concentrations decrease progressively over the MDD course, we conducted a pre-registered meta-analysis of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies comparing NAA concentrations in chronic MDD (n = 1308) and first episode of depression (n = 242) patients to healthy controls (HC, n = 1242). Sixty-two studies were meta-analyzed using a random-effect model for each brain region. NAA concentrations were significantly reduced in chronic MDD compared to HC within the frontal lobe (Hedges' g = -0.330; p = 0.018), the occipital lobe (Hedges' g = -0.677; p = 0.007), thalamus (Hedges' g = -0.673; p = 0.016), and frontal (Hedges' g = -0.471; p = 0.034) and periventricular white matter (Hedges' g = -0.478; p = 0.047). We highlighted a gap of knowledge regarding NAA levels in first episode of depression patients. Sensitivity analyses indicated that antidepressant treatment may reverse NAA alterations in the frontal lobe. We highlighted field strength and correction for voxel grey matter as moderators of NAA levels detection. Future studies should assess NAA alterations in the early stages of the illness and their longitudinal progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi F Saccaro
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, 9 Chemin des Mines, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospital, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Matteo Tassone
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Tozzi
- Bio@SNS laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Grazia Rutigliano
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, MRI Steiner Unit, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, W12 0NN London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Yang S, Wu M, Ajilore O, Lamar M, Kumar A. Impaired biophysical integrity of macromolecular protein pools in the uncinate circuit in late-life depression. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1844-1855. [PMID: 29880885 PMCID: PMC8806152 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0085-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a common mood disorder in the elderly. Although the neuroanatomical abnormalities have been identified in patients with late-life depression (LLD), the precise biological basis of LLD remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the biophysical integrity of macromolecular protein pools in the nodal regions of the "uncinate circuit," a component of fronto-limbic circuitry that is connected by the uncinate fasciculus and is critical in the regulation of mood and emotions, using novel magnetization transfer (MT) imaging. Twenty-four patients with LLD and 27 non-depressed healthy control subjects (HCs) of comparable age, sex, and race were recruited from the communities of the greater Chicago Area. The nodal regions of the uncinate circuit, i.e., bilateral amygdala, hippocampus, and lateral and medial orbitofrontal cortices (OFCs), were examined. Compared with HCs, patients with LLD had significantly lower magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), a measure of the biophysical integrity of macromolecular protein pools, in bilateral amygdala and hippocampus. The lower MTR was negatively correlated with the depression score. Moreover, the MTR of these regions decreased with age and positively correlated with neuropsychological performance in the LLD group but not in the HC group. These findings suggest that LLD is associated with compromised biophysical integrity of macromolecular protein pools in nodal regions of the uncinate circuit, and that major depression may accentuate age-related attenuation of the biophysical integrity of macromolecular protein pools in this circuit. These findings provide important new insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of the pathophysiology of LLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaolin Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, USA. .,Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, USA. .,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, USA.
| | - Minjie Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15213, USA
| | - Olusola Ajilore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
| | - Melissa Lamar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
| | - Anand Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, USA.
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Williams MR, Sharma P, Macdonald C, Pearce RKB, Hirsch SR, Maier M. Axonal myelin decrease in the splenium in major depressive disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 269:387-395. [PMID: 29980921 PMCID: PMC6525661 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-018-0904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The corpus callosum has become a key area of interest for researchers in severe mental illness. Disruptions in fractional anisotropy in the callosum have been reported in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. No change has been reported in oligodendrocyte density and overall size of the callosum in either illness, suggesting that gross morphology is unchanged, but subtler organisational disruption may exist within this structure. Using high-resolution oil immersion microscopy, we examined the cross-sectional area of the nerve fibre and the axonal myelin sheath; and using standard high-resolution light microscopy, we measured the density of myelinated axons. These measurements were made in the splenium of the corpus callosum. Measures were taken in the sagittal plane in the callosal splenium to contrast with the previous similar examination of the callosal genu. Cases of major depressive disorder had significantly decreased mean myelin cross-sectional area (p = 0.014) per axon in the splenium than in controls or schizophrenia groups. There was no significant change in the density of myelinated axons. The results suggest a clear decrease of myelin in the axons of the callosal splenium in MDD, although this type of neuropathological study is unable to clarify whether this is caused by changes during life or has a developmental origin. In contrast with increased myelin in the callosal genu, this result suggests a longitudinal change in callosal myelination in major depressive disorder not present in normal or schizophrenic brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Williams
- Robert Steiner Unit, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 0NN, UK.
