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Yang Y, Li X, Lu J, Ge J, Chen M, Yao R, Tian M, Wang J, Liu F, Zuo C. Recent progress in the applications of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in parkinsonism. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:93-106. [PMID: 38767479 PMCID: PMC11246150 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography, which assesses deficiencies in dopamine synthesis, storage, and transport, is widely utilized for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of parkinsonism. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest developments in the application of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in disorders that manifest parkinsonism. We conducted a thorough literature search using reputable databases such as PubMed and Web of Science. Selection criteria involved identifying peer-reviewed articles published within the last 5 years, with emphasis on their relevance to clinical applications. The findings from these studies highlight that presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has demonstrated potential not only in diagnosing and differentiating various Parkinsonian conditions but also in assessing disease severity and predicting prognosis. Moreover, when employed in conjunction with other imaging modalities and advanced analytical methods, presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has been validated as a reliable in vivo biomarker. This validation extends to screening and exploring potential neuropathological mechanisms associated with dopaminergic depletion. In summary, the insights gained from interpreting these studies are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of preclinical investigations and clinical trials, ultimately advancing toward the goals of neuroregeneration in parkinsonian disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, National Research Center for Aging and Medicine, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Neurology, National Research Center for Aging and Medicine, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaying Lu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjie Ge
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingjia Chen
- Department of Neurology, National Research Center for Aging and Medicine, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruixin Yao
- Department of Neurology, National Research Center for Aging and Medicine, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Tian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- International Human Phenome Institutes (Shanghai), Shanghai, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology, National Research Center for Aging and Medicine, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengtao Liu
- Department of Neurology, National Research Center for Aging and Medicine, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuantao Zuo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Martin SL, Uribe C, Strafella AP. PET imaging of synaptic density in Parkinsonian disorders. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25253. [PMID: 37814917 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction and altered synaptic pruning are present in people with Parkinsonian disorders. Dopamine loss and alpha-synuclein accumulation, two hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology, contribute to synaptic dysfunction and reduced synaptic density in PD. Atypical Parkinsonian disorders are likely to have unique spatiotemporal patterns of synaptic density, differentiating them from PD. Therefore, quantification of synaptic density has the potential to support diagnoses, monitor disease progression, and treatment efficacy. Novel radiotracers for positron emission tomography which target the presynaptic vesicle protein SV2A have been developed to quantify presynaptic density. The radiotracers have successfully investigated synaptic density in preclinical models of PD and people with Parkinsonian disorders. Therefore, this review will summarize the preclinical and clinical utilization of SV2A radiotracers in people with Parkinsonian disorders. We will evaluate how SV2A abundance is associated with other imaging modalities and the considerations for interpreting SV2A in Parkinsonian pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Martin
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carme Uribe
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Unitat de Psicologia Medica, Departament de Medicina, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio P Strafella
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Edmond J. Safra Parkinson Disease Program, Neurology Division, Toronto Western Hospital & Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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DiFilippo A, Jonaitis E, Makuch R, Gambetti B, Fleming V, Ennis G, Barnhart T, Engle J, Bendlin B, Johnson S, Handen B, Krinsky-McHale S, Hartley S, Christian B. Measurement of synaptic density in Down syndrome using PET imaging: a pilot study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4676. [PMID: 38409349 PMCID: PMC10897336 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54669-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent genetic cause of intellectual disability, resulting from trisomy 21. Recently, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been used to image synapses in vivo. The motivation for this pilot study was to investigate whether synaptic density in low functioning adults with DS can be evaluated using the PET radiotracer [11C]UCB-J. Data were acquired from low functioning adults with DS (n = 4) and older neurotypical (NT) adults (n = 37). Motion during the scans required the use of a 10-minute acquisition window for the calculation of synaptic density using SUVR50-60,CS which was determined to be a suitable approximation for specific binding in this analysis using dynamic data from the NT group. Of the regions analyzed a large effect was observed when comparing DS and NT hippocampus and cerebral cortex synaptic density as well as hippocampus and cerebellum volumes. In this pilot study, PET imaging of [11C]UCB-J was successfully completed and synaptic density measured in low functioning DS adults. This work provides the basis for studies where synaptic density may be compared between larger groups of NT adults and adults with DS who have varying degrees of baseline cognitive status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra DiFilippo
- Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Erin Jonaitis
- Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Renee Makuch
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brianna Gambetti
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Victoria Fleming
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gilda Ennis
- Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Todd Barnhart
- Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jonathan Engle
- Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Barbara Bendlin
- Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sterling Johnson
- Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin Handen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sharon Krinsky-McHale
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Sigan Hartley
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bradley Christian
- Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center, Madison, WI, USA
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Holmes SE, Honhar P, Tinaz S, Naganawa M, Hilmer AT, Gallezot JD, Dias M, Yang Y, Toyonaga T, Esterlis I, Mecca A, Van Dyck C, Henry S, Ropchan J, Nabulsi N, Louis ED, Comley R, Finnema SJ, Carson RE, Matuskey D. Synaptic loss and its association with symptom severity in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:42. [PMID: 38402233 PMCID: PMC10894197 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00655-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease, but at present there is no cure, nor any disease-modifying treatments. Synaptic biomarkers from in vivo imaging have shown promise in imaging loss of synapses in PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we provide new clinical insights from a cross-sectional, high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) study of 30 PD individuals and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) with the radiotracer [11C]UCB-J, which binds to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), and is therefore, a biomarker of synaptic density in the living brain. We also examined a measure of relative brain perfusion from the early part of the same PET scan. Our results provide evidence for synaptic density loss in the substantia nigra that had been previously reported, but also extend this to other early-Braak stage regions known to be affected in PD (brainstem, caudate, olfactory cortex). Importantly, we also found a direct association between synaptic density loss in the nigra and severity of symptoms in patients. A greater extent and wider distribution of synaptic density loss in PD patients with longer illness duration suggests that [11C]UCB-J PET can be used to measure synapse loss with disease progression. We also demonstrate lower brain perfusion in PD vs. HC groups, with a greater extent of abnormalities in those with longer duration of illness, suggesting that [11C]UCB-J PET can simultaneously provide information on changes in brain perfusion. These results implicate synaptic imaging as a useful PD biomarker for future disease-modifying interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E Holmes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Praveen Honhar
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sule Tinaz
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mika Naganawa
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ansel T Hilmer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Mark Dias
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yanghong Yang
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Takuya Toyonaga
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Irina Esterlis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adam Mecca
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Shannan Henry
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jim Ropchan
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nabeel Nabulsi
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Richard E Carson
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Matuskey
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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de Laat B, Hoye J, Stanley G, Hespeler M, Ligi J, Mohan V, Wooten DW, Zhang X, Nguyen TD, Key J, Colonna G, Huang Y, Nabulsi N, Patel A, Matuskey D, Morris ED, Tinaz S. Intense exercise increases dopamine transporter and neuromelanin concentrations in the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:34. [PMID: 38336768 PMCID: PMC10858031 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Exercise has been reported to slow the clinical progression of PD. We evaluated the dopaminergic system of patients with mild and early PD before and after a six-month program of intense exercise. Using 18F-FE-PE2I PET imaging, we measured dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in the striatum and substantia nigra. Using NM-MRI, we evaluated the neuromelanin content in the substantia nigra. Exercise reversed the expected decrease in DAT availability into a significant increase in both the substantia nigra and putamen. Exercise also reversed the expected decrease in neuromelanin concentration in the substantia nigra into a significant increase. These findings suggest improved functionality in the remaining dopaminergic neurons after exercise. Further research is needed to validate our findings and to pinpoint the source of any true neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects of exercise in PD in large clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart de Laat
