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Liu M, Wang Z, Shang H. Multiple system atrophy: an update and emerging directions of biomarkers and clinical trials. J Neurol 2024; 271:2324-2344. [PMID: 38483626 PMCID: PMC11055738 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12269-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy is a rare, debilitating, adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder that manifests clinically as a diverse combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, and autonomic dysfunction. It is pathologically characterized by oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions containing abnormally aggregated α-synuclein. According to the updated Movement Disorder Society diagnostic criteria for multiple system atrophy, the diagnosis of clinically established multiple system atrophy requires the manifestation of autonomic dysfunction in combination with poorly levo-dopa responsive parkinsonism and/or cerebellar syndrome. Although symptomatic management of multiple system atrophy can substantially improve quality of life, therapeutic benefits are often limited, ephemeral, and they fail to modify the disease progression and eradicate underlying causes. Consequently, effective breakthrough treatments that target the causes of disease are needed. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies are currently focusing on a set of hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases to slow or halt the progression of multiple system atrophy: pathological protein aggregation, synaptic dysfunction, aberrant proteostasis, neuronal inflammation, and neuronal cell death. Meanwhile, specific biomarkers and measurements with higher specificity and sensitivity are being developed for the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy, particularly for early detection of the disease. More intriguingly, a growing number of new disease-modifying candidates, which can be used to design multi-targeted, personalized treatment in patients, are being investigated, notwithstanding the failure of most previous attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiyao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Bendetowicz D, Fabbri M, Sirna F, Fernagut PO, Foubert-Samier A, Saulnier T, Le Traon AP, Proust-Lima C, Rascol O, Meissner WG. Recent Advances in Clinical Trials in Multiple System Atrophy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:95-112. [PMID: 38416311 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01335-0] [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] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes previous and ongoing neuroprotection trials in multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by parkinsonism, cerebellar, and autonomic dysfunction. It also describes the preclinical therapeutic pipeline and provides some considerations relevant to successfully conducting clinical trials in MSA, i.e., diagnosis, endpoints, and trial design. RECENT FINDINGS Over 30 compounds have been tested in clinical trials in MSA. While this illustrates a strong treatment pipeline, only two have reached their primary endpoint. Ongoing clinical trials primarily focus on targeting α-synuclein, the neuropathological hallmark of MSA being α-synuclein-bearing glial cytoplasmic inclusions. The mostly negative trial outcomes highlight the importance of better understanding underlying disease mechanisms and improving preclinical models. Together with efforts to refine clinical measurement tools, innovative statistical methods, and developments in biomarker research, this will enhance the design of future neuroprotection trials in MSA and the likelihood of positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bendetowicz
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR5293, Bordeaux, France.
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, CRMR AMS, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Margherita Fabbri
- MSA French Reference Center, Univ. Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Univ. Toulouse, CIC-1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, NeuroToul COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm, U1048/1214, Toulouse, France
| | - Federico Sirna
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, IPSED, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Fernagut
- Université de Poitiers, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, INSERM UMR-S 1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Alexandra Foubert-Samier
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR5293, Bordeaux, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, CRMR AMS, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Bordeaux, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, IPSED, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Anne Pavy Le Traon
- MSA French Reference Center, Univ. Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Univ. Toulouse, CIC-1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, NeuroToul COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm, U1048/1214, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Olivier Rascol
- MSA French Reference Center, Univ. Hospital Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Univ. Toulouse, CIC-1436, Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurosciences, NeuroToul COEN Center, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Toulouse University Hospital, Inserm, U1048/1214, Toulouse, France
| | - Wassilios G Meissner