- Neuropathology Unit, Division of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK.
| | - P Sharma
- Neuropathology Unit, Division of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK
- Ophthalmology Department, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Lister Hospital, Coreys Mill Lane, Stevenage, SG1 4AB, UK
| | - C Macdonald
- Neuropathology Unit, Division of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK
- KHPC Biobank, Innovation Hub, Guy's Cancer Centre, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - R K B Pearce
- Neuropathology Unit, Division of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK
| | - S R Hirsch
- Claybrook Centre, West London Mental Health NHS Trust, Claybrook Road, London, W6 8LN, UK
| | - M Maier
- Trust HQ, West London Mental Health NHS Trust, Uxbridge Road, Southall, UB1 3EU, UK
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Mathias LK, Monette PJ, Harper DG, Forester BP. Application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in geriatric mood disorders. Int Rev Psychiatry 2017; 29:597-617. [PMID: 29199890 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2017.1397608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of mood disorders in the rapidly-growing older adult population merits attention due to the likelihood of increased medical comorbidities, risk of hospitalization or institutionalization, and strains placed on caregivers and healthcare providers. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) quantifies biochemical compounds in vivo, and has been used specifically for analyses of neural metabolism and bioenergetics in older adults with mood disorders, usually via proton or phosphorous spectroscopy. While yet to be clinically implemented, data gathered from research subjects may help indicate potential biomarkers of disease state or trait or putative drug targets. Three prevailing hypotheses for these mood disorders are used as a framework for the present review, and the current biochemical findings within each are discussed with respect to particular metabolites and brain regions. This review covers studies of MRS in geriatric mood disorders and reveals persisting gaps in research knowledge, especially with regard to older age bipolar disorder. Further MRS work, using higher field strengths and larger sample sizes, is warranted in order to better understand the neurobiology of these prevalent late-life disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana K Mathias
- a Division of Geriatric Psychiatry , McLean Hospital , Belmont , MA , USA
| | - Patrick J Monette
- a Division of Geriatric Psychiatry , McLean Hospital , Belmont , MA , USA
| | - David G Harper
- a Division of Geriatric Psychiatry , McLean Hospital , Belmont , MA , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Brent P Forester
- a Division of Geriatric Psychiatry , McLean Hospital , Belmont , MA , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
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Myelination of the brain in Major Depressive Disorder: An in vivo quantitative magnetic resonance imaging study. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2200. [PMID: 28526817 PMCID: PMC5438403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02062-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from post-mortem, genetic, neuroimaging, and non-human animal research suggests that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with abnormalities in brain myelin content. Brain regions implicated in this research, and in MDD more generally, include the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), insula, subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We examined whether MDD is characterized by reduced myelin at the whole-brain level and in NAcc, LPFC, insula, sgACC, and mPFC. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) permits the assessment of myelin content, in vivo, in the human brain through the measure of R1. In this study we used qMRI to measure R1 in 40 MDD and 40 healthy control (CTL) participants. We found that the MDD participants had lower levels of myelin than did the CTL participants at the whole-brain level and in the NAcc, and that myelin in the LPFC was reduced in MDD participants who had experienced a greater number of depressive episodes. Although further research is needed to elucidate the role of myelin in affecting emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and clinical aspects of MDD, the current study provides important new evidence that a fundamental property of brain composition, myelin, is altered in this disorder.
