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Salazar BH, Hoffman KA, Lincoln JA, Karmonik C, Rajab H, Helekar SA, Khavari R. Evaluating noninvasive brain stimulation to treat overactive bladder in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial protocol. BMC Urol 2024; 24:20. [PMID: 38273296 PMCID: PMC10809615 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-023-01358-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an often debilitating disease affecting the myelin sheath that encompasses neurons. It can be accompanied by a myriad of pathologies and adverse effects such as neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Current treatment modalities for resolving NLUTD focus mainly on alleviating symptoms while the source of the discomfort emanates from a disruption in brain to bladder neural circuitry. Here, we leverage functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocols and the brains innate neural plasticity to aid in resolving overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms associated with NLUTD. METHODS By employing an advanced neuro-navigation technique along with processed fMRI and diffusion tensor imaging data to help locate specific targets in each participant brain, we are able to deliver tailored neuromodulation protocols and affect either an excitatory (20 min @ 10 Hz, applied to the lateral and medial pre-frontal cortex) or inhibitory (20 min @ 1 Hz, applied to the pelvic supplemental motor area) signal on neural circuitry fundamental to the micturition cycle in humans to restore or reroute autonomic and sensorimotor activity between the brain and bladder. Through a regimen of questionnaires, bladder diaries, stimulation sessions and analysis, we aim to gauge rTMS effectiveness in women with clinically stable MS. DISCUSSION Some limitations do exist with this study. In targeting the MS population, the stochastic nature of MS in general highlights difficulties in recruiting enough participants with similar symptomology to make meaningful comparisons. As well, for this neuromodulatory approach to achieve some rate of success, there must be enough intact white matter in specific brain regions to receive effective stimulation. While we understand that our results will represent only a subset of the MS community, we are confident that we will accomplish our goal of increasing the quality of life for those burdened with MS and NLUTD. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06072703), posted on Oct 10, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy H Salazar
- Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6560 Fannin St. Suite 2100, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kristopher A Hoffman
- Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6560 Fannin St. Suite 2100, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Translational Imaging Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John A Lincoln
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christof Karmonik
- Translational Imaging Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hamida Rajab
- Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6560 Fannin St. Suite 2100, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Santosh A Helekar
- Center for Translational Biomagnetics and Neurometry, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rose Khavari
- Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6560 Fannin St. Suite 2100, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Mazeaud C, Salazar BH, Braun M, Hossu G, Khavari R. Functional MRI in neuro-urology: A narrative review. Prog Urol 2023:S1166-7087(23)00082-9. [PMID: 37062631 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2023.03.002] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuro-imaging has given urologists a new tool to investigate the neural control of the lower urinary tract. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), it is now possible to understand which areas of the brain contribute to the proper function of the storage and voiding of the lower urinary tract. This field of research has evolved from simple anatomical descriptions to elucidating the complex micturition network. A keyword search of the Medline database was conducted by two reviewers for relevant studies from January 1, 2010, to August 2022. Of 2047 peer-reviewed articles, 49 are included in this review. In the last decade, a detailed understanding of the brain-bladder network has been described, elucidating a dedicated network, as well as activated areas in the brainstem, cerebellum, and cortex that share reproducible connectivity patterns. Research has shown that various urological diseases can lead to specific changes in this network and that therapies used by urologists to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are also able to modify neuronal activity. This represents a set of potential new therapeutic targets for the management of the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). fMRI technology has made it possible to identify subgroups of responders to various treatments (biofeedback, anticholinergic, neuromodulation) and predict favourable outcomes. Lastly, this breakthrough understanding of neural control over bladder function has led to treatments that directly target brain regions of interest to improve LUTS. One such example is the use of non-invasive transcranial neuromodulation to improve voiding symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mazeaud
- Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Urology, Nancy University Hospital, Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI U1254, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - B H Salazar
- Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - M Braun
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI U1254, 54000 Nancy, France; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Nancy University Hospital, Nancy, France
| | - G Hossu
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI U1254, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - R Khavari
- Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States of America.
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Predictors for outcomes of noninvasive, individualized transcranial magnetic neuromodulation in multiple sclerosis women with neurogenic voiding dysfunction. CONTINENCE (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 4:100517. [PMID: 36568960 PMCID: PMC9788803 DOI: 10.1016/j.cont.2022.100517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifocal demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and commonly leads to neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Proper storage and release of urine relies on synchronized activity of the LUT, which is meticulously regulated by supraspinal circuits, making it vulnerable to diseases such as MS. NLUTD, characterized by voiding dysfunction (VD), storage issues, or a combination of both is a common occurrence in MS. Unfortunately, there are limited treatment options for NLUTD, making the search for alternative treatments such as transcranial rotating permanent magnet stimulation (TRPMS) of utmost importance. To assess effectiveness of treatment we also need to understand underlying factors that may affect outcomes, which we addressed here. Methods Ten MS subjects with VD and median age of 54.5 years received daily TRPMS sessions for two weeks. Five pre-determined regions of interest (ROIs) known to be involved in the micturition cycle were modulated (stimulated or inhibited) using TRPMS. Clinical data (non-instrumented uroflow and urodynamics parameters, PVR, bladder symptom questionnaires) and neuro-imaging data were collected at baseline and following TRPMS via 7-Tesla Siemens MAGNETOM Terra magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Each participant underwent functional MRI (fMRI) concurrently with a repeated urodynamic study (UDS). Baseline data of each arm was evaluated to determine any indicators of successful response to treatment.