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR5293, Bordeaux, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, CRMR AMS, NS-Park/FCRIN Network, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, and New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Nagao R, Mizutani Y, Shima S, Ueda A, Ito M, Yoshimoto J, Watanabe H. Correlations between serotonin impairments and clinical indices in multiple system atrophy. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16158. [PMID: 38085271 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16158] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disease with characteristic motor and autonomic symptoms. Impaired brain serotonergic innervation can be associated with various clinical indices of MSA; however, the relationship between clinical symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), a main serotonin metabolite, has not been fully elucidated. METHODS To compare CSF 5-HIAA levels between patients with MSA and healthy controls, we included 33 controls and 69 MSA patients with either predominant parkinsonian or cerebellar ataxia subtypes. CSF 5-HIAA levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, we investigated correlations between CSF 5-HIAA and various clinical indices in 34 MSA patients. RESULTS CSF 5-HIAA levels were significantly lower in MSA patients than in controls (p < 0.0001). Probable MSA patients had lower CSF 5-HIAA levels than possible MSA patients (p < 0.001). In MSA patients, CSF 5-HIAA levels were inversely correlated with scores in Parts 1, 2, and 4 of the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale, and with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in Part 3. Structural equation modeling revealed significant paths between serotonin and clinical symptoms, and significance was highest for activities of daily living, walking, and body sway. CONCLUSIONS Serotonin dysfunction, as assessed by CSF 5-HIAA levels, may implicate greater MSA severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryunosuke Nagao
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Mizutani
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Sayuri Shima
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mizuki Ito
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Junichiro Yoshimoto
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Watanabe
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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Ndayisaba A, Pitaro AT, Willett AS, Jones KA, de Gusmao CM, Olsen AL, Kim J, Rissanen E, Woods JK, Srinivasan SR, Nagy A, Nagy A, Mesidor M, Cicero S, Patel V, Oakley DH, Tuncali I, Taglieri-Noble K, Clark EC, Paulson J, Krolewski RC, Ho GP, Hung AY, Wills AM, Hayes MT, Macmore JP, Warren L, Bower PG, Langer CB, Kellerman LR, Humphreys CW, Glanz BI, Dielubanza EJ, Frosch MP, Freeman RL, Gibbons CH, Stefanova N, Chitnis T, Weiner HL, Scherzer CR, Scholz SW, Vuzman D, Cox LM, Wenning G, Schmahmann JD, Gupta AS, Novak P, Young GS, Feany MB, Singhal T, Khurana V. Clinical Trial-Ready Patient Cohorts for Multiple System Atrophy: Coupling Biospecimen and iPSC Banking to Longitudinal Deep-Phenotyping. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:31-51. [PMID: 36190676 PMCID: PMC9527378 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01471-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology characterized by widespread aggregation of the protein alpha-synuclein in neurons and glia. Its orphan status, biological relationship to Parkinson's disease (PD), and rapid progression have sparked interest in drug development. One significant obstacle to therapeutics is disease heterogeneity. Here, we share our process of developing a clinical trial-ready cohort of MSA patients (69 patients in 2 years) within an outpatient clinical setting, and recruiting 20 of these patients into a longitudinal "n-of-few" clinical trial paradigm. First, we deeply phenotype our patients with clinical scales (UMSARS, BARS, MoCA, NMSS, and UPSIT) and tests designed to establish early differential diagnosis (including volumetric MRI, FDG-PET, MIBG scan, polysomnography, genetic testing, autonomic function tests, skin biopsy) or disease activity (PBR06-TSPO). Second, we longitudinally collect biospecimens (blood, CSF, stool) and clinical, biometric, and imaging data to generate antecedent disease-progression scores. Third, in our Mass General Brigham SCiN study (stem cells in neurodegeneration), we generate induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models from our patients, matched to biospecimens, including postmortem brain. We present 38 iPSC lines derived from MSA patients and relevant disease controls (spinocerebellar ataxia and PD, including alpha-synuclein triplication cases), 22 matched to whole-genome sequenced postmortem brain. iPSC models may facilitate matching patients to appropriate therapies, particularly in heterogeneous diseases for which patient-specific biology may elude animal models. We anticipate that deeply phenotyped and genotyped patient cohorts matched to cellular models will increase the likelihood of success in clinical trials for MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Ndayisaba
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
- Division of Clinical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ariana T Pitaro
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Andrew S Willett
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Kristie A Jones
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Claudio Melo de Gusmao
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Abby L Olsen
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Jisoo Kim
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Eero Rissanen
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Jared K Woods
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sharan R Srinivasan
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI , 48103, USA
| | - Anna Nagy
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Amanda Nagy
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Merlyne Mesidor
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Steven Cicero
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Viharkumar Patel
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Derek H Oakley
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Idil Tuncali
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Katherine Taglieri-Noble