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Li J, Xu C, Cao X, Gao Q, Wang Y, Wang Y, Peng J, Zhang K. Abnormal activation of the occipital lobes during emotion picture processing in major depressive disorder patients. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:1693-701. [PMID: 25206466 PMCID: PMC4145913 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.18.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of studies have demonstrated that depression patients have cognitive dysfunction. With recently developed brain functional imaging, studies have focused on changes in brain function to investigate cognitive changes. However, there is still controversy regarding abnormalities in brain functions or correlation between cognitive impairment and brain function changes. Thus, it is important to design an emotion-related task for research into brain function changes. We selected positive, neutral, and negative pictures from the International Affective Picture System. Patients with major depressive disorder were asked to judge emotion pictures. In addition, functional MRI was performed to synchronously record behavior data and imaging data. Results showed that the total correct rate for recognizing pictures was lower in patients compared with normal controls. Moreover, the consistency for recognizing pictures for depressed patients was worse than normal controls, and they frequently recognized positive pictures as negative pictures. The consistency for recognizing pictures was negatively correlated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Functional MRI suggested that the activation of some areas in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, limbic lobe, and cerebellum was enhanced, but that the activation of some areas in the frontal lobe, parietal lobe and occipital lobe was weakened while the patients were watching positive and neutral pictures compared with normal controls. The activation of some areas in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, and limbic lobe was enhanced, but the activation of some areas in the occipital lobe were weakened while the patients were watching the negative pictures compared with normal controls. These findings indicate that patients with major depressive disorder have negative cognitive disorder and extensive brain dysfunction. Thus, reduced activation of the occipital lobe may be an initiating factor for cognitive disorder in depressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Li
- Department of Mental Health, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- MRI Room, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan 030012, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaohua Cao
- Department of Mental Health, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- MRI Room, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan 030012, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Mental Health, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Department of Mental Health, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Juyi Peng
- Department of Mental Health, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Kerang Zhang
- Department of Mental Health, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi Province, China
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7
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O'Brien JT. Clinical significance of white matter changes. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2014; 22:133-7. [PMID: 24041523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Although their clinical significance has long been debated, it has now been well established, both from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, that white matter lesions on magnetic resonance imaging are associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including cognitive impairment, functional disability, death, neurologic problems, and depression. Novel imaging methods now allow testing of models of the pathogenesis of such lesions, which will open new avenues for therapeutic intervention to try to prevent or delay the developments of such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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8
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Wu RH, Lin R, Li H, Xiao ZW, Rao HB, Luo WH, Guo G, Huang K, Zhang XG, Lang ZJ. Accuracy of noninvasive quantification of brain NAA concentrations using PRESS sequence: verification in a swine model with external standard. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS : ... ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012; 2005:1396-9. [PMID: 17282459 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2005.1616690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The metabolite ratios had been employed in the field of MR spectroscopy (MRS) for a long period. The main drawback of metabolite ratio is that ratio results are not comparable with absolute metabolite concentration in vivo. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of noninvasive quantification of brain N-acetylaspartate (NAA) concentrations using previously reported MR external standard method. Eight swine were scanned on a GE 1.5 T scanner with a standard head coil. The external standard method was utilized with a sphere filled with NAA, GABA, glutamine, glutamate, creatine, choline chloride, and myo-inositol. The position resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence was used with TE=135 msec, TR=1500 msec, and 128 scan averages. The analysis of MRS was done with SAGE/IDL program. In vivo NAA concentration was obtained using the equation S=N * e(-TE/T<sub>2</sub>) * [1-e(-TR/T<sub>1</sub>). In vitro NAA concentration was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the MRS group, the mean concentration of NAA was 10.03 plusmn 0.74 mmol/kg. In the HPLC group, the mean concentration of NAA was 9.22 plusmn 0.55 mmol/kg. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.46). However, slightly higher value was observed in the MRS group (7/8 swine), compared with HPLC group. The range of differences was between 0.02~2.05 mmol/kg. MRS external reference method could be more accurate than internal reference method. <sup>1</sup>H MRS does not distinguish between N-acetyl resonance frequencies and other N-acetylated amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Wu
- Med. Imaging & Central Lab., Shantou Univ. Med. Coll
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Naismith SL, Norrie LM, Mowszowski L, Hickie IB. The neurobiology of depression in later-life: Clinical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging and pathophysiological features. Prog Neurobiol 2012; 98:99-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Peters BD, Blaas J, de Haan L. Diffusion tensor imaging in the early phase of schizophrenia: what have we learned? J Psychiatr Res 2010; 44:993-1004. [PMID: 20554292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The dysconnectivity model suggests that disturbed integration of neural communication is central to schizophrenia. The integrity of macro-structural brain circuits can be examined with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), an MRI application sensitive to microstructural abnormalities of brain white matter. DTI studies in first-episode schizophrenia patients and individuals at high-risk of psychosis can provide insight into the role of structural dysconnectivity in the liability, onset and early course of psychosis. This review discusses (i) views on the role of white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia, (ii) DTI and its application in schizophrenia, (iii) DTI findings in first-episode patients and subjects at high-risk of psychosis; their timing, anatomical location and early course, (iv) the hypothesized underlying pathological substrate and possible causes of DTI white matter alterations, including effects of adolescent cannabis use, and (v) some methodological issues and future recommendations. In summary, there is evidence that DTI abnormalities convey a liability for psychosis and additional abnormalities occur around onset of psychosis. However, findings in first-episode patients are less robust than in chronic patients, and progression of disturbances may occur in the early course of poor-outcome patients. In addition, acceleration of the normal aging process may occur. Adolescent cannabis use has specific effects on DTI measures. An unresolved issue is the underlying pathology of DTI abnormalities, and combining DTI with other MRI indices can provide more insight. More research is needed on which genetic and environmental factors play a role in the variability of current results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart D Peters
- Rivierduinen, Langevelderweg 27, 2211 AB Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands.