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Jocelyn Hoye
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gelsina Stanley
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Thanh D Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, Weil Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jose Key
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Giulia Colonna
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nabeel Nabulsi
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amar Patel
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Matuskey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Evan D Morris
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sule Tinaz
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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6
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Visser M, O'Brien JT, Mak E. In vivo imaging of synaptic density in neurodegenerative disorders with positron emission tomography: A systematic review. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102197. [PMID: 38266660 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102197] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) with radiotracers that bind to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A) enables quantification of synaptic density in the living human brain. Assessing the regional distribution and severity of synaptic density loss will contribute to our understanding of the pathological processes that precede atrophy in neurodegeneration. In this systematic review, we provide a discussion of in vivo SV2A PET imaging research for quantitative assessment of synaptic density in various dementia conditions: amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Progressive supranuclear palsy and Corticobasal degeneration, Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies, Huntington's disease, and Spinocerebellar Ataxia. We discuss the main findings concerning group differences and clinical-cognitive correlations, and explore relations between SV2A PET and other markers of pathology. Additionally, we touch upon synaptic density in healthy ageing and outcomes of radiotracer validation studies. Studies were identified on PubMed and Embase between 2018 and 2023; last searched on the 3rd of July 2023. A total of 36 studies were included, comprising 5 on normal ageing, 21 clinical studies, and 10 validation studies. Extracted study characteristics were participant details, methodological aspects, and critical findings. In summary, the small but growing literature on in vivo SV2A PET has revealed different spatial patterns of synaptic density loss among various neurodegenerative disorders that correlate with cognitive functioning, supporting the potential role of SV2A PET imaging for differential diagnosis. SV2A PET imaging shows tremendous capability to provide novel insights into the aetiology of neurodegenerative disorders and great promise as a biomarker for synaptic density reduction. Novel directions for future synaptic density research are proposed, including (a) longitudinal imaging in larger patient cohorts of preclinical dementias, (b) multi-modal mapping of synaptic density loss onto other pathological processes, and (c) monitoring therapeutic responses and assessing drug efficacy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malouke Visser
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - John T O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elijah Mak
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Vijiaratnam N, Foltynie T. How should we be using biomarkers in trials of disease modification in Parkinson's disease? Brain 2023; 146:4845-4869. [PMID: 37536279 PMCID: PMC10690028 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent validation of the α-synuclein seed amplification assay as a biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease has formed the backbone for a proposed staging system for incorporation in Parkinson's disease clinical studies and trials. The routine use of this biomarker should greatly aid in the accuracy of diagnosis during recruitment of Parkinson's disease patients into trials (as distinct from patients with non-Parkinson's disease parkinsonism or non-Parkinson's disease tremors). There remain, however, further challenges in the pursuit of biomarkers for clinical trials of disease modifying agents in Parkinson's disease, namely: optimizing the distinction between different α-synucleinopathies; the selection of subgroups most likely to benefit from a candidate disease modifying agent; a sensitive means of confirming target engagement; and the early prediction of longer-term clinical benefit. For example, levels of CSF proteins such as the lysosomal enzyme β-glucocerebrosidase may assist in prognostication or allow enrichment of appropriate patients into disease modifying trials of agents with this enzyme as the target; the presence of coexisting Alzheimer's disease-like pathology (detectable through CSF levels of amyloid-β42 and tau) can predict subsequent cognitive decline; imaging techniques such as free-water or neuromelanin MRI may objectively track decline in Parkinson's disease even in its later stages. The exploitation of additional biomarkers to the α-synuclein seed amplification assay will, therefore, greatly add to our ability to plan trials and assess the disease modifying properties of interventions. The choice of which biomarker(s) to use in the context of disease modifying clinical trials will depend on the intervention, the stage (at risk, premotor, motor, complex) of the population recruited and the aims of the trial. The progress already made lends hope that panels of fluid biomarkers in tandem with structural or functional imaging may provide sensitive and objective methods of confirming that an intervention is modifying a key pathophysiological process of Parkinson's disease. However, correlation with clinical progression does not necessarily equate to causation, and the ongoing validation of quantitative biomarkers will depend on insightful clinical-genetic-pathophysiological comparisons incorporating longitudinal biomarker changes from those at genetic risk with evidence of onset of the pathophysiology and those at each stage of manifest clinical Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirosen Vijiaratnam