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Emily C Clark
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Jordan Paulson
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Richard C Krolewski
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Gary P Ho
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Albert Y Hung
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Wills
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Michael T Hayes
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Jason P Macmore
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | | | - Pamela G Bower
- The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, Inc., 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA, 22102, USA
| | - Carol B Langer
- The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, Inc., 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA, 22102, USA
| | - Lawrence R Kellerman
- The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, Inc., 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA, 22102, USA
| | - Christopher W Humphreys
- Department of Pulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, Salem Hospital, MassGeneral Brigham, Salem, MA, 01970, USA
| | - Bonnie I Glanz
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Elodi J Dielubanza
- Department of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Matthew P Frosch
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Roy L Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Christopher H Gibbons
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Division of Clinical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Howard L Weiner
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Clemens R Scherzer
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Sonja W Scholz
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Neurological, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Dana Vuzman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Laura M Cox
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Gregor Wenning
- Division of Clinical Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jeremy D Schmahmann
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Anoopum S Gupta
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Peter Novak
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Geoffrey S Young
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mel B Feany
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tarun Singhal
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Vikram Khurana
- Department of Neurology, Building for Transformative Medicine Room 10016L, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, 02115, USA.
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Quan M, Gao J, Xu S, Guo D, Jia J, Wang W. Comparison of tandospirone and escitalopram as a symptomatic treatment in Multiple System Atrophy-cerebellar ataxia: An open-label, non-controlled, 4 weeks observational study. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:133-139. [PMID: 37907036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.028] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by autonomic failure and motor dysfunction in parkinsonism and/or cerebellar ataxia. Patients with MSA usually present with depression and anxiety symptoms. This observational study of patients with MSA-cerebellar subtype (MSA-C) with subthreshold depression/anxiety symptoms aimed to compare the efficacy of escitalopram oxalate (an antidepressant drug) and tandospirone citrate (an anxiolytic drug). METHODS Fifty-six MSA-C patients were included, with 28 patients in each treatment group. One group received escitalopram oxalate 10 mg/day and the other group received tandospirone citrate 30 mg/day. The patients were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks. Several psychiatric and neurological tests were performed, including the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), and the Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease for Autonomic Symptoms (SCOPA-AUT). Furthermore, post-void residual urine volume (PVR) and blood pressure were measured. RESULTS There was a more substantial reduction in the HAMA/HAMD, scores of stance, finger tracking, and finger nose test in the SARA, and PVR in the tandospirone group. There was a more substantial reduction in scores of dysuria, light-headed when standing up, syncope and hyperhidrosis in the SCOPA-AUT in the escitalopram group (p's < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Tandospirone citrate was more effective in improving depression/anxiety and some cerebellar ataxia symptoms, whereas escitalopram was more effective in improving some autonomic symptoms in MSA-C patients over a short-term period in an open-label observational study without a control group. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of tandospirone and escitalopram in MSA-C in long-term placebo controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meina Quan
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Neurology, Chaoyang Center Hospital, Chaoyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuo Xu
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Guo
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Hsam O, Kohl Z. Serotonin in synucleinopathies. Behav Brain Res 2023; 445:114367. [PMID: 36863462 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the serotonergic system represents an important feature in synucleinopathies like Parkinson disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Multiple system atrophy (MSA). Serotonergic fibers from the raphe nuclei (RN) extend broadly throughout the central nervous system, innervating several brain areas affected in synucleinopathies. Alterations of the serotonergic system are associated with non-motor symptoms or motor complications in PD as well as with autonomic features of MSA. Postmortem studies, data from transgenic animal models and imaging techniques greatly contributed to the understanding of this serotonergic pathophysiology in the past, even leading to preclinical and clinical candidate drug tests targeting different parts of the serotonergic system. In this article, we review most recent work extending the knowledge of the serotonergic system and highlighting its relevance for the pathophysiology of synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohnmar Hsam