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Mandl RCW, Schnack HG, Luigjes J, van den Heuvel MP, Cahn W, Kahn RS, Hulshoff Pol HE. Tract-based analysis of magnetization transfer ratio and diffusion tensor imaging of the frontal and frontotemporal connections in schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2010; 36:778-87. [PMID: 19042913 PMCID: PMC2894583 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbn161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, aberrant connectivity between brain regions may be a central feature. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have shown altered fractional anisotropy (FA) in white brain matter in schizophrenia. Focal reductions in myelin have been suggested in patients using magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) imaging but to what extent schizophrenia may be related to changes in MTR measured along entire fiber bundles is still unknown. METHODS DTI and MTR images were acquired with a 1.5-T scanner in 40 schizophrenia patients and compared with those of 40 healthy participants. The mean FA and mean MTR were measured along the genu of the corpus callosum and the left and right uncinate fasciculus. RESULTS A higher mean MTR of 1% was found in the right uncinate fasciculus in patients compared with healthy participants. A significant negative correlation between age and mean FA in the left uncinate fasciculus was found in schizophrenia patients but not in healthy participants. CONCLUSIONS Decreased FA in the left uncinate fasciculus may be more prominent in patients with longer illness duration. The increased mean MTR in the right uncinate fasciculus could reflect a compensatory role for myelin in these fibers or possibly represent aberrant frontotemporal connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- René C. W. Mandl
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: 31-0-887559705, fax: 31-0-887555443, e-mail:
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Kim SY, Lee YJ, Kim H, Lee DW, Woo DC, Choi CB, Chae JH, Choe BY. Desipramine attenuates forced swim test-induced behavioral and neurochemical alterations in mice: an in vivo(1)H-MRS study at 9.4T. Brain Res 2010; 1348:105-13. [PMID: 20542016 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.05.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 05/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The forced swim test (FST) is a behavioral paradigm that is predicative of antidepressant activity in rodents. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of desipramine (DMI) pretreatment on behavioral and regional neurochemical responses in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and hippocampus of mice exposed to the FST using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS). An ultra short echo stimulated echo acquisition (STEAM) localization sequence (TR/TM/TE=5000/20/2.2ms) was used to measure in vivo proton spectra from the left DLPFC (voxel volume: 7microl) and hippocampus (6microl) of C57BL/6 mice at 9.4T and acquired proton spectra post-processed offline with LCModel. The FST induced significant increase of glutamate (Glu) and myo-inositol (mIns) concentrations in the left DLPFC and hippocampus, respectively. In addition, creatine+phosphocreatine (Cr+PCr) concentrations in the left DLPFC were significantly decreased as compared to control. The metabolic alterations induced by the FST were reverted to level similar to control by acute DMI administration. Our results suggest that glutamatergic activity and glial cell dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depression and that modulation of synaptic neurotransmitter concentrations represents a potential target for antidepressant drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Young Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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13
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Zhang TJ, Wu QZ, Huang XQ, Sun XL, Zou K, Lui S, Liu F, Hu JM, Kuang WH, Li DM, Li F, Chen HF, Chan RCK, Mechelli A, Gong QY. Magnetization transfer imaging reveals the brain deficit in patients with treatment-refractory depression. J Affect Disord 2009; 117:157-61. [PMID: 19211150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2009.