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Ramasamy R, Hardy CC, Crocker SJ, Smith PP. Cuprizone-mediated demyelination reversibly degrades voiding behavior in mice while sparing brainstem reflex. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1707-1720. [PMID: 35596557 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25065] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressively debilitating demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Nearly 80% of MS patients experience lower urinary tract dysfunction early in their diagnosis. This significantly affects the quality of life, and in latter stages of disease is a leading cause of hospitalization. Previously, animal models have shown that inflammatory demyelination in the CNS causes profound bladder dysfunction, but the confounding influence of systemic inflammation limits the potential interpretation of the contribution of CNS demyelination to bladder dysfunction. Since the micturition circuit has myelinated neuronal connections in the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord, we examined alterations in bladder function in the cuprizone model characterized by demyelinating lesions in the cortex and corpus callosum that are independent of T-cell-mediated autoimmunity. Herein, we report that a 4-week dietary cuprizone treatment in C57Bl/6J mice induced alterations in voiding behavior with increased micturition frequency and reduced volume voided, similar to human MS bladder dysfunction. Subsequently, recovery from cuprizone treatment restored normal bladder function. Demyelination and remyelination were confirmed by Luxol Fast Blue staining of the corpus callosum. Additionally, we also determined that an 8-week cuprizone treatment, resulting in chronic demyelination lacking spontaneous remyelination potential, is associated with an exacerbated voiding phenotype. Interestingly, while cuprizone-induced CNS demyelination severely affected conscious (cortical) urinary behavior, the brainstem and spinal cord reflex remained unchanged, as confirmed by urethane-anesthetized cystometry. This is the first study to show that cortical demyelination independent of inflammation can negatively impact urinary function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramalakshmi Ramasamy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cara C Hardy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stephen J Crocker
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Phillip P Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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Clarkson BD, Wei Z, Karim HT, Tyagi S, Resnick NM, Salkeld R, Conklin C. Neuroimaging of situational urgency and incontinence provoked by personal urgency cues. Neurourol Urodyn 2022; 41:166-173. [PMID: 34570403 PMCID: PMC8738101 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Situational triggers for urinary urgency and incontinence (UUI) such as "latchkey incontinence" and running water are often reported clinically, but no current clinical tools exist to directly address symptoms of UUI provoked by environmental stimuli. Previously we have shown that urgency and leakage can be reproduced during urodynamic studies with exposure to personal urgency-related images. Here we investigate the neural signatures associated with such situational triggers to inform potential therapies for reducing reactivity to these personal urgency-related cues among women with situational UUI. METHOD We recruited 23 women with situational UUI who took photographs of their personal "urgency trigger" and "safe" situations and were exposed to them in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. We identified brain areas that were more active during urgency versus safe image exposure. RESULTS We found that, during urgency image exposure, main components of the attention network and decision-related processes, the middle and medial frontal gyri, were more active (p < 0.01). In addition, areas well known to be involved in the continence mechanism, such as the cingulate and parahippocampal areas, were also more active during urgency image exposure. CONCLUSION Exposure to personal situational urgency images activated different areas of the brain compared with safe environments, highlighting the complex brain mechanisms that provoke real-world urgency. Using brain and behavioral-based therapies which target the attentional areas identified here and extinguish cue reactivity might reduce symptom burden in this subset of UUI sufferers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky D Clarkson
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Zhiyang Wei
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Helmet T Karim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Shachi Tyagi
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Neil M Resnick
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ronald Salkeld
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Cynthia Conklin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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Preliminary Analysis of Brain Footprints in Multiple Sclerosis Females with Detrusor Sphincter Dyssynergia: A Concurrent Urodynamic and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Int Neurourol J 2021; 26:S38-46. [PMID: 34856727 PMCID: PMC8896778 DOI: 10.5213/inj.2142012.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study evaluates the grey and white brain matter characteristics in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD). Grey matter is assessed via the functional connectivity (FC) of brain regions activated during voiding, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Two white matter tracts involved in bladder function, the anterior thalamic radiation (ATR) and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), were evaluated using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods Twenty-seven women with MS (two groups: no-DSD (n=23) or DSD (n=4)), and eight healthy controls (HC) underwent concurrent urodynamic-fMRI evaluation with four cycles of bladder filling and emptying. A FC similarity measure (FC_sim) was calculated for each subject to express the similarity of individual FC at voiding initiation compared to all FC patterns. ATR and SLF tracts were traced and their fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were recorded. Results Mean FC_sim values were significantly different among the three groups indicating distinct FC patterns; however, no significant difference was found between DSD and no-DSD groups. DSD group showed trends of lower FA and higher MD - indicating loss of coherence - in all tracts compared to HCs, and in the left and right ATR when compared to MS women with neither DSD nor voiding dysfunction (VD), suggesting more damage in these tracts for MS women with DSD. Conclusions Women with MS show distinctly different FC patterns compared to HCs. There are trends showing more damage in the ATR in women with MS and DSD compared to those with neither DSD nor VD.
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Contemporary Review of MRI in Benign Genitourinary Pelvic Medicine: What Every Urologist Should Know. CURRENT BLADDER DYSFUNCTION REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11884-021-00631-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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