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Zacharias Kohl
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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Watanabe H, Shima S, Mizutani Y, Ueda A, Ito M. Multiple System Atrophy: Advances in Diagnosis and Therapy. J Mov Disord 2023; 16:13-21. [PMID: 36537066 PMCID: PMC9978260 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.22082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes improvements in understanding the pathophysiology and early clinical symptoms of multiple system atrophy (MSA) and advancements in diagnostic methods and disease-modifying therapies for the condition. In 2022, the Movement Disorder Society proposed new diagnostic criteria to develop disease-modifying therapies and promote clinical trials of MSA since the second consensus was proposed in 2008. Regarding pathogenesis, cutting-edge findings have accumulated on the interactions of α-synuclein, neuroinflammation, and oligodendroglia with neurons. In neuroimaging, introducing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning has notably improved diagnostic accuracy and individual analyses. Advancements in treatment have also been achieved, including immunotherapy therapy against α-synuclein and serotonin-targeted and mesenchymal stem cell therapies, which are thought to affect several aspects of the disease, including neuroinflammation. The accelerated progress in clarifying the pathogenesis of MSA over the past few years and the development of diagnostic techniques for detecting early-stage MSA are expected to facilitate the development of disease-modifying therapies for one of the most intractable neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohisa Watanabe
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan,Corresponding author: Hirohisa Watanabe, MD, PhD Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan / Tel: +81- 562-93-9295 / Fax: +81-562-93-1856 / E-mail:
| | - Sayuri Shima
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Mizutani
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan,Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University Okazaki Medical Center, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Mizuki Ito
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan,Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
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Jellinger KA. Pathomechanisms of depression in multiple system atrophy. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:1-6. [PMID: 36348076 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02560-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder of uncertain etiology that is characterized by various combinations of Parkinsonism, autonomic, cerebellar and motor dysfunctions, with poor prognosis. Little is known about modifiable factors, such as depression, that has negative effects on quality of life in MSA. Depression, with an estimated prevalence of about 43%, is among the most common neuropsychiatric disorders in MSA similar to other atypical Parkinsonian disorders, the frequency of which is associated with increased disease progression, disease severity and autonomic dysfunctions. Depression in MSA, like in Parkinson disease, has been related to a variety of pathogenic mechanisms associated with the underlying neurodegenerative process, such as involvement of serotonergic neuron groups in the brainstem, prefrontal cortical dysfunctions, and altered functional fronto-temporal-thalamic connectivities with disturbances of mood related and other essential resting-state brain networks. The pathophysiology and pathogenesis of depression in MSA, as in other degenerative movement disorders, are complex and deserve further elucidation as a basis for adequate treatment to improve the quality of life in this fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, 1150, Vienna, Austria.
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9
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Fabbri M, Foubert-Samier A, Pavy-le Traon A, Rascol O, Meissner WG. Atrofia multisistemica. Neurologia 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(22)47094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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10
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Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by neuronal loss and gliosis in multiple areas of the central nervous system including striatonigral, olivopontocerebellar and central autonomic structures. Oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions containing misfolded and aggregated α-synuclein are the histopathological hallmark of MSA. A firm clinical diagnosis requires the presence of autonomic dysfunction in combination with parkinsonism that responds poorly to levodopa and/or cerebellar ataxia. Clinical diagnostic accuracy is suboptimal in early disease because of phenotypic overlaps with Parkinson disease or other types of degenerative parkinsonism as well as with other cerebellar disorders. The symptomatic management of MSA requires a complex multimodal approach to compensate for autonomic failure, alleviate parkinsonism and cerebellar ataxia and associated disabilities. None of the available treatments significantly slows the aggressive course of MSA. Despite several failed trials in the past, a robust pipeline of putative disease-modifying agents, along with progress towards early diagnosis and the development of sensitive diagnostic and progression biomarkers for MSA, offer new hope for patients.