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Thomas Foltynie
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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Delva A, Van Laere K, Vandenberghe W. Longitudinal Imaging of Regional Brain Volumes, SV2A, and Glucose Metabolism In Huntington's Disease. Mov Disord 2023; 38:1515-1526. [PMID: 37382295 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29501] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of disease-modifying treatments for Huntington's disease (HD) could be aided by the use of imaging biomarkers of disease progression. Positron emission tomography (PET) with 11 C-UCB-J, a radioligand for the brain-wide presynaptic marker synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), detects more widespread brain changes in early HD than volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18 F-fludeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) PET, but longitudinal 11 C-UCB-J PET data have not been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of 11 C-UCB-J PET, 18 F-FDG PET, and volumetric MRI for detection of longitudinal changes in early HD. METHODS Seventeen HD mutation carriers (six premanifest and 11 early manifest) and 13 healthy controls underwent 11 C-UCB-J PET, 18 F-FDG PET, and volumetric MRI at baseline (BL) and after 21.4 ± 2.7 months (Y2). Within-group and between-group longitudinal clinical and imaging changes were assessed. RESULTS The HD group showed significant 2-year worsening of Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale motor scores. There was significant longitudinal volume loss within the HD group in caudate (-4.5% ± 3.8%), putamen (-3.6% ± 3.5%), pallidum (-3.0% ± 2.7%), and frontal cortex (-2.0% ± 2.1%) (all P < 0.001). Within the HD group there was longitudinal loss of putaminal SV2A binding (6.4% ± 8.8%, P = 0.01) and putaminal glucose metabolism (-2.8% ± 4.4%, P = 0.008), but these changes were not significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Premanifest subjects at BL only had significantly lower SV2A binding than controls in basal ganglia structures, but at Y2 additionally had significant SV2A loss in frontal and parietal cortex, indicating spread of SV2A loss from subcortical to cortical regions. CONCLUSIONS Volumetric MRI may be more sensitive than 11 C-UCB-J PET and 18 F-FDG PET for detection of 2-year brain changes in early HD. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Delva
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Vandenberghe
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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9
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Holland N, Jones PS, Savulich G, Naessens M, Malpetti M, Whiteside DJ, Street D, Swann P, Hong YT, Fryer TD, Rittman T, Mulroy E, Aigbirhio FI, Bhatia KP, O'Brien JT, Rowe JB. Longitudinal Synaptic Loss in Primary Tauopathies: An In Vivo [ 11 C]UCB-J Positron Emission Tomography Study. Mov Disord 2023; 38:1316-1326. [PMID: 37171832 PMCID: PMC10947001 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synaptic loss is characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases; it occurs early and is strongly related to functional deficits. OBJECTIVE In this longitudinal observational study, we determine the rate at which synaptic density is reduced in the primary tauopathies of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and we test the relationship with disease progression. METHODS Our cross-sectional cohort included 32 participants with probable PSP and 16 with probable CBD (all amyloid-negative corticobasal syndrome), recruited from tertiary care centers in the United Kingdom, and 33 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects. Synaptic density was estimated by positron emission tomography imaging with the radioligand [11 C]UCB-J that binds synaptic vesicle 2A. Clinical severity and cognition were assessed by the PSP Rating Scale and the Addenbrooke's cognitive examination. Regional [11 C]UCB-J nondisplaceable binding potential was estimated in Hammersmith Atlas regions of interest. Twenty-two participants with PSP/CBD had a follow-up [11 C]UCB-J positron emission tomography scan after 1 year. We calculated the annualized change in [11 C]UCB-J nondisplaceable binding potential and correlated this with the change in clinical severity. RESULTS We found significant annual synaptic loss within the frontal lobe (-3.5%, P = 0.03) and the right caudate (-3.9%, P = 0.046). The degree of longitudinal synaptic loss within the frontal lobe correlated with the rate of change in the PSP Rating Scale (R = 0.47, P = 0.03) and cognition (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised, R = -0.62, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS We provide in vivo evidence for rapid progressive synaptic loss, correlating with clinical progression in primary tauopathies. Synaptic loss may be an important therapeutic target and outcome variable for early-phase clinical trials of disease-modifying treatments. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Holland