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2008] [Revised: 01/04/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on treatment resistant depression (TRD) using advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques are very limited. METHODS A group of 15 patients with clinically defined TRD and 15 matched healthy controls underwent magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) and T1-weighted (T1W) imaging. MTI data were processed and analyzed voxel-wised in SPM2. A voxel based morphometric (VBM) analysis was performed using T1W images. RESULTS Reduced magnetization transfer ratio was observed in the TRD group relative to normal controls in the anterior cingulate, insula, caudate tail and amygdala-parahippocampal areas. All these regions were identified within the right hemisphere. VBM revealed no morphological abnormalities in the TRD group compared to the control group. Negative correlations were found between MRI and clinical measures in the inferior temporal gyrus. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design and small sample size. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that MTI is capable of identifying subtle brain abnormalities which underlie TRD and in general more sensitive than morphological measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ti-Jiang Zhang
- Huaxi MR Research Center, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
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Karl A, Werner A. The use of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in PTSD research--meta-analyses of findings and methodological review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2009; 34:7-22. [PMID: 19559046 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Different neuroimaging techniques provided evidence for structural and functional brain alterations in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to technical improvements, especially concerning localization techniques and more reliable analysis methods, one technique, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS), has increasingly become of interest because it allows further insight into metabolic mechanisms that may contribute to these alterations. The aim of this article is, therefore, to review recent studies utilizing (1)H-MRS of the hippocampus and other brain structures in PTSD. Using meta-analytic methods, we attempted to answer the question if PTSD, as compared to different types of control samples, is accompanied by altered neurometabolite ratios and concentrations in the tissue of different brain regions. A second intent was to review methodological aspects to advise on a minimal standard for reliable results with respect to the application of (1)H-MRS in PTSD. Finally, we discussed the implications of the findings with respect to current PTSD models and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Karl
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Building 44, Southampton, UK.
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Elderkin-Thompson V, Hellemann G, Pham D, Kumar A. Prefrontal brain morphology and executive function in healthy and depressed elderly. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2009; 24:459-68. [PMID: 18819162 DOI: 10.1002/gps.2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Late-life depression is known to correlate independently with decreased brain volumes in anterior cingulate, gyrus rectus and orbitofrontal cortex and with executive dysfunction, but the relationship between morphometry of reduced volume regions and executive dysfunction has not been well defined. METHODS Nondepressed and depressed elders completed five executive tests, a standard panel of laboratory tests and magnetic resonance imaging. Images of the prefrontal cortex were manually masked and automatically segmented and regional brain volumes were calculated. Executive scores and error rates were regressed on bilateral white and gray matter volumes of anterior cingulate, gyrus rectus and orbitofrontal. RESULTS Gyrus rectus was associated positively with scores on sequencing and nonverbal abstract reasoning, and negatively with two fluency error scores. Four positive interactions indicated that performance of controls was more closely associated with increased volume than that of depressed patients. Anterior cingulate was associated positively with two nonverbal reasoning tasks and with three positive interactions. Orbitofrontal volumes were negatively associated with correct responses and errors on two fluency tasks. One interaction showed controls' performance decreased more than depressed patients with increased volume. CONCLUSIONS Individual executive tasks correlate positively with volumes of anterior cingulate and gyrus rectus regions and negatively with orbitofrontal region. The orbitofrontal relationship suggests a loss of inhibitory control with decreased volume because both correct and incorrect answers on fluency tasks increased per unit decrease in volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Elderkin-Thompson
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Geriatric Division, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759, USA.