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11
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Sidoroff V, Bower P, Stefanova N, Fanciulli A, Stankovic I, Poewe W, Seppi K, Wenning GK, Krismer F. Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple System Atrophy: Where Are We in 2022? JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:1369-1387. [PMID: 35491799 PMCID: PMC9398078 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. While numerous preclinical studies suggested efficacy of potentially disease modifying agents, none of those were proven to be effective in large-scale clinical trials. Three major strategies are currently pursued in preclinical and clinical studies attempting to slow down disease progression. These target α-synuclein, neuroinflammation, and restoration of neurotrophic support. This review provides a comprehensive overview on ongoing preclinical and clinical developments of disease modifying therapies. Furthermore, we will focus on potential shortcomings of previous studies that can be avoided to improve data quality in future studies of this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sidoroff
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Pam Bower
- The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, Inc., McLean, VA, USA
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Iva Stankovic
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Werner Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Seppi
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor K Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Krismer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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12
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Symptomatic Care in Multiple System Atrophy: State of the Art. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 22:433-446. [PMID: 35581488 PMCID: PMC10125958 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Without any disease-modifying treatment strategy for multiple system atrophy (MSA), the therapeutic management of MSA patients focuses on a multidisciplinary strategy of symptom control. In the present review, we will focus on state of the art treatment in MSA and additionally give a short overview about ongoing randomized controlled trials in this field.
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13
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Yadav D, Kumar P. Restoration and targeting of aberrant neurotransmitters in Parkinson's disease therapeutics. Neurochem Int 2022; 156:105327. [PMID: 35331828 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are considered as a fundamental regulator in the process of neuronal growth, differentiation and survival. Parkinson's Disease (PD) occurs due to extensive damage of dopamine-producing neurons; this causes dopamine deficits in the midbrain, followed by the alternation of various other neurotransmitters (glutamate, GABA, serotonin, etc.). It has been observed that fluctuation of neurotransmission in the basal ganglia exhibits a great impact on the pathophysiology of PD. Dopamine replacement therapy, such as the use of L-DOPA, can increase the dopamine level, but it majorly ameliorates the motor symptoms and is also associated with long-term complications (for e.g., LID). While the non-dopaminergic system can efficiently target non-motor symptoms, for instance, the noradrenergic system regulates the synthesis of BDNF via the MAPK pathway, which is important in learning and memory. Herein, we briefly discuss the role of different neurotransmitters, implementation of neurotransmitter receptors in PD. We also illustrate the recent advances of neurotransmitter-based drugs, which are currently under in vivo and clinical studies. Reinstating normal neurotransmitter levels has been believed to be advantageous in the treatment of PD. Thus, there is an increasing demand for drugs that can specifically target the neurotransmission system and reinstate the normal levels of neurotransmitters, which might prevent or delay neurodegeneration in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Yadav
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi, India; Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi, India; Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi, 110042, India.
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14
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Wang ZX, Zhang NN, Zhao HX, Song J. Nocebo effect in multiple system atrophy: systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled clinical trials. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:899-905. [PMID: 34973075 PMCID: PMC8789733 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05758-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Nocebo effect is prevalent among neurological diseases, resulting in low adherence and treatment outcome. We sought to examine the nocebo effect in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in multiple system atrophy (MSA). Methods We searched RCTs in MSA from Medline since September, 2021. RCTs for drug treatment conducted in adult MSA patients with more than 5 cases in each treatment arm were included. We assessed the number of dropout due to placebo intolerance. We also did a symptomatic/disease-modifying subgroup analysis based on two different treatment purposes. The STATA software was used for statistical analysis. Overall heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q and I2. Results Data were extracted from 11 RCTs fulfilling our search criteria. Of 540 placebo-treated patients, 64.2% reported at least one adverse event (AE) and 7.5% reported dropout because of AEs. The chance of dropping out because of an AE and experiencing at least one AE did not differ between placebo and active drug treatment arms. Besides, the pooled nocebo dropout rate in the symptomatic subgroup was similar to that of the disease-modifying subgroup. Conclusion In MSA RCTs, nocebo dropout rate was not at a low level among neurological disorders. Nocebo effect was an important reason of dropout because of AE in placebo and active drug treatment arms. Different treatment purposes may not influence nocebo effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Xuan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Institute of Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilition, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Nan-Nan Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Hai-Xia Zhao
- Department of Neurology, the Third People's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Geriatrics, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
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