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - P. Simon Jones
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - George Savulich
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Michelle Naessens
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Maura Malpetti
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - David J. Whiteside
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Duncan Street
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Peter Swann
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Young T. Hong
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Wolfson Brain Imaging CentreUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Tim D. Fryer
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Wolfson Brain Imaging CentreUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Timothy Rittman
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Eoin Mulroy
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Franklin I. Aigbirhio
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Kailash P. Bhatia
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - John T. O'Brien
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - James B. Rowe
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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10
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Justesen TEH, Borghammer P, Aanerud J, Hovind P, Marner L. Sertraline treatment influences [ 18F]FE-PE2I PET imaging for Parkinsonism. EJNMMI Res 2023; 13:46. [PMID: 37221321 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-023-01000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dopamine transporter (DaT) PET ligand [18F]FE-PE2I is used to aid the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. After encountering four patients with a history of daily sertraline use, who all showed atypical findings on [18F]FE-PE2I PET, we suspected that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), sertraline, might interfere with the results and lead to globally reduced striatal [18F]FE-PE2I binding due to sertraline's high affinity for DaT. METHODS We rescanned the four patients with [18F]FE-PE2I PET after a 5-day sertraline pause. Sertraline plasma concentration was estimated based on body weight and dose, and specific binding ratios (SBR) in caudate nucleus, known to be more preserved in Parkinson's, were used to estimate the effect on tracer binding. Comparison was made to a patient with [18F]FE-PE2I PET before and after a 7-day Modafinil pause. RESULTS We found a significant effect of sertraline on caudate nucleus SBR (p = 0.029). The effect showed a linear dose-dependent relationship that corresponds to a reduction in SBR by 0.32 or 0.44 for a 75 kg male or a 65 kg female, respectively, taking a daily dose of 50 mg sertraline. CONCLUSION Sertraline is one of the most commonly used antidepressants and in contrast to other SSRI's, sertraline show high affinity for DaT. We recommend that sertraline treatment is taken into account when patients are undergoing [18F]FE-PE2I PET especially in patients showing apparent globally reduced PE2I binding. If tolerable, pausing of the sertraline treatment should be considered, especially for doses above 50 mg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E H Justesen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Borghammer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Joel Aanerud
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Peter Hovind
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Marner
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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11
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Seibyl JP. Imaging Biomarkers for Central Nervous System Drug Development and Future Clinical Utility: Lessons from Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:12-19. [PMID: 36302659 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.122.264773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases of the central nervous system are common and often chronic conditions associated with significant morbidity. In particular, neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer and Parkinson disease constitute a major health and socioeconomic challenge, with an increasing incidence in many industrialized countries with aging populations. Recent work has established the primary role of abnormal protein accumulation and the spread of disease-specific deposits in brain as a factor in neurotoxicity and disruption of functional networks. A range of therapeutics from small molecules to antibodies targeting these proteinopathies are now in phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials. These studies are methodologically challenging because of difficulty in accurately diagnosing early disease, the slow and variable rates of progression between individuals, and efficacy measures that may be cofounded by symptomatic improvements due to treatment but not reflecting disease course modification. Further, the ideal candidates for these treatments would be at-risk, or premanifest, persons in whom the pathologic process of the neurodegenerative disorder has begun but who are clinically normal and extremely difficult to identify. Scintigraphic imaging with PET and SPECT in trials offers the opportunity to interrogate pathophysiologic processes such as protein deposition with high specificity. This review summarizes the current implementation of these imaging biomarkers and the implications for future management of neurodegenerative disorders and central nervous system drug development in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Seibyl
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, Connecticut
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