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Ajilore O, Haroon E, Kumaran S, Darwin C, Binesh N, Mintz J, Miller J, Thomas MA, Kumar A. Measurement of brain metabolites in patients with type 2 diabetes and major depression using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007; 32:1224-31. [PMID: 17180124 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes and major depression are disorders that are mutual risk factors and may share similar pathophysiological mechanisms. To further understand these shared mechanisms, the purpose of our study was to examine the biochemical basis of depression in patients with type 2 diabetes using proton MRS. Patients with type 2 diabetes and major depression (n=20) were scanned along with patients with diabetes alone (n=24) and healthy controls (n=21) on a 1.5 T MRI/MRS scanner. Voxels were placed bilaterally in dorsolateral white matter and the subcortical nuclei region, both areas important in the circuitry of late-life depression. Absolute values of myo-inositol, creatine, N-acetyl aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, and choline corrected for CSF were measured using the LC-Model algorithm. Glutamine and glutamate concentrations in depressed diabetic patients were significantly lower (p<0.001) in the subcortical regions as compared to healthy and diabetic control subjects. Myo-inositol concentrations were significantly increased (p<0.05) in diabetic control subjects and depressed diabetic patients in frontal white matter as compared to healthy controls. These findings have broad implications and suggest that alterations in glutamate and glutamine levels in subcortical regions along with white matter changes in myo-inositol provide important neurobiological substrates of mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusola Ajilore
- Department of Psychiatry, UCLA Semel Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.
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Cook IA, Bookheimer SY, Mickes L, Leuchter AF, Kumar A. Aging and brain activation with working memory tasks: an fMRI study of connectivity. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2007; 22:332-42. [PMID: 17236244 DOI: 10.1002/gps.1678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND White matter changes in aging and neuropsychiatric disorders may produce disconnection of neural circuits. Temporal correlations in regional blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signals may be used to assess effective functional connectivity in specific circuits, such as prefrontal cortex (PFC) circuits supporting working memory (WM) tasks. We hypothesized healthy older subjects would show lower connectivity than younger subjects. METHODS Healthy younger (n = 9, 25.9 (SD 6.0) years) and older adults (n = 11, 68.3 (4.9) years) performed WM tasks during functional MRI. Subjects viewed images and were instructed to label them, either simultaneously or after a delay; BOLD responses with and without delay were contrasted to assess differential WM activation and connectivity. Two tasks were used: a semantic task, with line drawings categorized as 'alive' or 'not living', and an emotional task, with emotive faces as stimuli and subjects selecting the better emotional description. RESULTS In both tasks, older subjects activated larger regions and had greater inter-individual variability in extent of activation. In the semantic task, connectivity was lower in the older subjects for the amygdala/orbital PFC circuit (p = 0.04). Contrary to our predictions, older subjects exhibited higher connectivity than younger subjects in the circuit linking orbital and dorsolateral PFC in both semantic (p = 0.04) and emotional (p = 0.02) tasks. CONCLUSIONS Healthy subjects exhibited age-dependent differences in connectivity in working memory circuits, but this may reflect effects of aging on white matter, compensatory mechanisms, and other factors. Volumetric determination of white matter hyperintensities in future studies may clarify the functional importance of structural damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Cook
- UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, California 90024-1759, USA.
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McNamara RK, Ostrander M, Abplanalp W, Richtand NM, Benoit SC, Clegg DJ. Modulation of phosphoinositide-protein kinase C signal transduction by omega-3 fatty acids: implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of recurrent neuropsychiatric illness. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2006; 75:237-57. [PMID: 16935483 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2006.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The phosphoinositide (PI)-protein kinase C (PKC) signal transduction pathway is initiated by pre- and postsynaptic Galphaq-coupled receptors, and regulates several clinically relevant neurochemical events, including neurotransmitter release efficacy, monoamine receptor function and trafficking, monoamine transporter function and trafficking, axonal myelination, and gene expression. Mounting evidence for PI-PKC signaling hyperactivity in the peripheral (platelets) and central (premortem and postmortem brain) tissues of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, coupled with evidence that PI-PKC signal transduction is down-regulated in rat brain following chronic, but not acute, treatment with antipsychotic, mood-stabilizer, and antidepressant medications, suggest that PI-PKC hyperactivity is central to an underlying pathophysiology. Evidence that membrane omega-3 fatty acids act as endogenous antagonists of the PI-PKC signal transduction pathway, coupled with evidence that omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is observed in peripheral and central tissues of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, support the hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acid deficiency may contribute to elevated PI-PKC activity in these illnesses. The data reviewed in this paper outline a potential molecular mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids could contribute to the pathophysiology and treatment of recurrent neuropsychiatric illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K McNamara
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0559, USA.
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